bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An introduction to geological mapping of our world and others
Authors: Butler Robert W. H. , Torvela Taija , Williams Lucy
Published: January 2024

Map-making is a fundamental tool for developing geological knowledge. It involves data collection and interpretation and has its roots in the earliest discoveries in Earth Sciences. It is the starting point for stratigraphic and structural interpretations, metamorphic facies, geochronology and modelling studies – and underpins civil engineering. From the beginning, geological mapping rapidly evolved into far more than being a simple spatial catalogue of observable rock types and landforms on the Earth's land-surface; deductive reasoning allowing this knowledge to infer subsurface Earth structure. The same approaches are down-scaled to deduce processes on the grain-scale; or up-scaled to look out to extra-terrestrial objects. This is an introduction to fourteen papers in this Special Publication that celebrates geological mapping, its historical importance and future directions, and its use in applied geology together with developing knowledge of Earth and planetary evolution and processes. Geological mapping has a long tradition of adopting evolving technologies. This introduction considers the challenges faced in synthesizing interpretations, sharing competing interpretations on maps and the role of open-access digital resources in facing these challenges.
Cretaceous fossil birds from China
Authors: Zhou Zhonghe , Wang Min
Published: January 2024

The explosive radiation of early birds has been well documented by the extraordinary discoveries of the Early Cretaceous fossil birds in China in the past three decades. They have greatly expanded the diversity, disparity and temporal distribution of Mesozoic birds, refining our knowledge of the evolutionary path leading to the characteristic avian body plan, including feathers and powered flight, locomotion and habitat differentiation, diet and digestion, reproduction and development, feather colours and display. In addition, studies on the geological background of the Jehol Biota that produced the majority of the Chinese Cretaceous birds have provided important clues to our understanding of the taphonomy as well as the interaction between deep geological process and biological evolution in northeastern China and East Asia during the Early Cretaceous. Future multidisciplinary studies are expected to advance our knowledge of the palaeogeography of Early Cretaceous birds, what impacted the changes in the diversity of early birds in China, and the roles that early birds played in the Early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem.
Siberian Jehol Biota
Authors: Bugdaeva Eugenia V. , Golovneva Lina B.
Published: January 2024

Volcanogenic-sedimentary and coal-bearing deposits, which contain abundant fossils of a lacustrine fauna and terrestrial flora, are widespread in the territory of Transbaikalia (Russia), Mongolia and Northeastern China. These ecosystems are known under the name ‘Jehol Biota’, which occurs in the Yixian and Jiufotang formations. The discovery of ‘feathered’ dinosaurs and of the earliest angiosperms in western Liaoning Province (China) made them world famous. The history of this biota began in the nineteenth century, when the discoveries in Transbaikalia of the remains of conchostracans, ostracods, insects, fish and plants collected during the expedition of A.F. Middendorf were described. The Barremian–Aptian sedimentary sequences of Transbaikalia (Russia), Mongolia and Northeastern China are very similar. The appearance and evolution of the Jehol Biota occurred against the background of extensive volcanism and tectonic revival, after which normal sedimentary rocks were deposited, culminating in relief peneplanation, swamp development and peat formation. The northern limit of the distribution of this biota is determined to be up to
c.
54° modern north latitude. The existence of the Siberian Jehol Biota in extreme climatic conditions is confirmed, as was indicated for the Jehol Biota from NE China.
Computing Education in the Era of Generative AI
Authors: Denny Paul , Prather James , Becker Brett A. , Finnie-Ansley James , Hellas Arto , Leinonen Juho , Luxton-Reilly Andrew , Reeves Brent N. , Santos Eddie Antonio , Sarsa Sami
Published: January 2024

Challenges and opportunities faced by computing educators and students adapting to LLMs capable of generating accurate source code from natural-language problem descriptions.
On Dislocation Climb as an Important Deformation Mechanism for Planetary Interiors
Authors: Carrez Philippe , Mussi Alexandre , Cordier Patrick
Published: January 2024

An understanding of the rheological behavior of the solid Earth is fundamental to provide a quantitative description of most geological and geophysical phenomena. The continuum mechanics approach to describing large-scale phenomena needs to be informed by a description of the mechanisms operating at the atomic scale. These involve crystal defects, mainly vacancies and dislocations. This often leads to a binary view of creep reduced to diffusion creep or dislocation creep. However, the interaction between these two types of defects leading to dislocation climb plays an important role, and may even be the main one, in the high-temperature, low strain rate creep mechanisms of interest to the Earth sciences. Here we review the fundamentals of dislocation climb, highlighting the specific problems of minerals. We discuss the importance of computer simulations, informed by experiments, for accurately modeling climb. We show how dislocation climb increasingly appears as a deformation mechanism in its own right. We review the contribution of this mechanism to mineral deformation, particularly in Earth's mantle. Finally, we discuss progress and challenges, and we outline future work directions.
▪Dislocations can be sources or sinks of vacancies, resulting in a displacement out of the glide plane: climb.▪Dislocation climb can be a recovery mechanism during dislocation creep but also a strain-producing mechanism.▪The slow natural strain rates promote the contribution of climb, which is controlled by diffusion.▪In planetary interiors where dislocation glide can be inhibited by pressure, dislocation climb may be the only active mechanism.
Carbon Cycle–Climate Feedbacks in the Post-Paris World
Authors: Schimel David S. , Carroll Dustin
Published: January 2024

The Paris Agreement calls for emissions reductions to limit climate change, but how will the carbon cycle change if it is successful? The land and oceans currently absorb roughly half of anthropogenic emissions, but this fraction will decline in the future. The amount of carbon that can be released before climate is mitigated depends on the amount of carbon the ocean and terrestrial ecosystems can absorb. Policy is based on model projections, but observations and theory suggest that climate effects emerging in today's climate will increase and carbon cycle tipping points may be crossed. Warming temperatures, drought, and a slowing growth rate of CO2 itself will reduce land and ocean sinks and create new sources, making carbon sequestration in forests, soils, and other land and aquatic vegetation more difficult. Observations, data-assimilative models, and prediction systems are needed for managing ongoing long-term changes to land and ocean systems after achieving net-zero emissions.
▪International agreements call for stabilizing climate at 1.5° above preindustrial, while the world is already seeing damaging extremes below that.▪If climate is stabilized near the 1.5° target, the driving force for most sinks will slow, while feedbacks from the warmer climate will continue to cause sources.▪Once emissions are reduced to net zero, carbon cycle-climate feedbacks will require observations to support ongoing active management to maintain storage.
Modeling Past Hothouse Climates as a Means for Assessing Earth System Models and Improving the Understanding of Warm Climates
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Poulsen Christopher J. , Otto-Bliesner Bette L.
Published: January 2024

Simulating the warmth and equability of past hothouse climates has been a challenge since the inception of paleoclimate modeling. The newest generation of Earth system models (ESMs) has shown substantial improvements in the ability to simulate the early Eocene global mean surface temperature (GMST) and equator-to-pole gradient. Results using the Community Earth System Model suggest that parameterizations of atmospheric radiation, convection, and clouds largely determine the Eocene GMST and are responsible for improvements in the new ESMs, but they have less direct influence on the equator-to-pole temperature gradient. ESMs still have difficulty simulating some regional and seasonal temperatures, although improved data reconstructions of chronology, spatial coverage, and seasonal resolution are needed for more robust model assessment. Looking forward, key processes including radiation and clouds need to be benchmarked and improved using more accurate models of limited domain/physics. Earth system processes need to be better explored, leveraging the increasing ESM resolution and complexity.
▪Earth system models (ESMs) are now able to simulate the large-scale features of the early Eocene.▪Remaining model-data discrepancies exist at regional and seasonal scales and require improvements in both proxy data and ESMs.▪A hierarchical modeling approach is needed to ensure relevant physical processes are parameterized reasonably well in ESMs.▪Future work is needed to leverage the continuously increasing resolution and complexity of ESMs.
Sublithospheric Diamonds: Plate Tectonics from Earth's Deepest Mantle Samples
Authors: Shirey Steven B. , Pearson D. Graham , Stachel Thomas , Walter Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Sublithospheric diamonds and the inclusions they may carry crystallize in the asthenosphere, transition zone, or uppermost lower mantle (from 300 to ∼800 km), and are the deepest minerals so far recognized to form by plate tectonics. These diamonds are distinctive in their deformation features, low nitrogen content, and inclusions of these major mantle minerals: majoritic garnet, clinopyroxene, ringwoodite, CaSi perovskite, ferropericlase, and bridgmanite or their retrograde equivalents. The stable isotopic compositions of elements within these diamonds (δ11B, δ13C, δ15N) and their inclusions (δ18O, δ56Fe) are typically well outside normal mantle ranges, showing that these elements were either organic (C) or modified by seawater alteration (B, O, Fe) at relatively low temperatures. Metamorphic minerals in cold slabs are effective hosts that transport C as CO3 and H as H2O, OH, or CH4 below the island arc and mantle wedge. Warming of the slab generates carbonatitic melts, supercritical aqueous fluids, or metallic liquids, forming three types of sublithospheric diamonds. Diamond crystallization occurs by movement and reduction of mobile fluids as they pass through host mantle via fractures—a process that creates chemical heterogeneity and may promote deep focus earthquakes. Geobarometry of majoritic garnet inclusions and diamond ages suggest upward transport, perhaps to the base of mantle lithosphere. From there, diamonds are carried to Earth's surface by eruptions of kimberlite magma. Mineral assemblages in sublithospheric diamonds directly trace Earth's deep volatile cycle, demonstrating how the hydrosphere of a rocky planet can connect to its solid interior.
▪Sublithospheric diamonds from the deep upper mantle, transition zone, and lower mantle host Earth's deepest obtainable mineral samples.▪Low-temperature seawater alteration of the ocean floor captures organic and inorganic carbon at the surface eventually to become some of the most precious gem diamonds.▪Subduction transports fluids in metamorphic minerals to great depth. Fluids released by slab heating migrate, react with host mantle to induce diamond crystallization, and may trigger earthquakes.▪Sublithospheric diamonds are powerful tracers of subduction—a plate tectonic process that deeply recycles part of Earth's planetary volatile budget.
Intranasal administration of sugarcane ash causes chronic kidney disease in rats
Authors: Roncal-Jimenez Carlos A. , Rogers Keegan L. , Stem Arthur , Wijkstrom Julia , Wernerson Annika , Fox Jacob , Garcia Trabanino Ramon , Brindley Stephen , Garcia Gabriela , Miyazaki Makoto , Miyazaki-Anzai Shinobu , Sasai Fumihiko , Urra Manuel , Cara-Fuentes Gabriel , Sánchez-Lozada L. Gabriela , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Butler Dawson Jaime , Madero Magdalena , Brown Jared M. , Johnson Richard J.
Published: January 2024

Silica nanoparticles found in sugarcane ash have been postulated to be a toxicant contributing to chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown etiology. However, although the administration of manufactured silica nanoparticles is known to cause chronic tubulointerstitial disease in rats, the effect of administering sugarcane ash on kidney pathology remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether sugarcane ash can induce CKD in rats. Sugarcane ash was administered for 13 wk into the nares of rats (5 mg/day for 5 days/wk), and blood, urine, and kidney tissues were collected at 13 wk (at the end of ash administration) and in a separate group of rats at 24 wk (11 wk after ash administration was stopped). Kidney histology was evaluated, and inflammation and fibrosis (collagen deposition) were measured. Sugarcane ash exposure led to the accumulation of silica in the kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen of rats. Mild proteinuria developed, although renal function was largely maintained. However, biopsies showed focal glomeruli with segmental glomerulosclerosis as well as tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis that tended to worsen even after the ash administration had been stopped. Staining for the lysosomal marker lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 showed decreased staining in ash-administered rats consistent with lysosomal activation. In conclusion, sugarcane ash containing silica nanoparticles can cause CKD in rats.

NEW & NEWSWORTHY Epidemics of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology have been reported in many areas of the world. In Central America, it occurs most commonly in sugarcane workers. Although heat stress is a major risk factor, there is some evidence that there may be a toxin. Here we show that sugarcane ash containing silica nanoparticles can induce chronic kidney disease in rats with similar features as observed in humans.
Relation of body surface area-to-mass ratio to risk of exertional heat stroke in healthy men and women
Authors: Taylor Kathryn M. , Giersch Gabrielle E. W. , Caldwell Aaron R. , Epstein Yoram , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: January 2024

With the impacts of climate change yielding higher average ambient temperatures over time, the incidence of EHS for individuals participating in outdoor activities may consequently increase. With the larger sample size in this study compared with prior research in this field, we were able to use various methods that had not been applied before. For example, we were able to mutually adjust for different measurements of body size to understand which metric had the highest association with EHS risk. Understanding factors that may be modifiable may be important for developing interventions to counteract the increased risk of EHS associated with climate change.
The Preventative Effect of Chitooligosaccharides against Chronic Alcoholic Liver Disease by Regulating Alcohol Metabolism, Fatty Acid Metabolism, and Intestinal Barrier Damage
Authors: Li Yuan , Zou Jiaqi , Yin Hao , Zhao Mengyao , Zhao Liming
Published: January 2024

Since chronic alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant global health concern, several studies have shown that chitooligosaccharides (COS) exhibit hepatoprotective effects. This paper examined the COS protective effect on chronic ALD mice. Results showed that COS improved the lipid accumulation, liver injury, and oxidative stress levels in the mice while inhibiting cytochrome P450 protein 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression in the liver and promoting alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) expression, indicating that COS could ameliorate alcohol metabolism. Moreover, COS intervention also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the liver and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1), silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), HO-1, and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) protein levels. In addition, COS increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member (ACSL), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT-1A), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2) protein levels by upregulating the fatty acid β oxidation pathway and restoring mitochondrial genesis. From a liver-gut axis perspective, COS enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the adhesion junction (AJ) and intestinal tight junction (TJ) protein expression. Therefore, COS displayed a protective ability against chronic ALD. The results provide a theoretical basis for utilizing supplemental dietary COS as a functional food alternative for treating chronic ALD.
Driving Strategy Using an Improved Ant Colony System for Energy‐Efficient Train
Authors: Yang Chengda , Miao Kun , Wang Jieyuan
Published: January 2024

Optimal energy‐efficient train operation optimization is one of the widely studied areas in transportation science, which can significantly reduce energy consumption that accounts for a large proportion of operating costs. In order to adapt to the complex and changeable railway line conditions such as gradient, slope length, and speed limit and avoid the error in tracking speed curve, an optimal driving strategy decision‐making (ODSD) model is proposed in this paper. The model considers the non‐fixed sequence of driving regimes, and the regimes are directly selected in the discrete micro‐subsegments of an equal time‐division pattern. To solve this model efficiently, an improved ant colony system algorithm with the difference edges (ACSd) is proposed, which takes the heuristic effect of the difference between the best solutions of two adjacent iterations, i.e., “the difference edges,” into account. Additionally, energy‐efficient heuristic factor and speed heuristic factor are presented to balance energy saving and speed. The results demonstrate that ACSd performs better than the basic ant colony system algorithm in solving traveling salesman problem (TSP) and provides more flexible driving strategies for the ODSD model.
Phase II Study of Eribulin plus Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Soft-tissue Sarcomas: Clinical Outcomes and Biological Correlates
Authors: Haddox Candace L. , Nathenson Michael J. , Mazzola Emanuele , Lin Jia-Ren , Baginska Joanna , Nau Allison , Weirather Jason L. , Choy Edwin , Marino-Enriquez Adrian , Morgan Jeffrey A. , Cote Gregory M. , Merriam Priscilla , Wagner Andrew J. , Sorger Peter K. , Santagata Sandro , George Suzanne
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Eribulin modulates the tumor-immune microenvironment via cGAS-STING signaling in preclinical models. This non-randomized phase II trial evaluated the combination of eribulin and pembrolizumab in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (STS).

Patients and Methods:

Patients enrolled in one of three cohorts: leiomyosarcoma (LMS), liposarcomas (LPS), or other STS that may benefit from PD-1 inhibitors, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). Eribulin was administered at 1.4 mg/m2 i.v. (days 1 and 8) with fixed-dose pembrolizumab 200 mg i.v. (day 1) of each 21-day cycle, until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or completion of 2 years of treatment. The primary endpoint was the 12-week progression-free survival rate (PFS-12) in each cohort. Secondary endpoints included the objective response rate, median PFS, safety profile, and overall survival (OS). Pretreatment and on-treatment blood specimens were evaluated in patients who achieved durable disease control (DDC) or progression within 12 weeks [early progression (EP)]. Multiplexed immunofluorescence was performed on archival LPS samples from patients with DDC or EP.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients enrolled (LMS, n = 19; LPS, n = 20; UPS/Other, n = 18). The PFS-12 was 36.8% (90% confidence interval: 22.5–60.4) for LMS, 69.6% (54.5–89.0) for LPS, and 52.6% (36.8–75.3) for UPS/Other cohorts. All 3 patients in the UPS/Other cohort with angiosarcoma achieved RECIST responses. Toxicity was manageable. Higher IFNα and IL4 serum levels were associated with clinical benefit. Immune aggregates expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 were observed in a patient that completed 2 years of treatment.

Conclusions:

The combination of eribulin and pembrolizumab demonstrated promising activity in LPS and angiosarcoma.
Simvastatin Overcomes Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patient-derived, Oncogene-driven Lung Adenocarcinoma Models
Authors: Ma Weijie , Wei Sixi , Li Qianping , Zeng Jie , Xiao Wenwu , Zhou Chihong , Yoneda Ken Y. , Zeki Amir A. , Li Tianhong
Published: January 2024

There is an unmet clinical need to develop novel strategies to overcome resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with oncogene-driven lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The objective of this study was to determine whether simvastatin could overcome TKI resistance using the in vitro and in vivo LUAD models. Human LUAD cell lines, tumor cells, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from TKI-resistant LUAD were treated with simvastatin, either alone or in combination with a matched TKI. Tumor growth inhibition was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and expression of molecular targets was assessed by immunoblots. Tumors were assessed by histopathology, IHC stain, immunoblots, and RNA sequencing. We found that simvastatin had a potent antitumor effect in tested LUAD cell lines and PDX tumors, regardless of tumor genotypes. Simvastatin and TKI combination did not have antagonistic cytotoxicity in these LUAD models. In an osimertinib-resistant LUAD PDX model, simvastatin and osimertinib combination resulted in a greater reduction in tumor volume than simvastatin alone (P < 0.001). Immunoblots and IHC stain also confirmed that simvastatin inhibited TKI targets. In addition to inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, RNA sequencing and Western blots identified the proliferation, migration, and invasion-related genes (such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, YAP/TAZ, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix receptor), proteasome-related genes, and integrin (α3β1, αvβ3) signaling pathways as the significantly downregulated targets in these PDX tumors treated with simvastatin and a TKI. The addition of simvastatin is a safe approach to overcome acquired resistance to TKIs in several oncogene-driven LUAD models, which deserve further investigation.
miR-217 Regulates Normal and Tumor Cell Fate Following Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Dey Neekkan , Koumenis Costas , Ruggero Davide , Fuchs Serge Y. , Diehl J. Alan
Published: January 2024

Rapidly proliferating cancer cells require a microenvironment where essential metabolic nutrients like glucose, oxygen, and growth factors become scarce as the tumor volume surpasses the established vascular capacity of the tissue. Limits in nutrient availability typically trigger growth arrest and/or apoptosis to prevent cellular expansion. However, tumor cells frequently co-opt cellular survival pathways thereby favoring cell survival under this environmental stress. The unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway is typically engaged by tumor cells to favor adaptation to stress. PERK, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein kinase and UPR effector is activated in tumor cells and contributes tumor cell adaptation by limiting protein translation and balancing redox stress. PERK also induces miRNAs that contribute to tumor adaptation. miR-211 and miR-216b were previously identified as PERK-ATF4–regulated miRNAs that regulate cell survival. We have identified another PERK-responsive miRNA, miR-217, with increased expression under prolonged ER stress. Key targets of miR-217 are identified as TRPM1, the host gene for miR-211 and EZH2. Evidence is provided that miR-217 expression is essential for the rapid loss of miR-211 in prolonged ER stress and provides a functional link for determining whether cells adapt to stress or commit to apoptosis.

Implications:

PERK-dependent induction of miR-217 limits accumulation and function of the prosurvival miRNA, miR-211, to establish cell fate and promote cell commitment to apoptosis.
Como estudar as charges
Authors: Chinen Nobu
Published: January 2024

Resenha do livro Charge: elementos de teoria e subsídios para uma metodologia de análise, de Rozinaldo Miani.
História em quadrinhos e educação física escolar: essa relação “dá jogo”?
Authors: Almeida Junior Admir Soares de
Published: January 2024

It presents some initial reflections arising from a systematic review related to the production of knowledge about Comics and School Physical Education. Taking as a reference the work Foohs, Corrêa and Toledo (2021), 08 scientific articles were analyzed, published in the period between the years 2006 and 2022. As a result of a first process of analysis of the works, we highlight that the articles are characterized, for the most part, reports of pedagogical practices developed within the scope of school physical education classes. Furthermore, another striking characteristic of the texts is the subordination of the language of comics to the specific content of Physical Education. Finally, we present some possible paths for the relationship between comics and School Physical Education in the context of pedagogical practices and research.
O custo da beleza: sofrimento e estratégias defensivas de manicures em salões de beleza do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Carrara Maria Rita Soares , Lemos Ana Heloísa da Costa , Fuzyama Christian Kazuo , Ornellas Laila Priscila Graf
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de uma dissertação de mestrado cujo objetivo foi compreender as vivências de sofrimento e as estratégias defensivas desenvolvidas por manicures atuantes em salões de beleza. Nesta pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, conduziram-se entrevistas em profundidade a partir de roteiro semiestruturado com 12 manicures de nove diferentes salões de beleza localizados no município do Rio de Janeiro. As informações levantadas foram analisadas sob a ótica da análise dos núcleos do sentido. Nos resultados, observou-se o agravamento do sofrimento diretamente relacionado às políticas de remuneração praticadas nos salões, à assimilação do ônus do custeamento dos instrumentos de trabalho e à carência de benefícios sociais e trabalhistas. Como estratégias de defesa, observou-se a predominância de estratégias individuais. A pesquisa buscou contribuir para a redução da invisibilização do trabalho de manicures e, a partir da psicodinâmica do trabalho, desvelar a reciprocidade entre as precárias condições de laborais e os fatores geradores de adoecimento psíquico dessas trabalhadoras.
Implications of Mitral Annular Calcification on Outcomes Following Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair
Authors: Shechter Alon , Lee Mirae , Kaewkes Danon , Patel Vivek , Koren Ofir , Chakravarty Tarun , Koseki Keita , Nagasaka Takashi , Skaf Sabah , Makar Moody , Makkar Raj R. , Siegel Robert J.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Limited data exist regarding the impact of mitral annular calcification (MAC) on outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation (MR).

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed 968 individuals (median age, 79 [interquartile range, 70–86] years; 60.0% males; 51.8% with functional MR) who underwent an isolated, first-time intervention. Stratified by MAC extent per baseline transthoracic echocardiogram, the cohort was assessed for residual MR, functional status, all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and mitral reinterventions post-procedure.

RESULTS:

Patients with above-mild MAC (n=101; 10.4%) were older and more likely to be female, exhibited a greater burden of comorbidities, and presented more often with severe, primary MR. Procedural aspects and technical success rate were unaffected by MAC magnitude, as was the significant improvement from baseline in MR severity and functional status along the first postprocedural year. However, the persistence of above-moderate MR or functional classes III and IV at 1 year and the cumulative incidence of reinterventions at 2 years were overall more pronounced within the above-mild MAC group (significant MR or functional impairment, 44.7% versus 29.9%,
P
=0.060; reinterventions, 11.9% versus 6.2%,
P
=0.033; log-rank
P
=0.035). No link was demonstrated between MAC degree and the cumulative incidence or risk of mortality and mortality or heart failure hospitalizations. Differences in outcomes frequencies were mostly confined to the primary MR subgroup, in which patients with above-mild MAC also experienced earlier, more frequent 2-year heart failure hospitalizations (20.8% versus 9.6%;
P
=0.016; log-rank
P
=0.020).

CONCLUSIONS:

Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in patients with and without above-mild MAC is equally feasible and safe; however, its postprocedural course is less favorable among those with primary MR.
CRISPR Activation Reverses Haploinsufficiency and Functional Deficits Caused by
TTN
Truncation Variants
Authors: Ghahremani Shahnaz , Kanwal Aditya , Pettinato Anthony , Ladha Feria , Legere Nicholas , Thakar Ketan , Zhu Yanfen , Tjong Harianto , Wilderman Andrea , Stump W. Tom , Greenberg Lina , Greenberg Michael J. , Cotney Justin , Wei Chia-Lin , Hinson J. Travis
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

TTN
truncation variants (TTNtvs) are the most common genetic lesion identified in individuals with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. TTNtvs reduce normal TTN (titin) protein levels, produce truncated proteins, and impair sarcomere content and function. Therapeutics targeting TTNtvs have been elusive because of the immense size of TTN, the rarity of specific TTNtvs, and incomplete knowledge of TTNtv pathogenicity.

METHODS:

We adapted CRISPR activation using dCas9-VPR to functionally interrogate TTNtv pathogenicity and develop a therapeutic in human cardiomyocytes and 3-dimensional cardiac microtissues engineered from induced pluripotent stem cell models harboring a dilated cardiomyopathy–associated TTNtv. We performed guide RNA screening with custom TTN reporter assays, agarose gel electrophoresis to quantify TTN protein levels and isoforms, and RNA sequencing to identify molecular consequences of TTN activation. Cardiomyocyte epigenetic assays were also used to nominate DNA regulatory elements to enable cardiomyocyte-specific TTN activation.

RESULTS:

CRISPR activation of TTN using single guide RNAs targeting either the
TTN
promoter or regulatory elements in spatial proximity to the
TTN
promoter through 3-dimensional chromatin interactions rescued TTN protein deficits disturbed by TTNtvs. Increasing TTN protein levels normalized sarcomere content and contractile function despite increasing truncated TTN protein. In addition to
TTN
transcripts, CRISPR activation also increased levels of myofibril assembly-related and sarcomere-related transcripts.

CONCLUSIONS:

TTN CRISPR activation rescued TTNtv-related functional deficits despite increasing truncated TTN levels, which provides evidence to support haploinsufficiency as a relevant genetic mechanism underlying heterozygous TTNtvs. CRISPR activation could be developed as a therapeutic to treat a large proportion of TTNtvs.
High-Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels Are Associated With Decreased Risk of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chang Xinyue , You Jiaxing , Yang Pinni , He Yu , Liu Yi , Shi Mengyao , Guo Daoxia , Peng Yanbo , Chen Jing , Wang Aili , Xu Tan , He Jiang , Zhang Yonghong , Zhu Zhengbao
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is widely implicated in the pathophysiological process of stroke, but the effect of BDNF on poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between baseline serum BDNF and the risk of PSCI at 3 months in a multicenter study based on a preplanned ancillary study of the CATIS trial (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke).

METHODS:

We examined serum BDNF levels at baseline and used the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment to evaluate cognitive function at 3-month follow-up after ischemic stroke. PSCI was defined as Mini-Mental State Examination score <27 or Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <25. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between serum BDNF and the risk of 3-month PSCI.

RESULTS:

In this ancillary study, a total of 660 patients with ischemic stroke with hypertension were included, and 593 patients (mean age, 59.90±10.44 years; 410 males and 183 females) were finally included in this analysis. According to mini-mental state examination score, after adjustment for age, sex, education, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score,
APOE ɛ4
carriers, and other potential confounders, the odds ratio of PSCI for the highest tertile of BDNF was 0.60 ([95% CI, 0.39–0.94];
P
=0.024) compared with the lowest tertile. Multiple-adjusted spline regression model showed a linear association of serum BDNF levels with PSCI at 3 months (
P
value for linearity=0.010). Adding serum BDNF to conventional prognostic factors slightly improved the risk reclassification of PSCI (net reclassification improvement: 27.46%,
P
=0.001; integrated discrimination index: 1.02%,
P
=0.015). Similar significant findings were observed when PSCI was defined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score.

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevated serum BDNF levels were associated with a decreased risk of PSCI at 3 months, suggesting that serum BDNF might be a potential predictive biomarker for PSCI among patients with ischemic stroke with hypertension.
In their own language: cues guiding sticky spiral placement by Micrathena duodecimspinosa (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Eberhard William G.
Published: January 2024

Orb-web construction behaviour, a classic example of ‘innate’ behaviour, is highly flexible. Determining which cues guide construction behaviour is complicated by the strong correlations between some variables, and the difficulty of manipulating of some web variables in biologically realistic ways. This study utilized a new experimental technique, adding sticky lines to webs during construction, to examine cues that guide sticky spiral spacing. Deflections and subsequent reductions in spacing produced by experiments that involved relatively long radii resembled the reduced spacing pattern on short radii in control webs; radius length was thus not the cue eliciting reduced spacing in control webs. An alternative, that smaller inter-radius distances elicited reduced spacing, was supported by experimentally removing radii to increase the distances between radii. The new technique also elicited variation in responses that suggested that spiders may use mental cues such as memories or expectations of line positions to guide sticky spiral placement.
Tahirih and the Religious World of Nineteenth-century Qazvin
Authors: Momen Moojan
Published: January 2024

Nineteenth Century Qazvin was a maelstrom of religious controversy and conflict. Uṣūlīs, Akhbārīs, Shaykhīs, Bābīs, and Bahā’īs all interacted in conflict with each other and sometimes even in violence. This paper will first try to create a religious map of Qazvin in the early 19th Century. The central figure for much of the religious conflict in the city was Qurrat al-ʿAyn Tahirih, the daughter of an Uṣūlī scholar, who became a Shaykhī and then a Bābī. This paper will look at the circle of women around her and how she interacted with them. Although she herself was killed in 1852, the impact that she had on the women of the city had a lasting direct effect until the end of the nineteenth century and an indirect one up the present time.
Living beyond Fear
Authors: Vilas Boas Susana
Published: January 2024

In this article I will highlight some of the most harmful consequences of Covid-19 with respect to interpersonal relationships. I will argue that, as in a pandemic period, it is fear that continues to guide these relationships, and it is urgent to enter into a dynamic of reconciliation for the real healing of humanity. Furthermore, I will defend the need for an ecology of relationships so that the common good can be a reality. Interpersonal relationships and, inherently, the authenticity of human nature are crucial for an integral ecology, since it takes into account both human nature and natural nature. Thus, it will not be possible to think about safeguarding ecosystems, or even safeguarding the planet, if this reflection is not based on the truth of the human essence and on how human action – inside and outside the pandemic context – determines and shapes the reality in which we are inserted and of which we are part.
Cemeteries as Spaces of Interreligious Encounter? The Use of Different Types of Neutrality in the Context of Graveyards in Scandinavia
Authors: Bobrowicz Ryszard , Wirén Jakob
Published: January 2024

In Scandinavia, the loss of members in established (or formerly established) churches, the rise of unaffiliated, and diverse migration led to a need for new approaches to historically Christian spaces. To create all-inclusive spaces, the idea of neutrality has been adopted. Among others, burials, and cemeteries, which are still mostly run by the national churches, have been affected by this effort. The use of neutrality in this context, however, begs the question: neutral with regard to what or to whom? This article explores the concept of neutrality in Scandinavia and studies three cases to see how it works in practice. These cases include new burial and graveyard laws in Norway, the idea of a neutral ceremony room in Denmark, and the introduction of a neutral cemetery section in Sweden.
Shaping Mind and Model: John Chrysostom’s Method of Exemplification in De Davide et Saule I
Authors: Cuijpers Mathieu
Published: January 2024

In recent studies on Chrysostom, there has been an increased interest in his use of Biblical figures as moral examples and in his position within the ancient psychotherapeutic tradition. Building upon these new insights, this study analyses Chrysostom’s portrayal of David in the first homily De Davide et Saule (CPG 4412.1). Particular attention is paid to Chrysostom’s various techniques to visualise David, and moral exemplars more broadly. As a physician of the soul, Chrysostom not only seeks his audience to visualise David, but to interiorise this image, so it may morally transform his audience. This study shows that to inculcate a moral exemplar, he often uses a specific “spiritual exercise”, not only in the present case of David, but throughout the Chrysostomic corpus.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth and biochemical attributes are influenced by various black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae frass types
Authors: Romano N. , Pande G.S.J. , Datta S.N. , Sinha A.K. , Islam S.
Published: January 2024

A major by-product of black solider fly larvae (BSFL) farming is the leftover mineral-rich ‘frass’, which shows promise as a soil amendment. The composition of BSFL frass, and potentially their efficacy, is influenced by the initial substrate. In this study, expired fish diets (EFD) or fruits/vegetables (FV) were used to produce BSFL frass, which were separately used as a soil amendment for basil versus basil that received weekly applications of a synthetic fertilizer (SF) (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; 18-18-21). After five weeks, measurements of the sugar content, total phenol/antioxidant capacity, and mineral composition were determined. Basil heights became significantly taller with more biomass in SF (283 g) compared to the EFD frass treatment (115 g) but not the FV frass treatment (186 g). Compared with SF, basil leaves were significantly lower in manganese, calcium, zinc and iron in both frass treatments, but magnesium was significantly higher in the frass treatments. While soluble and insoluble sugar were significantly lower in both frass treatments (total of 26 and 13 mg/g in EFD and FV, respectively) compared to SF (43 mg/g), an opposite trend occurred with total phenol/antioxidant capacity. Results indicate deficiencies of some nutrients and more frequent applications of the BSFL frass might be necessary to overcome reduced production. Overall, FV frass enhanced basil production compared to EFD frass indicating that frass type influences plant growth.
Comprehensive Harmony versus Antipathetic Duality: Thome H. Fang’s ViewPoint on the Spirit of Chinese and Western Philosophy
Authors: Li Anze
Published: January 2024

In his comparative philosophy, Thomé H. Fang issues the spirit of Chinese philosophy as the type of wisdom of comprehensive harmony; meanwhile, Western philosophy remains a conflicting mode of thinking of bifurcation or duality. Comparatively, the spirit of Chinese philosophy possesses a superiority which might issue a challenge to Western philosophy. Fang even takes it as the only remedy capable of solving the theoretical problems of Western philosophy. Practically, Fang has revealed the theoretical problems of Western philosophy and profoundly criticized Western modernity. Although he does tend to overstate the superiority of the Chinese concept of the unity of Heaven and Human, thereby overlooking its defects, Fang has nevertheless advanced comparative philosophical research to a new stage.
Origin, Transformation and Application: Hong Xiuquan’s Mysticism in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
Authors: Ning Dong , Pu Jingxin
Published: January 2024

As a continental country full of mysterious traditions, extremely inclusive and with periodic regime changes, China has experienced various phenomena of coexistence of “theism” and “atheism” after long-standing debates. Under the belief that “God exists” with his mystical experiences, Hong Xiuquan studied Eastern and Western religions and finally set off “the practice of Islam and Manichaeism in the external form of Christianity”. Combining “the oriental native culture of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, witchcraft and medicine with the confrontation between the Manchu and Han regimes”, the Taiping Rebellion was carried out, which was more cruel and vast than the American Civil War.

Through comparative research on the similarities and differences between “his own and Western perceptions of his religious experience”, we grasp the causes and principles of his miraculous phenomena, such as his life, dreaming and preaching, from a new perspective on theology and life practice. It analyzes and re-examines the significance of religion in promoting the historical process of China, America and Eurasia and answers the questions of “whether Hong Xiuquan’s beliefs and miracles truly exist, and how to establish the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom through different religions” that have been neglected in the past. This research can also be used to judge the form of warfare in different cultural and religious contexts.
Revision of the described Nearctic species of the genus Tachydromia Meigen (Diptera: Hybotidae)
Authors: SHAMSHEV IGOR V. , GROOTAERT PATRICK
Published: January 2024

The described Nearctic species of the genus Tachydromia Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Hybotidae, Tachydromiinae) are revised. Seventeen described species are recognised. The following two new synonyms are proposed: Tachista lundstroemi Frey, 1913 (Eurasian species) = Tachydromia enecator Melander, 1902; Tachydromia hirtipes Melander, 1928 = Tachydromia schwarzii Coquillett, 1895. Five Eurasian species are recorded for the first time from North America (T. aemula (Loew), T. fuscinervis (Frey), T. incompleta (Becker), T. magadanica Shamshev, T. punctifera (Becker)) and two North American species for the first time from Eurasia (T. chelana Melander, T. monacha Melander). Nearly half of Tachydromia species recorded currently from North America have Holarctic distributions (53 %). However, many new species remain undescribed. Redescriptions, photos of the habitus and illustrations of male terminalia (when available), as well as known distributions and a key to species are included.
The Sundowner Winds Experiment (SWEX) in Santa Barbara, California: Advancing Understanding and Predictability of Downslope Windstorms in Coastal Environments
Authors: Carvalho Leila M. V. , Duine Gert-Jan , Clements Craig , De Wekker Stephan F. J. , Fernando Harindra J. S. , Fitzjarrald David R. , Fovell Robert G. , Jones Charles , Wang Zhien , White Loren , Bucholtz Anthony , Brewer Matthew J. , Brown William , Burkhart Matt , Creegan Edward , Deng Min , de Orla-Barile Marian , Emmitt David , Greco Steve , Hock Terry , Kasic James , Malarkey Kiera , Modjeski Griffin , Oncley Steven , Rockwell Alison , Seto Daisuke , Thompson Callum , Vömel Holger
Published: January 2024

Coastal Santa Barbara is among the most exposed communities to wildfire hazards in Southern California. Downslope, dry, and gusty windstorms are frequently observed on the south-facing slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Santa Ynez valley. These winds, known as “Sundowners,” peak after sunset and are strong throughout the night and early morning. The Sundowner Winds Experiment (SWEX) was a field campaign funded by the National Science Foundation that took place in Santa Barbara, California, between 1 April and 15 May 2022. It was a collaborative effort of 10 institutions to advance understanding and predictability of Sundowners, while providing rich datasets for developing new theories of downslope windstorms in coastal environments with similar geographic and climatic characteristics. Sundowner spatiotemporal characteristics are controlled by complex interactions among atmospheric processes occurring upstream (Santa Ynez valley), and downstream due to the influence of a cool and stable marine boundary layer. SWEX was designed to enhance spatial measurements to resolve local circulations and vertical structure from the surface to the midtroposphere and from the Santa Barbara Channel to the Santa Ynez valley. This article discusses how SWEX brought cutting-edge science and the strengths of multiple ground-based and mobile instrument platforms to bear on this important problem. Among them are flux towers, mobile and stationary lidars, wind profilers, ceilometers, radiosondes, and an aircraft equipped with three lidars and a dropsonde system. The unique features observed during SWEX using this network of sophisticated instruments are discussed here.