bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Aquifer Transmissivity From Analysis of Long‐Term Monitoring With the Thiem Solution
Authors: Henry Joel C. , Neville Christopher J. , Olson Alyssa N.
Published: June 2023

The application of the Thiem equation to support the interpretation of comprehensive long‐term monitoring datasets, made possible through modern datalogging technology, is presented as an alternative to constant‐rate aquifer testing to obtain representative transmissivity estimates in settings where controlled hydraulic testing may be impractical. Water levels logged at regular intervals can be readily converted to average water levels over time periods corresponding to periods of known pumping rates. By regressing average water levels during multiple time periods of known but variable withdrawal rates, steady‐state conditions can be approximated and Thiem's solution applied to estimate transmissivity, without performance of a constant‐rate aquifer test. Although the application is limited to settings where changes in aquifer storage are negligible, by regressing long data sets to parse interferences the method may characterize aquifer conditions over a much wider radius than short‐term, non‐equilibrium tests. As with all aquifer testing, informed interpretation is critical to identifying and resolving aquifer heterogeneities and interferences.
Age, geochemistry, mineralization, and tectonic significance of felsic‐intermediate dikes in Shuangqishan Au deposit, Cathaysia block, South China
Authors: Fan Feipeng , Xiao Fan , Zhou Yan , Chen Shizhong
Published: June 2023

The Shuangqishan Au deposit (>15 t) is located in the Dehua‐Youxi‐Yongtai goldfield of the southeastern Cathaysia Block, South China. There are three stages of granites in the Shuangqishan Au deposit, the pre‐mineralization granite porphyry formed in the Middle Jurassic (~166.0 ± 0.8 Ma), the metallogenic granite porphyry and monzonite porphyry formed in the late stage of the Late Jurassic (153–151 Ma), the post‐mineralization granites (granite porphyry, the masanophyre, the dioritic porphyrite) formed in the Early Cretaceous (129.0–120.0 Ma). All rocks are characterized by high‐K calc‐alkaline and shoshonities series, the per‐mineralization granites are enriched in Rb, Th, K, Zr, and Hf, depleted in Ba, P, and Ti, significant negative Eu anomaly and distinctly tetrad effect with highly fractionated I‐type granitoids characteristics. The metallogenic granites and the post‐mineralization granite porphyry are enriched in K, Rb, Th, Ce, Zr, Hf, and Y, enriched in LREE, strongly depleted in Sr, Ba Ta, P, Ti, have moderate negative Eu anomalies with I‐type granites characteristics. However, the post‐mineralization dioritic porphyrite displays strong depletions Sr, Ta, P, and Ti whereas Rb, Th, Ce, and Sm are enriched, enriched in LREE with weakly negative Eu anomalies. The metallogenic granite porphyry is significantly enriched in Au, As, Sb, W, Mo, and Bi, especially enriched in Au. The Lu‐Hf isotopic data indicate that the magma source comes from the partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic crust, the minor part from the mantle in the Early Cretaceous. Therefore, we propose that the granitoids formed in the subducted plate environment from the Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, the Late Jurassic I‐type granites (~153–146 Ma), The Shuangqishan Au deposit was formed in the stage from compression to extension, the Early Cretaceous granites (~129–114 Ma) mainly formed in the extensional environment and destroyed gold ore bodies.
Sludged! Can financial literacy shield against price manipulation at the shops?
Authors: West Tracey , Butler David , Smith Liam
Published: June 2023

Retailers lure consumers with clever use of choice architecture; examples include “bargains” heavily restricted in the fine print and discounts structured to exaggerate the true saving. Given that financial literacy is a key competency for managing money, good financial literacy may provide protection from these “sludges.” In an exploratory experiment, we measure 48 university students' retail literacy and financial literacy, while concurrently tracking their emotional reactions and decision time using FaceReader software. We then test hypotheses on a larger sample using an online survey. We find that strong financial literacy supports retail literacy and vice versa, but the two constructs are distinct. The differences are identified through mathematical and methodological reasoning, gender, and emotion. While gender remains a factor for financial literacy, it is less prominent in retail literacy, and women respond more positively to retail literacy performance measurement. We recommend future investigation into building women's financial literacy performance using materials that are aesthetically pleasing and based on familiar financial frames and scenarios.
Accumulating human capital: Corporate innovation and firm value
Authors: Wang Xun , Yu Jingwen
Published: June 2023

We empirically document that industries that are more R&D intensive exhibit disproportionately greater innovation quantity and better innovation quality in economies with more human capital. Firm‐level evidence confirms that innovation is an important channel through which firm responds to labor market conditions. Further analyses show that in economies with greater human capital, firms better able to innovate exhibit larger increase in labor productivity and capital–labor ratio, an effect driven by deceases in employment and increase in intangible capital investment. By facilitating the adjustment in input mix and capital structure, human capital accumulation allows firms with high innovation ability to enhance firm equity value and improve firm performance.
Argentina’s Emergency Family Income (IFE): An opportunity for women’s empowerment
Authors: D’Elia Vanesa , Gaiada Julio
Published: June 2023

This article provides empirical evidence regarding the impact of the Emergency Family Income (Ingreso Familiar de Emergencia – IFE), which was implemented in Argentina in 2020. Investigated is the impact of the IFE on women’s role in providing household income and on the distribution of roles within households, as a reflection of women’s empowerment. Drawing on various household surveys, the study compared those women eligible to receive the transfer with those who were not. A difference‐in‐differences (DID) methodology was used to measure the impact. Following the implementation of the IFE, women’s share of couple income and household income is found to have increased by some 8 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, while the probability of women being solely responsible for household chores has fallen by 4 per cent.
The potential impact of introducing a social security system in the State of Palestine: A computable general equilibrium approach
Authors: Sadeq Tareq , Ismael Mohanad , Jabarin Ali , Mitik Lulit
Published: June 2023

This article assesses the potential impact for the State of Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) of enforcing the enactment of the currently suspended Social Security Law (No. 19 of 2016). Using a computable general equilibrium model, we simulate different scenarios associated with the enactment of the social security system on key macroeconomic variables, such as GDP, private consumption, government spending, investment and employment, for the period 2020–2030. We evaluate the influence on the economy of introducing a social security system for private‐sector workers, as set out in the 2016 law, and compare the simulation results of each scenario to the baseline. In each scenario, we consider different options concerning severance payment duration and different options for the investment strategy of social security contributions. However, for employees in Gaza, the article does not consider severance payments due to economic difficulties and the Israeli closure policy.
Work histories and workers’ failure to satisfy pension contribution requirements: A comparison of Mexico and Uruguay
Authors: Apella Ignacio , Zunino Gonzalo
Published: June 2023

Comparing Mexico and Uruguay, this article examines the work history of workers and the challenges they face to satisfy the minimum contribution period for eligibility to receive a contributory old‐age pension. Administrative data on work histories is used to formulate a survival model aimed at estimating hazard rates of entering and transitioning out of a given contribution status. This model is then used to perform a Monte Carlo simulation to forecast contribution histories. Results suggest that the hazard rate is negatively associated with the length of a worker’s spell in his or her current status and warn that, both in Mexico and Uruguay, a significant group of workers will find it difficult to gain entitlement to a contributory pension in old age. The manner in which each of these national systems has addressed the challenges associated with low contribution densities may explain the two countries’ very different coverage results.
The Work Profiler: Revision and maintenance of a profiling tool for the recently unemployed in the Netherlands
Authors: Wijnhoven Martijn A. , Dusseldorp Elise , Guiaux Maurice , Havinga Harriët
Published: June 2023

For the public employment services of many Member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, the importance of using profiling tools for job seekers is increasing rapidly in importance. With this trend, there is also widening concern about the risks of an over reliance on such tools. Part of the concern lies with a lack of transparency concerning how such tools work. This article aims to address this by offering a detailed investigation of the Work Profiler – the instrument used in the Netherlands by the Institute for Employee Benefits (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen – UWV) to predict re‐employment success and provide a diagnosis of key factors hindering job seekers’ return to work. Professionals use these insights to deepen their understanding of the situation of job seekers and decide together with job seekers how to support their return to work. UWV decided to maintain and revise the Work Profiler through a large‐scale study involving a sample of 53,238 people. Work Profiler 1.0 was developed in 2007–2010 and has been in use on a regional basis since 2011 and nationwide since 2015. This article explains how the new tool (version 2.0; implemented in 2018) works and, most importantly, demonstrates the choices made to ensure that it functions well and is used effectively by professionals. These latter two aspects are rarely discussed in the literature.
Messages in the mucus: Selection of land snail resting sites based on the presence of mucus from conspecifics and other species
Authors: Bergey Elizabeth A. , Atakpo Idara J. , Benni Nissi K. , Bohrofen Braxton , Boyce Cassidy H.
Published: June 2023

Mucus is applied to substrates as snails move and when they rest. Beyond the use of mucus in movement and adhesion, the wide array of chemicals in mucus allows for supplemental use in communication. This communication is apparent in trail‐following behavior. This study addresses the potential communication via mucus in selecting resting sites in a laboratory assay. In a series of six experiments, individuals of Cornu aspersum (which often rest on above‐ground surfaces) were placed into lidded plastic containers with three or four sections swabbed with water (the control) or mucus, which included the test snail's own mucus, mucus from conspecifics from the same or a different container holding snails from the same lab colony, or from a different colony, and mucus from three additional snail species. The resting location was recorded on the following day. In two additional experiments, the facultative predator Rumina decollata was tested against conspecific and other snails' mucus. Individuals of C. aspersum preferentially rested in areas with the mucus of familiar conspecifics over mucus of unfamiliar conspecifics, a behavior that may contribute to homing and aggregation behaviors. There was evidence that juveniles may be less selective than adults. The mucus of only one of the three other species was avoided by individuals of C. aspersum. Unlike individuals of C. aspersum, individuals of the predator R. decollata avoided the mucus of conspecifics, which may be associated with less need for mate‐finding in this self‐fertilizing species. Individuals of R. decollata did not select among potential prey species.
Interfacial bonding mechanism and joint weakness area of brazed SiC and Nb with AuNi filler alloy: First‐principles and experimental perspective
Authors: Li Peixin , Yan Yaotian , Lin Jinghuang , Chen Yicheng , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Zeyu , Tu Jinchun , Qiao Liang , Zhong Zhengxiang , Cao Jian , Qi Junlei
Published: June 2023

The implementation of Ni‐based brazing filler metal for bonding SiC to metals can effectively expand the high‐temperature applications of SiC‐based composite materials. To reduce the excessive brittle phases formed in the reaction between SiC/Ni, this study used Au, a chemically stable element, as an additive to investigate the experimental mechanism of Au regulating the reaction between Ni and SiC. The study found that under certain temperature and reaction time conditions, Au can hinder the diffusion of Ni into SiC while suppressing the reaction between Ni and SiC at the interface. The microstructure evolution of the SiC‐Nb joint brazed with an AuNi alloy was investigated, and the theoretical analysis was verified. The optimized mechanical strength reached 30 MPa. Based on experimental and theoretical analysis, the weakness area of the joint was identified and the formation mechanism was analyzed. Importantly, the interface behavior analysis obtained in this study can provide some new ideas for the optimization of alloy composition in brazing experiments.
Large‐scale synthesis of CuS nanoparticles for photothermal materials using high‐concentration Cu complex ion precursor
Authors: Jeon Hee Yeon , Ryu Cheol‐Hui , Han Seungheon , Lee Dong Hoon , Byun Jongmin , Lee Young‐In
Published: June 2023

Copper sulfide (CuS), a copper‐deficient p‐type semiconductor material, has been widely utilized due to its unique optical properties, low toxicity, and cost‐effectiveness. Although many studies have been conducted on synthesizing CuS nanoparticles, harsh synthetic conditions and low yield must be solved. This study presents a new methodology that can synthesize CuS nanoparticles in large quantities at room temperature and pressure using high‐concentration Cu complex ion precursors. This methodology is based on the theory that the critical nucleus radius and the critical nucleation free energy decrease as the concentration of the precursor increases to synthesize a large number of nanoparticles by applying low energy. In addition, it is possible to minimize the aggregation of nanoparticles, which is a problem of nanoparticles synthesized at a high precursor concentration through complex ions in the solution. We synthesized nanoparticles by controlling the precursor concentration from 0.1 to 2.5 M to confirm the effect of the precursor concentration on the size, shape, and yield of nanoparticles. As the precursor concentration increased, the particle size decreased, and the yield improved. The CuS nanoparticles synthesized at the highest concentration had a size of about 17 nm without a strong agglomeration and a yield of about 213.9 g/L. Furthermore, the nanoparticles showed excellent photothermal performance due to their high near‐infrared absorption. When about 0.1 g of the nanoparticles were irradiated with a Xenon lamp and an 808 nm laser, the maximum temperatures and rising rates were 53.7°C and 172.1°C and 13.8°C/mg and 33°C/mg, respectively. The excellent photothermal properties of CuS nanoparticles suggest the potential of this material for various applications.
The contemporary distribution of grasses in Australia: A process of immigration, dispersal and shifting dominance
Authors: Bryceson Susanna R. , Hemming Kyle T. M. , Duncan Richard P. , Morgan John W.
Published: June 2023

Aim

Little is known about the distribution of grasses throughout Australia. Using endemism as a basis for understanding biogeographical distributions, we hypothesised that contemporary species richness would be the result of environmental factors and dynamic ecological interactions spanning more than 25 Ma.

Location

Australia.

Taxon

Grasses.

Methods

We mapped the distribution of all Australian grass species and modelled climatic and landscape correlates according to photosynthetic type (C3 or C4), endemism, age in Australia, phylogenetic lineage and traits linked to dominance, using height as a proxy. Age classes comprised ‘Ancient’ (Gondwanan), and three others related to migration during the Sunda‐Sahul Interchange (SSI): Early, Mid or Recent. In some analyses, ‘Ancient’, ‘Early SSI’ and ‘Mid SSI’ were combined into ‘Pre‐Recent SSI’.

Results

Overall, species richness of C4 grasses increased with warmer mean annual temperatures, while richness of C3 grasses was higher in cooler areas. Recent SSI species had strong associations with summer rains and were dominant in the continent's northeast, with Pre‐Recent SSI species concentrated in the southeast, a pattern largely reflecting photosynthetic type (C4 and C3 respectively). Endemic and shared species distribution patterns support a migration sequence in which most C3 Pooideae and Panicoideae genera arrived in Australia before the Pliocene aridifications, followed by C4 Chloridoideae as aridification increased, with C4 Andropogoneae immigrating most recently across Lake Carpentaria's open habitats in the later Pleistocene. Recent SSI shared species were significantly taller than Pre‐Recent SSI endemic grasses.

Main Conclusions

The few grasses present in Australia before the Pliocene grew in cooler areas. The influx of taller Recent SSI grasses contributed to dramatic environmental changes—including creation of the northern savannas—with repercussions for resident taxa. Contemporary methods of fuel management could be promoting invasion by grass, thereby jeopardising the conditions suited to ancient taxa and threatening the region's evolutionary history.
The tangled biogeographic history of tarantulas: An African centre of origin rules out the centrifugal model of speciation
Authors: Biswas Aritra , Chaitanya Ramamoorthi , Karanth K. Praveen
Published: June 2023

Aim

Many animal groups diversify at the same place where they have originated, whereas others diversify at a place completely different from the centre of origin. Identification of the centre of origin, subsequent colonisation and diversification is crucial for understanding lineages' macroevolutionary dynamics and biogeographical patterns. The historical biogeography of the Mygalomorph spider family Theraphosidae has been confounded by two conflicting hypotheses – a South American origin for the group, which is also the centre of its greatest extant diversity, as against an African origin. We aim to ascertain the centre of origin and directionality of inter‐continental dispersal events in tarantulas by reconstructing their biogeographic history.

Location

Worldwide.

Taxon

Tarantulas.

Methods

We calibrated a previously published genome‐scale phylogeny of Mygalomorph spiders using an improved interpretation of the fossil record. We reconstructed ancestral geographic ranges using the R packagebiogeobearsto explicitly test four different hypotheses that are likely to explain the extant diversity and distribution of tarantulas incorporating a time‐stratified approach.

Results

Our results indicate that the ancestral stock of extant tarantulas occurred in Africa and South America during themid‐Cretaceous, but subsequently went extinct in South America. This points to an African origin for all modern tarantula lineages. The best supported biogeographic model suggests multiple ‘out of Africa’ dispersal events into South America and later into India during the late Cretaceous.

Main Conclusion

Localised ecological processes such as extinction, dispersal, key innovations, hybridisation and species–area relationships might cause a discordance between centre of origin and diversity.
Does global supply chain integration payoff? The case of maritime shipping firms
Authors: Wiedmer Robert , Polyviou Mikaella , Paraskevas John‐Patrick
Published: June 2023

Global supply chains operate in a volatile environment characterized by risks like the 2008–2009 financial crisis, trade disputes, and the COVID‐19 pandemic. Maritime shipping firms, the backbone of global supply chains, are particularly affected by this volatility. In response, these firms have pursued two strategies. First, they have acquired tangible assets to increase their capacity. These assets, however, are neither easily re‐deployable to other uses nor quickly adjustable, preventing firms from flexibly matching supply and demand. Second, these firms have pursued global supply chain integration by acquiring similar firms or firms in their upstream or downstream supply chain to diversify into other supply chain activities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some firms have successfully pursued these strategies, but others have failed, eventually exiting the market. We posit that one explanation for this difference may be how effectively these firms manage their assets relative to their supply chain integration activities. We test this proposition by drawing from resource‐based theory and transaction cost economics and using longitudinal data for 148 maritime shipping firms. We also test post hoc whether typically acquired supply chain activities are beneficial. Our findings offer insights into asset management and global supply chain integration and offer advice to practitioners.
Pemetrexed induces ROS generation and cellular senescence by attenuating TS‐mediated thymidylate metabolism to reverse gefitinib resistance in NSCLC
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhang Chen , Jin Shidai , Li Jun , Dai Jiali , Zhang Zhihong , Guo Renhua
Published: June 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI) are strongly recommended for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbouring active EGFR mutations, while drug resistance makes exploring resistance mechanisms and seeking effective therapeutic strategies urgent endeavours. Thymidylate synthetase (TYMS or TS) is a dominant enzyme in thymidylate nucleotide metabolism. In this study, we found a positive correlation between TS expression and overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in lung adenocarcinoma. The examination of gene sets from 140 NSCLC patients received EGFR‐TKI therapy demonstrated a negative correlation between high TS expression and the efficacy of EGFR‐TKI therapy. 24 tissue specimens from NSCLC patients exhibited upregulated TS mRNA expression in NSCLC patients resistant to gefitinib. The NSCLC cell PC9 and HCC827 sensitive to gefitinib and relatively resistant PC9/GR and HCC827/GR cells were used to demonstrate the knockdown of TS restored the sensitivity of resistant cells to gefitinib. Furthermore, pemetrexed effectively suppressed TS‐mediated thymidylate metabolism and induced ROS generation, DNA damage and cellular senescence, thereby hampering cancer progression and restoring sensitivity to gefitinib. Our findings illuminate the potential mechanism of TS‐triggered gefitinib resistance and indicate inhibition of TS by pemetrexed can potentiate the effect of gefitinib in NSCLC. Pemetrexed combined with gefitinib has potent anti‐progression potential in gefitinib‐resistant NSCLC. This study suggests that NSCLC patients with both high TS expression and EGFR‐driving mutations might benefit more from a combination strategy of EGFR‐TKI and pemetrexed‐based chemotherapy than EGFR‐TKI monotherapy, which has profound clinical implications and therapeutic value.
Technique to deliver dsRNA in Bemisia tabaci nymphs and its validation through silencing of juvenile hormone esterase gene
Authors: Karthigai Devi S. , Banta Geetika , Jindal Vikas
Published: June 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) is a technique employed to investigate the functions of various genes in whitefly and other insects. The effectiveness of the RNAi technique depends upon the delivery of dsRNA into the insects and it has been achieved through microinjection, oral feeding, egg soaking, transfection, topical application, spraying with nanoparticles, leaf‐mediated dsRNA feeding or plant‐mediated/ transgenic plants. In Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), most of the studies on RNAi were conducted on the adult through either injection or oral feeding. There is a need to develop a system to deliver dsRNA in whitefly nymphs because the first instar nymphs after hatching find a suitable place on the leaf and feed on the same place till adult emergence. So, we evaluated nine different techniques using different sponges, tubes, and, Petri plates for feeding nymphs. The detached leaf survived for maximum number of days (8.25 days) with minimum nymphal mortality (12.01%) in the Whitefly Nymphal Feeding System‐1 (WNFS‐1) treatment; therefore, WNFS‐1 was selected for the delivery of dsRNA to B. tabaci nymphs. In WNFS‐1, blue food dye was used to confirm that nymphs were being fed, and the results were evidenced by blue‐coloured bodies. The juvenile hormone esterase (jhe) gene was silenced in order to successfully deliver dsRNA to nymphs using WNFS‐1 and resulting in much higher nymphal mortality (68.36%). Therefore, WNFS‐1 is a reliable method of delivering dsRNA for the purpose of silencing the genes in the nymphal stages of whiteflies. The WNFS system may also be used extensively to evaluate any chemistry (insecticides, hormones, biopesticides, etc.) in nymphs of whitefly.
Artificial intelligence for gastroenterology: Singapore artificial intelligence for Gastroenterology Working Group Position Statement
Authors: Sung Joseph J Y , Savulescu Julian , Ngiam K Y , An Bo , Ang Tiing Leong , Yeoh K G , Cham Tat‐Jen , Tsao Stephen , Chua T S
Published: June 2023

Background

Successful implementation of artificial intelligence in gastroenterology and hepatology practice requires more than technology. There are ethical, legal, and social issues that need to be settled.

Aim

A group consisting of AI developers (engineer), AI users (gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and surgeon) and AI regulators (ethicist and administrator) formed a Working Group to draft these Positions Statements with the objective of arousing public and professional interest and dialogue, to promote ethical considerations when implementing AI technology, to suggest to policy makers and health authorities relevant factors to take into account when approving and regulating the use of AI tools, and to engage the profession in preparing for change in clinical practice.

Statements

These series of Position Statements point out the salient issues to maintain the trust between care provider and care receivers, and to legitimize the use of a non‐human tool in healthcare delivery. It is based on fundamental principles such as respect, autonomy, privacy, responsibility, and justice. Enforcing the use of AI without considering these factor risk damaging the doctor–patient relationship.
Promoting Physical Activity During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Authors: Polster Malorie , Olscamp Kate , Barnett Elizabeth Y. , Oziel Rachel , Fisher Dena Gregory , Dawson Jaime Murphy , Bevington Frances
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Physical activity is important for improving and maintaining overall health across the life span, including during and after pregnancy. Achieving recommended levels of physical activity can be challenging during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion sought to promote physical activity during and after pregnancy through the development of health education materials for the Move Your Way campaign. Research was conducted with pregnant and postpartum people to learn what types of messages and materials would encourage physical activity in these populations.

Methods

Participants were recruited from 3 regions of the United States to participate in 90‐minute virtual focus groups. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older and either pregnant or 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum. Participants were asked questions about their beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about physical activity and prompted to provide feedback on health promotion messages and images. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for key themes.

Results

Twenty‐four focus groups were conducted with 48 pregnant participants and 52 postpartum participants. Sixteen sessions were conducted in English and 8 were conducted in Spanish. Most participants had questions about how much physical activity is recommended, and many cited their health care provider as a trusted source of information. Participants responded positively to materials that acknowledged the uniqueness of each pregnant or postpartum experience, referenced gradually increasing physical activity levels, highlighted the benefits of physical activity, focused on safety, addressed common barriers, and displayed realistic representations of physical activity.

Discussion

There is an opportunity to improve messaging about physical activity during and after pregnancy. To better promote physical activity, perinatal health care providers and other health professionals can share information about recommended amounts of physical activity, communicate the benefits, and promote realistic and achievable physical activity messages that address common barriers in these populations.
Characterizing microglial senescence: Tau as a key player
Authors: Karabag Deniz , Scheiblich Hannah , Griep Angelika , Santarelli Francesco , Schwartz Stephanie , Heneka Michael T. , Ising Christina
Published: June 2023

The highest risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases like tauopathies is aging. Many physiological decrements underlying aging are linked to cellular senescence. Senescent cells are characterized by an irreversible growth arrest and formation of a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a proinflammatory secretome that modifies the cellular microenvironment and contributes to tissue deterioration. Microglia, the innate immune cells in the brain, can enter a senescent state during aging. In addition, senescent microglia have been identified in the brains of tau‐transgenic mice and patients suffering from tauopathies. While the contribution of senescent microglia to the development of tauopathies and other neurodegenerative diseases is a growing area of research, the effect of tau on microglial senescence remains elusive. Here, we exposed primary microglia to 5 and 15 nanomolar (nM) of monomeric tau for 18 h, followed by a recovery period of 48 h. Using multiple senescence markers, we found that exposure to 15 nM, but not 5 nM of tau increased levels of cell cycle arrest and a DNA damage marker, induced loss of the nuclear envelope protein lamin B1 and the histone marker H3K9me3, impaired tau clearance and migration, altered the cell morphology and resulted in formation of a SASP. Taken together, we show that exposure to tau can lead to microglial senescence. As senescent cells were shown to negatively impact tau pathologies, this suggests the presence of a vicious circle, which should be further investigated in the future.

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GABA promotes interstitial fluid clearance in an AQP4‐dependent manner by activating the GABAAR
Authors: Wu Cheng , Zhang Qun , Feng Yi‐Wei , Zhang Ni , Liu Qi , Ou Zi‐Tong , Lin Tuo , Ding Qian , Li Ge , Pei Zhong , Lan Yue , Xu Guang‐Qing
Published: June 2023

The glymphatic system is a newly discovered perivascular network where cerebrospinal fluid mixes with interstitial fluid, facilitating clearance of protein solutes and metabolic waste from the parenchyma. The process is strictly dependent on water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) expressed on the perivascular astrocytic end‐feet. Various factors, such as noradrenaline levels related to the arousal state, influence clearance efficiency, highlighting the possibility that other neurotransmitters additionally modulate this process. To date, the specific role of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the glymphatic system remains unknown. We used C57BL/6J mice to observe the regulatory effect of GABA on glymphatic pathway by administering a cerebrospinal fluid tracer containing GABA or its GABAA receptor (GABAAR) antagonist through cisterna magna injection. Then, we employed an AQP4 knockout mouse model to explore the regulatory effects of GABA on glymphatic drainage and further study whether transcranial magnetic stimulation‐continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) could regulate the glymphatic pathway through the GABA system. Our data showed that GABA promotes glymphatic clearance in an AQP4‐dependent manner by activating the GABAAR. Furthermore, cTBS was found to modulate the glymphatic pathway by activating the GABA system. Accordingly, we propose that regulating the GABA system by cTBS could modulate glymphatic clearance and provide new insight for clinical prevention and treatment of abnormal protein deposition‐related diseases.

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Paeoniflorin found in Paeonia lactiflora root extract inhibits melanogenesis by regulating melanin‐related signal transduction in B16F10 cells
Authors: Wen Su‐Ying , Wu Ya‐Shian , Liu Hsun , Ng Shang‐Chuan , Padma Viswanadha Vijaya , Huang Chih‐Yang , Kuo Wei‐Wen
Published: June 2023

Background

Skin pigmentation is modulated by various processes, with melanogenesis playing a key role. Melanin is synthesized by the catalysis of melanogenesis‐related enzymes, such as tyrosinase and tyrosine‐related proteins TRP‐1 and TRP‐2. Paeoniflorin is the main bioactive component of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., Paeonia lactiflora., or Paeonia veitchii Lynch and has been used for centuries for its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐carcinogenic properties.

Aims & methods

In this study, melanin biosynthesis in mouse melanoma (B16F10) cells was induced using α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), and then cells were co‐treated with paeoniflorin to evaluate its potential anti‐melanogenic effect.

Results

α‐MSH stimulation increased melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and melanogenesis‐related markers in a dose‐dependent manner. However, treatment with paeoniflorin reversed α‐MSH‐induced upregulation of melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Furthermore, paeoniflorin inhibited cAMP response element‐binding protein activation and TRP‐1, TRP‐2, and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor protein expression in α‐MSH‐stimulated B16F10 cells.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings show the potential of paeoniflorin as a depigmenting agent for cosmetic products.
Do Hybrid Goals Pay off? Social and Economic Goals in Academic Spin‐Offs
Authors: Abootorabi Hooman , Shankar Raj K. , Rasmussen Einar , Wiklund Johan
Published: June 2023

New ventures often pursue both economic and social goals, known as goal hybridity. Yet, we know less about how organizational goal hybridity influences the performance and governance of new ventures. Goal hybridity is common among academic spin‐offs (ASOs) seeking to commercialize scientific research from universities. We hypothesize that ASOs’ goal hybridity influences their subsequent performance and their governance structure. We also hypothesize that ASOs who enrol multiple stakeholders with investment goals aligned with their hybrid goals outperform the ASOs who do not. By combining several data sources, we follow Norwegian ASOs longitudinally and find that goal hybridity explains their subsequent performance differences, such that ASOs relying on both economic and social aspects of their business when formulating their goals outperform those who rely purely on economic or social goals. We also find that ASOs with hybrid goals outperform when they enrol multiple stakeholders who are aligned with their hybrid goals. Our findings have implications for theorizing in hybridity, stakeholder enrolment, and the organizational goals literatures. We also provide a fuller understanding on performance heterogeneity of ASOs, and we offer a set of practice and policy implications to academic entrepreneurship and public‐private partnership literatures.
Foliar application of Methyl Jasmonate Methyl Ester elicits differential antioxidant defence and expression of defence‐related genes against early blight disease of tomato
Authors: Kamakshi Kumarakrishnan , MohanaPrasad Jeyapandi , Muthamilarasan Mehanathan , Radhakrishnan Nagarathnam
Published: June 2023

Phytohormones are the key regulators of various developmental and physiological processes in plants. In the present study, we have examined the efficacy of Methyl Jasmonate Methyl Ester (MJME) as a potent elicitor on inducing resistance factors against early blight disease of tomato. Both PKM1 (susceptible) and Arka Rakshak (resistant) cultivars of tomato were sprayed with different concentrations of MJME (1, 5, 10 and 25 μM) and/or infected with A. solani. MJME pre‐treatment followed by A. solani infected leaves showed a higher accumulation of superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide at the early stages and then decreased gradually in both resistant and susceptible cultivars. A significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase and catalase was evident in MJME pre‐treatment followed by A. solani infected leaves in susceptible cultivar of tomato compared with control. Manifestation of disease symptoms was reduced to 60% in tomato leaves pre‐treated with higher concentrations of MJME and infected with A. solani in susceptible cultivar on par with resistant cultivar. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis revealed an induction of expression of defence‐related genes such as ACO1, EDS1, LoxD, NP24, NPR1 and Sl10EAH30 in tomato leaves pre‐treated with MJME followed by A. solani  infection. Interestingly, a two‐fold increase in the expression of EDS1 gene was evident in both susceptible and resistant cultivars after MJME treatment compared with control. The present study showed that MJME could be a potential elicitor of resistance factors against the early blight disease of tomato.
Application potential of Humulus Scandens in livestock husbandry
Authors: Dang De Xin , Wang Huan , Li Shi Han , Fan Xin Yan , Li Desheng
Published: June 2023

On the background of antibiotic‐free livestock husbandry, animal nutritionists are trying to find alternatives to antibiotics. Many herbs have been developed for animal diets to replace antibiotics. Humulus Scandens (HS) is also known as Humulus japonicus and Japanese hop in English, lü Cao (葎草) in Mandarin Chinese and kanamugura (カナムグラ) in Japanese. It is a traditional Chinese medicine with good environmental adaptability. It can grow rapidly and cover any area. Its high yield, strong vitality and medical value allow its potential to be used as an exogenous additive for animal diets to replace antibiotics. However, the knowledge about this herb is limited at present. This manuscript reviewed the processing method of HS and its application in livestock husbandry in order to provide references for its application.
Functional consequences of temporal reversal of height dimorphism for pollen and seed dispersal in a dioecious plant
Authors: Zeng Zhi‐Hua , Yu Qian , Feng Qing‐Hong , Wang Xin‐Jia , Zhong Li , Sun Hua‐Ying , Wang Hong , Li De‐Zhu , Barrett Spencer C.H. , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2023

The adaptive significance of phenotypic differences between females and males can provide insights into sex‐specific selection and the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Dioecious plants commonly exhibit sexual dimorphism in height, although its ecological and evolutionary significance have rarely been examined experimentally. Here, we investigate the functional consequences of the temporal reversal of height dimorphism for pollen and seed dispersal in dioecious Rumex hastatulus Baldw., a species in which males are taller than females at flowering and the reverse pattern occurs at fruiting. Populations of this colonizing weed are wind‐pollinated and seeds are wind‐dispersed. In a glasshouse experiment we manipulated the height of pollen donors and using sex‐specific genetic markers compared the paternal success of males of contrasting height and investigated whether seed families showed evidence of sexual dimorphism in early life‐history traits. In a second glasshouse experiment using fruiting plants we also examined how female height influenced the distance that seeds were dispersed. We found that taller males had significantly higher siring success than males of equivalent height to flowering females. Similarly, taller females dispersed fruit to greater distances than shorter females. Female seeds were significantly heavier than male seeds and germinated more rapidly, although early seedling growth was greater in males. Our study suggests that the striking sex reversal of height in R. hastatulus likely functions to optimize the contrasting reproductive functions of the sexes by promoting increased pollen and seed dispersal distances. Improved dispersal quality could limit inbreeding and reduce local mate and resource competition within populations.
Comparison of actigraphy‐measured and parent‐reported sleep in association with weight status among preschool children
Authors: Abdollahi Anna M. , Li Xinyue , Merikanto Ilona , Leppänen Marja H. , Vepsäläinen Henna , Lehto Reetta , Ray Carola , Erkkola Maijaliisa , Roos Eva
Published: June 2023

This study compared weekday and weekend actigraphy‐measured and parent‐reported sleep in relation to weight status among preschool‐aged children. Participants were 3–6 years old preschoolers from the cross‐sectional DAGIS‐study with sleep data for ≥2 weekday and ≥2 weekend nights. Parents‐reported sleep onset and wake‐up times were gathered alongside 24 h hip‐worn actigraphy. An unsupervised Hidden‐Markov Model algorithm provided actigraphy‐measured night time sleep without the guidance of reported sleep times. Waist‐to‐height ratio and age‐and‐sex‐specific body mass index characterised weight status. Comparison of methods were assessed with consistency in quintile divisions and Spearman correlations. Associations between sleep and weight status were assessed with adjusted regression models. Participants included 638 children (49% girls) with a mean ± SD age of 4.76 ± 0.89. On weekdays, 98%–99% of actigraphy‐measured and parent‐reported sleep estimates were classified in the same or adjacent quintile and were strongly correlated (rs = 0.79–0.85, p < 0.001). On weekends, 84%–98% of actigraphy‐measured and parent‐reported sleep estimates were respectively classified and correlations were moderate to strong (rs = 0.62–0.86, p < 0.001). Compared with actigraphy‐measured sleep, parent‐reported sleep had consistently earlier onset, later wake‐up, and greater duration. Earlier actigraphy‐measured weekday sleep onset and midpoint were associated with a higher body mass index (respective β‐estimates: −0.63, p < 0.01 and −0.75, p < 0.01) and waist‐to‐height ratio (−0.004, p = 0.03 and −0.01, p = 0.02). Though the sleep estimation methods were consistent and correlated, actigraphy measures should be favoured as they are more objective and sensitive to identifying associations between sleep timing and weight status compared with parent reports.
Cerebellar axonopathy in Shivers horses identified by spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analyses
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Williams Zoë J. , Henry Marisa L. , Finno Carrie J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Shivers in horses is characterized by abnormal hindlimb movement when walking backward and is proposed to be caused by a Purkinje cell (PC) axonopathy based on histopathology.

Objectives

Define region‐specific differences in gene expression within the lateral cerebellar hemisphere and compare cerebellar protein expression between Shivers horses and controls.

Animals

Case‐control study of 5 Shivers and 4 control geldings ≥16.2 hands in height.

Methods

Using spatial transcriptomics, gene expression was compared between Shivers and control horses in PC soma and lateral cerebellar hemisphere white matter, consisting primarily of axons. Tandem‐mass‐tag (TMT‐11) proteomic analysis was performed on lateral cerebellar hemisphere homogenates.

Results

Differences in gene expression between Shivers and control horses were evident in principal component analysis of axon‐containing white matter but not PC soma. In white matter, there were 455/1846 differentially expressed genes (DEG; 350 ↓DEG, 105 ↑DEG) between Shivers and controls, with significant gene set enrichment of the Toll‐Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) cascade, highlighting neuroinflammation. There were 50/936 differentially expressed proteins (DEP). The 27 ↓DEP highlighted loss of axonal proteins including intermediate filaments (5), myelin (3), cytoskeleton (2), neurite outgrowth (2), and Na/K ATPase (1). The 23 ↑DEP were involved in the extracellular matrix (7), cytoskeleton (7), redox balance (2), neurite outgrowth (1), signal transduction (1), and others.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our findings support axonal degeneration as a characteristic feature of Shivers. Combined with histopathology, these findings are consistent with the known distinctive response of PC to injury where axonal changes occur without a substantial impact on PC soma.
Clinical features, comparative imaging findings, treatment, and outcome in dogs with discospondylitis: A multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Van Hoof Cassie , Davis Nicole A. , Carrera‐Justiz Sheila , Kahn Alisha D. , De Decker Steven , Grapes Nicholas J. , Beasley Michaela , Du John , Pancotto Theresa E. , Suñol Anna , Shinn Richard , DeCicco Barry , Burkland Erica , Cridge Harry
Published: June 2023

Background

Limited recent data exists regarding discospondylitis in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

(i) Describe the signalment, clinical and imaging findings, etiologic agents, treatment, and outcome of dogs with discospondylitis, (ii) determine diagnostic agreement between radiographs, CT, and MRI with regard to the presence of discospondylitis and its location, and (iii) determine risk factors for relapse and progressive neurological deterioration.

Animals

Three hundred eighty‐six dogs.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective study. Data extracted from medical records were: signalment, clinical and examination findings, diagnostic results, treatments, complications, and outcome. Potential risk factors were recorded. Breed distribution was compared to a control group. Agreement between imaging modalities was assessed via Cohen's kappa statistic. Other analyses were performed on categorical data, using cross tabulations with chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

Male dogs were overrepresented (236/386 dogs). L7‐S1 (97/386 dogs) was the most common site.Staphylococcusspecies (23/38 positive blood cultures) were prevalent. There was a fair agreement (κ = 0.22) between radiographs and CT, but a poor agreement (κ = 0.05) between radiographs and MRI with regard to evidence of discospondylitis. There was good agreement between imaging modalities regarding location of disease. Trauma was associated with an increased risk of relapse (P = .01, OR: 9.0, 95% CI: 2.2‐37.0). Prior steroid therapy was associated with an increased risk of progressive neurological dysfunction (P = .04, OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.2‐18.6).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Radiograph and MRI results could be discrepant in dogs with discospondylitis. Prior trauma and corticosteroids could be associated with relapse and progressive neurological dysfunction, respectively.