bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Représentations de la mort et des rites mortuaires en temps de pandémie de la COVID-19 dans la presse asiatique et moyen-orientale : une analyse exploratoire
Authors: Lévy Joseph J. , Guevara Espinar Miguel David
Published: December 2023

Depuis le 19e siècle, la presse joue un rôle significatif dans la diffusion des informations sur les épidémies et leurs répercussions dans le domaine de la thanatologie. Ce phénomène s’est amplifié dans le cas de la COVID-19. Des recherches ont porté sur les représentations dans la presse de pays européens et d’Amérique du Sud quant aux répercussions de cette pandémie sur les dimensions thanatologiques. À la suite de ces travaux, le présent article vise, à partir d’une méthodologie qualitative, à rendre compte des thématiques et des représentations autour de la mort qui ont circulé dans la presse asiatique et moyen-orientale entre 2020 et 2021. Une analyse de contenu a été effectuée sur un corpus de 56 articles collectés dans une seule base de données incluant des articles de la presse quotidienne internationale. Cette analyse met en évidence plusieurs thématiques communes dans les représentations des médias : les systèmes hospitaliers, les conditions de fin de vie, les cérémonies des adieux, l’état des installations funéraires, les pratiques et rituels funéraires, les usages des technologies de communication, le processus de deuil, la santé mentale et les perspectives thérapeutiques. À ces thèmes communs viennent s’ajouter ceux qui sont propres au corpus asiatique et moyen-oriental : les rôles des proches aidants, les associations bénévoles, la transgression des règles régissant les pratiques mortuaires, les conflits intra et intercommunautaires. Au niveau méta-représentationnel, cette étude met en évidence la présence d’une chaine thanatologique dérégulée ainsi que le recours à de stratégies personnelles et sociales pour contrer cette désorganisation extrême.
El diseño de imágenes como herramienta de concienciación medioambiental
Authors: Villalba-Gómez José Víctor
Published: December 2023

Se presenta una experiencia y resultados pertenecientes a un proyecto de innovación docente basado en el aprendizaje a través del proceso creativo de diseño de imágenes con temática medioambiental, junto a componentes de otras metodologías de enseñanza basadas en aprendizaje-servicio, el aprendizaje y concreción artística educativa en espacios híbridos, y la imagen como experiencia. El ejercicio alude sobre las posibles interpretaciones que se pueden realizar a partir de imágenes y tema propuesto, haciendo partícipes emocionalmente a los estudiantes, mientras se acercan a su entorno más próximo desde una visión experimental, configurando así una creación de expresión plástica actual y propia. La propuesta se llevó a cabo con estudiantes del Grado en Educación Primaria de la Universidad de Murcia. El objetivo general es el de potenciar la actitud crítica y de concienciación ante problemas medioambientales a partir de la imagen y metodologías propias de la Expresión Plástica. Como Resultados y conclusiones generales, se observa en el conjunto de los 151 estudiantes, un alto grado de adecuación entre la resolución del problema y los objetivos previstos. También se observó una gran implicación personal, así como un gran esfuerzo hacia un conocimiento directo de las cuestiones planteadas, pero, sobre todo, la alta capacidad crítica y autocrítica ante un grave problema medioambiental a través del acto artístico, aspecto que también puede visualizarse en las obras resultantes, de notable impacto visual y fuerza expresiva.
Estrategias del Arte alineadas con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
Authors: Yáñez-Martínez Begoña
Published: December 2023

La educación artística debe reflejar la realidad de los lenguajes artísticos. Estos lenguajes son, a su vez, reflejo de los cambios de la sociedad. Entre los años sesenta y setenta el paradigma del arte cambia hacia un compromiso socioambiental. La situación actual ha seguido avanzando hacia un arte ecosocial, en conexión con los cambios globales de nuestra realidad y con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) que establecen las Naciones Unidas. Con el objetivo de insertar en la asignatura de Estrategias del Arte los ODS, se desarrollan una serie de fichas de artista que conectan su obra con los ODS como ejemplo de incorporación directa a la enseñanza artística. El arte se alinea de forma natural con estos objetivos pudiendo identificar en sus lenguajes los distintos valores presentados en ellos. Destacando especialmente la igualdad de género, reducción de desigualdades, el cuidado del medio ambiente y la denuncia del consumo irresponsable. 
Esta investigación fue financiada por la Agencia Estatal de Investigación [PID2020-112964RB-I00 / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033]; el Instituto de Desarrollo Profesional-ICE de la Universidad de Barcelona [REDICE22-3242]; el Vicerrectorado de Política Docente y el Programa de Investigación, Innovación y Mejora de la Docencia y el Aprendizaje de la Universidad de Barcelona [GIDC-ODAS y 2021PID-UB/001].
Del texto narrativo a la imagen visual: factores del proceso metodológico en una acción educativa
Authors: Ramón-Verdú Alfredo José
Published: December 2023

El presente artículo expone el marco metodológico de una acción educativa realizada con estudiantes universitarios de la Universidad de Murcia, primando el proceso creativo y la toma de decisiones dentro de la dicotomía texto-imagen. El punto de partida se establece en el azar y en lo aleatorio, configurando a continuación todo un corpus metodológico de intervención educativa con la finalidad de trasladar una historia que previamente se ha creado por escrito, hacia lo visual y pictórico, cada uno con una serie de códigos lingüísticos particulares y de interpretación también muy distintos. El objetivo principal fue el que los estudiantes, inmersos en el aprendizaje de los componentes del lenguaje visual y plástico, ejerciten su potencial cognitivo durante la transformación artística del texto hacia la imagen, resolviendo un mensaje a través de códigos distintos pero unificados en una misma idea, ejecutando, así, un proceso creativo completo. En este contexto, la investigación se centró en identificar y potenciar los factores que intervinieron en cada una de las fases de elaboración de la tarea. Los resultados obtenidos se posicionan dentro de lo esperado, con altas dosis de motivación e implicación a la hora de organizar y discriminar la información relevante, ejecutando la síntesis necesaria para la creación de una obra pictórica a modo de cartel cinematográfico.
Cystatin F (Cst7) drives sex-dependent changes in microglia in an amyloid-driven model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Daniels Michael JD , Lefevre Lucas , Szymkowiak Stefan , Drake Alice , McCulloch Laura , Tzioras Makis , Barrington Jack , Dando Owen R , He Xin , Mohammad Mehreen , Sasaguri Hiroki , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C , Spires-Jones Tara L , McColl Barry W
Published: December 2023

Microglial endolysosomal (dys)function is strongly implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Transcriptomic studies show that a microglial state characterised by a set of genes involved in endolysosomal function is induced in both mouse Alzheimer’s disease (AD) models and human AD brain, and that the emergence of this state is emphasised in females. Cst7 (encoding cystatin F) is among the most highly upregulated genes in these microglia. However, despite such striking and robust upregulation, the function of Cst7 in neurodegenerative disease is not understood. Here, we crossed Cst7-/- mice with the AppNL-G-F mouse to test the role of Cst7 in a model of amyloid-driven AD. Surprisingly, we found that Cst7 plays a sexually dimorphic role regulating microglia in this model. In females, Cst7-/-AppNL-G-F microglia had greater endolysosomal gene expression, lysosomal burden, and amyloid beta (Aβ) burden in vivo and were more phagocytic in vitro. However, in males, Cst7-/-AppNL-G-F microglia were less inflammatory and had a reduction in lysosomal burden but had no change in Aβ burden. Overall, our study reveals functional roles for one of the most commonly upregulated genes in microglia across disease models, and the sex-specific profiles of Cst7-/--altered microglial disease phenotypes. More broadly, the findings raise important implications for AD including crucial questions on sexual dimorphism in neurodegenerative disease and the interplay between endolysosomal and inflammatory pathways in AD pathology.
How hibernation in frogs drives brain and reproductive evolution in opposite directions
Authors: Liao Wenbo , Jiang Ying , Jin Long , Lüpold Stefan
Published: December 2023

Environmental seasonality can promote the evolution of larger brains through cognitive and behavioral flexibility but can also hamper it when temporary food shortage is buffered by stored energy. Multiple hypotheses linking brain evolution with resource acquisition and allocation have been proposed for warm-blooded organisms, but it remains unclear how these extend to cold-blooded taxa whose metabolism is tightly linked to ambient temperature. Here, we integrated these hypotheses across frogs and toads in the context of varying brumation (hibernation) durations and their environmental correlates. We showed that protracted brumation covaried negatively with brain size but positively with reproductive investment, likely in response to brumation-dependent changes in the socio-ecological context and associated selection on different tissues. Our results provide novel insights into resource allocation strategies and possible constraints in trait diversification, which may have important implications for the adaptability of species under sustained environmental change.
Endosomal dysfunction contributes to cerebellar deficits in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6
Authors: Cook Anna A , Leung Tsz Chui Sophia , Rice Max , Nachman Maya , Zadigue-Dube Élyse , Watt Alanna Jean
Published: December 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a rare disease that is characterized by cerebellar dysfunction. Patients have progressive motor coordination impairment, and postmortem brain tissue reveals degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells and a reduced level of cerebellar brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, the pathophysiological changes underlying SCA6 are not fully understood. We carried out RNA-sequencing of cerebellar vermis tissue in a mouse model of SCA6, which revealed widespread dysregulation of genes associated with the endo-lysosomal system. Since disruption to endosomes or lysosomes could contribute to cellular deficits, we examined the endo-lysosomal system in SCA6. We identified alterations in multiple endosomal compartments in the Purkinje cells of SCA6 mice. Early endosomes were enlarged, while the size of the late endosome compartment was reduced. We also found evidence for impaired trafficking of cargo to the lysosomes. As the proper functioning of the endo-lysosomal system is crucial for the sorting and trafficking of signaling molecules, we wondered whether these changes could contribute to previously identified deficits in signaling by BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin kinase B (TrkB) in SCA6. Indeed, we found that the enlarged early endosomes in SCA6 mice accumulated both BDNF and TrkB. Furthermore, TrkB recycling to the cell membrane in recycling endosomes was reduced, and the late endosome transport of BDNF for degradation was impaired. Therefore, mis-trafficking due to aberrant endo-lysosomal transport and function could contribute to SCA6 pathophysiology through alterations to BDNF–TrkB signaling, as well as mishandling of other signaling molecules. Deficits in early endosomes and BDNF localization were rescued by chronic administration of a TrkB agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, that we have previously shown restores motor coordination and cerebellar TrkB expression. The endo-lysosomal system is thus both a novel locus of pathophysiology in SCA6 and a promising therapeutic target.
Genome-wide Functional Characterization of Escherichia coli Promoters and Sequence Elements Encoding Their Regulation
Authors: Urtecho Guillaume , Insigne Kimberly D. , Tripp Arielle D. , Brinck Marcia S. , Lubock Nathan B. , Acree Christopher , Kim Hwangbeom , Chan Tracey , Kosuri Sriram
Published: December 2023

Despite decades of intense genetic, biochemical, and evolutionary characterizations of bacterial promoters, we lack the ability to identify or predict transcriptional activities of promoters using primary sequence. Even in simple, well-characterized organisms such as
E. coli
there is little agreement on the number, location, and strength of promoters. We use a genomically-encoded massively parallel reporter assay to perform the first full characterization of autonomous promoter activity across the
E. coli
genome. We measure promoter activity of >300,000 sequences spanning the entire genome and map 2,228 promoters active in rich media. Surprisingly, 944 of these promoters were found within intragenic sequences and are associated with conciliatory sequence adaptations by both the protein-coding regions and overlapping RNAP binding sites. Furthermore, we perform a scanning mutagenesis of 2,057 promoters to uncover sequence elements regulating promoter activity, revealing 3,317 novel regulatory elements. Finally, we show that despite these large datasets and modern machine learning algorithms, predicting endogenous promoter activity from primary sequence is still challenging.
Signatures of Bayesian inference emerge from energy-efficient synapses
Authors: Malkin James , O'Donnell Cian , Houghton Conor J , Aitchison Laurence
Published: December 2023

Biological synaptic transmission is unreliable, and this unreliability likely degrades neural circuit performance. While there are biophysical mechanisms that can increase reliability, for instance by increasing vesicle release probability, these mechanisms cost energy. We examined four such mechanisms along with the associated scaling of the energetic costs. We then embedded these energetic costs for reliability in artificial neural networks (ANNs) with trainable stochastic synapses, and trained these networks on standard image classification tasks. The resulting networks revealed a tradeoff between circuit performance and the energetic cost of synaptic reliability. Additionally, the optimised networks exhibited two testable predictions consistent with pre-existing experimental data. Specifically, synapses with lower variability tended to have (1) higher input firing rates and (2) lower learning rates. Surprisingly, these predictions also arise when synapse statistics are inferred through Bayesian inference. Indeed, we were able to find a formal, theoretical link between the performance-reliability cost tradeoff and Bayesian inference. This connection suggests two incompatible possibilities: evolution may have chanced upon a scheme for implementing Bayesian inference by optimising energy efficiency, or alternatively, energy-efficient synapses may display signatures of Bayesian inference without actually using Bayes to reason about uncertainty.
Signatures of Bayesian inference emerge from energy efficient synapses
Authors: Malkin James , O’Donnell Cian , Houghton Conor , Aitchison Laurence
Published: December 2023

Biological synaptic transmission is unreliable, and this unreliability likely degrades neural circuit performance. While there are biophysical mechanisms that can increase reliability, for instance by increasing vesicle release probability, these mechanisms cost energy. We examined four such mechanisms along with the associated scaling of the energetic costs. We then embedded these energetic costs for reliability in artificial neural networks (ANN) with trainable stochastic synapses, and trained these networks on standard image classification tasks. The resulting networks revealed a tradeoff between circuit performance and the energetic cost of synaptic reliability. Additionally, the optimised networks exhibited two testable predictions consistent with pre-existing experimental data. Specifically, synapses with lower variability tended to have 1) higher input firing rates and 2) lower learning rates. Surprisingly, these predictions also arise when synapse statistics are inferred through Bayesian inference. Indeed, we were able to find a formal, theoretical link between the performance-reliability cost tradeoff and Bayesian inference. This connection suggests two incompatible possibilities: evolution may have chanced upon a scheme for implementing Bayesian inference by optimising energy efficiency, or alternatively, energy efficient synapses may display signatures of Bayesian inference without actually using Bayes to reason about uncertainty.
Sex Differences in Discrimination Behavior and Orbitofrontal Engagement During Context-Gated Reward Prediction
Authors: Peterson Sophie , Maheras Amanda , Chavira Jose , Wu Brenda , Keiflin Ronald
Published: December 2023

Animals, including humans, rely on contextual information to interpret ambiguous stimuli. Impaired context processing is a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, PTSD, and addiction. While sex differences in the prevalence and manifestations of these disorders are well established, potential sex differences in context processing remain uncertain. Here we examined sex differences in the contextual control over cue-evoked reward seeking and its neural correlates, in rats. Male and female rats were trained in a bidirectional occasion-setting preparation in which the validity of two reward-predictive cues was informed by the presence, or absence, of a background contextual feature (A:X+ / X-/ A:Y-/ Y+). Females were significantly slower to acquire contextual control over cue-evoked reward seeking. However, once established, the contextual control over behavior was more robust in female rats; it showed less within-session variability (less influence of prior reward) and greater resistance to acute stress. This superior contextual control achieved by females was accompanied by an increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex compared to males. Critically, these behavioral and neural sex differences were specific to the contextual modulation process and not observed in simple, context-independent, reward prediction tasks. These results indicate a sex-biased trade-off between the speed of acquisition and the robustness of performance in the contextual modulation of cued reward seeking. The different distribution of sexes along the Fast learning ↔ Steady performance continuum might reflect different levels of engagement of the orbitofrontal cortex, and might have implications for our understanding of sex differences in psychiatric disorders.
Differences and relationship in functional movement screen (FMS™) scores and physical fitness in males and female semi-professional soccer players
Authors: Martín-Moya Ricardo , Rodríguez-García Lorena , Moreno-Vecino Beatriz , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Liñán González Antonio , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás
Published: December 2023

Background

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport for both men and women. Tests of athletic and functional performance are commonly used to assess physical ability and set performance goals. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery developed by practitioners to provide interpretable measure of movement quality. The main objective of the present study was twofold, to analyze the relationship between FMS™ results from male and female soccer players and to compare their physical performance in different tests.

Methods

A total of twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players: fourteen male (age: 21.29 ± 1.64 years; weight: 70.66 ± 5.29 kg; height: 171.86 ± 5.35 cm; BMI: 20.90 ± 2.22 kg/m2) and fourteen females (age: 20.64 ± 1.98 years; weight: 63.44 ± 5.83 kg; height: 166.21 ± 12.18 cm; BMI: 23.02 ± 2.50 kg/m2) were recruited for this study. A paired sample t-test was used for determining differences as a repeated measures analysis. All the participants conducted the following tests: The Functional Movement Test (FMS™), 10-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 COD Test and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test—Level 1 (YYIRT Level 1).

Results

A t-test with data from 505 COD (change of direction) test showed significant differences between groups, p = 0.001, d = 1.11, revealing faster times in male soccer players (2.50 ± 0.19) in respect with female soccer players (2.70 ± 0.17). Crucially, a t-test with data from FMS did not reveal significant differences between groups. Multiple regression for V02max revealed significant effects (r = 0.55, r2 = 0.30, adjusted r2 = 0.24, F = 5.21, p = 0.04 and standard error = 2.20). On the other hand, multiple regression for 10-m sprint showed significant effects (r = 0.58, r2 = 0.33, adjusted r2 = 0.28, F = 5.98, p = 0.03). The impact of these factors on the correlation between FMS™ scores and physical performance measures can vary among individuals.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study demonstrates the necessity of utilizing and applying multiple field-based tests to evaluate the movement and capabilities of physical performance in sports. Crucially, consider individual variations and factors such as training background, fitness level, and sport-specific demands when interpreting the relationship between the FMS™ and physical performance in both sexes.
El clan Braniff, una ficción de archivo de la dictadura: aura, estampilla y mancha
Authors: Areco Macarena
Published: December 2023

El archivo parece que fuera una totalidad continua. Uno se lo imagina como una carpeta tras otra donde se disponen todos los casos, todos los nombres, todas las circunstancias. Es este un archivo utópico, que, como los mapas desmesurados desarrollados gracias al Arte de la Cartografía en “Del Rigor en la Ciencia” de Borges, es del tamaño del territorio y se confunde con él. Pero en realidad, los archivos están lleno de hoyos, de ahí que Didi-Huberman diga, exagerando apenas un poco, que lo que le es característico es “su hueco, su ser horadado” (1). Estos huecos buscan, llaman, a ser llenados; de ahí su productividad, su carácter metonímico. Siguiendo estas ideas, en este artículo desarrollaré cómo algunos relatos recientes, a los que he denominado ficciones de archivo, surgen a partir de esta necesidad de completar los espacios en blanco e incluso, en determinados casos, es el hallazgo de ciertos documentos el motivador de la narración. Esto es lo que ocurre, entre otras, con dos obras chilenas de los dos mil: Poste restante (2001) de Cynthia Rimsky y El clan Braniff (2018) de Matías Celedón. Al primero de estos relatos solo haré una breve referencia, debido a la ausencia en su trama de la dictadura (abordaré, muy pronto, esto), mientras que al análisis del segundo dedicaré la casi totalidad de este ensayo en el cual intentaré entender el porqué de la utilización, cada vez más insistente, en la narrativa latinoamericana reciente (y también en la de otras latitudes) del archivo; cuáles son sus funciones, qué es lo que los documentos permiten traslucir más allá de la trama.
Población en riesgo de pobreza y/o exclusión social. Propuesta metodológica para la estimación del indicador AROPE en los municipios de Andalucía
Authors:   Universidad de Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Espejo Juan Manuel , Millán José María ,   Universidad de Huelva
Published: December 2023

This work presents a methodological proposal for the continuous estimation of the AROPE indicator (Eurostat) –and its components on income and employment– about people at risk of poverty and/or social exclusion in Andalusian municipalities. The predictive power of this method is assessed by an estimation exercise for this indicator during the period 2016-2018, which shows how the methodology provides accurate estimations of the aggregated indicator values for Andalusia and its evolution over time. The results reveal how aggregated data hide not just high heterogeneity of the estimated municipal values but also significant territorial redistribution of poverty and/or social exclusion during the study period.
Time to Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease by Patient Race
Authors: Starke Samuel J. , Rebman Alison W. , Miller John , Yang Ting , Aucott John N.
Published: December 2023

This cross-sectional study compares stages at which Lyme disease was diagnosed by race in a specialty clinic in the US.
Performance enhancement of wind power forecast model using novel pre‐processing strategy and hybrid optimization approach
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Prabhakar Priti , Verma Avnesh
Published: December 2023

Due to the energy crisis and environmental concerns, wind power has seen a considerable increase in use over the past 10 years as a source of renewable energy. Since wind is intermittent and variable, it is obvious that as penetration levels rise, the influence of wind power generation on the electric power system must be considered. Wind power forecasting is essential because large‐scale wind power integration will make it more difficult to plan, operate, and control the power system. An accurate forecast is an efficient way to deal with the operational problems brought on by wind variability. To better utilize wind energy resources, it is essential to increase prediction accuracy. Frequently, the noise in the dataset causes the ramp events to be misclassified or overestimated. The main emphasis of this study is the pre‐processing of wind power data that produces precise time‐series data while reducing noise or artifact content and maintaining the swing feature of the original data. For this task, the data augmentation approach is proposed, where the augmented data (synthetic data) will be added up with the training data, in such a way as to make the strategy useful for real‐time applications. As the next step, the significant features, such as higher‐order statistical features and lower‐order statistical features are extracted. The extracted features act as the input to the recurrent neural network (RNN) classifier, the weights of which are tuned using the proposed honey badger crow (HBCro) optimization algorithm. The proposed HBCro optimization algorithm acts as the major contribution of the proposed model, and it is modeled with the integration of the concepts of the crow search optimization (CSO) algorithm and the honey badger optimization algorithm (HBA). The proposed system is simulated in MATLAB and the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by comparison with other conventional methods in terms of Error measures. Furthermore, the developed HBCro‐based RNN obtained efficient performance in terms of MSE, MAE, RMSE, RMPSE, MAPE, MARE, MSRE, and RMSRE of 0.1578, 0.0442, 0.2102, 123.238, 124.72, 0.9944, 1.1799, and 1.0732, respectively.
T‐2 Toxin‐Mediated β‐Arrestin‐1 O‐GlcNAcylation Exacerbates Glomerular Podocyte Injury via Regulating Histone Acetylation
Authors: Li Tushuai , Sun Wenxue , Zhu Shenglong , He Chengsheng , Chang Tong , Zhang Jie , Chen Yongquan
Published: December 2023

T‐2 toxin causes renal dysfunction with proteinuria and glomerular podocyte damage. This work explores the role of metabolic disorder/reprogramming‐mediated epigenetic modification in the progression of T‐2 toxin‐stimulated podocyte injury. A metabolomics experiment is performed to assess metabolic responses to T‐2 toxin infection in human podocytes. Roles of protein O‐linked‐N‐acetylglucosaminylation (O‐GlcNAcylation) in regulating T‐2 toxin‐stimulated podocyte injury in mouse and podocyte models are assessed. O‐GlcNAc target proteins are recognized by mass spectrometry and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments. Moreover, histone acetylation and autophagy levels are measured. T‐2 toxin infection upregulates glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) expression and enhances hexosamine biosynthetic pathway in glomerular podocytes, resulting in a significant increase in β‐arrestin‐1 O‐GlcNAcylation. Decreasing β‐arrestin‐1 or O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) effectively prevents T‐2 toxin‐induced renal dysfunction and podocyte injury. Mechanistically, O‐GlcNAcylation of β‐arrestin‐1 stabilizes β‐arrestin‐1 to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as well as to inhibit autophagy during podocyte injury by promoting H4K16 acetylation. To sum up, OGT‐mediated β‐arrestin‐1 O‐GlcNAcylation is a vital regulator in the development of T‐2 toxin‐stimulated podocyte injury via activating the mTOR pathway to suppress autophagy. Targeting β‐arrestin‐1 or OGT can be a potential therapy for T‐2 toxin infection‐associated glomerular injury, especially podocyte injury.
Recommended Practices for More Accessible Quantification of Low‐Concentration Aqueous Phase Products in Photo/Electrocatalytic CO2/N2 Fixation
Authors: Li Dong , Xu Ning , Zhao Yunxuan , Shi Run , Zhou Chao , Zhang Li‐Ping , Zhang Tierui
Published: December 2023

The sustainable development of novel photo/electrocatalytic CO2/N2 fixation for chemical synthesis is predicated on reliable, accurate, and rapid detection methods. The directness, specificity, and simultaneity in detecting multiple molecules of the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) technique have aroused increasing interest in photo/electrocatalysis. Thus far, two data processing means have been developed for the precise 1H‐NMR data processing: peak integral and peak height methods. However, few detailed studies offer a clear steer for choosing data processing methods for the concerned products in photo/electrocatalysis, especially the guidelines under the conditions of baseline distortions induced by water suppression. Herein, the feasible practices are restudied to quantify classical products in photo/electrocatalytic CO2/N2 fixation. On the basis of experimental results, 1H‐NMR data processing methods (peak integral and peak height methods) are found to convey different applicability for the different low‐concentration products, while introducing water suppression in the 1H‐NMR tests. The essential reason can be attributed to the baseline distortions caused by the water suppression, which arouses differentiated deviation of peaks with different peak widths. With this in mind, an accessible quantification criterion is provided to avoid superfluous input of time or cost in precise 1H‐NMR detection of low‐concentration products.
Ammonolysis of Glyoxal at the Air‐Water Nanodroplet Interface
Authors: Dong Zegang , Francisco Joseph S. , Long Bo
Published: December 2023

The reactions of glyoxal (CHO)2) with amines in cloud processes contribute to the formation of brown carbon and oligomer particles in the atmosphere. However, their molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we investigate the ammonolysis mechanisms of glyoxal with amines at the air‐water nanodroplet interface. We identified three and two distinct pathways for the ammonolysis of glyoxal with dimethylamine and methylamine by using metadynamics simulations at the air‐water nanodroplet interface, respectively. Notably, the stepwise pathways mediated by the water dimer for the reactions of glyoxal with dimethylamine and methylamine display the lowest free energy barriers of 3.6 and 4.9 kcal ⋅ mol−1, respectively. These results showed that the air‐water nanodroplet ammonolysis reactions of glyoxal with dimethylamine and methylamine were more feasible and occurred at faster rates than the corresponding gas phase ammonolysis, the OH+(CHO)2 reaction, and the aqueous phase reaction of glyoxal, leading to the dominant removal of glyoxal. Our results provide new and important insight into the reactions between carbonyl compounds and amines, which are crucial in forming nitrogen‐containing aerosol particles.
A single‐center retrospective analysis of prognoses in patients with melanoma brain metastases and effectiveness of treatment in Japan
Authors: Wada Shogo , Ogata Dai , Kashihara Tairo , Okuma Kae , Eto Hirofumi , Nakano Eiji , Takahashi Akira , Namikawa Kenjiro , Igaki Hiroshi , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: December 2023

Background

Melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) has a poor prognosis, although recent treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy, have improved the prognosis. However, these systemic therapies have been reported to be less efficient for Asian patients. We investigated the survival of Asian patients with MBM and the effectiveness of systemic therapies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the survival rates of patients diagnosed with MBM between January 2011 and December 2021 at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. In addition, we identified factors associated with survival using Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 135 patients were included. The median overall survival (OS) after an MBM diagnosis was 7.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1–9.6). The 6‐month and 1‐year survival rates were 60.7% and 34.8%, respectively. We identified the prognostic factors of MBM, including non‐acral primary location, low serum LDH levels, systemic therapy of single‐agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or targeted therapies (TTs), and radiotherapy of stereotactic irradiation (STI). We found no significant difference in effectiveness between single‐agent ICIs, the combination of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab (COMBI‐ICI), and TTs (COMBI‐ICI vs. single‐agent ICI, hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.27–1.88, p = 0.49; COMBI‐ICI vs. TT: hazard ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.14–1.55, p = 0.21).

Conclusions

Systemic therapy and radiotherapy have improved the survival of MBM patients, but the survival of Asian patients remains poor. Our findings suggest that COMBI‐ICIs are not significantly more effective than single‐agent ICI or TT in treating MBM.
Perceptions of domestic and extra‐domestic environment during the COVID‐19 pandemic in an Italian representative sample
Authors: Faggiano Manuel , Donato Silvia , Parise Miriam , Pagani Ariela Francesca , Ferrari Laura , Ranieri Sonia , Canzi Elena , Danioni Francesca Vittoria , Barni Daniela , Lanz Margherita , Regalia Camillo , Rosnati Rosa Regina , Iafrate Raffaella
Published: December 2023

Perception of domestic and extra‐domestic environment plays a key role in structuring reality, representing the boundary between private and public life. COVID‐19 pandemic led to changes both inside and outside domestic borders, modifying those reciprocal perceptions. The aim of this study was to assess perceptions of domestic and extra‐domestic environments after the first wave of COVID‐19 pandemic on a representative Italian sample, and how such perceptions were related to individuals' well‐being at individual, family and social levels. Participants filled an online self‐report questionnaire in July 2020. Cluster analyses were conducted on domestic and extra‐domestic environment perceptions, leading to the identification of four clusters. Clusters were compared in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, and individual, family and social factors. Identified clusters report different levels of well‐being at each level. The role of factors is identified, and possible implications are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Cytotoxic withanolides from the leaves of Datura stramonium L.
Authors: Pan Juan , Liu Yan , Li Xin‐Yuan , Wang Si‐Yi , Wu Jia‐Tong , Li Meng‐Meng , Guan Wei , Mohammed Algradi Adnan , Kuang Hai‐Xue , Yang Bing‐You
Published: December 2023

Six novel withanolides, along with nine known related compounds were isolated from the leaves of Datura stramonium L. The structures and absolute configurations of the new withanolides were elucidated by employing various spectral techniques and comparing them with those previously reported in the literature. In addition, four withanlides demonstrated interesting cytotoxic activity on LN229 cells with IC50<20 μM.
A New Brominated Isocoumarin from the Marine Starfish‐Associated Fungus Aspergillus sp. WXF1904**
Authors: Li Chao , Lin Xiuping , Wang Shiwei , Guan Da , Wang Xiaofang , Yang Bin , Zhou Xuefeng , Li Jianfang , Xiong Bentao , Liu Yonghong , Sun Yanmei
Published: December 2023

Based on the one strain many compounds strategy, a new brominated isocoumarin, 5‐bromo‐6,8‐dihydroxy‐3,7‐dimethylisocoumarin (1), along with four new natural products, methyl 3‐bromo‐2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐methylbenzoate (2), methyl 2‐bromo‐4,6‐dihydroxybenzoate (3), (E)‐3‐(3‐bromo‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) acrylic acid (4) and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐6‐phenyl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (5), and four known compounds, methyl orsellinate (6), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐6‐(1‐methyl‐1‐propenyl)‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (7), pilobolusate (8) and cis‐ferulic acid (9), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Aspergillus sp. WXF1904 under the condition of adding bromine salt to the production medium. The structures of the new compounds were established by analysis of NMR and MS data. Compounds (1–9) were evaluated for inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase and pancreatic lipase, the new compound 1, known compounds 6 and 7 displayed weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, compounds 2, 5, 7 and 8 showed weak inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase.
Why do wealth advisors stay or leave their firms?
Authors: Mattia Mark J. , Mattia Laura , Timmerman Inga
Published: December 2023

We study the determinants associated with wealth advisors' consideration to leave or say at financial planning firms. Utilizing self‐determination theory as the foundational theoretical framework and focusing on the psychological aspect of the decision, we develop a structural equation model that defines the factors relating to work satisfaction, affective work commitment, and turnover intention in the wealth management profession. We provide evidence for the roles played by autonomous motivation, reward, and punishment in determining job retention and affective work commitment among wealth advisors in the United States. By showing the importance of autonomous motivation on retention, we are offering the wealth management industry one extra tool to influence employee retention.
Manipulating the corrosion homogeneity of aluminum anode toward long‐life rechargeable aluminum battery
Authors: Long Bo , Wu Feng , Li Yu , Yang Haoyi , Liu Wenhao , Li Ying , Li Qiaojun , Feng Xin , Bai Ying , Wu Chuan
Published: December 2023

Aluminum metal batteries are considered to be promising secondary batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, metallic aluminum suffers from corrosion, pulverization, and crushing problems in nonaqueous electrolytes. Constructing a solid‐electrolyte interphase layer on the anode electrode has been confirmed to be the key to improving the cycling performance of rechargeable batteries. Herein, we demonstrate an Al metal anode with a physical protective layer achieved by a simple blade coating method. This modified Al metal anode demonstrates ultra‐low voltage hysteresis (~25 mV at 0.1 mA cm−2 and ~30 mV at 1 mA cm−2), and superior stability (630 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and 580 h at 1 mA cm−2). When coupling this anode with flake graphite cathode, the assembled full cells exhibit superior cycling stability (92 mAh g−1 maintained after 740 cycles at 0.1 A g−1). The current work presents a promising approach to stabilize Al metal anodes for next‐generation rechargeable aluminum batteries.
Looking back and looking forward: A scientometric analysis of the evolution of corporate sustainability research over 47 years
Authors: In Soh Young , Lee Young Joon , Eccles Robert G.
Published: December 2023

This study systematically reviews the evolutionary trajectory of corporate sustainability research spanning from 1973 to 2019. Through a scientometric analysis of 26,111 Web of Science articles, it demonstrates the continuous development of the conceptual foundations of corporate sustainability, leading to changes in research subjects over time. Despite recent efforts to integrate sustainability into mainstream business models, there remains a lack of consensus on theoretical and methodological frameworks. The study aims to enhance understanding of the conceptual foundations of corporate sustainability by classifying 47 years of research into four major periods: the Dawn of Diverse Ideas (1979–2005), the Rise of Conceptual Frameworks (2006–2011), the Era of Heterogeneity (2012–2015), and the Age of Stakeholder Engagement (2016–2019). The analysis examines the leading research subjects, theories, and perceptions of corporate sustainability in each period, providing a comprehensive review of the evolution of sustainability research. Moreover, the study introduces emerging concepts in the latest sustainability research and underscores the significance of academic research in addressing the current challenges practitioners face.
Inflammatory cytokines as mediators of retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non‐infectious uveitis
Authors: Ferreira Lisia Barros , Williams Keryn A , Best Giles , Haydinger Cameron D , Smith Justine R
Published: December 2023

Characterised by intraocular inflammation, non‐infectious uveitis includes a large group of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases that either involve the eye alone or have both ocular and systemic manifestations. When non‐infectious uveitis involves the posterior segment of the eye, specifically the retina, there is substantial risk of vision loss, often linked to breakdown of the inner blood‐retinal barrier. This barrier is formed by non‐fenestrated retinal vascular endothelial cells, reinforced by supporting cells that include pericytes, Müller cells and astrocytes. Across the published literature, a group of inflammatory cytokines stand out as prominent mediators of intraocular inflammation, with effects on the retinal endothelium that may contribute to breakdown of the inner blood‐retinal barrier, namely tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17 and chemokine C‐C motif ligand (CCL)2. This article reviews the function of each cytokine and discusses the evidence for their involvement in retinal endothelial barrier dysfunction in non‐infectious uveitis, including basic laboratory investigations, studies of ocular fluids collected from patients with non‐infectious uveitis, and results of clinical treatment trials. The review also outlines gaps in knowledge in this area. Understanding the disease processes at a molecular level can suggest treatment alternatives that are directed against appropriate biological targets to protect the posterior segment of eye and preserve vision in non‐infectious uveitis.
Beneath the Antarctic sea‐ice: Fine‐scale analysis of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) behavior and predator–prey interactions, using micro‐sonar data in Terre Adélie
Authors: Antoine Adélie , Labrousse Sara , Goulet Pauline , Chevallay Mathilde , Laborie Joris , Picard Baptiste , Guinet Christophe , Nerini David , Charrassin Jean‐Benoît , Heerah Karine
Published: December 2023

Lactation is the most energy‐demanding event in mammals' reproduction. In pinnipeds, females are the only food providers to the young and have developed numerous behavioral and physiological lactation strategies, from capital‐breeding to income‐breeding. Lactating females' fine‐scale foraging strategy, and precise understanding of how females supplement their pup's needs as well as their own are important to understand the species' ecology and energetic balance. Polar pinnipeds, inhabiting extreme environments, are sensitive to climate change and variability, understanding their constraints and foraging strategy during lactation is therefore important. In 2019, three sonar tags were deployed on lactating Weddell seals in Terre Adélie (East Antarctica) for 7 days, to study fine‐scale predator–prey interactions. Feeding activity was mostly benthic, reduced, central‐placed, and spatially limited. Females spent most of their time hauled‐out. A total of 331 prey capture attempts (PrCAs) were recorded using triaxial acceleration data, with 125 prey identified on echograms (5 cm, acoustic size). All PrCAs occurred on the seafloor, shallower than usual records (mean depth of 88 m, vs 280 m after their molt). We also found that they only fed in three of the five identified dive shapes, during the ascent or throughout the dive. Half of the prey were reactive to the seal's approach, either leaving the seafloor, or escaping just above the seafloor, suggesting that the seals hunt by chasing them from the seabed. Seals continuously scanned the area during the approach phase, evoking opportunistic foraging. Our results provide additional evidence that Weddell seal forage during lactation, displaying a mix of capital‐breeding and income‐breeding strategies during this period of physiological stress. This work sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of their foraging behavior, such as shallow water environments, targeting benthic prey, generally focusing on single prey rather than schools, and evidence of visual scanning through observed head movements.
Outstanding issues in the study of antipredator defenses
Authors: Huang Yuqian , Caro Tim
Published: December 2023

Protective defense mechanisms are well documented across the animal kingdom, but there are still examples of antipredator defenses that do not fit easily into the current conceptualization. They either fall within the intersection of multiple mechanisms or fail to fall neatly into pre‐existing categories. Here, using Endler's predatory sequence as a framework, we identify problematic examples of antipredator defenses, separating them into protective mechanisms that are difficult to classify and those which act sequentially depending on context. We then discuss three ways of improving underlying terminological and definitional problems: (1) issues with English and polysemy, (2) overlapping aspects of similar mechanisms, and (3) unclear definitions. By scrutinizing the literature, we disentangle several opaque areas in the study of protective defense mechanisms and highlight questions that require further research. An unclear conceptual framework for protective defense mechanisms can lead to misconceptions in understanding the costs and benefits of defenses displayed by animals, while interchangeable terminologies and ambiguous definitions can hinder communication in antipredator studies.
Harbor porpoise losing its edge: Genetic time series suggests a rapid population decline in Iberian waters over the last 30 years
Authors: Ben Chehida Yacine , Stelwagen Tjibbe , Hoekendijk Jeroen P. A. , Ferreira Marisa , Eira Catarina , Torres‐Pereira Andreia , Nicolau Lidia , Thumloup Julie , Fontaine Michael C.
Published: December 2023

Impact of climate change is expected to be especially noticeable at the edges of a species' distribution, where they meet suboptimal habitat conditions. In Mauritania and Iberia, two genetically differentiated populations of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) form an ecotype adapted to local upwelling conditions and distinct from other ecotypes further north on the NE Atlantic continental shelf and in the Black Sea. By analyzing the evolution of mitochondrial genetic variation in the Iberian population between two temporal cohorts (1990–2002 vs. 2012–2015), we report a substantial decrease in genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analyses including neighboring populations identified two porpoises in southern Iberia carrying a divergent haplotype closely related to those from the Mauritanian population, yet forming a distinct lineage. This suggests that Iberian porpoises may not be as isolated as previously thought, indicating possible dispersion from Mauritania or an unknown population in between, but none from the northern ecotype. Demo‐genetic scenario testing by approximate Bayesian computation showed that the rapid decline in the Iberian mitochondrial diversity was not simply due to the genetic drift of a small population, but models support instead a substantial decline in effective population size, possibly resulting from environmental stochasticity, prey depletion, or acute fishery bycatches. These results illustrate the value of genetics time series to inform demographic trends and emphasize the urgent need for conservation measures to ensure the viability of this small harbor porpoise population in Iberian waters.