bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terrain of Contestation: Complicating the Role of Aid in Border Diplomacy between Europe and Morocco
Authors: Gazzotti Lorena 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Theorists of border externalization have portrayed aid in border control cooperation as a bargaining chip that the European Union uses to “buy” the cooperation of countries of “origin” and “transit.” More recent scholarship, instead, has depicted aid as a rent that Southern actors try to extract from Northern donors by capitalizing on the presence of foreign, “undesirable” populations within their own borders. Both explanations overlook the manifold ways countries of “origin” and “transit” maneuver aid in diplomatic relations over border control, thus failing to conceptualize aid beyond the incentive/rent binary. This paper analyses the implementation of three aid-funded projects in the field of migration in Morocco. Building on postcolonial international relations and organizational sociology, I argue that countries of “origin” and “transit” do not always welcome aid in the field of migration with open hands. Rather, they decide to cooperate (or not) with Global North donors and their subcontracting partners depending on how specific aid-funded projects fit into their broader domestic and international foreign policy strategy. I identify a three-tiered typology of engagement (facilitation, negotiation, and obstruction) to argue that aid rather works as a terrain where countries of “origin” and “transit” display, contest, and renegotiate diplomatic relations with Northern partners in situations of power asymmetry.
Genital self-amputation—its psychological urge
Authors: Ravichandran Srinath , Smith Peter Mark , Tang Vincent 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Genital self-mutilation (GSM) is a rare phenomenon that can occur in patients with severe mental health illness. This case report highlights a rare case of self-inflicted bilateral testicular amputation and partial penile amputation in a patient who is a transwoman with a psychiatric history. The patient initially presented to urology in extremis with bilateral testicular amputation. The patient was resuscitated but required emergency surgery in the form of bilateral inguinal approach to ligate the cord and control haemostasis. The testes were not re-implanted as the patient refused and, after psychiatric discussion, was deemed to have capacity. She then re-presented within a week with self-inflicted partial amputation of penis. On both admissions, the patient had psychiatric evaluation but she was sectioned under the mental health act the second time. This case demonstrates how one can control haemostasis in the emergency scenarios of GSM and emphasizes the importance of psychiatric illness and evaluation in patients presenting with GSM.
A rare case of an incarcerated incisional hernia with gravid uterus
Authors: Chin Xinlin , Li Damon , Copertino Nicolas , Caleo Pamela J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Herniation of a gravid uterus through an abdominal wall incisional hernia with overlying skin necrosis is exceptionally rare. A 29-year-old multiparous K30 + 4/40 pregnant female presented with a 1-month history of worsening abdominal wall skin changes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed herniation of the gravid uterus into the hernia sac. A lower uterine segment caesarean section and hernia repair were performed by the general surgical and obstetrics team in view of the potential maternofoetal complications. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and the difficulties in managing gravid uterus herniation.
Prevalence of the Direct Antiglobulin Test and Its Clinical Impact on Multiply Transfused Thalassemia Patients: A Prospective Study Conducted at a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India
Authors: Kumar Yadav Brijesh , Chaudhary Rajendra K , Shrivastava Harsha , Elhence Priti 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objective
This study was conducted to estimate prevalence of direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity and its impact on transfusion support in patients with thalassemia.

Methods
The DAT testing was performed for patients with β-thalassemia who received transfusion from November 2021 to March 2022. Elution was done for DAT-positive samples.

Results
Of 180 patients, 21 (11.6%) were DAT positive. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was present in 4 (19%) and IgG+C3d was present in 8 (38%). Only complement was present in 9 (42.8%) patients. The IgG-reactive DATs were associated with pan-reactive eluate. Patients who were DAT-positive had significantly higher levels of serum bilirubin, ferritin, and IgG than those who were DAT-negative.

Conclusion
Autoantibody formation in multiply transfused thalassemia patients is common and merits equal attention as alloimmunization. It is particularly important as DAT-positive red blood cells may undergo clinically significant hemolysis, which may increase the transfusion requirements with associated sequalae such as increased serum ferritin and splenomegaly.
Dark matter halos and scaling relations of extremely massive spiral galaxies from extended H i rotation curves
Authors: Di Teodoro Enrico M , Posti Lorenzo , Fall S Michael , Ogle Patrick M , Jarrett Thomas , Appleton Philip N , Cluver Michelle E , Haynes Martha P , Lisenfeld Ute 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
We present new and archival atomic hydrogen (H i) observations of 15 of the most massive spiral galaxies in the local Universe (${M_{\star }}\gt 10^{11} \, {\rm M}_\odot$). From 3D kinematic modeling of the datacubes, we derive extended H i rotation curves, and from these, we estimate masses of the dark matter halos and specific angular momenta of the discs. We confirm that massive spiral galaxies lie at the upper ends of the Tully–Fisher relation (mass vs velocity, M ∝ V4) and Fall relation (specific angular momentum vs mass, j ∝ M0.6), in both stellar and baryonic forms, with no significant deviations from single power laws. We study the connections between baryons and dark matter through the stellar (and baryon)-to-halo ratios of mass fM ≡ M⋆/Mh and specific angular momentum fj, ⋆ ≡ j⋆/jh and fj, bar ≡ jbar/jh. Combining our sample with others from the literature for less massive disc-dominated galaxies, we find that fM rises monotonically with M⋆ and Mh (instead of the inverted-U shaped fM for spheroid-dominated galaxies), while fj, ⋆ and fj, bar are essentially constant near unity over four decades in mass. Our results indicate that disc galaxies constitute a self-similar population of objects closely linked to the self-similarity of their dark halos. This picture is reminiscent of early analytical models of galaxy formation wherein discs grow by relatively smooth and gradual inflow, isolated from disruptive events such as major mergers and strong active galactic nuclei feedback, in contrast to the more chaotic growth of spheroids.
The Mira–Titan Universe – IV. High-precision power spectrum emulation
Authors: Moran Kelly R , Heitmann Katrin , Lawrence Earl , Habib Salman , Bingham Derek , Upadhye Amol , Kwan Juliana , Higdon David , Payne Richard 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Modern cosmological surveys are delivering data sets characterized by unprecedented quality and statistical completeness; this trend is expected to continue in the future as new ground- and space-based surveys come online. In order to maximally extract cosmological information from these observations, matching theoretical predictions are needed. At low redshifts, the surveys probe the non-linear regime of structure formation where cosmological simulations are the primary means of obtaining the required information. The computational cost of sufficiently resolved large-volume simulations makes it prohibitive to run very large ensembles. Nevertheless, precision emulators built on a tractable number of high-quality simulations can be used to build very fast prediction schemes to enable a variety of cosmological inference studies. We have recently introduced the Mira–Titan Universe simulation suite designed to construct emulators for a range of cosmological probes. This gravity-only set of simulations covers the standard six cosmological parameters {ωm, ωb, σ8, h, ns, w0} and, in addition, includes massive neutrinos and a dynamical dark energy equation of state {ων, wa}. In this paper, we present the final emulator for the matter power spectrum based on 111 cosmological simulations, each covering a (2.1 Gpc)3 volume and evolving 32003 particles. An additional set of 1776 lower resolution simulations and TimeRG perturbation theory results for the power spectrum are used to cover scales straddling the linear to mildly non-linear regimes (maximum wavenumber k = 5 Mpc−1). The emulator provides predictions at the 2–3 per cent level of accuracy over a wide range of cosmological parameters and is publicly released as part of this paper.
Particle acceleration at ultrarelativistic, perpendicular shock fronts
Authors: Kirk John G , Reville Brian , Huang Zhi-Qiu 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Using an eigenfunction expansion to solve the transport equation, complemented by Monte Carlo simulations, we show that ultrarelativistic shocks can be effective particle accelerators even when they fail to produce large amplitude turbulence in the downstream plasma. This finding contradicts the widely held belief that a uniform downstream magnetic field perpendicular to the shock normal inhibits acceleration by the first-order Fermi process. In the ultrarelativistic limit, we find a stationary power-law particle spectrum of index s = 4.17 for these shocks, close to that predicted for a strictly parallel shock.
Transit duration and timing variations from binary planets
Authors: Chakraborty Joheen , Kipping David 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Systems of two gravitationally bound exoplanets orbiting a common barycentre outside their physical radii (‘binary planets’) may result from tidal capture during planet–planet scattering. These objects are expected to form in tight orbits of just a few times their summed radii due to dynamical tides. As a result of their close proximity, their transits overlap heavily, leading to the deceptive illusion of a single planet of larger effective size, an effect compounded in the presence of noisy data and/or long integration times. We show that these illusory single-component transits, dubbed ‘chimera transits’, exhibit large-amplitude transit duration variation (TDV) effects of the order of hours, as well as smaller transit timing variations (TTVs). We compute an analytical approximation for the transit duration upper bound, assuming binary planets with low impact parameter and orbits coplanar with the stellarcentric orbit. We verify the accuracy of our expressions against dynamical simulations of binary Jupiters using the luna algorithm, and provide a python code for numerical calculations of the TDV signal in binary planet systems (github.com/joheenc/binary-planet-transits). Additionally, chimera transits from binary planets exhibit TTVs of detectable amplitude and high frequency, falling within the recently identified exomoon corridor. Due to their anomalous shapes, depths, and durations, such objects may be flagged as false positives, but could be clearly surveyed for in existing archives.
Potentialities of Hubble parameter and expansion rate function data to alleviate Hubble tension
Authors: Yang Yingjie , Lu Xuchen , Qian Lei , Cao Shulei 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Taking advantage of Gaussian process (GP), we obtain an improved estimate of the Hubble constant, H0 = 70.41 ± 1.58 km s−1 Mpc−1, using Hubble parameter [H(z)] from cosmic chronometer (CCH) and expansion rate function [E(z)], extracted from Type Ia supernovae, data. We also use CCH data, including the ones with full covariance matrix, and E(z) data to obtain a determination of $H_0=72.34_{-1.92}^{+1.90}$ km s−1 Mpc−1, which implies that the involvement of full covariance matrix results in higher values and uncertainties of H0. These results are higher than those obtained by directly reconstructing CCH data with GP. In order to estimate the potential of future CCH data, we simulate two sets of H(z) data and use them to constrain H0 by either using GP reconstruction or fitting them with E(z) data. We find that the simulated H(z) data alleviate H0 tension by pushing H0 values higher towards ∼70 km s−1 Mpc−1. We also find that joint H(z) + E(z) data favour higher values of H0, which is also confirmed by constraining H0 in the flat concordance model and second-order Taylor expansion of H(z). In summary, we conclude that more and better-quality CCH data as well as E(z) data can provide a new and useful perspective on resolving H0 tension.
Time to normalisation of C-reactive protein and incidence of relapse in microscopic polyangiitis: A medical records review study in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto , Ito Mayumi , Sugiyama Hirokazu , Iwagaitsu Shiho , Nobata Hironobu , Kinashi Hiroshi , Katsuno Takayuki , Ando Masahiko , Kubo Yoko , Banno Shogo , Ito Yasuhiko , Ishimoto Takuji 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Despite the identification of risk factors for relapses in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, the relationship between changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after the initial treatment and the incidence of relapse remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the association between the time taken for normalisation of CRP levels and the incidence of relapse in Japanese adult patients with microscopic polyangiitis.

Methods
This study included 85 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed microscopic polyangiitis who achieved remission after 6 months of immunosuppressive treatment at the Aichi Medical University Hospital between 2009 and 2017. The relationship between the time to normalisation of CRP after the initial immunosuppressive treatment and relapse incidences was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results
During the follow-up period, 13 (30.2%), 7 (41.2%), and 16 (64.0%) patients relapsed (P = .025) within 1–14, 15–28, and ≥29 days of normalisation, respectively. The hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for the time to normalisation of CRP of 1–14, 15–28, and ≥29 days were 1.00 (reference), 2.42 (95% CI: 0.92–6.39), and 3.48 (95% CI: 1.56–7.76), respectively.

Conclusions
A significant association between the time to normalisation of CRP and the relapse incidence in Japanese patients with microscopic polyangiitis was observed.
A Critical Review of Zebrafish Neurological Disease Models−2. Application: Functional and Neuroanatomical Phenotyping Strategies and Chemical Screens
Authors: Burton Edward A , Burgess Harold A 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Extensive phylogenetic conservation of molecular pathways and neuroanatomical structures, associated with efficient methods for genetic modification, have been exploited increasingly to generate zebrafish models of human disease. A range of powerful approaches can be deployed to analyze these models with the ultimate goal of elucidating pathogenic mechanisms and accelerating efforts to find effective treatments. Unbiased neurobehavioral assays can provide readouts that parallel clinical abnormalities found in patients, although some of the most useful assays quantify responses that are not routinely evaluated clinically, and differences between zebrafish and human brains preclude expression of the full range of neurobehavioral abnormalities seen in disease. Imaging approaches that use fluorescent reporters and standardized brain atlases coupled with quantitative measurements of brain structure offer an unbiased means to link experimental manipulations to changes in neural architecture. Together, quantitative structural and functional analyses allow dissection of the cellular and physiological basis underlying neurological phenotypes. These approaches can be used as outputs in chemical modifier screens, which provide a major opportunity to exploit zebrafish models to identify small molecule modulators of pathophysiology that may be informative for understanding disease mechanisms and possible therapeutic approaches.
Kinase CIPK9 integrates glucose and abscisic acid signaling to regulate seed oil metabolism in rapeseed
Authors: Wang Nan , Tao Baolong , Mai Jiaming , Guo Yanli , Li Rihui , Chen Rundong , Zhao Lun , Wen Jing , Yi Bin , Tu Jinxing , Fu Tingdong , Zou Jitao , Shen Jinxiong 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRapeseed (Brassica napus), an important oil crop worldwide, provides large amounts of lipids for human requirements. Calcineurin B-like (CBL)-interacting protein kinase 9 (CIPK9) was reported to regulate seed oil content in the plant. Here, we generated gene-silenced lines through RNA interference biotechnology and loss-of-function mutant bnacipk9 using CRISPR/Cas9 to further study BnaCIPK9 functions in the seed oil metabolism of rapeseeds. We discovered that compared with wild-type (WT) lines, gene-silenced and bnacipk9 lines had substantially different oil contents and fatty acid compositions: seed oil content was improved by 3%–5% and 1%–6% in bnacipk9 lines and gene-silenced lines, respectively; both lines were with increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, hormone and glucose content analyses revealed that compared with WT lines the bnacipk9 lines showed significant differences: in bnacipk9 seeds, indoleacetic acid and abscisic acid (ABA) levels were higher; glucose and sucrose contents were higher with a higher hexose-to-sucrose ratio in bnacipk9 mid-to-late maturation development seeds. Furthermore, the bnacipk9 was less sensitive to glucose and ABA than the WT according to stomatal aperture regulation assays and the expression levels of genes involved in glucose and ABA regulating pathways in rapeseeds. Notably, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), exogenous ABA and glucose imposed on developing seeds revealed the effects of ABA and glucose signaling on seed oil accumulation. Altogether, our results strongly suggest a role of CIPK9 in mediating the interaction between glucose flux and ABA hormone signaling to regulate seed oil metabolism in rapeseed.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induces multigenerational alterations in the expression of microRNA in the thymus through epigenetic modifications
Authors: Singh Narendra P , Yang Xiaoming , Bam Marpe , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent AhR ligand, is an environmental contaminant that is known for mediating toxicity across generations. However, whether TCDD can induce multigenerational changes in the expression of microRNAs (miRs) has not been previously studied. In the current study, we investigated the effect of administration of TCDD in pregnant mice (F0) on gestational day 14, on the expression of miRs in the thymus of F0 and subsequent generations (F1 and F2). Of the 3200 miRs screened, 160 miRs were dysregulated similarly in F0, F1, and F2 generations, while 46 miRs were differentially altered in F0 to F2 generations. Pathway analysis revealed that the changes in miR signature profile mediated by TCDD affected the genes that regulate cell signaling, apoptosis, thymic atrophy, cancer, immunosuppression, and other physiological pathways. A significant number of miRs that showed altered expression exhibited dioxin response elements (DRE) on their promoters. Focusing on one such miR, namely miR-203 that expressed DREs and was induced across F0 to F2 by TCDD, promoter analysis showed that one of the DREs expressed by miR-203 was functional to TCDD-mediated upregulation. Also, the histone methylation status of H3K4me3 in the miR-203 promoter was significantly increased near the transcriptional start site in TCDD-treated thymocytes across F0 to F2 generations. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing study suggested that TCDD may cause alterations in histone methylation in certain genes across the three generations. Together, the current study demonstrates that gestational exposure to TCDD can alter the expression of miRs in F0 through direct activation of DREs as well as across F0, F1, and F2 generations through epigenetic pathways.
Systemic lupus erythematosus incidence and prevalence in a large population-based study in northeastern Italy
Authors: Zen Margherita , Salmaso Laura , Barbiellini Amidei Claudio , Fedeli Ugo , Bellio Stefania , Iaccarino Luca , Giollo Alessandro , Doria Andrea , Saia Mario 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence of SLE in northeastern Italy over the period 2012–20.

Methods
A retrospective population-based study was conducted in Veneto Region (4.9 million people) using the population registry, an administrative health database where all residents are recorded. Between 2012 and 2020, SLE prevalence was defined by a healthcare co-payment exemption for SLE (national registry code 028) or any hospital diagnosis of SLE (International Classification of Disease , Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification 710.0), whichever came first. Incident SLE was defined from 2013 to 2020 to exclude prevalent cases. Standardized incidence and prevalence rates were reported by age and sex.

Results
During the study period, we identified 4283 SLE patients (85% female), with 1092 incident cases. Across the study period, SLE standardized point prevalence increased from 63.5 (95% CI 61.2, 65.8) to 70.6 (95% CI 68.3, 73.0) per 100 000 residents, corresponding to an annual increment of 1.14% (P &lt; 0.0001). The highest prevalence was observed in females aged 60–69 years. SLE incidence corresponded to 2.8 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 2.6, 2.9), with an annual decline of 7.3% (P &lt; 0.0001). Incidence was 5-fold higher in females (female-to-male incidence rate ratio: 5.00, 95% CI 4.25, 5.87; P &lt; 0.0001), with a peak among women aged 30–39 years. At diagnosis, women were significantly younger (45 years, IQR 33–58) than men (52 years, IQR 38–64).

Conclusions
Over the last decade, SLE prevalence has increased, while incidence has stably declined. In view of the introduction of new high-cost drugs, a clear definition of the epidemiology of SLE is crucial for all healthcare stakeholders.
A systematic review of the sex differences in risk factors for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Szilagyi Ingrid A , Waarsing Jan H , van Meurs Joyce B J , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , Schiphof Dieuwke 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Previous systematic reviews focused on the evidence of common risk factors for knee OA (KOA); however, the effect and strength of association between risk factors and KOA might be different between the two sexes. The aim of the present systematic review was to determine the current evidence on sex differences in the association between risk factors and KOA and their prevalence.

Methods
We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Web of Science. A methodological quality assessment was conducted independently by two researchers according to an adapted version of the standardized set of criteria known as the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The NOS, a star system, was converted to three categories of quality.

Results
In total, 27 studies reported sex-specific risk estimates on several risk factors for KOA. Out of the 22 longitudinal cohort studies (except one nested case–control), 12 were of good quality and 10 were of fair quality. The five cross-sectional studies consisted of one of good, three of fair and one of poor quality. There was an indication of sex differences in risk factors leading to higher risk of KOA: high BMI, alcohol consumption, atherosclerosis and high vitamin E levels in women, and high physical activity, soft drink consumption and abdominal obesity in men. Knee injury, high blood pressure and low step rate seem to affect both women and men.

Conclusion
More good quality studies are needed to assess sex differences in risk factors for KOA, especially for symptomatic/clinical OA.