bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Order of Power in China’s Courts
Authors: Li Ling
Published: July 2023

This article presents a theory of the order of power to explain the dynamics and interaction between the political and legal orders in China’s courts. This theory posits that the political order is embodied in the extensive administrative ranking system (ARS) of the People’s Republic of China and has a systematic impact on the legal order regardless of the subject matter. The ARS is a system that regulates power relations between various institutional and personal actors in all key power fields, including courts. According to this theory, power, as stratified by the ARS, relativizes law during the processes of legal implementation, application, and enforcement. This theory provides a coherent explanation of judicial behavioural patterns in different subject matters, such as the centralization of criminal investigations in some crimes but not others, the distribution of corruption in China’s courts, and the outcome patterns of administrative litigation. Whilst the conventional wisdom sees that the political and the legal orders in China’s courts are partitioned based on the subject matter, this theory asserts the opposite: the impact of the political order is systemic, comprehensive, and applicable to the entire legal field. This article fills a knowledge gap in Chinese law and politics, where the ARS has received little attention except for recent studies on administrative litigation. The article also identifies two overlooked but distinctive features of the ARS—its multidimensionality and interconnectivity—our understanding of which is disproportionately poor in relation to their significance.
Guest Editors’ Introduction: New Challenges to the Enlightenment: How Twenty-First-Century Sociotechnological Systems Facilitate Organized Immaturity and How to Counteract It
Authors: Scherer Andreas Georg , Neesham Cristina , Schoeneborn Dennis , Scholz Markus
Published: July 2023

Organized immaturity, the reduction of individual capacities for public use of reason constrained by sociotechnological systems, constitutes a significant pushback against the project of Enlightenment. Forms of immaturity have long been a concern for philosophers and social theorists, such as Kant, Arendt, Fromm, Marcuse, and Foucault. Recently, Zuboff’s concept of “surveillance capitalism” describes how advancements in digital technologies lead to new, increasingly sophisticated forms of organized immaturity in democratic societies. We discuss how sociotechnological systems initially designed to meet human needs can inhibit the multidimensional development of individuals as mature citizens. To counteract these trends, we suggest two mechanisms: disorganizing immaturity as a way to safeguard individuals’ and collectives’ negative freedoms (freedoms from), and organizing maturity as a way to strengthen positive freedoms (freedoms to). Finally, we provide an outlook on the five further articles that constitute the Business Ethics Quarterly Special Issue “Sociotechnological Conditions of Organized Immaturity in the Twenty-First Century.”
Postarrest Neuroprognostication: Practices and Opinions of Canadian Physicians
Authors: Bencsik Caralyn M. , Kramer Andreas H. , Couillard Philippe , MacKay Maarit , Kromm Julie A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Objective, evidence-based neuroprognostication of postarrest patients is crucial to avoid inappropriate withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies or prolonged, invasive, and costly therapies that could perpetuate suffering when there is no chance of an acceptable recovery. Postarrest prognostication guidelines exist; however, guideline adherence and practice variability are unknown.

Objective:

To investigate Canadian practices and opinions regarding assessment of neurological prognosis in postarrest patients.

Methods:

An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to physicians who care for adult postarrest patients.

Results:

Of the 134 physicians who responded to the survey, 63% had no institutional protocols for neuroprognostication. While the use of targeted temperature management did not affect the timing of neuroprognostication, an increasing number of clinical findings suggestive of a poor prognosis affected the timing of when physicians were comfortable concluding patients had a poor prognosis. Variability existed in what factors clinicians’ thought were confounders. Physicians identified bilaterally absent pupillary light reflexes (85%), bilaterally absent corneal reflexes (80%), and status myoclonus (75%) as useful in determining poor prognosis. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and spot electroencephalography were the most useful and accessible tests. Somatosensory evoked potentials were useful, but logistically challenging. Serum biomarkers were unavailable at most centers. Most (79%) physicians agreed ≥2 definitive findings on neurologic exam, electrophysiologic tests, neuroimaging, and/or biomarkers are required to determine a poor prognosis with a high degree of certainty. Distress during the process of neuroprognostication was reported by 70% of physicians and 51% request a second opinion from an external expert.

Conclusion:

Significant variability exists in post-cardiac arrest neuroprognostication practices among Canadian physicians.
Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Medical Students Toward Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Medicine in Singapore
Authors: Cheng Seow Shuen Nicole Rachel , Ng Shen You Jonathan , Ong Kim Yao , Loi Zhi Kuan Kenneth , Lei Yu Xian , Wong Xiang Yi , Quah Li Juan Joy
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Despite rising incidences of global disasters, basic principles of disaster medicine training are barely taught in Singapore’s 3 medical schools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current levels of emergency preparedness, attitudes, and perceptions of disaster medicine education among medical students in Singapore.

Methods:

The Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire (EPIQ) was provided to enrolled medical students in Singapore by means of an online form, from March 6, 2020, to February 20, 2021. A total of 635 (25.7%) responses were collated and analyzed.

Results:

Mean score for overall familiarity was low, at 1.50 ± 0.74, on a Likert scale of 1 for not familiar to 5 for very familiar. A total of 90.6% of students think that disaster medicine is an important facet of the curriculum, and 93.1% agree that training should be provided for medical students. Although 77.3% of respondents believe that they are unable to contribute to a disaster scenario currently, 92.8% believe that they will be able to contribute with formal training.

Conclusions:

Despite low levels of emergency preparedness knowledge, the majority of medical students in Singapore are keen for adaptation of disaster medicine into the current curriculum to be able to contribute more effectively. This can arm future health-care professionals with the confidence to respond to any potential emergency.
Effects of prey capture on the swimming and feeding performance of choanoflagellates
Authors: Nguyen H. , Ross E. , Cortez R. , Fauci L. , Koehl M.A.R.
Published: July 2023

Locomoting organisms often carry loads such as captured prey or young. Load-carrying effects on high-Reynolds-number flight have been studied, but the fluid dynamics of load carrying by low-Reynolds-number microorganisms has not. We studied low-Reynolds-number load carrying using unicellular choanoflagellates, which wave a flagellum to swim and create a water current transporting bacterial prey to a food-capturing collar of microvilli. A regularized Stokeslet framework was used to model the hydrodynamics of a swimming choanoflagellate with bacterial prey on its collar. Both the model and microvideography of choanoflagellates showed that swimming speed decreases as number of prey being carried increases. Flux of water into the capture zone is reduced by bacteria on the collar, which redirect the water flow and occlude parts of the collar. Feeding efficiency (prey captured per work to produce the feeding current) is decreased more by large prey, prey in the plane of flagellar beating and prey near microvillar tips than by prey in other locations. Some choanoflagellates can attach themselves to surfaces. We found that the reduction in flux due to bacterial prey on the collars of these attached thecate cells was similar to the reduction in flux for swimmers.
Plunging breakers. Part 1. Analysis of an ensemble of wave profiles
Authors: Erinin M.A. , Liu X. , Wang S.D. , Duncan J.H.
Published: July 2023

An experimental study of the dynamics and droplet production in three mechanically generated plunging breaking waves is presented in this two-part paper. In the present paper (Part 1), the dynamics of the three breakers are studied through measurements of the evolution of their free surface profiles during 10 repeated breaking events for each wave. The waves are created from dispersively focused wave packets generated with three wave maker motions that differ primarily by small changes in their overall amplitude. Breaker profiles are measured with a cinematic laser-induced fluorescence technique covering a streamwise region of approximately one breaker wavelength and over a time of 3.4 breaker periods. The aligned profile data is used to create spatio-temporal maps of the ensemble average surface height and the standard deviation of both the local normal distance and the local arc length relative to the instantaneous mean profile. It is found that the mean and standard deviation maps contain strongly correlated localized features and indicate that the transition from laminar to turbulent flow is a highly repeatable process. Regions of high standard deviation include the splash created by the plunging jet impact and subsequent splash impacts at the front of the breaking region as well as the site where the air pocket entrained under the plunging jet at the moment of jet tip impact comes to the surface and pops. In Part 2 (Erinin et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 967, 2023, A36), these features are used to interpret various features of the distributions of droplet number, diameter and velocity.
From Islamic to Christian Donation: Gifts to the Church after the Conquest of Granada
Authors: CARBALLEIRA DEBASA ANA MARÍA
Published: July 2023

This article examines how the Castilian conquest of Granada and the conversion of its inhabitants to Christianity affected the Catholic Church; specifically, it analyses the role played by parish churches as recipients and administrators of religious donations, first from Muslims and later from converts. This study shows that the Church was not the only beneficiary of the donations it received, since these gifts were part of a strategy on the part of converts to be accepted as legal members of Castilian society and on the part of the Crown in its campaign for the unity of the kingdom.
The Birth of the Finance Consumer: Feminists, Bankers and the Re-Gendering of Finance in Mid-Twentieth-Century Sweden
Authors: Husz Orsi
Published: July 2023

This article examines a series of financial study courses for women in 1950s Sweden, jointly organised by commercial banks and an important non-partisan women's organisation, the Fredrika Bremer Association. The aim is to highlight and explain historical connections between feminism and financialisation. I argue that the feminist aspiration to emancipate women from the curtailments of ‘petty’ domestic finance aligned with the banks’ desire to domesticate financial markets. The performances of ‘female finance’ in these campaigns – striking a balance between PR and empowerment – contributed to the making of a new historical figure, not that of the female investor but rather the consumer of finance. The article not only demonstrates the role of gender in the financialisation of everyday life and in the domestication of finance, but also uncovers a longer pre-history behind these processes that are conventionally associated with neoliberalisation in later decades.
Atrioventricular conduction recovery immediately after the re-operation in a repaired CHD patient
Authors: Nakayama Yuki , Horimoto Yoshihiko , Shinkawa Takeshi
Published: July 2023

This is a case of a 2.7-year-old girl with trisomy 21 and double outlet right ventricle who underwent epicardial pacemaker system placement for a surgical atrioventricular block and achieved atrioventricular conduction recovery immediately after residual ventricular septal defect closure. Although ventricular pacing ratio was 100% before re-operation, it declined to approximately 25% on the 6th post-operative day and was <1% 3 years after re-operation.
Effects of childhood obesity on myocardial performance, autonomic and conduction properties of the heart
Authors: Kocabaş Abdullah , Çağlak Elifnur , Turan Özlem , Özdemir Gökmen , Yıldırım-Baştuhan Işıl , Tamburacı Diyar Z. , Öztürk-Gömeç Burcu T. , Türkkahraman Doğa
Published: July 2023

Background:

Childhood obesity tends to persist into adulthood and associated with increase in developing ischemic and non-ischemic cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on cardiac functions, atrial electromechanical coupling, and heart rate response, which are considered to be predictors of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest.

Methods:

Study population included 52 obese children and 52 healthy controls. We performed 12-lead electrocardiography, echocardiographic examination, and treadmill exercise testing. Mitral, septal, and tricuspid segments were analysed by tissue Doppler imaging.

Results:

Myocardial performance index (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively) was higher and E'/A' ratio (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) was lower in obese group than controls. Atrial electromechanical coupling was longer in the obese group at all three segments (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p = 0.04, respectively). They had significantly longer interatrial (p < 0.001) and intra-atrial (p = 0.003) electromechanical conduction delay. While chronotropic index was similar between two groups, heart rate reserve was lower in obese children than controls (p = 0.043). The 1st- and 2nd-minute heart rate recovery indices of the obese group were lower compared to controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Body mass index was positively correlated with intra- and inter-atrial conduction times, whereas it was negatively correlated with heart rate recovery indices.

Conclusion:

We showed a deterioration in the diastolic function, atrial conduction, and heart rate response properties in children with obesity. Given the prognostic importance of these parameters, obese patients are might be at risk for atrial fibrillation and severe dysrhythmias from a young age.
Impact of Reservoirs on Local Precipitation‐Temperature Coupling Relationships
Authors: Li Jiaxian , Zhang Shulei , Obulkasim Omarjan , Lu Xingjie , Wei Zhongwang , Yuan Hua , Li Lu , Zeng Jianxin , Yang Dawen , Dai Yongjiu
Published: July 2023

Reservoirs are an essential part of modern society, serving a variety of critical functions while exerting an uncertain and debatable impact on the surrounding climate and environment. The precipitation‐temperature coupling relationship and the associated compound extreme events are critical climatic factors for humans and ecosystems, but how reservoirs would affect these factors is unknown. Here, we found that sites near reservoirs had higher sensitivity of precipitation extremes to temperature increases, as well as an increased frequency of compound precipitation‐temperature extreme events, based on a global‐scale analysis of reservoir and meteorological observations and a paired comparison approach. Additionally, these reservoir climate effects are closely correlated with reservoir size and are more pronounced in warm‐dry climates. It highlights the potential climate risks associated with reservoirs which have important implications for strengthening a community's resilience in the face of these challenges.
Solar Wind Control of Hemispherically‐Integrated Field‐Aligned Currents at Earth
Authors: Fleetham A. L. , Milan S. E. , Imber S. M. , Vines S. K.
Published: July 2023

Magnetic reconnection occurring between the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and the dayside magnetopause causes a circulation of magnetic flux and plasma within the magnetosphere, known as the Dungey cycle. This circulation is transmitted to the ionosphere via field‐aligned currents (FACs). The magnetic flux transport within the Dungey cycle is quantified by the cross‐polar cap potential (CPCP or transpolar voltage). Previous studies have suggested that under strong driving conditions the CPCP can saturate near a value of 250 kV. In this study we investigate whether an analogous saturation occurs in the magnitudes of the FACs, using observations from the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment. The solar wind speed, density and pressure, the Bz component of the IMF, and combinations of these, were compared to the concurrent integrated current magnitude, across each hemisphere. We find that FAC magnitudes are controlled most strongly by solar wind speed and the orientation and strength of the IMF. FAC magnitude increases monotonically with solar wind driving but there is a distinct knee in the variation around IMF Bz = −10 nT, above which the increase slows.
WACCM6 Projections of Polar Mesospheric Cloud Abundance Over the 21st Century
Authors: Yu Wandi , Yue Jia , Garcia Rolando , Mlynczak Martin , Russell James
Published: July 2023

Polar mesospheric clouds (PMC), or noctilucent clouds, can be observed over high latitudes with the naked eye from the ground or from space near the summer solstice. PMC are considered a direct and sensitive indicator of climate change and have been reported to appear more frequently in recent decades. How PMC will change in the future under the influence of natural variability and anthropogenic forcing is uncertain. In this study, we utilize model output from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model under several shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios and input the water vapor, temperature, and pressure information into a 0‐d PMC model to project the trend and variation of PMC over the 21st century, and their relationship to future changes of temperature, water vapor, and the solar cycle. The 0‐d model calculations indicate that PMC ice water content (IWC) will increase and PMC will extend to lower latitudes under high SSP scenarios. Under these scenarios, more mesospheric water vapor leads to an increased IWC of PMC over the polar region, and colder mesopause temperature leads to more PMC over the mid‐latitudes. There is a significant anti‐correlation between the solar cycle and PMC IWC over the 21st century, but the anti‐correlation is not always significant on the decadal scale. Finally, methane oxidation in the stratosphere and water vapor entering from the troposphere are both responsible for future changes in mesospheric water vapor and thus PMC.
Association of plasma chemerin with all-cause and disease-specific mortality – results from a population-based study
Authors: Noppes Katharina , Groß Stefan , Hannemann Anke , Markus Marcello R. P. , Bahls Martin , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Zylla Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Various cross-sectional studies have observed an association between high circulating concentrations of the adipokine chemerin and an unfavorable metabolic profile. However, the prognostic value of chemerin for the risk of associated diseases and mortality was examined only in a few studies mostly using small and highly selected patient populations. We aimed to analyze the association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality in the general population.

Study design and methods

From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), participants of two independent cohorts (SHIP-START-1 [n = 3037], SHIP-TREND-0 [n = 4193]) were followed up for 15 and 9 years (median), respectively. The association between plasma chemerin and all-cause mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Additionally, cause-specific hazards for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality were modeled considering competing events.

Results

A total number of 507 and 208 deaths occurred during follow-up in SHIP-START-1 and SHIP-TREND-0, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed a significant association between high plasma chemerin concentrations and greater overall mortality that was independent of major confounders. Each 30 ng/mL increase in chemerin was associated with a 17% higher risk of all-cause mortality (95%-confidence interval: 1.10–1.26). Cause-specific analyses further showed that the chemerin concentration was significantly associated with cancer mortality but not with CVD mortality.

Conclusion

The present study detected a positive association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause mortality in a large population-based study sample. Cause-specific analyses have shown that chemerin is likely to play a decisive role in cancer-related deaths. However, a direct association with cardiovascular mortality could not be established.
Investigating genetically stratified subgroups to better understand the etiology of alcohol misuse
Authors: Thijssen Anaïs B. ,   Spit for Science Working Group,   Director, Chartier Karen ,   Co-Director, Amstadter Ananda ,   Past Founding Director, Dick Danielle M. ,   Registry management, Lilley Emily , Gelzinis Renolda , Morris Anne ,   Data cleaning and management, Bountress Katie , Adkins Amy E. , Thomas Nathaniel , Neale Zoe , Pedersen Kimberly , Bannard Thomas , Cho Seung B. ,   Data collection, Barr Peter , Byers Holly , Berenz Erin C. , Caraway Erin , Clifford James S. , Cooke Megan , Do Elizabeth , Edwards Alexis C. , Goyal Neeru , Hack Laura M. , Halberstadt Lisa J. , Hawn Sage , Kuo Sally , Lasko Emily , Lend Jennifer , Lind Mackenzie , Long Elizabeth , Martelli Alexandra , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Mitchell Kerry , Moore Ashlee , Moscati Arden , Nasim Aashir , Opalesky Jill , Overstreet Cassie , Pais A. Christian , Raldiris Tarah , Salvatore Jessica , Savage Jeanne , Smith Rebecca , Sosnowski David , Su Jinni , Walker Chloe , Walsh Marcie , Willoughby Teresa , Woodroof Madison , Yan Jia ,   Genotypic data processing and cleaning, Sun Cuie , Wormley Brandon , Riley Brien , Aliev Fazil , Peterson Roseann , Webb Bradley T. , Dick Danielle M. , Posthuma Danielle , Savage Jeanne E.
Published: July 2023

Alcohol misuse (AM) is highly prevalent and harmful, with theorized subgroups differing on internalizing and externalizing dimensions. Despite known heterogeneity, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are usually conducted on unidimensional phenotypes. These approaches have identified important genes related to AM but fail to capture a large part of the heritability, even with recent increases in sample sizes. This study aimed to address phenotypic heterogeneity in GWAS to aid gene finding and to uncover the etiology of different types of AM. Genetic and phenotypic data from 410,414 unrelated individuals of multiple ancestry groups (primarily European) in the UK Biobank were obtained. Mixture modeling was applied to measures of alcohol misuse and internalizing/externalizing psychopathology to uncover phenotypically homogenous subclasses, which were carried forward to GWAS and functional annotation. A four-class model emerged with “low risk”, “internalizing—light/non-drinkers”, “heavy alcohol use—low impairment”, and “broad high risk” classes. SNP heritability ranged from 3 to 18% and both known AM signals and novel signals were captured by genomic risk loci. Class comparisons showed distinct patterns of regional brain tissue enrichment and genetic correlations with internalizing and externalizing phenotypes. Despite some limitations, this study demonstrated the utility of genetic research on homogenous subclasses. Not only were novel genetic signals identified that might be used for follow-up studies, but addressing phenotypic heterogeneity allows for the discovery and investigation of differential genetic vulnerabilities in the development of AM, which is an important step towards the goal of personalized medicine.
Intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Rasiah Saisujani , Jegathesan Thivia , Campbell Douglas M. , Shah Prakeshkumar S. , Sgro Michael D.
Published: July 2023

Background

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHb) results from increased total serum bilirubin and is a common reason for admission and readmission amongst newborn infants born in North America. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for treating NHb has been widely debated, and the current incidence of NHb and its therapies remain unknown.

Methods

Using national and provincial databases, a population-based retrospective cohort study of infants born in Ontario from April 2014 to March 2018 was conducted.

Results

Of the 533,084 infants born in Ontario at ≥35 weeks gestation, 29,756 (5.6%) presented with NHb. Among these infants, 80.1–88.2% received phototherapy, 1.1–2.0% received IVIG therapy and 0.1–0.2% received exchange transfusion (ET) over the study period. Although phototherapy was administered (83.0%) for NHb, its use decreased from 2014 to 2018 (88.2–80.1%) (P < 0.01). Similarly, the incidence of IVIG therapy increased from 71 to 156 infants (1.1–2.0%) (P < 0.01) and a small change in the incidence of ET (0.2–0.1%) was noted.

Conclusion

IVIG therapy is increasingly being used in Ontario despite limited studies evaluating its use. The results of this study could inform treatment and management protocols for NHb.

Impacts

Clinically significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia still occurs in Ontario, with an increasing number of infants receiving Intravenous Immunoglobulin G (IVIG) therapy.

IVIG continues to be used at increasing rates despite inconclusive evidence to recommend its use.

This study highlights the necessity of a future prospective study to better determine the effectiveness of IVIG use in treating neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, especially given the recent shortage in IVIG supply in Ontario.

The results of this study could inform treatment and management protocols for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Heparanase 2 (Hpa2)- a new player essential for pancreatic acinar cell differentiation
Authors: Kayal Yasmin , Barash Uri , Naroditsky Inna , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel
Published: July 2023

Heparanase 2 (Hpa2, HPSE2) is a close homolog of heparanase. Hpa2, however, lacks intrinsic heparan sulfate (HS)-degrading activity, the hallmark of heparanase enzymatic activity. Mutations of HPSE2 were identified in patients diagnosed with urofacial syndrome (UFS), a rare genetic disorder that exhibits abnormal facial expression and bladder voiding dysfunction, leading to renal damage and eventually renal failure. In order to reveal the role of HPSE2 in tissue homeostasis, we established a conditional Hpa2-KO mouse. Interestingly, the lack of Hpa2 was associated with a marked decrease in the expression of key pancreatic transcription factors such as PTF1, GATA6, and Mist1. This was associated with a two-fold decrease in pancreas weight, increased pancreatic inflammation, and profound morphological alterations of the pancreas. These include massive accumulation of fat cells, possibly a result of acinar-to-adipocyte transdifferentiation (AAT), as well as acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), both considered to be pro-tumorigenic. Furthermore, exposing Hpa2-KO but not wild-type mice to a carcinogen (AOM) and pancreatic inflammation (cerulein) resulted in the formation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), lesions that are considered to be precursors of invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (PDAC). These results strongly support the notion that Hpa2 functions as a tumor suppressor. Moreover, Hpa2 is shown here for the first time to play a critical role in the exocrine aspect of the pancreas.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals intestinal cell heterogeneity and identifies Ep300 as a potential therapeutic target in mice with acute liver failure
Authors: Yin Jie , Zhao Ziming , Huang Jianzheng , Xiao Yang , Rehmutulla Mewlude , Zhang Biqiong , Zhang Zijun , Xiang Ming , Tong Qingyi , Zhang Yonghui
Published: July 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe life-threatening disease associated with the disorder of the gut-liver axis. However, the cellular characteristics of ALF in the gut and related therapeutic targets remain unexplored. Here, we utilized the D-GALN/LPS (D/L)-induced ALF model to characterize 33,216 single-cell transcriptomes and define a mouse ALF intestinal cellular atlas. We found that unique, previously uncharacterized intestinal immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, are responsive to ALF, and we identified the transcriptional profiles of these subsets during ALF. We also delineated the heterogeneity of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and found that ALF-induced cell cycle arrest in intestinal stem cells and activated specific enterocyte and goblet cell clusters. Notably, the most significantly altered IECs, including enterocytes, intestinal stem cells and goblet cells, had similar activation patterns closely associated with inflammation from intestinal immune activation. Furthermore, our results unveiled a common Ep300-dependent transcriptional program that coordinates IEC activation during ALF, which was confirmed to be universal in different ALF models. Pharmacological inhibition of Ep300 with an inhibitor (SGC-CBP30) inhibited this cell-specific program, confirming that Ep300 is an effective target for alleviating ALF. Mechanistically, Ep300 inhibition restrained inflammation and oxidative stress in the dysregulated cluster of IECs through the P38-JNK pathway and corrected intestinal ecology by regulating intestinal microbial composition and metabolism, thereby protecting IECs and attenuating ALF. These findings confirm that Ep300 is a novel therapeutic target in ALF and pave the way for future pathophysiological studies on ALF.
The allotetraploid horseradish genome provides insights into subgenome diversification and formation of critical traits
Authors: Shen Fei , Xu Shixiao , Shen Qi , Bi Changwei , Lysak Martin A.
Published: July 2023

Polyploidization can provide a wealth of genetic variation for adaptive evolution and speciation, but understanding the mechanisms of subgenome evolution as well as its dynamics and ultimate consequences remains elusive. Here, we report the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free reference genome of allotetraploid horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) sequenced using a comprehensive strategy. The (epi)genomic architecture and 3D chromatin structure of the A and B subgenomes differ significantly, suggesting that both the dynamics of the dominant long terminal repeat retrotransposons and DNA methylation have played critical roles in subgenome diversification. Investigation of the genetic basis of biosynthesis of glucosinolates (GSLs) and horseradish peroxidases reveals both the important role of polyploidization and subgenome differentiation in shaping the key traits. Continuous duplication and divergence of essential genes of GSL biosynthesis (e.g., FMOGS-OX, IGMT, and GH1 gene family) contribute to the broad GSL profile in horseradish. Overall, the T2T assembly of the allotetraploid horseradish genome expands our understanding of polyploid genome evolution and provides a fundamental genetic resource for breeding and genetic improvement of horseradish.
Neural network-based Bluetooth synchronization of multiple wearable devices
Authors: Balasubramanian Karthikeyan Kalyanasundaram , Merello Andrea , Zini Giorgio , Foster Nathan Charles , Cavallo Andrea , Becchio Cristina , Crepaldi Marco
Published: July 2023

Bluetooth-enabled wearables can be linked to form synchronized networks to provide insightful and representative data that is exceptionally beneficial in healthcare applications. However, synchronization can be affected by inevitable variations in the component’s performance from their ideal behavior. Here, we report an application-level solution that embeds a Neural network to analyze and overcome these variations. The neural network examines the timing at each wearable node, recognizes time shifts, and fine-tunes a virtual clock to make them operate in unison and thus achieve synchronization. We demonstrate the integration of multiple Kinematics Detectors to provide synchronized motion capture at a high frequency (200 Hz) that could be used for performing spatial and temporal interpolation in movement assessments. The technique presented in this work is general and independent from the physical layer used, and it can be potentially applied to any wireless communication protocol.
Ezh2 emerges as an epigenetic checkpoint regulator during monocyte differentiation limiting cardiac dysfunction post-MI
Authors: Rondeaux Julie , Groussard Déborah , Renet Sylvanie , Tardif Virginie , Dumesnil Anaïs , Chu Alphonse , Di Maria Léa , Lemarcis Théo , Valet Manon , Henry Jean-Paul , Badji Zina , Vézier Claire , Béziau-Gasnier Delphine , Neele Annette E. , de Winther Menno P. J. , Guerrot Dominique , Brand Marjorie , Richard Vincent , Durand Eric , Brakenhielm Ebba , Fraineau Sylvain
Published: July 2023

Epigenetic regulation of histone H3K27 methylation has recently emerged as a key step during alternative immunoregulatory M2-like macrophage polarization; known to impact cardiac repair after Myocardial Infarction (MI). We hypothesized that EZH2, responsible for H3K27 methylation, could act as an epigenetic checkpoint regulator during this process. We demonstrate for the first time an ectopic EZH2, and putative, cytoplasmic inactive localization of the epigenetic enzyme, during monocyte differentiation into M2 macrophages in vitro as well as in immunomodulatory cardiac macrophages in vivo in the post-MI acute inflammatory phase. Moreover, we show that pharmacological EZH2 inhibition, with GSK-343, resolves H3K27 methylation of bivalent gene promoters, thus enhancing their expression to promote human monocyte repair functions. In line with this protective effect, GSK-343 treatment accelerated cardiac inflammatory resolution preventing infarct expansion and subsequent cardiac dysfunction in female mice post-MI in vivo. In conclusion, our study reveals that pharmacological epigenetic modulation of cardiac-infiltrating immune cells may hold promise to limit adverse cardiac remodeling after MI.
Compilation of reported protein changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Askenazi Manor , Kavanagh Tomas , Pires Geoffrey , Ueberheide Beatrix , Wisniewski Thomas , Drummond Eleanor
Published: July 2023

Proteomic studies of human Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue have potential to identify protein changes that drive disease, and to identify new drug targets. Here, we analyse 38 published Alzheimer’s disease proteomic studies, generating a map of protein changes in human brain tissue across thirteen brain regions, three disease stages (preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, advanced Alzheimer’s disease), and proteins enriched in amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Our dataset is compiled into a searchable database (NeuroPro). We found 848 proteins were consistently altered in 5 or more studies. Comparison of protein changes in early-stage and advanced Alzheimer’s disease revealed proteins associated with synapse, vesicle, and lysosomal pathways show change early in disease, but widespread changes in mitochondrial associated protein expression change are only seen in advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Protein changes were similar for brain regions considered vulnerable and regions considered resistant. This resource provides insight into Alzheimer’s disease brain protein changes and highlights proteins of interest for further study.
Circular RNA encoded MET variant promotes glioblastoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhong Jian , Wu Xujia , Gao Yixin , Chen Junju , Zhang Maolei , Zhou Huangkai , Yang Jia , Xiao Feizhe , Yang Xuesong , Huang Nunu , Qi Haoyue , Wang Xiuxing , Bai Fan , Shi Yu , Zhang Nu
Published: July 2023

Activated by its single ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the receptor tyrosine kinase MET is pivotal in promoting glioblastoma (GBM) stem cell self-renewal, invasiveness and tumorigenicity. Nevertheless, HGF/MET-targeted therapy has shown limited clinical benefits in GBM patients, suggesting hidden mechanisms of MET signalling in GBM. Here, we show that circular MET RNA (circMET) encodes a 404-amino-acid MET variant (MET404) facilitated by the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader YTHDF2. Genetic ablation of circMET inhibits MET404 expression in mice and attenuates MET signalling. Conversely, MET404 knock-in (KI) plus P53 knock-out (KO) in mouse astrocytes initiates GBM tumorigenesis and shortens the overall survival. MET404 directly interacts with the MET β subunit and forms a constitutively activated MET receptor whose activity does not require HGF stimulation. High MET404 expression predicts poor prognosis in GBM patients, indicating its clinical relevance. Targeting MET404 through a neutralizing antibody or genetic ablation reduces GBM tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo, and combinatorial benefits are obtained with the addition of a traditional MET inhibitor. Overall, we identify a MET variant that promotes GBM tumorigenicity, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM patients, especially those with MET hyperactivation.
Cytokine and chemokine map of peripheral specific immune cell subsets in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jiang Si-Si , Wang Yi-Ling , Xu Qiu-Han , Gu Lu-Yan , Kang Rui-Qing , Yang Wen-Yi , Zhang Bao-Rong , Tian Jun , Pu Jia-Li
Published: July 2023

Peripheral immune cells play a vital role in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, their cytokine and chemokine secretion functions remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the cytokine and chemokine secretion functions of specific immune cell subtypes in drug-naïve patients with PD at different ages of onset. We included 10 early-onset and 10 late-onset patients with PD and age-matched healthy controls (HCs). We used mass cytometry to select specific immune cell subsets and evaluate intracellular cytokine and chemokine expression. Statistical tests includedt-tests, analysis of variance, bivariate correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis. Compared with HCs, patients with PD exhibited significantly decreased intracellular pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in selected clusters (e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)−8, IL-1β, and CC-chemokine ligand (CCL)17). Specific cytokines and cell clusters were associated with clinical symptoms. TNF-α played an important role in cognitive impairment. Intracellular TNF-α levels in the naïve CD8+T-cell cluster C16 (CD57−naïve CD8+T) and natural killer (NK) cell cluster C32 (CD57−CD28−NK) were negatively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. The C16 cluster affected cognitive function and motor symptoms. Increased TNF-α and decreased interferon-γ expression in C16 correlated with increased Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III scores in patients with PD. In summary, we developed a more detailed cytokine and chemokine map of peripheral specific CD8+T cell and NK cell subsets, which revealed disrupted secretory function in patients with PD and provided unique clues for further mechanistic exploration.
Dataset of metals and metalloids in food crops and soils sampled across the mining region of Moquegua in Peru
Authors: Bedoya-Perales Noelia S. , Escobedo-Pacheco Elias , Maus Diogo , Neimaier Alisson , Pumi Guilherme
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in the accumulation of heavy metals and metal(loid)s (HMM) in areas where agriculture and mining exist side by side. As a contribution to this body of knowledge, we report the first dataset into HMM concentrations in food crops and agricultural soils in Moquegua, which is a typical mining region and contains one of Peru’s largest copper deposits. Thanks to its geographic diversity, samples were taken in different agroecological regions at altitudes between 9 and 3,934 m. For food crops, 31 elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry. For soils, 23 elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Thus, the dataset includes a total of 13,828 observations from 341 sampling sites. We hope that this dataset will facilitate a wide range of agricultural and food safety studies, as well as serving as a reference for monitoring changes in pollution over time or comparing HMM levels with other farmlands influenced by mining activities.
Soft-robotic green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) developed to replace animal experimentation provides new insight into their propulsive strategies
Authors: van der Geest Nick , Garcia Lorenzo , Borret Fraser , Nates Roy , Gonzalez Alberto
Published: July 2023

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) can swim up to 50 km per day while only consuming seagrass or microalgae. How the animal accomplishes this vast journey on such low energy intake points to the effectiveness of their swimming technique and is a testament to the power of evolution. Understanding the green sea turtle's ability to accomplish these journeys requires insight into their propulsive strategies. Conducting animal testing to uncover their propulsive strategies brings significant challenges: firstly, the ethical issues of conducting experiments on an endangered animal, and secondly, the animal may not even swim with its regular routine during the experiments. In this work, we develop a new soft-robotic sea turtle that reproduces the real animal's form and function to provide biomechanical insights without the need for invasive experimentation. We found that the green sea turtle may only produce propulsion for approximately 30% of the limb beat cycle, with the remaining 70% exploiting a power-preserving low-drag glide. Due to the animal's large mass and relatively low drag coefficient, losses in swim speed are minimal during the gliding stage. These findings may lead to the creation of a new generation of robotic systems for ocean exploration that use an optimised derivative of the sea turtle propulsive strategy.
Traces of early developmental bias in the adult brain
Authors: Serero Gad , Lev Maria , Sagi Dov , Polat Uri
Published: July 2023

During the first 2 years of life, there is a high prevalence of optical distortions in the human eye, causing vertical blur on the retina (astigmatism), which is naturally resolved by the age of 5; thus, it is not treated. Here we determined the possible long-term effects on visual grouping resulting from optical distortions during the development of visual perception. Our results show a clear directional bias in shape perception for optically corrected astigmatic adults, compared with non-astigmatic ones, with remarkably slow decision times. These effects can be explained by a mismatch between the developmental timescales of different components in the visual system.
Psychological distance intervention reminders reduce alcohol consumption frequency in daily life
Authors: Jovanova Mia , Cosme Danielle , Doré Bruce , Kang Yoona , Stanoi Ovidia , Cooper Nicole , Helion Chelsea , Lomax Silicia , McGowan Amanda L. , Boyd Zachary M. , Bassett Dani S. , Mucha Peter J. , Ochsner Kevin N. , Lydon-Staley David M. , Falk Emily B.
Published: July 2023

Modifying behaviors, such as alcohol consumption, is difficult. Creating psychological distance between unhealthy triggers and one’s present experience can encourage change. Using two multisite, randomized experiments, we examine whether theory-driven strategies to create psychological distance—mindfulness and perspective-taking—can change drinking behaviors among young adults without alcohol dependence via a 28-day smartphone intervention (Study 1, N = 108 participants, 5492 observations; Study 2, N = 218 participants, 9994 observations). Study 2 presents a close replication with a fully remote delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. During weeks when they received twice-a-day intervention reminders, individuals in the distancing interventions reported drinking less frequently than on control weeks—directionally in Study 1, and significantly in Study 2. Intervention reminders reduced drinking frequency but did not impact amount. We find that smartphone-based mindfulness and perspective-taking interventions, aimed to create psychological distance, can change behavior. This approach requires repeated reminders, which can be delivered via smartphones.
The association between body mass index and postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery
Authors: Whitley Julia , Dazelle Wayde , Kripalani Shawn , Ahmadzia Homa
Published: July 2023

We aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after cesarean delivery (CD). This was a retrospective cohort study using a multicenter database of 20 hospitals in the United States. We analyzed 27,708 patients undergoing CD from 2015 to 2019. The exposure of interest was BMI, and the primary outcome was PPH (estimated blood loss [EBL] ≥ 1000 mL). Simple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and intrapartum complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for any confounding demographic variables. Hosmer and Lemeshow’s purposeful selection algorithm was adapted to develop a multivariable logistic regression model of PPH. Analyses were conducted using STATA 16.1 (College Station, Texas) with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. BMI exerted a significant effect on the frequency of PPH (p = 0.004). Compared to patients with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, patients with BMI between 25 and 59.9 kg/m2 had an increased odds of PPH. The odds of PPH in patients with BMI > 60 kg/m2 was not increased compared to patients with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2. Obesity was associated with a decreased odds of blood transfusion (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.97). In conclusion, higher BMI was associated with PPH yet a lower odds of transfusion after CD.
The capillary pressure vs. saturation curve for a fractured rock mass: fracture and matrix contributions
Authors: Cardona Alejandro , Liu Qi , Santamarina J. Carlos
Published: July 2023

The fractal topography of fracture surfaces challenges the upscaling of laboratory test results to the field scale, therefore the study of rock masses often requires numerical experimentation. We generate digital fracture analogues and model invasion percolation to investigate the capillarity-saturation Pc-Sw fracture response to changes in boundary conditions. Results show that aperture is Gaussian-distributed and the coefficient of variation is scale-independent. The aperture contraction during normal stress increments causes higher capillary pressures and steeper Pc-Sw curves, while shear displacement results in invasion anisotropy. The three-parameter van Genutchen model adequately fits the fracture capillary response in all cases; the capillary entry value decreases with fracture size, yet the fracture Pc-Sw curve normalized by the entry value is size-independent. Finally, we combine the fracture and matrix response to infer the rock mass response. Fracture spacing, aperture statistics and matrix porosity determine the rock mass capillarity-saturation Pc-Sw curve. Fractures without gouge control the entry pressure whereas the matrix regulates the residual saturation at high capillary pressure Pc.