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Abstract The sequence of events associated with the triggering of energy release during substorm expansion phase onset is still not well‐understood. Oberhagemann and Mann (2020b, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gl085271) proposed a new substorm onset mechanism, where the transition toward parallel proton pressure anisotropy during tail stretching in the late growth phase could trigger a pressure anisotropic ballooning instability. Here we examine the evolution of energetic proton parallel pressure anisotropy at geosynchronous altitudes, seeking evidence in support of the proposed substorm onset mechanism. We use the Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite (GOES) proton flux and magnetometer data combined with substorm onset indicators derived from ground‐based magnetometers. Superposed epoch analysis of substorm onset times for 2014 using the isolated substorm list (Ohtani & Gjerloev, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020ja027902) clearly shows signatures of energetic proton parallel pressure anisotropy immediately before substorm onset, potentially supportive of the Oberhagemann and Mann theory.

Abstract Background Point mutations in histone variant H3.3 (H3.3K27M, H3.3G34R) and the H3.3-specific ATRX/DAXX chaperone complex are frequent events in pediatric gliomas. These H3.3 point mutations affect many chromatin modifications but the exact oncogenic mechanisms are currently unclear. Histone H3.3 is known to localize to nuclear compartments known as promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, which are frequently mutated and confirmed as oncogenic drivers in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Results We find that the pediatric glioma-associated H3.3 point mutations disrupt the formation of PML nuclear bodies and this prevents differentiation down glial lineages. Similar to leukemias driven by PML mutations, H3.3-mutated glioma cells are sensitive to drugs that target PML bodies. We also find that point mutations in IDH1/2—which are common events in adult gliomas and myeloid leukemias—also disrupt the formation of PML bodies. Conclusions We identify PML as a contributor to oncogenesis in a subset of gliomas and show that targeting PML bodies is effective in treating these H3.3-mutated pediatric gliomas.

Objectives: To quantify the number and type of students failing to secure basic needs. Participants: Students attending 22 postsecondary schools in the United States in Fall 2019. Methods: The Adult Food Security Module and part of the #RealCollege Survey were used to measure food and housing insecurity, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between selected factors and basic needs insecurities. Results: Participants (n = 22,153) were classified as 44.1% and 52.3% food insecure and housing insecure, respectively. Homeless students or those who experienced childhood food insecurity were at the greatest odds of college food insecurity. Year in school was the largest contributor to being housing insecure, with PhD or EdD students being 1,157% more likely to experience housing insecurity compared to freshmen. Conclusions: High prevalence of basic needs insecurities remain. Current campus initiatives may be insufficient, calling for a more holistic approach at the campus, state, and national levels.

Abstract In the face of the global biodiversity crisis, collecting comprehensive data and making the best use of existing data are becoming increasingly important to understand patterns and drivers of environmental and biological phenomena at different scales. Here we address the concept of secondary data, which refers to additional information unintentionally captured in species records, especially in multimedia‐based citizen science reports. We argue that secondary data can provide a wealth of ecologically relevant information, the utilisation of which can enhance our understanding of traits and interactions among individual organisms, populations and biodiversity dynamics in general. We explore the possibilities offered by secondary data and describe their main types and sources. An overview of research in this field provides a synthesis of the results already achieved using secondary data and different approaches to information extraction. Finally, we discuss challenges to the widespread use of secondary data, such as biases, licensing issues, use of metadata and lack of awareness of this trove of data due to a missing common terminology, as well as possible solutions to overcome these barriers. Although the exploration and use of secondary data is only emerging, the many opportunities identified show how these data can enrich biodiversity research and monitoring.

ABSTRACTThe rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages mandates a better understanding of viral replication and cross-neutralization among these sublineages. Here we used K18-hACE2 mice and primary human airway cultures to examine the viral fitness and antigenic relationship among Omicron sublineages. In both K18-hACE2 mice and human airway cultures, Omicron sublineages exhibited a replication order of BA.5 ≥ BA.2 ≥ BA.2.12.1 > BA.1; no difference in body weight loss was observed among different sublineage-infected mice. The BA.1-, BA.2-, BA.2.12.1-, and BA.5-infected mice developed distinguishable cross-neutralizations against Omicron sublineages, but exhibited little neutralization against the index virus (i.e. USA-WA1/2020) or the Delta variant. Surprisingly, the BA.5-infected mice developed higher neutralization activity against heterologous BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 than that against homologous BA.5; serum neutralizing titres did not always correlate with viral replication levels in infected animals. Our results revealed a distinct antigenic cartography of Omicron sublineages and support the bivalent vaccine approach.

Abstract Understanding intense electron precipitation is crucial for characterizing radiation belt loss and assessing related impacts on the atmosphere. We investigate the evolution of electron flux during an ensemble of 70 geomagnetic storms, focusing on equatorial and low‐Earth orbit observations of trapped and precipitating ∼30–100 keV energy electrons. We reveal that the most intense electron precipitation is associated with equatorial flux capping through self‐limiting processes, for example, as described theoretically by Kennel and Petschek (1966, https://doi.org/10.1029/jz071i001p00001). Our results indicate that the most intense electron precipitation is caused by electron injections associated with self‐limiting processes. Dawn side injections are observed to have fluxes that exceed the Kennel‐Petschek limit, consistent with the excitation of strong chorus waves and resulting in intense precipitation and return of the trapped flux to the Kennel‐Petschek limit. Our results clearly demonstrate the important role of self‐limiting processes in affecting the dynamics of newly injected electrons and driving intense electron precipitation.

Summary: Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) undergo significant phenotypic change in chronic liver disease (CLD), and yet the factors that drive this process and the impact on their function as a vascular barrier and gatekeeper for immune cell recruitment are poorly understood. Plasmalemma-vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) has been characterized as a marker of LSEC in CLD; notably we found that PLVAP upregulation strongly correlated with markers of tissue senescence. Furthermore, exposure of human LSEC to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) led to a significant upregulation of PLVAP. Flow-based assays demonstrated that SASP-driven leukocyte recruitment was characterized by paracellular transmigration of monocytes while the majority of lymphocytes migrated transcellularly. Knockdown studies confirmed that PLVAP selectively supported monocyte transmigration mediated through PLVAP’s impact on LSEC permeability by regulating phospho-VE-cadherin expression and endothelial gap formation. PLVAP may therefore represent an endothelial target that selectively shapes the senescence-mediated immune microenvironment in liver disease.

Abstract Objective Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an increasingly important tool in managing hypertension (HTN); however, its efficacy depends on its accuracy. This study aimed to explore the differences between blood pressure (BP) measurements conducted by patients and medical professionals and the patient demographic factors correlating with inaccurate self-measured BP levels. Methods One hundred hypertensive patients completed a questionnaire inquiring about their health status and HBPM procedures and were filmed while measuring their BP using their own devices. A researcher then measured the patients' BP using a calibrated sphygmomanometer to assess the accuracy of patient-performed readings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary healthcare centers in Kraków, Poland. Results The mean differences in systolic and diastolic BP readings by patients and researchers were 8.36 mmHg (SD = 10.90 mmHg) and 2.16 mmHg (SD = 9.12 mmHg), respectively. Inaccuracies in patient BP measurements were associated with a less than high school education level, patients’ age, and a family history of HTN. Conclusion Patient self-measured BP levels were higher than researcher values, likely due to a higher patient error rate. Healthcare providers must increase training regarding correct HBPM techniques offered to patients; such efforts should be directed at all hypertensive patients, emphasizing the most error-prone demographics.

The dynamics of the outer zone radiation belt has received a lot of attention mainly due to the correlation between the occurrence of enhancing relativistic electron flux and spacecraft operation anomalies or even failures (e.g., Baker et al. 1994). Relativistic electron events are often observed during great storms associated with ultra low frequency (ULF) waves. For example, a large buildup of relativistic electrons was observed during the great storm of March 24, 1991 (e.g., Li et al. 1993; Hudson et al. 1995; Mann et al. 2013). However, the dominant processes which accelerate magnetospheric radiation belt electrons to MeV energies are not well understood. In this paper, we present observations of Pc5 ULF waves in the recovery phase of the Bastille day storm of July 16, 2000 and electron and proton flux simultaneously oscillating with the same frequencies as the waves. The mechanism for the observed electron and proton flux modulations is examined using groundbased and satellite observations. During this storm time, multiple packets of discrete frequency Pc5 ULF waves appeared associated with energetic particle flux oscillations. We model the drift paths of electrons and protons to determine if the particles drift through the ULF wave to understand why some particle fluxes are modulated by the ULF waves and others are not. We also analyze the flux oscillations of electrons and protons as a function of energy to determine if the particle modulations are caused by a ULF wave drift resonance or advection of a particle density gradient. We suggest that the energetic electron and proton modulations by Pc5 ULF waves provide further evidence in support of the important role that ULF waves play in outer radiation belt dyanamics during storm times.

Abstract Chorus waves play a key role in outer Van Allen electron belt dynamics through cyclotron resonance. Here, we use Van Allen Probes data to reveal a new and distinct population of intense chorus waves excited in the heart of the radiation belt during the main phase of geomagnetic storms. The power of the waves is typically ~ 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than pre-storm levels, and are generated when fluxes of ~ 10–100 keV electrons approach or exceed the Kennel–Petschek limit. These intense chorus waves rapidly scatter electrons into the loss cone, capping the electron flux to a value close to the limit predicted by Kennel and Petschek over 50 years ago. Our results are crucial for understanding the limits to radiation belt fluxes, with accurate models likely requiring the inclusion of this chorus wave-driven flux-limiting process, that is independent of the acceleration mechanism or source responsible for enhancing the flux.

Abstract The advancement of spring is a widespread biological response to climate change observed across taxa and biomes. However, the species level responses to warming are complex and the underlying mechanisms are difficult to disentangle. This is partly due to a lack of data, which are typically collected by direct observations, and thus very time‐consuming to obtain. Data deficiency is especially pronounced in the Arctic where the warming is particularly severe. We present a method for automated monitoring of flowering phenology of specific plant species at very high temporal resolution through full growing seasons and across geographical regions. The method consists of image‐based monitoring of field plots using near‐surface time‐lapse cameras and subsequent automated detection and counting of flowers in the images using a convolutional neural network. We demonstrate the feasibility of collecting flower phenology data using automatic time‐lapse cameras and show that the temporal resolution of the results surpasses what can be collected by traditional observation methods. We focus on two Arctic species, the mountain avens Dryas octopetala and Dryas integrifolia in 20 image series from four sites. Our flower detection model proved capable of detecting flowers of the two species with a remarkable precision of 0.918 (adjusted to 0.966) and a recall of 0.907. Thus, the method can automatically quantify the seasonal dynamics of flower abundance at fine scale and return reliable estimates of traditional phenological variables such as the timing of onset, peak, and end of flowering. We describe the system and compare manual and automatic extraction of flowering phenology data from the images. Our method can be directly applied on sites containing mountain avens using our trained model, or the model could be fine‐tuned to other species. We discuss the potential of automatic image‐based monitoring of flower phenology and how the method can be improved and expanded for future studies.

ABSTRACT Immune imprinting is a driver known to shape the anti-hemagglutinin (HA) antibody landscape of individuals born within the same birth cohort. With the HA and neuraminidase (NA) proteins evolving at different rates under immune selection pressures, anti-HA and anti-NA antibody responses since childhood influenza virus infections have not been evaluated in parallel at the individual level. This is partly due to the limited knowledge of changes in NA antigenicity, as seasonal influenza vaccines have focused on generating neutralizing anti-HA antibodies against HA antigenic variants. Here, we systematically characterized the NA antigenic variants of seasonal A(H1N1) viruses from 1977 to 1991 and completed the antigenic profile of N1 NAs from 1977 to 2015. We identified that NA proteins of A/USSR/90/77, A/Singapore/06/86, and A/Texas/36/91 were antigenically distinct and mapped N386K as a key determinant of the NA antigenic change from A/USSR/90/77 to A/Singapore/06/86. With comprehensive panels of HA and NA antigenic variants of A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, we determined hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NI) antibodies from 130 subjects born between 1950 and 2015. Age-dependent imprinting was observed for both anti-HA and anti-NA antibodies, with the peak HI and NI titers predominantly detected from subjects at 4 to 12 years old during the year of initial virus isolation, except the age-independent anti-HA antibody response against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. More participants possessed antibodies that reacted to multiple antigenically distinct NA proteins than those with antibodies that reacted to multiple antigenically distinct HA proteins. Our results support the need to include NA proteins in seasonal influenza vaccine preparations. IMPORTANCE Seasonal influenza vaccines have aimed to generate neutralizing anti-HA antibodies for protection since licensure. More recently, anti-NA antibodies have been established as an additional correlate of protection. While HA and NA antigenic changes occurred discordantly, the anti-HA and anti-NA antibody profiles have rarely been analyzed in parallel at the individual level, due to the limited knowledge on NA antigenic changes. By characterizing NA antigenic changes of A(H1N1) viruses, we determined the anti-HA and anti-NA antibody landscape against antigenically distinct A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses using sera of 130 subjects born between 1950 and 2015. We observed age-dependent imprinting of both anti-HA and anti-NA antibodies against strains circulated during the first decade of life. A total of 67.7% (88/130) and 90% (117/130) of participants developed cross-reactive antibodies to multiple HA and NA antigens at titers ≥1:40. With slower NA antigenic changes and cross-reactive anti-NA antibody responses, including NA protein in influenza vaccine preparation may enhance vaccine efficacy.

JWST has ushered in an era of unprecedented ability to characterize exoplanetary atmospheres. While there are over 5000 confirmed planets, more than 4000 Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) planet candidates are still unconfirmed and many of the best planets for atmospheric characterization may remain to be identified. We present a sample of TESS planets and planet candidates that we identify as “best-in-class” for transmission and emission spectroscopy with JWST. These targets are sorted into bins across equilibrium temperature T _eq and planetary radius R _p and are ranked by a transmission and an emission spectroscopy metric (TSM and ESM, respectively) within each bin. We perform cuts for expected signal size and stellar brightness to remove suboptimal targets for JWST. Of the 194 targets in the resulting sample, 103 are unconfirmed TESS planet candidates, also known as TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs). We perform vetting and statistical validation analyses on these 103 targets to determine which are likely planets and which are likely false positives, incorporating ground-based follow-up from the TESS Follow-up Observation Program to aid the vetting and validation process. We statistically validate 18 TOIs, marginally validate 31 TOIs to varying levels of confidence, deem 29 TOIs likely false positives, and leave the dispositions for four TOIs as inconclusive. Twenty-one of the 103 TOIs were confirmed independently over the course of our analysis. We intend for this work to serve as a community resource and motivate formal confirmation and mass measurements of each validated planet. We encourage more detailed analysis of individual targets by the community.

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants raise concerns on immune evasion. Here, the authors evaluate the neutralization efficiency of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinee sera against representative viruses of 13 WHO-designated SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern/interest.

ALS and FTLD are both characterized by insoluble cytoplasmic depositions of TDP43. Here the authors show that the nucleopore protein NUP62 is mislocalized in C9orf72 and sporadic ALS/FTLD and propose that it interacts with TDP-43 to promote its insolubility.

Abstract Insects are declining in abundance and diversity, but their population trends remain uncertain as insects are difficult to monitor. Manual methods require substantial time investment in trapping and subsequent species identification. Camera trapping can alleviate some of the manual fieldwork, but the large quantities of image data are challenging to analyse. By embedding the image analyses into the recording process using computer vision techniques, it is possible to focus efforts on the most ecologically relevant image data. Here, we present an intelligent camera system, capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying individual insects in situ. We constructed the system from commercial off‐the‐shelf components and used deep learning open source software to perform species detection and classification. We present the Insect Classification and Tracking algorithm (ICT) that performs real‐time classification and tracking at 0.33 frames per second. The system can upload summary data on the identity and movement track of insects to a server via the internet on a daily basis. We tested our system during the summer 2020 and detected 2994 insect tracks across 98 days. We achieved an average precision of 89% for correctly classified insect tracks of eight different species. This result was based on 504 manually verified tracks observed in videos during 10 days with varying insect activities. Using the track data, we could estimate the mean residence time for individual flower visiting insects within the field of view of the camera, and we were able to show a substantial variation in residence time among insect taxa. For honeybees, which were most abundant, residence time also varied through the season in relation to the plant species in bloom. Our proposed automated system showed promising results in non‐destructive and real‐time monitoring of insects and provides novel information about phenology, abundance, foraging behaviour, and movement ecology of flower visiting insects.

Abstract On 7 January 2014, a solar storm erupted, which eventually compressed the Earth's magnetosphere leading to the generation of chorus waves. These waves enhanced local wave‐particle interactions and led to the precipitation of electrons from 10 s eV to 100 s keV. This paper shows observations of a low energy cutoff in the precipitation spectrum from Van Allen Probe B Helium Oxygen Proton Electron measurements. This low energy cutoff is well replicated by the predicted loss calculated from pitch angle diffusion coefficients from wave and plasma observations on Probe B. To our knowledge, this is the first time a single spacecraft has been used to demonstrate an accurate theoretical prediction for chorus wave‐induced precipitation and its low energy cutoff. The specific properties of the precipitating soft electron spectrum have implications for ionospheric activity, with the lowest energies mainly contributing to thermospheric and ionospheric upwelling, which influences satellite drag and ionospheric outflow.

This introduction to the special issue provides an overview of the status of transitions from care in Canada. Currently, few statistics are collected on youth in and from care and regional disparities contribute to a comparatively low level of services overall, as well as a fragmented approach to policies outlining the rights of those who have grown up in government care. The contributions in the issue exemplify the growing interest in care leaving research and theory building in Canada, as well as the significant advocacy provided by care-experienced youth leaders , all of which augur well for the future of care leaving across the country.

Abstract Background The accurate and independent measurement of blood pressure (BP) by patients is essential for home BP monitoring (HBPM) and determining the quality of hypertension (HTN) control. This study aimed to evaluate the BP self-measurement techniques of hypertensive patients and their accuracy in accordance with established guidelines. We sought to identify the common errors that patients make and suggest improvements that can be implemented in the primary healthcare setting to increase the reliability of HBPM conducted by hypertensive patients. Methods One hundred patients diagnosed with HTN completed a questionnaire inquiring about their health and demographic data and BP monitoring practices. Patients were then observed and filmed while measuring their BP on their own devices in five primary healthcare centres in Kraków, Poland. The correctness of their techniques was assessed in accordance with the European Society of Hypertension guidelines on HBPM. Results Only 3% of patients measured their BP without error; 60% made three or more errors. The most frequent error, made by 76% of subjects, was incorrect sphygmomanometer cuff placement (above or below heart level, or/and the indicator mark was not aligned with the brachial artery). Regarding patients’ previous instruction for the correct use of their devices, 36% of patients referred to their monitor’s user manual, 22% did not receive any prior assistance, and only 29% were adequately counselled by physicians on how to measure their BP correctly. Conclusions Our findings suggest that primary healthcare physicians and their personnel often do not adequately instruct patients on how to measure their BP correctly. Therefore, healthcare systems must provide patients with more adequate training and reference materials on the best practices of BP monitoring.

Magnetometers are a key component of heliophysics research providing valuable insight into the dynamics of electromagnetic field regimes and their coupling throughout the solar system. On satellites, magnetometers provide detailed observations of the extension of the solar magnetic field into interplanetary space and of planetary environments. At Earth, magnetometers are deployed on the ground in extensive arrays spanning the polar cap, auroral and sub-auroral zone, mid- and low-latitudes and equatorial electrojet with nearly global coverage in azimuth (longitude or magnetic local time—MLT). These multipoint observations are used to diagnose both ionospheric and magnetospheric processes as well as the coupling between the solar wind and these two regimes at a fraction of the cost of in-situ instruments. Despite their utility in research, ground-based magnetometer data can be difficult to use due to a variety of file formats, multiple points of access for the data, and limited software. In this short article we review the Open-Source Python library GMAG which provides rapid access to ground-based magnetometer data from a number of arrays in a Pandas DataFrame, a common data format used throughout scientific research.

Charged particle precipitation from Earth’s magnetosphere results in stunning displays of the aurora and energy transfer into the atmosphere. Some of this precipitation is caused by wave-particle interactions. In this study, we present an example of a wave-particle interaction between Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron waves, and magnetospheric protons and electrons. This interaction resulted in a co-located isolated proton aurora and relativistic electron microbursts. While isolated proton aurora is widely believed to be caused by Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron waves, this unique observation suggests that these waves can also scatter relativistic electron microbursts. Theoretically, nonlinear interactions between Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron waves and electrons are necessary to produce the intense sub-second microburst precipitation. Lastly, detailed analysis of the auroral emissions suggests that no chorus waves were present during the event. This is in contrast to the most commonly associated driver of microbursts, whistler mode chorus waves, and supports other less commonly considered driving mechanisms.

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance pathway utilised in 15% of cancers that have been associated with mutations in ATRX. Here the authors reveal a functional role of histone demethylases KDM4B in regulating ALT activation.

Objective: In Athletics (Track and Field), athletes can be affected by injuries, especially in their quest for top performance. Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the problem of injuries in Athletics. Main findings: It is necessary to maintain a clear definition of "injury" when stakeholders in Athletics discuss clinical, administrative, and/or research perspectives. There are several possible methodological approaches to collect injury data in Athletics depending on the context, population, and injury definition. In general, about two thirds of Athletics athletes sustain at least one injury during an Athletics season, and there are about 100 injuries per 1000 registered athletes during an international championship. The injury rates and characteristics vary by sex and discipline. The injuries can affect athletes physically, psychologically, and socially, with short- and long-term consequences for musculoskeletal function, athletics performance and athletics career. Although it is logical to try to reduce the injury risk, little scientific evidence is currently available to help Athletics-related stakeholders. Conclusions: Injury can currently be considered as an omnipresent problem in Athletics, which affects their practice, with consequences on performance and health. Injury risk is today an undeniable part of the life of Athletics athletes, which implies that there is a pressing need to continue the development of injury risk reduction strategies, to scientifically evaluate their efficacy, and to implement them in sports practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonally averaged energy input into the ionosphere from geospace is generally considered to be symmetric. Here, the authors show preference for electromagnetic energy input at 450 km altitude into the northern hemisphere, on both the dayside and the nightside, when averaged over season.

Abstract The most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a GGGGCC (G4C2) hexanucleotide repeat expansions in first intron of the C9orf72 gene. The accumulation of repetitive RNA sequences can mediate toxicity potentially through the formation of intranuclear RNA foci that sequester key RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and non-ATG mediated translation into toxic dipeptide protein repeats. However, the contribution of RBP sequestration to the mechanisms underlying RNA-mediated toxicity remain unknown. Here we show that the ALS-associated RNA-binding protein, Matrin-3 (MATR3), colocalizes with G4C2 RNA foci in patient tissues as well as iPSC-derived motor neurons harboring the C9orf72 mutation. Hyperexpansion of C9 repeats perturbed subcellular distribution and levels of endogenous MATR3 in C9-ALS patient-derived motor neurons. Interestingly, we observed that ectopic expression of human MATR3 strongly mitigates G4C2-mediated neurodegeneration in vivo. MATR3-mediated suppression of C9 toxicity was dependent on the RNA-binding domain of MATR3. Importantly, we found that expression of MATR3 reduced the levels of RAN-translation products in mammalian cells in an RNA-dependent manner. Finally, we have shown that knocking down endogenous MATR3 in C9-ALS patient-derived iPSC neurons decreased the presence of G4C2 RNA foci in the nucleus. Overall, these studies suggest that MATR3 genetically modifies the neuropathological and the pathobiology of C9orf72 ALS through modulating the RNA foci and RAN translation.

Summary: Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (CC) drive COVID-19 pathology. Yet, patients with similar circulating CC levels present with different disease severity. Here, we determined 171 microRNAomes from 58 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (Cohort 1) and levels of 25 cytokines and chemokines (CC) in the same samples. Combining microRNA (miRNA) and CC measurements allowed for discrimination of severe cases with greater accuracy than using miRNA or CC levels alone. Severity group-specific associations between miRNAs and COVID-19-associated CC (e.g., IL6, CCL20) or clinical hallmarks of COVID-19 (e.g., neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia) separated patients with similar CC levels but different disease severity. Analysis of an independent cohort of 108 patients from a different center (Cohort 2) demonstrated feasibility of CC/miRNA profiling in leftover hospital blood samples with similar severe disease CC and miRNA profiles, and revealed CCL20, IL6, IL10, and miR-451a as key correlates of fatal COVID-19. These findings highlight that systemic miRNA/CC networks underpin severe COVID-19.

Large-scale exoplanet surveys like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission are powerful tools for discovering large numbers of exoplanet candidates. Single-transit events are commonplace within the resulting candidate list due to the unavoidable limitation of the observing baseline. These single-transit planets often remain unverified due to their unknown orbital periods and consequent difficulty in scheduling follow-up observations. In some cases, radial velocity (RV) follow up can constrain the period enough to enable a future targeted transit detection. We present the confirmation of one such planet: TOI-2010 b. Nearly three years of RV coverage determined the period to a level where a broad window search could be undertaken with the Near-Earth Object Surveillance Satellite, detecting an additional transit. An additional detection in a much later TESS sector solidified our final parameter estimation. We find TOI-2010 b to be a Jovian planet ( M _P = 1.29 M _Jup , R _P = 1.05 R _Jup ) on a mildly eccentric orbit ( e = 0.21) with a period of P = 141.83403 days. Assuming a simple model with no albedo and perfect heat redistribution, the equilibrium temperature ranges from about 360 to 450 K from apastron to periastron. Its wide orbit and bright host star ( V = 9.85) make TOI-2010 b a valuable test bed for future low-insolation atmospheric analysis.

We present the spectroscopic confirmation and precise mass measurement of the warm giant planet TOI-199 b. This planet was first identified in TESS photometry and confirmed using ground-based photometry from ASTEP in Antarctica including a full 6.5 hr long transit, PEST, Hazelwood, and LCO; space photometry from NEOSSat; and radial velocities (RVs) from FEROS, HARPS, CORALIE, and CHIRON. Orbiting a late G-type star, TOI-199 b has a ${104.854}_{-0.002}^{+0.001}\,{\rm{day}}$ period, a mass of 0.17 ± 0.02 M _J , and a radius of 0.810 ± 0.005 R _J . It is the first warm exo-Saturn with a precisely determined mass and radius. The TESS and ASTEP transits show strong transit timing variations (TTVs), pointing to the existence of a second planet in the system. The joint analysis of the RVs and TTVs provides a unique solution for the nontransiting companion TOI-199 c, which has a period of ${273.69}_{-0.22}^{+0.26}\,{\rm{days}}$ and an estimated mass of ${0.28}_{-0.01}^{+0.02}\,{M}_{{\rm{J}}}$ . This period places it within the conservative habitable zone.

NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is an all-sky survey mission designed to find transiting exoplanets orbiting nearby bright stars. It has identified more than 329 transiting exoplanets, and almost 6000 candidates remain unvalidated. In this manuscript, we discuss the findings from the ongoing Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST) project, which aims to validate new exoplanets for further characterization. We validated 11 new exoplanets by examining the light curves of 24 candidates using the LATTE and TESS-Plot tools and computing the false-positive probabilities using the statistical validation tool TRICERATOPS . These include planets suitable for atmospheric characterization using transmission spectroscopy (TOI-2194b), emission spectroscopy (TOI-3082b and TOI-5704b) and for both transmission and emission spectroscopy (TOI-672b, TOI-1694b, and TOI-2443b). Our validated planets have one super-Earth (TOI-2194b) orbiting a bright ( V = 8.42 mag), metal-poor ([Fe/H] = −0.3720 ± 0.1) star, and one short-period Neptune-like planet (TOI-5704) in the hot-Neptune desert. In total, we validated one super-Earth, seven sub-Neptunes, one Neptune-like, and two sub-Saturn or super-Neptune-like exoplanets. Additionally, we identify five likely planet candidates (TOI-323, TOI-1180, TOI-2200, TOI-2408, and TOI-3913), which can be further studied to establish their planetary nature.

Background: The marginal artery of Drummond (MA) is an anatomically variable blood vessel that forms a major anastomotic network between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. It vascularizes the transverse and descending colons and is a major contributor to the collateral circulation of left-colic structures. Purpose: To conduct a systematic review of the MA and highlight the current understanding of its anatomy and role in physiological and pathological vascularization. Methods: The major online databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science) were systematically assessed to reveal all available literature pertaining to the MA. Articles judged relevant by the authors were used for the final review. Results: The MA is a key player in the collateral circulation of left-colic structures in the setting of pathological processes affecting their normal vascularization. It helps to maintain perfusion in the event of obstructions and atherosclerosis, and in the cases of obliteration or congenital absence of the mesenteric vessels, it sustains adequate vascularization of the left-colon. The MA has come into increasing prominence as surgeons have become more aware of both iatrogenic injuries to it and its value in mitigating the effects of reduced patency of the mesenteric vessels. Conclusions: The MA continues to become more important to surgeons as both an obstacle and an opportunity in abdominal procedures. Further exploration of its anatomical variability, for example through embryological and dissection studies, will further improve treatment outcomes during abdominal surgery.

Summary: Background: COVID-19 has the potential to cause outbreaks in hospitals. Given the comorbid and elderly cohort of patients hospitalized, hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection is often fatal. Pathogen genome sequencing is becoming increasingly important in infection prevention and control (IPC). Aim: To inform the understanding of in-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission in order to improve IPC practices and to inform the future development of virological testing for IPC. Methods: Patients detected COVID-19 positive by polymerase chain reaction on Ward A in April and May 2020 were included with contact tracing to identify other potential cases. Genome sequencing was undertaken for a subgroup of cases. Epidemiological, genomic, and cluster analyses were performed to describe the epidemiology and to identify factors contributing to the outbreak. Findings: Fourteen cases were identified on Ward A. Contact tracing identified 16 further patient cases; in addition, eight healthcare workers (HCWs) were identified as being COVID-19 positive through a round of asymptomatic testing. Genome sequencing of 16 of these cases identified viral genomes differing by two single nucleotide polymorphisms or fewer, with further cluster analysis identifying two groups of infection (a five-person group and a six-person group). Conclusion: Despite the temporal relationship of cases, genome sequencing identified that not all cases shared transmission events. However, 11 samples were found to be closely related and these likely represented in-hospital transmission. This included three HCWs, thereby confirming transmission between patients and HCWs.

Fluxgate magnetometers are important tools for geophysics and space physics, providing high-precision magnetic field measurements. Fluxgate magnetometer noise performance is typically limited by a ferromagnetic element that is periodically forced into magnetic saturation to modulate, or gate, the local magnetic field. The parameters that control the intrinsic magnetic noise of the ferromagnetic element remain poorly understood. Much of the basic research into producing low-noise fluxgate sensors was completed in the 1960s for military purposes and was never publicly released. Many modern fluxgates depend on legacy Infinetics S1000 ring cores that have been out of production since 1996 and for which there is no published manufacturing process. We present a manufacturing approach that can consistently produce fluxgate ring cores with a noise of ∼6–11 pT per square root hertz – comparable to many of the legacy Infinetics ring cores used worldwide today. As a result, we demonstrate that we have developed the capacity to produce the low-noise ring cores essential for high-quality, science-grade fluxgate instrumentation. This work has also revealed potential avenues for further improving performance, and further research into low-noise magnetic materials and fluxgate magnetometer sensors is underway.

Abstract Background The genetic diversity in Australian populations of Xanthomonas species associated with bacterial leaf spot in tomato, capsicum and chilli were compared to worldwide bacterial populations. The aim of this study was to confirm the identities of these Australian Xanthomonas species and classify them in comparison to overseas isolates. Analysis of whole genome sequence allows for the investigation of bacterial population structure, pathogenicity and gene exchange, resulting in better management strategies and biosecurity. Results Phylogenetic analysis of the core genome alignments and SNP data grouped strains in distinct clades. Patterns observed in average nucleotide identity, pan genome structure, effector and carbohydrate active enzyme profiles reflected the whole genome phylogeny and highlight taxonomic issues in X. perforans and X. euvesicatoria. Circular sequences with similarity to previously characterised plasmids were identified, and plasmids of similar sizes were isolated. Potential false positive and false negative plasmid assemblies were discussed. Effector patterns that may influence virulence on host plant species were analysed in pathogenic and non-pathogenic xanthomonads. Conclusions The phylogeny presented here confirmed X. vesicatoria, X. arboricola, X. euvesicatoria and X. perforans and a clade of an uncharacterised Xanthomonas species shown to be genetically distinct from all other strains of this study. The taxonomic status of X. perforans and X. euvesicatoria as one species is discussed in relation to whole genome phylogeny and phenotypic traits. The patterns evident in enzyme and plasmid profiles indicate worldwide exchange of genetic material with the potential to introduce new virulence elements into local bacterial populations.

Abstract Ground‐based Pc5 ultralow frequency (ULF) wave power in multiple ground‐based meridians is compared to the very low frequency (VLF) wave amplitude proxy, derived from Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) precipitation, for the 33 storms studied by Li et al. (2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL065342). The results reveal common L‐shell and time profiles for the ULF waves and VLF proxy for every single storm, especially at L ≤ 6, and identical discrimination between efficient and inefficient radiation belt electron acceleration. The observations imply either ULF waves play a role in driving precipitation, which is falsely interpreted as VLF wave power in the proxy, ULF waves drive VLF waves (the reverse being energetically unfeasible), or both have a common driver with nearly identical L‐shell and time dependence. Global ground‐based ULF wave power coherence implies that a small number of meridians can be used to estimate storm time radial diffusion coefficients. However, the strong correspondence between ULF wave power and VLF wave proxy complicates causative assessments of electron acceleration.

Summary: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) are imprinting disorders manifesting as aberrant fetal growth and severe postnatal-growth-related complications. Based on the insulator model, one-third of BWS cases and two-thirds of SRS cases are consistent with misexpression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), an important facilitator of fetal growth. We propose that the IGF2-dependent BWS and SRS cases can be identified by prenatal diagnosis and can be prevented by prenatal intervention targeting IGF2. We test this hypothesis using our mouse models of IGF2-dependent BWS and SRS. We find that genetically normalizing IGF2 levels in a double rescue experiment corrects the fetal overgrowth phenotype in the BWS model and the growth retardation in the SRS model. In addition, we pharmacologically rescue the BWS growth phenotype by reducing IGF2 signaling during late gestation. This animal study encourages clinical investigations to target IGF2 for prenatal diagnosis and prenatal prevention in human BWS and SRS.

Laparoscopic procedures require the creation of pneumoperitoneum. CO2, which must be cold and dry, is the standard gas used in such surgeries. The type of gas used, its temperature, and moisture may change the peritoneal surface and cause systemic and local oxidative stress. Our objective is to evaluate the influence of pneumoperitoneum heating on the occurrence of histological lesions in the peritoneum, inflammation, plasma oxidative stress, and on the mesothelial surface in patients undergoing video-assisted ovariohysterectomy. Twenty canine females were included and distributed evenly into two groups: heated CO2 (HG) and unheated CO2 (UHG). The biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated before insufflation (T0), at 30 min (T1), and at 60 min (T2) of exposure to CO2. Biopsies of the peritoneal tissue for histological evaluation were performed at T0 and T2. Regarding plasma parameters, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) showed a greater activity in the HG at T1 (p=0.0268) and T2 (p=0.0423); in turn, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) showed a greater activity at T2 in the HG (p=0.0175) compared with T0. Catalase activity (CAT) was different between HG times; it was higher at T1 (p=0.0253). There was a decrease in the levels of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) (p=0.0117) and in glutathione (GSH) (p=0.0114) between T0 and T2 in the UHG. Regarding tissue oxidative stress, the CAT in the HG showed a greater activity at T2 than T1 (p=0.0150). By comparing the groups at each time, there was a difference only at T2 (p=0.0288), being greater in the HG. Regarding the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the HG, there was a difference between T2 in relation to T0 and T1 (p=0.0181); finally, there was an increase only at T1 (p=0.0287) in the UHG when comparing groups at the same time. There were no differences in the histological parameters evaluated. Our study demonstrates that the heating of CO2 generates a greater inflammatory response and forms reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the plasma and peritoneal levels.

TDP-43 is a predominantly nuclear DNA/RNA binding protein that is often mislocalized into insoluble cytoplasmic inclusions in post-mortem patient tissue in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The underlying causes of TDP-43 proteinopathies remain unclear, but recent studies indicate the formation of these protein assemblies is driven by aberrant phase transitions of RNA deficient TDP-43. Technical limitations have prevented our ability to understand how TDP-43 proteinopathy relates to disease pathogenesis. Current animal models of TDP-43 proteinopathy often rely on overexpression of wild-type TDP-43 to non-physiological levels that may initiate neurotoxicity through nuclear gain of function mechanisms, or by the expression of disease-causing mutations found in only a fraction of ALS patients. New technologies allowing for light-responsive control of subcellular protein crowding provide a promising approach to drive intracellular protein aggregation, as we have previously demonstrated in vitro. Here we present a model for the optogenetic induction of TDP-43 proteinopathy in Drosophila that recapitulates key features of patient pathology, including detergent insoluble cytoplamsic inclusions and progressive motor dysfunction.

Capstone courses often focus on applied learning, typically practicum experiences such as internships. However, students do not always benefit as much as they could from their internships because teaching and learning resources are not used optimally. This paper explores the use of project-based learning in a capstone course of the Graduate Diploma in Youth Work program at Concordia University that includes an in-class seminar and an internship in a human services agency. Using the principles of context authenticity and cognitive apprenticeship from the Authentic Situated Learning and Teaching (ASLT) framework, we examine the experiences of two cohorts of interns (24 students in all). An analysis of their final papers and participation in a focus group, as well as the results of the university’s course evaluation, suggests that the ASLT framework contributes to the transfer of learning in a professional setting. Furthermore, the use of the psychoeducative model to structure active pedagogies in a youth work capstone course provides a means for planning therapeutic activities and organizing intervention programs that help develop competencies to work in diverse settings.

This report describes the evolution of an independent youth-led organization for youth in and from care in Quebec. The emergence of CARE Jeunesse is presented and compared with two other networks in Canada. Factors that promoted and hindered its development are discussed particularly as they apply to issues outlined in the youth engagement literature. The board of CARE Jeunesse, comprising former youth in care, wrote this article with the participation of a university professor who is an adult ally to the alumni of care movement in Quebec. This report is the first publication that provides an account of the processes associated with developing a youth in care network in Canada.

A proof-of-concept hybrid magnetometer is presented, which simultaneously operates as both a fluxgate and a search coil, allowing it to sense the magnetic field from DC to 2 kHz using a single sensor. Historically, such measurements would normally require two dedicated instruments, and each would typically require deployment on its own dedicated boom as the instruments mutually interfere. A racetrack fluxgate core combined with a long solenoidal sense winding is shown to be moderately effective as a search coil magnetometer, and the search coil effect can be captured without introducing significant hardware complexity beyond what is already present in a typical fluxgate instrument. Several methods of optimising the search coil action of the hybrid instrument are compared with the best method providing sensitivity and noise performance between comparably sized traditional air-core and solid-core search coil instruments. This hybrid sensor topology should miniaturise to platforms such as CubeSats for which multiple boom-mounted instruments are generally impractical, so a single hybrid instrument providing modest, but scientifically useful, sensitivity from DC to kHz frequencies would be beneficial.

Recent studies have identified a number of oncogenic histone point mutations in different cancers. Here the authors provide evidence that H3.3 G34R substitution mutation, which is found in paediatric gliomas, causes changes in H3K9me3 and H3K36me3 by interfering with the KDM4 family of K9/K36 demethylases.

Abstract Mutations in PARK2 (parkin) can result in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkin shares a bidirectional promoter with parkin coregulated gene (PACRG) and the transcriptional start sites are separated by only ~200 bp. Bidirectionally regulated genes have been shown to function in common biological pathways. Mice lacking parkin have largely failed to recapitulate the dopaminergic neuronal loss and movement impairments seen in individuals with parkin-mediated PD. We aimed to investigate the function of PACRG and test the hypothesis that parkin and PACRG function in a common pathway by generating and characterizing two novel knockout mouse lines harbouring loss of both parkin and Pacrg or Pacrg alone. Successful modification of the targeted allele was confirmed at the genomic, transcriptional and steady state protein levels for both genes. At 18–20 months of age, there were no significant differences in the behaviour of parental and mutant lines when assessed by openfield, rotarod and balance beam. Subsequent neuropathological examination suggested there was no gross abnormality of the dopaminergic system in the substantia nigra and no significant difference in the number of dopaminergic neurons in either knockout model compared to wildtype mice.

The origin of the apparent impenetrable barrier in the outer Van Allen belt is still uncertain. Here, the authors report that penetration to the barrier can occur by means of ultra-low frequency wave transport, enabling ultra-relativistic electrons to reach the location of the barrier.