bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar-Induced Aphasia After Stroke: Evidence for the “Linguistic Cerebellum”
Authors: Satoer Djaina , Koudstaal Peter J. , Visch-Brink Evy , van der Giessen Ruben S.
Published: January 2024

The cerebellum is traditionally known to subserve motor functions. However, for several decades, the concept of the “cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome” has evolved. Studies in healthy participants and patients have confirmed the cerebellar role in language. The exact involvement of the cerebellum regarding cerebellar aphasia remains uncertain. We included 43 cerebellar stroke patients who were tested at 3 months post-onset with the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Token Test (TT), and the Diagnostic Instrument for Mild Aphasia (DIMA). Lesion side (left/right) and volume (cm3) were investigated. Patients significantly deviated on the following: BNT (p<0.001), TT (p<0.05), DIMA subtests: sentences repetition (p=0.001), semantic odd-picture-out (p<0.05), sentence completion (p<0.05) without an effect of lesion location (left/right) or volume (cm3) (p>0.05). Our clinical study confirms a non-lateralized cerebellar aphasia post-stroke, characterized by impairments in word retrieval, phonology, semantics, and syntax resembling cerebral-induced aphasia. The integral cerebellum appears to interact with eloquent cortico-subcortical language areas.
Distribution of tetrodotoxin and its analogs in the toxic flatworm Planocera multitentaculata from Honshu Island, Japan
Authors: Suo Rei , Tanaka Makoto , Asano Masaki , Nakahigashi Ryota , Adachi Masaatsu , Nishikawa Toshio , Ogiso Shouzo , Matsubara Hajime , Suzuki Nobuo , Itoi Shiro
Published: January 2024

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), one of the most potent naturally occurring neurotoxins, has been detected in both marine and terrestrial organisms. The marine polyclad flatworm Planocera multitentaculata is known to contain high levels of TTX throughout its life cycle, including in the egg and larval stages. We recently reported that P. multitentaculata from the coastal area of Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan, possesses TTX analogs including 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, monodeoxyTTXs, dideoxyTTXs, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol. It is not known whether all P. multitentaculata occurring in the Japanese archipelago possess major TTX analogs, or whether regional variations in TTX profile exist. In this study, we used high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry to investigate the content profile of TTX and its analogs in P. multitentaculata collected from several regions of the Japanese coast. We detected TTX and its major analogs 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, dideoxyTTXs, monodeoxyTTXs, and 11-norTTX-6(S)-ol in all specimens regardless of the sampling site. In addition, their relative proportions showed a similar pattern. These results suggest that the flatworm may have mechanisms involved in maintaining the proportions of TTX and its analogs in the body. How the toxic flatworms acquire the highly concentrated toxins and maintain the proportions of TTXs is therefore of great interest and further investigation.
Coastal retreat and sea-cliff dynamic on the North Atlantic coast (Gerra Beach, Cantabrian Coast, Spain)
Authors: Serrano Enrique , de Sanjosé José Juan , Gómez-Lende Manuel , Sánchez-Fernández Manuel , Gómez-Gutiérrez Alvaro
Published: January 2024

Gerra is small beach located at the foot of a cliff on the Western coast of Cantabria (North of Iberian Peninsula). It has a sandy distal part and a proximal part at the foot of the cliff made up of boulders, supported by rockfalls and landslides from the cliff. Claystones, limestones and marls of the Triassic and Cretaceous ages form the cliff. To study geomorphological processes, a geomorphological map was drawn up; analysis of the beach deposits as texture, granulometry and Atterberg limits; analysis of photogrammetric flights between 1957 and 2017; drone flights between 2017 and 2020; and geomatic monitoring of the cliff and the beach by means of a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) between 2012 and 2019. The processes involved in the coastal dynamic and retreat of the cliff and beach have been established, as well as the rates of erosion and retreat, which coincide with other beaches on the Cantabrian Coast. The current dynamics are characterized by the moderate regression of the coastline and greater regression and dynamism at the cliff-top, which implies the gradual degradation of the cliff due to loss of verticality. Among the factors involved in the cliff degradation, the main changes in the present and future evolution of the sea cliff can only be ascribed to sea level rise.
Brief Virtual Reality Mindfulness is More Effective than Audio Mindfulness and Colouring in Reducing Stress in University Students
Authors: Cawley Amy , Tejeiro Ricardo
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Although various multi-week mindfulness programs have been introduced for stress reduction over the past decades, there is still little evidence on the effectiveness of short, self-applied interventions. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality mindfulness and audio mindfulness, as well as a simple colouring session.

Method

Sixty-seven participants were initially enrolled, with 64 remaining after exclusions. They were randomly allocated to one of three face-to-face stress management interventions: virtual reality (VR) mindfulness, audio mindfulness or colouring. Before and after the 10-min intervention, questionnaires were administered to assess differences in perceived stress, psychological well-being, and engagement. Heart rate was also measured to indicate physiological stress.

Results

VR mindfulness was the only intervention to significantly increase wellbeing. Both VR and colouring significantly reduced stress, with VR producing the largest reduction in heart rate, though this was not statistically significant when compared to baseline. The three conditions were perceived as highly engaging, with the highest scores corresponding to VR mindfulness and the lowest to audio mindfulness.

Conclusions

This study shows that a single brief session of VR mindfulness can produce short-term beneficial effects in people at high risk of stress, greater than those achieved through colouring and audio mindfulness. This suggests promising direct implications for university mental health services, although future research is needed to explore long-term benefits as well as the relative efficacy of longer interventions.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
The role of stromal cells in epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Wang Juanjing , Peng Junmei , Chen Yonglin , Nasser M. I. , Qin Hui
Published: January 2024

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells’ EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.
Theorem proving in artificial neural networks: new frontiers in mathematical AI
Authors: Pantsar Markus
Published: January 2024

Computer assisted theorem proving is an increasingly important part of mathematical methodology, as well as a long-standing topic in artificial intelligence (AI) research. However, the current generation of theorem proving software have limited functioning in terms of providing new proofs. Importantly, they are not able to discriminate interesting theorems and proofs from trivial ones. In order for computers to develop further in theorem proving, there would need to be a radical change in how the software functions. Recently, machine learning results in solving mathematical tasks have shown early promise that deep artificial neural networks could learn symbolic mathematical processing. In this paper, I analyze the theoretical prospects of such neural networks in proving mathematical theorems. In particular, I focus on the question how such AI systems could be incorporated in practice to theorem proving and what consequences that could have. In the most optimistic scenario, this includes the possibility of autonomous automated theorem provers (AATP). Here I discuss whether such AI systems could, or should, become accepted as active agents in mathematical communities.
Tactical Conflict Avoidance of Manned Traffic - Display Concepts for UAV Pilots
Authors: Peukert Markus , Santel Christoph G.
Published: January 2024

The number of collisions between manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has risen due to the increased use of UAVs. Pilots of manned aircraft can visually detect the usually much smaller UAVs only very late or not at all, which is why UAVs are required to avoid manned aircraft in lower airspace by most regulations. For the task of collision avoidance, the UAV pilot needs appropriate traffic awareness. While operating UAVs within the visual line of sight (VLOS), the UAV pilot can monitor the surrounding traffic himself, but operation beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) requires an additional airspace observer or a supporting detect-and-avoid system. In this work, a traffic display concept supporting UAV pilots is derived and proposed using the human-centered design process. Commonly used collision avoidance displays of manned and unmanned aviation are reviewed and the user context for the proposed traffic display is introduced. An online survey is conducted to gather user preferences for several 2D graphical elements of the traffic display. 25 experienced UAV pilots participated in the survey. The data is analyzed using Gwet’s $$AC_1$$

A

C
1

agreement coefficient. Overall, fair agreement can be observed with individual coefficients for different 2D graphical elements ranging from poor to almost perfect agreement. With a developed heuristic, preferred 2D graphical elements are extracted and combinations reviewed to derive a complete traffic display design. The proposed traffic display design, based on user preferences, will be implemented for further evaluation in human-in-the-loop experiments.
Real-life data of Pasireotide LAR in acromegaly: a long-term follow-up
Authors: Urbani C. , Dassie F. , Zampetti B. , Mioni R. , Maffei P. , Cozzi R. , Bogazzi F.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Pasireotide LAR (PAS-LAR) was released in Italy in 2017 to treat acromegaly patients resistant to SRLs (Somatostatin Receptors Ligands). The long-term follow-up data of PAS-LAR therapy in Italy are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAS-LAR in acromegaly.

Design

Patients with acromegaly in PAS-LAR treatment were enrolled in three tertiary Italian endocrinological centers and evaluated by a retrospective observational real-life multicentre study.

Methods

Patients have been studied before (baseline) and 1, 6, 12, 24 and > 36 months after PAS-LAR start. Clinical, biochemical, and pituitary magnetic resonance data were collected, along with information on adverse events. Acromegaly disease activity was classified according to the IGF-1 index (normal value < 1.0).

Results

Fifty patients (female 23) were enrolled. PAS-LAR treatment (mean follow-up 24 ± 16 months) significantly decreased IGF-1 levels (IGF-1 index baseline vs last visit: 1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.6, p < 0.0001). At the last visit, 67% of patients had controlled disease, and 44% showed a decrease in tumor volume. Clinical and biochemical efficacy was observed as early as after 1-month of PAS-LAR treatment (IGF-1 index baseline vs 1-month: 1.9 ± 0.6 vs 1.4 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001). Also, 50% of patients referred headache improvement or disappearance. Fifteen patients discontinued PAS-LAR due to failure of treatment and poor glycaemic control. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 33% at the baseline to 54% at the last visit (p = 0.0072).

Conclusion

In real-life settings, PAS-LAR significantly decreases symptoms, IGF-1 levels, and the size of adenoma in patients with acromegaly resistant to SRLs. Beneficial effects may occur early after the first injection.
Fabrication of pollution-free coal gangue-based catalytic material utilizing ferrous chloride as activator for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation
Authors: Sun Zhiming , Wang Xinlin , Jia Shaoran , Liang Jialin , Ning Xiaotian , Li Chunquan
Published: January 2024

Novel coal gangue-based persulfate catalyst (CG-FeCl2) was successfully synthesized by the means of calcinating under nitrogen atmosphere with the addition of ferrous chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2·4H2O). The phase transformation of the prepared materials and gas products during the heating process are thoroughly investigated. It is suggested that ferrous chloride participated in the phase transformation and formed Si-O-Fe bonds. And the main gaseous products are H2O, H2, and HCl during the heating process. Besides, the ability of CG-FeCl2 to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for catalytic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenol was deeply studied. More than 95% of naphthyl, phenanthrene and phenol were removed under optimizied conditions. In addition, 1O2, ·OH, and SO4·− were involved in the CG-FeCl2/PMS system from the free radical scavenging experiment, where 1O2 played a major role during the oxidation process. Furthermore, CG-FeCl2/PMS system exhibited superior stability in a relatively wide pH range and the presence of common anion from related degradation experiments. Overall, the novel CG-FeCl2 is an efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst, displaying potential application prospect in the field of PAHs and phenol-contaminated wastewater treatment.
Low-carbon energy systems: seizing market-based business opportunities across borders
Authors: Kalirajan Kaliappa
Published: January 2024

Asia has been experiencing much faster economic growth than the world average and has been consuming more energy and natural resources than our planet’s regenerative capacity can provide. With each passing day, Asia’s carbon emissions have been growing, as does its vulnerability to climate risks. The poor are the most vulnerable to these disruptions, lacking options to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The transition to a low-carbon green growth in almost all of emerging economies in the Asian region is underway. This transition has become unstoppable and irreversible. In this context, it is important to realize that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has its own impact on the economies. Nevertheless, it has also created new once-in-a-generation opportunities for implementing hard policy reforms through economic recovery and stimulus packages. The need to accelerate the low-carbon transition as part of the pandemic recovery is unquestionable, but the question is how to do it in a cost-effective way. This research presents a broad diagnosis of new regional cooperation opportunities in areas essential to complete the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2030 and a net zero economy by 2050–2060. It highlights where regional cooperation and coordination can have the greatest impact. It points to a number of policy areas—trade, carbon taxation, carbon pricing, and innovation—where regional cooperation reduces the cost of implementing national actions and complements global pacts. This model also creates business opportunities for developing competitive green industries and low-carbon technologies across countries in the region.
Design and characterization of iron–calcium–aluminium–silicate–hydrate as low-temperature binder
Authors: Tchio Julson Aymard , Yerima Ngu , Kaze Cyriaque Rodrigue , Kamseu Elie , Chinje Florence Uphie , Leonelli Cristina
Published: January 2024

This work aims to synthesize new cementitious materials (binders) using marble powder, rice husk ash, activated laterite and NaOH solution by applying low energy process. The binder was used to stabilize solid precursors (laterite and pozzolan). To achieve this objective, calcium–silicate–hydrate (CSH) was first synthesized at different temperatures (26, 50, 80 and 100 °C). The best physical–mechanical properties were chosen to produce iron–calcium–aluminium–silicate–hydrate [Fe–C(A)SH] at different concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution: 4, 5, 6 M. Finally, the formulated binder at 6 M of NaOH solution was used to stabilize laterite and pozzolans at the following proportions 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. The samples were characterized after 28 days of curing at room temperature. FT-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and environmental scanning electron microscope ESEM-EDS permitted to confirm the formation of CSH, and Fe–C(A)SH. The mechanical test used to evaluate the performance showed that the incorporation of 10% iron-rich laterite into CSH increased the strength up to 42.93 MPa and the addition of Fe–C(A)SH in the laterite/pozzolans increased the compressive strength of the final product (15.34 and 15.8 MPa for laterite and pozzolan, respectively). The highest concentration (6 M) increases the alkalinity and reduces the efficiency of silicate polymerization affecting the final structural compound. From the results, low-energy Fe–C(A)SH-based cement and stabilized compounds appeared promising for the development of sustainable infrastructures.
Bullying and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Correlating the Victimization of High-Functioning Autism Students with Educational Practices in the Context of Inclusion in Primary Education
Authors: Gkatsa Tatiani , Antoniou Irene
Published: January 2024

Bullying and victimization in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a problem of particular importance, as this category of students is at high risk of victimization by other students, which negatively affects their psychosocial and emotional development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the rate of victimization of children with high-functioning autism (AHF) by their peers in primary school, and whether this rate correlates with teachers’ education professionals’ classroom practices for the inclusion. Data collection was conducted using two questionnaires, the Autism Inclusion Questionnaire (AIQ) (Segall & Campbell in Autism inclusion questionnaire, 2007), which explores the educational practices that teachers utilize in terms of including students with ASD in the general classroom (Segall & Campbell in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders 6(3):1156–1167, 2012), and the questionnaire on victimization of children with ASD by their peers (Belidou in Autism spectrum disorder and victimization: teachers’ views of the association with theory of mind and friendship (Master thesis), 2017). The survey was based on the responses of 143 teachers who teach primary school students diagnosed with high-functioning ASD. The results showed that 34.3% of teachers observed that AHF children are at higher risk of victimization compared to typically developing children. Also, it was found that there are several educational practices of children with autism, which are associated with the victimization of children belonging to the high-functioning autism spectrum.
Is identifying boredom the answer to controlling the bombardment of notifications on mobile devices?
Authors: Kamal Rashid , Rextin Aimal , Nugent Chris , Cleland Ian , McCullagh Paul
Published: January 2024

Mobile notifications have become ubiquitous in modern life, yet excessive volumes contribute to interruption overload. This paper investigates intelligent notification management leveraging user context. A three-stage methodology employed a focus group, survey, and in-the-wild data collection app. The focus group $$(n=12)$$

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provided preliminary insights into notification perceptions during boredom which informed survey design. The survey $$(n=106)$$

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probed usage habits across times, days, and app categories. The SeektheNotification app gathered real-world notification data from 20 Android users over 3 months.Analysis revealed social and personal apps dominate notification volumes (91% combined). Shorter response delays occurred on weekends and after 12 pm, suggesting heightened user receptivity during boredom. Random Forest classification achieved 88% accuracy, outperforming 13 other algorithms, underscoring machine learning’s potential for context-aware notification systems.Our exploratory findings indicate notifications could be optimized by considering situational factors like boredom. Further research should expand context beyond boredom and employ advanced deep learning techniques. This preliminary study demonstrates the promise of leveraging user psychology and machine intelligence to develop smarter interruption management systems to combat notification overload.
Digitisation and Georeferencing of an Oversized Historical Map of the Bailiwick of Neuland (Winsen/Luhe) using Structure-from-Motion (SFM) Photogrammetry
Authors: Kersten Thomas , Stößel Leon , Lindstaedt Maren
Published: January 2024

The study of historical maps has gained significant importance in recent years due to their ability to shed light on past geographical and topographic landscapes since they serve as crucial sources for understanding past conditions. They not only provide insights into the geography and topography during the time they were created but also allow for studying long-term changes over time. In this study, an oversized historical map of the Bailiwick of Neuland from the years 1780 to 1790 was discovered in the archives of the municipal building office in Winsen an der Luhe, Germany. The map, measuring approximately 5 m × 2 m, was digitised by photogrammetric methods and subsequently georeferenced. The process involved photographing the map with two different cameras and two UAV systems at the Geodetic Laboratory of HafenCity University Hamburg. This allowed to generate a high-resolution orthophoto from each data set. The resulting orthophoto achieved a pixel size of 0.2 mm, ensuring a detailed representation of the map. To ensure accuracy, the best photo block was scaled in a bundle block adjustment using ground control points with an accuracy of 1 mm and scale bars with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. Georeferencing of the historical map was conducted using current digital orthophotos of Lower Saxony with a resolution of 20 cm. A third-degree polynomial transformation was applied during georeferencing, resulting in mean residuals of 2.5 m at the ground control points. This process ensured that the historical map was accurately aligned with the current digital orthophotos, allowing for precise spatial referencing.
Spectral of the nonlinear weighted superposition operator on Fock spaces
Authors: Felke Yonas Eshetu , Mengestie Tesfa , Takele Mollalgn Haile
Published: January 2024

We follow several approaches in nonlinear spectral theory and determine the various spectral forms for the nonlinear weighted superposition operator on Fock spaces. The results show that most of the forms introduced so far coincide and contain singeltons. The classical, asymptotic, and connected eigenvalues, and some numerical ranges of the operator are also identified. We further prove that the operator is both linear and odd asymptotically with respect to the pointwise multiplication operator on the spaces.
Transforming our Critical Systems
Authors: van der Zanden Gerardus , Henzen Rozanne
Published: January 2024

We have entered an era of perverse economic growth, at the expense of social and natural capital. As the world runs further behind on the Sustainable Development Goals, managing and mitigating the looming environmental and social crises in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world will be one of the biggest challenges, but also biggest commercial opportunities of our time. Building on earlier research on systemic change, using the WHAT-HOW-WHY framework, this Element presents actionable insights for the radical systemic reinvention of our 'critical systems' that satisfy human and societal needs, such as nutrition, mobility, infrastructure or health. The authors highlight ten emerging paradigms for future-fit systemic change, discuss how stakeholder mindsets can be developed, and present new skills for leaders and a pathway for companies to become drivers of collaborative transformation. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Credit Rating Agencies
Authors: Mennillo Giulia
Published: January 2024

Credit rating agencies (CRAs) assess the creditworthiness of debt issuers on financial markets. They are private companies and the ratings they issue are judgements about the prospect of repayment of debt by an issuer in time and in full. A rating is not an investment recommendation, but it is an opinion about the creditworthiness of a financial product or an issuing bank, government, supra- or sub-national institution.

In recent years CRAs have gained an authority in bond markets that far surpasses their original design. The financial crisis of 2008 thrust the CRAs into the spotlight as their highly rated financial products turned out to be toxic assets. CRAs were blamed not only for their excessively optimistic ratings, but also for their complicity in creating them.

This short book introduces and explores the complex world of the credit rating industry: how it works, how it has evolved, the role it played in the financial crisis, and how it is regulated. Giulia Mennillo shows, as constitutive actors of global financial capitalism, CRAs have a social and political relevance that reaches well beyond finance into areas of transport, infrastructure, education and health and their impact is emblematic of the increasing financialization of our world.
How Does the Pinatubo Eruption Influence Our Understanding of Long‐Term Changes in Ocean Biogeochemistry?
Authors: Olivarez Holly C. , Lovenduski Nicole S. , Eddebbar Yassir A. , Fay Amanda R. , McKinley Galen A. , Levy Michael N. , Long Matthew C.
Published: January 2024

Pinatubo erupted during the first decadal survey of ocean biogeochemistry, embedding its climate fingerprint into foundational ocean biogeochemical observations and complicating the interpretation of long‐term biogeochemical change. Here, we quantify the influence of the Pinatubo climate perturbation on externally forced decadal and multi‐decadal changes in key ocean biogeochemical quantities using a large ensemble simulation of the Community Earth System Model designed to isolate the effects of Pinatubo, which cleanly captures the ocean biogeochemical response to the eruption. We find increased uptake of apparent oxygen utilization and preindustrial carbon over 1993–2003. Nearly 100% of the forced response in these quantities are attributable to Pinatubo. The eruption caused enhanced ventilation of the North Atlantic, as evidenced by deep ocean chlorofluorocarbon changes that appear 10–15 years after the eruption. Our results help contextualize observed change and contribute to improved constraints on uncertainty in the global carbon budget and ocean deoxygenation.
Impacts of Mid‐Pliocene Ice Sheets and Vegetation on Afro‐Asian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Revealed by EC‐Earth Simulations
Authors: Han Zixuan , Power Katherine , Li Gen , Zhang Qiong
Published: January 2024

The impact of mid‐Pliocene boundary conditions on Afro‐Asian summer monsoon (AfroASM) rainfall is examined using the fully coupled Earth System Model EC‐Earth3‐LR. Our focus lies on the effects of varying CO2 concentration, diminished ice sheets and vegetation dynamics. We find that the enhanced AfroASM rainfall is predominantly caused by the “warmer‐gets‐wetter” mechanism due to elevated CO2 levels. Additionally, the ice sheet, similar in size to that of the mid‐Pliocene era, creates several indirect effects. These include sea ice‐albedo feedback and inter‐hemispheric atmosphere energy transport. Such influences result in the southward shift of Hadley circulation and formation of Pacific‐Japan pattern, leading to reduced rainfall in North African and South Asian monsoon regions but increased rainfall in East Asian monsoon region. Interestingly, while dynamic vegetation feedback has a minimal direct effect on AfroASM rainfall, it significantly influences rainfall in the mid‐high latitudes of the North Hemisphere by enhancing water vapor feedback.
Migrating Foreshocks Driven by a Slow Slip Event Before the 2021 MW 6.1 Yangbi, China Earthquake
Authors: Wang Kaiying , Peng Zhigang , Liang Shiming , Luo Jiahong , Zhang Keliang , He Changrong
Published: January 2024

Foreshocks are known to occur before certain large earthquakes, but the physical mechanism is still in debate. Recent field and laboratory studies have supported either cascade‐triggering, pre‐slip or a combination of both models. Here we use a dense seismic and geodetic network deployed in 2018 in Southwest China to quantify the long‐term background seismicity, short‐term spatio‐temporal evolutions of foreshocks and transient deformation before the 2021 MW 6.1 Yangbi earthquake. We find multiple episodes of migrating foreshocks and repeating earthquakes in the last 4 days of the Yangbi mainshock. A rapid migration of microseismicity started in the last 30 minutes toward the eventual initiation point of the Yangbi mainshock, well beyond the rupture zone of the largest MW 5.2 foreshock at that time. The Coulomb stress changes due to relatively large‐size foreshocks at the mainshock hypocenter are positive but relatively small (0.005–0.05 MPa). We also observe continuous geodetic signals with ∼20 mm of cumulative displacement at a nearby GPS station coinciding with the last hour of intense foreshocks. The inverted aseismic moment is equivalent to a MW 5.56 event with the maximum slip of ∼200 mm at 6 km depth, larger than the cumulative seismic slip of ∼60–120 mm inverted from waveforms of several large M4+ foreshocks. In addition, the predicted surface displacements based on the coseismic slips of the M4+ foreshocks are unobservable in the GPS data. We propose a migratory slow‐slip model where a transient slow‐slip event drives the last hour of foreshock sequence and eventually trigger the Yangbi mainshock.
Buoyant Impact Partial Melts on Ancient Mars
Authors: Black B. A. , Marchi S.
Published: January 2024

Most of the Martian crust formed prior to ∼4 Ga, but the magmatic processes responsible for finalizing the structure and composition of the ancient crust remain enigmatic. Impacts can produce large volumes of melt under a wide range of melting pressures, temperatures, and degrees of melting. Hellas, Argyre, Isidis, and Utopia basins date to around 4 Ga, demonstrating that basin‐scale impacts helped to place the finishing touches on an already established crust. In this work, we focus on the ascent and intrusion of impact partial melts generated at mantle depths and the consequences for the petrology and structure of the Martian crust. Specifically, we show that the majority of impact partial melts are buoyant, favoring ascent to the surface or to neutral buoyancy levels in the crust, where magmas solidify as intrusive rocks. The composition of these polybaric melts overlaps with some ancient Martian igneous materials. We propose that the process of ascent of deep‐seated impact partial melts and intrusion at shallower levels may have contributed to the observed crustal stratification and ancient petrologic diversity on Mars.
Late Cretaceous Sevier Versus Laramide Orogenies in Wyoming‐Utah‐Colorado, USA: New Insights From Basin Subsidence History
Authors: Zhou Danya , Liu Shaofeng , Wang Lianbin , Wan Neng , Steel Ronald
Published: January 2024

Variability in subsidence rates within Upper Cretaceous strata of the Western Interior Basin offers crucial insights into the response of surface sedimentation styles to Sevier‐to‐Laramide tectonics and related deep mantle processes. The formation mechanisms of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Basin in North America have long been a subject of debate. A re‐evaluation of the basin's subsidence history reveals rapid subsidence pulses lasting ca. 2 Myr within longer‐term (average 5.7 Myr) progradational or aggradational clastic wedges. The timing of these wedges, especially the widespread marine flooding resulting from subsidence, is constrained through the calibration of ammonite zonation with absolute dates. Sevier wedges exhibit a different architecture compared to the Laramide wedges. The former recorded initial rapid and widespread marine transgressions followed by long‐term coastal progradation, whereas the latter developed by initial erosional and progradational growth followed by aggradation and long‐term coastal transgression. The Sevier clastic wedges, initially accumulated within a N‐S elongated, long‐wavelength tectonic subsidence zone close to the thrust belt, gradually migrated cratonward. Starting in the early Campanian (ca. 82 Ma), the Laramide Orogeny developed along a NW‐SE trend and then migrated northeastward, roughly consistent with coeval long‐wavelength frontal basin subsidence. The spatio‐temporal variations in long‐wavelength tectonic subsidence indicate a shift in the dynamic subsidence's migration direction from eastward to northeastward, driven by changes in Farallon subduction direction and mode. Our work shows how repeated subsidence behavior in the Sevier‐to‐Laramide transition records evolving architectural responses and the trajectory of coeval dynamic topography.
Road Development May Put Habitats at Risk
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: January 2024

New research links road construction with increased urbanization and more fragmented species ranges.
River Damming: How it Harms Fish and What Can Be Done
Authors: Chen Qiuwen , Zhang Jianyun , Li Qinyuan
Published: January 2024

The severe impacts of river damming on fish habitats have aroused widespread attention, prompting major conservation measures to help mitigate these negative effects.
Adipose tissue-derived metabolite risk scores and risk for type 2 diabetes in South Asians
Authors: Gadgil Meghana D. , Cheng Jing , Herrington David M. , Kandula Namratha R. , Kanaya Alka M.
Published: January 2024

Background

South Asians are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) than many other race/ethnic groups. Ectopic adiposity, specifically hepatic steatosis and visceral fat may partially explain this. Our objective was to derive metabolite risk scores for ectopic adiposity and assess associations with incident T2D in South Asians.

Methods

We examined 550 participants in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) cohort study aged 40–84 years without known cardiovascular disease or T2D and with metabolomic data. Computed tomography scans at baseline assessed hepatic attenuation and visceral fat area, and fasting serum specimens at baseline and after 5 years assessed T2D. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed followed by targeted integration and reporting of known signals. Elastic net regularized linear regression analyses was used to derive risk scores for hepatic steatosis and visceral fat using weighted coefficients. Logistic regression models associated metabolite risk score and incident T2D, adjusting for age, gender, study site, BMI, physical activity, diet quality, energy intake and use of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Results

Average age of participants was 55 years, 36% women with an average body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 and 6% prevalence of hepatic steatosis, with 47 cases of incident T2D at 5 years. There were 445 metabolites of known identity. Of these, 313 metabolites were included in the MET-Visc score and 267 in the MET-Liver score. In most fully adjusted models, MET-Liver (OR 2.04 [95% CI 1.38, 3.03]) and MET-Visc (OR 2.80 [1.75, 4.46]) were associated with higher odds of T2D. These associations remained significant after adjustment for measured adiposity.

Conclusions

Metabolite risk scores for intrahepatic fat and visceral fat were strongly related to incident T2D independent of measured adiposity. Use of these biomarkers to target risk stratification may help capture pre-clinical metabolic abnormalities.
Early life stress and body-mass-index modulate brain connectivity in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Agarwal Khushbu , Joseph Paule V. , Zhang Rui , Schwandt Melanie L. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Diazgranados Nancy , Goldman David , Momenan Reza
Published: January 2024

Early life stress (ELS) significantly increases susceptibility to alcohol use disorder (AUD) by affecting the interplay between the executive and the salience networks (SNs). The link between AUD and higher body-mass index (BMI) is known, but we lack understanding of how BMI impacts the relationship between ELS and brain connectivity in individuals with AUD. To bridge this gap, we investigated the main and interaction effects of ELS and BMI on brain connectivity in individuals with AUD compared to non-AUD participants (n = 77 sex-matched individuals per group). All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, revealing intriguing positive functional connectivity between SN seeds and brain regions involved in somatosensory processing, motor coordination and executive control. Examining the relationship of brain connectivity with ELS and BMI, we observed positive associations with the correlations of SN seeds, right anterior insula (RAIns) and supramarginal gyrus (SMG) with clusters in motor [occipital cortex, supplementary motor cortex]; anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) with clusters in frontal, or executive, control regions (middle frontal gyrus; MFG, precentral gyrus) that reportedly are involved in processing of emotionally salient stimuli (all |β | > 0.001, |p | < 0.05). Interestingly, a negative association of the interaction effect of ELS events and BMI measures with the functional connectivity of SN seeds ACC with decision-making (MFG, precentral gyrus), RAIns and RSMG with visuo-motor control regions (occipital cortex and supplementary motor cortex) (all |β | = −0.001, |p | < 0.05). These findings emphasize the moderating effect of BMI on ELS-associated SN seed brain connectivity in AUD. Understanding the neural mechanisms linking BMI, ELS and AUD can guide targeted interventions for this population.
Genetic evidence for the causal relations between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Xue , Qin Yi , Jiao Shu , Hao Junhui , Zhao Jian , Wang Jiale , Wen Yanchao , Wang Tong
Published: January 2024

Emerging evidence reveals associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders (PDs), although causality remains uncertain. Consequently, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically evaluate the causality between MetS and PDs. Linkage disequilibrium score regression estimated the heritability of PDs and their genetic correlations with MetS. In primary analyses, the main model employed inverse variance weighting method, with sensitivity analyses using various MR models to ensure robustness. Replication MR analyses, involving cohorts distinct from those in the primary analyses, were performed to validate the generalizability of the findings. Multivariable MR analyses were carried out to account for genetically predicted body mass index (BMI). As a result, genetic correlations of MetS with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), anorexia nervosa(ANO), major depressive disorder(MDD), and schizophrenia were identified. Causal effects of MetS on ADHD (OR: 1.59 [95% CI:1.45–1.74]), ANO (OR: 1.42 [95% CI:1.25–1.61]), MDD(OR: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.13–1.33]), and the effects of ADHD (OR: 1.03 [95% CI: 1.02–1.04]) and ANO (OR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.01–1.02]) on MetS were observed in primary analyses. Results from sensitivity analyses and replication analyses were generally consistent with the primary analyses, confirming the robustness and generalizability of the findings. Associations between MetS and ADHD, as well as ANO persisted after adjusting for BMI, whereas the statistical significance of the association between MetS and MDD was no longer observable. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying PDs, suggesting potential modifiable targets for public prevention and clinical intervention in specific PDs related to metabolic pathways.
LUBAC-mediated M1 Ub regulates necroptosis by segregating the cellular distribution of active MLKL
Authors: Weinelt Nadine , Wächtershäuser Kaja Nicole , Celik Gulustan , Jeiler Birte , Gollin Isabelle , Zein Laura , Smith Sonja , Andrieux Geoffroy , Das Tonmoy , Roedig Jens , Feist Leonard , Rotter Björn , Boerries Melanie , Pampaloni Francesco , van Wijk Sjoerd J. L.
Published: January 2024

Plasma membrane accumulation of phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) is a hallmark of necroptosis, leading to membrane rupture and inflammatory cell death. Pro-death functions of MLKL are tightly controlled by several checkpoints, including phosphorylation. Endo- and exocytosis limit MLKL membrane accumulation and counteract necroptosis, but the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC)-mediated M1 poly-ubiquitination (poly-Ub) as novel checkpoint for necroptosis regulation downstream of activated MLKL in cells of human origin. Loss of LUBAC activity inhibits tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-mediated necroptosis, not by affecting necroptotic signaling, but by preventing membrane accumulation of activated MLKL. Finally, we confirm LUBAC-dependent activation of necroptosis in primary human pancreatic organoids. Our findings identify LUBAC as novel regulator of necroptosis which promotes MLKL membrane accumulation in human cells and pioneer primary human organoids to model necroptosis in near-physiological settings.
DNA polymerase beta connects tumorigenicity with the circadian clock in liver cancer through the epigenetic demethylation of Per1
Authors: Chen Siyu , Zhang Wenxiang , Li Xiao , Cao Zhengyu , Liu Chang
Published: January 2024

The circadian-controlled DNA repair exhibits a strong diurnal rhythm. Disruption in circadian clock and DNA repair is closely linked with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that polymerase beta (POLB), a critical enzyme in the DNA base excision repair pathway, is rhythmically expressed at the translational level in mouse livers. Hepatic POLB dysfunction dampens clock homeostasis, whereas retards HCC progression, by mediating the methylation of the 4th CpG island on the 5′UTR of clock gene Per1. Clinically, POLB is overexpressed in human HCC samples and positively associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, the hepatic rhythmicity of POLB protein expression is orchestrated by Calreticulin (CALR). Our findings provide important insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the synergy between clock and food signals on the POLB-driven BER system and reveal new clock-dependent carcinogenetic effects of POLB. Therefore, chronobiological modulation of POLB may help to promote precise interventions for HCC.
CYB561 promotes HER2+ breast cancer proliferation by inhibiting H2AFY degradation
Authors: Zhao Ting , Wang Chaomin , Zhao Na , Qiao Ge , Hua Jialei , Meng Donghua , Liu Liming , Zhong Benfu , Liu Miao , Wang Yichao , Bai Changsen , Li Yueguo
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer (BRCA) has a high incidence and mortality rate among women. Different molecular subtypes of breast cancer have different prognoses and require personalized therapies. It is imperative to find novel therapeutic targets for different molecular subtypes of BRCA. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that Cytochromeb561 (CYB561) is highly expressed in BRCA and correlates with poor prognosis, especially in HER2-positive BRCA. Overexpression of CYB561 could upregulate macroH2A (H2AFY) expression in HER2-positive BRCA cells through inhibition of H2AFY ubiquitination, and high expression of CYB561 in HER2-positive BRCA cells could promote the proliferation and migration of cells. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that CYB561 regulates H2AFY expression, thereby influencing the expression of NF-κB, a downstream molecule of H2AFY. These findings have been validated through in vivo experiments. In conclusion, we propose that CYB561 may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of HER2-positive BRCA.
The explanation of educational disparities in adiposity by lifestyle, socioeconomic and mental health mediators: a multiple mediation model
Authors: Bartoskova Polcrova Anna , Ksinan Albert J. , González-Rivas Juan P. , Bobak Martin , Pikhart Hynek
Published: January 2024

Background

The inverse association between education and obesity was previously found in numerous studies. This study aims to assess several possible mediators in the educational disparities in adiposity. We hypothesize the potential mediating role of lifestyle, socioeconomic, and mental health factors in the association between education and adiposity.

Methods

Cross-sectional population-based sample from Czechia included 2,154 25-64 years old subjects (54.6% women). Education was classified as high, middle, and low. Adiposity was assessed as a latent variable based on body fat percentage, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat. The mediation potential of unhealthy dietary behavior, alcohol intake, smoking, sedentary behaviors, income, stress, depression, and quality of life was assessed in age-adjusted sex-specific multiple mediation models.

Results

The negative direct effect of education on adiposity was statistically significant at 5% level of significance in both sexes. For men, the indirect effect was statistically significant via sedentary behavior (β = 0.041; 95% CI [0.025–0.062]) with a mediation ratio of 23.7%. In women, the indirect effect was statistically significant via dietary risk (β = −0.023, 95% CI [−0.037, −0.013]), alcohol intake (β = −0.006; 95% CI [−0.014, −0.001]), sedentary behavior (β = 0.012, 95% CI [0.004,0.023]), income (β = −0.022; 95% CI [−0.041, −0.004]), and mental health (β = −0.007; 95% CI [−0.019, −0.001]). The total mediation ratio in women was 30.5%.

Conclusions

Sedentary behaviors had mediating role in the association between education and adiposity in both sexes, with more important role in men. In addition, unhealthy diet and lower income partially mediated the educational gradient in adiposity in women.