bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U-Pb dating of pedogenic calcite near the Permian−Triassic boundary, Karoo Basin, South Africa
Authors: Rochín-Bañaga Heriberto , Gastaldo Robert A. , Davis Donald W. , Neveling Johann , Kamo Sandra L. , Looy Cindy V. , Geissman John W.
Published: August 2023

We report U-Pb age determinations of carbonate nodules from an in situ paleosol horizon in the Upper Permian Balfour Formation and from several horizons of pedogenic nodule conglomerate (PNC) in the Triassic Katberg Formation, Karoo Basin, South Africa, using laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The paleosol sample yields an age of 252 ± 3 Ma, which overlaps with a previous high-precision U-Pb zircon date from a volcanic ash deposit 2 m above the paleosol. This relationship demonstrates the reliability of using LA-ICP-MS dating techniques on terrestrial pedogenic calcite. Two PNC samples collected at the base of the Katberg Formation within the same sandstone unit yield ages of 255 ± 3 Ma and 251 ± 3 Ma. The age of 251 ± 3 Ma overlaps with the high-precision U-Pb zircon date below the PNC and is a maximum age estimate of deposition for the base of the Katberg Formation. Our results show that reworked nodules in the same concentrated conglomerate lag can be of different ages, but that similarly aged nodules are spatially associated. In addition, two PNC samples collected higher in the section yield ages of 249 ± 3 Ma and 241 ± 3 Ma, providing maximum depositional ages for the lower to middle Katberg Formation for the first time. We demonstrate that pedogenic carbonate nodules can be dated with meaningful precision, providing another mechanism for constraining the age of sedimentary sequences and studying events associated with the Permian−Triassic transition in the central Karoo Basin, even though the extinction boundary may not be preserved in this area.
Large negative δ238U anomalies in endogenic-type travertine systems
Authors: Polyak Victor J. , Curry Brionna H. , Lavery Daniel J. , Strasberg Zachary L. , Cutler Savannah , Song Wenkai , Crossey Laura J. , Karlstrom Karl E. , Asmerom Yemane
Published: August 2023

We report exceptionally negative δ238U values for spring water (−2.5‰ to −0.8‰) and travertine calcite (−3.2‰ to −1.1‰) from an area where the Jemez lineament intersects the western margins of the Rio Grande rift, west-central New Mexico (southwestern United States). The highest anomalies come from the southern margins of the Valles Caldera and are related to upwelling CO2-charged spring water forming travertine mounds along joints and faults. The anomaly likely occurs due to CO2 lixiviation of uranium in a deep-seated reduced environment where 235U is preferentially leached along a long flow path through Precambrian granitic basement, resulting in spring water with exceptionally low δ238U values inherited by the calcite that precipitated near or at the surface at relatively low temperatures, i.e., ~40 °C (modern temperatures). The lowest δ238U values are preserved in settings where upwelling waters are least diluted by oxidized aquifer groundwaters. Given these low δ238U values in travertine are associated with and possibly indicators of upwelling CO2 related to tectonic and magmatic activity, studies such as ours may be used to identify this association far back in time.
Supplemental Material: Orogenic cyclicity and episodic tectono-magmatic processes in the formation of the Paleozoic northern Yili magmatic arc, Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Zhao Xiaobo , al. et
Published: August 2023

Analytical and data filtering methods. Figures S1-S3 and Tables S1-S11.
Comparison of the performance of currently used estimated glomerular filtration rate equations with 24-hour urine creatinine clearance: sample analysis of randomised controlled trial participants
Authors: Hwang Jin Ho , Oh Sohee , Chin Ho Jun , Kim Sejoong , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Suhnggwon , Park Jung Hwan , Shin Sung Joon , Lee Sang-Ho , Choi Bum Soon , Lim Chun Soo
Published: August 2023

Objective

There are several equations for estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and each method has its limitations. We compared various estimated GFR (eGFR) equations with 24 hours urine creatinine clearance (24u-CCr).

Design

Sample analysis of randomised controlled trial participants.

Setting and participants

We compared the mean 24u-CCr values measured 2–3 times for 211 patients with eGFR values calculated using the following equations: isotope dilution mass spectrometry-Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (IDMS-MDRD) equation, Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, equations for Koreans (KOR-IDMS-MDRD and KOR-CKD-EPI) and full age spectrum equation.

Outcome measures

Performance of various creatinine-based eGFR equations, including those with Korean coefficients, compared with the results of the 24u-CCr.

Results

IDMS-MDRD showed the best overall correlation with the 24u-CCr (R=0.949, p<0.001), and KOR-CKD-EPI showed the best agreement in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, 0.969, 95% CI 0.959 to 0.976, p<0.001). In subgroup analysis, IDMS-MDRD-GFR showed the highest ICCs in CKD stages 1 and 3 (ICC 0.872 in stage 1 and 0.927 in CKD stage 3, all p<0.001). KOR-CKD-EPI showed the highest ICC in CKD stage 2 (ICC 0.854, p<0.001). Overall, the accuracy of CKD-EPI (2021) was the highest at P15 (15%) and P30 (30%) (P15: 65.4 and P30: 97.6). In addition, CKD-EPI (2021) showed the highest P30 accuracy in CKD stage 1 (98.7), whereas KOR-IDMS-MDRD showed the highest P30 accuracy in CKD stages 2 and 3 (98.8 and 98.2, respectively).

Conclusions

The IDMS-MDRD equation showed the best correlation and overall good agreement with the 24u-CCr; however, the accuracy was low. The most accurate measurements were obtained using the CKD-EPI (2021) equation in CKD stage 1 and the KOR-IDMS-MDRD equation in CKD stages 2–3; nevertheless, the CKD-EPI (2021) equation showed the best overall accuracy.

Trial registration number

NCT01552954.
Senior nursing student’s confidence in learnt competencies and perceptions of patient safety competency: a multisite cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghasempour Mostafa , Ghahramanian Akram , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Valizadeh Leila , Onyeka Tonia C , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Objective

Nursing students’ attainment of patient safety (PS) competency has always been a global concern among health and educational organisations. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine senior nursing students’ confidence of their PS competencies, and associated predictive factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Four faculties from the nursing faculties of East Azerbaijan province.

Participants

253 senior nursing students in Iran.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Using the modified version of the Health Professional Education Patient Safety Survey, data related to the level of confidence of nursing students in acquired competencies in seven sociocultural dimensions of PS in classroom learning and clinical settings were collected. In addition, the predictors of the patient’s safety competencies were identified by linear regression statistics.

Results

Mean scores of all dimensions of PS competencies both in the classroom and in clinical settings were higher than 3.11 (out of 5). The nursing students were most confident in their learning of ‘understanding human and environmental factors’ in the classroom and the clinical setting. Nursing students displayed the least confidence in learning ‘work in teams with other health professionals’ in both the classroom and the clinical settings. Type of university, prior experience with PS competencies education, and coverage of PS competency issues in the curriculum predicted the students’ perceived competency scores in the classroom (R2=0.53, p<0.001). Also, perceived competence in the clinical settings was predicted by the variables of reporting errors to personnel and peers and the type of university (R2=0.65, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Study findings emphasise the role of learning environments and educational experiences of nursing students especially the clinical environment, clinical instructors and the hidden curriculum in improving safety competence. Nursing educators can use this information to revise and develop the undergraduate nursing curriculum, paying close attention to lesson plans and content in relation to teaching safety issues.
Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder (‘CUPID’ study): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial
Authors: Lavender Isobel , McCartney Danielle , Marshall Nathaniel , Suraev Anastasia , Irwin Chris , D'Rozario Angela L , Gordon Christopher J , Saini Bandana , Grunstein Ronald R , Yee Brendon , McGregor Iain , Hoyos Camilla M
Published: August 2023

Objective

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, with few effective pharmacotherapies. Anecdotal reports and recent preclinical research suggest that cannabinol (CBN), a constituent ofCannabis sativaderived from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, could be an effective treatment. Despite this, the isolated effects of CBN on sleep have yet to be systematically studied in humans.

Methods

The present protocol paper describes a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, three-arm, cross-over, proof-of-concept study which investigates the effects of CBN on sleep and next-day function in 20 participants with clinician-diagnosed insomnia disorder and an Insomnia Severity Index Score ≥15. Participants receive a single fixed oral liquid dose of 30 mg CBN, 300 mg CBN and matched placebo, in random order on three treatment nights; each separated by a 2-week wash-out period. Participants undergo overnight sleep assessment using in-laboratory polysomnography and next-day neurobehavioural function tests. The primary outcome is wake after sleep onset minutes. Secondary outcomes include changes to traditional sleep staging, sleep-onset latency and absolute spectral power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Tertiary outcomes include changes to sleep spindles during NREM sleep, arousal indices, absolute spectral power during REM sleep and subjective sleep quality. Safety-related and exploratory outcomes include changes to next-day simulated driving performance, subjective mood and drug effects, postural sway, alertness and reaction time, overnight memory consolidation, pre and post-sleep subjective and objective sleepiness; and plasma, urinary, and salivary cannabinoid concentrations. The study will provide novel preliminary data on CBN efficacy and safety in insomnia disorder, which will inform larger clinical trials.

Ethics and dissemination

Human Research Ethics Committee approval has been granted by Bellberry (2021-08-907). Study findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05344170.
Youth’s exposure to and engagement with e-cigarette marketing on social media: a UK focus group study
Authors: Smith Marissa J , Hilton Shona
Published: August 2023

Objective

Electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarette) are promoted creatively through social media and considering the potential influence of social media marketing on young people, we explored young people’s exposure to and engagement with social media marketing of e-cigarettes.

Design

Semistructured discussion groups.

Subjects

Twenty focus groups with 82 young people aged 11–16 living in the Central belt of Scotland.

Methods

Youths were asked about smoking and vaping behaviours, social media use, vaping advertisement exposure and were shown illustrative examples of social media content (eg, images and videos) about different messages, presentations and contextual features. Transcripts were imported into NVivo V.12, coded thematically and analysed.

Results

Youths highlighted a variety of tactics e-cigarette companies use, including influencer or celebrity endorsement, attractive youth flavours, bright colours and emotional appeal to advertise and promote their products directly to young people. Social media influencers who advertise e-cigarettes were described as portraying e-cigarettes as ‘cool’ and ‘fashionable’ to entice viewers to try the products. Youths considered that there is a need for more restrictions on social media content to protect youths while also still allowing smokers to purchase them as a cessation device.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that the e-cigarette industry is using previously employed tactics similar to the tobacco industry to advertise and promote its products on social media. These findings suggest the growing need for governments to work together to develop and implement policies to restrict the advertising and marketing of e-cigarettes on social media.
Behavioural and biological risk factors of non-communicable diseases among adults in Cabo Verde: a repeated cross-sectional study of the 2007 and 2020 national community-based surveys
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to estimate trends in the prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in adults from 2007 to 2020 in Cabo Verde.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nationally representative samples of adult population in Cabo Verde from the 2007 and 2020 STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) surveys.

Participants

The sample included 1760 adults in 2007 and 3721 in 2020.

Outcome measures

Included fruit/vegetable consumption, low physical activity, sedentary behaviour, current tobacco use, hazardous alcohol use, diabetes, total elevated cholesterol, hypertension and overweight/obesity. Logistic regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors were applied to estimate predictors of each of the nine NCD risk factors.

Results

Compared with participants in the study year 2007, participants in the study year 2020 had a significantly higher prevalence of low physical activity (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.21, 95% CI: 1.15 to 4.25) and overweight/obesity (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.23) and significantly lower rate of hypertension (AOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.93). Low physical activity (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.10), overweight/obesity (AOR: 2.59, 95% CI: 2.10 to 3.20), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.75), hypertension (AOR: 5.45, 95% CI: 4.24 to 7.00), diabetes (AOR: 8.40, 95% CI: 4.65 to 15.18) and elevated total cholesterol (AOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 2.83 to 7.39) were more common among the 50–64-year-olds. Being male increased the odds of current tobacco use (AOR: 3.64, 95% CI: 2.75 to 4.81) and hazardous alcohol use (AOR: 4.79, 95% CI: 3.15 to 7.27), and decreased the odds of low physical activity (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.58) and overweight/obesity (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.56).

Conclusions

Of the nine NCD risk factors evaluated from 2007 to 2020 in Cabo Verde, two increased (overweight/obesity and low physical activity) and one decreased (hypertension). Several associated variables were identified for each individual NCD risk factor that can help in guiding interventions.
Linking emergency care and police department data to strengthen timely information on violence-related paediatric injuries
Authors: Hernandez-Meier Jennifer , Xu Zengwang , Kohlbeck Sara A , Levas Michael , Shepherd Jonathan , Hargarten Stephen
Published: August 2023

Background

Combined ED and police department (PD) data have improved violence surveillance in the UK, enabling significantly improved prevention. We sought to determine if the addition of emergency medical service (EMS) data to ED data would contribute meaningful information on violence-related paediatric injuries beyond PD record data in a US city.

Methods

Cross-sectional data on self-reported violence-related injuries of youth treated in the ED between January 2015 and September 2016 were combined with incidents classified by EMS as intentional interpersonal violence and incidents in which the PD responded to a youth injury from a simple or aggravated assault, robbery or sexual offence. Nearest neighbour hierarchical spatial clustering detected areas in which 10 or more incidents occurred during this period (hotspots), with the radii of the area being 1000, 1500, 2000 and 3000 ft. Overlap of PD incidents within ED&EMS hotspots (and vice versa) was calculated and Spearman’s r tested statistical associations between the data sets, or ED&EMS contribution to PD violence information.

Results

There were 935 unique ED&EMS records (ED=381; EMS=554). Of these, 877 (94%) were not in PD records. In large hotspots >2000 ft, ED&EMS records identified one additional incident for every three in the PD database. ED and EMS provided significant numbers of incidents not reported to PD. Significant correlations of ED&EMS incidents in PD hotspots imply that the ED&EMS incidents are as pervasive across the city as that reported by PD. In addition, ED and EMS provided unique violence information, as ED&EMS hotspots never included a majority (>50%) of PD records. Most (676/877; 77%) incidents unique to ED&EMS records were within 1000 ft of a school or park.

Conclusions

Many violence locations in ED and EMS data were not present in PD records. A combined PD, ED and EMS database resulted in new knowledge of the geospatial distribution of violence-related paediatric injuries and can be used for data-informed and targeted prevention of violence in which children are injured—especially in and around schools and parks.
Safety and efficacy of tailored antiplatelet therapy using prasugrel or ticagrelor based on clopidogrel responsiveness in endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jang Kyoung Min , Jang Ju Sung , Choi Hyunho , Cho Young Dae
Published: August 2023

Background

Clopidogrel (CPG)-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in combination with aspirin has been widely used before endovascular procedures for intracranial aneurysms to prevent procedural thromboembolic complication (TEC). However, the main drawback of CPG is the high proportion of hyporesponders. This study sought to investigate the usefulness of tailored DAPT using novel P2Y12 inhibitors (prasugrel or ticagrelor, (PSG/TCG)) guided by a platelet reactivity test (PRT), compared with CPG-based conventional DAPT.

Method

Data were extracted from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by two independent reviewers. A random effects model was used to investigate the procedural TEC and hemorrhagic complications (HEC) of the tailored DAPT and conventional therapy by risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses to directly compare prasugrel/ticagrelor with CPG.

Results

Six studies comprising 2557 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with conventional non-tailored therapy, PRT-guided tailored DAPT with PSG/TCG was associated with a lower risk of TEC (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.74, P=0.004) without increasing HEC rates. The subgroup analysis showed that the switch to PSG/TCG in CPG hyporesponders was related to a lower incidence of TEC (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.95, P=0.03) without a difference in HEC, compared with maintenance of CPG in CPG responders.

Conclusion

Evidence from this analysis supports PRT-guided tailored DAPT (using PSG/TCG) as a better choice for preparation towards endovascular procedures to treat aneurysms. Furthermore, it suggests that PSG/TCG is not limited to the role of a substitute for CPG but may be a first-line agent for DAPT.
Qualified and motivated, but limited by specialty-specific barriers: a national survey of UK Palliative Medicine consultants research experience
Authors: Wakefield Donna , Ta Yinting , Dewhurst Felicity , Hussain Jamilla , Chamberlain Charlotte , Etkind Simon
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Providing high-quality safe palliative care requires high-quality clinically driven research. Little is known about how to optimise clinical research capacity in this field.

To understand interest and capacity to conduct clinical research in palliative medicine and identify key facilitators and barriers, by surveying palliative medicine consultants and academic trainees.

Methods

National online survey exploring experience in conducting research, including facilitators and barriers. Sent to all current UK palliative medicine consultants, and previous/current academic trainees. Descriptive statistics are reported with framework analysis of free text responses.

Results

195 surveys were submitted including 15 respondents with Integrated Academic Training (IAT) experience. 78% (n=140/180) of consultants were interested in conducting research. Despite this enthusiasm, 83% had no allocated time within their job plan. 88% of those who undertook IAT would recommend IAT, but 60% reported difficulty transitioning from academic trainee to research active consultant.

Barriers to research included; insufficient research culture and integration, with small teams working in a mixture of National Health Service (NHS) and non-NHS settings, leading to isolated, silo working. Even those who had undertaken IAT, felt a ‘cliff edge’ in opportunities after completing IAT. Filling service gaps was routinely prioritised over research activity.

Conclusion

Palliative medicine consultants, including those who have completed academic training want to conduct research but overwhelming barriers limit activity. A palliative care-specific strategy that permeates different palliative care settings, promotes interspecialty collaboration and improves the current infrastructure for palliative care research to maximise gains from IAT and embed a research culture are suggested.
Using the electron transport system as an indicator of organismal thermal tolerance and respiratory exploitation
Authors: Stell Ehlana G. , Brewer Shannon K. , Horne Lindsay M. , Wright Russell A. , DeVries Dennis R.
Published: August 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are undergoing rapid thermal shifts, making it increasingly important to understand species-specific responses to these changes. Traditional techniques for determining a species’ thermal tolerance are often lethal and time consuming. Using the enzyme activity associated with the electron transport system (ETS; hereafter referred to as enzyme assay) may provide a non-lethal, rapid, and efficient alternative to traditional techniques for some species. We used largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede, 1802) to test the efficacy of using an enzyme assay to determine thermal tolerance and respiratory exploitation in response to variable acclimation temperatures. Three tissue types were dissected from fish acclimated to 20, 25, or 30 °C and used in ETS assays at temperatures ranging from 7.5 to 40 °C. While there were significant differences among tissue types and acclimation temperatures, maximal enzyme activity occurred from 25.23 to 31.91 °C. Fish lost equilibrium at 39–42 °C in traditional CTmax trials, significantly higher than the upper optimum range determined via enzyme assays. The ratio of enzyme activity to measured whole organism respiration rate decreased with increasing water temperature, with the largest changes occurring at the upper optimum thermal range determined by enzyme assays. Our results indicate that ETS analysis may prove useful for obtaining biologically relevant thermal tolerances.
Phonon modes of magnetic vortex lattices in finite isospin chiral perturbation theory
Authors: Adhikari Prabal , Leeser Elizabeth , Markowski Jake
Published: August 2023

We study phonon modes associated with magnetic vortex lattices of finite isospin chiral perturbation theory near the upper critical point by introducing quasimomentum fluctuations to the lattice and calculate dispersion relations associated with the optical and acoustic modes. We find that one of the acoustic modes is massless and that its energy for small transverse quasimomentum is quartic (due the presence of an isospin chemical potential), which is significantly softer than the “supersoft” (quadratic) massless mode of the Abelian Higgs Model (AHM). Due to the presence of derivative interactions, which is absent in the AHM, the speed of the longitudinal mode depends on both the isospin chemical potential and the external magnetic field. Our results suggest that the standard assumption of an ordered lattice in finite isospin QCD should be revisited and the existence of a disordered spaghetti phase of a vortex liquid or gas, should be considered.
On three types of Galois extensions which are Azumaya
Authors: Xue Lianyong
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we shall study three types of Galois extensions [Formula: see text] which are Azumaya algebras over its center [Formula: see text]. (1) [Formula: see text], the class of Azumaya–Galois extensions; (2) [Formula: see text], the class of Galois extensions [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with Galois group [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a separable [Formula: see text]-algebra; and (3) [Formula: see text], the class of Galois extensions which are Azumaya algebras over its center [Formula: see text]. Clearly, [Formula: see text]. Examples are given to show the proper inclusion relationship [Formula: see text], and equivalent conditions are given under which a [Formula: see text] is in [Formula: see text] and a [Formula: see text] is in [Formula: see text].
Engineering properties of tropical transported soils: case study from the Republic of the Congo
Authors: Brink George , Brook Martin S.
Published: August 2023

Tropical residual soils are often reported to exhibit highly variable geotechnical characteristics due to their formation by rock weathering under hot, humid conditions. Less is known about the engineering properties of tropical reworked (i.e. transported) soils. The latter soil type is also encountered in tropical regions but can exhibit sorting and include weak structures formed during transport and deposition, causing instability when exposed in road/rail cuttings. We report a case study of geochemical and engineering properties of tropical reworked soils from the slopes of Mt Lekoumou (Republic of the Congo), a banded iron formation ridgeline overlain by loose, unconsolidated clayey gravel. Aside from the uppermost slopes, the area is overlain by colluvium of varying thickness, the target of testing here. Goethite, kaolinite and hematite are dominant minerals, and the colluvium displays moderately high liquid limits but comparatively low plasticity index values. Effective cohesion (
c
′) values were 0 and 31 kPa, and effective friction angles (

ϕ

′) were 26°–39°. Considerable variation in matric suction pressures for the same sample sites, at the same moisture contents, occurs. Thus, as with tropical residual soils, determining test values that are ‘representative’ of site conditions in tropical transported soils can be problematic but remains important.
Rebutting Rebuttals
Authors: Dershowitz Nachum , Verma Rakesh M.
Published: August 2023

Evaluating the impact of the conference review rebuttal process.
A Voronoi Diagram and Q-Learning based Relay Node Placement Method Subject to Radio Irregularity
Authors: Ma Chaofan , Liang Wei , Zheng Meng , Xia Xiaofang , Chen Lin
Published: August 2023

Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSNs) have been widely used in industrial applications that require highly reliable and real-time wireless transmission. A lot of works have been done to optimize the Relay Node Placement (RNP), which determines the underlying topology of IWSNs and hence impacts the network performance. However, existing RNP algorithms use a fixed communication radius to compute the deployment result at once offline, while ignoring that the radio environment may vary drastically across different locations, also known as radio irregularity. To address this limitation, we propose a Voronoi diagram and Q-learning based RNP (VQRNP) method in this article. Instead of using a fixed communication radius, VQRNP employs the Q-learning algorithm to dynamically update the radio environment of measured areas, uses a Voronoi diagram based method to estimate the radio environment of unmeasured areas, and proposes a coverage extension location selection algorithm to place RNs so as to extend the coverage of the deployed network based on the results estimated by Voronoi diagram based Graph Generating (VGG). In this way, the VQRPN method can adapt itself well to the variation of radio environment and largely speed up the deployment process. Extensive simulations verify that VQRNP significantly outperforms existing RNP algorithms in terms of reliability.
Transfer Learning across Graph Convolutional Networks: Methods, Theory, and Applications
Authors: Jiang Meng
Published: August 2023

Graph neural networks have been widely used for learning representations of nodes for many downstream tasks on graph data. Existing models were designed for the nodes on a single graph, which would not be able to utilize information across multiple graphs. The real world does have multiple graphs where the nodes are oftenpartially aligned. For examples, knowledge graphs share a number of named entities though they may have different relation schema; collaboration networks on publications and awarded projects share some researcher nodes who are authors and investigators, respectively; people use multiple web services, shopping, tweeting, rating movies, and some may register the same e-mail account across the platforms. In this article, we propose partially aligned graph convolutional networks to learn node representations across the models. We provide multiple methods such as model sharing, regularization, and alignment reconstruction, as well as theoretical analysis topositivelytransfer knowledge across the set of partially aligned nodes. Extensive experiments on real-world knowledge graphs, collaboration networks, and bipartite rating graphs show the superior performance of our proposed methods on relation classification, link prediction, and item recommendation.
NOD mice have distinct metabolic and immunologic profiles when compared with genetically similar MHC-matched ICR mice
Authors: Batdorf Heidi M. , Lawes Luz de Luna , Richardson Jeremy T. , Burk David H. , Dupuy Samuel D. , Karlstad Michael D. , Noland Robert C. , Burke Susan J. , Collier J. Jason
Published: August 2023

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice have more proinsulin in circulation and STAT1 protein in islets compared with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched ICR line. NOD mice also display greater expression of cytokines and chemokines in pancreatic islets consistent with immune cell infiltration before hyperglycemia when compared with age-matched ICR mice. Thus, ICR mice represent an excellent control for autoimmunity and inflammation studies using the NOD line of mice.
Deletion of complement factor 5 amplifies glucose intolerance in obese male but not female mice
Authors: Winn Nathan C. , Patel Vitrag S. , Blair Joslin A. , Rodriguez Alec , Garcia Jamie N. , Yang Tzushan S. , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: August 2023

We generated a new mouse model of complement factor 5 deficiency. This work was prompted by a need for improved transgenic mouse lines of C5, due to off-target gene mutations. We find that loss of C5 worsens glucose tolerance in a sex-dependent manner. Though the mechanisms evoking glucose intolerance are not clear, we are confident this model will be useful in interrogating complement activation in obesity-associated diseases.
Aging exerts a limited influence on the perception of self-generated and externally generated touch
Authors: Timar Lili , Job Xavier , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Kilteni Konstantina
Published: August 2023

Self-generated touch is attenuated compared with externally generated touch of identical intensity. This somatosensory attenuation has been previously shown to be increased in elderly participants, but it remains unclear whether it is related to age-related somatosensory decline. In our preregistered study, we observed a trend for increased somatosensory attenuation in our oldest participants (≥69 yr), but we found no evidence of an age-related decline in somatosensory function or a relationship of age with somatosensory attenuation.
Simulations predict differing phase responses to excitation vs. inhibition in theta-resonant pyramidal neurons
Authors: Kelley Craig , Antic Srdjan D. , Carnevale Nicholas T. , Kubie John L. , Lytton William W.
Published: August 2023

We augmented electrical impedance analysis to characterize phase shifts between large-amplitude current stimuli and nonlinear, asymmetric membrane potential responses. We predict different frequency-dependent phase shifts in response excitation vs. inhibition, as well as shifts in spike timing over multiple input cycles, in theta-resonant pyramidal neurons. We hypothesize that these effects contribute to navigation-related phenomena such as phase precession and phase roll. Our neuron-level hypothesis complements, rather than falsifies, prior network-level explanations of these phenomena.
Single-neuron and population measures of neuronal activity in working memory tasks
Authors: Mozumder Rana , Constantinidis Christos
Published: August 2023

Recordings from large numbers of neurons led to a reevaluation of neural correlates of cognitive functions, which traditionally were defined based on responses of single neurons or averages of firing rates. Analysis of neuronal recordings from the dorsolateral prefrontal and posterior parietal cortex revealed that properties of neuronal firing captured in classical studies of persistent activity can account for population representations, though some population characteristics did not have clear correlates in single neuron activity.
Locomotor-related propriospinal V3 neurons produce primary afferent depolarization and modulate sensory transmission to motoneurons
Authors: Lin Shihao , Hari Krishnapriya , Black Sophie , Khatmi Aysan , Fouad Karim , Gorassini Monica A. , Li Yaqing , Lucas-Osma Ana M. , Fenrich Keith K. , Bennett David J.
Published: August 2023

Locomotor-related propriospinal neurons depolarize sensory axons throughout the spinal cord by either direct glutamatergic axoaxonic contacts or indirect innervation of GABAergic neurons that themselves form axoaxonic contacts on sensory axons. This depolarization (PAD) increases sensory transmission to motoneurons throughout the spinal cord, readying the sensorimotor system for external disturbances. The glutamate-mediated PAD is particularly adaptable, increasing with either an acute block of GABA receptors or chronic spinal cord injury, suggesting a role in motor recovery.
Genome- and Exome-Wide Association Studies Revealed Candidate Genes Associated with DaTscan Imaging Features
Authors: Yaghoobi Arash , Seyedmirzaei Homa , Ala Moein
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Despite remarkable progress in identifying Parkinson’s disease (PD) genetic risk loci, the genetic basis of PD remains largely unknown. With the help of the endophenotype approach and using data from dopamine transporter single-photon emission computerized tomography (DaTscan), we identified potentially involved genes in PD. Method. We conducted an imaging genetic study by performing exome-wide association study (EWAS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the specific binding ratio (SBR) of six DaTscan anatomical areas between 489 and 559 subjects of Parkinson’s progression markers initiative (PPMI) cohort and 83,623 and 36,845 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)/insertion-deletion mutations (INDELs). We also investigated the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration of our significant genes with PD progression using PPMI CSF proteome data. Results. Among 83,623 SNPs/INDELs in EWAS, one SNP (rs201465075) on 1 q32.1 locus was significantly (

P

value = 4.03 × 10−7) associated with left caudate DaTscan SBR, and 33 SNPs were suggestive. Among 36,845 SNPs in GWAS, one SNP (rs12450112) on 17 p.12 locus was significantly (

P

value = 1.34 × 10−6) associated with right anterior putamen DaTscan SBR, and 39 SNPs were suggestive among which 8 SNPs were intergenic. We found that rs201465075 and rs12450112 are most likely related to IGFN1 and MAP2K4 genes. The protein level of MAP2K4 in the CSF was significantly associated with PD progression in the PPMI cohort; however, proteomic data were not available for the IGFN1 gene. Conclusion. We have shown that particular variants of IGFN1 and MAP2K4 genes may be associated with PD. Since DaTscan imaging could be positive in other Parkinsonian syndromes, caution should be taken when interpreting our results. Future experimental studies are also needed to verify these findings.
Leptin Receptor Gln223Arg Polymorphism of Human Spermatozoa Associated with Male Infertility in a Chinese Population
Authors: Mo Yi , Liang Fangfang , Mehmood Arshad , Shah Suleman , Xie Ying , Lin Zhong , Sun Yan , Jiang Hesheng , Guo Yafen , Niu Xiangli , Mo Dinggan
Published: August 2023

Background. Leptin (LEP) is believed to play a crucial role in male reproduction, while the molecular mechanisms through which LEP affects the male reproductive system are unclear. LEP acts by binding to a leptin receptor (LEPR) which mediates its physiological action, but there are only limited studies on the function of LEPR in human sperm. Purpose. This study aimed to determine the Gln223Arg polymorphisms of the LEPR gene in human spermatozoa and evaluate their possible relationship with semen variables. Methods. The study was performed on Chinese men: 115 healthy subjects and 108 patients with primary and 98 with secondary infertility. Semen samples were obtained from all patients, and semen variables were analyzed. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of Gln223Arg polymorphism in spermatozoa were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Mann–Whitney test. Results. There were no significant differences in genotypic or allelic frequency distributions of Gln223Arg polymorphism among men with primary infertility, secondary infertility, and controls. Similarly, semen volume and sperm concentration did not differ with the different genotypes in all groups of men. The percentages of motile sperm for AA + AG genotypes in men with primary infertility (31.98%) were significantly lower than those in secondary infertility, and control men with GG genotypes were 34.41% and 59.36%, respectively. At the same time, the percentages of normal morphology sperm for AA + AG genotypes in men with primary infertility (2.93%) were significantly lower than those in secondary infertility and control men with GG genotypes 3.71% and 6.54%, respectively. Conclusion. This study reveals a possible association between the Gln223Arg polymorphism of the LEPR gene in spermatozoa affecting spermatozoal membrane integrity and having a direct role in sperm motility.
Antrodia cinnamomea Extract Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Muscle Atrophy, Apoptosis, and Cell Growth Suppression
Authors: Liang Shu-Man , Kuo Chien-Liang , Lu Yi-Jhu , Chang Tzu-Ching , Liou Jun-Yang
Published: August 2023

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC), a potential medicinal fungus which possesses anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, has been previously reported to be able to ameliorate muscle wasting in cisplatin-treated lung tumor-bearing mice via AC extract. However, whether AC extract modulates muscle cell differentiation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression remains unclear. Here, we show that the ethanol extract of AC (EEAC) significantly restored cisplatin-reduced quadricep mass in mice. EEAC attenuated cisplatin/gemcitabine (C/G)-suppressed elongated myotube formation, which is differentiated from C2C12 cells. Moreover, EEAC synergized with C/G to inhibit cell growth of LLC1 cells, whereas EEAC attenuated C/G-reduced proliferation of C2C12 cells. Although EEAC protected C/G-induced apoptosis of both LLC1 and C2C12, EEAC suppressed cyclin D expression in LLC1 while partially restoring C/G-reduced cyclin D level in C2C12 cells. Finally, as

p
53

and

p
21

participate in inducing skeletal muscle atrophy, we found that C/G induced

p
53

and

p
21

expression in C2C12 cells but with its effect significantly attenuated by EEAC. Our findings indicate that AC extract is a potential natural agent for attenuating cisplatin-induced muscle atrophy. Practical Applications. Muscle atrophy is one of the major side effects caused by chemotherapy. In addition to inducing cell death, chemotherapeutic agents inhibit cell growth of both cancer and normal cells as well. Our current findings indicated that AC extract attenuates cisplatin-induced muscle wasting and apoptosis of C2C12 cells. AC extract is a potential dietary supplement used for ameliorating chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy.
Dry Swab-Based Nucleic Acid Extraction vs. Spin Column-Based Nucleic Acid Extraction for COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing: A Comparative Study
Authors: Khan Mohammed Faraaz , Roopa C.
Published: August 2023

Conventional nucleic acid extraction involves usage of spin columns to isolate the RNA, but this is labor intensive. This study compares the spin column method with a dry swab-based method of extraction using a proteinase K buffer and subsequent heat inactivation. A total of 56 subjects were tested for COVID-19 by RT-PCR with probes targeting the E and RdRp genes by collecting two nasopharyngeal and two oropharyngeal swabs and subjecting one set to nucleic acid extraction by spin column and the other set to dry swab-based methods. Out of the 56 samples tested, 27 were positive for VTM-based extraction and 29 were negative. Dry swab-based extraction produced 22 positive results (sensitivity = 81.48%) and 34 negative results. The E gene was detectable in 25 samples by the dry swab method out of 27 samples that tested positive by the VTM-based method (sensitivity = 92.5%). The RdRp gene was detectable in 22 samples by the dry swab method out of 27 samples that tested positive by the VTM-based method (sensitivity = 81.48%). Concordance was 91% with discordance at 9% and a Kappa value of 0.82, indicating almost perfect agreement between the two methods. Our findings indicate that the dry swab method of nucleic acid extraction is a useful alternative to conventional spin column-based extraction with comparable sensitivity and specificity. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) with a CTRI registration number of CTRI/2021/12/038792.
MGMT Promoter Methylation Predicts Overall Survival after Chemotherapy for 1p/19q-Codeleted Gliomas
Authors: Kinslow Connor J. , Rae Ali I. , Taparra Kekoa , Kumar Prashanth , Siegelin Markus D. , Grinband Jack , Gill Brian J.A. , McKhann Guy M. , Sisti Michael B. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Canoll Peter D. , Iwamoto Fabio M. , Horowitz David P. , Kachnic Lisa A. , Neugut Alfred I. , Yu James B. , Cheng Simon K. , Wang Tony J.C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

While MGMT promoter methylation (mMGMT) is predictive of response to alkylating chemotherapy and guides treatment decisions in glioblastoma, its role in grade 2 and 3 glioma remains unclear. Recent data suggest that mMGMT is prognostic of progression-free survival in 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas, but an effect on overall survival (OS) has not been demonstrated.

Experimental Design:

We identified patients with newly diagnosed 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas and known MGMT promoter status in the National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2019. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to assess the effect of mMGMT on OS after adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidity, grade, extent of resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Results:

We identified 1,297 eligible patients, 938 (72.3%) of whom received chemotherapy in their initial course of treatment. The MGMT promoter was methylated in 1,009 (77.8%) patients. Unmethylated MGMT (uMGMT) was associated with worse survival compared with mMGMT [70% {95% confidence interval (CI), 64%–77%} vs. 81% (95% CI, 78%–85%); P < 0.001; adjusted HR (aHR), 2.35 (95% CI, 1.77–3.14)]. uMGMT was associated with worse survival in patients who received chemotherapy [63% (95% CI, 55–73%) vs. 80% (95% CI, 76%–84%); P < 0.001; aHR, 2.61 (95% CI, 1.89–3.60)] but not in patients who did not receive chemotherapy [P = 0.38; HR, 1.31 (95% CI, 0.71–2.42)]. Similar results were observed regardless of World Health Organization grade and after single- or multiagent chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates an association between mMGMT and OS in 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas. MGMT promoter status should be considered as a stratification factor in future clinical trials of 1p/19q-codeleted gliomas that use OS as an endpoint.
Plasma Serotonin and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Edmonston Daniel , Isakova Tamara , Wolf Myles , Appel Lawrence J. , Chen Jing , Feldman Harold I. , Cohen Debbie L. , Go Alan S. , Lash James P. , Nelson Robert G. , Rahman Mahboob , Rao Panduranga S. , Shah Vallabh O. , Unruh Mark L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Platelet‐poor plasma serotonin levels are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Although plasma serotonin levels increase in chronic kidney disease, the cardiovascular implications remain unknown.

Methods and Results

In 1114 participants from the prospective CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study, we evaluated the association between plasma serotonin, categorized as undetectable, intermediate, and high (≥20 ng/mL) levels, and cross‐sectional findings on echocardiography, including left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular ejection fraction, and pulmonary hypertension. We also analyzed whether serotonin was associated with time‐to‐event cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure hospitalization and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, in addition to mortality. Because selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors decrease plasma serotonin levels, we specifically evaluated the influence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use in the relationship between serotonin and outcomes. Plasma serotonin level inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate and directly correlated with blood pressure. High plasma serotonin was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (adjusted odds ratio, 2.74 [95% CI, 1.11–7.41]). In contrast, undetectable plasma serotonin level was associated with the highest risk of heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.26 [95% CI, 1.40–3.66]) and ASCVD events (adjusted HR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.15–3.32]).

Conclusions

In a large chronic kidney disease cohort, plasma serotonin levels correlated with blood pressure, and elevated serotonin levels were associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. In contrast, undetectable plasma serotonin was associated with the highest risk of heart failure and ASCVD events.