bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur Herstellung von Selbsthilfe-Räumen
Authors: Dangel Vera , Baumann Lukas , Anderl-Doliwa Brigitte
Published: September 2022

Der Beitrag diskutiert teilnehmend beobachtete Interaktionsdynamiken in Online-Selbsthilfegruppen zu Zeiten von Corona. Orientiert am Datenmaterial werden von den Teilnehmenden hervorgebrachte „Räume“ entlang der Thematiken „Atmosphäre“, „Gefühle“ und „strategische Aneignung“ vorgestellt. Die Analyse zeigt die Potenziale dialogisch ausgerichteter Begegnungsformate auf, welche eine von Solidarität geprägte Auseinandersetzung mit biographischen Verwundungen eröffnen und die Teilnehmenden als handelnde Subjekte in ihrer Begegnung mit als einschränkend wahrgenommenen sozialen Umweltbedingungen bestärken.
A prospective analysis of two studies that used the 5-mm interval slices and 5-mm margin-free method for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery without radiotherapy
Authors: Ohsumi Shozo , Nishimura Reiki , Masuda Norikazu , Akashi-Tanaka Sadako , Suemasu Kimito , Yamauchi Hideko , Tokunaga Eriko , Ikeda Tadashi , Nishi Tsunehiro , Hayashi Hiroto , Iino Yuichi , Takatsuka Yuichi , Ohashi Yasuo , Inaji Hideo
Published: September 2022

Background

Breast-conserving surgery with radiotherapy is one of standard treatments for early breast cancer. However, it is regarded as an option to treat elderly patients with small hormone receptor-positive breast cancer with breast-conserving surgery and hormone therapy without radiotherapy. We conducted two sequential prospective studies to examine the feasibility of breast-conserving surgery without radiotherapy since 2002 and present the results.

Patients and methods

Primary female breast cancer patients who fulfilled the strict eligibility criteria were prospectively enrolled in two sequential studies named WORTH 1 and 2. The surgical materials were sliced in 5-mm intervals and all slices were examined microscopically. Postoperative radiotherapy was not allowed, but tamoxifen or anastrozole was administered for 5 years. Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR)-free survival was the primary outcome.

Results

The data of the two studies were combined (N = 321). The median follow-up period for IBTR was 94 months (4–192 months). Only three patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. The 5- and 10-year IBTR-free rates were 97.0% and 90.5%, respectively. The age at operation and PR status affected IBTR rates independently. When we calculated IBTR-free rates of patients who were 65 years of age or older at the time of surgery and had PR-positive tumors, the 5- and 10-year IBTR rates were both 98.4%.

Conclusions

 Our “5-mm-thick slice and 5-mm free-margin” method may be effective to select patients who can be treated by breast-conserving surgery and hormone therapy without radiotherapy.
Assuming accuracy, pretending influence? Risks of measuring, monitoring and reporting sustainable development goals
Authors: Lyytimäki Jari , Eckert Nicolas , Lepenies Robert , Mosoni Claire , Mustajoki Jyri , Pedersen Anders Branth
Published: September 2022

From the local to global level, indicators and reports are produced and published to support the transition towards sustainable development. Building from two European-level science–policy workshops, this perspective essay discusses the types of risks involved with such sustainability reporting. The analysis is rooted in the framework of the UN 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals (SDG). As a globally adopted framework, it provides an example of how risks are either recognised and framed, or non-recognised. Well recognised risks include data availability for SDGs and siloed preparation of indicators, while risks receiving less attention are ritualistic reporting lacking a critical evaluation of the limitations of the SDG framework itself. These different risks are likely to reinforce each other. A specific risk is a too narrow focus on one-way communication aiming to inform individual policy decisions. Risks related to SDGs are best managed with iterative, integrative and interactive knowledge production fostering holistic understanding.
Unique sandwich design of high-efficiency heat-conducting phosphor-in-glass film for high-quality laser-driven white lighting
Authors: Peng Yang , Yu Zikang , Zhao Jiuzhou , Wang Qing , Liu Jiaxin , Sun Bo , Mou Yun , Chen Mingxiang
Published: September 2022

Multi-color phosphor-in-glass (PiG) film has been considered as a promising color converter in high-quality laser lighting owing to its outstanding merits of phosphor versatility, tunable luminescence, and simple preparation. However, the opto-thermal properties of PiG film are severely affected by the photon reabsorption and backward scattering of phosphor structure and the heat conduction of substrate. Herein, a unique sandwich design of phosphor structure was introduced in the multi-color PiG film for high-quality laser lighting. By elaborately synthesizing the borosilicate glass with low glass transition temperature (Tg), similar expansion coefficient, and high refractive index (RI), the sandwiched PiGs were prepared by sintering (~600 °C) broadband green and red phosphor glass films on the double sides of sapphire. The green and red PiG films were tightly coated on the sapphire with no delamination and maintained higher luminescence intensity than raw phosphors at high temperatures. By simultaneously coupling photon reabsorption and backward scattering, the sandwiched green PiG film—sapphire—red PiG film (G—S—R PiG) yields a high-quality white light with a high luminous efficacy of 163 lm/W and an excellent color rendering index (CRI) of 85.4 under a laser power of 2.4 W, which are the best comprehensive results yet reported. Benefiting from the ingenious sandwich design with heat-conducting sapphire and thin PiG films, the G—S—R PiG displays low working temperatures (< 200 °C) under high-power laser excitation. This work reveals the role of sandwiched phosphor structure in photon loss and heat dissipation, which provides a new strategy to design PiG films for high-quality laser lighting.
Australian Clinicians’ Considerations When Choosing an Assessment of Functioning Tool for Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Authors: D’Arcy Emily , Evans Kiah , Afsharnejad Bahareh , Milbourn Benjamin , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Bölte Sven , Girdler Sonya
Published: September 2022

Objectives

In the Australian disability context, the assessment of children with neurodevelopmental conditions’ functioning (across all domains) is of increasing importance, particularly since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Currently, there is wide variability across assessment of functioning practices, including the choice and use of published tools for assessment. Therefore, we sought to identify the tool characteristics and other factors clinicians consider when selecting an assessment of functioning tool for use with children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods

Using workshops and an online survey, 45 Australian medical and allied health clinicians (predominantly occupational therapists and psychologists) identified what they thought was ‘most important’ when selecting assessment of functioning tools for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. These qualitative responses were analysed using template analysis.

Results

Five main themes relating to a tool’s characteristics were identified: easy, feasible, fair, holistic, and useful. Within these themes, considerations relating to the measure itself, the clinician administering the tool and the individual being assessed were identified.

Conclusions

Characteristics raised by the clinicians align with frameworks described in the literature, pointing to the potential utility of these frameworks in guiding the development and evaluation of future assessment of functioning tools.
Comparisons of soil organic carbon enrichment and loss in sediments among red soil, black soil, and loess in China
Authors: Cao Zhongxuan , Chen Zhijun , Gao Junmei , Liu Lin , Zhu Hui , Yang Shuyan , Shao Yu , Wen Taoyi
Published: September 2022

Water erosion could cause wide and serious soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, but differences in SOC loss and enrichment in sediments among red soil, black soil, and loess in China have received less attention. This study investigates the transport of sediments and generation regulation of runoffs during the erosion process by collecting data from indoor or outdoor artificial simulated rainfall experiments and selecting typical regional rainfall intensity and slope gradient for bare cultivate soil slopes as well as 5–8 m length and 1.5–2 m width runoff plots or soil pans. Then, the change in SOC loss for the three widely distributed and seriously eroded soils, from south to north in China, is clarified. Results show that the stable value and growth rate of soil and SOC loss rates followed the following order: black soil < red soil < loess. The SOC loss rate of loess was more sensitive to rainfall intensity and slope gradient than those of the two other soils. The SOC enrichment ratio (ERocs) of the sediments of the red soil and loess soil is higher than that of the black soil, and this difference increases as the soil loss rate decreases. ERocs generally has a negative exponential relationship with soil loss, but it has a negative logarithmic relationship with soil loss for the loess soil with high aggregate and clay contents. SOC and clay content determine the SOC enrichment in sediments for different soils. In addition, this study provides recommendations for improving SOC dynamic models for soil under water erosion.
NSUN2-Mediated mRNA m5C Modification Regulates the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Dan , An Ke , Zhai Wenlong , Feng Luyao , Xu Yingjie , Sun Ran , Wang Yueqin , Yang Yun-Gui , Kan Quancheng , Tian Xin
Published: September 2022

RNA modifications affect many biological processes and physiological diseases. The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification regulates the progression of multiple tumors. However, its characteristics and functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Here, we found that HCC tissues had a higher m5C methylation level than the adjacent normal tissues. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the hypermethylated genes mainly participated in the phosphokinase signaling pathways, such as the Ras and PI3K-Akt pathways. The m5C methyltransferase NSUN2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues. Interestingly, the expression of many genes was positively correlated with the expression of NSUN2, including GRB2, RNF115, AATF, ADAM15, RTN3, and HDGF. Real-time PCR assays further revealed that the expression of the mRNAs of GRB2, RNF115, and AATF decreased significantly with the down-regulation of NSUN2 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, NSUN2 could regulate the cellular sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib via modulating the Ras signaling pathway. Moreover, knocking down NSUN2 caused cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our study demonstrates the vital role of NSUN2 in the progression of HCC.
Bureaucratic valves: paperwork as a contested tool in the international transfer of the franc CFA in Congo-Brazzaville
Authors: Ning Rundong
Published: September 2022

Africanists have written much about interactions between multiple currencies in Africa, yet paperwork-based regulations that apply to these interactions remain less studied. Meanwhile, ethnographic studies of paperwork examine the roles of documents more in state administration than in commercial transactions. Based on ethnographic research with individuals and institutions involved in the international transfer of the franc CFA in Congo-Brazzaville during a severe foreign exchange (forex) shortage from 2016 to 2021, this article argues that the participants in forex transactions manoeuvre paperwork to regulate the speed of the forex outflow – where paperwork functions as what I term ‘bureaucratic valves’. Responding to the outflow of forex caused by the oil price slump since 2015, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) required numerous documents from buyers of forex to justify their demand. This policy slowed down international money transfers because it took more effort to meet the paperwork requirements. Yet banks, money-transfer agencies and individuals in Congo subsequently developed their own paperwork-based mechanisms to cope with this change. These manoeuvres show that paperwork is a flexible and essential tool for adjusting transactions for different participants, especially in the money markets and in (central) banking in Africa.
The meaning and uses of privatization: the case of the Ethiopian developmental state
Authors: Collins Christina Tekie
Published: September 2022

Not long after his election as prime minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed declared that the country would privatize state-owned enterprises (SOEs) such as Ethiopian Airlines and Ethio Telcom, opening up sectors once considered off limits to foreign capital as part of hismedemerreforms. On the surface, it might appear as if the Ethiopian leader was signalling a greater embrace of neoliberal (or market liberalizing) policies through his advocacy of privatization. However, this article interprets the call not as an ‘opening up’ to the demands of global capitalism, but as a calculated policy decision existing within the logics of the state’s developmentalist ideology. Through an analysis of the intellectual foundations and institutional evolution of the country’s privatization programme, I argue that the Ethiopian government privatizes SOEs as a revenue-generating strategy that augments state economic power by capitalizing on incomes gained through development investments – using the case of the domestic beer industry as my ethnographic example. By doing this, I unsettle assumptions about the meaning and uses of privatization within a developmentalist framework, demonstrating how Ethiopian leaders contend with global ideas, producing innovative strategies of resource mobilization to promote economic growth while protecting local sovereignty – a distinct form of African state capitalism.
Researching Africa and the offshore world
Authors: Soares De Oliveira Ricardo
Published: September 2022

One of the key features of today's global economy is an ‘offshore world’ of financial structures, institutions and techniques designed to provide secrecy, asset protection and tax exemption. While its worldwide impact is very significant, Africa is affected to an unusual extent by the strategies of tax avoidance/evasion, outward financial flows (both legal and illegal) and corruption enabled by the offshore world. This is corroborated by a number of quantitative studies of capital flight as well as by influential investigations such as the Pandora Papers, Panama Papers and Luanda Leaks. The offshore world's limited presence in the study of contemporary African politics, political economy and international relations is therefore striking. The purpose of this exploratory paper is to highlight this gap, provide a preliminary analysis, and suggest that the politics of African insertion in the global offshore economy merits more attention from scholars of African politics.
Barriers and facilitators to multidimensional symptom management in palliative care: A focus group study among patient representatives and clinicians
Authors: van der Stap Lotte , de Heij Albert H. , van der Heide Agnes , Reyners Anna K.L. , van der Linden Yvette M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

It is widely acknowledged that co-occurring symptoms in patients with a psychosocial and spiritual aspects should also be considered. However, this multidimensional approach is difficult to integrate into daily practice, especially for generalist clinicians not specialized in palliative care. We aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to multidimensional symptom management.

Methods

Focus group meetings were conducted with the following stakeholders: (1) patient representatives, (2) generalist community nurses, (3) generalist hospital nurses, (4) general practitioners, (5) generalist hospital physicians, and (6) palliative care specialists. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Results

Fifty-one participants (6–12 per group) reported barriers and facilitators with 3 main themes: multidimensional symptom assessment, initiating management of nonphysical problems, and multidisciplinary collaboration. As barriers, generalist clinicians and palliative care specialists reported that generalist clinicians often lack the communication skills to address nonphysical problems and are unaware of available resources for multidimensional symptom management. Palliative care specialists felt that generalist clinicians may be unaware that assessing nonphysical problems is important and focus on pharmacological interventions. Generalist nurses and palliative care specialists indicated that hierarchical difficulties between them and generalist physicians are barriers to multidisciplinary collaboration. Reported facilitators included using symptom assessment scales and standardized questions on nonphysical problems.

Significance of results

Generalist clinicians can be supported by improving their communication skills, increasing their awareness of available resources for multidimensional symptom management, and by using a standardized approach to assess all 4 dimensions of palliative care.
Swords, sandals, and toasted panini: delivering cine-antiquity to sixth form students
Authors: Bragg Edward
Published: September 2022

Teachers of Classics in sixth form colleges and secondary schools regularly provide extra-curricular activities alongside their bread-and-butter classes in Latin, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, and Greek. With the on-going squeeze on the provision of these four classical subjects, it is inevitable that teachers of Classics look to other areas within their schools and colleges both to maintain and to promote the face of Classics. The purpose of this paper is to explain the delivery and the thinking behind a weekly extra-curricular activity called ‘Classics on Film’ that was set up at Peter Symonds College in 2018 and which has now continued for four years. This activity encompasses cine-antiquity; in other words, a class that focuses on films depicting the ancient world. By breaking down this project and some of its results, this paper aims to give teachers of Classics and others awareness of the methods, resources, and challenges when delivering an extra-curricular activity on cine-antiquity. Furthermore, it aims to provide a model that other teachers might adapt or use as a springboard for their own bespoke cine-antiquity activity.1
Seed germination responses of broomrape species (Phelipanche ramosa and Phelipanche aegyptiaca) to various sanitation chemicals
Authors: Hosseini Pershang , Osipitan O. Adewale , Mesgaran Mohsen B.
Published: September 2022

Branched broomrape, an obligate root parasitic weed, has recently re-emerged in tomato fields in several California counties. California produces more tomato than any other state, and the outbreak of this noxious weed could potentially wreak havoc on the industry’s economy. Preventive measures must be taken to stop or reduce the spread of branched broomrape seeds to other areas. Branched broomrape can produce thousands of tiny seeds, which can easily spread with farm machinery over short and long distances. To prevent branched broomrape seed dispersal, sanitation and disinfection of farm equipment are necessary before entering a new farm. We tested the effectiveness of various ammonium compounds, including didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBC), didecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DDAB), ammonium bromide (AB), and ammonium chloride (AC) on prevention of branched broomrape seed germination. Dose-response analysis showed that three chemical products, ADBC, DDAB, and DDAC, could completely inhibit branched broomrape seeds (potentially making them nonviable) at 1%, 1%, and 10% wt/vol concentrations, respectively. These three compounds were further tested in an exposure duration experiment that additionally included Egyptian broomrape. Only 10 min of exposure to these compounds was needed to prevent germination of both branched and Egyptian broomrape seeds at 1% (ADBC, DDAB) and 10% wt/vol (DDAC). Lower concentrations can provide similar inhibition effects when combined with longer exposure times. Egyptian broomrape seeds were more sensitive than branched broomrape seeds. Findings suggest that quaternary ammonium compounds could be used as potential sanitation agents to disinfect agriculture machinery from branched and Egyptian broomrape seeds.
Quantifying Sub‐Meter Surface Heterogeneity on Mars Using Off‐Axis Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) Data
Authors: McKeeby B. E. , Ramsey M. S. , Tai Udovicic C. J. , Haberle C. , Edwards C. S.
Published: September 2022

Surface heterogeneities below the spatial resolution of thermal infrared (TIR) instruments result in anisothermality and can produce emissivity spectra with negative slopes toward longer wavelengths. Sloped spectra arise from an incorrect assumption of either a uniform surface temperature or a maximum emissivity during the temperature‐emissivity separation of radiance data. Surface roughness and lateral mixing of different sub‐pixel surface units result in distinct spectral slopes with magnitudes proportional to the degree of temperature mixing. Routine Off‐nadir Targeted Observations (ROTO) of the Thermal Emission Imaging Spectrometer (THEMIS) are used here for the first time to investigate anisothermality below the spatial resolution of THEMIS. The southern flank of Apollinaris Mons and regions within the Medusae Fossae Formation are studied using THEMIS ROTO data acquired just after local sunset. We observe a range of sloped TIR emission spectra dependent on the magnitude of temperature differences within a THEMIS pixel. Spectral slopes and wavelength‐dependent brightness temperature differences are forward‐modeled for a series of two‐component surfaces of varying thermal inertia values. Our results imply that differing relative proportions of rocky and unconsolidated surface units are observed at each ROTO viewing geometry and suggest a local rock abundance six times greater than published results that rely on nadir data. High‐resolution visible images of these regions indicate a mixture of surface units from boulders to dunes, providing credence to the model.
Can Decommissioned Mines Become Green Power Generators?
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: September 2022

A new report supports the idea that underground mines can be transformed into energy storage facilities, adding the possibility of on-demand, carbon-free power to energy grids.
Rapidly Changing Emissions Drove Substantial Surface and Tropospheric Ozone Increases Over Southeast Asia
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Fu Tzung‐May , Zhang Lin , Lu Xiao , Liu Xiong , Amnuaylojaroen Teerachai , Latif Mohd Talib , Ma Yaping , Zhang Lijuan , Feng Xu , Zhu Lei , Shen Huizhong , Yang Xin
Published: September 2022

We combined observations and simulations to assess tropospheric ozone trends over Southeast Asia from 2005 to 2016. Multi‐platform observations showed that surface ozone had been increasing at rates of 0.7–1.2 ppb year−1 over the Peninsular Southeast Asia (PSEA) and 0.2–0.4 ppb year−1 over the Maritime Continents (MC); tropospheric ozone columns had been rising throughout Southeast Asia by 0.21–0.35 DU year−1. These observed ozone trends were better reproduced by simulations driven with satellite‐constrained NOx emissions, indicating that NOx emission growths may have been underestimated for the PSEA and overestimated for the MC in the Community Emissions Data System and the Global Fire Emissions Data set. The surface ozone increases over the PSEA were driven by rapidly growing local emissions, wherein fire emission growths may still be underestimated even with satellite constraints. We highlighted the need for better quantifying Southeast Asian emissions to benefit air quality management.
Inconsistent Frequency Trends Between Hourly and Daily Precipitation During Warm Season in Mainland of China
Authors: Lei Miao , Li Jiming , Zhang Lijie , Deng Cong , Li Yarong , He Jianjun
Published: September 2022

Precipitation change is determined by changes in frequency and intensity. Based on hourly and daily precipitation data sets in China (1961–2014) and CMIP6 model, this study found that observed inconsistency in the frequency trend at the two time resolutions (hourly and daily) reflected precipitation becoming more concentrated at 13.4% of stations, resulting in the specific precipitation phenomenon of “more hours in one day, but fewer days.” However, models exhibited opposite precipitation phenomenon at 16.5% of stations and cannot reproduce the widespread increase in the proportion of extreme precipitation amounts (PA) in the total PA, especially at an hourly resolution. Although stations with significant trend from CMIP6 approximately twice the observation, both CMIP6 and observations showed that frequency and intensity changes dominated the total PA trend at hourly and daily time resolutions, respectively. These results demonstrated that daily precipitation observations could not fully capture the important features of short‐duration rainfall.
Ionospheric Oxygen Outflows Directly Injected Into the Inner Magnetosphere: Van Allen Probes Statistics
Authors: Liu Z.‐Y. , Zong Q.‐G.
Published: September 2022

Ionospheric oxygen outflows (IOOs) are frequently observed in Earth's inner magnetosphere. As a potential fast mass source of the inner magnetosphere, they have been extensively studied for decades. In this study, we identified 271 IOO events from 6‐year Van Allen Probes (VAPs) data and conducted a statistical study to reveal when, where, and how they occur. All the events are observed in the nightside magnetosphere, with the occurrence rate peaking at the L‐shells corresponding to the auroral oval. The spatial scale of IOOs in the equatorial plane is estimated from the two‐spacecraft configuration of the VAP mission. The results show that, in statistics, IOOs are 3.9‐hr wide in magnetic local time and 1.0‐Earth radius wide in L‐shell. Further investigation shows that IOOs would shift to lower L‐shells and occupy a larger L‐shell extent as the AE index increases. Analysis of the environment conditions reveals that IOOs are statistically associated with AE‐index enhancements, ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves, and magnetic field dipolarization, but not with any systematic variations in the SYM‐H index and the solar wind parameters. From this observation, we suggest that geomagnetic substorms and substorm‐associated processes (e.g., ULF waves) are potential triggers of inner‐magnetosphere IOOs.
Comparison of Arctic and Antarctic Stratospheric Climates in Chemistry Versus No‐Chemistry Climate Models
Authors: Morgenstern Olaf , Kinnison Douglas E. , Mills Michael , Michou Martine , Horowitz Larry W. , Lin Pu , Deushi Makoto , Yoshida Kohei , O’Connor Fiona M. , Tang Yongming , Abraham N. Luke , Keeble James , Dennison Fraser , Rozanov Eugene , Egorova Tatiana , Sukhodolov Timofei , Zeng Guang
Published: September 2022

Using nine chemistry‐climate and eight associated no‐chemistry models, we investigate the persistence and timing of cold episodes occurring in the Arctic and Antarctic stratosphere during the period 1980–2014. We find systematic differences in behavior between members of these model pairs. In a first group of chemistry models whose dynamical configurations mirror their no‐chemistry counterparts, we find an increased persistence of such cold polar vortices, such that these cold episodes often start earlier and last longer, relative to the times of occurrence of the lowest temperatures. Also the date of occurrence of the lowest temperatures, both in the Arctic and the Antarctic, is often delayed by 1–3 weeks in chemistry models, versus their no‐chemistry counterparts. This behavior exacerbates a widespread problem occurring in most or all models, a delayed occurrence, in the median, of the most anomalously cold day during such cold winters. In a second group of model pairs there are differences beyond just ozone chemistry. In particular, here the chemistry models feature more levels in the stratosphere, a raised model top, and differences in non‐orographic gravity wave drag versus their no‐chemistry counterparts. Such additional dynamical differences can completely mask the above influence of ozone chemistry. The results point toward a need to retune chemistry‐climate models versus their no‐chemistry counterparts.
Early Mesozoic Anatexis‐Induced Strain Partitioning and Gneiss Doming in the Yunkai Massif, South China: A Response to Contrasted Dynamics of Paleo‐Pacific and Paleo‐Tethys Subductions?
Authors: Cochelin Bryan , Wang Bo , Liu Jiashuo , Lu Shenghua , Shu Liangshu , Gumiaux Charles , Chen Yan , Song Fang
Published: September 2022

This study aims to decipher the structural impact of late anatexis in the core of polycyclic basements, like the Cathaysia Block (South China). Based on field mapping and detailed structural and kinematic analyses in the southern part of the Yunkai massif, we document anatexis‐induced strain partitioning and gneiss dome formation. The exhumation of migmatites within gneiss domes occurred in a context of NE‐SW regional extension coupled with syn‐anatexis (a) horizontal lateral flow and vertical one in their cores, (b) strike‐slip dominated flow at the limbs of domes, and (c) constrictive lateral flow at the external parts. Petrographic and microstructural analyses suggest that the cores of the gneiss domes and plutons recorded magmatic to sub‐solidus deformation while strain localization at the top of gneiss domes is characterized by retrogressive shearing. Zircons U‐Pb dating of diatexites and late‐kinematic plutons give coherent crystallization ages of ca. 240 Ma, suggesting that the regional partial melting and gneiss doming occurred in the Triassic and probably as early as Late Permian, rather than during the Early Paleozoic as previously thought. A regional NE‐SW lateral flow in the deep crust is fully compatible with NW‐SE horizontal shortening, as also exemplified for Late Permian to Middle Triassic times in the whole Cathaysia and the Xuefengshan belt. Therefore, the Yunkai massif should no longer be considered as belonging to the Indosinian belt, instead, orogen‐parallel crustal flow in the Yunkai massif looks rather controlled by the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate at the eastern margin of the South China Block.
Intraprocedural cortisol testing improves adrenal vein cannulation success and diagnostic accuracy in assessment of primary aldosteronism, in a medium throughput centre
Authors: Umapathysivam Mahesh M. , Morgan Bethany , Bischoff Carmen , Hayes Annabelle , Wilks Michael , Stowasser Michael , Torpy David J.
Published: September 2022

Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Identifying individuals who have unilateral secretion from aldosterone secreting adenomas allows adrenalectomy. Surgical treatment when feasible may be superior to medical management with improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced medication dependence. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is required to biochemically lateralise aldosterone secretion prior to adrenalectomy. However, diagnostic success of AVS is variable and can be poor even at tertiary centres; failure is largely due to unsuccessful adrenal vein cannulation. Intra-procedural rapid semiquantitative cortisol testing (RCT) identifies correct catheter placement in real time. We compared diagnostic success rates of AVS before and after the introduction of intraprocedural cortisol testing at the Royal Adelaide Hospital—a medium throughput tertiary centre (average 6.2 procedures a year over the last 8 years). We observed an increase in success rate from 63% to 94%. Intraprocedural cortisol testing also led to a net financial saving of ~$100 AUD per procedure. RCT is likely to be cost effective if pre-RCT success rate is less than 78%. Procedure time and number of samples collected, however, were increased with RCT. This suggests that intraprocedural cortisol testing will improve success in low to medium throughput centres and may make AVS feasible in less specialised centres.
Psychosis spectrum illnesses as disorders of prefrontal critical period plasticity
Authors: Vinogradov Sophia , Chafee Matthew V. , Lee Erik , Morishita Hirofumi
Published: September 2022

Emerging research on neuroplasticity processes in psychosis spectrum illnesses—from the synaptic to the macrocircuit levels—fill key gaps in our models of pathophysiology and open up important treatment considerations. In this selective narrative review, we focus on three themes, emphasizing alterations in spike-timing dependent and Hebbian plasticity that occur during adolescence, the critical period for prefrontal system development: (1) Experience-dependent dysplasticity in psychosis emerges from activity decorrelation within neuronal ensembles. (2) Plasticity processes operate bidirectionally: deleterious environmental and experiential inputs shape microcircuits. (3) Dysregulated plasticity processes interact across levels of scale and time and include compensatory mechanisms that have pathogenic importance. We present evidence that—given the centrality of progressive dysplastic changes, especially in prefrontal cortex—pharmacologic or neuromodulatory interventions will need to be supplemented by corrective learning experiences for the brain if we are to help people living with these illnesses to fully thrive.
ACE2 deficiency exacerbates obesity-related glomerulopathy through its role in regulating lipid metabolism
Authors: Chen Yin-Yin , Hong Han , Lei Yu-Ting , Zou Jia , Yang Yi-Ya , He Li-Yu
Published: September 2022

Obesity-related glomerulopathy is a secondary glomerular disease and its incidence has been increased globally in parallel with the obesity epidemic. ORG emerged as a growing cause of end-stage renal disease in recent years. Unbalanced production of adipokines at the adipose tissue as well as low-grade inflammatory processes play central roles in ORG progression. ORG mouse model with ACE2-knockout was generated and kidney injury was evaluated by biochemistry and histological staining assays. Protein and mRNA expressions were quantified by ELISA, western blot or qRT-PCR methods. ACE2 deficiency aggravated ORG-related renal injuries and stimulated both lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses. Further, Nrf2 pathway was deactivated upon ACE2-knockout. By contrast, ACE2 overexpression reactivated Nrf2 pathway and ameliorated ORG symptoms by decreasing fat deposition and reducing inflammatory responses. Our data demonstrated that ACE2 exerted the beneficial effects by acting through Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting the protective role of ACE2 against lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in ORG pathogenesis.
Data-augmentation for graph neural network learning of the relaxed energies of unrelaxed structures
Authors: Gibson Jason , Hire Ajinkya , Hennig Richard G.
Published: September 2022

Computational materials discovery has grown in utility over the past decade due to advances in computing power and crystal structure prediction algorithms (CSPA). However, the computational cost of the ab initio calculations required by CSPA limits its utility to small unit cells, reducing the compositional and structural space the algorithms can explore. Past studies have bypassed unneeded ab initio calculations by utilizing machine learning to predict the stability of a material. Specifically, graph neural networks trained on large datasets of relaxed structures display high fidelity in predicting formation energy. Unfortunately, the geometries of structures produced by CSPA deviate from the relaxed state, which leads to poor predictions, hindering the model’s ability to filter unstable material. To remedy this behavior, we propose a simple, physically motivated, computationally efficient perturbation technique that augments training data, improving predictions on unrelaxed structures by 66%. Finally, we show how this error reduction can accelerate CSPA.
The role of CPT1A as a biomarker of breast cancer progression: a bioinformatic approach
Authors: Das Mitali , Giannoudis Athina , Sharma Vijay
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy of women and with its incidence on the rise, the need to identify new targets for treatment is imperative. There is a growing interest in the role of lipid metabolism in cancer. Carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1 (CPT-1); the rate limiting step in fatty acid oxidation, has been shown to be overexpressed in a range of tumours. There are three isoforms of CPT-1; A, B and C. It is CPT-1A that has been shown to be the predominant isoform which is overexpressed in breast cancer. We performed a bioinformatic analysis using readily available online platforms to establish the prognostic and predictive effects related to CPT-1A expression. These include the KM plotter, the Human Protein Atlas, the cBioPortal, the G2O, the MethSurvand the ROC plotter. A Network analysis was performed using the Oncomine platform and signalling pathways constituting the cancer hallmarks, including immune regulation as utilised by NanoString. The epigenetic pathways were obtained from the EpiFactor website. Spearman correlations (r) to determine the relationship between CPT-1A and the immune response were obtained using the TISIDB portal. Overexpression of CPT-1A largely confers a worse prognosis and CPT-1A progressively recruits a range of pathways as breast cancer progresses. CPT-1A’s interactions with cancer pathways is far wider than previously realised and includes associations with epigenetic regulation and immune evasion pathways, as well as wild-type moderate to high penetrant genes involved in hereditary breast cancer. Although CPT-1A genomic alterations are detected in 9% of breast carcinomas, both the alteration and the metagene associated with it, confers a poor prognosis. CPT-1A expression can be utilised as a biomarker of disease progression and as a potential therapeutic target.
Development of a duplex qPCR assay with locked nucleic acid probes for A, B and E kappa-casein variants detection
Authors: Jiménez-Montenegro L. , Mendizabal J. A. , Alfonso L. , Azparren L. , Urrutia O.
Published: September 2022

Milk proteins determine important milk technological characteristics. Among caseins, Ƙ-casein has been correlated with fat and protein content and cheese yield. Fourteen Ƙ-caseins variants have been described but the alleles A, B and E are the most important ones due to their frequency and/or influence on the technological aptitudes of milk. Therefore, in the present study two different duplex qPCR assays with locked nucleic acid probes (for positions 13104 and 13124 of the Ƙ-casein gene) were developed for the detection of A, B and E variants. Firstly, DNA isolation method from milk somatic cells and hair was optimised. The developed 13124-qPCR assay showed an increased sensitivity reaching up to 6.7 copies DNA copies/reaction at a 95% confidence level with A, B and E alleles reference samples. The 13104-qPCR assay reached up to 6.7 DNA copies/reaction for A allele reference sample and 67 DNA copies/reaction for B and E samples. Intra-assay variation results were below 6%. Applicability was determined using DNA samples from animals with known genotype for Ƙ-casein (AA, AB, BB, BE, AE, EE) and both assays were able to discriminate among the six genotypes with 100% accuracy. Thus, this qPCR method represents a sensitive and rapid option for the detection of Ƙ-casein alleles in both hair and milk samples.
Plant produced endotoxin binding recombinant proteins effectively remove endotoxins from protein samples
Authors: Khan Md Rezaul Islam , Thangarasu Muthamilselvan , Kang Hyangju , Hwang Inhwan
Published: September 2022

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are highly toxic compounds, even at a trace amount. When recombinant proteins are produced in E. coli, it is inevitable that LPS contaminates. However, LPS removal is still technically challenging and costly due to the high degree of solubility in a wide range of solvents. In this study, we explored the possibility of using the N-terminal region containing cysteine-rich, EGF-like, and sushi1–3 domains (CES3) of Factor C from the horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda to develop a platform to remove LPS from recombinant proteins. We expressed CES3 as part of a recombinant protein, BiP:NT:CBM3:SUMO:CES3:His:HDEL, in Nicotiana benthamiana and found that purified or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) bead-immobilised CES3 showed strong binding to LPS-containing E. coli. To produce CES3:CBM3 in an LPS-free environment, we generated Arabidopsis transgenic plants harbouring a recombinant gene, BiP:NT:SUMO:CES3:CBM3:HDEL, and found that transgenic plants mainly produce CES3:CBM3:His:HDEL, a truncated version of BiP:NT:SUMO:CES3:CBM3:HDEL via endogenous protease-mediated proteolytic processing in vivo. CES3:CBM3:HDEL purified from Arabidopsis plant extracts and immobilised onto MCC beads removed LPS contamination from protein samples. We propose that the CES3:CBM3 fusion protein produced in plants and immobilised on MCC beads can be a robust and easy platform for LPS removal from recombinant proteins.
Strata behaviour and stability control of the automatic roadway formation by roof cutting below a fault influenced longwall goaf
Authors: Gao Yubing , Gai Qiukai , Zhang Kedong , Fu Qiang , Zhang Xingxing
Published: September 2022

Automatic roadway formation by roof cutting (ARFRC) is a novel nonpillar mining method that has the potential to dramatically increase coal recovery while reducing the roadway excavation ratio. When this method is used below a fault influenced longwall goaf, large deformation and support failure occur in the roadway using conventional roadway formation techniques. In the study, the ARFRC method was tested in the Liliu mining area of China, which is characterized by goafs and faults. Field experiments and numerical modelling were used to evaluate the stability of the roadway by analysing the behaviour of overlying strata under the special geological condition. The results show that the surroundings of the formed roadway were greatly affected by the fault and the overlying coal pillar in the goaf. In the fault- and coal pillar-affected areas, the loads on the roadway roof increased by approximately 35% and 15%, respectively. According to the strata behaviour of the formed roadway surroundings, targeted support techniques for ARFRC were proposed, and the reliability of the support techniques were demonstrated by field practice.
Accurate and fast identification of minimally prepared bacteria phenotypes using Raman spectroscopy assisted by machine learning
Authors: Thomsen Benjamin Lundquist , Christensen Jesper B. , Rodenko Olga , Usenov Iskander , Grønnemose Rasmus Birkholm , Andersen Thomas Emil , Lassen Mikael
Published: September 2022

The worldwide increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to human health. To avert the spread of AMR, fast reliable diagnostics tools that facilitate optimal antibiotic stewardship are an unmet need. In this regard, Raman spectroscopy promises rapid label- and culture-free identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in a single step. However, even though many Raman-based bacteria-identification and AST studies have demonstrated impressive results, some shortcomings must be addressed. To bridge the gap between proof-of-concept studies and clinical application, we have developed machine learning techniques in combination with a novel data-augmentation algorithm, for fast identification of minimally prepared bacteria phenotypes and the distinctions of methicillin-resistant (MR) from methicillin-susceptible (MS) bacteria. For this we have implemented a spectral transformer model for hyper-spectral Raman images of bacteria. We show that our model outperforms the standard convolutional neural network models on a multitude of classification problems, both in terms of accuracy and in terms of training time. We attain more than 96% classification accuracy on a dataset consisting of 15 different classes and 95.6% classification accuracy for six MR–MS bacteria species. More importantly, our results are obtained using only fast and easy-to-produce training and test data.
Quaternary structure of patient-homogenate amplified α-synuclein fibrils modulates seeding of endogenous α-synuclein
Authors: Frieg Benedikt , Geraets James A. , Strohäker Timo , Dienemann Christian , Mavroeidi Panagiota , Jung Byung Chul , Kim Woojin S. , Lee Seung-Jae , Xilouri Maria , Zweckstetter Markus , Schröder Gunnar F.
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) are progressive and unremitting neurological diseases that are neuropathologically characterized by α-synuclein inclusions. Increasing evidence supports the aggregation of α-synuclein in specific brain areas early in the disease course, followed by the spreading of α-synuclein pathology to multiple brain regions. However, little is known about how the structure of α-synuclein fibrils influence its ability to seed endogenous α-synuclein in recipient cells. Here, we aggregated α-synuclein by seeding with homogenates of PD- and MSA-confirmed brain tissue, determined the resulting α-synuclein fibril structures by cryo-electron microscopy, and characterized their seeding potential in mouse primary oligodendroglial cultures. The combined analysis shows that the two patient material-amplified α-synuclein fibrils share a similar protofilament fold but differ in their inter-protofilament interface and their ability to recruit endogenous α-synuclein. Our study indicates that the quaternary structure of α-synuclein fibrils modulates the seeding of α-synuclein pathology inside recipient cells. It thus provides an important advance in the quest to understand the connection between the structure of α-synuclein fibrils, cellular seeding/spreading, and ultimately the clinical manifestations of different synucleinopathies.
Structural analysis of human CEACAM1 oligomerization
Authors: Gandhi Amit K. , Sun Zhen-Yu J. , Huang Yu-Hwa , Kim Walter M. , Yang Chao , Petsko Gregory A. , Beauchemin Nicole , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: September 2022

The human (h) CEACAM1 GFCC’ face serves as a binding site for homophilic and heterophilic interactions with various microbial and host ligands. hCEACAM1 has also been observed to form oligomers and micro-clusters on the cell surface which are thought to regulate hCEACAM1-mediated signaling. However, the structural basis for hCEACAM1 higher-order oligomerization is currently unknown. To understand this, we report a hCEACAM1 IgV oligomer crystal structure which shows how GFCC’ face-mediated homodimerization enables highly flexible ABED face interactions to arise. Structural modeling and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies predict that such oligomerization is not impeded by the presence of carbohydrate side-chain modifications. In addition, using UV spectroscopy and NMR studies, we show that oligomerization is further facilitated by the presence of a conserved metal ion (Zn++ or Ni++) binding site on the G strand of the FG loop. Together these studies provide biophysical insights on how GFCC’ and ABED face interactions together with metal ion binding may facilitate hCEACAM1 oligomerization beyond dimerization.
A semiconducting uranium–organic framework based on a tetrathiafulvalene derivative
Authors: Zhai Fuwan , Li Hui , Gui Daxiang , Xia Chuanqin , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: September 2022

A rare kind of semiconducting actinide-based metal–organic framework SCU-125 was designed and synthesized.
High-performance Sb2S3 photoanode enabling iodide oxidation reaction for unbiased photoelectrochemical solar fuel production
Authors: Park Young Sun , Jin Xiaoyan , Tan Jeiwan , Lee Hyungsoo , Yun Juwon , Ma Sunihl , Jang Gyumin , Kim Taehoon , Shim Sang Gi , Kim Kyungmin , Lee Jeongyoub , Lee Chan Uk , Hwang Seong-Ju , Moon Jooho
Published: September 2022

The Sb2S3-based photoanode is combined with a silicon photocathode for implementing a bias-free photoelectrochemical tandem device driving hydrogen evolution reaction coupled with IOR, affording operation current density of 4 mA cm−2.