bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEGAL STATUS AND CONSEQUENCES OF UNILATERAL DIVORCE: COMPARATIVE STUDIES BETWEEN EGYPT, JORDAN, TUNISIA AND INDONESIA
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Roslaili Yuni , Suparwany  , Khathir Rita , Idris Aisyah , M. Anzaikhan
Published: September 2024

Unilateral divorce by the husband outside the court requires attention for the protection of affected women and children. This literature study was conducted to find out how the development of traditional family law implementation into modern family law in four countries, namely Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Indonesia. This article is classified as literature research with a qualitative approach. The methodology used is normative and comparative legal studies. The results of this study showed that there are differences in laws and regulations in the Islamic family law environment in those countries. Divorce that is imposed by the husband is unilaterally recognized as valid in Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, while in Indonesia the wife can appeal or cassation against the divorce. Egypt and Tunisia impose criminal sanctions on husbands who do not meet the obligation to pay their living and home to their ex-wives, while Indonesia and Jordan do not impose any criminal sanctions. Criminal sanctions imposed in Egypt and Tunisia are the payment of a certain number of fines or confinement during a certain time. However, divorce proceedings without reporting to relevant officials in Jordan can be charged with criminal law. Therefore, the best implementation of family law related to unilateral divorce is in Tunisia. The scholarly contribution of this research to family law globally is that it offers the most ideal concept in protecting the often neglected rights of wives and children.
الخبرات التكيفية التي يكتسبها المدرسون في تدريس التربية الرياضية ودورها في تطوير جودتهم التعليمية
Authors: Lec. Dr. Ahmed Karim Muhammad
Published: September 2024

تكمن أهمية البحث في محاولته إيجاد السبل الكفيلة في تحسين عملية التعلم في دروس التربية الرياضية، فضلاً عن تقديمه لرؤى قيمة حول كيفية تأثير الخبرات التكيفية لمدرسي التربية الرياضية على تجربة الطلاب في درس التربية الرياضية، فضلاً عن الدور الذي قد يقدمه هذا البحث في تقييم وتحليل جودة التعليم وأساليب التدريس في مجال التربية الرياضية، وقد هدف البحث إلى الكشف عن الدور الذي يؤديه امتلاك مدرسي التربية الرياضية للخبرات التكيفية في تطوير جودتهم التعليمية في تدريس التربية الرياضية، وذلك بعد الكشف عن مستوى كلّ من الخبرات التكيفية والجودة التعليمية لديهم، وقد اتبع الباحث منهجاً وصفياً عبر طريقتي المسح والعلاقات الارتباطية، وتم تحديد عينة البحث بمدرسي التربية الرياضية في مدارس قضاء الحلة والتابعة لمديرية تربية بابل والبالغ عددهم (260) مدرساً ينتمون لـ (90) مدرسة، وقد قام الباحث بتقسيم هذه العينة إلى ثلاث عينات فرعية (عينة الدراسة الاستطلاعية، وعينة التحليل الإحصائي، وعينة التطبيق النهائي)، والتي يبلغ عدد أفرادها (10، 150، 100) مدرس على التوالي، وبهدف جمع البيانات المطلوبة في البحث قام الباحث بإعداد استبيانين، الاستبيان الأول لقياس مستوى الخبرات التكيفية لدى مدرسي التربية الرياضية ويبلغ عدد عباراتها (20) عبارة، والاستبيان الثاني لقياس مستوى الجودة التعليمية لمدرسي التربية الرياضية ويبلغ عدد عباراتها (20) عبارة، وبعد التأكد من امتلاك الاستبيانين للشروط العلمية من صدق وثبات تمّ تطبيقهما على عينة التطبيق النهائي لاستخراج مستويات متغيري البحث.
Spectroscopic Observations of the GALEX Nearby Young Star Survey Sample. I. Nearby Moving Group Candidates
Authors: Nagananda Navya , Vican Laura , Zuckerman Ben , Rodriguez David , Binks Alexander , Kastner Joel
Published: September 2024

The GALEX Nearby Young Star Search (GALNYSS) yielded the identification of more than 2000 late-type stars that, based on their ultraviolet and infrared colors and pre-Gaia proper motions, are potentially of age<200 Myr and lie within ~120 pc of Earth. We present the results of a campaign of medium- and high-resolution optical spectroscopy of 471 GALNYSS stars aimed at confirming their youth and their potential membership in nearby young stellar moving groups. We present radial velocity (RV), Li absorption, and H-alpha emission measurements for these spectroscopically observed GALNYSS stars, and assess their Li absorption and optical emission-line properties and infrared excesses. Our RV measurements are combined with literature and Gaia DR3 RV measurements and Gaia DR3 astrometry and photometry to obtain the spatiokinematics and color-magnitude positions of GALNYSS stars. We use these results to assess membership in the TW Hya, Tuc-Hor, Carina, Columba, and Argus Associations and the β Pic and AB Dor moving groups. We have identified 132 stars as candidate members of these seven groups; roughly half of these candidates are newly identified on the basis of data presented here. At least one-third of the 132 candidates are spectroscopic and/or photometric binaries and/or have comoving (visual) binary companions in Gaia DR3. The contingent of young, low-mass stars in the solar vicinity we identify here should provide excellent subjects for future direct imaging exoplanet surveys and studies of the early evolution of low-mass stars and their planetary progeny.
The Failure of Silicon Valley Bank: A Test of Market Efficiency
Authors: Bacon Frank , Fernando Dos Reis Luis
Published: September 2024

The unexpected collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) on March 10, 2023, sent shockwaves through the tech industry. SVB, a long-standing financial institution serving tech startups for nearly four decades, suddenly shifted from solvency to insolvency within 48 hours, marking the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. This event provides an excellent opportunity to test the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), particularly its semi-strong form, which posits that rapid information absorption prevents significant stock price gains in response to new information. This research uses the standard event study methodology in the finance literature to investigate SVB’s collapse and its impact on the stock prices of 30 banks traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The study aims to discern whether stock returns exhibited reactions prior to, on, or after the public announcement of SVB’s failure, thereby assessing market efficiency. Using historical stock and S&P 500 index data, the study analyzes holding period returns, performs regression analyses for pre-event periods, and calculates average excess returns. Results indicate statistically significant negative impacts on stock prices surrounding and on the event date. Furthermore, consistent with behavioral finance theory, a decline in adjusted stock prices approximately 7 days before the event suggests anticipatory market behavior, in line with semi-strong market efficiency. SVB’s case emphasizes the role of external factors, regulatory changes, and industry concentrations in shaping market responses. This research contributes empirical evidence to the discourse on market efficiency, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of market behaviors during crises. Lessons from SVB’s collapse will inform regulatory and risk management strategies, impacting future discussions on market efficiency. Likewise, the study results support the semi-strong form efficient market hypothesis and suggest the possibility of trading on this information up to 7 days prior to the announcement consistent with the behavioral finance literature (Bacon & Howell 2021). This study provides valuable insights into market dynamics during unprecedented events, influencing future discussions on regulation, risk management, and market efficiency.
Supply Chains and COVID-19 Vaccines: How Fast Can We Reach Herd Immunity?
Authors: Penman J. Adam , McMurtrey Mark E.
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 epidemic continues to disrupt global society, but the advent of available vaccines in the Winter of 2021 meant that a return to some form of pre-pandemic “normal life” could be possible. With the supply disruptions and shortages through 2021 and 2022, the ability to both manufacture and distribute these remains important, especially with the rise of new variants and sub-variants that can evade earlier vaccines.US vaccine delivery strategies show the need to balance between focusing on delivery efficiency and delivery equity. Urban centers can focus on delivering mass numbers of vaccines quickly as these areas are often the epicenters for early stages of a pandemic, but rural areas need to focus on delivery equity over efficiency with sparsely-populated areas. Additional lessons include means to deal with vaccine-hesitant populations. This paper investigates how these changes can be implemented and the effect of current vaccine delivery with lessons for future pandemic preparation.
Industry Effects in the Dividend Initiation Decision
Authors: Huang Wei , Paul Donna L.
Published: September 2024

We examine industry effects on the likelihood and level of dividend initiations. Results suggest that firms incorporate industry expectations for dividend levels and growth into the initiation decision. They are in general less likely to initiate a dividend if dividend levels in the industry are high or growing. Firms that do initiate seek to match industry peers in initiation levels. We also find that announcement returns to dividend initiating firms are lower when more industry peers are dividend payers and when industry dividend growth is high. Together, these results provide support for an industry equilibrium dividend policy.
The Economic History & Urban Geography of Race Relations in Detroit: Movement of Capital, White Resistance and Immobility of Black Labor
Authors: Abbas Qasim
Published: September 2024

Detroit's intertwined history of deindustrialization and racial segregation is often explored separately. In The Origins of the Urban Crises (1996), Thomas Sugrue examines post-WWII job losses and housing discrimination without elucidating why and how the city came to experience the abrupt flight of capital in that period. Conversely, Murray and Schwartz's Wrecked (2019) details the catalysts for Detroit's deindustrialization but neglects its impact on the African-American community. This paper aims to bridge these perspectives by utilizing various secondary sources and archival evidence to analyze how concurrent discrimination and economic decline have maintained the persistent segregation between Detroit and its suburbs.
Using Assignment Choice in Engineering Service Courses
Authors: Lightfoot Robert , Smith Nikki , Liu Xingyu , Hammond Tracy
Published: September 2024

Students taking an introductory engineering class, especially those required to take a “coding class’’ for their non-computer science major, can be very intimidated. This paper explores the implementation of assignment choice in an undergraduate CS-1 course, inspired by the Self-Determination Theory, to alleviate intimidation and enhance student motivation, especially for non-computer science majors. By allowing students to select assignments aligned with course objectives, we cater to diverse interests and learning goals. Preliminary results indicate a decrease in the students that earn a D, F, or withdraw from the course (DFQ rate), with assignment choice compared to traditional delivery methods, in which all students follow a prescribed path. Each assignment is part of their overall grade. We intend to refine this approach and explore its applicability in other engineering service courses. Our goal is to provide instructors with a framework that ensures students learn course objectives while retaining autonomy in their learning journey, thus facilitating continued success in their chosen field of study.
MODAL SOSIAL: SEBUAH PERSPEKTIF TERHADAP PROBLEMATIKA ANAK JALANAN DI KOTA KUPANG
Authors: Magor Helena Dowibrin , H. Molan Kristianus Simon , T. Sius Karolus , Nyong Franz
Published: September 2024

Problematika anak jalanan di Kota Kupang semakin mengkawatirkan dimana peningkatan jumlah anak jalanan yang signifikan pada beberapa tahun terakhir dari 2017-2023 mencapai jumlah hingga 1.257 anak. Hal ini menyebabkan munculnya pandangan bahwa persoalanan tersebut harus disikapi dengan bijaksana oleh berbagai pihak seperti pemerintah, LSM serta masyarakat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi dan menganalisis secara komperhensif problematika anak jalanan di Kota Kupang dengan menggunakan perspektif Modal Sosial yang dikemukakan Putnam dengan indikator jaringan sosial, norma sosial dan kepercayaan sosial. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan prosedur pengumpulan data observasi, wawancara mendalam serta dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa dalam menangani persoalan anak jalanan komunikasi dalam jaringan sosial yang dibangun antar pemerintah, anak jalanan dan LSM di Kota Kupang belum dilakukan secara efektif dan mendalam, norma sosial dalam pengelolaan sumberdaya sudah dilakukan dengan kejujuran namun belum sepenuhnya efektif serta tingkat kepercayaan sosial antar aktor dalam penanganan anak jalanan di Kota Kupang masih sangat minim. Sejalan dengan penelitian ini maka problematikan anak jalanan di Kota Kupang dapat diatasi jika elemen aktor seperti pemerintah, masyarakat dan LSM membentuk pola komunikasi yang efektif, menjalankan kebijakan dengan norma sosial dengan baik serta mampu membangun kepercayaan antar aktor kebijakan penangan anak jalanan Kota Kupang dengan didukung sumber daya yang memadai.
MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENULIS DALAM BENTUK CONTENT WRITER PADA PELAJAR DI DESA PANTAI BAKTI
Authors: Alfianti May Lestivia , Miftakhudin Miftakhudin , Nurhidayah Siti
Published: September 2024

The problem that occurs in Pantai Bakti Village, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency is the lack of explanatory articles related to Pantai Bakti Village in the digital world, even though writing in the form of a content writer can increase income for young people and add insight to many people about the area or articles that are the object of writing . This service activity was carried out in Pantai Bakti Village with the target audience being students at SMK Bina Ilmu Mandiri by applying socialization and training methods. The result of this service activity is the high interest of students in writing articles and uploading them to digital media or platforms, this is evidenced by the success of several students who already have and upload articles on digital media.
IMPLEMENTASI PRINSIP EKONOMI ISLAM DAN PERENCANAAN KEUANGAN SYARIAH DI DESA JAYABAKTI
Authors: Mukhti Eriko Chiesa , Isfandayani Isfandayani , Tirtajaya Mas Deden
Published: September 2024

The problem faced by the people of Jayabakti Village is that there are some people who like to make credit through loan sharks, causing the community to be unable to pay their obligations and have to bear increasingly inflated fines. In this service program, a series of activities will be carried out to encourage village communities to apply the principles of Islamic economics. These activities include sharia financial management training and socialization regarding sharia financial institutions. It is hoped that with this work program, village communities will become increasingly aware of the importance of applying Islamic economic principles in their lives. This service applies the socialization method through seminars, the results obtained are that this activity has an impact, namely adding insight regarding Islamic economic principles and ideal financial planning for families, helping village communities in building a sustainable and just economy, and minimizing the risk of losses due to illegal loans .
SOSIALISASI SISTEM PERINGATAN BANJIR SEBAGAI UPAYA PENANGGULANGAN BANJIR DI DESA PANTAI HARAPAN JAYA
Authors: Weshfi Muhammad , Rahmawati Rafika , Marginingsih Ria
Published: September 2024

Harapanjaya Beach Village is located close to rivers and beaches which often cause flooding. Floods that often occur are in the form of tidal floods and dispatch floods which cause obstructions to access to and from the village. The water level at some points could reach one meter from the ground, forcing residents to evacuate. To minimize the impact received, a flood warning system is needed by considering the water level in rivers, sea water and also rainfall. This flood warning system works by using simple materials in the form of PVC pipes, flip flops, and alarms which will be installed on the river banks. This system can prevent excessive material and human losses and can save electronic goods. After socialization, residents, especially young people, know how the flood warning system works so they can expand the use of a simple flood warning system. The implementation of community service has an impact, namely increasing the knowledge of young people in making simple flood alarms, reducing material and physical losses due to overflowing floods, and being wary of electronic goods when floods strike.
Проектирование и возведение фундаментной плиты с композитной арматурой для многоэтажного дома
Authors: ЗАСТРЕЛОВ Алексей Никонович , КАКУША Владимир Анатольевич , КОРНЕВ Олег Александрович , КОВАЛЕВ Михаил Германович , ЛАПШИНОВ Андрей Евгеньевич , ЛИТВИНОВ Егор Александрович
Published: September 2024

Изложены основные критерии проектирования и детали конструирования фундаментной плиты, армированной стеклокомпозитной арматурой. Для повышения долговечности конструкции использовали стеклокомпозитные стержни в качестве основного армирующего материала. В процессе научно-исследовательских работ разработана специальная методика проектирования с учетом уникальных характеристик стеклокомпозитной арматуры, адаптированная для конкретной строительной компании. Перед заливкой бетонной смеcи размещали специальные тензометрические датчики, которые контролировали деформации как на арматуре, так и на поверхности бетона во время возведения и в процессе эксплуатации плиты. В результате исследований и испытаний установлено, что стеклокомпозитная арматура позволяет значительно увеличить срок службы фундаментной плиты, улучшить ее прочностные характеристики и устойчивость к внешним воздействиям. Кроме того, благодаря инновационным методам контроля деформаций удалось снизить вероятность возникновения дефектов и повреждений, что существенно повысило надежность и долговечность конструкции.
Malabou, Medicine and Film: Screening Brain Injury, Organ Transplantation and Plasticity in Katell Quillévéré'sHeal the Living
Authors: Dalton Benjamin
Published: September 2024

This article brings Catherine Malabou's explorations of bodily mutation and metamorphosis at the intersections of philosophy and biomedical science into contact with film. In particular, it explores dialogues between Malabou's work on biomedical understandings of bodily plasticity and filmic representations of medical interventions in the body. This article specifically explores Malabou in relation to Katell Quillévéré's film Heal the Living ( Réparer les vivants, 2016), an adaptation of Maylis de Kerangal's novel The Heart ( Réparer les vivants, 2014). The film tells the story of Simon Limbres, who is taken to a hospital following a road accent and pronounced brain dead. The film then explores how Simon undergoes organ donation, following his organs on their journey to other bodies in need. I argue that Heal the Living allows us to challenge and extend Malabou's central thinking of (neuro)plasticity, precisely by emphasising the plasticity of the body beyond and in the wake of the brain. Further, the film's emphasis on transplantation allows for an exploration of interpersonal plasticity, developing an ethics of transplanted plasticity in testing and extending conceptions of otherness and alterity central to Malabou's thinking.
Debbie McWilliams and the Elusive Role of the Casting Director in the Bond Franchise
Authors: Jones Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Who will be the next 007, villain or ‘Bond girl’ remains a perennial topic of lively discussion. Yet the casting of Bond films as a professional process is not well understood. This is illustrated well by our relative lack of knowledge about one of the longest standing women behind James Bond, Debbie McWilliams, who has been the casting director of the Bond franchise since the early 1980s. Putting McWilliams at the centre of the casting discussion moves it away from the business of substituting one actor for another towards the day-to-day work of the casting department, where auditioning and selecting of actors represents just a small part of the job. Drawing on interviews and production histories, this article argues that the longevity and global scale of the Bond series has shaped the casting profession in important ways that have been overlooked.
Numerical simulation of gas-solid two-phase flow in particle separator
Authors:   Beihang University, Zhong Yi , Lei Zihan ,   Beihang University, Ning Fangfei ,   Beihang University, Du Pengcheng ,   Beihang University
Published: September 2024

The ingested sand particles can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of the compressor, thus the trajectory of the sand particles in the compressor should be accurately predicted. In this paper, the simulations of sand particles’ trajectory based on gas-solid two-phase flow method in a typical particle separator was chosen to systematically identify the influential factors which would affect calculated particle separation efficiency. The results showed that the diameter distribution and initial position of the sand particles are the main factors affecting the calculated separation efficiency, hence it’s necessary to ensure that the specified particle diameter distribution conforms to the experiment data, and the sand particles should be randomly released at the inlet. Besides, the influence of the parameters such as scavenge flow ratio of the particle separator and shape factor of sand particles on the particle separation efficiency is at a secondary level. The treatment of the intake device, length of the scavenge flow path, turbulence model, interface treatment method, inlet velocity and flow direction of the sand particles, and the particle–wall collision model have shown minor impact on the calculated particle separation efficiency, indicating relatively flexible choices can be made in the simulations.
More COPS, Higher Turnout?
Authors: Romero Brandon
Published: September 2024

What is the effect of police on the political lives of Americans? Extant studies suggest that scaling back police presence may increase political participation among Black and Latino Americans by reducing police surveillance and harassment. I theorize that police indirectly affect voter turnout through their effects on crime, and I argue that Black Americans are uniquely positioned to benefit from reductions in crime. Using data from a natural experiment induced by the disbursement of a federal hiring grant to municipal police agencies, I find evidence that an additional police officer increases Black turnout by two percentage points. This increase can be attributed, at least in part, to reductions in criminal violence. Importantly, I find that mobilization primarily occurs among Black men — the group most at risk of criminal victimization. This project speaks to the importance of incorporating criminal violence into theories of the political consequences of criminal-justice institutions.
Fatigue assessment for back-support exoskeletons during repetitive lifting tasks
Authors: Xiang Xiaohan , Tanaka Masahiro , Umeno Satoru , Kikuchi Yutaka , Kobayashi Yoshihiko
Published: September 2024

Fatigue is a major cause of low back pain for workers in various fields, including industry and agriculture. It has a negative impact on workers’ safety, decreases their productivity, and causes a reduction in their occupational career. An exoskeleton is expected to be a solution for reducing workers’ fatigue. However, assessing the safety and effectiveness of exoskeletons, except for the direct measurement of electromyography (EMG) in the human body, is challenging in real-case scenarios. Recently, simulations have been widely used to estimate biomechanical variables. Thus, we aimed to develop a method that combines an exoskeleton model and human body simulation to evaluate the effects of exoskeletons on lumbar fatigue. The strength and tendency estimated using this method are similar to those obtained from EMG devices in symmetrical repetitive lifting tasks. In addition, this method can be used to predict and simulate fatigue after a recorded motion. Our findings will help guide manufacturers in designing their products.
The influence of rainfall patterns on factor of safety for clayey soil slopes
Authors: Mohammad Ashrafullah Shafi , Satyanaga Alfrendo , Abilev Zheniskan , Bello Nura , Nadezhda Kozyukova , Zhai Qian , Moon Sung-Woo , Kim Jong
Published: September 2024

The persistent trend of rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns caused by climate change has prompted significant concern around the world. This research aims to evaluate the instability of slopes in Almaty, Kazakhstan, under various rainfall patterns, groundwater tables, and slope geometries by incorporating the principles of unsaturated soil mechanics. However, there have been a limited number of studies incorporating the principle of unsaturated soil mechanics with constant rainfall patterns in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan, on the impact of rainfall-causing landslides. Hence, in this research, GeoStudio software (SEEP/W and SLOPE/W) was used to simulate the factor of safety (FoS) and pore water pressure for the investigated slopes under different rainfall patterns. Results from Hyprop and statistical method show that the saturated volumetric water content is 0.502, whereas the residual one is 0.147 and for the permeability function the conductivity coefficient started to sharply decrease at the suction value of 2 kPa when the air-entry value was 24 kPa. Findings from numerical analysis show the change in FoS for the slope of 10 m height and 27-degree slope angle was 6%, 7%, 7%, and 8% for cyclic, delayed, advanced, and normal distributions, respectively. For the slope with 20 m height and the same 27-degree angle, the change in FoS was 8%, 10%, 8%, and 11% for the cyclic, delayed, advanced, and normal distributions, respectively. These same patterns were shown in slopes with 35-degree and 45-degree angles, having the same 10 m and 20 m heights. Comparatively, this shows that slopes under cyclic rainfall patterns (240 mm of rain within 12 days) are less prone to failure compared to slopes under continuous, delayed, or regularly distributed rainfall patterns. Moreover, an increase in slope height and angle also affect the FoS negatively. It should be noted that the results obtained are only applicable to clayey-loam soil.
Genetic interaction mapping of Aurora protein kinases in mouse oocytes
Authors: Blengini Cecilia S. , Schindler Karen
Published: September 2024

The Aurora Kinases (AURKs) are a family of serine-threonine protein kinases critical for cell division. Somatic cells express only AURKA and AURKB. However, mammalian germ cells and some cancer cells express all three isoforms. A major question in the field has been determining the molecular and cellular changes when cells express three instead of two aurora kinases. Using a systematic genetic approach involving different Aurora kinase oocyte-specific knockout combinations, we completed an oocyte-AURK genetic interaction map and show that one genomic copy of Aurka is necessary and sufficient to support female fertility and oocyte meiosis. We further confirm that AURKB and AURKC alone cannot compensate for AURKA. These results highlight the importance of AURKA in mouse oocytes, demonstrating that it is required for spindle formation and proper chromosome segregation. Surprisingly, a percentage of oocytes that lack AURKB can complete meiosis I, but the quality of those eggs is compromised, suggesting a role in AURKB to regulate spindle assembly checkpoint or control the cell cycle. Together with our previous studies, we wholly define the genetic interplay among the Aurora kinases and reinforce the importance of AURKA expression in oocyte meiosis.
Mouse cortical organoids reveal key functions of p73 isoforms: TAp73 governs the establishment of the archetypical ventricular-like zones while DNp73 is central in the regulation of neural cell fate
Authors: Alonso-Olivares Hugo , Marques Margarita M. , Prieto-Colomina Anna , López-Ferreras Lorena , Martínez-García Nicole , Vázquez-Jiménez Alberto , Borrell Victor , Marin Maria C. , Fernandez-Alonso Rosalia
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Neurogenesis is tightly regulated in space and time, ensuring the correct development and organization of the central nervous system. Critical regulators of brain development and morphogenesis in mice include two members of the p53 family: p53 and p73. However, dissecting the in vivo functions of these factors and their various isoforms in brain development is challenging due to their pleiotropic effects. Understanding their role, particularly in neurogenesis and brain morphogenesis, requires innovative experimental approaches.

Methods

To address these challenges, we developed an efficient and highly reproducible protocol to generate mouse brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells. These organoids contain neural progenitors and neurons that self-organize into rosette-like structures resembling the ventricular zone of the embryonic forebrain. Using this model, we generated organoids from p73-deficient mouse cells to investigate the roles of p73 and its isoforms (TA and DNp73) during brain development.

Results and Discussion

Organoids derived from p73-deficient cells exhibited increased neuronal apoptosis and reduced neural progenitor proliferation, linked to compensatory activation of p53. This closely mirrors previous in vivo observations, confirming that p73 plays a pivotal role in brain development. Further dissection of p73 isoforms function revealed a dual role of p73 in regulating brain morphogenesis, whereby TAp73 controls transcriptional programs essential for the establishment of the neurogenic niche structure, while DNp73 is responsible for the precise and timely regulation of neural cell fate. These findings highlight the distinct roles of p73 isoforms in maintaining the balance of neural progenitor cell biology, providing a new understanding of how p73 regulates brain morphogenesis.
Associations between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio level and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease-cause mortality in general population: evidence from NHANES 1999–2010
Authors: Liu Yuting , Qiu Zifeng , Shen Geng , Sun YangYang , Mei Jiarong , Liu Zhihao , Wang Leyi , Li Jianping
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a recognized independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), highlighting the need for reliable inflammatory indicator to predict CVDs. As an inflammatory indicator which has been proved to have predictive value for prognosis of CVDs, neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) has obtained increasing attention, but further research is needed to confirm the relationship with mortality in the general population.

Method

This prospective cohort study included 21,317 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010, where baseline characteristics and NPAR level were extracted. Data for CVD and all-cause mortality were acquired by linking the cohort database with the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. We employed restricted cubic spline analyses to examine the nonlinear association. Weighted Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank tests were conducted to access cumulative survival differences across different NPAR results. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compute hazard ratios and 95% CIs. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare predictive value of NPAR with systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and neutrophils percent.

Results

In this cohort study, during 270,014 person-years of follow-up, 4,074 all-cause deaths and 1,116 CVD-cause deaths were documented. NPAR levels exhibited significant nonlinear associations with both CVD-cause (P = 0.018 for nonlinearity) and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001 for nonlinearity). Participants in the highest NPAR tertile had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.33–1.61) and CVD-cause mortality (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.32–1.80) compared to those in the lowest tertile in the fully adjusted model, while no association was detected for individuals in the middle tertile. Further ROC analysis confirmed that NPAR had higher predictive value than neutrophil percent segment and SII.

Conclusions

Elevated NPAR level was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD-cause mortality in general population. The high predictive value of NPAR, combined with the easy-to-calculate property, suggests that its potential as a novel inflammatory indicator is worthy of further investigation.
Measuring Theory of Mind: a preliminary analysis of a novel linguistically simple and tablet-based measure for children
Authors: Baumeister Franziska , Wolfer Pauline , Sahbaz Sümeyra , Rudelli Nicola , Capallera Marine , Daum Moritz M. , Samson Andrea C. , Corrigan Grace , Naigles Letitia , Durrleman Stephanie
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel linguistically simple, tablet-based, behavioral Theory of Mind (ToM) measure, designed for neurotypical (NT) and autistic children aged 4–10 years. A synthesis of five comprehensive reviews of existing ToM measures revealed significant gaps in their designs; the weaknesses include a mismatch between the operational and conceptual definition of ToM, high verbal demands in most measures, materials that are minimally interesting for children, and often a lack of psychometric evaluations. These findings call into question the suitability of most of the currently available ToM measures used in children, both with and without developmental disorders, such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For example, the assessment of ToM in children with ASD may require reduced reliance on complex language or social interaction that can be part of the diagnostic criteria of the condition. This newly designed ToM measure, developed in line with the “Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” of the American Educational Research Association, is linguistically simple, tablet-based, suitable for children with ASD, and is available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. With a sample of 234 participants, including 152 NT children and 82 children with ASD between 4 and 10 years of age, the new ToM measure's psychometric properties were preliminarily evaluated. Descriptive statistics, measures of internal consistency, inter-item correlation, and validity checks were conducted in both groups. Further inspections of the measure's scale- and item-level characteristics were conducted with the help of exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and item response theory (IRT) within the NT children's group. These preliminary evaluations suggest that the newly developed ToM measure possesses good psychometric properties and is both accessible and engaging for children. Further investigation with a larger group of participants is necessary to reinforce these initial results. This will allow item- and scale-level assessments within a wider range of autistic children. For this purpose, the task will be made freely available to the scientific community.
Fault geometry and kinematics at the intersection of the Zemuhe, Daliangshan and Xiaojiang Faults
Authors: Wang Mingming , Wei Zhanyu , Long Feng , Chen Han , Li Sheng
Published: September 2024

The complexity of strike-slip fault segmentation affects the initiation, propagation, and termination of earthquake ruptures and the earthquake magnitude. Studying the fault geometry, kinematics, and segmentation provides fundamental knowledge for mitigating earthquake hazards along faults. The Zemuhe, Daliangshan, and Xiaojiang Faults intersect along the eastern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau in the area from Ningnan in Sichuan Province to Qiaojia in Yunnan Province. Although few large earthquakes have occurred on these faults, the relationships between the intersections of these three faults and earthquake rupture behavior in this region are poorly constrained. The interpretation of aerial photographs and detailed field surveys revealed the geometric pattern and fault kinematics in the area of intersection. The distribution patterns and focal depths near the faults were obtained via analysis of seismic data in the area of intersection. The northern segment of the Xiaojiang Fault deviates approximately 25° northwest of Qiaojia, forming a conspicuous bend. The Xiaojiang Fault continues to extend southeast of the Ningnan Basin, where it intersects with the southern segment of the Zemuhe Fault, forming a pull-apart basin approximately 4.5 km wide. The bend and Ningnan pull-apart basin mark the segmented boundary between the Zemuhe Fault and the Xiaojiang Fault, which may prevent the propagation of large earthquake ruptures along the eastern boundary fault. Moreover, the lack of obvious geometric complexity between the Daliangshan Fault and Xiaojiang Fault might hinder the prevention of earthquake rupture propagation. Additionally, our results suggest that different earthquake prevention and disaster reduction measures should be taken for different cities in the region.
Plasma adenosine deaminase-1 and -2 activities are lower at birth in Papua New Guinea than in The Gambia but converge over the first weeks of life
Authors: Kouyate Thomas S. , Nguyen Athena N. , Plotkin Alec L. , Ford Rebeca , Idoko Olubukola T. , Odumade Oludare A. , Masiria Geraldine , Jude Joe , Diray-Arce Joann , McEnaney Kerry , Ozonoff Al , Steen Hanno , Kollmann Tobias R. , Richmond Peter C. , van den Biggelaar Anita H. J. , Kampmann Beate , Pomat William , Levy Ofer , Smolen Kinga K.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Dynamic cellular and molecular adaptations in early life significantly impact health and disease. Upon birth, newborns are immediately challenged by their environment, placing urgent demands on the infant immune system. Adenosine deaminases (ADAs) are enzymatic immune modulators present in two isoforms – ADA-1 and ADA-2. Infants exhibit low ADA activity, resulting in high plasma adenosine concentrations and a consequent anti-inflammatory/anti-Th1 bias. While longitudinal studies of plasma ADA have been conducted in infants in The Gambia (GAM), little is known regarding ADA trajectories in other parts of the world.

Methods

Herein, we characterized plasma ADA activity in an infant cohort in Papua New Guinea (PNG; n=83) and compared to ontogeny of ADA activity in a larger cohort in GAM (n=646). Heparinized peripheral blood samples were collected at day of life (DOL) 0, DOL7, DOL30, and DOL128. Plasma ADA-1, ADA-2, and total ADA activities were measured by chromogenic assay.

Results

Compared to GAM infants, PNG infants had significantly lower ADA-1 (0.9-fold), ADA-2 (0.42-fold), and total ADA (0.84-fold) activities at birth which converged by DOL30.

Discussion

Overall, discovery of a distinct baseline and a consistent pattern of increasing plasma ADA activity in early life in two genetically and geographically distinct populations validates and extends previous findings on the robustness of early life immune ontogeny.
Exploring the role of galectin-9 and artemin as biomarkers in long COVID with chronic fatigue syndrome: links to inflammation and cognitive function
Authors: Elahi Shokrollah , Rezaeifar Maryam , Osman Mohammed , Shahbaz Shima
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to assess plasma galectin-9 (Gal-9) and artemin (ARTN) concentrations as potential biomarkers to differentiate individuals with Long COVID (LC) patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) from SARS-CoV-2 recovered (R) and healthy controls (HCs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined a cut-off value of plasma Gal-9 and ARTN to differentiate LC patients from the R group and HCs in two independent cohorts. Positive correlations were observed between elevated plasma Gal-9 levels and inflammatory markers (e.g. SAA and IP-10), as well as sCD14 and I-FABP in LC patients. Gal-9 also exhibited a positive correlation with cognitive failure scores, suggesting its potential role in cognitive impairment in LC patients with ME/CFS. This study highlights plasma Gal-9 and/or ARTN as sensitive screening biomarkers for discriminating LC patients from controls. Notably, the elevation of LPS-binding protein in LC patients, as has been observed in HIV infected individuals, suggests microbial translocation. However, despite elevated Gal-9, we found a significant decline in ARTN levels in the plasma of people living with HIV (PLWH). Our study provides a novel and important role for Gal-9/ARTN in LC pathogenesis.
Records of Burdigalian sea level and paleoclimate in the Maldives carbonate system
Authors: Wu Feng , Jian Zhimin , Xie Xinong , Bialik Or M. , Reolid Jesús
Published: September 2024

Tropical carbonate systems are valuable archives of paleoenvironments, as the carbonate growth is intimately affected by water depth and climatic conditions. Geochemical data from the Burdigalian interval in IODP Site U1468 in the Maldives, northern Indian Ocean, were integrated with sedimentological and paleontological data for a more detailed reconstruction of depositional history. Generally, the Sr/Ca values of slope sediments record highstand progradation in both sequence unit and whole Burdigalian interval, while the absence of higher Sr/Ca ratio close to the sequence boundary during the early Burdigalian could be related to the erosion of deeper-water sediments due to the activity of bottom current. From 20.5 to 19.1 Ma and from 17.9 to 17.2 Ma, nutrient level and productivity were moderately elevated due to the terrigenous input by the intensified South Asian Proto-Monsoon, which also helped cause more reducing conditions in the distal slope. Moreover, increased nutrient level facilitated the growths of calcareous algae and sponges, while it was not favorable for coral development. The elevated nutrient level, higher sea level, and monsoon-induced current contributed to the backstepping of the outer margin during the late Burdigalian. Our study shows an example on how a tropical carbonate platform evolved in response to the interplay of sea-level and paleoclimatic conditions. Findings are expected to be applicable to other tropical carbonate platforms.
A comprehensive review of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in chronic lung diseases: recent advances in understanding asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis
Authors: Guo Zai-qiang , Gu Shun-yi , Tian Zhi-hua , Du Bo-ying
Published: September 2024

This review summarizes the research progress over the past 30 years on the relationship between Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, particularly in children and young adults. Key findings from recent studies indicate that M. pneumoniae infection is associated with a higher risk of asthma exacerbations and may contribute to the development of bronchiectasis in susceptible individuals. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that M. pneumoniae-induced immune dysregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the potential links between M. pneumoniae pneumonia and various chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. We discuss the epidemiological data, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and long-term consequences of M. pneumoniae-related respiratory illnesses. Additionally, we highlight the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, as well as future research directions in this field.
Four new species of Cortinariaceae (Agaricales) from Northwestern China
Authors: Fan Longfei , Zhong Xue , Ma Tianfu , Zhou Hongmin , Wang Biyue , Ji Xiaohong
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cortinariaceae, which belongs to the Agaricales order, is a globally recognized family, known for its high species diversity.

Methods

Eight internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear large ribosomal subunit (LSU) sequences were newly generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed by combining ITS and LSU datasets. Four species were identified as forming four independent lineages with robust support in phylogenies based on both datasets.

Results

These new species in the taxa, Cortinarius gansuensis, Cortinarius tricholomoidus, Cortinarius vinoso-griseum, and Phlegmacium subcalyptratum from Northwestern China are described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Cortinarius gansuensis is characterized by a convex and brownish vinaceous pileus, generative hyphae with clamp connections, and ellipsoid basidiospores (8.5–10.6 μm × 5.4–6.8 μm); Cortinarius tricholomoidus is characterized by a broadly umbonate and snuff brown pileus, generative hyphae with clamp connections, and broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores (7.4–8.5 μm × 6.2–7.3 μm); Cortinarius vinoso-griseum is characterized by a violaceous gray pileus, generative hyphae with clamp connections, and smaller basidiospores (7.5–9.7 μm × 5.6–7.8 μm); and Phlegmacium subcalyptratum is characterized by a small and apricot-orange pileus, generative hyphae with clamp connections, and fusiform basidiospores (10.0–12.7 μm × 5.6–6.8 μm).

Discussion

Full descriptions, illustrations, and results of phylogenetic analyses of the four species along with discussions on related species are provided.
Investigation of cold-resistance mechanisms in cryophylactic yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima based on comparative transcriptome analysis
Authors: Yuan Zaizhu , Ge Zhengkai , Fu Qingquan , Wang Fangfang , Wang Qingling , Shi Xuewei , Wang Bin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Low temperature inhibits the growth of most microorganisms. However, some microbes can grow well in a low temperature, even a freezing temperature.

Methods

In this study, the mechanisms conferring cold resistance in the cryophylactic yeast Metschnikowia (M.) pulcherrima MS612, an isolate of the epidermis of ice grapes, were investigated based on comparative transcriptome analysis.

Results

A total of 6018 genes and 374 differentially expressed genes (> 2-fold, p < 0.05) were identified using RNA-Seq. The differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolism, transport mechanisms, antifreeze protection, lipid synthesis, and signal transduction. M. pulcherrima MS612 maintained normal growth at low temperature (5°C) by enhancing energy metabolism, sterol synthesis, metal ion homeostasis, amino acid and MDR transport, while increased synthesis of glycerol and proline transport to improve its resistance to the freezing temperature (−5°C). Furthermore, cAMP-PKA and ERAD signaling pathways contribute to resist the low temperature and the freezing temperature, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into cold resistance in cryophylactic microorganisms for maneuvering various metabolism to resist different cold environment.