bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal transformation shortly after kidney transplantation in pediatric patients with preceding chronic peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Zhang Conghui , Bartosova Maria , Marinovic Iva , Schwab Constantin , Schaefer Betti , Vondrak Karel , Ariceta Gema , Zaloszyc Ariane , Ranchin Bruno , Taylan Christina , Büscher Rainer , Oh Jun , Mehrabi Arianeb , Schmitt Claus Peter
Published: February 2023

Background

The unphysiological composition of peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluids induces progressive peritoneal fibrosis, hypervascularization and vasculopathy. Information on these alterations after kidney transplantation (KTx) is scant.

Methods

Parietal peritoneal tissues were obtained from 81 pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5), 72 children on PD with low glucose degradation product (GDP) PD fluids, and from 20 children 4–8 weeks after KTx and preceding low-GDP PD. Tissues were analyzed by digital histomorphometry and quantitative immunohistochemistry.

Results

While chronic PD was associated with peritoneal hypervascularization, after KTx vascularization was comparable to CKD5 level. Submesothelial CD45 counts were 40% lower compared with PD, and in multivariable analyses independently associated with microvessel density. In contrast, peritoneal mesothelial denudation, submesothelial thickness and fibrin abundance, number of activated, submesothelial fibroblasts and of mesothelial–mesenchymal transitioned cells were similar after KTx. Diffuse peritoneal podoplanin positivity was present in 40% of the transplanted patients. In subgroups matched for age, PD vintage, dialytic glucose exposure and peritonitis incidence, submesothelial hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha abundance and angiopoietin 1/2 ratio were lower after KTx, reflecting vessel maturation, while arteriolar and microvessel p16 and cleaved Casp3 were higher. Submesothelial mast cell count and interleukin-6 were lower, whereas transforming growth factor-beta induced pSMAD2/3 was similar as compared with children on PD.

Conclusions

Peritoneal membrane damage induced with chronic administration of low-GDP PD fluids was less severe after KTx. While peritoneal microvessel density, primarily defining PD transport and ultrafiltration capacity, was normal after KTx and peritoneal inflammation less pronounced, diffuse podoplanin positivity and profibrotic activity were prevalent.
Modeling brain and neural crest neoplasms with human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Schloo Cedar , Kutscher Lena M
Published: February 2023

Pluripotent stem cells offer unique avenues to study human-specific aspects of disease and are a highly versatile tool in cancer research. Oncogenic processes and developmental programs often share overlapping transcriptomic and epigenetic signatures, which can be reactivated in induced pluripotent stem cells. With the emergence of brain organoids, the ability to recapitulate brain development and structure has vastly improved, making in vitro models more realistic and hence more suitable for biomedical modeling. This review highlights recent research and current challenges in human pluripotent stem cell modeling of brain and neural crest neoplasms, and concludes with a call for more rigorous quality control and for the development of models for rare tumor subtypes.
Dissecting the genetic basis of heterosis in elite super-hybrid rice
Authors: Sun Zhizhong , Peng Jianxiang , Lv Qiming , Ding Jia , Chen Siyang , Duan Meijuan , He Qiang , Wu Jun , Tian Yan , Yu Dong , Tan Yanning , Sheng Xiabing , Chen Jin , Sun Xuewu , Liu Ling , Peng Rui , Liu Hai , Zhou Tianshun , Xu Na , Lou Jianhang , Yuan Longping , Wang Bingbing , Yuan Dingyang
Published: February 2023

Y900 is one of the top hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) varieties, with its yield exceeding 15 t·hm−2. To dissect the mechanism of heterosis, we sequenced the male parent line R900 and female parent line Y58S using long-read and Hi-C technology. High-quality reference genomes of 396.41 Mb and 398.24 Mb were obtained for R900 and Y58S, respectively. Genome-wide variations between the parents were systematically identified, including 1,367,758 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 299,149 insertions/deletions, and 4,757 structural variations. The level of variation between Y58S and R900 was the lowest among the comparisons of Y58S with other rice genomes. More than 75% of genes exhibited variation between the two parents. Compared with other two-line hybrids sharing the same female parent, the portion of Geng/japonica (GJ)-type genetic components from different male parents increased with yield increasing in their corresponding hybrids. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the partial dominance effect was the main genetic effect that constituted the heterosis of Y900. In the hybrid, both alleles from the two parents were expressed, and their expression patterns were dynamically regulated in different tissues. The cis-regulation was dominant for young panicle tissues, while trans-regulation was more common in leaf tissues. Overdominance was surprisingly prevalent in stems and more likely regulated by the trans-regulation mechanism. Additionally, R900 contained many excellent GJ haplotypes, such as NARROW LEAF1, Oryza sativa SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE13, and Grain number, plant height, and heading date8, making it a good complement to Y58S. The fine-tuned mechanism of heterosis involves genome-wide variation, GJ introgression, key functional genes, and dynamic gene/allele expression and regulation pattern changes in different tissues and growth stages.
Grain shattering by cell death and fracture in Eragrostis tef
Authors: Yu Yunqing , Beyene Getu , Villmer Justin , Duncan Keith E , Hu Hao , Johnson Toni , Doust Andrew N , Taylor Nigel J , Kellogg Elizabeth A
Published: February 2023

Abscission, known as shattering in crop species, is a highly regulated process by which plants shed parts. Although shattering has been studied extensively in cereals and a number of regulatory genes have been identified, much diversity in the process remains to be discovered. Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a crop native to Ethiopia that is potentially highly valuable worldwide for its nutritious grain and drought tolerance. Previous work has suggested that grain shattering in Eragrostis might have little in common with other cereals. In this study, we characterize the anatomy, cellular structure, and gene regulatory control of the abscission zone (AZ) in E. tef. We show that the AZ of E. tef is a narrow stalk below the caryopsis, which is common in Eragrostis species. X-ray microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunolocalization of cell wall components showed that the AZ cells are thin walled and break open along with programmed cell death (PCD) at seed maturity, rather than separating between cells as in other studied species. Knockout of YABBY2/SHATTERING1, documented to control abscission in several cereals, had no effect on abscission or AZ structure in E. tef. RNA sequencing analysis showed that genes related to PCD and cell wall modification are enriched in the AZ at the early seed maturity stage. These data show that E. tef drops its seeds using a unique mechanism. Our results provide the groundwork for understanding grain shattering in Eragrostis and further improvement of shattering in E. tef.
Lyric Machines: Insects in Seventeenth-Century Poetry
Authors: Sokolov Danila
Published: February 2023

This essay addresses the intriguing frequency of insect lyrics in seventeenth-century English poetry. While dramatic developments in the scientific and artistic regimes, including the invention of the microscope and the rise of still-life painting, undoubtedly played a role in this proliferation of entomological texts, this essay suggests that the figure of the insect was also deployed by early modern poets to probe the formal and imaginative potentialities of lyric, a genre that assumed a prominence over the course of the seventeenth century. The diminutive size, brief lifespan, and intricate anatomy of insects resonate with the formal qualities of lyric as short, compressed, and technically demanding objects of poetic matter, and the ambivalent attitudes to insects embody the contradictions surrounding the early modern idea of lyric. By using the life of fleas, glowworms, flies, bees, and grasshoppers to think through questions of lyric ontology, early modern poets from Donne to Killigrew redraw the familiar contours of the lyric genre as a contested territory of fascination and disgust with insect poiesis caught between human and animal, nature and machine, and life and death.
Preoperative sintilimab plus transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma exceeding the Milan criteria: A phase II trial
Authors: Guo Chengxiang , Zhang Junlei , Huang Xin , Chen Yiwen , Sheng Jianpeng , Huang Xing , Sun Junhui , Xiao Wenbo , Sun Ke , Gao Shunliang , Que Risheng , Shen Yan , Zhang Min , Wu Jian , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: February 2023

Background and aims:

Many patients with HCC of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A exceeding the Milan criteria, or of BCLC stage B, can undergo resection after successful preoperative therapy, but an optimal approach has not been identified. We investigated preoperative drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) plus sintilimab, in this setting.

Approach and Results:

In this prospective, phase II study (NCT04174781), adults with HCC of BCLC stage A exceeding the Milan criteria, or BCLC stage B, and ineligible for surgical resection, received sintilimab 200 mg and DEB-TACE. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival by modified RECIST. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, pathologic response rate, and safety. At the data cutoff (July 2022), among 60 patients, the objective response rate was 62% (37/60) and 51 patients had undergone surgery. After a median follow-up of 26.0 months (range, 3.4–31.8), the median progression-free survival was 30.5 months (95% CI: 16.1–not reached). Among patients undergoing surgery, median progression-free survival was not reached and the 12-month progression-free survival rate was 76% (95% CI: 67–91). A pathologic complete response was achieved in 14% (7/51) of these patients. All patients experienced at least one adverse event, but these were generally manageable. Exploratory analyses showed an association between cytokeratin, V-domain Ig-containing Suppressor of T-cell Activation, CD68, CD169, and cluster 13 fibroblasts and recurrence after surgery.

Conclusions.

Sintilimab plus DEB-TACE before surgery showed good efficacy and safety in patients with HCC of BCLC stage A exceeding the Milan criteria or BCLC stage B.
A series of homeopathic remedies-related severe drug-induced liver injury from South India
Authors: Theruvath Arif Hussain , Raveendran Resmi , Philips Cyriac Abby , Ahamed Rizwan , Abduljaleel Jinsha K , Tharakan Ajit , Rajesh Sasidharan , Augustine Philip
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted formulations without proven clinical benefits, traditionally believed not to cause adverse events. Nonetheless, published literature reveals severe local and non–liver-related systemic side effects. We present the first series on homeopathy-related severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI) from a single center.

Methods:

A retrospective review of records from January 2019 to February 2022 identified 9 patients with liver injury attributed to homeopathic formulations. Competing causes were comprehensively excluded. Chemical analysis was performed on retrieved formulations using triple quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

Results:

Males predominated with a median age of 54 years. The most typical clinical presentation was acute hepatitis, followed by acute on chronic liver failure. All patients developed jaundice, and ascites were notable in one-third of the patients. Five patients had underlying chronic liver disease. COVID-19 prevention was the most common indication for homeopathic use. Probable DILI was seen in 77.8%, and hepatocellular injury predominated (66.7%). Four (44.4%) patients died (3 with chronic liver disease) at a median follow-up of 194 days. Liver histopathology showed necrosis, portal and lobular neutrophilic inflammation, and eosinophilic infiltration with cholestasis. A total of 29 remedies were consumed between 9 patients, and 15 formulations were analyzed. Toxicology revealed industrial solvents, corticosteroids, antibiotics, sedatives, synthetic opioids, heavy metals, and toxic phyto-compounds, even in ‘supposed’ ultra-dilute formulations.

Conclusion:

Homeopathic remedies potentially result in severe liver injury, leading to death in those with underlying liver disease. The use of mother tinctures, insufficient dilution, poor manufacturing practices, adulteration and contamination, and the presence of direct hepatotoxic herbals were the reasons for toxicity. Physicians, the public, and patients must realize that Homeopathic drugs are not ‘gentle placebos.’
Urine as liquid gold: the transcriptional landscape of acute rejection defined by urinary cell mRNA profiling of kidney allograft recipients
Authors: Suthanthiran Manikkam
Published: February 2023

Purpose of review

Because all functioning nephrons contribute to urine formation, we reasoned that urine would be a suitable substitute to kidney allograft biopsy to discern human kidney allograft status. In view of compelling data that ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing outperforms microarray-based profiling, we performed RNA sequencing of urinary cells and kidney allograft biopsies to define the transcriptional landscape of allograft rejection.

Recent findings

Whole genome transcriptome profiling identified unique and shared gene signatures of acute T cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody mediated rejection (AMR). We found that biopsy rejection signatures are enriched in urinary cells and that the immune cellular landscape is more diverse and enriched in urine compared to biopsies. Towards a patient friendly protocol for urinary cell messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling, we developed a filtration-based protocol for the initial processing of urine at home and demonstrated excellent performance characteristics of the filter- based protocol.

Acute rejection signatures are enriched in urinary cells. Urinary cell mRNA profiles are diagnostic and prognostic of acute rejection and could serve as yardsticks of in-vivo immune status. RNA sequencing yields insights into mechanisms of rejection and helps prioritize therapeutic targets. The filtration protocol for home processing of urine may optimize immune surveillance.
Incidental Adiposis Dolorosa (Dercum’s Disease) Detected on 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT
Authors: Mardasi Ebtesam , Russon Andrew , Mansberg Victor , Bui Chuong , Mansberg Robert
Published: February 2023

A 64-year-old man with recently diagnosed prostate adenocarcinoma and Gleason score 4 + 3 = 7 with a mildly elevated prostate-specific antigen of 5.17 μg/L was referred for 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT for primary staging. The scan demonstrated incidental innumerable moderately avid subcutaneous nodules due to adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease), which is a rare adipose tissue disease.
Superiority of 18F-FDG PET/CT to 68GA-FAPI PET/CT in Adrenocortical Tumor Imaging
Authors: Kaplan İhsan , Can Canan , Kepenek Ferat , Ibiloğlu İbrahim , Güzel Yunus
Published: February 2023

18F-FDG PET/CT was performed to evaluate the response to treatment in a 62-year-old female patient who was operated for adrenocortical carcinoma. High FDG uptake was observed in recurrent lesion in the left adrenal gland site and metastatic lesions. In the 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT study, low FAPI uptake was observed in both recurrences and metastases. In this case, we demonstrated the superiority of 18F-FDG PET/CT over 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT in the evaluation of adrenocortical carcinoma.
Facial Swelling After Dental Work Done
Authors: Gonzalez Juan Manuel , McGhee Stephen , Nadeau Catherine , Ortega Johis
Published: February 2023

Ludwig's angina is a fast-spreading cellulitis located on the floor of the oropharynx and neck (Tami, Othman, Sudhakar, & McKinnon, 2020). Patients may present with a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of the condition (Reynolds & Chow, 2007). Emergency nurse practitioners need to promptly identify, diagnose, and treat patients with this problem, with close attention to the patient's airway. A compromised airway is the leading cause of mortality from this condition (McDonnough et al., 2019). The diagnosis is generally made with a comprehensive history and physical examination, laboratory values, and imaging studies such as computer tomography (Bridwell, Gottlieb, Koyfman, & Long, 2021). Management includes admission to the hospital, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and specialist surgical consultation (Bridwell et al., 2021).
Ear and Nose Foreign Body Removal in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Sweeney Rachael , Helms Rachel
Published: February 2023

Pediatric patients frequently present to emergency departments with complaint of foreign bodies in the ear and/or nose. Emergency nurse practitioners need the knowledge base to safely and effectively manage ear and nose foreign bodies in urgent and emergent care settings. The purpose of this article is to teach the common anatomical sites where foreign bodies are placed, the make-up of foreign body material, procedural technique of removal, and specific circumstances that require specialty referral.
Prognostic Value of Physiological Scoring Systems in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Khari Sorour , Zandi Mitra , Zarmehrparirouy Mina , Adel Ramawad Hamzah , Yousefifard Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), Rapid Acute Physiology Score (RAPS), Worthing Physiological Scoring System (WPSS), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) for predicting the inhospital mortality of COVID-19 patients. This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, from November 15, 2020, to March 10, 2021. The participants consisted of 246 confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the emergency department. The patients were followed from the point of admission up until discharge from the hospital. The mortality status of patients (survivor or nonsurvivor) was reported at the discharge time, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of each scoring system for predicting inhospital mortality was estimated. The area under the curve of REMS was significantly higher than other scoring systems and in cutoff value of 6 and greater had a sensitivity and specificity of 89.13% and 55.50%, respectively. Among the five scoring systems employed in this study, REMS had the best accuracy to predict the inhospital mortality rate of COVID-19 patients and RAPS had the lowest accuracy for inhospital mortality. Thus, REMS is a useful tool that can be employed in identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients.
Unexplained Syncope With Abnormal ECG Findings in the Emergency Department
Authors: Colio Pedro A. , Raissi Farshad
Published: February 2023

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a genetic cardiac disorder associated with sudden cardiac death, specifically in young adults (D. Corrado, C. Basso, & D. Judge, 2017). AC is a disease of the heart muscle fibers and it is not usually diagnosed until its advanced stages. Typical AC presentation in the emergency department (ED) includes cardiac syncope, palpitations, ventricular arrhythmias, or resolved cardiac arrest. The epsilon wave is the hallmark and the major electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnostic criterion for AC in the later stages of the disease process (A. R. Perez-Riera et al., 2019). A definite diagnosis of AC is of high complexity and not typically made by emergency providers; however, many cases of advanced AC are discovered in the ED as a result of syncope. The purpose of this case review is to discuss the typical presentation, ECG findings, and emergency providers' role in the management of patients with suspected AC.
Does an Additional Bile Duct Flush With Low-viscosity Preservation Solution Reduce Bile Duct Injury? A Single-blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ly Mark , Lau Ngee-Soon , McKenzie Catriona , Kench James G. , McCaughan Geoffrey , Crawford Michael , Pulitano Carlo
Published: February 2023

Introduction.

Biliary complications are a common cause of morbidity after liver transplantation and associated with bile duct injury. To reduce injury, a bile duct flush is performed with high-viscosity preservation solution. It has been suggested that an earlier additional bile duct flush with low-viscosity preservation solution may reduce bile duct injury and biliary complications. This study aimed to investigate whether an earlier additional bile duct flush would reduce bile duct injury or biliary complications.

Methods.

A randomized trial was conducted using 64 liver grafts from brain dead donors. The control group received a bile duct flush with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution after donor hepatectomy. The intervention group received a bile duct flush using low-viscosity Marshall solution immediately after the onset of cold ischemia and a bile duct flush with University of Wisconsin solution after donor hepatectomy. The primary outcomes were the degree of histological bile duct injury, assessed using the bile duct injury score, and biliary complications within 24 mo of transplant.

Results.

Bile duct injury scores were not different between the 2 groups. Similar rates of biliary complications occurred in the intervention group (31% [n = 9]) and controls (23% [n = 8]) (P = 0.573). No difference between groups was observed for anastomotic strictures (24% versus 20%, P = 0.766) or nonanastomotic strictures (7% versus 6%, P = 1.00).

Conclusions.

This is the first randomized trial to investigate an additional bile duct flush using low-viscosity preservation solution during organ procurement. The findings from this study suggest that performing an earlier additional bile duct flush with Marshall solution does not prevent biliary complications and bile duct injury.
Three-year Outcomes After Conversion From Monthly to Every 2-month Belatacept Maintenance Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Johnson Aileen C. , Karadkhele Geeta M. , Shenvi Neeta , Easley Kirk A. , Larsen Christian P. , Badell I. Raul
Published: February 2023

Background.

Maintenance immunosuppression with belatacept following kidney transplantation results in improved long-term graft function as compared with calcineurin inhibitors. However, broad application of belatacept has been limited, in part related to logistical barriers surrounding a monthly (q1m) infusion requirement.

Methods.

To determine whether every 2-mo (q2m) belatacept is noninferior to standard q1m maintenance, we conducted a prospective, single-center randomized trial in low-immunologic-risk, stable renal transplant recipients. Here, post hoc analysis of 3-y outcomes, including renal function and adverse events, are reported.

Results.

One hundred sixty-three patients received treatment in the q1m control group (n = 82) or q2m study group (n = 81). Renal allograft function as measured by baseline-adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly different between groups (time-averaged mean difference of 0.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval: −2.5, 2.9). There were no statistically significant differences in time to death or graft loss, freedom from rejection, or freedom from donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). During the extended 12- to 36-mo follow-up, 3 deaths, 1 graft loss occurred in the q1m group, compared with 2 deaths, and 2 graft losses in the q2m group. In the q1m group, 1 patient developed DSAs and acute rejection. In the q2m group, 3 patients developed DSAs and 2 associated with acute rejection.

Conclusions.

Based on the similar renal function and survival at 36 mo compared with q1m, q2m belatacept is a potentially viable maintenance immunosuppressive strategy in low immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients that may facilitate increased clinical utilization of costimulation blockade-based immunosuppression.
Role of Pel and Psl polysaccharides in the response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to environmental challenges: oxidative stress agents (UVA, H2O2, sodium hypochlorite) and its competitor Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Grossich Romina , Lemos Vilches Martín , Costa Cristina S. , Pezzoni Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

is a versatile bacterium capable of adapting to a wide range of stress factors, including solar UVA radiation (400–315 nm). High UVA doses produce lethal effects due to the action of reactive oxygen species. Sublethal UVA doses also induces oxidative damage, but, in addition, it triggers a variety of adaptive responses, including the overexpression of pelA and pslA genes in

P. aeruginosa

. These genes encode the synthesis of Pel and Psl, which are essential polysaccharides in biofilm formation. The present study analysed the role of Pel and Psl in the adaptive responses generated by exposure to low UVA doses, and their importance in the response to lethal doses of UVA, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and sodium hypochlorite, in both planktonic cells and submerged and air–liquid interface (ALI) biofilms. It also studied the roles of Pel and Psl in P. aeruginosa–Staphylococcus aureus interaction. The results demonstrate that the capacity of sublethal UVA exposure to increase cell hydrophobicity and cell attachment and generate cross-protection phenomena in

P. aeruginosa

depends on the presence of Pel and Psl. The study also shows that Pel and Psl have a key role in the tolerance to lethal doses of UVA radiation, sodium hypochlorite and H2O2, in both biofilms and planktonic cells. Finally, co-culture assays showed total inhibition of

S. aureus

growth in presence of

P. aeruginosa

. This phenomenon depends, at least in part, on the simultaneous presence of Pel and Psl in planktonic cells and biofilms, suggesting a relevant role of these polysaccharides in the interaction between these species.
Maintenance and transformation of representational formats during working memory prioritization
Authors: Estefan Daniel Pacheco , Fellner Marie Christin , Kunz Lukas , Zhang Hui , Reinacher Peter , Roy Charlotte , Brandt Armin , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Yang Linglin , Wang Shuang , Liu Jing , Xue Gui , Axmacher Nikolai
Published: February 2023

Visual working memory depends on both material-specific brain areas in the ventral visual stream (VVS) that support the maintenance of stimulus representations and on regions in prefrontal cortex (PFC) that control these representations. Recent studies identified stimulus-specific working memory contents via representational similarity analysis (RSA) and analyzed their representational format using deep neural networks (DNNs) as models of the multi-layered hierarchy of information processing. How executive control prioritizes relevant working memory contents and whether this affects their representational formats remains an open question, however. Here, we addressed this issue using a multi-item working memory task involving a retro-cue that prompted participants to maintain one particular item. We exploited the excellent spatiotemporal resolution of intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings in epilepsy patients and analyzed activity at electrodes in VVS (n=28 patients) and PFC (n=16 patients). During encoding, we identified category-specific information in both VVS and PFC. During maintenance, this information re-occurred in VVS but not in the PFC – suggesting a transformation of PFC representations from encoding to maintenance which putatively reflects the prioritization process. We thus applied RSA in combination with different DNN architectures to investigate the representational format of prioritized working memory contents. Representations during the maintenance period matched representations in deep layers of recurrent but not feedforward DNNs, in both VVS and PFC. While recurrent DNN representations matched PFC representations in the beta band following the retro-cue, they corresponded to VVS representations in a lower theta-alpha frequency range (3-14Hz) towards the end of the maintenance period. Findings could be replicated in recurrent DNNs with two different architectures and using two different training sets. Together, these results demonstrate that VWM relies on representational transformations in VVS and PFC that give rise to distinct coding schemes of prioritized contents.
Photosynthetic response ofChara brauniitowards different bicarbonate concentrations
Authors: Heise Carolin Magdalene , Hagemann Martin , Schubert Hendrik
Published: February 2023

A variety of inorganic carbon acquisition modes have been proposed in Characean algae, however, the specific inorganic carbon uptake mechanism is unknown for the genusChara. In the present study, we analyzed ifC. brauniican efficiently use HCO3-as a carbon source for photosynthesis. For this purpose,C. brauniiwas exposed to different concentrations of NaHCO3-for different time scales. The photosynthetic electron transport through photosystem I (PSI) and II (PSII), the maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax), the efficiency of the electron transport rate (α, the initial slope of the ETR), and the light saturation point of photosynthesis (Ek) were evaluated. Additionally, pigment contents (chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, and carotenoids) were determined. Bicarbonate addition positively affected ETRmaxafter direct HCO3-application of both PSII and PSI, but this effect decreased after 1 h and 24 h. Similar trends were seen forEk, but no significant effect was observed for α. Pigment contents showed no significant changes in relation to different HCO3-concentrations. To evaluate if cyclic electron flow around PSI was involved in active HCO3-uptake, the ratio of PSI ETRmax/PSII ETRmaxwas calculated but did not show a distinctive trend. These results suggest thatC. brauniican utilize NaHCO3-in short time periods as a carbon source but relies on other carbon acquisition mechanisms over prolonged time periods. These observations differentiateC. brauniifrom other examinedCharaspp. and suggest a minor direct role of HCO3-as a carbon source for photosynthesis in this alga.
A Multi-omic and Multi-Species Analysis of Right Ventricular Failure
Authors: Mendelson Jenna B. , Sternbach Jacob D. , Doyle Michelle J. , Mills Lauren , Hartweck Lynn M. , Tollison Walt , Carney John P. , Lahti Matthew T. , Bianco Richard W. , Kalra Rajat , Kazmirczak Felipe , Hindmarch Charles , Archer Stephen L , Prins Kurt W. , Martin Cindy M.
Published: February 2023

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple cardiovascular diseases, but there are no approved treatments for RVF as therapeutic targets are not clearly defined. Contemporary transcriptomic/proteomic evaluations of RVF are predominately conducted in small animal studies, and data from large animal models are sparse. Moreover, a comparison of the molecular mediators of RVF across species is lacking. Here, we used transcriptomics and proteomics analyses to define the molecular pathways associated with cardiac MRI-derived values of RV hypertrophy, dilation, and dysfunction in pulmonary artery banded (PAB) piglets. Publicly available data from rat monocrotaline-induced RVF and pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with preserved or impaired RV function were used to compare the three species.

Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified multiple pathways that were associated with RV dysfunction and remodeling in PAB pigs. Surprisingly, disruptions in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and electron transport chain (ETC) proteins were different across the three species. FAO and ETC proteins and transcripts were mostly downregulated in rats, but were predominately upregulated in PAB pigs, which more closely matched the human data. Thus, the pig PAB metabolic molecular signature was more similar to human RVF than rodents. These data suggest there may be divergent molecular responses of RVF across species, and that pigs more accurately recapitulate the metabolic aspects of human RVF.
The density of doublecortin cells in the piriform cortex is affected by transition to adulthood but not first pregnancy in female mice
Authors: Esteve-Pérez Rafael , Abellán-Álvaro María , Navarro-Moreno Cinta , Prina Michele , Barneo-Muñoz Manuela , Lanuza Enrique , Sánchez-Catalán María José , Martínez-García Fernando , Torres-Pérez Jose Vicente , Agustín-Pavón Carmen
Published: February 2023

Motherhood is a critical period modulating behavioural changes to favour survival in mammals. In mice, olfaction is a key driver of social behaviours, and adult neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb is modulated at this stage, contributing to pup recognition. However, whether motherhood would also promote changes in the population of immature neurons of the piriform cortex is unknown. To investigate this question, we analysed the expression of doublecortin (DCX), a marker of immature neurons, in prepubescentvsyoung adults, in virginvspregnant and in pup-sensitized virginsvslactating female mice. We found that the density of DCX cells sharply decreased in the piriform cortex with age, but pregnancy and lactation failed to significantly alter the density of these cells. To further analyse how motherhood could affect DCX-ir cells, we co-labelled DCX cells with NeuN, an archetypical marker of mature neurons. We did not find significant differences in the percentage of double-labelled cells nor in features related to maturation like number of neurites or main diameter in lactating dams as compared to pup-sensitized virgin females. Our results suggest that the first pregnancy does not significantly affect the differentiation of immature neurons of the piriform cortex.
Temporal control by co-factors prevents kinetic trapping in retroviral Gag lattice assembly
Authors: Qian Yian , Evans Daniel , Mishra Bhavya , Fu Yiben , Liu Zixiu Hugh , Guo Sikao , Johnson Margaret E.
Published: February 2023

For retroviruses like HIV to proliferate, they must form virions shaped by the self-assembly of Gag polyproteins into a rigid lattice. This immature Gag lattice has been structurally characterized and reconstitutedin vitro, revealing the sensitivity of lattice assembly to multiple co-factors. Due to this sensitivity, the energetic criterion for forming stable lattices is unknown, as are their corresponding rates. Here, we use a reaction-diffusion model designed from the cryo-ET structure of the immature Gag lattice to map a phase diagram of assembly outcomes controlled by experimentally constrained rates and free energies, over experimentally relevant timescales. We find that productive assembly of complete lattices in bulk solution is extraordinarily difficult due to the large size of this ∼3700 monomer complex. Multiple Gag lattices nucleate before growth can complete, resulting in loss of free monomers and frequent kinetic trapping. We therefore derive a time-dependent protocol to titrate or ‘activate’ the Gag monomers slowly within the solution volume, mimicking the biological roles of co-factors. This general strategy works remarkably well, yielding productive growth of self-assembled lattices for multiple interaction strengths and binding rates. By comparing to thein vitroassembly kinetics, we can estimate bounds on rates of Gag binding to Gag and the cellular co-factor IP6. Our results show that Gag binding to IP6 can provide the additional time-delay necessary to support smooth growth of the immature lattice with relatively fast assembly kinetics, mostly avoiding kinetic traps. Our work provides a foundation for predicting and disrupting formation of the immature Gag lattice via targeting specific protein- protein binding interactions.
Accurate and Efficient Estimation of Local Heritability using Summary Statistics and LD Matrix
Authors: Li Hui , Mazumder Rahul , Lin Xihong
Published: February 2023

Existing SNP-heritability estimation methods that leverage GWAS summary statistics produce estimators that are less efficient than the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimator using individual-level data under linear mixed models (LMMs). Increasing the precision of a heritability estimator is particularly important for regional analyses, as local genetic variances tend to be small. We introduce a new estimator for local heritability, “HEELS”, which attains comparable statistical efficiency as REML (i.e. relative efficiency greater than 92%) but only requires summary-level statistics – Z-scores from the marginal association tests plus the empirical LD matrix. HEELS significantly improves the statistical efficiency of the existing summary-statistics-based heritability estimators– for instance, HEELS produces heritability estimates that are more than 3-fold and 7-times less variable than GRE and LDSC, respectively. Moreover, we introduce a unified framework to evaluate and compare the performance of different LD approximation strategies. We propose representing the empirical LD as the sum of a low-rank matrix and a banded matrix. This approximation not only reduces the storage and memory cost of using the LD matrix, but also improves the computational efficiency of the HEELS estimation. We demonstrate the statistical efficiency of HEELS and the advantages of our proposed LD approximation strategies both in simulations and through empirical analyses of the UK Biobank data.
Pair distribution function analysis of discrete nanomaterials in PDFgui
Authors: Chen Zhihengyu , Beauvais Michelle L. , Chapman Karena W.
Published: February 2023

Pair distribution functions (PDFs) are a leading tool for atomic structure analysis of nanomaterials. However, the most widely used programs for refining atomic structure against PDF data are based on extended crystallographic models, which cannot be applied to discrete, whole nanoparticles. This work describes a straightforward approach to simulate and refine atomistic models of discrete clusters and nanoparticles employing widely used PDF modelling programs such as PDFgui [Farrow et al. (2007). J. Phys. Condens. Matter, 19, 335219] that utilize extended crystallographic models. In this approach, the whole particle to be modelled is contained within an expanded, and otherwise empty, unit cell that is sufficiently large to avoid correlations between atoms in neighbouring unit cells over the r range analysed. The PDF of the particle is simulated as a composite using two conventional `phases': one that calculates the atom–atom correlations and one that approximates the local number density. This approach is first validated for large nanoparticles that are well modelled by a conventional shape factor model, and then applied to simulate the PDF of discrete particles and low-dimensional materials (graphene and MXene) and to model the experimental PDF data for single-layer FeS nanosheets. A comparison of this approach with the DiffPy-CMI program [Juhás et al. (2015). Acta Cryst. A71, 562–568], which calculates the PDF of discrete species, shows that the composite modelling approach is equally or more accurate. Example input files for implementing this approach within PDFgui and TOPAS [Coelho (2018). J. Appl. Cryst.
51, 210–218], and recommendations for selecting model parameters for reliable application of this refinement strategy, are provided.
Synthesizing pseudo-Kossel lines from neutron transmission data. II. Validation with neutron diffraction data
Authors: Dessieux L. L. , Stoica A. D. , Frost M. J. , dos Santos A. M.
Published: February 2023

A new method to recover the orientation matrix of a single crystal with a known unit cell by analyzing synthesized pseudo-Kossel lines from time-of-flight neutron transmission data has been outlined in a companion article [Dessieux et al. (2023). J. Appl. Cryst.
56, https://dx.doi.org/10.1107/S1600576723001346; referred to here as Article I]. In this work, validation of this new technique is presented by employing experimental neutron transmission and diffraction measurements performed on two copper single-crystal specimens. Time-of-flight spectra were recorded during rotation (ω) of the single crystals about a vertical axis perpendicular to the incident neutron beam. The λ–ω maps recorded in transmission are utilized to determine the crystal orientation with respect to the neutron beam, following the procedure presented in Article I. To validate the indexing procedure, the crystal orientations are compared with those obtained via conventional methods using the diffraction data. The resulting pseudo-Kossel lines across the 2D detectors are also observed for the first time.
Structures of S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-nitrobenzothioate, S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-methylbenzothioate and S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-methoxybenzothioate: building blocks for low-symmetry multifunctional tetrapyrroles
Authors: Sample Harry C. , Twamley Brendan , Senge Mathias O.
Published: February 2023

The crystal structures of three S-(pyridin-2-yl) benzothioesters with varying para-phenyl substituents are presented, namely, S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-nitrobenzothioate (1, C12H8N2O3S), S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-methylbenzothioate (2, C13H11NO2S) and S-(pyridin-2-yl) 4-methoxybenzothioate (3, C13H11NO2S). This class of compounds are used in the mono-acylation of pyrrolic species to yield multifunctional tetrapyrroles. The structures presented herein are the first of their compound class. The dominant interactions present in this series are π–π stacking and C—H...O interactions, and as the para-phenyl motif changes from electron withdrawing (NO2, 1) to electron donating (OCH3, 3), changes are observed in the interactions present in the crystal packing, from predominant π–π stacking in 1 to exclusively C—H...O/N interactions (Caryl—H...Ocarbonyl, C—H...Omethoxy and Caryl—H...Npyridine) in 3.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-[(E)-2-(3-nitrophenyl)diazen-1-yl]naphthalen-2-ol
Authors: Benaouida Mohamed Amine , Benosmane Ali , Boutebdja Mehdi , Merazig Hocine
Published: February 2023

The title compound, C16H11N3O3, belongs to the family of azo dyes. In the light of a single-crystal X-ray study, it is evident that of the tautomeric forms (azo–hydrazone), the hydrazone form is the predominant form in the solid state, namely, (1E)-1-[2-(3-nitrophenyl)hydrazin-1-ylidene]-1,2-dihydronaphthalen-2-one. The naphthol and benzene fragments attached to the –N=N– moiety adopt the s-trans conformation. Furthermore, the molecules are nearly coplanar, subtending a dihedral angle of 2.63 (5)°. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs. There are only two types of intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure: strong hydrogen-bonding C—H...O interactions and π–π stacking interactions. The importance of C—H...O interactions in the molecular packing is reflected by the relatively high contributions (28.5%) made by O...H/H...O contacts to the Hirshfeld surface.
Benzylhexadecyldimethylammonium chloride dihydrate
Authors: Aguinaga Ulises , Oyinwola Festus J. , Childs Malik J. , Aldarkazanly Sara , Yousufuddin Muhammed
Published: February 2023

The title compound, C25H46N+·Cl−·2H2O, crystallizes in the space group P21 with one organic molecule in the asymmetric unit. The compound belongs to a class of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) with an alkyl chain length of 16 carbon atoms in an all-trans conformation.
The effect of political connections on firms' auditor choice decisions and audit opinions: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Tantawy Soad Moussa , Moussa Tantawy
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how different types of corporate political connections (PCs) affect auditor choice decisions (and, therefore, audit quality) and audit opinions following the 2013 Egyptian uprising.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a unique hand-collected dataset on the type of PCs of Egyptian listed companies from 2014 to 2019. Several analyses are employed to test the hypotheses, including logit regression, probit regression and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). A number of additional analyses are conducted to ensure the robustness of the results, including the instrumental variables (IVs) probit models and propensity score matching (PSM).

Findings

The results show that firms' choice of auditor and audit opinion is heavily influenced by firms' PCs. Companies with PCs through boards of directors and major shareholders hire Big 4 audit firms to enhance corporate legitimacy; however, government-linked companies usually retain non-Big 4 audit firms to avoid increased transparency and to conceal improper activities, including tunneling and rent-seeking. Further, the results indicate that companies with PCs through boards of directors or major shareholders are more likely to receive favorable audit opinions, whereas government-owned businesses are less likely to receive such opinions.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides additional evidence to policymakers that binding regulations and guidelines are necessary to oversee politically connected firms (PCFs) and to enhance governance and investor protection.

Originality/value

This study provides the first empirical evidence on how corporate PCs influence the choice of auditors and the opinions of audit firms in Egypt. This paper also sheds light on the impact of different types of corporate PCs on the choice of auditors and audit opinions.
GERT-Q-learning model for intelligent QoS dynamic optimization of Inmarsat STN based on grey clustering of delay and delay variation
Authors: Hua Chenchen , Fang Zhigeng , Zhang Yanhua , Nan Shujun , Wu Shuang , Qiu Xirui , Zhao Lu , Xiao Shuyu
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to implement quality of service(QoS) dynamic optimization for the integrated satellite-terrestrial network(STN) of the fifth-generation Inmarsat system(Inmarsat-5).

Design/methodology/approach

The structure and operational logic of Inmarsat-5 STN are introduced to build the graphic evaluation and review technique(GERT) model. Thus, the equivalent network QoS metrics can be derived from the analytical algorithm of GERT. The center–point mixed possibility functions of average delay and delay variation are constructed considering users' experiences. Then, the grey clustering evaluation of link QoS is obtained combined with the two-stage decision model to give suitable rewards for the agent of GERT-Q-learning, which realizes the intelligent optimization mechanism under real-time monitoring data.

Findings

A case study based on five time periods of monitoring data verifies the adaptability of the proposed method. On the one hand, grey clustering based on possibility function enables a more effective measurement of link QoS from the users' perspective. On the other hand, the method comparison intuitively shows that the proposed method performs better.

Originality/value

With the development trend of integrated communication, STN has become an important research object in satellite communications. This paper establishes a modular and extensible optimization framework whose loose coupling structure and flexibility facilitate management and development. The grey-clustering-based GERT-Q-Learning model has the potential to maximize design and application benefits of STN throughout its life cycle.