bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reappraisal of the vital effect in cultured benthic foraminifer Bulimina marginata on Mg/Ca values: assessing temperature uncertainty relationships
Authors: Wit J. C. , de Nooijer L. J. , Barras C. , Jorissen F. J. , Reichart G. J.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The reconstruction of past temperatures is often achieved through measuring the Mg/Ca value of foraminiferal test carbonate. The diversity in foraminiferal Mg/Ca–temperature calibrations suggests that there is also a biological control on this proxy. This study presents a new Mg/Ca–temperature calibration for the benthic foraminifer Bulimina marginata, based on cultures under a range of temperatures (4–14 °C). Measured Mg/Ca values for B. marginata correlate with temperature (Mg/Ca = (1.10 ± 0.10) e(0.045±0.009)T, R2 = 0.28 p < 0.01). The inter-individual variability is, however, also significant (standard deviation is 10–35% of the average). Before applying this or any calibration, the effect of the inter-individual variability on the accuracy of the Mg/Ca–temperature calibration has to be evaluated. The inter-individual variability is quantified and split into three components, namely (1) an analytical error, (2) an environmental effect and (3) a vital effect. The effect of inter-individual variability on the accuracy of Mg/Ca–temperature calibrations depends on the sensitivity of the calibration used and the number of individuals measured (temperature uncertainty = (0.33 · N−0.50)/sensitivity). The less sensitive a calibration, the greater is the impact of inter-individual variability, which can partly be circumvented by measuring more individuals. This study shows the link between inter-individual variability and sensitivity and quantifies their influence on the accuracy of Mg/Ca–temperature calibrations. Differences in the sensitivity of the Mg/Ca–temperature calibration of foraminifera may depend on the environmental conditions in which foraminifera live and their concurring ecological strategies.
Estimation of evapotranspiration from TOA radiances in the Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Peng J. , Liu Y. , Zhao X. , Loew A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Routine and rapid estimation of ET (evapotranspiration) at regional scale is of great significance for agricultural, hydrological and climatic studies. A simplified single-source energy balance parameterization scheme, known as the LST/NDVI (Land Surface Temperature/Vegetation Index) triangle method, has been applied successfully to estimate regional clear sky ET in many studies. Based on the triangle method, we proposed a new method in this study to estimate daily ET directly using the TOA (Top of Atmosphere) radiances without performing atmospheric correction and other complicated processes. Firstly, the EF (Evaporative Fraction, defined as the ratio of latent heat flux to surface available energy) was estimated by interpolation in the LST/NDVI triangular-shaped scatter space, which was constructed using the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro radiometer) TOA radiances over a heterogeneous area of the Poyang Lake Basin in China. Then the net radiation over the same study area was derived based entirely on MODIS TOA radiances as well. Finally, daily ET maps were estimated from these EF maps and net radiation maps by using a sinusoidal temporal interpolation model. The estimated EF, net radiation and ET have been validated against field observations collected for the period October 2007–July 2008. The results indicate comparable accuracy to results of other current widely used satellite-based methods. In addition, intercomparisons between the proposed method-based estimates and MODIS products-based estimates were also carried out over the validation site. The results suggest that the proposed method performed slightly better than the MODIS products-based triangle method. Overall, the proposed algorithm requires fewer assumptions and can avoid uncertainties associated with the satellite derived products, while its accuracy is slightly higher. It should facilitate direct use of satellite data for determining ET and relevant applications as well. Nonetheless, more validation work needs to be carried out with more integration of satellite data and ground-based measurements over various climatic regions and under different surface conditions in the future.
Relating stable isotope and geochemical data to conclude on water residence times in four small alpine headwater catchments with differing vegetation cover
Authors: Mueller M. H. , Weingartner R. , Alewell C.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The mean water residence time (MRT) in a catchment gives information about storage, flow pathways, sources of water and thus also about retention and release of solutes in a catchment. To our knowledge there are no catchment studies on the influence of vegetation cover change on base flow mean water residence times. The main changes in vegetation cover in the Swiss Alps are massive shrub encroachment and forest expansion into formerly open habitats. Four small and relatively steep catchments in the Swiss Alps (Ursern valley) were investigated to relate different vegetation cover to water residence times and geochemical behaviour of runoff. Time series of water stable isotopes were used to calculate mean water residence times. The high temporal variation of the stable isotope signals in precipitation was strongly dampened in stream base flow samples. Mean water residence times of the four catchments were 64–98 weeks. The strong dampening of our input signal might point to deeper flow paths and mixing of waters of different ages at the catchments outlets. Parent geological materials are mainly gneisses and schists but they can contain dolomite, carbonate or gypsum rich zones. The major part of the quickly infiltrating precipitation likely percolates through these deeper zones. Relatively high stream water pH, Ca and SO42− concentrations in micro catchment outlets support this conclusion. We conclude that in mountainous headwater catchments with relatively thin soil layers the geological and topographical situation and snow dynamics influence storage, mixing and release of meteoric waters and its geochemistry in a stronger way than vegetation cover or catchment size do.
A 20-year reanalysis experiment in the Baltic Sea using three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) method
Authors: Fu W. , She J. , Dobrynin M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. A 20-year retrospective reanalysis of the ocean state in the Baltic Sea is constructed by assimilating available historical temperature and salinity profiles into an operational numerical model with three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) method. To determine the accuracy of the reanalysis, the authors present a series of comparisons to independent observations on a monthly mean basis. In the reanalysis, temperature (T) and salinity (S) fit better with independent measurements than the free run at different depths. Overall, the mean biases of temperature and salinity for the 20 year period are reduced by 0.32 °C and 0.34 psu, respectively. Similarly, the mean root mean square error (RMSE) is decreased by 0.35 °C for temperature and 0.3 psu for salinity compared to the free run. The modeled sea surface temperature, which is mainly controlled by the weather forcing, shows the least improvements due to sparse in situ observations. Deep layers, on the other hand, witness significant and stable model error improvements. In particular, the salinity related to saline water intrusions into the Baltic Proper is largely improved in the reanalysis. The major inflow events such as in 1993 and 2003 are captured more accurately as the model salinity in the bottom layer is increased by 2–3 psu. Compared to independent sea level at 14 tide gauge stations, the correlation between model and observation is increased by 2%–5%, while the RMSE is generally reduced by 10 cm. It is found that the reduction of RMSE comes mainly from the reduction of mean bias. In addition, the changes in density induced by the assimilation of T/S contribute little to the barotropic transport in the shallow Danish Transition zone. The mixed layer depth exhibits strong seasonal variations in the Baltic Sea. The basin-averaged value is about 10 m in summer and 30 m in winter. By comparison, the assimilation induces a change of 20 m to the mixed layer depth in deep waters and wintertime, whereas small changes of about 2 m occur in summer and shallow waters. It is related to the strong heating in summer and the dominant role of the surface forcing in shallow water, which largely offset the effect of the assimilation.
Uncertainties in the global temperature change caused by carbon release from permafrost thawing
Authors: Burke E. J. , Hartley I. P. , Jones C. D.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Under climate change thawing permafrost will cause old carbon which is currently frozen and inert to become vulnerable to decomposition and release into the climate system. This paper develops a simple framework for estimating the impact of this permafrost carbon release on the global mean temperature (P-GMT). The analysis is based on simulations made with the Hadley Centre climate model (HadGEM2-ES) for a range of representative CO2 concentration pathways. Results using the high concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) suggest that by 2100 the annual methane (CH4) emission rate is 2–59 Tg CH4 yr−1 and 50–270 Pg C has been released as CO2 with an associated P-GMT of 0.08–0.36 °C (all 5th–95th percentile ranges). P-GMT is considerably lower – between 0.02 and 0.11 °C – for the low concentration pathway (RCP2.6). The uncertainty in climate model scenario causes about 50% of the spread in P-GMT by the end of the 21st century. The distribution of soil carbon, in particular how it varies with depth, contributes to about half of the remaining spread, with quality of soil carbon and decomposition processes contributing a further quarter each. These latter uncertainties could be reduced through additional observations. Over the next 20–30 yr, whilst scenario uncertainty is small, improving our knowledge of the quality of soil carbon will contribute significantly to reducing the spread in the, albeit relatively small, P-GMT.
Changes in seasonal snow liquid water content during the snowmelt period in the Western Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Lu H. , Wei W. S. , Liu M. Z. , Han X. , Hong W.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Snow liquid water content is a very important parameter for snow hydrological processes, avalanche research and snow cover mapping by remote sensing. Snow liquid water content was measured with a portable instrument (Snow Fork) in the Tianshan Station for Snow Cover and Avalanche Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences during the snowmelt period in spring 2010. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of snow liquid water content in different weather conditions. The average liquid water content of snow in the whole layer exponentially increased and can be calculated using a regression function of prior moving average temperature. The proportion of net radiation, sensible heat flux and latent heat flux in total energy changed in different snowmelt period. During the pre-snowmelt period (0.3% ≤ Wvol < 1%), snow liquid water content and its temporal variation were relatively small, with liquid water accumulated in the coarse snow layer. During the mid-snowmelt period (1% ≤ Wvol < 2.5%), the variation was significant in the upper layer and decreased drastically during the snowfall and the following one to two days. Only the temporal variation decreased after rain or snow (ROS) events. During the late-snowmelt period (Wvol ≥ 2.5%), the distribution and variation of every snow layer showed a~uniform trend, and the effect of ROS events on liquid water content only occurred during rainfall and snowfall.
Effect of Music Instruction on Preschoolers’ Music Achievement and Emergent Literacy Achievement
Authors: Runfola Maria , Etopio Elisabeth , Hamlen Karla , Rozendal Mary
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this two-year study, supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), was to examine the impact of "musically trained" early childhood specialists on the music achievement and emergent literacy achievement of preschool students. The sample, obtained through use of a letter of recruitment mailed to a regional group of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) members, consisted of 11 teachers who met the criteria for the project and their respective students (N = 165). Following a year of intensive staff development training in musicianship skill and pedagogical strategies for guiding young children’s music development, the teachers implemented the curriculum in the second year and several measures were used to collect data relative to student music and literacy outcomes. Analyses included the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and multivariate techniques of MANCOVA and multiple regression. Results were mixed for music achievement. Median scores were similar for the experimental and control groups on use of singing voice. Students’ tonal pattern achievement in the experimental group was significantly higher but no significant differences were found in children’s rhythm-pattern achievement. When controlling for age and prior knowledge, the music intervention significantly increased children’s oral vocabulary and grammatic understanding and was especially effective for children who began with lower literacy skills.
What Color Is Your Baton, Girl? Gender and Ethnicity in Band Conducting
Authors: Sheldon Deborah A. , Hartley Linda A.
Published: September 2012

Studied were trends in instrumental music education leadership among women and minorities from 1996 until 2008. Gender data of primary band conductors at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic from 1947 were reviewed by year and ensemble level. Also investigated was the distribution of gender and ethnicity among graduate students studying wind-band conducting from 1999 until 2008 and participants in conducting workshops or symposia from 1996 until 2008. Ethnicities were categorized as American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, White, and Other. Findings revealed that men overwhelmingly outnumbered women as primary conductors throughout the history of the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Women were more represented at the junior high/middle school level than any other. Similar distributions were found among graduate windband conducting student populations and among conducting symposium/workshop attendees. White participants dominated graduate study and workshops populations. Results underscore the importance of revisiting reasons for the dearth of females and people of color in band-conducting leadership positions and begin discussion of actions that would ameliorate inequities.
The Experiences of Elementary Music Teachers in a Collaborative Teacher Study Group
Authors: Stanley Ann Marie
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this social constructivist inquiry was to examine the experiences of three elementary music teachers in a collaborative teacher study group (CTSG). CTSG members, each from a different school district, met seven times to discuss elementary music student collaboration by analyzing video from their classrooms. Using interview and meeting transcripts, the researcher investigated how the CTSG member’ perceptions were affected by group interactions. Research questions were as follows: How do the participants describe their experience in the CTSG? How has the focus on collaboration in the CTSG changed their teaching practice? What can these music teachers tell other music educators about collaboration? Participants indicated the CTSG experience was effective professional development that sup- ported learning and remedied isolation. Participants gained confidence through the opportunity to share teaching expertise. However, the CTSG was not a satisfactory substitute for meaningful collaboration with colleagues in participants’ own districts. Three positive elements of the CTSG were the way the group collectively generated knowledge about music classroom collaboration, the way the group engaged in systematic analysis of music classroom video, and the way a protocol organized group discussion. The lack of overt disagreement in the group may have been a negative, indicating a possible avoidance of difficult topics. The CTSG collectively constructed three group-labeled "principles of collaboration": (a) Collaboration facilitates student self-expression and independence; (b) Students who are collaborating share goals. The teacher allows space for or guides students in creating productive student- student interactions; and (c) A teacher collaborating with her students facilitates their movement toward a shared goal. Teacher provides necessary background skills, creates student buy-in for the goal, and then fades away to allow students to take ownership.
The state of the science of analytical methods for cVOCs
Authors: Eaton Andrew , Chowdhury Zaid , Shaw Jacqueune , Roberson J. Alan
Published: September 2012

As part of its drinking water strategy, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) attempts to streamline the cost of compliance by regulating contaminants as groups with similar health effects, co‐occurrence, common analytical method(s), and common treatment or control processes. When the announcement to regulate up to 16 carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (cVOCs) as a group included compounds not currently listed in the USEPA analytical methods most commonly used for VOC analysis (methods 524.2 and 524.3), a review of the state of the science of analytical methods was performed. Findings indicated that USEPA method 524.3 can support lower‐level detection of currently regulated VOCs as well as some additional VOCs included in the cVOC group, but a modified sample preservation protocol for (method 524.3) and additional methods (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and method 526) will be needed to detect all compounds in the proposed cVOC group at meaningful levels. The number of analytical methods required for the cVOC group will significantly affect the feasibility and analytical cost of compliance monitoring for the cVOC rule if the list remains as proposed.
A Young Professional's Path Paved by AWWA Support
Authors: Storlie Leslee
Published: September 2012

There comes a point in young professionals' lives when they look back and realize how they arrived where they are today. As I approach the completion of a master's degree in environmental engineering, I have been reflecting on the experiences that have led me to a successful education and will, I hope, lead me to a successful career.
A rapid method for lead service line detection
Authors: Cartier Clément , Bannier Alicia , Pirog Maciej , Nour Shokoufeh , Prévost Michèle
Published: September 2012

This project demonstrates the efficiency of a relatively simple protocol developed to detect lead service lines (LSLs) by measuring the concentrations of lead at the tap using an onsite analyzer. Concentrations obtained with a portable anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) analyzer are successfully compared with inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) results (R2 = 0.991). The limitations of the portable ASV for detecting particulate lead without digestion were also demonstrated. Various sampling protocols were investigated, and a field sampling protocol was developed to specifically detect LSLs in the district under study. The field protocol was then tested successfully (agreement of 96%) in other city districts by means of excavation to confirm the presence of an LSL.
Formation and control of emerging C‐ and N‐DBPs in drinking water
Authors: Krasner Stuart W. , Mitch William A. , Westerhoff Paul , Dotson Aaron
Published: September 2012

A survey of 16 US drinking water treatment plants was conducted regarding the occurrence, formation, and control of emerging disinfection by‐products (DBPs), with a focus on drinking waters that were impacted by treated wastewater and/or algae. The formation and control trends of certain emerging carbonaceous (haloacetaldehyde) and nitrogenous (haloacetonitrile, halonitromethane, cyanogen halide, nitrosamine) DBPs were different from those of the regulated trihalomethanes (THMs). This was due to differences in the sources of precursors (e.g., humic substances versus proteinaceous materials) plus differences in the effect of disinfection processes on these DBPs. For example, ozone increased the formation potential (FP) of chloropicrin (median = 226%), whereas biofiltration typically decreased the FP of the ozonated water (median = 48%), which—together with coagulation or softening—resulted (in general) in a net decrease (median = 33%) in FP through the ozone plants. Alternatively, coagulation with the polymer polyDADMAC (a source of N‐nitrosodimethylamine [NDMA] precursor) increased the FP of NDMA (43‐82%), whereas ozonation often destroyed NDMAFP (median to maximum = 10‐87%). This article discusses how utilities can minimize and balance the formation of THMs and haloacetic acids with that of certain emerging DBPs.
Long Term Wind Trends Analysis of Coastal Belt of Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Alam Nayyar  , Nayyer Alam Zaigham  , Abdul Qadeer
Published: September 2012

Pakistan has a long coastal belt, stretched over an area of more than 1000 km from Indian border in east to Iranian border in west, which has varying nature of geomorphic, geologic and climatic setups. In view to understand the characteristic nature of the area in relevance to undertake the wind energy assessment study, it is imperative to carry out the time-series climatic analyses especially for the wind parameters. Pakistan coastal belt has its unique windy nature because of the monsoon period in summer and land-to-sea wind behavior in winter, which further varies respect to coastal geomorphologic features. A research study has been conducted to analyze the long term wind speed trends for the salient cities lying near the coast of Pakistan. The seasonal decomposition technique, i.e. multiplicative model, was applied for the wind trend analyses using the wind data of 60 years for five major cities namely Karachi, Badin & Hyderabad in Sindh province and Lasbella & Ormara in Balochistan province. The present study describes the methodology adopted for the calculation of long term wind speed trends and subsequent the results indicate different wind variables of long term time-series analyses for the selected five cities.
Atmospheric Metal Constituent, Concentration and Health Impacts in the Urban Environment of Faisalabad (Pakistan)
Authors: Muhammad Attique Khan Shahid  , Khadim Hussain  , Maryam Saeed Awan
Published: September 2012

Currently rapidly growing heavy metal pollution is a burning issue due to deteriorating air quality and health status of the inhabitants of the world. In the present study heavy metals in the solid aerosols as well as in the human blood samples from randomly selected sites related to Faisalabad environment were estimated using Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The order of concentration of these toxic metals were found to be Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd for solid aerosols while Cu>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cr>Cd for blood samples. Overall effect of all these elements present in solid aerosols and blood samples is 22.5 % and 23.11% respectively. The contribution of different kinds of industries is the major source of emission of these elements in the environment. From where these enter in the food web and food chain when deposited on land or inhaled by the inhabitants of the area concerned. Concentration factor and Pollution load index (PLI) were also calculated which showed the shifting of Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni from solid aerosols to human blood causing severe health hazards while Pb was the only element found in blood which has its origin other than solid aerosols. This state of affairs shows that atmosphere of Faisalabad has worsened to an extent that protective measures are urgently required to overcome the health hazards generated by these potentially toxic pollutants.
Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma landscape: pathological and molecular characterization
Authors: de Nonneville Alexandre , Kalbacher Elsa , Cannone Francesco , Guille Arnaud , Adelaïde José , Finetti Pascal , Cappiello Maria , Lambaudie Eric , Ettore Giuseppe , Charafe Emmanuelle , Mamessier Emilie , Provansal Magali , Bertucci François , Sabatier Renaud
Published: June 2024

Endometrioid ovarian cancers (EOvC) are usually managed as serous tumors. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive molecular investigation to uncover the distinct biological characteristics of EOvC. This retrospective multicenter study involved patients from three European centers. We collected clinical data and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples for analysis at the DNA level using panel‐based next‐generation sequencing and array‐comparative genomic hybridization. Additionally, we examined mRNA expression using NanoString nCounter® and protein expression through tissue microarray. We compared EOvC with other ovarian subtypes and uterine endometrioid tumors. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of molecular alterations on patient outcomes, including progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Preliminary analysis of clinical data from 668 patients, including 86 (12.9%) EOvC, revealed more favorable prognosis for EOvC compared with serous ovarian carcinoma (5‐year OS of 60% versus 45%; P = 0.001) driven by diagnosis at an earlier stage. Immunohistochemistry and copy number alteration (CNA) profiles of 43 cases with clinical data and FFPE samples available indicated that EOvC protein expression and CNA profiles were more similar to endometrioid endometrial tumors than to serous ovarian carcinomas. EOvC exhibited specific alterations, such as lower rates of PTEN loss, mutations in DNA repair genes, and P53 abnormalities. Survival analysis showed that patients with tumors harboring loss of PTEN expression had worse outcomes (median PFS 19.6 months vs. not reached; P = 0.034). Gene expression profile analysis confirmed that EOvC differed from serous tumors. However, comparison to other rare subtypes of ovarian cancer suggested that the EOvC transcriptomic profile was close to that of ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Downregulation of genes involved in the PI3K pathway and DNA methylation was observed in EOvC. In conclusion, EOvC represents a distinct biological entity and should be regarded as such in the development of specific clinical approaches.
Cholesteric Liquid Crystal‐Mediated Chiral Plasmonic Films with Strong Chiroptical Response, Dynamic Tunability, and Reversible Thermal Reconfigurability
Authors: Jung Jung Young , Shin Min Jeong , Kim Baekman , Pyo Ui Jeong , Son Jin Gyeong , Yoon Dong Ki , Han Sang Woo
Published: June 2024

Chiral assemblies of plasmonic nanocrystals (NCs) are of immense interest due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics and promising potential in future optoelectronic applications. Despite recent advances in the construction of chiral NC assemblies, most approaches have led to the formation of static irreversible structures with modest optical responses and limited configurational tunability. Herein, a way to prepare a thermally reconfigurable helical assembly of Au nanorods (AuNRs) with a strong chiroptical response is introduced by employing cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) as a chiral template. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and polarized optical microscopy are used to verify the strong chiroptical activity and dynamic optical tunability of chiral plasmonic film of AuNR–CLC composites and to unveil the interactions between constituents. For the system, chiral dopants are employed to induce strong helical procession along the hierarchical structure of the CLC template, resulting in a strong CD response, which can further be enhanced by increasing the amount of AuNRs. Furthermore, the thermotropic nature of the CLC template leads to the reversible on/off switching of the chiroptical responses of the system at a moderate temperature window with almost complete recovery of the original response, suggesting its feasibility as a promising material for chiral optoelectronic devices.
FUS Selectively Facilitates circRNAs Packing into Small Extracellular Vesicles within Hypoxia Neuron
Authors: Zang Jiankun , Wu Yousheng , Su Xuanlin , Cai Kaiwei , Ke Man , He Niu , Zhu Huili , Tan Zefeng , Zhu Jielin , He Wensheng , Peng Min , Zhang Shiqing , Mai Hongcheng , Xu Anding , Lu Dan
Published: June 2024

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) contain abundant circular RNAs (circRNAs) and are involved in cellular processes, particularly hypoxia. However, the process that packaging of circRNAs into neuronal sEVs under hypoxia is unclear. This study revealed the spatial mechanism of the Fused in Sarcoma protein (FUS) that facilitates the loading of functional circRNAs into sEVs in hypoxia neurons. It is found that FUS translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and is more enriched in hypoxic neuronal sEVs than in normal sEVs. Cytoplasmic FUS formed aggregates with the sEVs marker protein CD63 in cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) under hypoxic stress. Meanwhile, cytoplasmic FUS recruited of functional cytoplasmic circRNAs to SGs. Upon relief of hypoxic stress and degradation of SGs, cytoplasmic FUS is transported with those circRNAs from SGs to sEVs. Validation of FUS knockout dramatically reduced the recruitment of circRNAs from SGs and led to low circRNA loading in sEVs, which is also confirmed by the accumulation of circRNAs in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, it is showed that the FUS Zf_RanBP domain regulates the transport of circRNAs to sEVs by interacting with hypoxic circRNAs in SGs. Overall, these findings have revealed a FUS‐mediated transport mechanism of hypoxia‐related cytoplasmic circRNAs loaded into sEVs under hypoxic conditions.
SNORA28 Promotes Proliferation and Radioresistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells through the STAT3 Pathway by Increasing H3K9 Acetylation in the LIFR Promoter
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Hong , Fan Ying , Cai Dan , Lei Ridan , Wang Qi , Li Yaqiong , Shen Liping , Gu Yongqing , Zhang Qingtong , Qi Zhenhua , Wang Zhidong
Published: June 2024

Radiotherapy is essential for treating colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in advanced rectal cancer. However, the low radiosensitivity of CRC cells greatly limits radiotherapy efficacy. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNA that primarily direct post‐transcriptional modifications of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), and other cellular RNAs. While snoRNAs are involved in tumor progression and chemoresistance, their association with radiosensitivity remains largely unknown. Herein, SNORA28 is shown highly expressed in CRC and is positively associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, SNORA28 overexpression enhances the growth and radioresistance of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SNORA28 acts as a molecular decoy that recruits bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4), which increases the level of H3K9 acetylation at the LIFR promoter region. This stimulates LIFR transcription, which in turn triggers the JAK1/STAT3 pathway, enhancing the proliferation and radioresistance of CRC cells. Overall, these results highlight the ability of snoRNAs to regulate radiosensitivity in tumor cells and affect histone acetylation modification in the promoter region of target genes, thus broadening the current knowledge of snoRNA biological functions and the mechanism underlying target gene regulation.
Phase 3 randomized COMMODORE 1 trial: Crovalimab versus eculizumab in complement inhibitor‐experienced patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Scheinberg Phillip , Clé Diego Villa , Kim Jin Seok , Nur Erfan , Yenerel Mustafa N. , Barcellini Wilma , Bonito Debora , Giai Valentina , Hus Marek , Lee YooJin , Lekue Cristina Barrenetxea , Panse Jens , Ueda Yasutaka , Buatois Simon , Gentile Brittany , Kiialainen Anna , Patel Himika , Sreckovic Sasha , Uguen Marianne , Edwards John , Nagy Zsolt , Kulasekararaj Austin G.
Published: June 2024

Crovalimab, a novel C5 inhibitor, allows for low‐volume, every‐4‐ week, subcutaneous self‐administration. COMMODORE 1 (NCT04432584) is a phase 3, global, randomized trial evaluating crovalimab versus eculizumab in C5 inhibitor‐experienced patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Adults with lactate dehydrogenase ≤1.5 × upper limit of normal and receiving approved eculizumab doses for ≥24 weeks were randomized 1:1 to receive crovalimab (weight‐based tiered dosing) or continue eculizumab. The original primary study objective was efficacy; however, given the evolving treatment landscape, target recruitment was not met, and all efficacy endpoints became exploratory, with safety as the new primary objective. Exploratory efficacy endpoints included transfusion avoidance, hemolysis control, breakthrough hemolysis, hemoglobin stabilization, FACIT‐Fatigue score, and patient preference (crovalimab vs. eculizumab). Eighty‐nine patients were randomized (45 to crovalimab; 44 to eculizumab). During the 24‐week primary treatment period, adverse events (AEs) occurred in 77% of patients receiving crovalimab and 67% receiving eculizumab. No AEs led to treatment withdrawal or death, and no meningococcal infections occurred. 16% of crovalimab‐treated patients had transient immune complex reactions (also known as Type III hypersensitivity events), an expected risk when switching between C5 inhibitors that bind to different C5 epitopes; most were mild/moderate and all resolved without treatment modification. Crovalimab‐treated patients had sustained terminal complement activity inhibition, maintained disease control, and 85% preferred crovalimab over eculizumab. Together with phase 3 COMMODORE 2 results in complement inhibitor‐naive patients, these data support crovalimab's favorable benefit–risk profile. Crovalimab is a new C5 inhibitor for PNH that is potentially less burdensome than existing therapies for this lifelong disease.
An ANXA11 P93S variant dysregulates TDP‐43 and causes corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Snyder Allison , Ryan Veronica H. , Hawrot James , Lawton Sydney , Ramos Daniel M. , Qi Y. Andy , Johnson Kory R. , Reed Xylena , Johnson Nicholas L. , Kollasch Aaron W. , Duffy Megan F. , VandeVrede Lawren , Cochran J. Nicholas , Miller Bruce L. , Toro Camilo , Bielekova Bibiana , Marks Debora S. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Kwan Justin Y. , Cookson Mark R. , Ward Michael E.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) surged with affordable genetic testing, posing challenges for determining pathogenicity. We examine the pathogenicity of a novel VUS P93S in Annexin A11 (ANXA11) – an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia‐associated gene – in a corticobasal syndrome kindred. Established ANXA11 mutations cause ANXA11 aggregation, altered lysosomal‐RNA granule co‐trafficking, and transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) mis‐localization.

METHODS

We described the clinical presentation and explored the phenotypic diversity of ANXA11 variants. P93S's effect on ANXA11 function and TDP‐43 biology was characterized in induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons alongside multiomic neuronal and microglial profiling.

RESULTS

ANXA11 mutations were linked to corticobasal syndrome cases. P93S led to decreased lysosome colocalization, neuritic RNA, and nuclear TDP‐43 with cryptic exon expression. Multiomic microglial signatures implicated immune dysregulation and interferon signaling pathways.

DISCUSSION

This study establishes ANXA11 P93S pathogenicity, broadens the phenotypic spectrum of ANXA11 mutations, underscores neuronal and microglial dysfunction in ANXA11 pathophysiology, and demonstrates the potential of cellular models to determine variant pathogenicity.

Highlights

ANXA11 P93S is a pathogenic variant.

Corticobasal syndrome is part of the ANXA11 phenotypic spectrum.

Hybridization chain reaction fluorescence in situ hybridization (HCR FISH) is a new tool for the detection of cryptic exons due to TDP‐43‐related loss of splicing regulation.

Microglial ANXA11 and related immune pathways are important drivers of disease.

Cellular models are powerful tools for adjudicating variants of uncertain significance.
Investigation on UV/flame retardant protection of outdoor‐applied cotton fabrics by tannic acid/phytic acid system
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Shuping , Ma Jingjing , Zeng Yuan , Liu Rangtong
Published: June 2024

The ultraviolet/flame retardant protection cotton fabric is successfully prepared using a spray baking process with tannic acid (TA) and phytic acid (PA) as key ingredients to address the issues of cotton fabric such as high flammability and lack of ultraviolet (UV) resistance. With respect to the treated fabric by 4 wt% PA solution and 3 wt% TA solution, it presented 29.5% limited oxygen index (LOI) value, 8.0 cm damaged length and 26.4 ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), while they were 28.3%, 7.5 cm and 30.6 for treated fabric by 3 wt% PA solution and 4 wt% TA solution, which indicated that in the mixed system, although TA primarily acted as an anti‐UV agent, it also exhibited flame retardant properties, and PA primarily functioned as a flame retardant and could provide a certain degree of UV protection. The prepared cotton fabric through this facile method presented excellent UV/flame retardant protection capabilities, and improved the functional efficiency of TA and PA materials. Moreover, as‐prepared fabric showed great application potential, especially in outdoor‐applied fields such as sportswear, sunshade tents, sunshade hats, and so on.
Research progress of multifunctional anti‐icing composites materials
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Guo Huangying , Jiang Rijia , Wan Wenyu , Deng Pengcheng , Zhou Xing
Published: June 2024

The accumulation of ice and snow will have a great impact on industry and people's lives. People usually adopted active deicing method for deicing in the past, which is characterized by high energy consumption, low efficiency, and high cost. Passive anti‐icing materials are the most widely used due to their low icing adhesion strength and energy saving, but passive anti‐icing materials tend to lose anti‐icing performance after mechanical damage or following exposure to harsh environments resembling low temperatures, high humidity. Recently, new anti‐icing materials have been rationally designed through the combination of passive and active anti‐icing, exhibiting high‐efficiency and energy‐saving anti‐icing properties. The design idea is that low surface energy polymers combine photothermal and electrothermal particles to achieve photothermal and electrothermal superhydrophobic anti‐icing. Anti‐icing materials are easily damaged after long‐term outdoor use, so the self‐healing capabilities of the materials are important. This review briefly introduces the ice formation mechanism and anti‐icing methods, focusing on the recent progress in the structural design of superhydrophobic, photothermal, electrothermal, and self‐healing anti‐icing materials. The design of the new generation of anti‐icing materials will be a combination of active and passive anti‐icing, which can achieve ideal all‐weather anti‐icing and deicing and repair the damage during long‐term use.
Cellular metabolomics study of the antitumor mechanism of Sijunzi decoction combined with mitomycin C
Authors: Zhang Zhiru , Chen Yu , Bian Yanggang , Wang Tian Tian , Wang Miao
Published: June 2024

Mitomycin C (MMC) has an antitumor effect and is considered as a broad‐spectrum antibiotic. Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD), a well‐known ancient Chinese prescription, is widely used in the treatment of cancer when combined with chemotherapy drugs. Studies have shown that SJZD can be combined with other drugs to enhance the therapeutic effect against cancer and inhibit the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, but the specific mechanism is not clear. Thus, we hope to further explore the antitumor mechanism of combined SJZD and MMC. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2, 5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, western blot, 1H NMR and HPLC–MS were used to study the mechanism at the cellular level. The results show that the combined administration can have a more significant effect on inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, promoting their apoptosis. Based on metabolomics, 38 biomarkers were found in the MMC group and 43 biomarkers were found in the combined administration group. Among them, 18 unique biomarkers were discovered in the combined administration group. Studies have shown that the antitumor mechanism of combined administration is related to amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism, among which amino acid metabolism is the most important. In addition, SJZD achieves the effect of toxin reduction and efficiency enhancement by improving the body's immunity and improving the oxidative stress environment.
Visible Light‐Mediated Late‐Stage Thioetherification of Mercaptopurine Derivatives
Authors: Ge Yuhua , Peng Yijiang , Xie Ruoqian , Luo Yang , Li Yangyan , Chen Gang
Published: June 2024

We disclose herein a novel and general radical approach to alkylthiopurines, encompassing 4 types of thiopurines, as well as their corresponding ribosides. This strategy is achieved through visible light‐mediated late‐stage functionalization of the sulfur atoms of mercaptopurines. The in situ‐generated disulfide was proposed as the pivotal neutral intermediate for this transformation. We present herein a novel photo‐mediated homolytic C−S bond formation for the preparation of alkylthiopurines and alkylthiopurine nucleosides. Despite the presence of reactive sites for the Minisci reaction, chemoselective S‐alkylation remained the predominant pathway. This method allows for the late‐stage introduction of a broad spectrum of alkyl groups onto the sulfur atom of unprotective mercaptopurine derivatives, encompassing 2‐, 6‐, and 8‐mercaptopurine rings. Organoborons serve as efficient and eco‐friendly alkylating reagents, providing advantages in terms of readily availability, stability, and reduced toxicity. Further derivatization of the thioetherified nucleosides, together with anti‐tumor assays, led to the discovery of potent anti‐tumor agents with an IC50 value reaching 6.1 μM (Comp. 31 for Jurkat).
Supramolecular Complexation‐Enhanced CO2 Chemisorption in Amine‐Derived Sorbents
Authors: Li Errui , Li Bo , Ganesan Arvind , Qiu Liqi , Jiang De‐en , Mahurin Shannon M. , Pramanik Subhamay , Popovs Ilja , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng
Published: June 2024

A supramolecular complexation approach is developed to improve the CO2 chemisorption performance of solvent‐lean amine sorbents. Operando spectroscopy techniques reveal the formation of carbamic acid in the presence of a crown ether. The reaction pathway is confirmed by theoretical simulation, in which the crown ether acts as a proton acceptor and shuttle to drive the formation and stabilization of carbamic acid. Improved CO2 capacity and diminished energy consumption in sorbent regeneration are achieved.
Early Life Surgency, but not Effortful Control or Negative Affectivity, Is a Mediating Variable Between Maternal Pre‐Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Childhood Obesity Risk
Authors: Cho Nicole A. , Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Dewey Deborah , Reimer Raylene A.
Published: June 2024

Maternal gestational obesity is related to risk of obesity in the child. This risk may be in part mediated by altered child temperament, which can affect mother–child interactions, including feeding and soothing behaviors that affect obesity risk. Our objective was to examine the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and child zBMI and determine if child temperament, specifically positive Affectivity/Surgency, mediates this association. Using conditional process modeling, we analyzed data from 408 mother–child dyads enrolled in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Child temperament was assessed at 3 years of age via a parent report measure, the Child Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), and child zBMI was calculated from in‐person measurements of child height and weight at 4–5 years of age. Bivariate correlations showed that there was a significant positive correlation between zBMI and Surgency (r = 0.11, p = 0.03), and zBMI was also correlated with maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI (r = 0.12, p = 0.02). Multivariable regression revealed that maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI (adjusted β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.00–0.05, p = 0.02) and Surgency scores (adjusted β = 0.14, 95% CI; 0.02–0.28, p = 0.03) were associated with higher child zBMI at 4–5 years of age. Mediation analysis showed that Surgency mediated the association between pre‐pregnancy BMI and child zBMI. Our models controlled for maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, socioeconomic status, maternal anxiety and depression, and gestational age at birth. Overall, maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI was positively associated with child zBMI, and this association was mediated by higher child Surgency scores.
Feasibility of an Online Acute Stressor in Preschool Children of Mothers with Depression
Authors: Paton Allyson , Stienwandt Shaelyn , Penner‐Goeke Lara , Giuliano Ryan J. , Roos Leslie E.
Published: June 2024

Maternal depression is a risk factor for future mental health problems in offspring, with stress‐system function as a candidate vulnerability factor. Here we present initial validation of an online matching‐task (MT) paradigm in young children exposed to maternal depression (N = 40), a first in stressor‐paradigm research for this age group. Investigations of stress‐system reactivity that can be conducted online are an innovative assessment approach, accelerated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results indicate high feasibility, with a >75% data collection success rate across measures, similar‐to or better‐than in‐person success rates in young children. Overall, the online MT elicited significant heart rate but not cortisol reactivity. Individual differences in child mental health symptoms were a moderator of reactivity to the stressor such that children with lower, but not higher, behavioral problems exhibited the typical pattern of cortisol reactivity to the online MT. Results are aligned with allostatic load models, which suggest downregulation of stress‐system reactivity as a result of experiencing adversity and mental health vulnerability. Consistent with in‐person research, this suggests that an early phenotype for the emergence of behavior problems may be linked to altered stress‐system reactivity. Results hold potential clinical implications for intervention development and the future of online stress‐system research.

Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04639557; (Building Regulation in Dual Generations—Telehealth Model [BRIDGE]).