bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling Multimodal Brain Signatures: Deciphering Transdiagnostic Dimensions of Psychopathology in Adolescents
Authors: Xia Jing , Chen Nanguang , Qiu Anqi
Published: May 2024

Adolescent psychiatric disorders arise from intricate interactions of clinical histories and disruptions in brain development. While connections between psychopathology and brain functional connectivity are studied, the use of deep learning to elucidate overlapping neural mechanisms through multimodal brain images remains nascent. Utilizing two adolescent datasets—the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC, n = 1100) and the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD, n = 7536)—this study employs interpretable neural networks and demonstrates that incorporating brain morphology, along with functional and structural networks, augments traditional clinical characteristics (age, gender, race, parental education, medical history, and trauma exposure). Predictive accuracy reaches 0.37–0.464 between real and predicted general psychopathology and four psychopathology dimensions (externalizing, psychosis, anxiety, and fear). The brain morphology and connectivities within the frontoparietal, default mode network, and visual associate networks are recurrent across general psychopathology and four psychopathology dimensions. Unique structural and functional pathways originating from the cerebellum, amygdala, and visual‐sensorimotor cortex are linked with these individual dimensions. Consistent findings across both PNC and ABCD affirm the generalizability. The results underscore the potential of diverse sensory inputs in steering executive processes tied to psychopathology dimensions in adolescents, hinting at neural avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions and preventive strategies.
Thermally Driven 3D Seamless Textile Actuators for Soft Robotic Applications
Authors: Atalay Ozgur , Ozlem Kadir , Gumus Cagatay , Ahmed Ibrahim Adel Khamis , Yilmaz Ayse Feyza , Celebi Mehmet Fatih , Cetin Munire Sibel , Taherkhani Bahman , Tuncay Atalay Asli , Ince Gökhan
Published: May 2024

Soft wearable robotic devices have emerged as a promising solution for human mobility assistance and rehabilitation, yet current solutions suffer from issues such as bulkiness, high cost, nonscalability, noise, and limited portability. This study introduces a novel approach to soft robotic assistive devices using untethered, soft actuators with seamlessly integrated sensing, heating, and actuation properties through digital machine knitting and low‐boiling liquid. The proposed soft actuator operates under a voltage of less than 12.5 V, generating a tip force of up to 50 mN. This actuator achieves a bending motion when filled with 2 mL of low‐boiling liquid and supplied with 15 W. The dynamic response of the actuator is examined under consistent parameters, revealing a 60‐second inflation time and a subsequent natural cooling period of 30 s at room temperature. Notably, over 12 cycles, the tip force of the actuator exhibits minimal variation, highlighting its durability for prolonged usage. The proposed approach paves the way for overcoming the limitations of existing technologies, particularly in terms of motion assistance and rehabilitation applications, with an emphasis on at‐home usage during daily activities.
Minor Genetic Overlap Among Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myocardial Infarction, and Myocardial Infarction Risk Determinants
Authors: Sysojev Anton Öberg , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars ,   the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register Biobank Group, Silberberg Gilad N. , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Padyukov Leonid , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Askling Johan , Westerlind Helga
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a shared genetic susceptibility exists between individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and individuals with myocardial infarction (MI)—including major MI risk factors—and to quantify the degree of any such overlap.

Methods

Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data for individuals with RA were constructed from a sample of 26,637 Swedish patients with RA and controls without RA. For patients with MI, GWAS data were obtained from a previously published meta‐analysis. Genome‐wide genetic correlation was estimated via linkage disequilibrium score regression. LAVA was employed to estimate local genetic correlations in ~2,500 nonoverlapping loci, including the major histocompatibility complex. The controls without RA were used for reference panel data. We also assessed stratified estimates of both genome‐wide and local genetic correlation based on subsamples of individuals with seropositive RA and those with seronegative RA. Furthermore, genome‐wide genetic correlation was estimated between RA and selected cardiovascular risk factors to elucidate pleiotropic relationships.

Results

Following quality control, our GWAS of patients with RA consisted of 25,826 individuas. Genome‐wide genetic correlation between patients with RA and MI was estimated to 0.13 (95% confidence interval –0.03 to 0.29). Six regions exhibited significant local genetic correlation, though none harbored any known risk single‐nucleotide polymorphisms for either of the two traits. Estimates were similar in both individuals with seropositive RA and those with seronegative RA. No statistically significant genetic correlations were observed between RA risk factors and any of the MI risk factors.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that genetic overlap between patients with RA and MI is minor. Furthermore, genetic overlap between RA and MI risk factors seem unlikely to provide a major contribution to the increased risk of MI observed in patients with RA.

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FrseGAN: Free‐style editable facial makeup transfer based on GAN combined with transformer
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Wang Pengjie , Yang Xiaosong
Published: May 2024

Makeup in real life varies widely and is personalized, presenting a key challenge in makeup transfer. Most previous makeup transfer techniques divide the face into distinct regions for color transfer, frequently neglecting details like eyeshadow and facial contours. Given the successful advancements of Transformers in various visual tasks, we believe that this technology holds large potential in addressing pose, expression, and occlusion differences. To explore this, we propose novel pipeline which combines well‐designed Convolutional Neural Network with Transformer to leverage the advantages of both networks for high‐quality facial makeup transfer. This enables hierarchical extraction of both local and global facial features, facilitating the encoding of facial attributes into pyramid feature maps. Furthermore, a Low‐Frequency Information Fusion Module is proposed to address the problem of large pose and expression variations which exist between the source and reference faces by extracting makeup features from the reference and adapting them to the source. Experiments demonstrate that our method produces makeup faces that are visually more detailed and realistic, yielding superior results.
The Vinyl Group: Small but Mighty – Transition Metal Catalyzed and Non‐Catalyzed Vinylation Reactions
Authors: Papaplioura Eleni , Mercier Maëva , Jerhaoui Soufyan , Schnürch Michael
Published: May 2024

Transition metal catalysis allows for the efficient and selective introduction of vinyl moieties onto organic molecules and offers a versatile approach to synthesizing complex organic molecules. Nonetheless, few transition‐metal free vinylation reactions have also been reported, exhibiting exceptional functional group tolerance and circumventing selectivity issues. This review provides an overview of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen vinylation, presenting innovative strategies and key advancements in the field. Hence, it will serve as a valuable resource for organic chemists who are interested in the synthesis of vinyl‐containing compounds. By understanding the diverse strategies involved in vinylation, readers will gain insights into harnessing this powerful synthetic methodology for the efficient construction of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds.
m6A Methylation of Transcription Leader Sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2 Impacts Discontinuous Transcription of Subgenomic mRNAs
Authors: Becker Matthias A. , Meiser Nathalie , Schmidt‐Dengler Martina , Richter Christian , Wacker Anna , Schwalbe Harald , Hengesbach Martin
Published: May 2024

The SARS‐CoV‐2 genome has been shown to be m6A methylated at several positions in vivo. Strikingly, a DRACH motif, the recognition motif for adenosine methylation, resides in the core of the transcriptional regulatory leader sequence (TRS−L) at position A74, which is highly conserved and essential for viral discontinuous transcription. Methylation at position A74 correlates with viral pathogenicity. Discontinuous transcription produces a set of subgenomic mRNAs that function as templates for translation of all structural and accessory proteins. A74 is base‐paired in the short stem‐loop structure 5’SL3 that opens during discontinuous transcription to form long‐range RNA‐RNA interactions with nascent (−)‐strand transcripts at complementary TRS‐body sequences. A74 can be methylated by the human METTL3/METTL14 complex in vitro. Here, we investigate its impact on the structural stability of 5’SL3 and the long‐range TRS‐leader:TRS‐body duplex formation necessary for synthesis of subgenomic mRNAs of all four viral structural proteins. Methylation uniformly destabilizes 5’SL3 and long‐range duplexes and alters their relative equilibrium populations, suggesting that the m6A74 modification acts as a regulator for the abundance of viral structural proteins due to this destabilization.
Functionalizing Sgc8‐Paclitaxel Conjugates with F‐Base Modifications: Targeted Drug Delivery with Optimized Cardiac Safety
Authors: Ma Yue , Liao Xianying , Lu Guiping , Chen Xinyuan , Qin Yu , Yuan Ancai , Wang Ruowen , Xie Yuquan , Pu Jun
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in cancer treatment have improved patient prognoses, but chemotherapy induced cardiotoxicity remains a prevalent concern. This study explores the potential of F‐base‐modified aptamers for targeted drug delivery, focusing on their impact on cardiotoxicity. From the phosphoramidite, F‐base‐functionalized Sgc8‐F23 was prepared in an automated and programmable way, which was further reacted with paclitaxel (PTX) to give the F‐base‐ modified aptamer Sgc8‐paclitaxel conjugates (Sgc8‐F23‐PTX) efficiently. The conjugate exhibited prolonged circulation time and enhanced efficacy as a precision anticancer drug delivery system. Echocardiographic assessments revealed no exacerbation of cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI) and no pathological changes or increased apoptosis in non‐infarcted cardiac regions. Autophagy pathway analysis showed no discernible differences in Sgc8‐F23‐PTX‐treated cardiomyocytes compared with controls, in contrast to the increased autophagy with nanoparticle albumin‐bound‐paclitaxel (Nab‐PTX). Similarly, apoptosis analysis showed no significant differences. Moreover, Sgc8‐F23‐PTX exhibited no inhibitory effect on hERG, hNav1.5, or hCav1.2 channels. These findings suggest the safety and efficacy of F‐base‐modified Sgc8 aptamers for targeted drug delivery with potential clinical applications. Further research is warranted for clinical translation and exploration of other drug carriers.
Doping Effects on Ternary Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Sun Yubo , Chang Chengkang , Zheng Jiening
Published: May 2024

The ongoing advancements in lithium‐ion battery technology are pivotal in propelling the performance of modern electronic devices and electric vehicles. Amongst various components, the cathode material significantly influences the battery performance, such as the specific capacity, capacity retention and the rate performance. Ternary cathode materials, composed of nickel, manganese, and cobalt (NCM), offer a balanced combination of these traits. Recent developments focus on elemental doping, which involves substituting a fraction of NCM constituent ions with alternative cations such as aluminum, titanium, or magnesium. This strategic substitution aims to enhance structural stability, increase capacity retention, and improve resistance to thermal runaway. Doped ternary materials have shown promising results, with improvements in cycle life and operational safety. However, the quest for optimal doping elements and concentrations persists to maximize performance while minimizing cost and environmental impact, ensuring the progression towards high‐energy‐density, durable, and safe battery technologies.
Fluorescence Quenching for Determination of Catalyst Concentration in the Parahydrogen‐Induced Polarization Method SABRE
Authors: Houben Till , Mysegaes Felix , Myers John Z. , Kempf Nicolas , Assaf Charbel D. , Pravdivtsev Andrey N. , Buckenmaier Kai , Körber Rainer , Plaumann Markus
Published: May 2024

In recent years, parahydrogen‐induced hyperpolarization has become a focus for future medical applications. Similar to the established dynamic nuclear polarization method, a biocompatible bolus from a hyperpolarized sample can be produced for in vivo studies. However, this requires removing toxic hydrogenation catalysts, which inevitably must be used. Additionally, the ratio between the substrate to be hyperpolarized (e. g. pyruvate) and a mandatory catalyst must also be maintained. Even the smallest differences can lead to a reduction in generated signal amplification. In particular, weighing small amounts of catalysts leads to inaccuracies in sample preparations. Fluorescence spectroscopy provides a rapid and sensitive enough approach to determine catalyst concentration. The Ir‐IMes metal complexes used in SABRE lead to a quenching of the fluorescence of the solvent, dependent on its concentration. This can be used to quickly estimate the actual concentration in a solution with very small quantities of catalysts. Hence, fluorescence spectroscopy offers a rapid and reliable quality control method for the preparation of samples to be hyperpolarized. In addition, it can also be used as a quality control method to assess filtration efficacy before administration of hyperpolarized samples.
Information acquisition or just going through the motions? Institutional investors' site visits and green innovation
Authors: Shi Peihao , Wang Hao
Published: May 2024

The importance of green innovation in global sustainable development is increasingly recognized. Literature has documented that enhancing external oversight can improve green innovation performance. However, few studies systematically investigate the relationship between external supervisory behavior and green innovation. This study employs a game‐theoretic model to examine the relationship between institutional investors' site visits (SVs) and green innovation. Using a unique dataset covering SVs from 2012 to 2021, empirical findings reveal that institutional investors' SVs are dramatically favorable to green innovation performance, particularly among stress‐resistant institutional investors. More broadly, SVs by institutional investors with higher shareholdings and stronger reputations exhibit a substantial response to green innovation. Similarly, institutional investors' SVs significantly boost the green innovation of firms with inadequate environmental disclosure. Additional analysis documents that the quality improvement of green innovation significantly increases after institutional investors conduct more than three SVs in a calendar year. This study proposes that policymakers should improve the institutional environment for site visits, and enterprises can strategically involve institutional investors to enhance external monitoring mechanisms. The theoretical and practical implications of this contribute to boosting green innovation capabilities.
The nuclear export protein exportin‐1 in solid malignant tumours: From biology to clinical trials
Authors: Lai Chuanxi , Xu Lingna , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Exportin‐1 (XPO1), a crucial protein regulating nuclear‐cytoplasmic transport, is frequently overexpressed in various cancers, driving tumor progression and drug resistance. This makes XPO1 an attractive therapeutic target. Over the past few decades, the number of available nuclear export‐selective inhibitors has been increasing. Only KPT‐330 (selinexor) has been successfully used for treating haematological malignancies, and KPT‐8602 (eltanexor) has been used for treating haematologic tumours in clinical trials. However, the use of nuclear export‐selective inhibitors for the inhibition of XPO1 expression has yet to be thoroughly investigated in clinical studies and therapeutic outcomes for solid tumours.

Methods

We collected numerous literatures to explain the efficacy of XPO1 Inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies of a wide range of solid tumours.

Results

In this review, we focus on the nuclear export function of XPO1 and results from clinical trials of its inhibitors in solid malignant tumours. We summarized the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of XPO1 inhibitors, as well as adverse effects and response biomarkers.

Conclusion

XPO1 inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in the fight against cancer, offering a novel approach to targeting tumorigenic processes and overcoming drug resistance. SINE compounds have demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of solid tumours, and ongoing research is focused on optimizing their use, identifying response biomarkers, and developing effective combination therapies.

Key Points

Exportin‐1 (XPO1) plays a critical role in mediating nucleocytoplasmic transport and cell cycle.

XPO1 dysfunction promotes tumourigenesis and drug resistance within solid tumours.

The therapeutic potential and ongoing researches on XPO1 inhibitors in the treatment of solid tumours.

Additional researches are essential to address safety concerns and identify biomarkers for predicting patient response to XPO1 inhibitors.
Landscape of gut mucosal immune cells showed gap of follicular or memory B cells into plasma cells in immunological non‐responders
Authors: Wang Zerui , Zhen Cheng , Guo Xiaoyan , Qu Mengmeng , Zhang Chao , Song Jinwen , Fan Xing , Huang Huihuang , Xu Ruonan , Zhang Jiyuan , Yuan Jinhong , Hong Weiguo , Li Jiaying , Wang Fu‐Sheng , Jiao Yan‐Mei , Linghu Enqiang
Published: May 2024

Background

The gut is an important site for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and immune responses. The role of gut mucosal immune cells in immune restoration in patients infected with HIV undergoing antiretroviral therapy remains unclear.

Methods

Ileocytes, including 54 475 immune cells, were obtained from colonoscopic biopsies of five HIV‐negative controls, nine immunological responders (IRs), and three immunological non‐responders (INRs) and were analyzed using single‐cell RNA sequencing. Immunohistochemical assays were performed for validation. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using PCR in faecal samples to analyze faecal microbiota. Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD4+ T‐cell counts and the activation of T cells.

Results

This study presents a global transcriptomic profile of the gut mucosal immune cells in patients infected with HIV. Compared with the IRs, the INRs exhibited a lower proportion of gut plasma cells, especially the IGKC+IgA+ plasma cell subpopulation. IGKC+IgA+ plasma cells were negatively associated with enriched f. Prevotellaceae the INRs and negatively correlated with the overactivation of T cells, but they were positively correlated with CD4+ T‐cell counts. The INRs exhibited a higher proportion of B cells than the IRs. Follicular and memory B cells were significantly higher in the INRs. Reduced potential was observed in the differentiation of follicular or memory B cells into gut plasma cells in INRs. In addition, the receptor‐ligand pairs CD74_MIF and CD74_COPA of memory B/ follicular helper T cells were significantly reduced in the INRs, which may hinder the differentiation of memory and follicular B cells into plasma cells.

Conclusions

Our study shows that plasma cells are dysregulated in INRs and provides an extensive resource for deciphering the immune pathogenesis of HIV in INRs.

Key points

An investigation was carried out at the single‐cell‐level to analyze gut mucosal immune cells alterations in PLWH after ART.

B cells were significantly increased and plasma cells were significantly decreased in the INRs compared to the IRs and NCs.

There are gaps in the transition from gut follicular or memory B cellsinto plasma cells in INRs.
Tafamidis medication adherence and persistence in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in Japan
Authors: Kato Takao , Ines Monica , Minamisawa Masatoshi , Benjumea Darrin , Keohane Denis , Alvir Jose , Kim Ruth , Chen Yong , Peixoto Telma , Kent Matthew , Wogen Jenifer , Ishii Tomonori , Crowley Aaron , Sugino Toshiya , Izumiya Yasuhiro
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics and adherence among patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) treated with tafamidis (VYNDAQEL®) in Japan using the Japanese Medical Data Vision (MDV) database.

Methods and results

This study was a non‐interventional, retrospective cohort study of adult (≥18 years old) patients in the Japanese MDV claims database diagnosed with ATTR‐CM and with at least two tafamidis prescriptions of dose strength 4 × 20 mg/day between 1 March 2019 and 31 August 2021. The date of the first prescription was defined as the index date, with follow‐up time defined as the time between the first and last prescription plus the days' supply from the last refill. Baseline characteristics were assessed during a 12 month pre‐index period. Adherence was measured using two metrics: (i) the modified medication possession ratio (mMPR), calculated by taking the sum of days supplied for all fills within the follow‐up period, divided by the number of days of follow‐up, and reported as a percentage, with patients classified as adherent with an mMPR of ≥80%, and (ii) the proportion of days covered (PDC), calculated by taking the total number of days' supply dispensed during the follow‐up period divided by the number of days of follow‐up, adjusting for any days' supply overlap. A total of 210 patients were identified; the mean (standard deviation) age of the cohort was 77 (5.9) years, and the majority (89%) were male. The most common baseline cardiovascular comorbidities were heart failure (85%), ischaemic heart disease (66%), hypertensive diseases (49%), and diabetes (35%); 75% of patients received heart failure medications in the 12 months prior to index, with the most common being beta‐blockers (49%), diuretics (48%), angiotensin receptor blockers (30%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (22%), and sodium–glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (8.1%). Over an average 14 month follow‐up, mean mMPR was 96% with a median of 100% [inter‐quartile range (IQR): 97–101%]; 93% of patients were adherent (defined as an mMPR ≥ 80%). In the same follow‐up period, mean PDC was 93.6% with a median of 99% (IQR: 93–100%). Persistence was high with 78% of patients having a 0 day gap between prescription refills.

Conclusions

This study found high adherence rates to tafamidis in this real‐world Japanese patient population. Adherence rates in this study were similar to those reported by the tafamidis clinical trial and a previously published US commercial claims adherence analysis. Further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of real‐world adherence on real‐world outcomes.
Differences in presentation, diagnosis and management of heart failure in women. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC
Authors: Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Stolfo Davide , Anderson Lisa , Abdelhamid Magdy , Adamo Marianna , Bauersachs Johann , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Böhm Michael , Chioncel Ovidiu , Filippatos Gerasimos , Hill Loreena , Lainscak Mitja , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Maas Angela H.E.M. , Massouh Angela R. , Moura Brenda , Petrie Mark C. , Rakisheva Amina , Ray Robin , Savarese Gianluigi , Skouri Hadi , Van Linthout Sophie , Vitale Cristiana , Volterrani Maurizio , Metra Marco , Coats Andrew J.S.
Published: May 2024

Despite the progress in the care of individuals with heart failure (HF), important sex disparities in knowledge and management remain, covering all the aspects of the syndrome, from aetiology and pathophysiology to treatment. Important distinctions in phenotypic presentation are widely known, but the mechanisms behind these differences are only partially defined. The impact of sex‐specific conditions in the predisposition to HF has gained progressive interest in the HF community. Under‐recruitment of women in large randomized clinical trials has continued in the more recent studies despite epidemiological data no longer reporting any substantial difference in the lifetime risk and prognosis between sexes. Target dose of medications and criteria for device eligibility are derived from studies with a large predominance of men, whereas specific information in women is lacking. The present scientific statement encompasses the whole scenario of available evidence on sex‐disparities in HF and aims to define the most challenging and urgent residual gaps in the evidence for the scientific and clinical HF communities.
Thermoeconomic analysis of a novel configuration of a biomass‐powered organic Rankine cycle for residential application with consideration the effect of battery energy storage
Authors: Ehyaei Mehdi Ali , Heberle Florian , Brüggemann Dieter
Published: May 2024

In this article, the energy, exergy, and economic analysis of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system powered by biogas to provide electricity, heating, and cooling loads for a residential building in Munich city is investigated. Two methods have been proposed to meet the heating and cooling needs of the residential building. In the first method, heating and cooling needs are provided by a heat pump and mechanical refrigeration (System I), and in the second method, these needs are provided by a radiator and absorption refrigeration cycle (System II). In both modes of this system, the effects of battery energy storage (BES) have been analyzed for peak shaving. The working method of this research is that the residential building's electricity, heating, and cooling needs are calculated by Homer and Carrier software, respectively. Engineering equation solver software models the main local power generation system. A new method has been proposed to select the required number of units to meet the needs of the building with and without BES. The results showed that for System I with and without BES, 3 and 1 ORC units with a nominal power of 2 kW can meet all the needs of the building, respectively. In contrast, for System II, the number of 1 unit with 2 kW and 1 unit with 1 kW is needed to meet the energy needs of a residential building with and without BES. It can be concluded that heating and cooling the building with a radiator and absorption chiller cycle is more cost‐effective. The energy and exergy efficiency of ORC is reported as 11.3% and 65.7%, respectively, and the highest exergy destruction rate is related to the heater and boiler. From the economic point of view, the payback period of System II compared with System I is reduced from 18.4 to 5.66 years without using BES. With the use of BES, the payback period is reduced to 5.3 and 5.66 years, respectively. The lowest and highest electricity prices belong to System I with and without BES, which are 3.11 and 0.36 US$/kWh, respectively.
Transcriptional profiling of retinal astrocytes identifies a specific marker and points to functional specialization
Authors: Cullen Paul F. , Gammerdinger William J. , Ho Sui Shannan J. , Mazumder Arpan Guha , Sun Daniel
Published: May 2024

Astrocyte heterogeneity is an increasingly prominent research topic, and studies in the brain have demonstrated substantial variation in astrocyte form and function, both between and within regions. In contrast, retinal astrocytes are not well understood and remain incompletely characterized. Along with optic nerve astrocytes, they are responsible for supporting retinal ganglion cell axons and an improved understanding of their role is required. We have used a combination of microdissection and Ribotag immunoprecipitation to isolate ribosome‐associated mRNA from retinal astrocytes and investigate their transcriptome, which we also compared to astrocyte populations in the optic nerve. Astrocytes from these regions are transcriptionally distinct, and we identified retina‐specific astrocyte genes and pathways. Moreover, although they share much of the “classical” gene expression patterns of astrocytes, we uncovered unexpected variation, including in genes related to core astrocyte functions. We additionally identified the transcription factor Pax8 as a highly specific marker of retinal astrocytes and demonstrated that these astrocytes populate not only the retinal surface, but also the prelaminar region at the optic nerve head. These findings are likely to contribute to a revised understanding of the role of astrocytes in the retina.
The relationship between cellular protein content and selenium accumulation in freshwater microalgae
Authors: Bogstie Courtney , Gallant Melanie , Elphick James R , Kennedy Christopher
Published: May 2024

Variability in the bioconcentration of selenium (Se) by primary producers at the base of the food web results in uncertainty in predictions of bioaccumulation and ecological risk to higher trophic level organisms. Water chemistry, speciation of Se, and periphyton community composition have all been suggested as factors that contribute to variability in bioconcentration by primary producers; however, the role of physiological composition of periphyton species in influencing the bioconcentration of Se has not been previously evaluated. To determine if a relationship exists between algal protein content and Se accumulation, Parachlorella kessleri, Chlorella vulgaris, and Raphidocelis subcapitata were exposed to Se (as selenate) and analyzed for total protein and tissue Se content in the exponential and stationary growth phases. Protein content and Se accumulation in R. subcapitata in the stationary phase were also measured under two light intensities. No relationship between cellular protein content and Se accumulation was found for algae in the exponential phase; however, a strong relationship was found in the stationary phase among species and for R. subcapitata under differing light intensities. Absolute Se accumulations by P. kessleri, C. vulgaris, and R. subcapitata in the stationary phase were statistically different; however, the concentrations of Se in protein were similar across species. These results suggest that cellular protein content in microalgae influences Se bioconcentration and that algal protein content may improve Se bioaccumulation modeling in food webs.
Good and bad days at work: A descriptive review of day‐level and experience‐sampling studies
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine , Völker Jette , Wehrt Wilken
Published: May 2024

Workdays are the main temporal building blocks of people's experiences at work, and many factors potentially contribute to having a good versus a bad day at work. Still, empirical findings on these ingredients are scattered and a bigger picture is missing. This article reviews day‐level and experience‐sampling studies (k = 382 studies) to describe what makes for a good versus bad day at work. We derive outcome criteria for good versus bad days from the circumplex model of effect and identify specific pre‐work factors (sleep, pre‐work events, and pre‐work experiences) and at‐work factors (situational conditions, states and experiences, behaviors, results of one's actions, and work breaks) as their core ingredients. We highlight temporal trends in this rapidly growing research area and critically assess the current state of the literature with respect to theoretical and methodological issues. We link empirical findings that have emerged from our literature review to a homeostatic human sustainability perspective, offer directions for future research, and discuss the practical implementation of research findings.
World‐makers and social justice: Strategies of (in)action?
Authors: Pagan Victoria , Kirk Susan
Published: May 2024

This article applies a Bourdieusian lens to a critical analysis of global power dynamics to argue that a field framework is useful for studying praxis and (in)action in complex and dynamic global spaces of decision‐making. It is argued that individuals with global power can interact strategically to change their actions for improved social and economic justice, but it requires resisting dominant practices that may maintain existing inequalities. By exploring the interrelations between positions within the global spaces of the World Social Forum and the World Economic Forum, we offer an original contribution to the field of strategic change. We show how the actors in these global spaces have the potential to provoke greater social justice but also risk perpetuating a status quo that continues to favor the few over the many. Participants are world‐makers who wield symbolic power and can create disruption in the “rules of the game,” but the strength of those who seek to defend the status quo can perpetuate inertia. The article offers a novel contribution to the research on global spaces and elite actors by critically analyzing accounts of strategic practices therein, thus offering a more nuanced understanding of world‐making in action or inaction.
Streptomyces virginiae XDS1‐5, an antagonistic actinomycete, as a biocontrol to peach brown rot caused by Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Chen Meijun , Jia Fan , Chen Shan , Zheng Yang , Hu Yan , Liu Weina , Liu Changyun , Sun Xianchao , Lu Jinwei , Chen Guokang , Ma Guanhua
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Peach brown rot, caused by the pathogen Monilinia fructicola, represents a significant postharvest infectious disease affecting peach fruit. This disease is responsible for a substantial increase in fruit decay rates, leading to significant economic losses, often exceeding 50%. Currently, there is a growing interest in identifying biocontrol agents to mitigate peach brown rot, with a predominant interest in Bacillus species.

RESULTS

In this investigation, we isolated 410 isolates of actinomycetes from non‐farmland ecosystem soil samples. Subsequently, 27 isolates exhibiting superior inhibitory capabilities were selected. Among these, strain XDS1‐5 demonstrated the most robust fungistatic effect against brown rot disease, achieving an 80% inhibition rate in vitro and a 66% inhibition rate in vivo. XDS1‐5 was identified as belonging to the Streptomyces virginiae species. Furthermore, a fermentation filtrate of XDS1‐5 exhibited the ability to metabolize 34.21% of the tested carbon sources and 7.37% of the tested nitrogen sources. Particularly noteworthy was its capacity to disrupt the cell membrane structure directly, leading to increased cell membrane permeability and cytoplasmic leakage. Additionally, our investigation indicated that indoline, a metabolite produced by XDS1‐5, played a pivotal role in inhibiting the growth of M. fructicola.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our study has identified a biocontrol actinomycete, XDS1‐5, with the potential to effectively inhibit postharvest brown rot disease in peaches. This finding holds great significance for the biological control of peach brown rot, offering promising prospects for mitigating the economic losses associated with this devastating disease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Combined exposure to CO2 and H2S significantly reduces the performance of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica: Evidence from a volcanic vent
Authors: Signa Geraldina , Sciutteri Valentina , Tomasello Agostino , Costa Valentina , Casabianca Silvia , Cilluffo Giovanna , Andolina Cristina , Vizzini Salvatrice
Published: May 2024

Although seagrasses are expected to thrive in future acidified oceans by overcoming low CO2 diffusion into plant tissues, the co‐occurrence of environmental stressors may affect their growth. Volcanic CO2 vents are often associated with toxic gases and metal‐rich fluids representing ideal sites to assess the effects of multiple stressors. We evaluated the response of Posidonia oceanica growing near shallow CO2 vents characterized by H2S spill‐out by comparing meadow structure and phenology to an area with no gas emissions. Seagrass descriptors at meadow, shoot and leaf level indicated that P. oceanica experienced stressful conditions at the vent area, in clear contrast to the flourishing features of P. oceanica previously described at CO2 vents with no evidence of toxic inputs. Furthermore, the reduction in both leaf δ34S and growth at the vent area indicates that sulfide intrusion occurs and affects seagrass growth performance, dampening the expected beneficial effects of high CO2 levels.
Double managerial delegation contracts with relative profit performance and environmental performance incentives under emission taxes
Authors: Xu Lili , Yin Yuntong , Lee Sang‐Ho
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the strategic relations between emission taxes and firms' managerial delegation contracts, which include incentives based on relative profit performance (RPP) and environmental performance (EP). We demonstrate that under quantity (price) competition, the government imposes higher (lower) emission taxes, while the firm owner sets lower (higher) EP incentives and negative (positive) RPP incentives, which leads to lower (higher) welfare. We also explore an endogenous competition mode game and find that quantity (price) competition emerges when both consumers' green willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) and product differentiation are low (high). Our findings suggest that public education on greenness is crucial for enhancing EP incentives in the design of managerial delegation contracts, while intense product market competition may be detrimental to consumers and society, especially when consumers' green WTP is low.
HHS: Rhode Island violated civil rights laws by warehousing children with MI
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2024

A multi‐year, comprehensive joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) District of Rhode Island earlier this month concluded that Rhode Island is in violation of federal civil rights laws for unnecessarily segregating children with mental health and/or developmental disabilities at a state acute‐care psychiatric facility.
Maternal‐fetal comorbidities and obstetrical outcomes of fetal single ventricle cardiac defects: 10 years' experience with a multidisciplinary management protocol at a single center
Authors: Wautlet Cynthie K. , Kops Samantha A. , Silveira Lori J. , Young Krista , Behrendt Nicholas J. , Zaretsky Michael V. , Cuneo Bettina F. , Galan Henry L.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To describe and compare maternal and fetal comorbidities and obstetrical outcomes in pregnancies with hypoplastic left and right heart (HLHS and HRH) single ventricle cardiac defects (SVCD) from a single center under a multidisciplinary protocol.

Method

A single center retrospective review of fetal SVCD from 2013 to 2022. Maternal‐fetal comorbidities, delivery, and postnatal outcomes were compared between HLHS and HRH using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 181 SVCD pregnancies (131 HLHS; 50 HRH), 9% underwent termination, 4% elected comfort care, 5 died in utero and 147/152 liveborns survived to the first cardiac intervention. Cesarean delivery occurred in 57 cases (37%), planned in 36 and unplanned in 21. Comorbidities, which did not differ between HLHS and HRH, included fetal growth restriction (FGR, 17%), prematurity (14%), maternal hypertension (9%), maternal obesity (50%), fetal extracardiac anomalies and chromosome anomalies (12%, 13%). In multivariate analysis, only earlier gestational age at delivery and oligohydramnios predicted decreased odds of survival at one year.

Conclusion

Maternal‐fetal comorbidities are common in both HLHS and HRH. Earlier gestational age at delivery and oligohydramnios predict lower postnatal survival. FGR, even with severe early onset, did not significantly impact short‐ or long‐term neonatal survival in single ventricle conditions.
OpenSAFELY: A platform for analysing electronic health records designed for reproducible research
Authors: Nab Linda , Schaffer Andrea L. , Hulme William , DeVito Nicholas J. , Dillingham Iain , Wiedemann Milan , Andrews Colm D. , Curtis Helen , Fisher Louis , Green Amelia , Massey Jon , Walters Caroline E. , Higgins Rose , Cunningham Christine , Morley Jessica , Mehrkar Amir , Hart Liam , Davy Simon , Evans David , Hickman George , Inglesby Peter , Morton Caroline E. , Smith Rebecca M. , Ward Tom , O'Dwyer Thomas , Maude Steven , Bridges Lucy , Butler‐Cole Ben F. C. , Stables Catherine L. , Stokes Pete , Bates Chris , Cockburn Jonny , Hester Frank , Parry John , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Schultze Anna , Rentsch Christopher T. , Mathur Rohini , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Williamson Elizabeth J. , Smeeth Liam , Walker Alex , Bacon Sebastian , MacKenna Brian , Goldacre Ben
Published: May 2024

Electronic health records (EHRs) and other administrative health data are increasingly used in research to generate evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and utilisation of medical products and services, and to inform public health guidance and policy. Reproducibility is a fundamental step for research credibility and promotes trust in evidence generated from EHRs. At present, ensuring research using EHRs is reproducible can be challenging for researchers. Research software platforms can provide technical solutions to enhance the reproducibility of research conducted using EHRs. In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, we developed the secure, transparent, analytic open‐source software platform OpenSAFELY designed with reproducible research in mind. OpenSAFELY mitigates common barriers to reproducible research by: standardising key workflows around data preparation; removing barriers to code‐sharing in secure analysis environments; enforcing public sharing of programming code and codelists; ensuring the same computational environment is used everywhere; integrating new and existing tools that encourage and enable the use of reproducible working practices; and providing an audit trail for all code that is run against the real data to increase transparency. This paper describes OpenSAFELY's reproducibility‐by‐design approach in detail.
Transcriptional repression of GTL1 under water‐deficit stress promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis to enhance drought tolerance
Authors: Mano Noel Anthony , Shaikh Mearaj A. , Widhalm Joshua R. , Yoo Chan Yul , Mickelbart Michael V.
Published: May 2024

The transcription factor GT2‐LIKE 1 (GTL1) has been implicated in orchestrating a transcriptional network of diverse physiological, biochemical, and developmental processes. In response to water‐limiting conditions, GTL1 is a negative regulator of stomatal development, but its potential rolein other water‐deficit responses is unknown. We hypothesized that GTL1 regulates transcriptome changes associated with drought tolerance over leaf developmental stages. To test the hypothesis, gene expression was profiled by RNA‐seq analysis in emerging and expanding leaves of wild‐type and a drought‐tolerant gtl1‐4 knockout mutant under well‐watered and water‐deficit conditions. Our comparative analysis of genotype‐treatment combinations within leaf developmental age identified 459 and 1073 differentially expressed genes in emerging and expanding leaves, respectively, as water‐deficit responsive GTL1‐regulated genes. Transcriptional profiling identified a potential role of GTL1 in two important pathways previously linked to drought tolerance: flavonoid and polyamine biosynthesis. In expanding leaves, negative regulation of GTL1 under water‐deficit conditions promotes biosynthesis of flavonoids and anthocyanins that may contribute to drought tolerance. Quantification of polyamines did not support a role for GTL1 in these drought‐responsive pathways, but this is likely due to the complex nature of polyamine synthesis and turnover. Our global transcriptome analysis suggests that transcriptional repression of GTL1 by water deficit allows plants to activate diverse pathways that collectively contribute to drought tolerance.
Development of a SARS‐CoV‐2 viral dynamic model for patients with COVID‐19 based on the amount of viral RNA and viral titer
Authors: Yamaguchi Daichi , Shimizu Ryosuke , Kubota Ryuji
Published: May 2024

The target‐cell limited model, which is one of the mathematical modeling approaches providing a quantitative understanding of viral dynamics, has been applied to describe viral RNA profiles of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in previous studies. However, these models have been developed mainly using patient data from the early phase of the pandemic. Furthermore, no reports focused on the profiles of the viral titer. In this study, the dynamics of both viral RNA and viral titer were characterized using data reflecting the current clinical situation in which the Omicron variant has become epidemic and vaccines for SARS‐CoV‐2 have become available. Consecutive data for 5212 viral RNA levels and 5216 viral titers were obtained from 720 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in a phase II/III study for ensitrelvir. Our model assumed that productively infected cells would produce only infectious viruses, which could be transformed into non‐infectious viruses, and has been used to describe the dynamics of both viral RNA levels and viral titer. The time from infection to symptom onset (tinf) of unvaccinated patients was estimated to be 3.0 days, which was shorter than that of the vaccinated patients. The immune‐related parameter as a power function for the vaccinated patients was 1.1 times stronger than that for the unvaccinated patients. Our model allows the prediction of the viral dynamics in patients with COVID‐19 from the time of infection to symptom onset. Vaccination status was identified as a factor influencing tinf and the immune function.
Smart bistable coordination complexes
Authors: Xiao Xiong , Chen Zong‐Ju , Varley Russell J. , Li Cheng‐Hui
Published: May 2024

Smart molecules have attracted increasing attention due to their transformative role in creating the next generation of smart structures and devices. Smart bistable coordination complexes are a class of functional complexes which have two stable states that can be reversibly switched in response to external stimuli. Such bistable molecules play a vital role in various applications, such as sensors, data storage, spintronics, smart windows, optical switches, information encryption and decryption, displays, actuators, etc. Herein, the recent research studies into the development of these smart bistable metal coordination complexes are reviewed. According to the different external stimuli, these smart bistable coordination systems have been classified and summarized, including light‐responsive systems, thermally‐responsive systems, electrically‐responsive systems, mechanically‐responsive systems, and some other cases. These systems are further subdivided according to the changes in signals (e.g., color, fluorescence, spin state, crystalline phase) under external stimuli. The design principles of each type of smart bistable metal complexes as well as their broad and innovative applications are comprehensively described. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this field are briefly analyzed and discussed.