bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
networkGWAS: a network-based approach to discover genetic associations
Authors: Muzio Giulia , O’Bray Leslie , Meng-Papaxanthos Laetitia , Klatt Juliane , Fischer Krista , Borgwardt Karsten
Published: June 2023

Motivation

While the search for associations between genetic markers and complex traits has led to the discovery of tens of thousands of trait-related genetic variants, the vast majority of these only explain a small fraction of the observed phenotypic variation. One possible strategy to overcome this while leveraging biological prior is to aggregate the effects of several genetic markers and to test entire genes, pathways or (sub)networks of genes for association to a phenotype. The latter, network-based genome-wide association studies, in particular suffer from a vast search space and an inherent multiple testing problem. As a consequence, current approaches are either based on greedy feature selection, thereby risking that they miss relevant associations, or neglect doing a multiple testing correction, which can lead to an abundance of false positive findings.

Results

To address the shortcomings of current approaches of network-based genome-wide association studies, we propose networkGWAS, a computationally efficient and statistically sound approach to network-based genome-wide association studies using mixed models and neighborhood aggregation. It allows for population structure correction and for well-calibrated P-values, which are obtained through circular and degree-preserving network permutations. networkGWAS successfully detects known associations on diverse synthetic phenotypes, as well as known and novel genes in phenotypes from Saccharomycescerevisiae and Homo sapiens. It thereby enables the systematic combination of gene-based genome-wide association studies with biological network information.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/BorgwardtLab/networkGWAS.git.
NoVaTeST: identifying genes with location-dependent noise variance in spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Abrar Mohammed Abid , Kaykobad M , Rahman M Saifur , Samee Md Abul Hassan
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) can reveal the existence and extent of spatial variation of gene expression in complex tissues. Such analyses could help identify spatially localized processes underlying a tissue’s function. Existing tools to detect spatially variable genes assume a constant noise variance across spatial locations. This assumption might miss important biological signals when the variance can change across locations.

Results

In this article, we propose NoVaTeST, a framework to identify genes with location-dependent noise variance in ST data. NoVaTeST models gene expression as a function of spatial location and allows the noise to vary spatially. NoVaTeST then statistically compares this model to one with constant noise and detects genes showing significant spatial noise variation. We refer to these genes as “noisy genes.” In tumor samples, the noisy genes detected by NoVaTeST are largely independent of the spatially variable genes detected by existing tools that assume constant noise, and provide important biological insights into tumor microenvironments.

Availability and implementation

An implementation of the NoVaTeST framework in Python along with instructions for running the pipeline is available at https://github.com/abidabrar-bracu/NoVaTeST.
Phylogeography of the grasshopper genusOedipoda(Acrididae: Oedipodinae) in the Mediterranean: classic refugia and cryptic lineages
Authors: Hochkirch Axel , Dey Lara-Sophie , Husemann Martin
Published: June 2023

The evolutionary history and biogeography of species is strongly influenced by climatic conditions and geomorphology. Most thermophilic organisms in Europe have survived colder periods in Mediterranean refugia, which can be inferred from their genetic structure. The band-winged grasshopper genus Oedipoda occurs with nine species in the Mediterranean. We inferred the phylogeny of the western Palaearctic Oedipoda species using gene sequences (two mitochondrial and one nuclear) of a comprehensive sample of most species. Our results show that genetic differentiation between most species is quite strong. Four subspecies (Oedipoda caerulescens amoricana Sellier, 1948 syn. nov., Oedipoda germanica kraussi Ramme, 1931 syn. nov.,Oedipoda fuscocincta moriniDefaut, 2006 syn. nov., and Oedipoda fuscocincta portugalensis Ramme, 1931 syn. nov.) are not supported by our study and are synonymized with the nominate subspecies. Two former subspecies (Oedipoda mauritanica Lucas, 1849 stat. nov. and Oedipoda meridionalis Ramme, 1931 stat. nov.) and one former synonym (Oedipoda pentagonalis Jannone, 1937 stat. nov.) are raised to species level. The status of Oedipoda fuscocincta Lucas, 1847 and Oedipoda coerulea Saussure, 1884 remains unresolved. The subspecies Oedipoda caerulescens sardetiDefaut, 2006 has a wider distribution, including the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, Corsica and Sardinia. The phylogeographic pattern is in line with classic Mediterranean refugia with two waves of differentiation.
Basic fibroblast growth factor induces proliferation and collagen production by fibroblasts derived from the bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Monaco Corrine F , Plewes Michele R , Przygrodzka Emilia , George Jitu W , Qiu Fang , Xiao Peng , Wood Jennifer R , Cupp Andrea S , Davis John S
Published: June 2023

Cyclic regression of the ovarian corpus luteum, the endocrine gland responsible for progesterone production, involves rapid matrix remodeling. Despite fibroblasts in other systems being known for producing and maintaining extracellular matrix, little is known about fibroblasts in the functional or regressing corpus luteum. Vast transcriptomic changes occur in the regressing corpus luteum, among which are reduced levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) after 4 and 12 h of induced regression, when progesterone is declining and the microvasculature is destabilizing. We hypothesized that FGF2 activates luteal fibroblasts. Analysis of transcriptomic changes during induced luteal regression revealed elevations in markers of fibroblast activation and fibrosis, including fibroblast activation protein (FAP), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1). To test our hypothesis, we treated bovine luteal fibroblasts with FGF2 to measure downstream signaling, type 1 collagen production, and proliferation. We observed rapid and robust phosphorylation of various signaling pathways involved in proliferation, such as ERK, AKT, and STAT1. From our longer-term treatments, we determined that FGF2 has a concentration-dependent collagen-inducing effect, and that FGF2 acts as a mitogen for luteal fibroblasts. FGF2-induced proliferation was greatly blunted by inhibition of AKT or STAT1 signaling. Our results suggest that luteal fibroblasts are responsive to factors that are released by the regressing bovine corpus luteum, an insight into the contribution of fibroblasts to the microenvironment in the regressing corpus luteum.
No-harm calibration for generalized Oaxaca–Blinder estimators
Authors: Cohen P L , Fogarty C B
Published: June 2023

In randomized experiments, adjusting for observed features when estimating treatment effects has been proposed as a way to improve asymptotic efficiency. However, among parametric methods, only linear regression has been proven to form an estimate of the average treatment effect that is asymptotically no less efficient than the treated-minus-control difference in means regardless of the true data generating process. Randomized treatment assignment provides this do-no-harm property, with neither truth of a linear model nor a generative model for the outcomes being required. We present a general calibration method that confers the same no-harm property onto estimators leveraging a broad class of nonlinear models. This recovers the usual regression-adjusted estimator when ordinary least squares is used, and further provides noninferior treatment effect estimators using methods such as logistic and Poisson regression. The resulting estimators are noninferior to both the difference-in-means estimator and to treatment effect estimators that have not undergone calibration. We show that our estimator is asymptotically equivalent to an inverse-probability-weighted estimator using a logit link with predicted potential outcomes as covariates. In a simulation study, we demonstrate that common nonlinear estimators without our calibration procedure may perform markedly worse than both the calibrated estimator and the unadjusted difference in means.
Increasing biodiversity knowledge through social media: A case study from tropical Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Shawan , Aich Upama , Rokonuzzaman Md , Alam Shofiul , Das Priyanka , Siddika Asma , Ahmed Sultan , Labi Mahzabin Muzahid , Marco Moreno Di , Fuller Richard A , Callaghan Corey T
Published: June 2023

Citizen science programs are becoming increasingly popular among naturalists but remain heavily biased taxonomically and geographically. However, with the explosive popularity of social media and the near-ubiquitous availability of smartphones, many post wildlife photographs on social media. Here, we illustrate the potential of harvesting these data to enhance our biodiversity understanding using Bangladesh, a tropical biodiverse country, as a case study. We compared biodiversity records extracted from Facebook with those from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), collating geospatial records for 1013 unique species, including 970 species from Facebook and 712 species from GBIF. Although most observation records were biased toward major cities, the Facebook records were more evenly spatially distributed. About 86% of the Threatened species records were from Facebook, whereas the GBIF records were almost entirely Of Least Concern species. To reduce the global biodiversity data shortfall, a key research priority now is the development of mechanisms for extracting and interpreting social media biodiversity data.
T-SPOT.TB Reactivity in Southern African Children With and Without in Utero Human Immunodeficiency Virus Exposure
Authors: Iwase Saori C , Edlefsen Paul T , Bhebhe Lynnette , Motsumi Kesego , Moyo Sikhulile , Happel Anna-Ursula , Shao Danica , Mmasa Nicholas , Schenkel Sara , Gasper Melanie A , Dubois Melanie , Files Megan A , Seshadri Chetan , Duffy Fergal , Aitchison John , Netea Mihai G , Jao Jennifer , Cameron Donald W , Gray Clive M , Jaspan Heather B , Powis Kathleen M
Published: June 2023

Infants who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed uninfected (iHEU) experience higher risk of infectious morbidity than infants HIV-unexposed uninfected (iHUU). We compared tuberculosis (TB) infection prevalence in 418 Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccinated sub-Saharan African iHEU and iHUU aged 9–18 months using T-SPOT.TB. Prevalence of TB infection was low and did not differ by HIV exposure status.
The big squeeze: balancing the hemodynamics of cardiac tamponade and superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Shah Keya , Ciancarelli James , DeLeon Joshua
Published: June 2023

In this clinical vignette, we describe an unusual aetiology of shock that was precipitated by the drainage of malignant pericardial effusion. Therapeutic intervention of the patient’s cardiac tamponade led to decreased venous pressures, increased external lung mass compression, worsening superior vena cava syndrome, and ultimately haemodynamic compromise leading to his expiration.
AMH as part of the diagnostic PCOS workup in large epidemiological studies
Authors: Piltonen Terhi T , Komsi Elina , Morin-Papunen Laure C , Korhonen Elisa , Franks Stephen , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Arffman Riikka K , Ollila Meri-Maija
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Previous studies have shown good correlation between polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. We evaluated the utility of AMH as a surrogate for PCOM as a part of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis by describing how the use of different AMH cut-off values would change the prevalence of PCOS.

Methods

A general population-based birth cohort study. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were measured from serum samples taken at age 31 years (n = 2917) using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (Elecsys). Anti-Müllerian hormone data were combined with data on oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism to identify women with PCOS.

Results

The addition of AMH as a surrogate marker for PCOM increased the number of women fulfilling at least two PCOS features in accordance with the Rotterdam criteria. The prevalence of PCOS was 5.9% when using the AMH cut-off based on the 97.5% quartile (10.35 ng/mL) and 13.6% when using the recently proposed cut-off of 3.2 ng/mL. When using the latter cut-off value, the distribution of PCOS phenotypes A, B, C, and D was 23.9%, 4.7%, 36.6%, and 34.8%, respectively. Compared with the controls, all PCOS groups with different AMH concentration cut-offs showed significantly elevated testosterone (T), free androgen index (FAI), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, as well as significantly decreased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) values.

Conclusions

Anti-Müllerian hormone could be useful surrogate for PCOM in large data sets, where transvaginal ultrasound is not feasible, to aid the capturing of women with typical PCOS characteristics. Anti-Müllerian hormone measurement from archived samples enables retrospective PCOS diagnosis when combined with oligo/amenorrhoea or hyperandrogenism.
Risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in individuals with first-diagnosed paroxysmal vs. non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation under anticoagulation
Authors: Ntaios George , Sagris Dimitrios , Buckley Benjamin J R , Harrison Stephanie L , Abdul-Rahim Azmil , Austin Philip , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: June 2023

Aims

There is conflicting evidence on whether the type of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with risk of cardiovascular events, including acute myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the risk of MI and ischemic stroke differs between individuals with first-diagnosed paroxysmal vs. non-paroxysmal AF treated with anticoagulants.

Methods and results

De-identified electronic medical records from the TriNetX federated research network were used. Individuals with a new diagnosis of paroxysmal AF who had no evidence of other types of AF in their records were 1:1 propensity score-matched with individuals with non-paroxysmal AF, defined as persistent or chronic AF, who had no evidence of other types of AF in their records. All patients were followed for three years for the outcomes of MI and ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In the propensity-matched cohort, among 24 848 well-matched AF individuals [mean age 74.4 ± 10.4; 10 101 (40.6%) female], 410 (1.7%) were diagnosed with acute MI and 875 (3.5%) with ischemic stroke during the three-year follow-up. Individuals with paroxysmal AF had significantly higher risk of acute MI (HR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.35–2.01) compared to those with non-paroxysmal AF. First diagnosed paroxysmal AF was associated with higher risk of non-ST elevation MI (nSTEMI) (HR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.44–2.46). No significant association was observed between the type of AF and risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 1.09, 95%CI: 0.95–1.25).

Conclusion

Patients with first-diagnosed paroxysmal AF had higher risk of acute MI compared to individuals with non-paroxysmal AF, attributed to the higher risk of nSTEMI among patients with first-diagnosed paroxysmal AF. There was no significant association between type of AF and risk of ischemic stroke.
The coevolutionary dynamics of cryptic female choice
Authors: Kustra Matthew C , Alonzo Suzanne H
Published: June 2023

In contrast to sexual selection on traits that affect interactions between the sexes before mating, little theoretical research has focused on the coevolution of postmating traits via cryptic female choice (when females bias fertilization toward specific males). We used simulation models to ask (a) whether and, if so, how nondirectional cryptic female choice (female-by-male interactions in fertilization success) causes deviations from models that focus exclusively on male-mediated postmating processes, and (b) how the risk of sperm competition, the strength of cryptic female choice, and tradeoffs between sperm number and sperm traits interact to influence the coevolutionary dynamics between cryptic female choice and sperm traits. We found that incorporating cryptic female choice can result in males investing much less in their ejaculates than predicted by models with sperm competition only. We also found that cryptic female choice resulted in the evolution of genetic correlations between cryptic female choice and sperm traits, even when the strength of cryptic female choice was weak, and the risk of sperm competition was low. This suggests that cryptic female choice may be important even in systems with low multiple mating. These genetic correlations increased with the risk of sperm competition and as the strength of cryptic female choice increased. When the strength of cryptic female choice and risk of sperm competition was high, extreme codivergence of sperm traits and cryptic female choice preference occurred even when the sperm trait traded off with sperm number. We also found that male traits lagged behind the evolution of female traits; this lag decreased with increasing strength of cryptic female choice and risk of sperm competition. Overall, our results suggest that cryptic female choice deserves more attention theoretically and may be driving trait evolution in ways just beginning to be explored.
Putative nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea
Authors: van der Does Chris , Braun Frank , Ren Hongcheng , Albers Sonja-Verena
Published: June 2023

Second messengers transfer signals from changing intra- and extracellular conditions to a cellular response. Over the last few decades, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified and characterized in especially bacteria and eukaryotes. Also in archaea, several nucleotide-based second messengers have been identified. This review will summarize our understanding of nucleotide-based second messengers in archaea. For some of the nucleotide-based second messengers, like cyclic di-AMP and cyclic oligoadenylates, their roles in archaea have become clear. Cyclic di-AMP plays a similar role in osmoregulation in euryarchaea as in bacteria, and cyclic oligoadenylates are important in the Type III CRISPR–Cas response to activate CRISPR ancillary proteins involved in antiviral defense. Other putative nucleotide-based second messengers, like 3′,5′- and 2′,3′-cyclic mononucleotides and adenine dinucleotides, have been identified in archaea, but their synthesis and degradation pathways, as well as their functions as secondary messengers, still remain to be demonstrated. In contrast, 3′-3′-cGAMP has not yet been identified in archaea, but the enzymes required to synthesize 3′-3′-cGAMP have been found in several euryarchaeotes. Finally, the widely distributed bacterial second messengers, cyclic diguanosine monophosphate and guanosine (penta-)/tetraphosphate, do not appear to be present in archaea.
Flexible Vis/NIR wireless sensing system for banana monitoring
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Bingbing , Zhang Ruihua , Wu Zihao , Xiao Xinqing
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The quality of the fruit seriously affects the economic value of the fruit. Fruit quality is related to many ripening parameters, such as soluble solid content (SSC), pH, and firmness (FM), and is a complex process. Traditional methods are inefficient, do not guarantee quality, and do not adapt to the current rhythm of the fruit market. In this paper, a was designed and implemented for quality prediction and maturity level classification of Philippine Cavendish bananas.

Materials and Methods

The quality changes of bananas in different stages were analyzed. Twelve light intensity reflectance values for each maturity stage were compared to conventionally measured SSC, FM, PH, and color space.

Results

Our device can be compared with traditional forms of quality measurement. The experimental results show that the established predictive model with specific preprocessing and modeling algorithms can effectively determine various banana quality parameters (SSC, pH, FM, L*, a*, and b*). The RPD values of SSC and a* were greater than 3.0, the RPD values of L* and b* were between 2.5 and 3.0, and the pH and FM were between 2.0 and 2.5. In addition, a new banana maturity level classification method (FSC) was proposed, and the results showed that the method could effectively classify the maturity level classes (i.e. four maturity levels) with an accuracy rate of up to 97.5%. Finally, the MLR and FSC models are imported into the MCU to realize the near-range and long-range real-time display of data.

Conclusions

These methods can also be applied more broadly to fruit quality detection, providing a basic framework for future research.
Marination ingredients on meat quality and safety—a review
Authors: Ehsanur Rahman Syed Md , Islam Sharmeen , Pan Junyu , Kong Dewei , Xi Qian , Du Qijing , Yang Yongxin , Wang Jun , Oh Deog-Hwan , Han Rongwei
Published: June 2023

The practice of utilizing various categories of ingredients for marination has been prevalent in both home cooking and the meat industry for an extended period. Meat and meat products treated with various marination ingredients either alone or in combination with multiple marination processes can enhance color, flavor, and tenderness, while also improving their shelf life by reducing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and lipid oxidation. This narrative review aims to examine all recent scientific literature on various meat and meat products subjected to marination. Through Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science, the review summarizes all recent marinated and marination research articles, including types of marination ingredients, marination method, marinade mechanism, effect on sensory and nutritional quality, safety, shelf life, and health implications, resulting in a comprehensive overview of all information under marinades and marination for all scientists and food sectors concerned. The highlighted information will indicate future directions for the development of marination ingredients in the meat industry.
An angiotensin converting enzyme homolog is required for volatile pheromone detection, odorant binding protein secretion and normal courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ha Tal Soo , Sengupta Samarpita , Powell Jordan , Smith Dean P
Published: June 2023

In many arthropods, including insects responsible for transmission of human diseases, behaviors that include mating, aggregation, and aggression are triggered by detection of pheromones. Extracellular odorant binding proteins are critical for pheromone detection in many insects and are secreted into the fluid bathing the olfactory neuron dendrites. In Drosophila melanogaster, the odorant binding protein LUSH is essential for normal sensitivity to the volatile sex pheromone, 11-cis vaccenyl acetate (cVA). Using a genetic screen for cVA pheromone insensitivity, we identified ANCE-3, a homolog of human angiotensin converting enzyme that is required for detection of cVA pheromone. The mutants have normal dose–response curves for food odors, although olfactory neuron amplitudes are reduced in all olfactory neurons examined. ance-3 mutants have profound delays in mating, and the courtship defects are primarily but not exclusively due to loss of ance-3 function in males. We demonstrate that ANCE-3 is required in the sensillae support cells for normal reproductive behavior, and that localization of odorant binding proteins to the sensillum lymph is blocked in the mutants. Expression of an ance-3 cDNA in sensillae support cells completely rescues the cVA responses, LUSH localization, and courtship defects. We show the courtship latency defects are not due to effects on olfactory neurons in the antenna nor mediated through ORCO receptors, but instead stem from ANCE-3-dependent effects on chemosensory sensillae in other body parts. These findings reveal an unexpected factor critical for pheromone detection with profound influence on reproductive behaviors.
A de novo missense variant in EZH1 associated with developmental delay exhibits functional deficits in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jangam Sharayu V , Briere Lauren C , Jay Kristy L , Andrews Jonathan C , Walker Melissa A , Rodan Lance H , High Frances A ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Yamamoto Shinya , Sweetser David A , Wangler Michael F
Published: June 2023

EZH1, a polycomb repressive complex-2 component, is involved in a myriad of cellular processes. EZH1 represses transcription of downstream target genes through histone 3 lysine27 (H3K27) trimethylation (H3K27me3). Genetic variants in histone modifiers have been associated with developmental disorders, while EZH1 has not yet been linked to any human disease. However, the paralog EZH2 is associated with Weaver syndrome. Here we report a previously undiagnosed individual with a novel neurodevelopmental phenotype identified to have a de novo missense variant in EZH1 through exome sequencing. The individual presented in infancy with neurodevelopmental delay and hypotonia and was later noted to have proximal muscle weakness. The variant, p.A678G, is in the SET domain, known for its methyltransferase activity, and an analogous somatic or germline mutation in EZH2 has been reported in patients with B-cell lymphoma or Weaver syndrome, respectively. Human EZH1/2 are homologous to fly Enhancer of zeste (E(z)), an essential gene in Drosophila, and the affected residue (p.A678 in humans, p.A691 in flies) is conserved. To further study this variant, we obtained null alleles and generated transgenic flies expressing wildtype [E(z)WT] and the variant [E(z)A691G]. When expressed ubiquitously the variant rescues null-lethality similar to the wildtype. Overexpression of E(z)WT induces homeotic patterning defects but notably the E(z)A691G variant leads to dramatically stronger morphological phenotypes. We also note a dramatic loss of H3K27me2 and a corresponding increase in H3K27me3 in flies expressing E(z)A691G, suggesting this acts as a gain-of-function allele. In conclusion, here we present a novel EZH1 de novo variant associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Furthermore, we found that this variant has a functional impact in Drosophila.
Volunteering and Changes in Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Longitudinal Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Kim Seoyoun , Halvorsen Cal , Han Sae Hwang
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Growing body of research shows that volunteering is beneficial for those served, the volunteers, and the larger communities. However, major challenges remain that hinder the practical implications for volunteer activity as a public health intervention, including potential selection effects, lack of longitudinal studies that adjust for baseline characteristics, and a paucity of studies that consider multiple physical health outcomes in a single model.

Research Design and Methods

Data from 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006–2016) were used (N = 18,847). Outcome-wide analyses were utilized to evaluate if changes in volunteering between 2006/2008 (t0) and 2010/2012 (t1) were associated with 7 cardiovascular disease biomarkers 4 years later (2014/2016, t2). These models were adjusted for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, chronic conditions, baseline biomarkers, and volunteering. Additionally, selection into volunteering and attrition were taken into account.

Results

Compared with nonvolunteers, volunteering more than 200 hr a year was associated with a lower risk for clinically high diastolic blood pressure. In addition, increased volunteering effort (change from 1 to 99 hr at t0 to >100 hr at t1) was associated with a lower likelihood of clinically high systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Sustained high volunteering (>100 hr at both t0 and t1) was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure.

Discussion and Implications

The current study adds to the evidence on the health benefits of volunteering for adults 50 and older by inferring a potential causal link between high-intensity volunteering and reduced blood pressure.
Plate bending earthquakes and the strength distribution of the lithosphere
Authors: Sandiford Dan , Craig Timothy J
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the dynamics and constitutive behaviour of the oceanic lithosphere as it bends and yields during subduction. Two main observational constraints are considered: the maximum bending moment that can be supported by the lithosphere, and the inferred neutral plane depth in bending. We particularly focus on regions of old lithosphere where the ‘apparent’ neutral plane depth is about 30 km. We use subduction modelling approaches to investigate these flexural characteristics. We reassess bending moment estimates from a range of previous studies, and show a significant convergence towards what we call the ‘intermediate’ range of lithosphere strength: weaker than some classical models predict, but stronger than recent inferences at seamounts. We consider the non-uniqueness that arises due to the trade-offs in strength as well background (tectonic) stress state. We outline this problem with several end-member models, which differ in regard to relative strength in the brittle and ductile regimes. We evaluate the consistency of these models in terms of a range of constraints, primarily the seismic expression of the outer rise. We show that a 30 km neutral plane depth implies that net slab pull is not greater than about 2 TN m−1. In contrast, models with low brittle strength imply that regions with a 30 km neutral plane depth are under moderate net axial compression. Under these conditions, reverse faulting is predicted beneath the neutral plane at depths >30 km. We show that moderate variations in background stress have a large impact on the predicted anelastic dissipation. We suggest brittle reverse faulting is a marginal phenomenon which may be inhibited by moderate changes in background stress.
Induced microseismicity and tremor signatures illuminate different slip behaviours in a natural shale fault reactivated by a fluid pressure stimulation (Mont Terri)
Authors: De Barros Louis , Guglielmi Yves , Cappa Frédéric , Nussbaum Christophe , Birkholzer Jens
Published: June 2023

Fault slip induced by fluid perturbation in shale formations may only lead to a sparse seismicity. However, fault slip may strongly impact the integrity of shale formations that serve as caprocks for geological reservoirs holding buoyant fluids such as CO2, natural gas or hydrogen. A better understanding of the fluid reactivation processes of fault and the seismic triggering process is therefore critical for reservoir monitoring and fault stability. Here we analyse the seismic responses of a shale fault exposed to fluid pressurization during an in situ field-scale injection experiment at ∼340 m depth in the Mont Terri underground research laboratory (Switzerland). Two main types of seismic signals are observed as the fault was activated and started to slowly slip. After an aseismic phase, we observed tremor signatures and an increase in noise amplitude, which were directly associated with the slowly propagating fault slip in response to fluid injection. These signatures were later followed by micro-earthquakes that seem to occur further away from the fluid-pressurized area. We interpret these micro-earthquakes to be triggered by stress perturbations from the main slip growth. These two classes of seismic responses therefore highlight two different processes. Tremors seem to be a more direct observation for the fluid-induced slip propagation than micro-earthquakes. Even hidden in the noise, they precede earthquake failures, thus providing a useful tool for monitoring fluid leakage activated by slow deformation on low permeable shale faults, with applications for sealing integrity of caprocks.
Simulating horizontal crustal motions of glacial isostatic adjustment using compressible Cartesian models
Authors: Reusen J M , Steffen R , Steffen H , Root B C , van der Wal W
Published: June 2023

Significant land uplift and horizontal motions have been recorded with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in areas such as Alaska, Iceland and the Northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP) as a result of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) due to ice melt after the Little Ice Age. Here, analysis of horizontal displacement rates can be of extra importance, as they are more sensitive to Earth properties in shallower layers than vertical displacement rates. Proper modelling of horizontal displacement rates with dedicated GIA models requires a spherical Earth with compressible rheology. However, in these small areas, the used GIA models are often incompressible using a Cartesian geometry to ease computation and in some cases allow for lateral viscosity changes or more complex rheology. We investigate the validity of modelled horizontal displacement rates using different approximations, that is using spherical or Cartesian Earth structures, and incompressible, material compressible or compressible rheology. Although the lack of self-gravity and sphericity compensate each other in the vertical, this is less the case for the horizontal. For a disc ice sheet with a radius just over 200 km and a thickness of 1000 m, differences due to sphericity are minimal and the modelled horizontal displacement rates of compressible Cartesian models differ from those simulated by a compressible spherical model by 0.63 mm a−1. Thus, compressible Cartesian GIA models can be applied for modelling horizontal displacement rates of small ice sheets like those in Alaska, Iceland and NAP. Unfortunately, the implementation of compressibility in Abaqus that we use here cannot be extended to spherical models as gravity can not be specified for a spherical body. Other modelling approaches are recommended in such cases.
Localized dissection of the sinus of Valsalva mimicking spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Yuge Norihisa , Manabe Susumu , Sugimura Koichiro , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: June 2023

A 56-year-old man, suspected of having ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection, underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. Although he had moderate aortic regurgitation with aortic root dilation and mild heart failure, it was controlled with medications. Two weeks after discharge, he was readmitted with severe heart failure due to severe aortic regurgitation and underwent an aortic root replacement. Intraoperative findings revealed that localized dissection of the sinus of Valsalva involved the right coronary artery, resulting in coronary artery dissection. In cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, attention should be paid to coronary artery dissection caused by localized aortic root dissection.
Urgent lung volume reduction surgery is effective for secondary pneumothorax in emphysema patients
Authors: Barbarossa Annalisa , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Weder Walter , Ceulemans Laurens J
Published: June 2023

Secondary pneumothorax due to emphysema can be life-threatening and requires surgery in most situations. Here, we extended lung resection to close the fistula using lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). We present a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax referred after ineffective treatment by chemical pleurodesis. Urgent LVRS followed by elective LVRS was performed obtaining air-leak resolution and significantly improving pulmonary function and quality of life. We discuss the surgical technique and effectiveness of LVRS as a treatment for pneumothorax.
Minimax optimal clustering of bipartite graphs with a generalized power method
Authors: Braun Guillaume , Tyagi Hemant
Published: June 2023

Clustering bipartite graphs is a fundamental task in network analysis. In the high-dimensional regime where the number of rows $n_{1}$ and the number of columns $n_{2}$ of the associated adjacency matrix are of different order, the existing methods derived from the ones used for symmetric graphs can come with sub-optimal guarantees. Due to increasing number of applications for bipartite graphs in the high-dimensional regime, it is of fundamental importance to design optimal algorithms for this setting. The recent work of Ndaoud et al. (2022, IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory, 68, 1960–1975) improves the existing upper-bound for the misclustering rate in the special case where the columns (resp. rows) can be partitioned into $L = 2$ (resp. $K = 2$) communities. Unfortunately, their algorithm cannot be extended to the more general setting where $K \neq L \geq 2$. We overcome this limitation by introducing a new algorithm based on the power method. We derive conditions for exact recovery in the general setting where $K \neq L \geq 2$, and show that it recovers the result in Ndaoud et al. (2022, IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory, 68, 1960–1975). We also derive a minimax lower bound on the misclustering error when $K=L$ under a symmetric version of our model, which matches the corresponding upper bound up to a factor depending on $K$.
Regularity of Minimizing p-Harmonic Maps Into Spheres and Sharp Kato Inequality
Authors: Mazowiecka Katarzyna , Miśkiewicz Michał
Published: June 2023

We study regularity of minimizing $p$-harmonic maps $u \colon B^{3} \to \mathbb{S}^{3}$ for $p$ in the interval $[2,3]$. For a long time, regularity was known only for $p = 3$ (essentially due to Morrey [ 24]) and $p = 2$ (Schoen–Uhlenbeck [ 29]), but recently Gastel [ 7] extended the latter result to $p \in [2,2+\frac{2}{15}]$ using a version of Kato inequality. Here, we establish regularity for a small interval $p\in [2.961,3]$ by combining Morrey’s methods with Hardt and Lin’s Extension Theorem [ 11]. We also improve on the other result by obtaining regularity for $p \in [2,p_{0}]$ with $p_{0} = \frac{3+\sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 2.366$. In relation to this, we address a question posed by Gastel and prove a sharp Kato inequality for $p$-harmonic maps in two-dimensional domains, which is of independent interest.
Preexisting Immunity Does Not Prevent Efficacy of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus–Based Filovirus Vaccines in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Marzi Andrea , Feldmann Friederike , O’Donnell Kyle L , Hanley Patrick W , Messaoudi Ilhem , Feldmann Heinz
Published: June 2023

Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) made headlines in the past decade, causing outbreaks of human disease in previously nonendemic yet overlapping areas. While EBOV outbreaks can be mitigated with licensed vaccines and treatments, there is not yet a licensed countermeasure for MARV. Here, we used nonhuman primates (NHPs) previously vaccinated with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)–MARV and protected against lethal MARV challenge. After a resting period of 9 months, these NHPs were revaccinated with VSV-EBOV and challenged with EBOV, resulting in 75% survival. Surviving NHPs developed EBOV glycoprotein (GP)-specific antibody titers and no viremia or clinical signs of disease. The single vaccinated NHP succumbing to challenge showed the lowest EBOV GP-specific antibody response after challenge, supporting previous findings with VSV-EBOV that antigen-specific antibodies are critical in mediating protection. This study again demonstrates that VSVΔG-based filovirus vaccine can be successfully used in individuals with preexisting VSV vector immunity, highlighting the platform's applicability for consecutive outbreak response.
Appropriate cold stimulation changes energy distribution to improve stress resistance in broilers
Authors: Gong Rixin , Xing Lu , Yin Jingwen , Ding Yuqing , Liu Xiaotao , Bao Jun , Li Jianhong
Published: June 2023

Appropriate cold stimulation can improve stress resistance in broilers and alleviate the adverse impacts of a cold environment. To investigate the effects of intermittent mild cold stimulation (IMCS) on energy distribution in the livers of broilers, 96 healthy 1-d-old Ross-308 male broilers were randomly divided into the control group (CC) and the cold stimulation group (H5). The CC group was raised at a normal thermal temperature, i.e., 35 °C until 3 d, after which the temperature was dropped gradually by 0.5 °C/d until 20 °C at 33 d. This temperature was maintained until 49 d. The H5 group was raised at the same temperature as the CC group until 14 d (35 to 29.5 °C) and at 3 °C below the temperature of the CC group starting at 0930 hours for 5 h every other day from 15 to 35 d (26 to 17°C). The temperature was returned to 20 °C at 36 d and maintained until 49 d. At 50 d, all broilers were subjected to acute cold stress (ACS) at 10 °C for 6 and 12 h. We found that IMCS had positive effects on production performance. Using transcriptome sequencing of the broiler livers, 327 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, and highly enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation, and the pyruvate metabolism pathway. When compared to the CC group, the mRNA levels of ACAA1, ACAT2, ACSL1, CPT1A, LDHB, and PCK1 in the H5 group were increased at 22 d (P < 0.05). The LDHB mRNA level was upregulated in the H5 group at 29 d compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). After 21 d of IMCS (at 36 d), the mRNA expression levels of ACAT2 and PCK1 were found to be significantly increased in the H5 group compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). Seven days after the IMCS had ended (at 43 d), the mRNA levels of ACAA1, ACAT2, and LDHB in the H5 group were higher than in the CC group (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HSP90, and HSP110 in the H5 group were higher than in the CC group after 6 h of ACS (P < 0.05). The protein levels of HSP70 and HSP90 in the H5 group were downregulated after 12 h of ACS, compared to the CC group (P < 0.05). These results indicated that IMCS at 3 °C lower than the normal temperature could improve energy metabolism and stress resistance in the livers of broilers, alleviate the damage of short-term ACS on broilers, help broilers adapt to the low temperature, and maintain stable of energy metabolism in the body.
Identification and functional characterization of developmental-stage-dependent piRNAs in Tibetan sheep testes
Authors: Li Taotao , Wang Huihui , Ma Keyan , Wu Yi , Qi Xingcai , Liu Zilong , Li Qiao , Zhang Yong , Ma Youji
Published: June 2023

The core function of the testes is to produce sperms, which is the prerequisite for maintaining male fertility. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNAs that are mainly enriched in the reproductive organ and play a key role in germ cell development and spermatogenesis. However, the expression and function of piRNAs in the testes of Tibetan sheep, a domestic animal endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated the sequence structure, expression profile, and potential function of piRNAs in testicular tissues from Tibetan sheep at different developmental stages (3 months, 1 year, and 3 years of age, respectively) by small RNA sequencing. Of the identified piRNAs, the sequence lengths of 24–26 nt and 29 nt dominate. Most piRNA sequences begin with uracil and have a distinct ping-pong structure which mainly distributes in exons, repeat regions, introns, and other unannotated regions of the genome. The piRNAs in the repeat region are primarily derived from the retrotransposons: long terminal repeats, long interspersed nuclear elements, and short interspersed elements. These piRNAs constitute 2,568 piRNA clusters, which mainly distribute on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 13, 14, and 24, and of these clusters, a total of 529 piRNA clusters were differentially expressed in at least two age groups. Most of the piRNAs were expressed in a low abundance in the testes of developing Tibetan sheep. A total of 41,552 and 2,529 differential piRNAs were identified in testes from 3 months vs. 1 year, and 1 year vs. 3 years, respectively, presenting significantly increased abundance for most piRNAs in 1 year and 3 years compared with 3 months. The functional evaluation of the target genes showed that the differential piRNAs are mainly involved in regulating gene expression, transcription, protein modification, and cell development during spermatogenesis and testicular development. In conclusion, this study focused on the sequence structure and expression characteristics of piRNAs in the testis of Tibetan sheep and provided new insights into the functional mechanism of piRNAs in testicular development and spermatogenesis of sheep.
Cell adhesion function was altered during the seasonal regression of the seminiferous epithelium in the mink species Neovison vison
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Zhu Yanzhu , Cao Xiaodong , Zhang Guanhua , Liu Shuying
Published: June 2023

Minks are seasonal breeders whose seminiferous epithelium undergoes regression through massive germ cell death, leaving only Sertoli cells and spermatogonial cells in the tubules. However, the molecular mechanisms that control this biological process remain largely unknown. This study describes a transcriptomic analysis of mink testes at various reproductive stages (active, regressing, and inactive). A comparison of seminiferous epithelium at different stages of reproduction shows that cell adhesion is altered during regression. In addition, genes and proteins involved in forming the blood–testis barrier (BTB) were examined in sexually active and inactive minks. The seminiferous epithelium in the testes of sexually inactive minks expressed occludin, but this expression was not discernibly observed in the testes of sexually active minks. There was no discernible expression of CX43 in the seminiferous epithelium in the testes of sexually inactive minks, but CX43 was expressed in the testes of sexually active minks. During the regression process, we observed a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Claudin-11, which is associated with Sertoli-germ cell junctions. In conclusion, these findings suggest a loss of Sertoli-germ cell adhesion, which may regulate postmeiotic cell shedding during testicular regression in mink.
Remarks on uniform interpolation property
Authors: Alizadeh Majid
Published: June 2023

A logic $\mathcal{L}$ is said to satisfy the descending chain condition, DCC, if any descending chain of formulas in $\mathcal{L}$ with ordering induced by $\vdash _{\mathcal{L}};$ eventually stops. In this short note, we first establish a general theorem, which states that if a propositional logic $\mathcal{L}$ satisfies both DCC and has the Craig Interpolation Property, CIP, then it satisfies the Uniform Interpolation Property, UIP, as well. As a result, by using the Nishimura lattice, we give a new simply proof of uniform interpolation for $\textbf{IPL}_2$, the two-variable fragment of Intuitionistic Propositional Logic; and one-variable uniform interpolation for $\textbf{IPL}$. Also, we will see that the modal logics $\textbf{S}_4$ and $\textbf{K}_4$ do not satisfy atomic DCC.