bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possible region of the Late Miocene split of the sandfly subgenus Transphlebotomus Artemiev and the early late Neogene to late Quaternary dispersal of the ancestor of Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi
Authors: Trájer Attila J. , Walochnik Julia , Kniha Edwin
Published: February 2023

The distribution of the Mediterranean Transphlebotomus species shows a marked zoogeographical dichotomy in the sense that Phlebotomus mascittii has a wide range in Europe, and the other species are restricted to the East Mediterranean region. The study aimed to investigate how the Neogene to late Quaternary climatic-geographical alterations could influence the split of the sandfly subgenus Transphlebotomus and the speciation of Phlebotomus mascitti. For this purpose, the climatic suitability patterns of the species were modelled for seven Neogene and Quaternary periods and the divergence times of Transphlebotomus clades were estimated. The model results suggest that the common ancestor of the extant Mediterranean-European Transphlebotomus species could be adapted to the Late Miocene climate of Western and Central Europe. Phylogenetic results suggest that the speciation of Ph. mascittii started in the Tortonian period, plausibly related to the rise of the Dinaric land bridge. The Central and Eastern Paratethys Seas could have played an important role in the split of the ancestral Phlebotomus mascittii populations and other Transphlebotomus populations. These other species can be the descendants of ancient Transphlebotomus populations adapted to the hotter and drier climate of the areas south of the Central and Eastern Paratethys. Their divergence could be strongly linked to the formation of the Aegean trench and, later, the Messinian salinity crisis. The Pliocene climatic fluctuations could result in habitat loss of Transphlebotomus populations in Europe which was particularly significant during glacial maxima such as the Last Glacial Maximum.
Modeling non-linear changes in an urban setting: From pro-environmental affordances to responses in behavior, emissions and air quality
Authors: Hulkkonen Mira , Kaaronen Roope O. , Kokkola Harri , Mielonen Tero , Clusius Petri , Xavier Carlton , Hellén Heidi , Niemi Jarkko V. , Malila Jussi
Published: February 2023

Interactions in urban environment were investigated using a multidisciplinary model combination, with focus on traffic, emissions and atmospheric particles. An agent-based model was applied to simulate the evolution of unsustainable human behavior (usage of combustion-based personal vehicles) as a function of pro-environmental affordances (opportunities for sustainable choices). Scenarios regarding changes in multi-pollutant emissions were derived, and the non-linear implications to atmospheric particles were simulated with a box model. Based on the results for a Nordic city, increasing pro-environmental affordances by 10%, 50% or 100% leads to emission reductions of 15%, 30% and 40% within 2 years. To reduce ambient particle mass, emissions from traffic should decrease by > 15%, while the lung deposited surface area decreases in all scenarios ($$-\,23\%$$

-

23
%

, $$-\,32\%$$

-

32
%

and $$-\,36\%$$

-

36
%

, correspondingly). The presented case is representative of one season, but the approach is generic and applicable to simulating a full year, given meteorological and pollution data that reflects seasonal variation. This work emphasizes the necessity to consider feedback mechanisms and non-linearities in both human behavior and atmospheric processes, when predicting the outcomes of changes in an urban system.
The co-combustion of pellets with pistachio shells in residential units additionally equipped by Pt-based catalyst
Authors: Ryšavý Jiří , Serenčíšová Jana , Horák Jiří , Ochodek Tadeáš
Published: February 2023

There are several published studies evaluating the possibilities of thermal and non-thermal utilization of pistachio hard shells in many technical sectors; however, there are no relevant data about the possibilities of usage of this homogenous biomass-based by-product as a fuel for automatic household heating appliances for partial or full substitution of standard ENplus A1 pellets, which is the aim of the presented study. The composition and basic properties of both fuels were compared as well as the flue gas composition formed during the 6 different fuel mixture combustion in two real-scale pellet burners. The mass concentration of observed pollutants (CO, total suspended particles, and C3H8) in the flue gas was strongly affected by increasing of pistachio shell mass fraction in the fuel mixture (from 10 to 100%). In comparison to the combustion of ENplus A1 pellets, CO was increased up to 25.9 times, total suspended particles up to 15.3 times, and C3H8 up to 13.7 times. Based on the results of real combustion tests, the equations were listed, describing the increase of the mass concentration of pollutants for the whole spectrum of pellets/pistachio shell ratios applied on the chosen designs of the pellet burners. The Pt-based oxidation honeycomb catalyst, additionally installed at the combustion unit outlets for flue gas purification, showed conversion rates up to 82.2% in the case of CO and up to 33.1% in the case of C3H8. This enables the reaching of the same or lower mass concentrations of mentioned pollutants in the flue gas, formed during the co-combustion of appropriately selected fuel ratios in comparison to ENplus A1 pellet combustion without the catalyst.
USP13 promotes breast cancer metastasis through FBXL14-induced Twist1 ubiquitination
Authors: Zhao Binggong , Huo Wei , Yu Xiaomin , Shi Xiaoxia , Lv Linlin , Yang Yuxi , Kang Jie , Li Shujing , Wu Huijian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important cause of high mortality in breast cancer. Twist1 is one of the EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) with a noticeably short half-life, which is regulated by proteasome degradation pathways. Recent studies have found that USP13 stabilizes several specific oncogenic proteins. As yet, however, the relationship between Twist1 and USP13 has not been investigated.

Methods

Co-Immunoprecipitation, GST-pulldown, Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assays were used to investigate the role of USP13 in de-ubiquitination of Twist1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate the role of Twist1 in inhibiting USP13 reporter transcription. Scratch wound healing, cell migration and invasion assays, and a mouse lung metastases assay were used to investigate the roles of USP13 and Twist1 in promoting breast cancer metastasis.

Results

We found that Twist1 can be de-ubiquitinated by USP13. In addition, we found that the protein levels of Twist1 dose-dependently increased with USP13 overexpression, while USP13 knockdown resulted in a decreased expression of endogenous Twist1. We also found that USP13 can directly interact with Twist1 and specifically cleave the K48-linked polyubiquitin chains of Twist1 induced by FBXL14. We found that the effect of USP13 in promoting the migration and invasion capacities of breast cancer cells can at least partly be achieved through its regulation of Twist1, while Twist1 can inhibit the transcriptional activity of USP13.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that an interplay between Twist1 and USP13 can form a negative physiological feedback loop. Our findings show that USP13 may play an essential role in breast cancer metastasis by regulating Twist1 and, as such, provide a potential target for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
WAAM of structural components—building strategies for varying wall thicknesses
Authors: Müller Johanna , Hensel Jonas
Published: February 2023

Additive manufacturing with steel opens up new manufacturing possibilities for individual parts or complex supply chains. The direct energy deposition process DED-arc, also known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), is particularly suited for manufacturing large structures with a high degree of geometrical freedom. The design freedom makes WAAM ideal for creating force-flow-optimized steel nodes and spaceframes for use in the construction industry. Thick-walled parts can be manufactured with manifold strategies and a variety of infill patterns, like hachure, spiral, or meander as well as with and without a contour path. For parts with varying thicknesses, not all of them apply. If the wall thickness changes in increments smaller than the width of a weld bead, the desired shape cannot be made by selecting one of the available deposition strategies but the distance (overlap) between the individual weld beads needs to be varied. A variation of the weld bead overlap can often lead to compromised build quality due to the presence of voids. Thus, utilizing variable bead overlap requires the development of a deposition parameter set that allows deviation from the defined overlap values without running the risk of introducing voids between beads or between layers. In this study, four parameter sets were analyzed regarding their weld bead geometry, and tolerance ranges for the weld bead overlap were identified for each parameter set. They were found to vary between 15 and 50% overlap, depending on the parameter set and its corresponding weld bead geometry. The geometry of the surface of the last deposited layer was evaluated regarding the height difference. It can be stated that, with decreasing wire feed, the surface of the last welded layer becomes smoother. The findings obtained are transferred to the manufacturing of complex parts. As a result, parts with variable wall thickness in building direction were manufactured by variation of weld bead distances.
Towards understanding the surface rippling process by periodic reciprocal nanoscratching
Authors: Li Zihan , Yan Yongda , Wang Jiqiang , Li Chen , Geng Yanquan
Published: February 2023

The bundle structure formed perpendicular to the scratching direction is a type of wear-induced structure for thermoplastics. In this study, the formation mechanism of bundle structures on polycarbonate (PC) surfaces is investigated by reciprocal scratching experiments. Based on the analysis of the morphologies, friction forces, and height signals, the formation of the bundle structure is reproduced. The influence of scratching parameters, including the feed value and scratching direction, on the formation of the bundle structure is also studied. It is found that the bundle structure is accumulated by the continuous stacking of the sample materials plowed by the tip in stick—slip motion, and that the stick—slip behavior is enhanced with increased scratching times. This work reproduces the formation process of bundle structure in experiments for the first time and demonstrates that the stick—slip enhancement mechanism exists in the reciprocal scratching process, providing further insight into the friction behavior of polymers.
Systematic review of MCDM approach applied to the medical case studies of COVID-19: trends, bibliographic analysis, challenges, motivations, recommendations, and future directions
Authors: Alamoodi A. H. , Zaidan B. B. , Albahri O. S. , Garfan Salem , Ahmaro Ibraheem Y. Y. , Mohammed R. T. , Zaidan A. A. , Ismail Amelia Ritahani , Albahri A. S. , Momani Fayiz , Al-Samarraay Mohammed S. , Jasim Ali Najm , R.Q.Malik
Published: February 2023

When COVID-19 spread in China in December 2019, thousands of studies have focused on this pandemic. Each presents a unique perspective that reflects the pandemic’s main scientific disciplines. For example, social scientists are concerned with reducing the psychological impact on the human mental state especially during lockdown periods. Computer scientists focus on establishing fast and accurate computerized tools to assist in diagnosing, preventing, and recovering from the disease. Medical scientists and doctors, or the frontliners, are the main heroes who received, treated, and worked with the millions of cases at the expense of their own health. Some of them have continued to work even at the expense of their lives. All these studies enforce the multidisciplinary work where scientists from different academic disciplines (social, environmental, technological, etc.) join forces to produce research for beneficial outcomes during the crisis. One of the many branches is computer science along with its various technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data, decision support systems (DSS), and many more. Among the most notable DSS utilization is those related to multicriterion decision making (MCDM), which is applied in various applications and across many contexts, including business, social, technological and medical. Owing to its importance in developing proper decision regimens and prevention strategies with precise judgment, it is deemed a noteworthy topic of extensive exploration, especially in the context of COVID-19-related medical applications. The present study is a comprehensive review of COVID-19-related medical case studies with MCDM using a systematic review protocol. PRISMA methodology is utilized to obtain a final set of (n = 35) articles from four major scientific databases (ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science). The final set of articles is categorized into taxonomy comprising five groups: (1) diagnosis (n = 6), (2) safety (n = 11), (3) hospital (n = 8), (4) treatment (n = 4), and (5) review (n = 3). A bibliographic analysis is also presented on the basis of annual scientific production, country scientific production, co-occurrence, and co-authorship. A comprehensive discussion is also presented to discuss the main challenges, motivations, and recommendations in using MCDM research in COVID‐19-related medial case studies. Lastly, we identify critical research gaps with their corresponding solutions and detailed methodologies to serve as a guide for future directions. In conclusion, MCDM can be utilized in the medical field effectively to optimize the resources and make the best choices particularly during pandemics and natural disasters.
Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren bei Patienten mit radiojodrefraktärem differenziertem Schilddrüsenkarzinom
Authors: Rendl Gundula , Schweighofer-Zwink Gregor , Pirich Christian
Published: February 2023

Mehr als 90 % aller differenzierten Schilddrüsenkarzinome lassen sich mit einem multimodalen Therapiekonzept kurativ behandeln, sodass die Prognose hinsichtlich Rezidivfreiheit und Langzeitüberleben ausgezeichnet ist. Das Behandlungskonzept für Patienten mit radiojodrefraktären (und meist FDG-PET/CT-positiven) Rezidiven und/oder Metastasen ist im interdisziplinären Tumorboard festzulegen. Der fehlende szintigraphische Nachweis einer Radiojodaufnahme in einzelne oder alle lokoregionäre Tumormanifestationen oder Fernmetastasen begründet noch nicht die Initiierung einer systemischen Behandlung bei metastasierten Schilddrüsenkarzinomen. Erst der Nachweis eines klinischen Progresses (Größenzunahme der Metastasen, Befall weiterer Kompartments oder Organe) von radiojodrefraktären Tumormanifestationen und die Symptomatik des Patienten bilden eine Grundlage für die Einleitung einer Therapie mit Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren (TKI). Weitere zu berücksichtigende Faktoren sind die Lokalisation der Metastasen, der Tumormetabolismus in der FDG-PET/CT, das biologisches Patientenalter, Komorbiditäten und die Einsatzmöglichkeit lokal wirksamer Therapieverfahren. Bei klinisch relevanter Progredienz des radiojodrefraktären Schilddrüsenkarzinoms sollte eine Erstlinientherapie mit TKI angeboten werden. Insbesondere Lenvatinib und Cabozantinib weisen eine hohe Wirksamkeit in Bezug auf die Tumorkontrolle bei häufigem, obgleich gut steuerbarem Toxizitätsprofil auf. Die frühzeitige molekulargenetische Tumorprofilierung kann den Einsatz selektiver Inhibitoren von BRAF, MEK, RET oder TRK in dieser Patientengruppe begründen.
Diuretics, SGLT2 inhibitors and falls in older heart failure patients: to prescribe or to deprescribe? A clinical review
Authors: van Poelgeest Eveline P. , Handoko M. Louis , Muller Majon , van der Velde Nathalie ,   On behalf of the EUGMS Task & Finish group on Fall-risk-increasing drugs
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Both heart failure and its treatment with diuretics or SGLT2 inhibitors increase fall risk in older adults. Therefore, decisions to continue or deprescribe diuretics or SGLT2 inhibitors in older heart failure patients who have fallen are generally highly complex and challenging for clinicians. However, a comprehensive overview of information required for rationale and safe decision-making is lacking. The aim of this clinical review was to assist clinicians in safe (de)prescribing of these drug classes in older heart failure patients.

Methods

We comprehensively searched and summarized published literature and international guidelines on the efficacy, fall-related safety issues, and deprescribing of the commonly prescribed diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors in older adults.

Results

Both diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors potentially cause various fall-related adverse effects. Their fall-related side effect profiles partly overlap (e.g., tendency to cause hypotension), but there are also important differences; based on the currently available evidence of this relatively new drug class, SGLT2 inhibitors seem to have a favorable fall-related adverse effect profile compared to diuretics (e.g., low/absent tendency to cause hyperglycemia or electrolyte abnormalities, low risk of worsening chronic kidney disease). In addition, SGLT2 inhibitors have potential beneficial effects (e.g., disease-modifying effects in heart failure, renoprotective effects), whereas diuretic effects are merely symptomatic.

Conclusion

(De)prescribing diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors in older heart failure patients who have fallen is often highly challenging, but this clinical review paper assists clinicians in individualized and patient-centered rational clinical decision-making: we provide a summary of available literature on efficacy and (subclass-specific) safety profiles of diuretics and SGLT2 inhibitors, and practical guidance on safe (de)prescribing of these drugs (e.g. a clinical decision tree for deprescribing diuretics in older adults who have fallen).
Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Ionin Tania , Montrul Silvina
Published: February 2023

Based on classic and cutting-edge research, this textbook shows how grammatical phenomena can best be taught to second language and bilingual learners. Bringing together second language research, linguistics, pedagogical grammar, and language teaching, it demonstrates how linguistic theory and second language acquisition findings optimize classroom intervention research. The book assumes a generative approach but covers intervention studies from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Each chapter describes relevant linguistic structures, discusses core challenges, summarizes research findings, and concludes with classroom and lab-based intervention studies. The authors provide tools to help to design linguistically informed intervention studies, including discussion questions, application questions, case studies, and sample interventions. Online resources feature lecture slides and intervention materials, with data analysis exercises, ensuring the content is clear and ready to use. Requiring no more than a basic course in linguistics, the material serves advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students studying applied linguistics, education, or language teaching.
On the ergodicity of geodesic flows on surfaces without focal points
Authors: WU WEISHENG , LIU FEI , WANG FANG
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the ergodicity of the geodesic flows on surfaces with no focal points. Let M be a smooth connected and closed surface equipped with a
$C^{\infty }$
Riemannian metric g, whose genus
$\mathfrak {g} \geq 2$
. Suppose that
$(M,g)$
has no focal points. We prove that the geodesic flow on the unit tangent bundle of M is ergodic with respect to the Liouville measure, under the assumption that the set of points on M with negative curvature has at most finitely many connected components.
Thermotactic navigation of an artificial microswimmer near a plane wall
Authors: Poddar Antarip
Published: February 2023

Despite significant advances in the field of man-made micro- and nanomotors, it remains a challenge to precisely control their motion in bounded environments. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of a thermally activated micromotor near a plane wall under the action of a background linear temperature field. The coupling between the autonomous and field-directed motions has been resolved using a combined analytical–numerical framework comprising general solutions in bispherical coordinates and the reciprocal theorem for creeping flows. Results reveal giant augmentation in swimming speeds, the controlling parameter zones for positive and negative thermotaxes and the flexibility of steering perpendicular to the field gradient for an isolated micromotor. Boundary-instigated thermo-fluidic modulations at different levels of confinements and preferential orientations cause directional switching of both the vertical translation and rotation parallel to the wall, thereby drastically altering the phase portraits of the swimmer dynamics. Contrasting trajectory characteristics, e.g. escape, attraction, are partitioned by unstable separatrices in the phase portraits, while competitive repulsion (attraction) after attraction (repulsion) characteristics emerge for different relative field strengths$\mathcal {S}$and gradient orientations$\theta _T$. Below$\mathcal {S}=0.25$, highly counter-intuitive trajectories result when the micromotor is initially launched from an overlapping escape zone. Moreover, external-field-assisted microswimming can uniquely tune the directionality of wall-parallel translation, broadening the scope of dynamic regulation of self-propulsion. Thus, providing insights into a precisely controlled fuel-free actuation of micromotors near a physical obstacle, the present study stands as a step toward addressing the increasing demand for successful implementation of micromotors in futuristic clinical and environmental applications.
Controlling the breakup of spiralling jets: results from experiments, nonlinear simulations and linear stability analysis
Authors: Kamis Yavuz Emre , Prakash Suriya , Breugem Wim-Paul , Eral Hüseyin Burak
Published: February 2023

We experimentally and numerically study the dynamics of a liquid jet issued from a rotating orifice, whose breakup is regulated by a vibrating piezo element. The helical trajectory of the spiralling jet yields fictitious forces varying along the jet whose longitudinal projections stretch and thin the jet, affecting the growth of perturbations. We show that by quantifying these fictitious forces, one can estimate the jet intact length and size distribution of drops formed at jet breakup. The presence of the locally varying fictitious forces may render high-frequency perturbations, that would otherwise be stable in the abscence of stretching, unstable, as observed similarly in the case of straight jets stretching under gravity. The perturbation amplitude then dictates how strong the perturbation is coupled to the jet compared with random noise that is inherently present in any experimental set-up. In the present study we exploit the slenderness of the jet to separate the calculation of the base flow and the growth of perturbations. The fictitious forces calculated from the base flow trajectory are then used in a nonlinear slender-jet model, which treats the spiralling jet as a quasi-straight jet with locally varying body forces. We show both experimentally and numerically that jet breakup characteristics (e.g. intact length and drop size distribution) can be controlled by finite-amplitude perturbations created by mechanically induced pressure modulations. Finally, we revisit the integrated net gain approach developed for straight jets under gravity and we provide simple analogous relations for spiralling jets.
Model-based reconstruction of whole organ growth dynamics reveals invariant patterns in leaf morphogenesis
Authors: Oughou Mohamed , Biot Eric , Arnaud Nicolas , Maugarny-Calès Aude , Laufs Patrick , Andrey Philippe , Burguet Jasmine
Published: February 2023

Plant organ morphogenesis spans several orders of magnitude in time and space. Because of limitations in live-imaging, analysing whole organ growth from initiation to mature stages typically rely on static data sampled from different timepoints and individuals. We introduce a new model-based strategy for dating organs and for reconstructing morphogenetic trajectories over unlimited time windows based on static data. Using this approach, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana leaves are initiated at regular 1-day intervals. Despite contrasted adult morphologies, leaves of different ranks exhibited shared growth dynamics, with linear gradations of growth parameters according to leaf rank. At the sub-organ scale, successive serrations from same or different leaves also followed shared growth dynamics, suggesting that global and local leaf growth patterns are decoupled. Analysing mutants leaves with altered morphology highlighted the decorrelation between adult shapes and morphogenetic trajectories, thus stressing the benefits of our approach in identifying determinants and critical timepoints during organ morphogenesis.
Contributions of modifiable risk factors to increased dementia risk in depression
Authors: Geraets Anouk F. J. , Leist Anja K. , Deckers Kay , Verhey Frans R. J. , Schram Miranda T. , Köhler Sebastian
Published: February 2023

Background

Individuals with depression have an increased dementia risk, which might be due to modifiable risk factors for dementia. This study investigated the extent to which the increased risk for dementia in depression is explained by modifiable dementia risk factors.

Methods

We used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2008–2009 to 2018–2019), a prospective cohort study. A total of 7460 individuals were included [mean(standard deviation) age, 65.7 ± 9.4 years; 3915(54.7%) were women]. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-8 (score ≥3) or self-reported doctor's diagnosis. Ten modifiable risk factors for dementia were combined in the ‘LIfestyle for BRAin health’ (LIBRA) score. Dementia was determined by physician diagnosis, self-reported Alzheimer's disease or the shortened version of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (average score ≥3.38). Structural equation modelling was used to test mediation of LIBRA score.

Results

During 61 311 person-years, 306 individuals (4.1%) developed dementia. Participants aged 50–70 years with depressive symptoms had higher LIBRA scores [difference(s.e.) = 1.15(0.10)] and a 3.59 times increased dementia risk [HR(95% CI) = 3.59(2.20–5.84)], adjusted for age, sex, education, wealth and clustering at the household level. In total, 10.4% of the dementia risk was mediated by differences in LIBRA score [indirect effect: HR = 1.14(1.03–1.26)], while 89.6% was attributed to a direct effect of depressive symptoms on dementia risk [direct effect: HR = 3.14(2.20–5.84)].

Conclusions

Modifiable dementia risk factors can be important targets for the prevention of dementia in individuals with depressive symptoms during midlife. Yet, effect sizes are small and other aetiological pathways likely exist.
Couples with intellectual disability where one partner has dementia – a scoping review exploring relationships in the context of dementia and intellectual disability
Authors: Jacobs Paula , Watchman Karen , Wilkinson Heather , Hoyle Louise
Published: February 2023

Relationships and marriages between couples with intellectual disability are to be celebrated, as is the longer life expectancy now enjoyed by many with intellectual disability. However, dementia disproportionately affects people with intellectual disability, especially people with Down's syndrome. Research into experiences of couples without intellectual disability who are affected by dementia suggests that a relational perspective provides health and social care professionals with information to support the wellbeing of both partners. This dyadic perspective is missing for couples with an intellectual disability where one partner has dementia. There is currently no evidence base informing how each partner may best be supported. This scoping review, with three separate searches, aims to address this gap. The first search sought to establish if any studies had explored the experiences of couples with intellectual disability where one partner has dementia. After determining that no studies have been published to date, the review explores what is known about relationships in the context of dementia (N = 8) and in the context of intellectual disability (N = 10), in second and third searches. Different ways to approach care and support in relationships among partners, staff and other family members were identified and it was evident that support could act as a facilitator as well as a barrier to people and their relationships. While the lives of couples affected by dementia appeared to remain largely private, couples with intellectual disability had a high involvement of staff and family members in their life. Potential implications for future research with couples with intellectual disability affected by dementia are discussed, highlighting the importance of exploring how couples navigate emotional complexities and changes in their relationship, while understanding that the context in which the lives of people with intellectual disability take place and relationships happen is different.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among parents and adolescents following Typhoon Lekima: Examination of the mother–daughter sex matching effect
Authors: Huang Jia-Li , Zhou Xiao
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to examine the same-sex matching effect of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from parents to children and the mediating role of children’ sense of security and catastrophization. Longitudinal data from 447 parent–child dyads were acquired using self-report scales. Parents (77.0% mothers; Mage = 40.15 years old) reported their PTSD symptoms 3 months after Super Typhoon Lekima, and children (55.9% girls; Mage = 13.40 years old) reported their PTSD symptoms, sense of security, and catastrophization 3 months and 15 months after the typhoon. Results showed that intrusion in mothers predicated intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms in daughters, while avoidance and hyperarousal in mothers predicted the same symptoms in daughters. This was not observed in any other parent–child dyads. Moreover, mothers’ intrusion positively predicted daughters’ PTSD symptoms via daughters’ sense of security and then catastrophization, while mothers’ hyperarousal showed the opposite prediction. These findings suggest that a same-sex matching effect occurs from mothers to daughters in terms of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. Thus, clinical interventions that target daughters’ PTSD symptoms should also consider mothers’ intrusion and avoidance symptoms. Moreover, it may be possible to develop interventions to improve daughters’ sense of security.
Welche Vorschulkinder profitieren nicht von einer mathematischen Förderung?
Authors: Poltz Nadine , Wagner Luisa , Wyschkon Anne , Quandte Sabine , Kucian Karin , Kohn Juliane , von Aster Michael , Esser Günter
Published: February 2023

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Vorschulische Fördermaßnahmen können die Lernentwicklung bis in die Grundschule positiv beeinflussen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Gründe, warum einige Kinder nicht von einer vorschulischen mathematischen Förderung profitieren (Non-Responder). Methode: Maße der Intelligenz, des Arbeitsgedächtnisses, der visuell-räumlichen Wahrnehmung, der Aufmerksamkeit und der Sprache sowie Elterneinschätzungen externalisierender Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und Hyperaktivität wurden vor einer Förderung bei 40 fünfjährigen Kindern mit einem Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Rechenstörung erhoben. Ergebnisse: Die Non-Responder ( n = 15) unterschieden sich bedeutsam von den Respondern ( n = 25) in den sprachlichen Variablen (verbale Intelligenz, phonologische Bewusstheit und expressive Sprache). Eine schrittweise Diskriminanzanalyse identifizierte die verbale Intelligenz als signifikanten Prädiktor und konnte 73% der Non-Responder korrekt klassifizieren. Tendenziell zeigten Non-Responder auch in weiteren domänenunspezifischen Variablen geringere Leistungen sowie ein höheres Ausmaß an externalisierenden Verhaltensauffälligkeiten. Die Prognose der Non-Responder hinsichtlich ihrer Rechenleistungen bis in die 3. Klasse fällt schlechter aus als die der Responder. Diskussion: Eine rein mathematische vorschulische Förderung erscheint für Kinder mit geringen Leistungen im sprachlichen Bereich nicht ausreichend. Für diese Kinder sind ergänzende Maßnahmen notwendig.
Occurrence of Nighttime Irregularities and Their Scale Evolution in the Ionosphere Due To the Solar Eclipse Over East Asia on 21 June 2020
Authors: Sun Yang‐Yi , Chen Chieh‐Hung , Su Xiaoning , Wang Jing , Yu Tao , Xu Hui‐Ru , Liu Jann‐Yenq
Published: February 2023

Solar eclipse is a daytime phenomenon that significantly disturbs the ionosphere, but whether the eclipse induces ionospheric irregularities in the nighttime remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the dense total electron content (TEC) observations from the ground‐based Global Navigation Satellite System receivers over East and South Asia to examine the development of the irregularities in the nighttime on the day of the 21 June 2020 annular solar eclipse. The rate of TEC index (period <5 min) indicates the occurrence of the irregularities that evolve from the large or coarse structures with a period ranging from hours to dozens of minutes in the nighttime due to the eclipse. We take advantage of the data‐adaptive analysis method, Hilbert‐Huang transform, to derive the instantaneous amplitude and frequency of the TEC time series, which exposes the temporal and spatial evolutions of the irregularities from larger structures continuously.
Layered Evolution of the Oceanic Lithosphere Beneath the Japan Basin, the Sea of Japan
Authors: Ai Sanxi , Akuhara Takeshi , Morishige Manabu , Yoshizawa Kazunori , Shinohara Masanao , Nakahigashi Kazuo
Published: February 2023

The formation of a new ocean basin provides a unique observational window into the structure and deformation of the oceanic lithosphere. This study offers a detailed 1‐D vertically polarized shear‐wave velocity model of the young Japan Basin by interpreting S receiver functions, seafloor Rayleigh wave ellipticities and phase velocities in a Bayesian trans‐dimensional framework. The models suggest a distinct discontinuity in the mid‐lithosphere. Additional analyses indicate that the upper layer is characterized by strong positive radial anisotropy, while the lower layer is more isotropic. We interpret that the upper layer was formed during the back‐arc opening at 20–15 Ma, where the olivine lattice‐preferred orientation (LPO) fabric induced by passive upwelling contributes to the positive radial anisotropy. The lower, less anisotropic layer may be solidified after the sudden cessation of the opening. Small‐scale convection (SSC) from such a major tectonic event could randomize the LPO enough to weaken radial anisotropy before cooling down the asthenosphere, leaving a radially anisotropic discontinuity in the present‐day mid‐lithosphere. The proposed layered evolution history of the lithosphere beneath the Japan Basin illuminates an important role of the small‐scale convection in modifying the structural fabrics of the asthenosphere in terms of radial anisotropy. Such an SSC‐induced radial anisotropy drop could also occur at the base of the lithosphere in regions with ongoing seafloor spreading and enhance the velocity drop of horizontally polarized shear waves. Thus, the role of SSC is non‐negligible in explaining the sharpness of the Gutenberg discontinuity detected by SS precursors beneath the oceanic lithosphere.
Effects of Surface Heating on Coastal Upwelling Intensity
Authors: Jung Jihun , Cho Yang‐Ki
Published: February 2023

Numerical experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of surface heating on coastal upwelling intensity. Offshore transport, isopycnal slope, and the sea surface temperature (SST) difference between coastal and offshore regions, which represent the upwelling intensity, were estimated. Surface heating decreases Ekman transport but increases Ekman pumping by changing air‐sea stability conditions. However, offshore transport does not change significantly with surface heating. Our experimental results revealed that the increase in surface heating decreases the isopycnal slope but increases the SST difference. Both the isopycnal slope and SST difference are closely related to the change in the surface boundary layer (SBL). Strong surface heating thins the surface‐mixed layer, which decreases the vertical eddy viscosity. The decreased vertical eddy viscosity thins the SBL and enhances its offshore velocity. The isopycnal slope weakens because of the thin SBL, while the SST difference becomes stronger because of the enhanced offshore velocity despite the same offshore transport. The present study may be relevant to the change in upwelling systems as the increase in surface heating under future global warming.
Future Simulated Changes in Central U.S. Mesoscale Convective System Rainfall Caused by Changes in Convective and Stratiform Structure
Authors: Dougherty E. M. , Prein A. F. , Gutmann E. D. , Newman A. J.
Published: February 2023

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are responsible for a majority of warm season flash flood events in the central U.S. Given their high impact, it is critical to understand how MCSs will change in a future climate. This study identifies eight flood‐producing MCS cases of different archetypes and runs ensembles of 192 high‐resolution historical and future simulations in order to analyze the range in future MCS rainfall and structural changes. Future area‐average rainfall increases by 98% on average, with an 89%–111% range among ensemble members, while maximum rainfall increases by 31%, with a 24%–43% range. MCSs components are classified into deep convective cores (DCCs), wide convective cores (WCCs), and broad stratiform regions (BSRs) to understand how changes in these structures contribute to future rainfall changes. In a warmer climate, the number of DCCs increase on average by +30 (+5,545%), the average WCC area increases by 75%, and the average BSR area increases by 40%. The future rainfall increases are mainly due to increases in convective rainfall with large variability in rainfall from DCCs and less variability from WCCs. Despite their increase in size, BSR rainfall shows little increase. These rainfall and structural changes vary among MCS types, with back‐building MCSs exhibiting the largest increases in future rainfall mainly due to increases in the number of DCCs and WCC area. Such information is critical to better understand the drivers of change in future MCS rainfall and improve prediction of future flood impacts.
The mechanism and therapy of aortic aneurysms
Authors: Gao Jianing , Cao Huanhuan , Hu Gaofei , Wu Yufei , Xu Yangkai , Cui Hongtu , Lu Hong S. , Zheng Lemin
Published: February 2023

Aortic aneurysm is a chronic aortic disease affected by many factors. Although it is generally asymptomatic, it poses a significant threat to human life due to a high risk of rupture. Because of its strong concealment, it is difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stage. At present, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of aneurysms. Surgical intervention and endovascular treatment are the only therapies. Although current studies have discovered that inflammatory responses as well as the production and activation of various proteases promote aortic aneurysm, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers are further exploring the pathogenesis of aneurysms to find new targets for diagnosis and treatment. To better understand aortic aneurysm, this review elaborates on the discovery history of aortic aneurysm, main classification and clinical manifestations, related molecular mechanisms, clinical cohort studies and animal models, with the ultimate goal of providing insights into the treatment of this devastating disease. The underlying problem with aneurysm disease is weakening of the aortic wall, leading to progressive dilation. If not treated in time, the aortic aneurysm eventually ruptures. An aortic aneurysm is a local enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the aortic wall. The disease is usually asymptomatic but leads to high mortality due to the risk of artery rupture.
Maternal brain reactive antibodies profile in autism spectrum disorder: an update
Authors: Bagnall-Moreau Ciara , Spielman Benjamin , Brimberg Lior
Published: February 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with multifactorial etiologies involving both genetic and environmental factors. In the past two decades it has become clear that in utero exposure to toxins, inflammation, microbiome, and antibodies (Abs), may play a role in the etiology of ASD. Maternal brain-reactive Abs, present in 10–20% of mothers of a child with ASD, pose a potential risk to the developing brain because they can gain access to the brain during gestation, altering brain development during a critical period. Different maternal anti-brain Abs have been associated with ASD and have been suggested to bind extracellular or intracellular neuronal antigens. Clinical data from various cohorts support the increase in prevalence of such maternal brain-reactive Abs in mothers of a child with ASD compared to mothers of a typically developing child. Animal models of both non-human primates and rodents have provided compelling evidence supporting a pathogenic role of these Abs. In this review we summarize the data from clinical and animal models addressing the role of pathogenic maternal Abs in ASD. We propose that maternal brain-reactive Abs are an overlooked and promising field of research, representing a modifiable risk factor that may account for up to 20% of cases of ASD. More studies are needed to better characterize the Abs that contribute to the risk of having a child with ASD, to understand whether we can we predict such cases of ASD, and to better pinpoint the antigenic specificity of these Abs and their mechanisms of pathogenicity.
SSRIs differentially modulate the effects of pro-inflammatory stimulation on hippocampal plasticity and memory via sigma 1 receptors and neurosteroids
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , Reiersen Angela M. , Lenze Eric J. , Mennerick Steven J. , Zorumski Charles F.
Published: February 2023

Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models, and recent clinical studies suggest that fluvoxamine can prevent deterioration in patients with COVID-19, possibly through activating sigma 1 receptors (S1Rs). Here we examined potential mechanisms contributing to these effects of fluvoxamine and other SSRIs using a well-characterized model of pro-inflammatory stress in rat hippocampal slices. When hippocampal slices are exposed acutely to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a strong pro-inflammatory stimulus, basal synaptic transmission in the CA1 region remains intact, but induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity thought to contribute to learning and memory, is completely disrupted. Administration of low micromolar concentrations of fluvoxamine and fluoxetine prior to and during LPS administration overcame this LTP inhibition. Effects of fluvoxamine required both activation of S1Rs and local synthesis of 5-alpha reduced neurosteroids. In contrast, the effects of fluoxetine did not involve S1Rs but required neurosteroid production. The ability of fluvoxamine to modulate LTP and neurosteroid production was mimicked by a selective S1R agonist. Additionally, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine prevented learning impairments induced by LPS in vivo. Sertraline differed from the other SSRIs in blocking LTP in control slices likely via S1R inverse agonism. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that S1Rs and neurosteroids play key roles in the anti-inflammatory effects of certain SSRIs and that these SSRIs could be beneficial in disorders involving inflammatory stress including psychiatric and neurodegenerative illnesses.
Glycolysis-related lncRNA TMEM105 upregulates LDHA to facilitate breast cancer liver metastasis via sponging miR-1208
Authors: Han Jinzhu , Chen Xuyi , Wang Jianlong , Liu Bin
Published: February 2023

Increased glycolysis is one of the key metabolic hallmarks of cancer cells. However, the roles of lncRNAs in energy metabolism and cancer metastasis remain unclear. Here, the expression of TMEM105 associated with glycolysis was dramatically elevated from normal to breast cancer to breast cancer liver metastasis tissues, and the survival analysis revealed that high TMEM105 expression was related to poor survival, especially in patients with liver metastasis. Moreover, TMEM105 facilitated the glycolysis of breast cancer cells and induced cell invasion and breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). Mechanistically, TMEM105 regulated LDHA expression by sponging miR-1208, which further promoted cell glycolysis and BCLM. Importantly, glycolytic production of lactate enhanced TMEM105 expression in breast cancer cells by activating the SHH-MAZ signaling pathway. These findings suggested that the lactate-responsive TMEM105 acted as a miRNA sponge, inducing BCLM via a glycolysis-mediated positive feedback loop, which might be a rational target for the treatment of BCLM patients.
Secondhand smoke exposure is associated with the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Tanaka Kosuke , Nishigori Hidekazu , Watanabe Zen , Tanoue Kaoh , Iwama Noriyuki , Satoh Michihiro , Murakami Takahisa , Hoshiai Tetsuro , Saito Masatoshi , Mizuno Satoshi , Sakurai Kasumi , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku , Tatsuta Nozomi , Fujiwara Ikuma , Kuriyama Shinichi , Arima Takahiro , Nakai Kunihiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Metoki Hirohito ,   and the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: February 2023

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with poor maternal and neonatal prognoses. Although several studies have indicated an effect of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on HDP, such evidence is lacking in Japan. Therefore, we analyzed data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a large-scale epidemiological investigation, to elucidate a possible link between SHS exposure and HDP risk. Data were obtained from the all-birth fixed datasets and included information on 104,062 fetuses and their parents. SHS exposure was assessed in terms of the frequency (rarely, 1–3, or 4–7 days/week) and the daily duration of exposure (<1, 1–2, or ≥2 h(s)/day). Modified Poisson regression model analyses were performed with adjustment for known risk factors for HDP. Additionally, the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of SHS exposure and maternal smoking to HDP prevalence were estimated. The relative risks of developing HDP among individuals with SHS exposures of 4–7 days/week and ≥2 h/day were 1.18 and 1.27 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.36 and 0.96–1.67), respectively, compared to the reference groups (rare exposure and <1 h/day). The PAFs for the risk of HDP due to SHS exposure and perinatal smoking were 3.8% and 1.8%, respectively. Japanese women with greater exposure to SHS have a higher risk of HDP after adjustment for possible confounding factors; thus, relevant measures are required to reduce SHS exposure to alleviate HDP risk.