bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognition and motion dysfunction‐associated brain functional network disruption in diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Xin Haotian , Fu Yajie , Wen Hongwei , Feng Mengmeng , Sui Chaofan , Gao Yian , Guo Lingfei , Liang Changhu
Published: January 2024

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated extensive brain functional alterations in cognitive and motor functional areas in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), suggesting potential alterations in large‐scale brain networks related to DPN and associated cognition and motor dysfunction. In this study, using resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) and graph theory computational approaches, we investigated the topological disruptions of brain functional networks in 28 DPN, 43 T2DM without DPN (NDPN), and 32 healthy controls (HCs) and examined the correlations between altered network topological metrics and cognitive/motor function parameters in T2DM. For global topology, NDPN exhibited a significantly decreased shortest path length compared with HCs, suggesting increased efficient global integration. For regional topology, DPN and NDPN had separated topological reorganization of functional hubs compared with HCs. In addition, DPN showed significantly decreased nodal efficiency (Enodal), mainly in the bilateral superior occipital gyrus (SOG), right cuneus, middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and left inferior parietal gyrus (IPL), compared with NDPN, whereas NDPN showed significantly increased Enodal compared with HCs. Intriguingly, in T2DM patients, the Enodal of the right SOG was significantly negatively correlated with Toronto Clinical Scoring System scores, while the Enodal of the right postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and MTG were significantly positively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores. Conclusively, DPN and NDPN patients had segregated disruptions in the brain functional network, which were related to cognition and motion dysfunctions. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the neurophysiological mechanism of DPN and its effective prevention and treatment in T2DM.
Distinct parallel activation and interaction between dorsal and ventral pathways during phonological and semantic processing: A cTBS‐fMRI study
Authors: Luo Yudan , Wang Ke , Jiao Saiyi , Zeng Jiahong , Han Zaizhu
Published: January 2024

Successful visual word recognition requires the integration of phonological and semantic information, which is supported by the dorsal and ventral pathways in the brain. However, the functional specialization or interaction of these pathways during phonological and semantic processing remains unclear. Previous research has been limited by its dependence on correlational functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results or causal validation using patient populations, which are susceptible to confounds such as plasticity and lesion characteristics. To address this, the present study employed continuous theta‐burst stimulation combined with fMRI in a within‐subject design to assess rapid adaptation in regional activity and functional connectivity of the dorsal and ventral pathways during phonological and semantic tasks. This assessment followed the precise inhibition of the left inferior parietal lobule and anterior temporal lobe in the dorsal and ventral pathways, respectively. Our results reveal that both the dorsal and ventral pathways were activated during phonological and semantic processing, while the adaptation activation and interactive network were modulated by the task type and inhibited region. The two pathways exhibited interconnectivity in phonological processing, and disruption of either pathway led to rapid adaptation across both pathways. In contrast, only the ventral pathway exhibited connectivity in semantic processing, and disruption of this pathway alone resulted in adaptive effects primarily in the ventral pathway. These findings provide essential evidence supporting the interactive theory, phonological information processing in particular, potentially providing meaningful implications for clinical populations.
Treatment of nasolabial fold rhabdomyosarcoma in children: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Zhang Ge , Sun Nian , Ni Xin , Su Yan , He Lejian , Liu Zhikai , Zhang Jie , Li Yanzhen , Zhang Xuexi , Liu Qiaoyin , Liu Zhiyong , Li Xiaodan , Mei Lin , Liu Yuwei , Ji Tingting , Wang Shengcai
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with nasolabial fold rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Methods

Retrospective review of children treated for nasolabial fold RMS from January 2014 to September 2019.

Results

Of 21 patients with nasolabial fold RMS, 90.48% were alveolar subtype, in which PAX3/7‐FOXO1 fusion positive accounted for 87.5%. Ten patients (47.62%) had nodals invasion. Almost all patients received comprehensive treatment (chemotherapy [100%], radiation therapy [100%], and surgery [95.24%]). The median follow‐up time was 34.3 months. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) was 67.7% ± 14.1% and 42.1% ± 13.5%, respectively. Four patients had regional lymph node relapse (NR), all in the ipsilateral submandibular lymph node region.

Conclusion

Majority of the patients with RMS in the nasolabial fold area were alveolar subtype and had positive PAX3/7‐FOXO1 gene fusion. In addition, the nasolabial fold RMS had a high probability of regional lymph node metastasis in the submandibular area. To maintain the facial aesthetics and functions, the surgical area for nasolabial fold RMS is often very conservative and restricted. This could be one of the contributors for the poor prognosis of nasolabial fold RMS beside its worse pathological subtype and gene fusion.
Decision support system based on a hybrid genetic algorithm–Kohonen map for combined mode conduction–radiation heat transfer in a porous medium: A comparative assessment of three variations of the Kohonen map
Authors: Ansari MD Mumtaz A. , Mishra Vijay K. , Sahu Kunja B. , Chaudhuri Sumanta , Ghose Prakash , Kar Vishesh Ranjan
Published: January 2024

A hybrid genetic algorithm (GA)–Kohonen map, with its three variants, is explored for the first time for the decision‐making system in a porous ceramic matrix (PCM)‐based burner through determination of the regime of operation. Four different attributes of PCMs such as convective coupling (P2), extinction coefficient (β), downstream porosity (ϕ2), and scattering albedo (ω) are selected for determining the regime of operation of a PCM‐based burner. Changes in any of these attributes of a PCM lead to significant changes in the temperature profiles of the gas and solid phases. Temperature profiles of the gas and solid phases are computed by developing a numerical model. Various samples corresponding to different regimes are generated and used in a hybrid GA–Kohonen map. The best architectural details such as the neuron number and training epochs are obtained from GA as output. The best Kohonen map is trained with the input data, and regimes of operation for new temperature profiles are predicted. A supervised Kohonen map is able to provide the highest average class prediction of more than 40%. All the variants are assessed under two different types of neuron grids: hexagonal and rectangular. Comparative assessments of the three different variants of Kohonen maps, in terms of CPU time and average class prediction, are carried out.
Opioid analgesics prescribing trends 2010–2019 in Slovenia: National database study
Authors: Cebron Lipovec Nanca
Published: January 2024

Objective

Significant increases in global opioid use have been reported in recent decades. This study analyzed opioid utilization in outpatient care in Slovenia between 2010 and 2019.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study performed a nationwide database analysis of all outpatient opioid analgesic prescriptions based on Slovenian health insurance claims data. Prevalence was defined as the number of recipients prescribed at least one opioid per 1000 inhabitants. Opioid consumption was presented as the total number of dispensed prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants and dispensed defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants for each year analyzed.

Results

The age‐standardized prevalence of opioid recipients decreased by 21.5% during the study period. Total opioid consumption decreased both in the number of prescriptions (−9.2%) and DDD (−5.4%). Tramadol consumption decreased in terms of the number of prescriptions (−12.2%) and DDD (−2.7%), whereas prescriptions for strong opioids increased (10.2%) and DDDs decreased (−16.2%). The results suggest less intensive prescribing of strong opioids and more intensive prescribing for tramadol. The most frequently used strong opioids were fentanyl and oxycodone/naloxone.

Conclusions

The prevalence of opioid recipients and opioid consumption is decreasing in Slovenia. Further research is needed to understand whether this finding reflects safe use or underuse of these important analgesics.
In vivo deep brain multiphoton fluorescence imaging emitting at NIR‐I and NIR‐II and excited at NIR‐IV
Authors: Zhong Jincheng , Zhang Yingxian , Chen Xinlin , Tong Shen , Deng Xiangquan , Huang Jie , Li Zhenhui , Zhang Chi , Gao Zhiang , Li Jia , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: January 2024

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) enables deep brain imaging. Three optical windows: NIR‐I, NIR‐II, and NIR‐III are widely used. Recently, NIR‐IV (the 2200 nm window) has been demonstrated to be the last and longest window for deep tissue MPM. However, so far MPM covers only two optical windows labeled by single fluorescent probe, one for emission and one for excitation. Here we demonstrate in vivo deep brain MPM covering three optical windows, with emission at NIR‐I, NIR‐II, and excitation at NIR‐IV, labeled by ICG. The innovations include: (1) characterizing both 3‐photon excitation and emission properties of ICG emitting at both NIR‐I and NIR‐II, in water, plasma, and circulating blood; (2) a home‐built multiphoton microscope with simultaneous dual channel detection, with which we demonstrate deep brain MPM 950 μm (NIR‐I) and 850 μm (NIR‐II) into the mouse brain in vivo, verifying that multi‐optical window MPM is promising for deep brain imaging.
Nonsynonymous mutations in VEGF receptor binding domain alter the efficacy of bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Ahamed Ashif , Samanta Arijit , Alam Syed Sahajada Mahafujul , Mir Showkat Ahmad , Jamil Zarnain , Ali Safdar , Hoque Mehboob
Published: January 2024

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediated angiogenesis is crucial for tumor progression. Isoforms of VEGF bind to different VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) to initiate angiogenesis specific cellular signaling. Inhibitors that target both the receptors and ligands are in clinical use to impede angiogenesis. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), binds in the VEGF receptor binding domain (RBD) of all soluble isoforms of VEGF and inhibits the VEGF‐VEGFR interaction. Bevacizumab is also used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for a better therapeutic outcome. Understanding the intricate polymorphic character of VEGFA gene and the influence of missense or nonsynonymous mutations in the form of nonsynonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on RBD of VEGF may aid in increasing the efficacy of this drug. This study has identified 18 potential nsSNPs in VEGFA gene that affect the VEGF RBD structure and alter its binding pattern to bevacizumab. The mutated RBDs, modeled using trRosetta, in addition to the changed pattern of secondary structure, post translational modification and stability compared to the wild type, have shown contrasting binding affinity and molecular interaction pattern with bevacizumab. Molecular docking analysis by ClusPro and visualization using PyMol and PDBsum tools have detected 17 nsSNPs with decreased binding affinity to bevacizumab and therefore may impact the treatment efficacy. Whereas VEGF RBD expressed due to rs1267535717 (R229H) nsSNP of VEGFA has increased affinity to the mAb. This study suggests that genetic characterization of VEGFA before bevacizumab mediated cancer treatment is essential in predicting the appropriate efficacy of the drug, as the treatment efficiency may vary at individual level.
Augmented mitochondrial apoptotic signaling impairs C2C12 myoblast differentiation following cellular aging through sequential passaging
Authors: Rahman Fasih A. , Hian‐Cheong Dylan J. , Boonstra Kristen , Ma Andrew , Thoms James P. , Zago Anderson S. , Quadrilatero Joe
Published: January 2024

Aging is associated with the steady decline of several cellular processes. The loss of skeletal muscle mass, termed sarcopenia, is one of the major hallmarks of aging. Aged skeletal muscle exhibits a robust reduction in its regenerative capacity due to dysfunction (i.e., senescence, lack of self‐renewal, and impaired differentiation) of resident muscle stem cells, called satellite cells. To replicate aging in vitro, immortalized skeletal muscle cells (myoblasts) can be treated with various agents to mimic age‐related dysfunction; however, these come with their own set of limitations. In the present study, we used sequential passaging of mouse myoblasts to mimic impaired differentiation that is observed in aged skeletal muscle. Further, we investigated mitochondrial apoptotic mechanisms to better understand the impaired differentiation in these “aged” cells. Our data shows that sequential passaging (>20 passages) of myoblasts is accompanied with significant reductions in differentiation and elevated cell death. Furthermore, high‐passage (HP) myoblasts exhibit greater mitochondrial‐mediated apoptotic signaling through mitochondrial BAX translocation, CYCS and AIFM1 release, and caspase‐9 activation. Finally, we show that inhibition of mitochondrial outer membrane permeability partly recovered differentiation in HP myoblasts. Together, our findings suggests that mitochondrial apoptotic signaling is a contributing factor to the diminished differentiation that is observed in aged myoblasts.
circUBE3C modulates myoblast development by binding to miR‐191 and upregulating the expression of p27
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Yue Binglin , Yang Shuling , Qi Ao , Yang Yu , Tang Jia , Ren Gang , Jiang Xiaojun , Lan Xianyong , Pan Chuanying , Chen Hong
Published: January 2024

Noncoding RNAs, including miRNAs (microRNAs) and circRNAs (circular RNA), are crucial regulators of myoblast proliferation and differentiation during muscle development. However, the specific roles and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in muscle development remain poorly understood. Based on the existing circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network, our study focuses on circUBE3C, exploring its differential expression in fetal and adult muscle tissue of the cattle and investigating its impact on myoblast proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. The functional analysis of overexpression plasmids and siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) targeting circUBE3C was comprehensively evaluated by employing an array of advanced assays, encompassing CCK‐8 (cell counting kit‐8), EdU (5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine), flow cytometry, western blot analysis, and RT‐qPCR. In vivo investigations indicated that overexpression of circUBE3C impedes the process of skeletal muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circUBE3C interacts with miR‐191 and alleviates the suppression of p27 through cytoplasmic separation, bioinformatics prediction, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and RIP (RNA immunoprecipitation). Our findings indicate that the novel circRNA circUBE3C competitively binds to miR‐191, thereby inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis in bovine primary myoblasts and unveiling a regulatory pathway in bovine skeletal muscle development. These findings expand our understanding of circRNA functions in mammals and provide a basis for further exploration of their role in myogenesis and muscle diseases.
Transferrin receptor 2 mitigates periodontitis‐driven alveolar bone loss
Authors: Lösser Lennart , Ledesma‐Colunga Maria G. , Andrés Sastre Enrique , Scholtysek Carina , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Noack Barbara , Baschant Ulrike , Rauner Martina
Published: January 2024

Periodontitis is associated with significant alveolar bone loss. Patients with iron overload suffer more frequently from periodontitis, however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we investigated the role of transferrin receptor 2 (Tfr2), one of the main regulators of iron homeostasis, in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the dental phenotype under basal conditions in mice. As Tfr2 suppresses osteoclastogenesis, we hypothesized that deficiency of Tfr2 may exacerbate periodontitis‐induced bone loss. Mice lacking Tfr2 (Tfr2−/−) and wild‐type (Tfr2+/+) littermates were challenged with experimental periodontitis. Mandibles and maxillae were collected for microcomputed tomography and histology analyses. Osteoclast cultures from Tfr2+/+ and Tfr2−/− mice were established and analyzed for differentiation efficiency, by performing messenger RNA expression and protein signaling pathways. After 8 days, Tfr2‐deficient mice revealed a more severe course of periodontitis paralleled by higher immune cell infiltration and a higher histological inflammation index than Tfr2+/+ mice. Moreover, Tfr2‐deficient mice lost more alveolar bone compared to Tfr2+/+ littermates, an effect that was only partially iron‐dependent. Histological analysis revealed a higher number of osteoclasts in the alveolar bone of Tfr2‐deficient mice. In line, Tfr2‐deficient osteoclastic differentiation ex vivo was faster and more efficient as reflected by a higher number of osteoclasts, a higher expression of osteoclast markers, and an increased resorptive activity. Mechanistically, Tfr2‐deficient osteoclasts showed a higher p38‐MAPK signaling and inhibition of p38‐MAPK signaling in Tfr2‐deficient cells reverted osteoclast formation to Tfr2+/+ levels. Taken together, our data indicate that Tfr2 modulates the inflammatory response in periodontitis thereby mitigating effects on alveolar bone loss.
Sex‐specific effects of immune challenges on green anole lizard metabolism
Authors: Duerwachter Margaret A. , Lewis Erin L. , French Susannah S. , Husak Jerry F.
Published: January 2024

Immune responses can increase survival, but they can also incur a variety of costs that may lead to phenotypic trade‐offs. The nature of trade‐offs between immune activity and other components of the phenotype can vary and depend on the type and magnitude of immune challenge, as well as the energetic costs of simultaneously expressing other traits. There may also be sex‐specific differences in both immune activity and trade‐offs, particularly with regard to energy expenditure that might differ between males and females during the breeding season. Females are generally expected to invest less in nonspecific immune responses compared to males due to differences in the allocation of resources to reproduction, which may lead to sex differences in the metabolic costs of immunity. We tested for sex‐specific differences in metabolic costs of different types of immune challenges in Anolis carolinensis lizards, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and wounding. We also tested for differences in immune prioritization by measuring bacterial killing ability (BKA). We predicted males would show a greater increase in metabolism after immune challenges, with combined immune challenges eliciting the greatest response. Furthermore, we predicted that metabolic costs would result in decreased BKA. LPS injection increased the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of males but not females. Wounding did not affect RMR of either sex. However, there was an inverse relationship between BKA and wound healing in LPS‐injected lizards, suggesting dynamic tradeoffs among metabolism and components of the immune system.
Lack of standardization and faculty development in pediatric colonoscopy: A qualitative study
Authors: Turner Amy , Huth Kathleen , Luff Donna , Zendejas Benjamin , Newman Lori R. , Leichtner Alan M.
Published: January 2024

A standard curriculum for pediatric colonoscopy training has neither been required nor universally implemented in North American fellowship programs. This qualitative study assessed the needs of colonoscopy training in pediatric gastroenterology to determine the standardized components of procedural teaching. Focus groups with pediatric gastroenterology attendings, fellows, procedural nurses, and interviews with advanced endoscopists, all practicing at a single institution, were conducted between March and June 2018. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis principles. Four themes emerged: (1) lack of standardization of colonoscopy performance, (2) lack of professional development of procedure teaching skills, (3) need for teaching behaviors that promote learner's performance, and (4) barriers to effective teaching and learning. A conceptual framework was created for developing a standardized “train‐the‐trainer” curriculum. Our needs assessment supports expansion of efforts to make this comprehensive training available to all pediatric gastroenterologists involved in procedure teaching.
Integrated ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry‐based components analysis and network pharmacology strategy of Gancao Xiexin Decoction in treating gastric ulcer
Authors: Wang Rongjin , Tang Shoufang , Huang Limei , Chen Ziyi , Li Yuwen , Liu Shu , Song Fengrui , Men Lihui , Liu Zhongying
Published: January 2024

Gancao Xiexin Decoction (GCXXD) is a traditional Chinese decoction that is often used in treating gastric ulcers. However, the substance basis and mechanism of action remain unclear. In this study, in vivo and in vitro components of GCXXD were analyzed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry. The compound Discover platform was used to ultimately enable rapid identification of compounds. Acquire X intelligent data acquisition technology software was innovatively adopted. In the process of collecting drug‐containing plasma, all components detected in blank plasma samples were excluded to eliminate the interference and influence of endogenous components in plasma, making the analysis results more accurate and reliable. At the same time, the possibility of selecting precursor parent ions with low concentration levels within the chromatographic peak can be increased, improving the coverage and integrality of the detection of components in vivo. Also, the targeted network pharmacology strategy combined with molecular docking was established to explore the mechanism of GCXXD in treating gastric ulcers. As a result, 113 components were identified, 41 of which could enter the bloodstream and exert therapeutic effects in vivo. The main effective components are glycyrrhizic acid, 6‐gingerol, jatrorrhizine, wogonin, palmatine, and liquiritigenin, main targets in vivo were related to ALB, IL6, and VEGF, which play an important role in anti‐inflammatory and promoting angiogenesis. In summary, this study adopted a comprehensive analysis strategy to reveal the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of GCXXD against gastric ulcers, providing a scientific basis for its clinical application.
Hydroxyl‐rich ferrofluid for efficient liquid phase microextraction of cinnamic acid derivatives in traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Wang Runqin , Zhang Xueling , Meng Xiangyu , Yang Li , Xing Rongrong , Chen Xuan , Hu Shuang
Published: January 2024

In this study, a hydroxyl‐rich ferrofluid was prepared by dispersing silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles into a methyltrioctylammonium chloride‐glycerol deep eutectic solvent and then employed in the preconcentration of trace‐level of cinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic acid, p‐hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid) in traditional Chinese medicine prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. The structures of the synthesized materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The experimental parameters affecting the extraction performance, such as deep eutectic solvent composition, dosage of ferrofluid, pH of aqueous sample solution, salt concentration, extraction time, type, and volume of desorption solvent, were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors of four cinnamic acid derivatives were in the range of 107–114. Low detection limits (0.2–0.9 ng/mL), good precisions (relative standard deviations 1.2%–9.5%), and satisfactory recoveries (96.0%–104.7%) were achieved. Subsequently, the possible microextraction mechanism of the proposed method was explored and elucidated. It showed that the prepared ferrofluid is easily dispersed in the aqueous sample and achieved recovery after the extraction. The developed approach is a simple, convenient, and efficient method for preconcentration and determination of cinnamic acid derivatives in complex matrices.
Transtracheal Pressure for Evaluation of Decannulation Readiness
Authors: Young Ashley , Walsh Katie , Ida Jonathan , Thompson Dana M. , Hazkani Inbal
Published: January 2024

Background

Pediatric tracheostomy decannulation protocols vary among institutions and may include toleration of Passy Muir Valve (PMV), microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB) findings, and polysomnography evaluation. Transtracheal pressure (TTP) is an objective measurement utilized to evaluate PMV toleration. We aimed to investigate the role of TTP in decannulation candidates and compare TTP measurements with polysomnography and MLB findings.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent TTP measurement during PMV trial between December 2012 and November 2022.

Results

A total of 79 patients underwent TTP measurement and MLB evaluation; of these, 16 (20.3%) patients had a capped polysomnography. Twenty‐eight (35.4%) patients had TTPs ≤10 cm H2O, and 51 (64.6%) patients had TTPs >10 cm H2O. The most common indication for tracheostomy was upper airway obstruction (n = 41, 51.9%), followed by a need for mechanical ventilation (n = 24, 30.4%). Twenty‐five (31.6%) patients were decannulated. Patients with TTPs ≤10 cm H2O had a mean Apnea‐Hypopnea Index of 0.17 ± 0.26/h compared with 6.93 ± 7.67/h in those with TTPs >10 cm H2O, p = 0.0365. Patients with TTPs >10 cm H2O were found to have a significantly higher occurrence of airway obstruction (96.1% vs. 46.4%, p < 0.0001) and multilevel airway obstruction (70.6% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.0001) on MLB. Neither TTP measured at time of PMV assessment nor capped polysomnography was associated with successful decannulation.

Conclusions

TTP measurements at time of PMV evaluation are associated with polysomnography and MLB findings. One‐time PMV measurements were not indicative of decannulation success.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3377–3383, 2024
Drivers of rising monthly water temperature in river estuaries
Authors: Itsukushima Rei , Ohtsuki Kazuaki , Sato Tatsuro
Published: January 2024

River estuaries are habitats for a variety of organisms, including many temperature‐sensitive species; water temperatures in estuaries are affected by several factors as they are influenced by both terrestrial and marine environments. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence river estuaries are essential for environmental management. However, no information exists on temperature change at high temporal resolution and over a wide area; moreover, the relationship with environmental factors has not yet been clarified. Here, we have described the actual status of water temperature change in riverine estuaries and its relationship with environmental factors for a wide area of the Japanese archipelago. Our results indicated that 217 of 294 rivers showed a significant monthly increase in water temperature. The average annual change in rates of water temperature increase was the highest in October at 0.090°C yr−1 and lowest in February at 0.068°C yr−1. Furthermore, snowfall, air temperature increase, sea water temperature, and land use were identified as factors increasing the rate of water temperature increase. Factors influencing the increase in river estuarine water temperature varied from month to month—with meteorological factors being the strongest influencers from spring to fall, and anthropogenic factors in winter. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering not only meteorological and oceanographic phenomena, but also anthropogenic influences and topographic features to understand the pattern of water temperature changes in river estuaries.
Global integrability for solutions to quasilinear elliptic systems with degenerate coercivity
Authors: Li Ya , Liu Gaoyang , Gao Hongya
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with global integrability for solutions to quasilinear elliptic systems involving equations of the form
where is an open bounded subset of , , , . Under degenerate coercivity condition of the diagonal coefficients and proportional condition of the off‐diagonal coefficients, we obtain some global integrability results.
Age, growth, and mortality of King Mackerel in the western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Banks Kesley G. , Streich Matthew K. , Stunz Gregory W.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Temporal and spatial variation in growth can have significant implications for the assessment and management of exploited populations. Therefore, the age and growth of King Mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla were estimated for the western Gulf of Mexico, where there are large gaps in the available data.

Methods

A total of 727 sagittal otoliths from 411 females, 248 males, and 68 individuals of unknown sex were collected from headboats, private recreational anglers, tournaments, and fishery-independent sampling and aged.

Result

Ages ranged from 0 to 17 years with lengths ranging from 13 to 147 cm fork length. The distribution of lengths and ages differed marginally for fishing sector (i.e., tournament vs. headboat vs. private). The fish that were collected from tournaments were larger than those collected from headboats and private anglers. The distribution of lengths and ages did vary by sex, with females obtaining larger sizes than males. However, there was no difference in mean age by sex. Using the multimodel approach, the Richards model improved the fit for both the youngest and oldest fish in the sample relative to the other growth models that were evaluated. Sex-specific differences in the Richards model were detected, with females growing larger than males but more slowly. Although peak catch was observed at age 5, King Mackerel were not fully recruited to the recreational fishery until age 6. The Chapman-Robson Peak Plus estimate of Z was 0.37.

Conclusion

These data provide a contemporary snapshot of size structure, age, growth, and mortality for King Mackerel from an undersampled region of the Gulf of Mexico and highlight several key considerations for upcoming stock assessments.
Unveiling the impact of tertiary lymphoid structures on immunotherapeutic responses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Lu Jiahe , Tian Xi , Ye Shiqi , Wei Shiyin , Wang Jun , Anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Qu Yuanyuan , Liu Wangrui , Chang Kun , Zhang Hailiang , Ye Dingwei
Published: January 2024

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are organized aggregates of immune cells that form under pathological conditions. However, the predictive value of TLS in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) for immunotherapies remains unclear. We comprehensively assessed the implications for prognosis and immunological responses of the TLS spatial and maturation heterogeneity in 655 ccRCC patients. A higher proportion of early‐TLS was found in peritumoral TLS, while intratumoral TLS mainly comprised secondary follicle‐like TLS (SFL‐TLS), indicating markedly better survival. Notably, presence of TLS, especially intratumoral TLS and SFL‐TLS, significantly correlated with better survival and objective reflection rate for ccRCC patients receiving anti‐Programmed Cell Death Protein‐1 (PD‐1)/Programmed Cell Death‐Ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) immunotherapies. In peritumoral TLS cluster, primary follicle‐like TLS, the proportion of tumor‐associated macrophages, and Treg infiltration in the peritumoral regions increased prominently, suggesting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Interestingly, spatial transcriptome annotation and multispectral fluorescence showed that an abundance of mature plasma cells within mature TLS has the capacity to produce IgA and IgG, which demonstrate significantly higher objective response rates and a superior prognosis for ccRCC patients subjected to immunotherapy. In conclusion, this study revealed the implications of TLS spatial and maturation heterogeneity on the immunological status and clinical responses, allowing the improvement of precise immunotherapies of ccRCC.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal Tomato Consumption Alters Hepatic Xenobiotic Metabolism and Induces Steroidal Alkaloid Metabolite Accumulation in Mice
Authors: Dzakovich Michael P. , Goggans Mallory L. , Thomas‐Ahner Jennifer M. , Moran Nancy E. , Clinton Steven K. , Francis David M. , Cooperstone Jessica L.
Published: January 2024

Scope

Tomato consumption is associated with many health benefits including lowered risk for developing certain cancers. It is hypothesized that tomato phytochemicals are transported to the liver and other tissues where they alter gene expression in ways that lead to favorable health outcomes. However, the effects of tomato consumption on mammalian liver gene expression and chemical profile are not well defined.

Methods and results

The study hypothesizes that tomato consumption would alter mouse liver transcriptomes and metabolomes compared to a control diet. C57BL/6J mice (n = 11–12/group) are fed a macronutrient matched diet containing either 10% red tomato, 10% tangerine tomato, or no tomato powder for 6 weeks after weaning. RNA‐Seq followed by gene set enrichment analyses indicates that tomato type and consumption, in general, altered expression of phase I and II xenobiotic metabolism genes. Untargeted metabolomics experiments reveal distinct clustering between control and tomato fed animals. Nineteen molecular formulas (representing 75 chemical features) are identified or tentatively identified as steroidal alkaloids and isomers of their phase I and II metabolites; many of which are reported for the first time in mammals.

Conclusion

These data together suggest tomato consumption may impart benefits partly through enhancing detoxification potential.
Designing an omnidirectional horizontally polarized circular patch antenna implementing unequal open‐circuited stubs
Authors: Santra Golak , Patel Piyush N.
Published: January 2024

A novel method of designing an omnidirectional horizontally polarized (OHP) patch antenna with omnidirectionality in the H‐plane is proposed in this letter. The three pairs of unequal arch slots with three open radial slots are etched on the ground, which is equivalent to three pairs of open‐circuited unequal stubs that excite the TM1.5,1patch mode and produce two resonance frequencies with circulating in‐phase current on the patch and the ground. Additionally, three pairs of open‐circuited unequal stubs are generated to enhance bandwidth and generate extra resonance frequencies by sequentially printing unequal arch and open radial slots on the top patch. The proposed antenna's 10 dB impedance bandwidth, including all resonance frequencies of TM1.5,1patch mode, is 10.20%, covering the 2.326–2.576 GHz Wi‐Fi band. The patch and ground diameter are 0.31λ0and 0.387λ0, respectively, with a real gain of 1.84–1.98 dBi over the operating band, and a gain variation is within 1.3 dB in the H‐plane at two measured resonance frequencies.
Four‐port MIMO Vivaldi antenna for access points
Authors: Lilian Redonda‐Cuadra , José Tirado‐Mendez , Hildeberto Jardón‐Aguilar , Ruben Flores‐Leal , Arturo Rangel‐Merino , Jaime Abarca Reyna , Alberto Vasques‐Toledo Luis
Published: January 2024

In this article, a 4‐port multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array is presented, based on a Vivaldi design for nonplanar applications like access points above 6 GHz. The antenna is configured with four Vivaldi antennas arranged orthogonally, one to each other, to increase the electromagnetic isolation among elements. The Vivaldi element is fed with a microstrip with an integrated balun in only one arm, and each arm is set in an antipodal position to the other, giving an easy‐to‐design and build prototype, with no complicated feeding techniques. Each antenna plane has dimensions of 90 × 40 mm2. The array presents a bandwidth from 5.3 GHz to beyond 20 GHz, with electromagnetic isolation above 20 dB, an envelope correlation coefficient below 0.001 for the entire bandwidth, giving a diversity gain around 20 dB, and a total active reflection coefficient below −10 dB from 7 to 20 dB, fulfilling the metrics for MIMO applications.
The Pitfalls of Wide Color Gamut Displays
Authors: Bergquist Johan
Published: January 2024

In this issue, we focus on metrology and human‐factor topics related to displays with narrow spectral power distributions. Although their wide color gamut (WCG) is an attractive attribute, traditional metrics do not necessarily work for WCG displays.
Nuclear astrophysicists at war
Authors: Wiescher Michael , Langanke Karlheinz
Published: January 2024

The question of energy production in stars stimulated an entire generation of young physicists in the 1930s who came to work in this field exploring the fundamentals of quantum and nuclear physics. Their experience and methodologies were essential to the Manhattan Project, facilitating the rapid development of the atomic bomb. The experience and knowledge gained from the Manhattan Project then flowed back to nuclear astrophysics after the war and led to its further development. This paper is motivated by the question that was raised in the film Oppenheimer, which asks whether “a bomb can set the atmosphere on fire?”. Seeking an answer requires a close intellectual exchange between the physics of the atomic bomb and the physics of stellar burning; this exchange is the topic of this paper.
Nostalgia for the old country—A histological exploration of early childhood physiological stress experiences in colonial Otago, New Zealand
Authors: Kavale‐Henderson Lucy A. , Buckley Hallie R. , King Charlotte L. , Petchey Peter , Snoddy Anne Marie E.
Published: January 2024

Many mid‐19th‐century immigrants to New Zealand are presumed to have been in pursuit of a “better life” than was achievable in their origin countries. Here, we utilize histological analyses of internal indicators of enamel growth disruption (accentuated lines [ALs]) in 19 European and Chinese immigrants and five colony‐born children from three 19th‐century Otago sites. Observations of regular enamel microstructure were used to estimate a chronology of periods of enamel growth disruption. Clear or potential ALs were present in 18/19 (95%) adults and 4/5 (80%) subadults. Mean occurrence of ALs was higher in Chinese individuals than in European individuals between birth and 1 year of age (Chinese mean = 11; European mean = 3.8) and between 3 and 5 years of age (Chinese mean = 12.7; European mean = 1.3). Potential prenatal ALs were observed in three colony‐born children. Although similar stressors such as malnutrition and infectious disease would have been present in both Europe and China, their expression in these individuals may reflect the embodiment of different push factors that stimulated emigration to New World colonies such as New Zealand. The presence of ALs in colony‐born children indicates some continuation of developmental stressors in New Zealand. The results presented here highlight the value of utilizing microscopic analyses on poorly preserved archeological samples that are frequently excluded from histological examination. This preliminary glimpse into enamel formation disruption challenges the ubiquitous 19th‐century narrative of New Zealand as free from the hardships of industrial revolution era Europe and sheds light on the stresses of childhoods spent in rural China and the potential attractions of the Pacific goldfields in comparison. Future work with larger sample sizes will contribute to a critical exploration of experiences of childhood physiological stress in those who lived and died in colonial New Zealand.
Inner strength amidst pandemic: Teachers' self‐efficacy patterns and perceived personal accomplishments
Authors: Ha Cheyeon , Pressley Tim
Published: January 2024

The present study explored the teachers' self‐efficacy patterns and perceived personal accomplishment in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic teaching environment. The current sample included in‐service teachers (n = 393) representing 36 states across the United States. We explored whether teacher efficacy variables (i.e., engagement efficacy, instruction efficacy, and classroom management) predict their perceived personal accomplishment. Also, based on the clustering analysis, we explored how teachers' different self‐efficacy patterns related to their perceived personal accomplishment. The results indicate that teacher efficacy strongly predicted their personal accomplishment levels and show insightful implications on how to support teachers to recover well‐being in a post‐pandemic learning environment.
Insights into the function of the chloroplastic ribosome‐associated GTPase high frequency of lysogenization X in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mehrez Marwa , Lecampion Cécile , Ke Hang , Gorsane Faten , Field Ben
Published: January 2024

Ribosome‐associated GTPases are conserved enzymes that participate in ribosome biogenesis and ribosome function. In bacteria, recent studies have identified HflX as a ribosome‐associated GTPase that is involved in both ribosome biogenesis and recycling under stress conditions. Plants possess a chloroplastic HflX homolog, but its function remains unknown. Here, we characterized the role of HflX in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Our findings show that HflX does not affect normal plant growth, nor does it play an essential role in acclimation to several different stresses, including heat, manganese, cold, and salt stress under the conditions tested. However, we found that HflX is required for plant resistance to chloroplast translational stress mediated by the antibiotic lincomycin. Our results suggest that HflX is a chloroplast ribosome‐associated protein that may play a role in the surveillance of translation. These findings provide new insight into the function of HflX as a ribosome‐associated GTPase in plants and highlight the importance of investigating conserved proteins in different organisms to gain a comprehensive understanding of their biological roles.
HB‐EGF‐loaded nanovesicles enhance trophectodermal spheroid attachment and invasion
Authors: Poh Qi Hui , Rai Alin , Cross Jonathon , Greening David W.
Published: January 2024

The ability of trophectodermal cells (outer layer of the embryo) to attach to the endometrial cells and subsequently invade the underlying matrix are critical stages of embryo implantation during successful pregnancy establishment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in embryo‐maternal crosstalk, capable of reprogramming endometrial cells towards a pro‐implantation signature and phenotype. However, challenges associated with EV yield and direct loading of biomolecules limit their therapeutic potential. We have previously established generation of cell‐derived nanovesicles (NVs) from human trophectodermal cells (hTSCs) and their capacity to reprogram endometrial cells to enhance adhesion and blastocyst outgrowth. Here, we employed a rapid NV loading strategy to encapsulate potent implantation molecules such as HB‐EGF (NVHBEGF). We show these loaded NVs elicit EGFR‐mediated effects in recipient endometrial cells, activating kinase phosphorylation sites that modulate their activity (AKT S124/129, MAPK1 T185/Y187), and downstream signalling pathways and processes (AKT signal transduction, GTPase activity). Importantly, they enhanced target cell attachment and invasion. The phosphoproteomics and proteomics approach highlight NVHBEGF‐mediated short‐term signalling patterns and long‐term reprogramming capabilities on endometrial cells which functionally enhance trophectodermal‐endometrial interactions. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates feasibility in enhancing the functional potency of NVs in the context of embryo implantation.
Development of transparent, particle‐loaded photoresins for volumetric additive manufacturing of silica glass
Authors: Myers Luke A. , Schwartz Johanna J. , De Beer Martin P. , Walton Rebecca L. , Porcincula Dominique H.
Published: January 2024

Additive manufacturing of glass aims to change the paradigm of glass manufacturing by allowing for improved customization coupled with lower energy and post‐processing needs. Fabrication of glass via volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) involves printing in a silica‐loaded photopolymer resin with subsequent thermal processing and adds additional advantages by allowing for rapid printing of parts with smooth surfaces and no supports. Previous work in glass VAM has demonstrated fabrication of optical quality microoptics with overall dimensions on the scale of tens of cubic millimeters. For applications requiring glass printed on the scale of cubic centimeters the rheology, scattering, and green part strength must be controlled via resin formulation. Here, we present insight into a novel glass photopolymer resin suitable for VAM and in the effect of tuning formulation on the ability to produce dense glass parts with volumes on the scale of cubic centimeters.
Hetero‐blast from a structural reactive material cylinder under explosive loading
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yoshinaka Akio , Ripley Robert C.
Published: January 2024

A structural reactive material (SRM) cylinder is considered here as a limiting case of a dense metallic energetic system in which a mixture of metal particles is consolidated to the theoretical maximum density excluding porosity, to possess both high energy density and mechanical strength. Dynamic fragmentation and free‐field explosion of a 103 mm inner diameter SRM cylinder charge is experimentally studied, with a wall thickness varying in a range of metal‐to‐explosive mass ratioM/C=1.3 to 4.0. Under explosive loading, the SRM cylinder produces a designated fragment size distribution divided into two groups: fine fragments with sizes on the order of 102 μm and below, and coarse fragments with sizes on the order ranging between 100‐101 mm. Prompt detonation shock‐induced reaction (DSIR) of the expanding cloud of high‐concentration fine fragments supplements the energy to enhance the primary blast as it propagates, while the coarse fragments form a high‐speed, high‐concentration metal momentum flux crossing the fireball and blast front to contribute to the total impulse loading to a nearby structure. Rapid impact‐induced reaction (IIR) of the secondary fragments from high‐speed coarse SRM fragments further enhances the reflected blast loading or generates a high interior explosion pressure as fragments perforate into the structure. The above distinctive characteristics of a unique hetero‐blast are coupled effectively in the near‐field range.