bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Behavioral Digital Interventions are Effective in Reducing Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Csirmaz Luca , Nagy Tamás , Vikor Fanni , Kasos Krisztian
Published: December 2023

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issues in childhood, yet most children do not receive treatment. With recent advances in technology, a growing number of digital anxiety interventions are becoming accessible. This study is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of digital cognitive-behavioral anxiety interventions for individuals under the age of 18. Five electronic databases (PsycNET, Web of Science, Science Direct, Pub Med, SAGE Journals.) were systematically searched in 2021. Inclusion criteria were: randomized control trials with a wait list no treatment control, standalone to blended care with minimal therapist involvement, diagnosed anxiety disorder or elevated levels of anxiety, outcome anxiety levels had to be assessed by a clinician, or the patients themselves by a validated anxiety measure. We assessed and controlled for publication bias, and considered the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Eighteen studies were found eligible, which examined 1290 participants in total. Pooled effect sizes using a random-effects model yielded low overall effect for self-ratings (g = 0.28, k = 18, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.14; 0.41]), and medium effect for ratings of clinicians (g = 0.66, k = 13, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.50; 0.80]) as well as for parental report (g = 0.49, k = 16, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.29; 0.69]). We found that the effects were homogenous across studies. Further examining potential moderating factors of treatment efficacy is needed in future research, as well as conducting studies that compare traditional methods of care to their digital counterparts. Digital interventions could contribute to the well-being of children regardless of age, minimizing therapist involvement. We conclude that digital cognitive-behavioral interventions may provide an accessible, cost-effective, and scalable anxiety treatment option for children and adolescents.
Influence of data selection on aquatic ecotoxicity characterization factors for selected persistent and mobile substances
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul , Holmquist Hanna , Arvidsson Rickard , Reppas-Chrysovitsinos Efstathios , Peters Gregory
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper addresses the lack of ecotoxicity characterization factors (CFs) for persistent and mobile (PM) chemicals in life cycle assessment. The specific aims are (1) to provide CFs for 64 selected chemicals and benchmark them against the USEtox database, (2) to propose an ecotoxicity data harmonization strategy, and (3) to analyze the influence of ecotoxicity data sources and data harmonization strategies.

Methods

Sixty-four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), triazines, and triazoles were selected. An ecotoxicity data harmonization strategy was developed to ensure data consistency. A screening strategy for including transformation products was also developed. Existing CFs in the USEtox organic substances database (version 2.01) were identified, and new CFs were calculated based on available data sources. The USEtox model (version 2.13) was used for calculations, and the collected ecotoxicity data from different sources were varied to test their influence.

Results and discussion

The ecotoxicity data harmonization strategy excluded a considerable amount of incompatible data. To the list of 64 chemicals, 3 transformation products were added. Out of the 67 chemicals, experimental ecotoxicity data were available for 47, leading to the use of in silico tools and average values to fill data gaps for 20 chemicals. CFs for 67 chemicals could thus be provided. Comparing CFs calculated based on experimental and estimated ecotoxicity data reveals that the estimated data leads to considerably different CF values.

Conclusions

The paper provides strategies for ecotoxicity data harmonization and the inclusion of transformation products. The limited availability of experimental ecotoxicity data and differing results of the applied estimation methods highlight the need for further development of estimation methods. In addition, further development in including transformation products is recommended, which is particularly relevant for PM chemicals.
Photostimulation of lymphatic clearance of β-amyloid from mouse brain: a new strategy for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Dongyu , Lin Hao , Sun Silin , Liu Shaojun , Liu Zhang , He Yuening , Zhu Jingtan , Xu Jianyi , Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana , Yu Tingting , Zhu Dan
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that poses a significant burden on socio-economic and healthcare systems worldwide. However, the currently available therapy of AD is limited, and new strategies are needed to enhance the clearance of β-amyloid (Aβ) protein and improve cognitive function. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive and effective therapeutic method that has shown promise in treating various brain diseases. Here, we demonstrate that 1267-nm PBM significantly alleviates cognitive decline in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD and is safe as it does not induce a significant increase in cortical temperature. Moreover, with the combination of 3D tissue optical clearing imaging and automatic brain region segmentation, we show that PBM-mediated reductions of Aβ plaques in different subregions of prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus are different. The PBM-induced lymphatic clearance of Aβ from the brain is associated with improvement of memory and cognitive functions in 5xFAD mice. Our results suggest that the modulation of meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) should play an important role in promoting Aβ clearance. Collectively, this pilot study demonstrates that PBM can safely accelerate lymphatic clearance of Aβ from the brain of 5xFAD mice, promoting improvement of neurocognitive status of AD animals suggesting that PBM can be an effective and bedside therapy for AD.

Graphical Abstract
Modes of Bonding and Morphogenesis. Deleuze, Ruyer, and the Rearticulation of Life and Nonlife
Authors: Pugliaro Francesco
Published: December 2023

This paper takes up some threads of Deleuze’s and Ruyer’s engagement with biology. I begin by laying out the main features of Deleuze’s scheme of morphogenesis, through the lens of his references to embryology. I take Deleuze’s interest in embryology to be guided by the effort to define bodies solely by form-generating factors which are immanent to them. His concept of virtuality, which indicates the creative component of reality, the open field of connections defining a body’s capacities for transformation and interaction, plays a key role in this regard. I then consider two implications: (1) The insistence on morphogenesis displaces the question of life from given biological entities, which preserve themselves and act through regulated cycles, to the myriad of activities that compose and modify them; (2) It also rearticulates the distinction between the living and the nonliving, in that it separates the question of life from that of its emergence from a given material arrangement. In the second part I examine these points with greater reference to Ruyer. After introducing Ruyer’s concepts of functioning and formation, I focus on his account of the continuity between biological and physicochemical forms, following some of his work on the microbiology and ethology of the time. The real difference is not between the living and the nonliving, but between two modes of bonding and composition variously operating on all scales: morphogenetic and statistical. I conclude by assessing the significance of this claim with respect to the traditional distinction between vitalism and mechanism.
Absolute dating of construction materials and petrological characterisation of mortars from the Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, Spain)
Authors: Blanco-Rotea Rebeca , Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Freire-Lista David M. , Benavides-García Rosa
Published: December 2023

The construction materials of the Santalla de Bóveda Monument, one of the most studied buildings in Galicia (Spain), are analysed to date the mortars and bricks of walls and vaults by combining three dating techniques: optically stimulated luminescence, radiocarbon and thermoluminescence. Petrological characterisation of the mortars themselves is carried out. Until now, the paintings on the vault have been interpreted as Roman, early Christian or Pre-Romanesque, depending on the interpretative framework used by the researcher who studied them. There is also no consensus on their functionality. A total of 21 samples were collected, and 39 datings were made. The results are conclusive: the original building dates from the second half of the fourth century AD, the paintings date from the beginning of the seventh century or the upper floor from the tenth to twelfth centuries. These results make it necessary to review the history of Galician architecture between Late Antiquity and the Early Medieval Ages.
Advancing spacecraft demisability through a novel composite bolt joint system: a step toward sustainable and safe space environments
Authors: Looten Alexandre A. , Vodermayer Albert , Caiazzo Antonio , Usinger Ralf , Richard Muriel , Michaud Véronique
Published: December 2023

From the recent awareness of the booming number of space debris and their derived worldwide re-entry event threat originating from the use of high survivability components, complementary mitigation measures must be taken for future orbital elements. In this direction, the implementation of a design for demise at an early stage of spacecraft conception allows a progressive and effective solution. As part of a collaborative effort launched by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and the European Space Agency, we focus on the evaluation of polymer composite bolts as the main structural satellite panel fastening systems to improve the overall spacecraft demisability during its destructive re-entry into the atmosphere as compared to baseline critical systems, while maintaining equivalent mission-relevant properties. Two carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) designs were compared to a stainless steel baseline in terms of static properties at room temperature, dynamic properties over a temperature range, as well as demise capability by static re-entry simulation testing. The results led us to identify a promising short CF/PEEK composite bolt design.
Noncytotoxic Carbon Nanotubes Bioconjugated with Fucosyltransferase 4-Derived Peptides Modulate Macrophage Polarization In Vitro
Authors: Guzmán-Mendoza J. J. , Sánchez-Ramírez B. , Cigarroa-Mayorga O. E. , Orrantia-Borunda E. , Talamás-Rohana P.
Published: December 2023

Important developments in nanoparticle-based therapies have occurred in recent years. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most valuable nanoparticles because of their physicochemical properties and functionalization possibilities; therefore, they are proposed as peptide carriers for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has been explored as a promising treatment for ovarian cancer (OvCa), and it has been reported that macrophage polarization to M1 and M2 phenotypes plays a pivotal role in OvCa initiation, progression, and metastasis, providing therapeutic targets for macrophage-targeted treatment. In this work, we explored the initial stages of designing CNT-based immunotherapy for OvCa using fucosyltransferase-4-derived T-cell epitopes conjugated with CNTs (f-CNTs). Their cytotoxicity and biological interactions were analyzed in macrophages (J774A.1) and human ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3). Here,f-CNTs did not show cytotoxicity at concentrations < 6 μg/mL; additionally, they induced morphological changes and activation in macrophages; time-dependent uptake in lysosomes; production of M1-like cytokines; upregulation of CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II); and downregulation of arginase-1 (ARG-1). In conclusion,f-CNTs exhibited biocompatibility in both cell lines and displayed M1-like polarization in macrophages, and we propose their exploration as a peptide carrier system for macrophage activation and polarization in ovarian cancer immunotherapy.
The effect of a combined rehabilitation program on the temporomandibular joint in systemic sclerosis evaluated by ultrasound exam
Authors: Melchiorre Daniela , Passalacqua M. , Maresca M. , Landi G. , Bagni M. A. , El Aoufy K. , Baccini M. , Matucci-Cerinic M. , Maddali Bongi S.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement is frequent in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Dysfunction and X-ray changes of TMJ were described only in few observational studies. Treatment as well has been seldom considered. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on TMJ of two specifically designed physiotherapy protocols.

Methods

The study group included 26 SSc outpatients (22 females and 4 males with mean age ± SD 59.08 ± 10.31 years). Thirteen patients were randomly assigned to a treatment (protocol 1) including home exercises for TMJ and thirteen to a treatment (protocol 2) including home exercises and a combined procedure. The rehabilitation effects on the TMJ were evaluated by ultrasound examination (UE) in static and dynamic phases. UE was performed in all patients before and at the end of the treatment and after a follow up (8 weeks).

Results

Both rehabilitation protocols induced a significant improvement (protocol 1: p < 0.01 and protocol 2: p < 0.005) of mouth opening with a long-lasting effect. Protocol 2 was more effective than protocol 1. A significant increase of bilateral condyle-head temporal bone distance was detected by UE at the end of both treatments. It was maintained at follow-up in patients treated with Protocol 2.

Conclusions

The present investigation shows that a rehabilitation program characterized by home exercises with a combined procedure is useful to recover the function of TMJ. The data also show that UE is helpful in the evaluation of TMJ in SSc and in the assessment of the efficacy of the rehabilitation programs.
The History of Knowledge
Authors: Östling Johan , Larsson Heidenblad David
Published: December 2023

This Element provides a pedagogical overview of the history of knowledge, including its main currents, distinguishing ideas, and key concepts. However, it is not primarily a state-of-the-art overview but rather an argumentative contribution that seeks to push the field in a certain direction – towards studying knowledge in society and knowledge in people's lives. Hence, the history of knowledge envisioned by the authors is not a rebranding of the history of science and intellectual history, but rather a reinvigoration of social and cultural history. This implies that many different forms of knowledge should be objects of study. By drawing on ongoing research from all across the world dealing with different time periods and problems, the authors demonstrate that the history of knowledge can enrich our understanding of past societies. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Medicine and Practical Ethics in Galen
Authors: Xenophontos Sophia
Published: December 2023

Galen was notable in the ancient world for his creative intermingling of medicine and practical ethics. This book is the first authoritative analysis of Galen's psychological and ethical works alongside a large number of his technical tracts, both medical and philosophical, and offers a robust framework through which we can comprehend his role as a practical ethicist - an aspect of his intellectual profile that has been little understood until now. Sophia Xenophontos explores a wide range of literature on moralia in the Roman imperial period, as well as topics including the pathology of emotions, the social role of medicine, and character formation and social ethics, to show the sophisticated and complex ways in which moral themes and controversies from antiquity were adapted and reinvigorated by Galen. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Modern Discrete Probability
Authors: Roch Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Providing a graduate-level introduction to discrete probability and its applications, this book develops a toolkit of essential techniques for analysing stochastic processes on graphs, other random discrete structures, and algorithms. Topics covered include the first and second moment methods, concentration inequalities, coupling and stochastic domination, martingales and potential theory, spectral methods, and branching processes. Each chapter expands on a fundamental technique, outlining common uses and showing them in action on simple examples and more substantial classical results. The focus is predominantly on non-asymptotic methods and results. All chapters provide a detailed background review section, plus exercises and signposts to the wider literature. Readers are assumed to have undergraduate-level linear algebra and basic real analysis, while prior exposure to graduate-level probability is recommended. This much-needed broad overview of discrete probability could serve as a textbook or as a reference for researchers in mathematics, statistics, data science, computer science and engineering.
Designing for dissemination among public health and clinical practitioners in the USA
Authors: Shato Thembekile , Kepper Maura M. , McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Tabak Rachel G. , Glasgow Russell E. , Brownson Ross C.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The slow adoption of evidence-based interventions reflects gaps in effective dissemination of research evidence. Existing studies examining designing for dissemination (D4D), a process that ensures interventions and implementation strategies consider adopters’ contexts, have focused primarily on researchers, with limited perspectives of practitioners. To address these gaps, this study examined D4D practice among public health and clinical practitioners in the USA.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study among public health and primary care practitioners in April to June 2022 (analyzed in July 2022 to December 2022). Both groups were recruited through national-level rosters. The survey was informed by previous D4D studies and pretested using cognitive interviewing.

Results:

Among 577 respondents, 45% were public health and 55% primary care practitioners, with an overall survey response rate of 5.5%. The most commonly ranked sources of research evidence were email announcements for public health practitioners (43.7%) and reading academic journals for clinical practitioners (37.9%). Practitioners used research findings to promote health equity (67%) and evaluate programs/services (66%). A higher proportion of clinical compared to public health practitioners strongly agreed/agreed that within their work setting they had adequate financial resources (36% vs. 23%,p< 0.001) and adequate staffing (36% vs. 24%,p= 0.001) to implement research findings. Only 20% of all practitioners reported having a designated individual or team responsible for finding and disseminating research evidence.

Conclusions:

Addressing both individual and modifiable barriers, including organizational capacity to access and use research evidence, may better align the efforts of researchers with priorities and resources of practitioners.
What is the place of universal, selective, and indicated prevention strategies for depression and other mood disorders?
Authors: Hickie Ian B. , Cuijpers Pim , Scott Elizabeth , Skinner Adam , Iorfino Frank
Published: December 2023

Given the global prevalence of depression and other major mood disorders, the evidence of increasing rates among younger cohorts, the limited capacity of most treatment systems to respond to increasing demands for care, and the reality that services do not connect with a large proportion of those living with depressive disorders, a greater emphasis is being placed on our capacity to prevent the onset, recurrence, or persistence of these disabling conditions (Herrman et al., 2022).
A social science mixed-methods approach to stimulating and measuring creativity in the design classroom
Authors: Raghunath Nilanjan , Koronis Georgios , Karthikayen Rianne , Silva Arlindo , Yogiaman Christine
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using a social science mixed-methods approach to stimulate creativity and improve the attainment of creative outcomes in teaching design. In a focused study framed through a design collaborative experiment within a classroom context, sketches produced by a sample of 351 students were analyzed and the impact of stimuli was categorized by visual, physical, quantitative and contextual information on creative processes and outcomes in product design. Sixteen combinations of these stimuli were integrated as parameters of design briefs (DBs) given to the participating students. This research was augmented with a survey to understand participants’ perceptions and reactions and was rated by expert judges. The results demonstrate that certain combinations of quantitative and qualitative stimuli have a positive impact on creative processes and outcomes. These findings will inform new techniques for engaging and inspiring students in design studies.
Bracket words along Hardy field sequences
Authors: KONIECZNY JAKUB , MÜLLNER CLEMENS
Published: December 2023

We study bracket words, which are a far-reaching generalization of Sturmian words, along Hardy field sequences, which are a far-reaching generalization of Piatetski-Shapiro sequences
$\lfloor n^c \rfloor $
. We show that sequences thus obtained are deterministic (that is, they have subexponential subword complexity) and satisfy Sarnak’s conjecture.
Association of serum docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Wakabayashi Nana , Haruna Megumi , Yonezawa Kaori , Sasagawa Emi , Usui Yuriko , Ohori Riko , Aoyama Satoko , Sasaki Satoshi , Nagamatsu Takeshi ,   Tokyo area members of the J-PEACH Study group as of 2019–2022
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the association of serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy. This prospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Participants in their second and third trimesters were given a self-administered questionnaire assessing the frequency of DHA and EPA supplement use in the past month and a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Non-fasting serum DHA and EPA levels were analysed using gas chromatography. Differences in biomarkers by frequency of supplement use were determined using multiple comparison analyses, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine biomarkers and DHA and EPA intakes by food group. Of the 116 participants, 11 (9⋅5 %) in the second trimester and 18 (15⋅5 %) in the third trimester regularly used supplements (≥5 times per week). Regular users had higher serum DHA and EPA levels than never users in the second and third trimesters. Dietary DHA and EPA intake from fish and shellfish was positively correlated with serum DHA and EPA in the second and third trimesters. Supplement use ≥5 times per week and fish and shellfish intake were associated with high serum DHA and EPA levels.
Feed energy utilization by hair sheep: does the 0.82 conversion factor of digestible to metabolizable energy need to be revised?
Authors: Brito Neto A. S. , Herbster C. J. L. , Geraseev L. C. , Macedo Junior G. L. , Nascimento D. R. , Rocha A. C. , Pereira M. I. B. , Marcondes M. I. , Silva L. P. , Bezerra L. R. , Oliveira R. L. , Pereira E. S.
Published: December 2023

The objective was to evaluate energy partitioning and predict the relationship between metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible energy (DE) in hair sheep fed tropical diets at three feeding levels (maintenance, intermediate and high). To evaluate the energy partition, a database with 114 records (54 non-castrated males and 60 females) from comparative slaughter studies was used. To estimate the ratio ME:DE, 207 observations (74 non-castrated males and 133 females) were used from six studies in a multi-study approach, two indirect calorimetry studies (n= 93) and four comparative slaughter (n= 114), using a mixed model and study as random effect. A simple linear regression equation of the ME against DE was fitted to predict the efficiency of DE to ME conversion. Gas losses were greatest (P< 0.05) for animals fed at maintenance level (7.92% of gross energy intake). The variations of energy losses in the urine were 2.64, 2.06 and 2.08%; faecal losses were 34.37, 37.80 and 36.91% for maintenance, intermediary and high level of feeding, respectively. The regression analysis suggested a strong linear relationship between ME and DE, generating the model ME (MJ/day) = −0.1559 (±0.07525) + 0.8503 (±0.005864) × DE (MJ/day). This study highlights the importance of the relationship ME:DE. Equation/factor 0.85 presented herein is alternative that could be used for the calculation of ME from DE in feedlot diets tropical. In conclusion, we suggest that for hair sheep fed tropical diets the conversion factor 0.85 is more adequate to predict ME from DE.
Navigating the research–practice relationship: Professional goals and constraints
Authors: Sato Masatoshi
Published: December 2023

In this article, which is based on my AAAL 2023 plenary talk, I argue that researchers may be contributing to widening the never-ending gap between research and practice. At least, there is such a possibility given that researchers, including myself, have rarely investigated their own beliefs and practices related to classroom teaching. In the first part, I overview research of the research–practice relationship and problematize the epistemological clash between two groups of professionals, that is, teachers and researchers. In the second part, I focus on researchers as a profession who have significant potential in contributing to education. In the third part, I share concrete ways of tackling researchers' obstacles in communicating with practitioners if, and when, they wish to be useful for real-world education, including: (a) adjusting the nature of research, and (b) improving communication methods. In conclusion, I propose a model in which the research–practice relationship can be more equitable, effective, and mutually beneficial.
Transforming African musics at a South African university
Authors: Bruinders Sylvia
Published: December 2023

This article critically engages with the discipline of African musics in the academy. It examines the process of curriculum transformation of the African music section at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town since 2005 as an emergent curriculum model for an integrated approach to the teaching of African musics at universities. The adoption of this curriculum predated the 2015–2016 fervent calls in South Africa to decolonise the university, which necessitates an approach to teaching African musics not rooted in its colonial past. As is known, the study and research of African musics in the academy partly stemmed from the efforts of European (and later US) researchers who often received support through the British colonial administration and much of their output seemed to be focused on convincing their peers about the virtues of ‘African music’ and the study thereof. Despite this history, there is evidence to support the fact that in most African universities, the music departments are far more interested in teaching Western art music and its virtues. In recognition of the calls by students for radical changes to the curricula in South African universities, the article seeks to answer the question ‘how do we consider ongoing changes to the knowledge both received and produced in this field?’
“A Mission Without Precedent”: The Rise and Fall of the Office of Economic Opportunity, 1964–1981
Authors: LAROCHELLE RYAN
Published: December 2023

This article traces the history of the Office of Economic Opportunity/Community Services Administration, focusing on Richard Nixon’s failed attempt to dismantle it in 1973 and Ronald Reagan’s successful effort in 1981. I explore main two main questions: Why was Reagan able to succeed when Nixon had failed? and What does the dismantling of the agency reveal about the development of American conservatism in the 1970s and 1980s? Drawing on original archival materials, I argue that the Reagan administration learned from Nixon’s failures and adopted a more professional, managerial stance when it dismantled the agency in 1981. In addition, recent work in history and political science has explored how the multiracial democratic vision articulated by LBJ’s Great Society helped fuel the modern conservative movement. By focusing on the long-term opposition against OEO/CSA, this article provides new insights into how conservatives articulated an alternative ideology to postwar liberalism.
Short Note: 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai tsunami measured beneath the Ross Ice Shelf
Authors: Stewart Craig , Horgan Huw , Stevens Craig
Published: December 2023

On 15 January 2022, 04h:15 UTC, the volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai in the south-west Pacific Ocean (20°32'32.37''S, 175°23'38.67''W) erupted in what proved to be the most powerful such event since Krakatau in 1883. Among the many impacts of the eruption, a substantial tsunami propagated throughout the south-west Pacific Ocean. The signatures of the eruption were recorded at a wide range of recording stations globally, including the atmospheric pressure wave, the tsunami itself and, in addition, higher-order responses, such as a tsunami associated with the pressure wave (Carvajal et al. 2022).
Weather and Watershed Forecasting Make for Dam Smart Water Use
Authors: Choi Nicole
Published: December 2023

Using weather forecasts in reservoir management improves decisions about water supplies. Now researchers are studying the hydrology around reservoirs to help apply this strategy nationwide.
Another Record-Breaking Year in the Arctic Amplifies Calls for More Data
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: December 2023

A downward spiral of the Arctic's ecological health and climatic conditions continued in 2023, causing problems for people, plants, and animals, according to a new NOAA report.
Satellite Video Remote Sensing for Estimation of River Discharge
Authors: Masafu Christopher , Williams Richard , Hurst Martin D.
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate that river discharge can be estimated by deriving water surface velocity estimates from satellite‐derived video imagery when combined with high‐resolution topography of channel geometry. Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) was used to map surface velocity from 28 s of 5 Hz satellite video acquired at a 1.2 m nominal ground spacing over the Darling River, Tilpa, Australia, during a 1‐in‐5‐year flood. We stabilized and assessed the uncertainty of the residual motion induced by the satellite platform, enhancing our sub‐pixel motion analysis, and quantified the sensitivity of image extraction rates on computed velocities. In the absence of in situ observations, LSPIV velocity estimates were validated against predictions from a calibrated 2D hydrodynamic model. Despite the confounding influence of selecting a surface velocity depth‐averaging coefficient, inference of discharge was within 0.3%–15% compared with gauging station measurements. These results provide a valuable foundation for refining satellite video LSPIV techniques.
Multi‐Instrument Observations of Various Ionospheric Disturbances Caused by the 6 February 2023 Turkey Earthquake
Authors: Haralambous Haris , Guerra Marco , Chum Jaroslav , Verhulst Tobias G. W. , Barta Veronika , Altadill David , Cesaroni Claudio , Galkin Ivan , Márta Kiszely , Mielich Jens , Kouba Daniel , Buresova Dalia , Segarra Antoni , Spogli Luca , Rusz Jan , Zedník Jan
Published: December 2023

In this work, we investigate various types of ionospheric disturbances observed over Europe following the earthquake that occurred in Turkey on 6 February 2023. By combining observations from Doppler sounding systems, ionosondes, and GNSS receivers, we are able to discern different types of disturbances, propagating with different velocities and through different mechanisms. We can detect co‐seismic ionospheric disturbances close to the epicenter, as well as ionospheric signatures of acoustic waves propagating as a consequence of propagating seismic waves. Unlike the vast majority of past ionospheric co‐seismic disturbance studies that are primarily based on Total Electron Content variations, reflecting disturbances propagating around the F‐region peak, the focus of the present study is the manifestation of disturbances at different ionospheric altitudes by exploiting complementary ionospheric remote sensing techniques. This is particularly highlighted through ionospheric earthquake‐related signatures established as specific ionogram deformations known as multiple‐cusp signatures which appear as additional cusps at the base of the F‐region attributed to electron density irregularities generated by Rayleigh surface waves that generate acoustic waves propagating up to the ionosphere. Therefore this study underlines the advantage that multi‐instrument investigations offer in identifying the propagation of earthquake‐related ionospheric disturbances at different ionospheric altitudes and distances from the earthquake epicenter.
Quantifying Photodegradation of Peatland‐Derived Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Coastal Ocean of Southeast Asia
Authors: Zhou Yongli , Müller Moritz , Cherukuru Nagur , Martin Patrick
Published: December 2023

Southeast Asia's peatlands are a globally significant source of terrigenous dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) to the ocean, and field observations show that this tDOC is extensively remineralized within the shelf sea. Yet the processes that drive this remineralization remain unclear. Here, we combined incubation experiments and model simulations to quantify the rate and extent of photodegradation of tDOC in the Sunda Shelf Sea. During laboratory photodegradation experiments, 26%–74% of the peatland tDOC was photomineralized, but realistic in situ rates of photodegradation have not yet been estimated in this region. Based on spectrally resolved apparent quantum yields for tDOC remineralization calculated from experiments, modeled in situ solar irradiance, and measured in‐water inherent optical properties, we simulated peatland tDOC photomineralization for two coastal regions of the Sunda Shelf Sea. These simulations show that sunlight can directly remineralize 25 ± 9% of the tDOC input over its maximum 2‐year residence time in the Sunda Shelf Sea, accounting for 38% of the total tDOC remineralization. We also found that photobleaching can remove 54 ± 4% of colored dissolved organic matter over this time‐scale. We further derived a simplified photochemical decay constant ∅ref of 0.016 day−1 for Southeast Asia's peatland‐derived tDOC, which can be used to parameterize the recently proposed UniDOM model. We conclude that direct photodegradation may be a greater sink for tDOC in Southeast Asia's coastal ocean compared to higher latitudes, although it is insufficient to account for the total tDOC remineralization observed in the Sunda Shelf Sea.
Fasting regulates mitochondrial function through lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1-mediated IGF2BPs in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Zhong Yong , Liu Lin , Jia Chengyou , Cai Haidong , Yang Jianshe , Wu Bo , Lv Zhongwei
Published: December 2023

Recurring evidence suggests that fasting has extensive antitumor effects in various cancers, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the underlying mechanism of this relationship with PTC is unknown. In this study, we study the effect of fasting on glycolysis and mitochondrial function in PTC. We find that fasting impairs glycolysis and reduces mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo and also fasting in vitro and fasting mimicking diets (FMD) in vivo significantly increase the expression of lncRNA-protein kinase C theta antisense RNA 1 (PRKCQ-AS1), during the inhibition of TPC cell glycolysis and mitochondrial function. Moreover, lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 was significantly lower in PTC tissues and cells. In addition, PRKCQ-AS1 overexpression increased PTC cell glycolysis and mitochondrial function; PRKCQ-AS1 knockdown has the opposite effect. On further mechanistic analysis, we identified that PRKCQ-AS1 physically interacts with IGF2BPs and enhances protein arginine methyltransferases 7 (PRMT7) mRNA, which is the key player in regulating glycolysis and mitochondrial function in PTC. Hence, PRKCQ-AS1 inhibits tumor growth while regulating glycolysis and mitochondrial functions via IGF2BPs/PRMT7 signaling. These results indicate that lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 is a key downstream target of fasting and is involved in PTC metabolic reprogramming. Further, the PRKCQ-AS1/IGF2BPs/PRMT7 axis is an ideal therapeutic target for PTC diagnosis and treatment.
A cytosolic mutp53(E285K) variant confers chemoresistance of malignant melanoma
Authors: Dunsche Luise , Ivanisenko Nikita , Riemann Shamala , Schindler Sebastian , Beissert Stefan , Angeli Cristian , Kreis Stephanie , Tavassoli Mahvash , Lavrik Inna , Kulms Dagmar
Published: December 2023

Malignant melanoma (MM) is known to be intrinsically chemoresistant, even though only ~20% of MM carry mutations of the tumor suppressor p53. Despite improvement of systemic therapy the mortality rate of patients suffering from metastatic MM is still ~70%, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options or for the re-establishment of conventional therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy. Screening the p53 mutation status in a cohort of 19 patient-derived melanoma samples, we identified one rarely described missense mutation of p53 leading to E285K amino acid exchange (mutp53(E285K)). Employing structural and computational analysis we revealed a major role of E285 residue in maintaining stable conformation of wild-type p53 (wtp53). E285K mutation was predicted to cause interruption of a salt-bridge network affecting the conformation of the C-terminal helix of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) thereby preventing DNA interaction. In this context, a cluster of frequently mutated amino acid residues in cancer was identified to putatively lead to similar structural effects as E285K substitution (E285 cluster). Functional analysis, including knockdown of endogenous p53 and reconstitution with diverse p53 missense mutants confirmed mutp53(E285K) to have lost transcriptional activity, to be localized in the cytosol of cancer cells, by both means conferring chemoresistance. Re-sensitization to cisplatin-induced cell death was achieved using clinically approved compounds aiming to restore p53 wild-type function (PRIMA1-Met), or inhibition of AKT-driven MAPK survival pathways (afuresertib), in both cases being partially due to ferroptosis induction. Consequently, active ferroptosis induction using the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 proved superior in tumorselectively fighting MM cells. Due to high prevalence of the E285-cluster mutations in MM as well as in a variety of other tumor types, we conclude this cluster to serve an important function in tumor development and therapy and suggest new implications for ferroptosis induction in therapeutic applications fighting MM in particular and cancer in general.
Activation of ILC2s through constitutive IFNγ signaling reduction leads to spontaneous pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Otaki Natsuko , Motomura Yasutaka , Terooatea Tommy , Thomas Kelly S. , Mochizuki Miho , Takeno Natsuki , Koyasu Shigeo , Tamamitsu Miu , Sugihara Fuminori , Kikuta Junichi , Kitamura Hideya , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Miyanohara Jun , Nagano Yuji , Saita Yuji , Ogura Takashi , Asano Koichiro , Minoda Aki , Moro Kazuyo
Published: December 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a condition characterized by inflammation and collagen deposition in the alveolar interstitium, causes dyspnea and fatal outcomes. Although the bleomycin-induced PF mouse model has improved our understanding of exogenous factor-induced fibrosis, the mechanism governing endogenous factor-induced fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we find that Ifngr1-/-Rag2-/- mice, which lack the critical suppression factor for group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), develop PF spontaneously. The onset phase of fibrosis includes ILC2 subpopulations with a high Il1rl1 (IL-33 receptor) expression, and fibrosis does not develop in ILC-deficient or IL-33-deficient mice. Although ILC2s are normally localized near bronchioles and blood vessels, ILC2s are increased in fibrotic areas along with IL-33 positive fibroblasts during fibrosis. Co-culture analysis shows that activated-ILC2s directly induce collagen production from fibroblasts. Furthermore, increased IL1RL1 and decreased IFNGR1 expressions are confirmed in ILC2s from individuals with idiopathic PF, highlighting the applicability of Ifngr1-/-Rag2-/- mice as a mouse model for fibrosis research.
Cytoglobin regulates NO-dependent cilia motility and organ laterality during development
Authors: Rochon Elizabeth R. , Xue Jianmin , Mohammed Manush Sayd , Smith Caroline , Hay-Schmidt Anders , DeMartino Anthony W. , Clark Adam , Xu Qinzi , Lo Cecilia W. , Tsang Michael , Tejero Jesus , Gladwin Mark T. , Corti Paola
Published: December 2023

Cytoglobin is a heme protein with unresolved physiological function. Genetic deletion of zebrafish cytoglobin (cygb2) causes developmental defects in left-right cardiac determination, which in humans is associated with defects in ciliary function and low airway epithelial nitric oxide production. Here we show that Cygb2 co-localizes with cilia and with the nitric oxide synthase Nos2b in the zebrafish Kupffer’s vesicle, and that cilia structure and function are disrupted in cygb2 mutants. Abnormal ciliary function and organ laterality defects are phenocopied by depletion of nos2b and of gucy1a, the soluble guanylate cyclase homolog in fish. The defects are rescued by exposing cygb2 mutant embryos to a nitric oxide donor or a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, or with over-expression of nos2b. Cytoglobin knockout mice also show impaired airway epithelial cilia structure and reduced nitric oxide levels. Altogether, our data suggest that cytoglobin is a positive regulator of a signaling axis composed of nitric oxide synthase–soluble guanylate cyclase–cyclic GMP that is necessary for normal cilia motility and left-right patterning.
Fragment-based drug nanoaggregation reveals drivers of self-assembly
Authors: Chen Chen , Wu You , Wang Shih-Ting , Berisha Naxhije , Manzari Mandana T. , Vogt Kristen , Gang Oleg , Heller Daniel A.
Published: December 2023

Drug nanoaggregates are particles that can deleteriously cause false positive results during drug screening efforts, but alternatively, they may be used to improve pharmacokinetics when developed for drug delivery purposes. The structural features of molecules that drive nanoaggregate formation remain elusive, however, and the prediction of intracellular aggregation and rational design of nanoaggregate-based carriers are still challenging. We investigate nanoaggregate self-assembly mechanisms using small molecule fragments to identify the critical molecular forces that contribute to self-assembly. We find that aromatic groups and hydrogen bond acceptors/donors are essential for nanoaggregate formation, suggesting that both π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding are drivers of nanoaggregation. We apply structure-assembly-relationship analysis to the drug sorafenib and discover that nanoaggregate formation can be predicted entirely using drug fragment substructures. We also find that drug nanoaggregates are stabilized in an amorphous core-shell structure. These findings demonstrate that rational design can address intracellular aggregation and pharmacologic/delivery challenges in conventional and fragment-based drug development processes.
Directing polymorph specific calcium carbonate formation with de novo protein templates
Authors: Davila-Hernandez Fatima A. , Jin Biao , Pyles Harley , Zhang Shuai , Wang Zheming , Huddy Timothy F. , Bera Asim K. , Kang Alex , Chen Chun-Long , De Yoreo James J. , Baker David
Published: December 2023

Biomolecules modulate inorganic crystallization to generate hierarchically structured biominerals, but the atomic structure of the organic-inorganic interfaces that regulate mineralization remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that heterogeneous nucleation of calcium carbonate could be achieved by a structured flat molecular template that pre-organizes calcium ions on its surface. To test this hypothesis, we design helical repeat proteins (DHRs) displaying regularly spaced carboxylate arrays on their surfaces and find that both protein monomers and protein-Ca2+ supramolecular assemblies directly nucleate nano-calcite with non-natural {110} or {202} faces while vaterite, which forms first in the absence of the proteins, is bypassed. These protein-stabilized nanocrystals then assemble by oriented attachment into calcite mesocrystals. We find further that nanocrystal size and polymorph can be tuned by varying the length and surface chemistry of the designed protein templates. Thus, bio-mineralization can be programmed using de novo protein design, providing a route to next-generation hybrid materials.
ERK2-topoisomerase II regulatory axis is important for gene activation in immediate early genes
Authors: Bunch Heeyoun , Kim Deukyeong , Naganuma Masahiro , Nakagawa Reiko , Cong Anh , Jeong Jaehyeon , Ehara Haruhiko , Vu Hongha , Chang Jeong Ho , Schellenberg Matthew J. , Sekine Shun-ichi
Published: December 2023

The function of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is required for the activation of immediate early genes (IEGs), including EGR1 and FOS, for cell growth and proliferation. Recent studies have identified topoisomerase II (TOP2) as one of the important regulators of the transcriptional activation of IEGs. However, the mechanism underlying transcriptional regulation involving TOP2 in IEG activation has remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ERK2, but not ERK1, is important for IEG transcriptional activation and report a critical ELK1 binding sequence for ERK2 function at the EGR1 gene. Our data indicate that both ERK1 and ERK2 extensively phosphorylate the C-terminal domain of TOP2B at mutual and distinctive residues. Although both ERK1 and ERK2 enhance the catalytic rate of TOP2B required to relax positive DNA supercoiling, ERK2 delays TOP2B catalysis of negative DNA supercoiling. In addition, ERK1 may relax DNA supercoiling by itself. ERK2 catalytic inhibition or knock-down interferes with transcription and deregulates TOP2B in IEGs. Furthermore, we present the first cryo-EM structure of the human cell-purified TOP2B and etoposide together with the EGR1 transcriptional start site (–30 to +20) that has the strongest affinity to TOP2B within –423 to +332. The structure shows TOP2B-mediated breakage and dramatic bending of the DNA. Transcription is activated by etoposide, while it is inhibited by ICRF193 at EGR1 and FOS, suggesting that TOP2B-mediated DNA break to favor transcriptional activation. Taken together, this study suggests that activated ERK2 phosphorylates TOP2B to regulate TOP2-DNA interactions and favor transcriptional activation in IEGs. We propose that TOP2B association, catalysis, and dissociation on its substrate DNA are important processes for regulating transcription and that ERK2-mediated TOP2B phosphorylation may be key for the catalysis and dissociation steps.