bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chimeric Cell Therapy Transfers Healthy Donor Mitochondria in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Bocian Katarzyna , Bozyk Katarzyna T , Ziemiecka Anna , Siemionow Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked disorder characterized by dystrophin gene mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to progressive muscle weakness and premature death of DMD patients. We developed human Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cells, created by the fusion of myoblasts from normal donors and DMD patients, as a foundation for DT-DEC01 therapy for DMD. Our preclinical studies on mdx mouse models of DMD revealed enhanced dystrophin expression and functional improvements in cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscles after systemic intraosseous DEC administration. The current study explored the feasibility of mitochondrial transfer and fusion within the created DEC cells, which is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for DMD. Following mitochondrial staining with MitoTracker Deep Red and MitoTracker Green dyes, mitochondrial fusion and transfer was assessed by Flow cytometry (FACS) and confocal microscopy. The PEG-mediated fusion of myoblasts from normal healthy donors (MBN/MBN) and normal and DMD-affected donors (MBN/MBDMD), confirmed the feasibility of myoblast and mitochondrial fusion and transfer. The colocalization of the mitochondrial dyes MitoTracker Deep Red and MitoTracker Green confirmed the mitochondrial chimeric state and the creation of chimeric mitochondria, as well as the transfer of healthy donor mitochondria within the created DEC cells. These findings are unique and significant, introducing the potential of DT-DEC01 therapy to restore mitochondrial function in DMD patients and in other diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role.

Graphical Abstract
17α Hydroxylase/17,20 lyase deficiency: clinical features and genetic insights from a large Turkey cohort
Authors: Siklar Zeynep , Camtosun Emine , Bolu Semih , Yildiz Melek , Akinci Aysehan , Bas Firdevs , Dündar İsmail , Bestas Asli , Ünal Edip , Kocaay Pinar , Guran Tulay , Buyukyilmaz Gonul , Ugurlu Aylin Kilinc , Tosun Buşra Gurpinar , Turan Ihsan , Kurnaz Erdal , Yuksel Bilgin , Turkkahraman Doga , Cayir Atilla , Celmeli Gamze , Gonc E. Nazli , Eklioğlu Beray Selver , Cetinkaya Semra , Yilmaz Seniha Kiremitci , Atabek Mehmet Emre , Buyukinan Muammer , Arslan Emrullah , Mengen Eda , Cakir Esra Deniz Papatya , Karaoglan Murat , Hatipoglu Nihal , Orbak Zerrin , Ucar Ahmet , Akyurek Nesibe , Akbas Emine Demet , Isik Emregül , Kaygusuz Sare Betul , Sutcu Zumrut Kocabey , Seymen Gulcan , Berberoglu Merih
Published: July 2024

Purpose

17α Hydroxylase/17,20 lyase deficiency (17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, typically diagnosed in late adolescence with symptoms of pubertal delay and hypertension. This study aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 17OHD cases and gather data on disease management.

Methods

Data from 97 nationwide cases were analyzed using the CEDD-NET web system. Diagnostic, follow-up findings, and final heights of patients were evaluated.

Results

Mean age at admission was 13.54 ± 4.71 years, with delayed puberty as the most common complaint. Hypertension was detected in 65% at presentation; hypokalemia was present in 34%. Genetic analysis revealed Exon 1–6 homozygous deletion as the most frequent mutation, identified in 42 cases. Hydrocortisone replacement was universal; pubertal replacement was administered to 66 cases. Antihypertensive treatment was required in 57 (90%) patients. Thirty-seven cases reached final height, with an average SD of 0.015 in 46,XX and −1.43 in 46,XY. Thelarche and pubarche did not develop properly in some cases despite estradiol treatment.

Conclusion

This study represents the largest cohort of pediatric cases of 17-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD) documented in the literature. Hypertension and hypokalemia can serve as guiding indicators for early diagnosis.The final height is typically considered to be normal. The relationship between genotype and phenotype remains elusive. The initial genetic test for exon 1–6 deletions may be MLPA in our region.
Exact Inference for Common Odds Ratio in Meta-Analysis with Zero-Total-Event Studies
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Cheng Jerry , Tian Lu , Xie Minge
Published: July 2024

Stemming from the high-profile publication of Nissen and Wolski (N Engl J Med 356:2457–2471, 2007) and subsequent discussions with divergent views on how to handle observed zero-total-event studies, defined to be studies that observe zero number of event in both treatment and control arms, the research topic concerning the common odds ratio model with zero-total-event studies remains to be an unresolved problem in meta-analysis. In this article, we address this problem by proposing a novel repro samples method to handle zero-total-event studies and make inference for the common odds ratio. The development explicitly accounts for the sampling scheme that generates the observed data and does not rely on any large sample approximations. It is theoretically justified with a guaranteed finite-sample performance. Simulation studies are designed to demonstrate the empirical performance of the proposed method. It shows that the proposed confidence set, although a little conservative, achieves the desired empirical coverage rate in all situations. The development also shows that the zero-total-event studies contain meaningful information and impact the inference for the common odds ratio. The proposed method is used to perform a meta-analysis of the 48 trials reported in Nissen and Wolski (N Engl J Med 356:2457–2471, 2007) as well
Scientific experimental articles are modernist stories
Authors: Kozlov Anatolii , Stuart Michael T.
Published: July 2024

This paper attempts to revive the epistemological discussion of scientific articles. What are their epistemic aims, and how are they achieved? We argue that scientific experimental articles are best understood as a particular kind of narrative: i.e., modernist narratives (think: Woolf, Joyce), at least in the sense that they employ many of the same techniques, including colligation and the juxtaposition of multiple perspectives. We suggest that this way of writing is necessary given the nature of modern science, but it also has specific epistemic benefits: it provides readers with an effective way to grasp the content of scientific articles which increases their understanding. On the other hand, modernist writing is vulnerable to certain kinds of epistemic abuses, which can be found instantiated in modern scientific writing as well.
Immigrant and Racialized Populations’ Cumulative Exposure to Discrimination and Associations with Long-Term Conditions During COVID-19: A Nationwide Large-Scale Study in Canada
Authors: Lin Shen
Published: July 2024

Background

This cross-sectional study examines associations between the race-migration nexus, cumulative exposure to intersectional discrimination (2 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), and long-term conditions.

Methods

A nationwide self-selected sample (n = 32,605) was obtained from a Statistics Canada’s Crowdsourcing online survey from August 4 to 24, 2020. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine disparities by the race-migration nexus in accumulative experiences of multiple situations- and identity-based discrimination and their relations with long-term conditions, after controlling for sociodemographic covariates.

Results

During the pandemic, discrimination stemming from racialization — such as race/skin color (24.4% vs 20.1%) and ethnicity/culture (18.5% vs 16.5%) — and cyberspace (34.1% vs 29.8%) exaggerated relative to pre-pandemic period; compared to Canadian-born (CB) whites, the likelihood of experiencing multiple discrimination increased alongside the domains of discrimination being additively intersected (e.g., identity-based, all p’s < 0.001) among CB racialized minorities (ORs 2.08 to 11.78), foreign-born (FB) racialized minorities (ORs 1.99 to 12.72), and Indigenous populations (ORs 1.62 to 8.17), except for FB whites (p > 0.01); dose-response relationships were found between cumulative exposure to multiple discrimination and odds of reporting long-term conditions (p’s < 0.001), including seeing (ORs 1.63 to 2.99), hearing (ORs 1.83 to 4.45), physical (ORs 1.66 to 3.87), cognitive (ORs 1.81 to 3.79), and mental health–related impairments (ORs 1.82 to 3.41).

Conclusions

Despite a universal health system, Canadians who are CB/FB racialized and Indigenous populations, have a higher prevalence of cumulative exposure to different aspects of discrimination that are associated with multiple long-term conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Equity-driven solutions are needed to tackle upstream determinants of health inequalities through uprooting intersectional discrimination faced by racialized and immigrant communities.
Serum proteome signatures associated with liver steatosis in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Giraudi P. J. , Pascut D. , Banfi C. , Ghilardi S. , Tiribelli C. , Bondesan A. , Caroli D. , Minocci A. , Sartorio A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Childhood obesity, a pressing global health issue, significantly increases the risk of metabolic complications, including metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Accurate non-invasive tests for early detection and screening of steatosis are crucial. In this study, we explored the serum proteome, identifying proteins as potential biomarkers for inclusion in non-invasive steatosis diagnosis tests.

Methods

Fifty-nine obese adolescents underwent ultrasonography to assess steatosis. Serum samples were collected and analyzed by targeted proteomics with the Proximity Extension Assay technology. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated, and correlations among them, the individuated markers, and steatosis were performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the steatosis diagnostic performance of the identified candidates, the fatty liver index (FLI), and their combination in a logistic regression model.

Results

Significant differences were observed between subjects with and without steatosis in various clinical and biochemical parameters. Gender-related differences in the serum proteome were also noted. Five circulating proteins, including Cathepsin O (CTSO), Cadherin 2 (CDH2), and Prolyl endopeptidase (FAP), were identified as biomarkers for steatosis. CDH2, CTSO, Leukocyte Immunoglobulin Like Receptor A5 (LILRA5), BMI, waist circumference, HOMA-IR, and FLI, among others, significantly correlated with the steatosis degree. CDH2, FAP, and LDL combined in a logit model achieved a diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.91 (95% CI 0.75–0.97, 100% sensitivity, 84% specificity).

Conclusions

CDH2 and FAP combined with other clinical parameters, represent useful tools for accurate diagnosis of fatty liver, emphasizing the importance of integrating novel markers into diagnostic algorithms for MASLD.
PD-DETR: towards efficient parallel hybrid matching with transformer for photovoltaic cell defects detection
Authors: Zhao Langyue , Wu Yiquan , Yuan Yubin
Published: July 2024

Defect detection for photovoltaic (PV) cell images is a challenging task due to the small size of the defect features and the complexity of the background characteristics. Modern detectors rely mostly on proxy learning objectives for prediction and on manual post-processing components. One-to-one set matching is a critical design for DEtection TRansformer (DETR) in order to provide end-to-end capability, so that does not need a hand-crafted Efficient Non-Maximum Suppression NMS. In order to detect PV cell defects faster and better, a technology called the PV cell Defects DEtection Transformer (PD-DETR) is proposed. To address the issue of slow convergence caused by DETR’s direct translation of image feature mapping into target detection results, we created a hybrid feature module. To achieve a balance between performance and computation, the image features are passed through a scoring network and dilated convolution, respectively, to obtain the foreground fine feature and contour high-frequency feature. The two features are then adaptively intercepted and fused. The capacity of the model to detect small-scale defects under complex background conditions is improved by the addition of high-frequency information. Furthermore, too few positive queries will be assigned to the defect target via one-to-one set matching, which will result in sparse supervision of the encoder and impair the decoder’s ability of attention learning. Consequently, we enhanced the detection effect by combining the original DETR with the one-to-many matching branch. Specifically, two Faster RCNN detection heads were added during training. To maintain the end-to-end benefits of DETR, inference is still performed using the original one-to-one set matching. Our model implements 64.7% AP on the PVEL-AD dataset.
Mechanical responses and fracturing behaviors of coal under complex normal and shear stresses, Part I: Experimental results
Authors: Song Z. Y. , Dang W. G. , Bai Z. C. , Zhao Y. , Wang P. T. , Yang Z.
Published: July 2024

This work presents experimental tests based on coal collected from a coal mine based underground water reservoir (CMUWR). The mechanical responses of dry and water-soaked coal samples under the complex normal and shear stresses under multi-amplitude and variable frequency is investigated. The experimental results reveal the effects of stress path, water soaking and frequency on deformation, energy dissipation, secant modulus and shear failure surface roughness. The experimental results show that when normal and shear stresses are applied simultaneously, there is a significant competitive relationship between them. On the dominant side, the strain rate will be significantly increased. The sample under a loading frequency of 0.2 Hz exhibits a longer fatigue life. During the cyclic shear test, the shear strain of the water-soaked sample is higher than that of the dry samples. The average roughness coefficient of failure surface exhibits an increasing pattern with increase in shear strength, the elevated roughness of a shear surface is advantageous in constraining shear displacements of specimens, thereby lowering the energy dissipation. This study can provide theoretical and practical implications for a long-term safety evaluation of CMUWR.
Exploring the innovative effort: duration models and heterogeneity
Authors: Bontempi Maria Elena , Lambertini Luca , Parigi Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

Perseverance in ﻿R&D effort is the first fundamental step towards any kind of innovation. We investigate the beginning of the innovation story, rather than its end, through duration models. Among the drivers of our unconventional IO approach, we focus on heterogeneity, path dependence and market power, measured as elasticity of firm-specific demand. The Schumpeterian hypothesis emerges at the firm level. Heterogeneity at the industry level reveals Schumpeterian and Arrovian patterns, as well as U-shaped and inverted U-shaped patterns. We suggest considering the entire supply chain from a holistic perspective when evaluating mergers and innovation policies that support small firms by reducing their financial uncertainty and improving their institutional environment.
Synthesis of Copper–Nickel and Iron–Nickel Alloys by Hydrogen Reduction of Mixtures of Metal Oxide Powders
Authors: Kamalasekaran Arun , Mellin Pelle , Hulme Christopher
Published: July 2024

The vast majority of metals production is based on the use of carbon as a reductant and/or a heating fuel. This results in a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions and should be minimized to limit global warming. In this study, powders of copper–nickel alloy and iron–nickel of varying compositions were produced in a single step by reduction of mixtures of Cu2O-NiO and Fe2O3-NiO powders, respectively, using hydrogen as a reductant. Reduction was performed in a horizontal tube furnace at 700 °C for 45 min. All processing was in the solid state and alloys were produced directly from elemental metal oxides. Exhaust gases were analyzed using a gas analyzer to measure the water content to track the progress of the reduction. Reduction was declared complete when the water content in exhaust gases matched the level before hydrogen was introduced. Both copper–nickel and iron–nickel alloys were produced successfully. X-ray diffractometry confirmed the absence of oxides in the product and the presence of solid phases in agreement with the relevant binary phase diagram. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope showed macroscopic homogeneity at the expected composition for each powder mixture directly after reduction, with microscopic fluctuations of the order of several mass percent, within the limits of fluctuations observed following typical casting processes. These promising results warrant further investigation to apply this concept to more chemistries and to scale up the process to a pilot scale.

Graphical Abstract
Current status of the application of additive-manufactured TPMS structure in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Wakjira Yosef , Cioni Arturo , Lemu Hirpa G.
Published: July 2024

Bone tissue engineering provided the innovative solution to regenerate bone tissue using scaffolds (porous) structures. This research investigates optimization, additive manufacturing methods and the application areas of triply periodic minimal surface-based (TPMS) porous structures in the broad field of tissue engineering through literature review. The properties of TPMS structures are compared with more classical strut-based structures. Also, information on how TPMS can be formulated and how they can be designed to obtain desired properties are presented. Attention is dedicated to the topological optimization process and how it can be applied to scaffolds to further increase their biomechanical properties and improve their design through density, heterogenization, and unit cell size grading. Common numerical algorithms as well as the difference between gradient-based and non-gradient-based algorithms are proposed. Efforts also include the description of the main additive manufacturing technologies that can be utilized to manufacture either stochastic or periodic scaffolds. The information present in this work should be able to introduce the reader to the use of TPMS structures in tissue engineering.
Analytical and numerical modeling on strengths of aluminum and magnesium micro-lattice structures fabricated via additive manufacturing
Authors: Sun Yeting , Akçay Fuzuli Ağrı , Wu Dazhong , Bai Yuanli
Published: July 2024

Bioinspired lattice structures have a wide range of applications in aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical device industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Although experimental and numerical modeling methods have been extensively used to characterize the compressive behavior of lattice structures, an accurate analytical model has great values in material/structure designs and applications. In this study, a new analytical model is developed for two configurations based on limit analysis in the plasticity theory to predict the compressive strengths of micro-lattice structures (MLS). The model is also discussed for determining the amounts of stretching-dominated deformation and bending-dominated deformation. A comparative study is performed between analytical solutions and experimental results of AlSi10Mg (aluminum alloy) and WE43 (magnesium alloy) MLS additively manufactured via selective laser melting (SLM). Finite element simulations using beam elements are conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical solution. Analytical results, finite element simulation results, and the experimental results are in a good agreement with both AlSi10Mg and WE43 MLS. The shear band formation, as a main failure mode of MLS, is also studied and evaluated using the classical Rudnicki–Rice’s criterion, for which a reasonably good accuracy is demonstrated.
Study on material behaviours of additively manufactured high-impact polystyrene using artificial neural networks
Authors: Nguyen Phan Quoc Khang , Zohdi Nima , Zhang Y. X. , Zhang Zhongpu , Yang Richard
Published: July 2024

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), a process parameters-dependent manufacturing method, currently dominates the additive manufacturing (AM) sector because of its prominent ability to produce parts with intricate profiles, customise products, and minimise waste. Though the effects of FFF process parameters were investigated experimentally, recent research highlighted the importance of developing numerical modelling and computational methods on optimising the FFF printing process and FFF-printed materials. This study aims to investigate the tensile strength (TS) of FFF-printed high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) via devising a systematic testing and analysis framework, which combines experimental testing, representative volume element (RVE)-finite element method (FEM), rule of mixture (ROM), and artificial neural networks (ANN). HIPS samples are fabricated using FFF considering the variations of infill density, layer thickness, nozzle temperature, raster angle, and build orientation, and tested with standard tensile testing. The rule of mixtures (ROM) and its modified version (MROM) are employed to calculate the TS of longitudinally and transversely built samples at various infill densities, respectively, while an ANN model is constructed to investigate the effect of material anisotropy precisely. The optimal ANN architecture is built with five hidden layers with the number of neurons in each layer as 44, 82, 169, 362, and 50. Although both MROM and ANN perform well on the validation set, ANN exhibits superior accuracy with only a maximum error of 0.13% for training set and 11% for validation set. The combination of the RVE-FEM, MROM, and ANN approaches can significantly improve the FFF printing process of polymers for optimisation.
Trends of air pollution variations during pre-Diwali, Diwali and post-Diwali periods and health risk assessment using HAQI in India
Authors: Ghosh Buddhadev , Barman Harish Chandra , Padhy Pratap Kumar
Published: July 2024

During 2019 to 2022, a comprehensive study was conducted across 71 stations spanning over 15 states in India to investigate air quality variations during the pre-Diwali, Diwali, and post-Diwali periods. The investigation, centred on the extensive use of firecrackers during festive times, revealed a short-term deterioration in air quality with long-lasting impacts. PM2.5 and PM10 levels were found to significantly increase during Diwali and the post-Diwali period compared to the pre-Diwali period. The levels of PM2.5 and PM10 experience respective increases of 44.66% and 11.03%, 29.12% and 05.41%, 52.63% and 23.38%, and 39.65% and 17.61% during Diwali period from 2019 to 2022, where 68.84% and 34.32%, 44.42% and 29.42%, and 48.70% and 25.22% in 2019, 2021 and 2022 in post-Diwali period compared to the pre-Diwali. The Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope analyses reveal statistically significant positive trends (increasing) in both PM10 and PM2.5 levels during the Diwali festival period. Notably, the study introduced the Health Hazard-based Air Quality Index (HAQI), which demonstrated higher values than the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI). Unlike NAAQI, which considers individual pollutant sub-index values, and considered highest one of sub-index values in AQI analysis. HAQI provides a more comprehensive assessment of health risks associated with exposure to multiple pollutants effects. In 2022, AQI and HAQI values during pre-Diwali were 114 and 146.18, during Diwali were 173 and 332.18, and post-Diwali were 191 and 414.14, respectively. These findings underscore the elevated risk during Diwali and the post-Diwali period due to heightened pollution levels, emphasizing the need for public awareness and potential mitigation strategies. The study calls attention to the importance of considering cumulative health impacts and suggests the adoption of HAQI for more informative air quality assessments.
Influence of pseudoxanthoma elasticum on the lipid profile and	prognostic implications
Authors: Jonathan Stumpf Max , Winkler Tim , Siebigteroth Marit , Lenzen Annemarie , Weinhold Leonie , Nickenig Georg , Hendig Doris , Skowasch Dirk , Schahab Nadjib , Schaefer Christian A.
Published: July 2024

Summary: Background: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare, inherited disease characterised by specific skin lesions, progressive loss of vision and early onset atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in PXE leads to an increased rate of vascular occlusion and severe intermittent claudication. Although genetically determined, the individual course of PXE is highly variable. Up to now, there is no sufficient parameter to identify individuals at risk of rapid disease progression. This present study focused the lipid profile of patients with PXE and its possible influence on the clinical severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients and methods: 112 patients with PXE were retrospectively screened. Patients without a complete lipid profile consisting of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) where excluded as well as patients with already initiated lipid-lowering therapy. 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. An age-adjusted ordinal regression model was applied to determine the association of each lipid fraction with the severity of PAD assessed as Fontaine classification. Results: The lipid profile of patients with PXE was unremarkable (TGC: 135.8±105.8 mg/dl; TC: 172.5±44.4 mg/dl; HDL: 63.0±18.2 mg/dl; Lp[a]: 64.7±93.5 nmol/l). Ordinal regression showed a significant association of Lp(a) with the severity of PAD with an odds ratio of 1.01 (1.00–1.02; p = 0.004), whereas the other fractions of the lipid profile had no significant influence. Conclusions: This study provides the largest evaluation of blood lipids up to now and the first characterization of Lp(a) levels in patients with PXE. We were able to provide first evidence of a correlation between elevated levels of Lp(a) and the severity of PAD. The present results suggest that determination of Lp(a) in early stages of PXE could help to identify patients at risk of rapid disease progression and with the need of intensified walking exercise training.
Spielzeugfreier Kindergarten
Authors: Hart Lara Melissa , Keller Roger , Perren Sonja
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Im Spielzeugfreien Kindergarten wird für acht bis zehn Wochen das vorgefertigte Spielzeug entfernt. Dies soll dem Konsumverhalten der Kinder entgegenwirken, ihre Lebenskompetenzen fördern und ihre psychische Gesundheit stärken. Fragestellung: Ziel der Studie ist es zu untersuchen, ob sich die Lebenskompetenzen, Aufgabenorientierung und Empathie der Kinder in Abhängigkeit ihrer Emotionsregulation verändern. Methode: Online-Befragung von 24 Lehrpersonen zu 373 vier- bis sechsjährigen Kindern zu Beginn und kurz vor Abschluss des Projektes. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt verbesserten sich die Kinder in der Aufgabenorientierung und Empathie. Längsschnittliche Mehrebenenanalysen ergaben signifikante Interaktionen: Kinder mit geringer Emotionsregulation verbesserten sich im Laufe des Projekts stärker bezüglich Aufgabenorientierung und Empathie. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Differenzielle Effekte müssen bei der Umsetzung des Projekts stärker in den Fokus gerückt werden.
Yoga in der jugendpsychiatrischen Behandlung von Essstörungen
Authors: Taferner Christina , Sevecke Kathrin , Schickl Maximilian , Juen Barbara , Exenberger Silvia
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Yoga gewinnt als vielversprechender Behandlungsansatz bei Essstörungen zunehmend an Bedeutung, dennoch fehlen spezifische Studien im stationären, jugendpsychiatrischen Setting. Fragestellung: Was sind die Herausforderungen, Wirkmechanismen und Empfehlungen für die Anwendung von Yoga bei dieser Patient_innengruppe? Methode: In dieser Mixed-Methods-Studie nahmen zwölf weibliche Jugendliche über sechs Wochen zweimal wöchentlich an 45-minütigen Yoga-Einheiten teil. Leitfadengestützte Interviews wurden mittels Grounded Theory ausgewertet. Das subjektive Entspannungserleben wurde vor und nach der Intervention eingeschätzt. Ergebnisse: Die Analyse führte zu sechs Hauptkategorien: 1) Eigenschaften der Yoga-Intervention, 2) Therapeutische Rahmen und Ausführungshinweise, 3) Yoga – zur Ruhe kommen, 4) Jugend- und essstörungsspezifische Herausforderungen, 5) Yoga-basierte Mechanismen und 6) Effekte und subjektive Konsequenzen. Quantitativ zeigte sich eine Zunahme der inneren Entspannung um 19 %. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse zeigen auf, wie Yoga-Interventionen im stationären Setting für Jugendliche mit Essstörungen bedürfnisorientiert konzipiert und eingesetzt werden können. Weitere Studien sind notwendig, um das umfassende Potenzial und die Wirksamkeit von Yoga in der Therapie von Essstörungen zu evaluieren.
Clumped Isotope Signatures of Abiotic Methane: The Role of the Combinatorial Isotope Effect
Authors: Labidi Jabrane , McCollom Thomas M. , Giunta Thomas , Sherwood Lollar Barbara , Leavitt William D. , Young Edward D.
Published: July 2024

Methane clumped isotope signatures of abiogenesis may be diagnostic of the origin of methane on Earth and other planetary bodies. We performed synthesis of abiogenic methane in hydrothermal conditions between 130 and 300°C and determined δ13C, δD, Δ13CH3D, and Δ12CH2D2. The experiments were performed by heating water in the presence of Fe0 powder and CO. The reduction of water on metallic iron led to the formation of H2. CO was reacted with both H2 and H2O, generating both CH4 and CO2. Methane δ13C values are isotopically depleted by ∼25‰ relative to the CO starting material. This is consistent with carbon isotopic equilibrium between methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in our experiments. In contrast, D/H ratios are inconsistent with equilibrium isotopic fractionation, as illustrated by δD values of methane fractionated by ∼500‰ relative to starting H2O. This suggests that under our experimental conditions, hydrogen additions to carbon may be governed by kinetics. Δ13CH3D values track experimental temperature, with values between +1.5‰ and +5.0‰ for most samples. In contrast, Δ12CH2D2 values are displaced from equilibrium. We find exclusively negative Δ12CH2D2 values, showing deficits down to 40‰ relative to thermodynamic equilibrium. We interpret the data as evidence for distinct, kinetically induced D/H pools contributing to methane assembly, that is, a combinatorial effect. The cumulative D/H fractionations associated with CO hydrogenation explain the direction and magnitude of Δ12CH2D2 values during abiotic methane formation. We suggest that near equilibrium Δ13CH3D with negative Δ12CH2D2 signatures will help identify methane formed abiotically in nature.
Structural Variation Along the Southern Hikurangi Subduction Zone, Aotearoa New Zealand, From Seismic Reflection and Retro‐Deformation Analysis
Authors: Stevens D. E. , McNeill L. C. , Henstock T. J. , Barnes P. M. , Crutchley G. , Bangs N. , Henrys S. , Van Avendonk H. J. A.
Published: July 2024

The southern Hikurangi subduction zone exhibits significant along‐strike variation in convergence rate and obliquity, sediment thickness and, uniquely, the increasing proximity of southern Hikurangi to, and impingement on, the incoming continental Chatham Rise, an ancient Gondwana accretionary complex. There are corresponding changes in the morphology and structure of the Hikurangi accretionary prism. We combine widely spaced multichannel seismic reflection profiles with high resolution bathymetry and previous interpretations to characterize the structure and the history of the accretionary prism since 2 Ma. The southern Hikurangi margin can be divided into three segments. A northeastern segment (A) characterized by a moderately wide (∼70 km), low taper (∼5°) prism recording uninhibited outward growth in the last ∼1 Myr. Deformation resolvable in seismic reflection data accounts for ∼20 % of plate convergence, comparable with the central Hikurangi margin further North. A central segment (B) characterized by a narrow (∼30 km), moderate taper (∼8°) prism, with earlier (∼2‐∼1 Ma) shortening than segment A. Outward prism growth ceased coincidentally with development of major strike‐slip faults in the prism interior, reduced margin‐normal convergence rate, and the onset of impingement on the incoming Chatham Rise to the south. A southwestern segment (C) marks the approximate southern termination of subduction but widens to ∼50 km due to rapid outward migration of the deformation front via fault reactivation within the now‐underthrusting corner of the Chatham Rise. Segment C exhibits minimal shortening as margin‐normal subduction velocity decreases and plate motion is increasingly taken up by interior thrusts and strike‐slip faults.
Interhemispheric Asymmetry in the Seasonal Ionospheric Outflow
Authors: Nowrouzi N. , Walsh B. M.
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive statistical study is conducted on O+ and H+ outflows obtained from the TEAMS/FAST data during the 23rd solar cycle (1996–2007). The study investigates interhemispheric asymmetry in ionospheric outflows during local summer, winter, and equinox seasons. Data are classified into two distinct periods: the pre‐storm and geomagnetic storm phases. Numerous statistical asymmetries are identified. The findings indicate that the dayside cusp consistently demonstrates more outflow rates of O+ and H+ in the northern hemisphere than southern hemisphere during geomagnetic storms in all seasons as well as during the pre‐storm period in the summer season with the exception of H+ during summer storms. Conversely, the nightside O+ and H+ outflow rates are higher in the southern hemisphere during pre‐storm and storm periods in the summer season. Additionally, the dawnside and duskside outflow rates of O+ and H+ are predominantly stronger in the southern hemisphere.
Evidence of Dislocation Mixed Climb in Quartz From the Main Central and Moine Thrusts: An Electron Tomography Study
Authors: Weidner Timmo , Mussi Alexandre , Castelnau Olivier , Kronenberg Andreas , Law Richard , Cordier Patrick
Published: July 2024

In this study we apply electron tomography to characterize 3D dislocation microstructures in two quartz mylonite specimens from the Moine and Main Central Thrusts, both of which accommodated displacements by dislocation creep in the presence of water. Both specimens show dislocation activity with dislocation densities of the order of 3–4 × 1012 m−2 and evidence of recovery from the presence of subgrain boundaries. 〈a〉 slip occurs predominantly on pyramidal and prismatic planes (〈a〉 basal glide is not active). [c] Glide is not significant. On the other hand, we observe a very high level of activation of 〈c + a〉 glide on the , , (n = 1,2) and even planes. Approximately 60% of all dislocations show evidence of climb with a predominance of mixed climb, a deformation mechanism characterized by dislocations moving in a plane intermediate between the glide and the climb planes. This atypical mode of deformation demonstrates comparable glide and climb efficiency under natural deformation conditions. It promotes dislocation glide in planes not expected for the quartz structure, probably by inhibiting lattice friction. Our quantitative characterization of the microstructure enables us to assess the strain that dislocations can generate. We show that glide systems indicated by the observed dislocations are sufficient to accommodate any arbitrary 3D strain by themselves. Although historically dislocation glide has been regarded as being primarily responsible for producing strain, activation of climb can also directly contribute to the finite strain. On the basis of this characterization, we propose a numerical modeling approach for attempting to characterize the local stress state that gave rise to the observed microstructure.
Ozone Formation Sensitivity to Precursors and Lightning in the Tropical Troposphere Based on Airborne Observations
Authors: Nussbaumer Clara M. , Kohl Matthias , Pozzer Andrea , Tadic Ivan , Rohloff Roland , Marno Daniel , Harder Hartwig , Ziereis Helmut , Zahn Andreas , Obersteiner Florian , Hofzumahaus Andreas , Fuchs Hendrik , Künstler Christopher , Brune William H. , Ryerson Tom B. , Peischl Jeff , Thompson Chelsea R. , Bourgeois Ilann , Lelieveld Jos , Fischer Horst
Published: July 2024

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is an important greenhouse gas that is also hazardous to human health. The formation of O3 is sensitive to the levels of its precursors NOx (≡NO + NO2) and peroxy radicals, for example, generated by the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A better understanding of this sensitivity will show how changes in the levels of these trace gases could affect O3 levels today and in the future, and thus air quality and climate. In this study, we investigate O3 sensitivity in the tropical troposphere based on in situ observations of NO, HO2 and O3 from four research aircraft campaigns between 2015 and 2023. These are OMO (Oxidation Mechanism Observations), ATom (Atmospheric Tomography Mission), CAFE Africa (Chemistry of the Atmosphere Field Experiment in Africa) and CAFE Brazil, in combination with simulations using the EMAC atmospheric chemistry—climate model. We use the metric α(CH3O2) together with NO to investigate the O3 formation sensitivity. We show that O3 formation is generally NOx‐sensitive in the lower and middle tropical troposphere and is in a transition regime in the upper troposphere. By distinguishing observations impacted by lightning or not we show that NO from lightning is the most important driver of O3 sensitivity in the tropics. NOx‐sensitive chemistry predominates in regions without lightning impact, with α(CH3O2) ranging between 0.56 and 0.82 and observed average O3 levels between 35 and 55 ppbv. Areas affected by lightning exhibit strongly VOC‐sensitive O3 chemistry with α(CH3O2) of about 1 and average O3 levels between 55 and 80 ppbv.
Uncertainty Quantification of a Machine Learning Subgrid‐Scale Parameterization for Atmospheric Gravity Waves
Authors: Mansfield L. A. , Sheshadri A.
Published: July 2024

Subgrid‐scale processes, such as atmospheric gravity waves (GWs), play a pivotal role in shaping the Earth's climate but cannot be explicitly resolved in climate models due to limitations on resolution. Instead, subgrid‐scale parameterizations are used to capture their effects. Recently, machine learning (ML) has emerged as a promising approach to learn parameterizations. In this study, we explore uncertainties associated with a ML parameterization for atmospheric GWs. Focusing on the uncertainties in the training process (parametric uncertainty), we use an ensemble of neural networks to emulate an existing GW parameterization. We estimate both offline uncertainties in raw NN output and online uncertainties in climate model output, after the neural networks are coupled. We find that online parametric uncertainty contributes a significant source of uncertainty in climate model output that must be considered when introducing NN parameterizations. This uncertainty quantification provides valuable insights into the reliability and robustness of ML‐based GW parameterizations, thus advancing our understanding of their potential applications in climate modeling.
Exploring associations between the Phthalate Environmental Reproductive Health Literacy (PERHL) scale & biomarkers of phthalate exposure: A pilot study
Authors: Tomsho Kathryn S. , Quinn Marlee R. , Preston Emma V. , Adamkiewicz Gary , James-Todd Tamarra
Published: July 2024

Background

Perinatal exposure to phthalates is associated with adverse health impacts for parents and children. The field of environmental health literacy seeks to measure how environmental health information is conceptualized and used to inform behaviors. We assessed whether scores on the validated Phthalate Environmental Reproductive Health Literacy (PERHL) scale were associated with biomarkers of phthalate exposure.

Methods

42 members of the Environmental Reproductive and Glucose Outcomes (ERGO) cohort completed the PERHL scale and provided spot urine samples. Phthalate summary measures for model outcomes were created by calculating molar sums of specific gravity-corrected metabolite concentrations representing exposure to parent phthalate, Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), personal care product (PCP)-associated phthalates, and parent butyl-phthalates. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of the PERHL scale scores with phthalate summary measures, controlling for educational attainment (college degree or higher vs. no college degree), age (years), and race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic White vs. non-White).

Results

Higher scores on the PERHL Scale and subscales were generally associated with lower ΣDEHP, Σbutyl, and ΣPCP metabolite concentrations. A one-point increase in the ‘Protective Behavior/Risk Control’ subscale score was significantly associated with a −30.3% (95% CI: −50.1, −2.6) decrease in ΣDEHP, and a −30.6% (95% CI: −51.5, −0.63) decrease in Σbutyl metabolite concentrations.
Investigation of sorptive interactions between volatile organic compounds and supramolecules at dynamic oscillation using bulk acoustic wave resonator virtual sensor arrays
Authors: Wang Zilun , Zhao Zeyu , Jin Suhan , Bian Feilong , Chang Ye , Duan Xuexin , Men Xiangdong , You Rui
Published: July 2024

Supramolecules are considered as promising materials for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensing applications. The proper understanding of the sorption process taking place in host-guest interactions is critical in improving the pattern recognition of supramolecules-based sensing arrays. Here, we report a novel approach to investigate the dynamic host-guest recognition process by employing a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator capable of producing multiple oscillation amplitudes and simultaneously recording multiple responses to VOCs. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were modified on four BAW sensors to demonstrate the gas-surface interactions regarding oscillation amplitude and SAM length. Based on the method, a virtual sensor array (VSA) type electronic nose (e-nose) can be realized by pattern recognition of multiple responses at different oscillation amplitudes of a single sensor. VOCs analysis was realized respectively by using principal component analysis (PCA) for individual VOC identification and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for VOCs mixtures classification.
Muscle Excitability Scale for the assessment of spastic reflexes in spinal cord injury: development and evaluation
Authors: Kriz Jiri , Nasincova Zuzana , Gallusova Veronika , Vyskocil Tomas , Gregor Martin , Slaby Krystof , Sediva Kristyna
Published: July 2024

Study design

A psychometric study.

Objectives

To introduce a novel simple tool designed to evaluate the intensity of the phasic (dynamic) component of spastic motor behavior in spinal cord injury (SCI) people and to assess its reliability and validity.

Setting

The study was developed in the Spinal Cord Unit at University Hospital Motol and Paraple Centre in Prague, Czech Republic.

Methods

The Muscle Excitability Scale (MES) is designed to rate muscle motor response to exteroceptive and proprioceptive stimuli. The impairment rating ranges from zero muscle/muscle group spasm or clonus to generalized spastic response. The selected 0 to 4 scale allows for comparing the MES results with those of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). After long-term use and repeated revisions, a psychometric analysis was conducted. According to the algorithm, two physiotherapists examined 50 individuals in the chronic stage after SCI.

Results

The inter-rater reliability of MES for both legs showed κ = 0.52. The intra-rater reliability of MES for both legs showed κ = 0.50. The inter-rater reliability of simultaneously assessed MAS for both legs was higher, with κ = 0.69. The intra-rater reliability of MAS for both legs showed κ = 0.72. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between MES and spasm frequency of Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSFS) was low, while the correlation coefficient between MES and the severity part of PSFS was moderate.

Conclusions

The MES is a complementary tool for assessing the dynamic component of spastic motor behavior in SCI people. It allows a more comprehensive clinical characterization of spastic reflexes when used along with the MAS.
Dysregulation of tRNA methylation in cancer: Mechanisms and targeting therapeutic strategies
Authors: Yuan Wenbin , Zhang Rui , Lyu Hao , Xiao Shuai , Guo Dong , Zhang Qi , Ali Declan William , Michalak Marek , Chen Xing-Zhen , Zhou Cefan , Tang Jingfeng
Published: July 2024

tRNA is the RNA type that undergoes the most modifications among known RNA, and in recent years, tRNA methylation has emerged as a crucial process in regulating gene translation. Dysregulation of tRNA abundance occurs in cancer cells, along with increased expression and activity of tRNA methyltransferases to raise the level of tRNA modification and stability. This leads to hijacking of translation and synthesis of multiple proteins associated with tumor proliferation, metastasis, invasion, autophagy, chemotherapy resistance, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we provide an overview of current research on tRNA methylation in cancer to clarify its involvement in human malignancies and establish a theoretical framework for future therapeutic interventions targeting tRNA methylation processes.
Imaging nanomagnetism and magnetic phase transitions in atomically thin CrSBr
Authors: Tschudin Märta A. , Broadway David A. , Siegwolf Patrick , Schrader Carolin , Telford Evan J. , Gross Boris , Cox Jordan , Dubois Adrien E. E. , Chica Daniel G. , Rama-Eiroa Ricardo , J. G. Santos Elton , Poggio Martino , Ziebel Michael E. , Dean Cory R. , Roy Xavier , Maletinsky Patrick
Published: July 2024

Since their first observation in 2017, atomically thin van der Waals (vdW) magnets have attracted significant fundamental, and application-driven attention. However, their low ordering temperatures, Tc, sensitivity to atmospheric conditions and difficulties in preparing clean large-area samples still present major limitations to further progress, especially amongst van der Waals magnetic semiconductors. The remarkably stable, high-Tc vdW magnet CrSBr has the potential to overcome these key shortcomings, but its nanoscale properties and rich magnetic phase diagram remain poorly understood. Here we use single spin magnetometry to quantitatively characterise saturation magnetization, magnetic anisotropy constants, and magnetic phase transitions in few-layer CrSBr by direct magnetic imaging. We show pristine magnetic phases, devoid of defects on micron length-scales, and demonstrate remarkable air-stability down the monolayer limit. We furthermore address the spin-flip transition in bilayer CrSBr by imaging the phase-coexistence of regions of antiferromagnetically (AFM) ordered and fully aligned spins. Our work will enable the engineering of exotic electronic and magnetic phases in CrSBr and the realization of novel nanomagnetic devices based on this highly promising vdW magnet.