bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(A) polymerase 1 contributes to competence acquisition of pollen tubes growing through the style inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ramming Anna , Kappel Christian , Kanaoka Masahiro M. , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Lenhard Michael
Published: February 2023

Polyadenylation of mRNAs is critical for their export from the nucleus, stability, and efficient translation. TheArabidopsis thalianagenome encodes three isoforms of canonical nuclear poly(A) polymerase (PAPS) that redundantly polyadenylate the bulk of pre‐mRNAs. However, previous studies have indicated that subsets of pre‐mRNAs are preferentially polyadenylated by either PAPS1 or the other two isoforms. Such functional specialization raises the possibility of an additional level of gene‐expression control in plants. Here we test this notion by studying the function of PAPS1 in pollen‐tube growth and guidance. Pollen tubes growing through female tissue acquire the competence to find ovules efficiently and upregulatePAPS1expression at the transcriptional, but not detectably at the protein level compared within vitrogrown pollen tubes. Using the temperature‐sensitivepaps1‐1allele we show that PAPS1 activity during pollen‐tube growth is required for full acquisition of competence, resulting in inefficient fertilization bypaps1‐1mutant pollen tubes. While these mutant pollen tubes grow almost at the wild‐type rate, they are compromised in locating the micropyles of ovules. Previously identified competence‐associated genes are less expressed inpaps1‐1mutant than in wild‐type pollen tubes. Estimating the poly(A) tail lengths of transcripts suggests that polyadenylation by PAPS1 is associated with reduced transcript abundance. Our results therefore suggest that PAPS1 plays a key role in the acquisition of competence and underline the importance of functional specialization between PAPS isoforms throughout different developmental stages.
Arthroscopic‐assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats: An ex vivo feasibility study
Authors: Espinel Rupérez Jorge , Serrano Crehuet Tomas , Hoey Seamus , Arthurs Gareth I. , Mullins Ronan A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe arthroscopic‐assisted hip toggle stabilization (AA‐HTS) in cats, evaluate its feasibility and associated rate of iatrogenic injury, and assess deviations from planned surgical technique.

Study design

Ex vivo study.

Animals

Skeletally mature cat cadavers (n = 7).

Methods

Preoperative pelvic computed tomography (CT) was performed for surgical planning and to identify the ideal femoral bone tunnel projection. Ultrasound‐guided transection of ligament of head of femur was performed. Following exploratory arthroscopy, AA‐HTS was performed using a commercially available aiming device. Surgical time, intraoperative complications, and feasibility of technique were recorded. Iatrogenic injury and technique deviations were assessed by postoperative CT and gross dissection.

Results

Diagnostic arthroscopy and AA‐HTS were successfully performed in all 14 joints. Median (range) surgical time was 46.5 (29‐144) min, including 7 (3‐12) min for diagnostic arthroscopy and 40 (26‐134) min for AA‐HTS. Intraoperative complications occurred in 5 hips, related to bone tunnel creation (4) and toggle dislodgment (1). Toggle passage through the femoral tunnel was the most challenging component of technique, recorded as mildly difficult in 6 joints. No damage to periarticular/intrapelvic structures was identified. Minor articular cartilage damage (<10% total cartilage area) was identified in 10 joints. Thirteen deviations (8 major, 5 minor) in surgical technique from preoperative planning were identified in 7 joints.

Conclusion

In feline cadavers AA‐HTS was feasible but was associated with a high rate of minor cartilage injury, intraoperative complications, and technique deviations.

Clinical significance

Hip toggle stabilization using an arthroscopic‐assisted approach may be an effective technique for management of coxofemoral luxation in cats.
Rotary biomolecular motor-powered supramolecular colloidal motor
Authors: Liu Jun , Wu Yingjie , Li Yue , Yang Ling , Wu Hao , He Qiang
Published: February 2023

Cells orchestrate the motion and force of hundreds of protein motors to perform various mechanical tasks over multiple length scales. However, engineering active biomimetic materials from protein motors that consume energy to propel continuous motion of micrometer-sized assembling systems remains challenging. Here, we report rotary biomolecular motor-powered supramolecular (RBMS) colloidal motors that are hierarchically assembled from a purified chromatophore membrane containing F
O
F
1
-ATP synthase molecular motors, and an assembled polyelectrolyte microcapsule. The micro-sized RBMS motor with asymmetric distribution of F
O
F
1
-ATPases can autonomously move under light illumination and is collectively powered by hundreds of rotary biomolecular motors. The propulsive mechanism is that a transmembrane proton gradient generated by a photochemical reaction drives F
O
F
1
-ATPases to rotate for ATP biosynthesis, which creates a local chemical field for self-diffusiophoretic force. Such an active supramolecular architecture endowed with motility and biosynthesis offers a promising platform for intelligent colloidal motors resembling the propulsive units in swimming bacteria.
Biomineralogical signatures of breast microcalcifications
Authors: Kunitake Jennie A. M. R. , Sudilovsky Daniel , Johnson Lynn M. , Loh Hyun-Chae , Choi Siyoung , Morris Patrick G. , Jochelson Maxine S. , Iyengar Neil M. , Morrow Monica , Masic Admir , Fischbach Claudia , Estroff Lara A.
Published: February 2023

Microcalcifications, primarily biogenic apatite, occur in cancerous and benign breast pathologies and are key mammographic indicators. Outside the clinic, numerous microcalcification compositional metrics (e.g., carbonate and metal content) are linked to malignancy, yet microcalcification formation is dependent on microenvironmental conditions, which are notoriously heterogeneous in breast cancer. We interrogate multiscale heterogeneity in 93 calcifications from 21 breast cancer patients using an omics-inspired approach: For each microcalcification, we define a “biomineralogical signature” combining metrics derived from Raman microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. We observe that (i) calcifications cluster into physiologically relevant groups reflecting tissue type and local malignancy; (ii) carbonate content exhibits substantial intratumor heterogeneity; (iii) trace metals including zinc, iron, and aluminum are enhanced in malignant-localized calcifications; and (iv) the lipid-to-protein ratio within calcifications is lower in patients with poor composite outcome, suggesting that there is potential clinical value in expanding research on calcification diagnostic metrics to include “mineral-entrapped” organic matrix.
Three-dimensional femtosecond snapshots of isolated faceted nanostructures
Authors: Colombo Alessandro , Dold Simon , Kolb Patrice , Bernhardt Nils , Behrens Patrick , Correa Jonathan , Düsterer Stefan , Erk Benjamin , Hecht Linos , Heilrath Andrea , Irsig Robert , Iwe Norman , Jordan Jakob , Kruse Björn , Langbehn Bruno , Manschwetus Bastian , Martinez Franklin , Meiwes-Broer Karl-Heinz , Oldenburg Kevin , Passow Christopher , Peltz Christian , Sauppe Mario , Seel Fabian , Tanyag Rico Mayro P. , Treusch Rolf , Ulmer Anatoli , Walz Saida , Fennel Thomas , Barke Ingo , Möller Thomas , von Issendorff Bernd , Rupp Daniela
Published: February 2023

The structure and dynamics of isolated nanosamples in free flight can be directly visualized via single-shot coherent diffractive imaging using the intense and short pulses of x-ray free-electron lasers. Wide-angle scattering images encode three-dimensional (3D) morphological information of the samples, but its retrieval remains a challenge. Up to now, effective 3D morphology reconstructions from single shots were only achieved via fitting with highly constrained models, requiring a priori knowledge about possible geometries. Here, we present a much more generic imaging approach. Relying on a model that allows for any sample morphology described by a convex polyhedron, we reconstruct wide-angle diffraction patterns from individual silver nanoparticles. In addition to known structural motives with high symmetries, we retrieve imperfect shapes and agglomerates that were not previously accessible. Our results open unexplored routes toward true 3D structure determination of single nanoparticles and, ultimately, 3D movies of ultrafast nanoscale dynamics.
Morphological computation and decentralized learning in a swarm of sterically interacting robots
Authors: Ben Zion Matan Yah , Fersula Jeremy , Bredeche Nicolas , Dauchot Olivier
Published: February 2023

Whereas naturally occurring swarms thrive when crowded, physical interactions in robotic swarms are either avoided or carefully controlled, thus limiting their operational density. Here, we present a mechanical design rule that allows robots to act in a collision-dominated environment. We introduce Morphobots, a robotic swarm platform developed to implement embodied computation through a morpho-functional design. By engineering a three-dimensional printed exoskeleton, we encode a reorientation response to an external body force (such as gravity) or a surface force (such as a collision). We show that the force orientation response is generic and can augment existing swarm robotic platforms (e.g., Kilobots) as well as custom robots even 10 times larger. At the individual level, the exoskeleton improves motility and stability and also allows encoding of two contrasting dynamical behaviors in response to an external force or a collision (including collision with a wall or a movable obstacle and on a dynamically tilting plane). This force orientation response adds a mechanical layer to the robot’s sense-act cycle at the swarm level, leveraging steric interactions for collective phototaxis when crowded. Enabling collisions also promotes information flow, facilitating online distributed learning. Each robot runs an embedded algorithm that ultimately optimizes collective performance. We identify an effective parameter that controls the force orientation response and explore its implications in swarms that transition from dilute to crowded. Experimenting with physical swarms (of up to 64 robots) and simulated swarms (of up to 8192 agents) shows that the effect of morphological computation increases with growing swarm size.
A long-acting anti–IL-8 antibody improves inflammation and fibrosis in endometriosis
Authors: Nishimoto-Kakiuchi Ayako , Sato Izumi , Nakano Kiyotaka , Ohmori Hiroshi , Kayukawa Yoko , Tanimura Hiromi , Yamamoto Sachiya , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Nakamura Genki , Maeda Atsuhiko , Asanuma Kentaro , Kato Atsuhiko , Sankai Tadashi , Konno Ryo , Yamada-Okabe Hisafumi
Published: February 2023

Current pharmacological treatments for endometriosis are limited to hormonal agents that can relieve pain but cannot cure the disease. Therefore, the development of a disease-modifying drug for endometriosis is an unmet medical need. By studying human endometriotic samples, we found that the progression of endometriosis was associated with the development of inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, IL-8 expression was highly up-regulated in endometriotic tissues and closely correlated with disease progression. We created a long-acting recycling antibody against IL-8 (AMY109) and evaluated its clinical potency. Because rodents do not produce IL-8 and do not experience menstruation, we analyzed the lesions in cynomolgus monkeys that spontaneously developed endometriosis and in a surgically induced endometriosis monkey model. Both spontaneously developed and surgically induced endometriotic lesions demonstrated pathophysiology that was highly similar to that of human endometriosis. Once-a-month subcutaneous injection of AMY109 to monkeys with surgically induced endometriosis reduced the volume of nodular lesions, lowered the Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score as modified for monkeys, and ameliorated fibrosis and adhesions. In addition, experiments using cells derived from human endometriosis revealed that AMY109 inhibited the recruitment of neutrophils to endometriotic lesions and the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from neutrophils. Thus, AMY109 may represent a disease-modifying therapy for patients with endometriosis.
Answer to February 2023 Photo Quiz
Authors: Alonso Acero Laura , Román Soto Sergio , Rico Nieto Alicia
Published: February 2023

Read the full article for the answer.
Illuminating the Live-Cell Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA Using the CRISPR-Tag System
Authors: Ding Jiahui , Yi Zhigang , Zai Wenjing , Wu Min , Chen Baohui , Cai Qiliang , Zhang Xiaonan , Yuan Zhenghong
Published: February 2023

Understanding the formation and maintenance of HBV cccDNA has always been a central issue in the study of HBV pathobiology. However, little progress has been made due to the lack of robust assay systems and its resistance to genetic modification.
Central exclusive diffractive production of two pions from continuum and resonance decay in the Regge-eikonal model
Authors: Ryutin R. A.
Published: February 2023

Calculations of the central exclusive diffractive production (CEDP) of two pions via continuum and resonance mechanisms are presented in the Regge-eikonal approach. Data from STAR, ISR, CDF and CMS are analysed and compared with theoretical descriptions. The preliminary extraction of $$f_0(500)$$

f
0

(
500
)

, $$f_0(980)$$

f
0

(
980
)

and $$f_2(1270)$$

f
2

(
1270
)

couplings to pomerons and the $$\rho $$
ρ
meson contribution from the photoproduction mechanism to the CEDP cross-section are considered. We show possible nuances and problems of calculations and prospects of investigations at current and future hadron colliders.
A Hydro-Economic Model to Calculate the Resource Costs of Agricultural Water Use and the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Their Recovery
Authors: Sapino Francesco , Pérez-Blanco C. Dionisio , Saiz-Santiago Pablo
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we estimate the resource costs of agricultural water use and simulate the environmental and economic impacts of their recovery. To this end, we develop a socio-hydrology-inspired, dynamic, protocol-based modular approach that interconnects economic and hydrologic modeling via two-way feedback protocols. The hydrologic module is populated with the AQUATOOL model, the Decision Support System used in Spanish river basins; while the economic module is populated with an ensemble of four Mathematical Programming Models (MPMs) that capture human agency and responses. This allows us to sample uncertainty and provide a range for resource costs estimates and the environmental and economic impacts of their recovery, rather than a point estimate. Methods are illustrated with an application to the Órbigo Catchment, a sub-basin of the Douro River Basin in Spain. Our results suggest significant resource costs (a 34–62% increase in existing charges, depending on the model) with non-trivial impacts on income (2–27% reduction) and the environment (water savings range between 6% and 69%), while the impact on tax revenue is ambiguous yet potentially significant (between [Formula: see text]2.3 million EUR/year and 5 million EUR/year).
Real‐Time and Automatic System for Performance Evaluation of Karate Skills Using Motion Capture Sensors and Continuous Wavelet Transform
Authors: Fathalla Ahmed , Salah Ahmad , Bekhit Mahmoud , Eldesouky Esraa , Talha Ahmed , Zenhom Abdalla , Ali Ahmed
Published: February 2023

In sports science, the automation of performance analysis and assessment is urgently required to increase the evaluation accuracy and decrease the performance analysis time of a subject. Existing methods of performance analysis and assessment are either performed manually based on human experts’ opinions or using motion analysis software, i.e., biomechanical analysis software, to assess only one side of a subject. Therefore, we propose an automated system for performance analysis and assessment that can be used for any human movement. The performance of any skill can be described by a curve depicting the joint angle over the time required to perform a skill. In this study, we focus on only 14 body joints, and each joint comprises three angles. The proposed system comprises three main stages. In the first stage, data are obtained using motion capture inertial measurement unit sensors from top professional fighters/players while they are performing a certain skill. In the second stage, the collected sensor data obtained are input to the biomechanical software to extract the player’s joint angle curve. Finally, each joint angle curve is processed using a continuous wavelet transform to extract the main curve points (i.e., peaks and valleys). Finally, after extracting the joint curves from several top players, we summarize the players’ curves based on five statistical indicators, i.e., the minimum, maximum, mean, and mean ± standard deviation. These five summarized curves are regarded as standard performance curves for the joint angle. When a player’s joint curve is surrounded by the five summarized curves, the performance is considered acceptable. Otherwise, the performance is considered unsatisfactory. The proposed system is evaluated based on four different karate skills. The results of the proposed system are identical to the decisions of the expert panels and are thus suitable for real‐time decisions.
TP73-AS1 rs3737589 Polymorphism is Associated With the Clinical Stage of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gao Yichang , Zhang Shulong , Gao Xueren
Published: February 2023

Objective. TP73‐AS1 can promote the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study aimed to investigate the association between a potentially functional genetic polymorphism (rs3737589 T > C) on the TP73-AS1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical stage of CRC in a Chinese Han population. Methods. The polymorphic genotyping was performed by the SNaPshot method. The real‐time quantitative PCR method and the luciferase assay were used separately to explore genotype‐tissue expression and the function of the genetic polymorphism. Results. A total of 576 CRC patients and 896 healthy controls were included in the current study. The rs3737589 polymorphism was not associated with CRC susceptibility but was associated with the CRC stage (CC vs. TT: OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.12 – 0.54, P = 0.0003; C vs. T: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53–0.89, P = 0.006; and CC vs. (TC + TT): OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.12–0.56, P = 0.0004). CRC patients carrying the rs3737589 CC genotype or C allele were less likely to have stage III/IV tumors than those carrying the rs3737589 TT genotype or T allele. The expression of TP73‐AS1 was lower in CRC tissues with the rs3737589 CC genotype compared to those with the TT genotype. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase assay revealed that the C allele could promote the binding of miR‐3166 and miR‐4771 to TP73‐AS1. Conclusion. The TP73-AS1 gene rs3737589 polymorphism affecting miRNAs binding is associated with the CRC stage and may serve as a biomarker for predicting CRC progression.
LED Chip Defect Detection Method Based on a Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Zheng Pengfei , Lou Jingjing , Wan Xiyuan , Luo Qingdong , Li Yunhan , Xie Linsheng , Zhu Zegang
Published: February 2023

LED is an extremely important energy‐saving lighting products, which has greatly facilitated human life. Meanwhile, it also makes a positive contribution to global carbon neutrality and carbon peaking. Defect detection is a vital part of the production process to control the quality of LED chips. The traditional methods use a microscope for manual visual inspection, which is time‐consuming and has inconsistent testing standards, low efficiency, and other deficiencies. To solve these problems, a hybrid algorithm based on geometric computation and a convolutional neural network is proposed for LED chip defect detection. The method takes advantage of the dimensionality reduction of geometric computation to perform coarse detection of defects on preprocessed chip lithography graphs in the form of grid segmentation, which realizes fast coarse screening of large‐scale chip samples and reduces postcomputational costs. The convolutional neural network model is used for the secondary fine detection of “suspected defective” chips after geometric coarse screening, and the SPP (spatial pyramid pooling) network model is improved by directly introducing the original feature map into the SPP pooling layer for summation to enhance the global and local feature information of the output feature map. Furthermore, we construct an LED chip image acquisition platform using a high‐frequency multimagnification zoom lens, collect training samples of defective chips, and increase the number of samples through image processing techniques. The research introduces the R‐CNN, SDD, and YOLO methods to evaluate the superiority of our method in a number of experiments. The experimental results show that our algorithm proposed in this paper has an average precision (AP) of 96.7% for large‐scale chip detection with a low defect rate. Compared with other methods, the testing mean average precision (mAP) is 10.39% higher than traditional YOLO v2. The testing mIoU is also 3.63% higher than traditional YOLO v5, the detection speed is also significantly improved, and it has good robustness.
Development and Validation of a Scale for Measuring Motivations to Use Facebook: Results of Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Akram Muhammad Babar , Akbar Muhammad Siddique , Ishaq Muhammad
Published: February 2023

This study is aimed at investigating the motivational needs of Pakistani Facebook users and intended to develop a scale to measure motivation to use Facebook among Pakistani users. Opting uses and gratifications theory and reviewing the relevant literature, the researchers developed a scale comprised of six motivations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the university students, and 1245 university students participated in this study. The results of first- and second-order confirmatory analyses indicate that the scale was reliable and had construct validity as well. This scale confirmed six motivations as motivational needs of Pakistani Facebook users. This scale covers both social and personal needs. The findings of this study confirm that Facebook users utilize Facebook for various purposes.
Liquid Cooling Flow Field Design and Thermal Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells for Space Applications
Authors: Atasay Nehir , Atmanli Alpaslan , Yilmaz Nadir
Published: February 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a promising technology with many features, including having a high energy density, efficiency, lightness, and producing energy directly instead of storing it. PEM fuel cells are currently used in mobile vehicles, military applications, portable systems, stationary systems, and air-independent propulsion systems for sea and space. Elimination of the cooling problems associated with PEM fuel cells in space applications is of great importance to produce more efficient systems. With this motivation in mind, this study examined PEM fuel cell elements and cooling flow channel design for space applications. The effect of the designed flow channel on the PEM fuel cell temperature distribution was investigated. Five different PEM fuel cell cooling channels were designed and modeled computationally, and the most suitable cooling channel design was selected based on the thermal analysis. While modeling the PEM fuel cell, space environment operating conditions, pure reactant supply (oxygen and hydrogen), electrochemical reaction in the membrane, physical properties of liquid coolant, physical properties of fuel cell elements, and heat transfer in the fuel cell were considered. The temperature distribution obtained as a result of the thermal analysis was examined, and it was seen that the PEM fuel cell cooling channel design was successful in maintaining the operating temperature of the PEM fuel cell. According to the data obtained, the cooler inlet temperature is approximately 40°C and the cooler outlet temperature is approximately 75°C in flat serpentine design. These values were obtained as a result of the analysis made with a mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% water selected as the liquid coolant. As a result, a fuel cell can be formed by producing a fit bipolar plate with the analyzed PEM fuel cell cooling flow channel design, and current density and homogeneity can be determined by applying single-cell performance tests to the fuel cell.
A Study of Some Properties of Fuzzy Laplace Transform with Their Applications in Solving the Second-Order Fuzzy Linear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Eljaoui Elhassan , Melliani Said
Published: February 2023

In this paper, several results and theorems about the high-order strongly generalized Hukuhara differentiability of function defined via the fuzzy Riemann improper integral (in the sense of Wu) have been established. Then, some properties dealing with the partial derivatives of fuzzy Laplace transform for a fuzzy function of two real variables have been proved. Afterwards, an algorithm of fuzzy Laplace transform for solving second-order fuzzy partial differential equations has been proposed. Finally, two numerical examples, including the heat equation under fuzzy initial conditions, have been studied to justify the efficiency of the algorithm.
Synthesis, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Integerrimide‐A
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Tiwari Abhishek , Tiwari Varsha , Khokra Sukhbir Lal , Saharan Renu , Kumar Manish , Sharma Ajay , Virmani Tarun , Virmani Reshu , Kumar Girish , Alhalmi Abdulsalam
Published: February 2023

Integerrimide‐A (IG‐A) is a cyclic heptapeptide that was recently synthesized after being recovered from the latex of the Jatropha integerrima tree. This was achieved by first coupling a tetrapeptide unit (Boc‐Gly‐L‐Leu‐L‐Leu‐L‐Leu‐OMe) with a tripeptide unit (L‐Thr‐L‐Pro‐L‐Trp‐OMe). The characterization was done by using spectral techniques like FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis of the newly synthesized cyclic molecule. Antimicrobial and anticancer properties of IG‐A were tested using a biological screening. Gram +ve bacteria (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and Gram ‐ve bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) were used in the antibacterial testing. Fungal strains such as C. albicans, A. niger, T. mentagrophytes, and M. audouinii were used to test the antifungal activities. Antimicrobial activity analysis revealed that cyclic peptide—IG‐A (8)—has modest antibacterial activity and antifungal activities, when compared with the standard drugs ciprofloxacin and griseofulvin, respectively. Comparable MTT assays were performed on HCT116 (human colon carcinoma) and B16F10 (melanoma cells) cell lines with doxorubicin as the standard drug to determine the cytotoxic activity of the synthesized cyclic peptide. Inhibition of growth of HCT116 and B16F10 cell lines was used to calculate the cytotoxic effect. At a dosage of 120 μg/mL, the cyclopeptide IG‐A (8) inhibited cell proliferation by 87.5 and 72.5 percent, respectively. Cyclopeptide IG‐A had CTC50 values of 77.65 μM and 68.63 μM against HCT116 and B16F10, respectively. The % growth inhibitions at lesser levels are 72.5 and 50 at 60 μg/mL, respectively. The standard drug inhibited growth by 100 percent with CTC50 values of 48.63 μM and 43.25 μM against HCT116 and B16F10, respectively. From the results, it is concluded that IG‐A has considerable antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation may be the underlying mechanism in HCT116 cells, whereas the suppression of eumelanin synthesis in B16F10 cells is another possibility.
Elucidation of
ALG10B
as a Novel Long-QT Syndrome–Susceptibility Gene
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ye Dan , Tester David J. , Bains Sahej , Giudicessi John R. , Haglund-Turnquist Carla M. , Orland Kate M. , January Craig T. , Eckhardt Lee L. , Maginot Kathleen R. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by QT prolongation and increased risk for syncope, seizures, and sudden cardiac death. The majority of LQTS stems from pathogenic mutations in
KCNQ1
,
KCNH2
, or
SCN5A
. However, ≈10% of patients with LQTS remain genetically elusive. We utilized genome sequencing to identify a novel LQTS genetic substrate in a multigenerational genotype-negative LQTS pedigree.

Methods:

Genome sequencing was performed on 5 affected family members. Only rare nonsynonymous variants present in all affected family members were considered. The candidate variant was characterized functionally in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell and gene-edited, variant corrected, isogenic control induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes.

Results:

A missense variant (p.G6S) was identified in
ALG10B
-encoded α-1,2-glucosyltransferase B protein. ALG10B (alpha-1,2-glucosyltransferase B protein) is a known interacting protein of
KCNH2
-encoded K
v
11.1 (HERG [human Ether-à-go-go–related gene]). Compared with isogenic control, ALG10B-p.G6S induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes showed (1) decreased protein expression of ALG10B (p.G6S, 0.7±0.18, n=8 versus control, 1.25±0.16, n=9;
P
<0.05), (2) significant retention of HERG in the endoplasmic reticulum (
P
<0.0005), and (3) a significantly prolonged action potential duration confirmed by both patch clamp (p.G6S, 531.1±38.3 ms, n=15 versus control, 324.1±21.8 ms, n=13;
P
<0.001) and multielectrode assay (
P
<0.0001). Lumacaftor—a compound known to rescue HERG trafficking—shortened the pathologically prolonged action potential duration of ALG10B-p.G6S induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes by 10.6% (n=31 electrodes;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

Here, we demonstrate that ALG10B-p.G6S downregulates ALG10B, resulting in defective HERG trafficking and action potential duration prolongation. Therefore,
ALG10B
is a novel LQTS-susceptibility gene underlying the LQTS phenotype observed in a multigenerational pedigree. ALG10B mutation analysis may be warranted, especially in genotype-negative patients with an LQT2-like phenotype.
Paisaje Sonoro Social: Socially Engaged Soundscapes in Mexico
Authors: Duarte-García Mario Alberto , Wilde Emma
Published: February 2023

Latin America has a tradition of socially engaged artists. In Mexico, since the muralist movement of the 1920s, artists have shown a preoccupation for denouncing social issues in their works. In this article, we propose the concept of Paisaje sonoro social [socially engaged soundscapes], an approach to the composition of sound art that aims to raise awareness about specific social issues experienced in Mexican society. Through the combination of oral testimony, soundscapes (both real and imagined), and instrumental and electroacoustic music, Paisaje sonoro social aims to provide a direct communication to the listener in order to draw attention to social issues such as child exploitation, migration, poor working conditions for factory workers, poverty, and children working in the touristic industry.

Through the analysis of a series of six works we argue that, although Paisaje sonoro social shares features of other genres, such as soundscape composition, acousmatic storytelling, and documental sonoro [radio feature] it has fundamental differences
Achieving Transparency: A Metadata Perspective
Authors: Gillman Daniel
Published: February 2023

Transparency is vital to realizing the promise of evidenced-based policymaking, where “evidence-based” means including information as to what data mean and why they should be trusted. Transparency, in turn, requires that enough of this information is provided. Loosely speaking then, transparency is achieved when sufficient documentation is provided. Sufficiency is situation specific, both for the provider and consumer of the documentation. These ideas are presented in two recent US commissioned reports: The Promise of Evidence-Based Policymaking and Transparency in Statistical Information for the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics and All Federal Statistical Agencies.

Metadata are a more formalized kind of documentation, and in this paper, we provide and demonstrate necessary, sufficient, and general conditions for achieving transparency from the metadata perspective: conforming to a specification, providing quality metadata, and creating a usable interface to the metadata. These conditions are important for any metadata system, but here the specification is tied to our framework for metadata quality based on the situation-specific needs for transparency. These ideas are described, and their interrelationships are explored.
Lectotypification and neotypification of names related to Banisteriopsis caapi (Malpighiaceae): a contribution to understanding of Ayahuasca
Authors: DE SOUZA RANIELY MIRANDA , FAGG CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM , SONSIN-OLIVEIRA JÚLIA , GONZAGA AUGUSTO FRANCENER NOGUEIRA , DE OLIVEIRA REGINA CÉLIA
Published: February 2023

Banisteriopsis is a taxonomically complex genus, with 57 species in the New World. The best-known species of the genus is Banisteriopsis caapi, culturally important as the principal component of Ayahuasca tea, used in religious ceremonies by the native peoples in the Northwestern Amazon, and now expanded worldwide. A study of the species and names related to a strongly supported clade which includes B. caapi is being undertaken in this paper. Here, we provide four lectotypifications and a neotypification, as no original material species appear to be extant, as well as images of the selected lectotypes.
Epoxy-poly lactic acid blended composites reinforced with carbon fibres for engineering applications
Authors: Revankar Suraj , Banapurmath N. R. , Sajjan Ashok M. , Nimbagal Vijayakumar , Patil Arun Y. , Venkatesh R. , Umarfarooq M. A. , Vadlamudi Chandramouli , Krishnappa Sanjay
Published: February 2023

When it comes to sustainability, bio-derived materials are one of the most promising sources of polymers. They are easily accessible, affordable, and may result in a decrease in carbon emissions. The use of bio-based polymer composites lowers the dependence on petroleum-based polymers, leading to environmental degradation issues. Because of this epoxy-based composites are synthesized by combining the same with a biopolymer of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) in varied proportions from 20 to 50 wt.% of the holding matrix. Exhaustive tests are conducted to optimize PLA percentage in the epoxy matrix. Accordingly, composites are prepared with 80% epoxy resin and 20% PLA in terms of enhanced mechanical properties. Further, these composites are strengthened by reinforcing them with CFs in varied proportions. This research emphasizes the synthesis of composite with a matrix of 80% epoxy resin and 20% PLA reinforced with CFs at 0.2 and 0.3 wt.% of the holding matrix to test their potential as a feasible composite material for engineering applications. To understand the bonding nature, thermal, and microstructural behavior of the composite material, characteristic studies such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images are used. Experimental results on the mechanical properties of the composites showed an increase in flexural strength by 7.62% and 3.56% for 0.2 and 0.3 wt.% of CFs reinforcements in the polymer matrix compared to pristine coupons. Simulation studies are done with ANSYS Workbench to validate the same with experimental readings and are found to be in close agreement with an error of 10–15%.
The Influence of Synoptic-Scale Wind Patterns on Column-Integrated Nitrogen Dioxide, Ground-Level Ozone, and the Development of Sea-Breeze Circulations in the New York City Metropolitan Area
Authors: Nauth Dilchand , Loughner Christopher P. , Tzortziou Maria
Published: February 2023

The continually changing atmospheric conditions over densely populated coastal urban regions make it challenging to produce models that accurately capture the complex interactions of anthropogenic and environmental emissions, chemical reactions, and unique meteorological processes, such as sea- and land-breeze circulations. The purpose of this study is to determine and identify the influence of synoptic-scale wind patterns on the development of local-scale sea-breeze circulations and air quality over the New York City (NYC), New York, metropolitan area. This study utilizes column-integrated nitrogen dioxide observations made during the Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study (LISTOS) field campaign, ground-level ozone observations, the HRRR numerical weather prediction model, and trajectory model simulations using the NOAA HYSPLIT model. A cluster analysis within the HYSPLIT modeling system was performed to determine that there were six unique synoptic-scale transport pathways for NYC. Stagnant conditions or weak transport out of the northwest resulted in the worst air quality for NYC. Weak synoptic-scale forcings associated with these conditions allowed for local-scale sea-breeze circulations to develop, resulting in air pollution being able to recirculate and mix with freshly emitted pollutants.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this work is to understand how synoptic-scale wind patterns influence air quality and sea-breeze circulations in the New York City, New York, metropolitan area. This work shows that clean air can be imported into the region from rural New England and over the Atlantic Ocean, whereas polluted air can be transported into the region from the northwest and southwest. This work also shows the importance of the strength in synoptic-scale forcings in the development of sea-breeze circulations. Weak synoptic-scale winds allow for strong sea-breeze circulations to develop over all coastlines in the New York City region, resulting in air pollutants recirculating and mixing with freshly emitted air pollution and contributing to poor air quality.
When We Practice to Deceive: Service Worker Manipulation and (Mis)Behavior on Cruise Ships
Authors: Pressey Andrew D. , Harris Lloyd C.
Published: February 2023

Studies of service delivery often assume that any deviance from service protocols when interacting with customers is largely due to service worker ineptitude or incompetence; this is particularly the case with customer deception or manipulation. This contrasts with studies which report that service workers frequently act in deviant ways. In tourist settings, service quality is paramount, and any attempts to deceive or manipulate customers is tantamount to service failure. This study explores service worker deception and manipulation on cruise ships through a series of in-depth interviews ( n = 50) via the lens of “Deviant Leisure.” This study finds that manipulation is a quotidian practice on cruise ships, including the manipulation by cruise ship frontline employees (including the manipulation of customers, co-workers, subordinates, and superordinates), and the manipulation of cruise ship frontline employees (including manipulation by customers, co-workers, and managers). The paper concludes with a discussion of contributions to theory and practice.
NAD+ precursor nutritional supplements sensitize the brain to future ischemic events
Authors: Qu Wensheng , Ralto Kenneth M , Qin Tao , Cheng Yinhong , Zong Weifeng , Luo Xiang , Perez-Pinzon Miguel , Parikh Samir M , Ayata Cenk
Published: February 2023

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a redox cofactor critical for oxidative phosphorylation. Nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are NAD+ precursors widely used as nutritional supplements to augment oxidative phosphorylation. Indeed, NAD+ precursors have been reported to improve outcomes in ischemic stroke when administered as a rescue therapy after stroke onset. However, we have also reported that enhanced reliance on oxidative phosphorylation before ischemia onset might worsen outcomes. To address the paradox, we examined how NAD+ precursors modulate the outcome of middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice, when administered either 20 minutes after reperfusion or daily for three days before ischemia onset. A single post-ischemic dose of NAM or NR indeed improved tissue and neurologic outcomes examined at 72 hours. In contrast, pre-ischemic treatment for three days enlarged the infarcts and worsened neurological deficits. As a possible explanation for the diametric outcomes, a single dose of NAM or NR augmented tissue AMPK, PGC1α, SIRT1, and ATP in both naïve and ischemic brains, while the multiple-dose paradigm failed to do so. Our data suggest that NAD+ precursor supplements may sensitize the brain to subsequent ischemic events, despite their neuroprotective effect when administered after ischemia onset.
Sex Offender Recidivism: Some Lessons Learned From Over 70 Years of Research
Authors: Lussier Patrick , Chouinard Thivierge Stéphanie , Fréchette Julien , Proulx Jean
Published: February 2023

Sex offender recidivism (SOR) has been the subject of research for over 70 years. Myths, misconceptions, and erroneous conclusions about SOR, however, remain widespread, impeding the development of evidence-based policies aimed at preventing sexual offenses. To address the rich but uneven literature, a comprehensive review was conducted making it possible to provide a contextualized overview of scientific knowledge against the backdrop of methodological issues, challenges, and shortcomings. Over the years, researchers have been asked to provide a simple answer to a seemingly simple question: what are the recidivism rates for sexual offending? In response, the field has produced a wide range of findings making it difficult to draw firm conclusions, leaving room for interpretation and personal biases. The variations in recidivism rates are attributable to offender and methodological characteristics, both of which are embedded in a particular sociolegal context. As a result, the base rate of SOR is more effectively considered in terms of a series of questions that should include the type of recidivism, with whom, over what period, and in what context. Issues and debates that have marked the field and fueled its growth are highlighted. Research innovations and important areas of research are also discussed.
Psychometric Properties of a Risk Tool Across Indigenous Māori and European Samples in Aotearoa New Zealand: Measurement Invariance, Discrimination, and Calibration for Predicting Criminal Recidivism
Authors: Coulter Darcy J. , Lloyd Caleb D. , Serin Ralph C.
Published: February 2023

Due to recent legal cases highlighting a lack of cross-ethnicity validity research using correctional risk assessment tools, we evaluated psychometric properties of Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-entry (DRAOR) scores across Māori ( n = 1,812) and New Zealand (NZ) European samples ( n = 1,211) in Aotearoa NZ. Using routine administrative data, our analyses suggested scoring properties were invariant across ethnicity for 15 of 19 items. Discrimination properties were also equivalent, but we observed a higher recidivism base rate among Māori participants, consistent with official statistics. Consequently, calibration analyses using a fixed follow-up ( N = 372) demonstrated higher predicted recidivism rates for Māori participants at each DRAOR score. This suggests that Māori participants with similar levels of DRAOR-assessed need factors as NZ European participants experienced relatively greater continued justice contact. DRAOR users should prioritize delivering quality case management to clients, recognizing that both case-specific and systemic factors may underlie differential base rates.
Top Ten Research Priorities for Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: The SkIN Canada Priority Setting Initiative
Authors: Drucker Aaron M. , Kleiner Omer , Manion Rachael , Philip Anie , Dutz Jan , Barnard Kathleen , Fradette Julie , Germain Lucie , Gniadecki Robert , Litvinov Ivan , Logsetty Sarvesh , Manolson Morris , Mydlarski P. Régine , Piguet Vincent , Ward Debbie , Zhou Youwen , Chan An-Wen ,   the Skin Investigation Network of Canada Priority Setting Collaborative, Abbas Mariam , Alhusayen Raed , Cenedese Lisa , Chen Tiffany , Cheng Yee Sing , Cole Trish , Iuliis Jacob De , Desaulniers Katherine , Duffy Catherine , Ferris Tracy , Hanna Sameh , Humeny Rhiannon , Joseph Marissa , Khan Ushra , Lynde Charles , Morrison Steven , Ogunyemi Boluwaji , Prajapati Vimal , Ramien Michele , Reynolds Lauren , Rosen Cheryl , Seguin Kimberly , Sibbald Cathryn , Swan Jennifer , Timgren Jodi , Turchin Irina , Verner Vicky , Walsh Sandra , Weston Veronica
Published: February 2023

Background

The Skin Investigation Network of Canada (SkIN Canada) is a new national skin research network. To shape the research landscape and ensure its value to patient care, research priorities that are important to patients, caregivers, and health care providers must be identified.

Objectives

To identify the Top Ten research priorities for 9 key skin conditions.

Methods

We first surveyed health care providers and researchers to select the top skin conditions for future research within the categories of inflammatory skin disease, skin cancers (other than melanoma), and wound healing. For those selected skin conditions, we conducted scoping reviews to identify previous priority setting exercises. We combined the results of those scoping reviews with a survey of patients, health care providers, and researchers to generate lists of knowledge gaps for each condition. We then surveyed patients and health care providers to create preliminary rankings to prioritize those knowledge gaps. Finally, we conducted workshops of patients and health care providers to create the final Top Ten lists of research priorities for each condition.

Results

Overall, 538 patients, health care providers, and researchers participated in at least one survey or workshop. Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa (inflammatory skin disease); chronic wounds, burns and scars (wound healing); and basal cell, squamous cell and Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer) were selected as priority skin conditions. Top Ten lists of knowledge gaps for inflammatory skin conditions encompassed a range of issues relevant to patient care, including questions on pathogenesis, prevention, non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic management.

Conclusions

Research priorities derived from patients and health care providers should be used to guide multidisciplinary research networks, funders, and policymakers in Canada and internationally.
We are not raised by wolves: Decentering human exceptionalism in nature
Authors: Classen Chandler L , Monje David
Published: February 2023

Some of the earliest writings to which we have access introduce the myth of a human child raised by wolves. Enkidu is the “wild” friend of Gilgamesh in the eponymous Sumerian epic; Romulus and Remus of Rome are the infants who suckle from the she-wolf Lupa; and Mowgli's story has been told ever since he was conceived by Rudyard Kipling in The Jungle Book. While this wolf story might seem to imagine a friendly way of living with other-than-human beings, its contemporary uptake in media also serves as a prop for white supremacist orientations to the myth that reassert the primacy of “human” life, while always determining who counts as human. Nature, on this stage, is a savage, dangerous backdrop against which human cruelties and violence are portrayed as the “survival of the fittest.”