bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on stock market volatility: evidence from a selection of developed and emerging stock markets
Authors: Khan Muhammad Niaz , Fifield Suzanne G. M. , Power David M.
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the stock markets of China, India, Pakistan, the UK and the US using Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) and Threshold GARCH models with COVID 19 as an exogenous dummy variable in the variance equation. The sample period of 2016–2021 is divided into two sub-periods: the pre-COVID 19 period and the COVID 19 period. The results of the study indicate that there was persistent volatility in these markets and that this volatility increased as a result of the pandemic. In addition, the Threshold GARCH results indicate that the asymmetric term was significant in all markets indicating that bad news, such as the pandemic, had a stronger impact on the conditional variance of the returns as compared to good news. In addition, the results further confirm that the US market had no significant impact on the volatility of the Chinese market during the pandemic. The results have important implications for (1) international investors regarding portfolio management and investment risk minimisation in situations like the COVID 19 pandemic; and (2) policy-makers in terms of how they respond to any future pandemic.
Investigation of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of abdominal Desmoid tumors
Authors: Jiang Yujuan , Shao Xinxin , Li Weikun , Hu Haitao , Lu Yiming , Tian Yantao
Published: May 2024

Background

Abdominal desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare soft-tissue neoplasms known for their relatively high local recurrence rate. This study aims to elucidate the clinicopathological features and investigate prognostic factors related to abdominal DTs across various tumor locations.

Methods

From January 2000 to January 2021, patients diagnosed with abdominal DTs who underwent complete resection at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, were included in this study. Thorough collection and review of clinicopathologic characteristics and follow-up data were performed. Prognostic factors, including age at presentation, sex, tumor location, size, and proximity to nerves or vasculature, were meticulously analyzed to assess their impact on recurrence-free survival.

Results

A cohort of 226 patients diagnosed with abdominal DTs was categorized into two groups based on tumor site: the abdominal wall group (n = 132) and the intra-abdominal cavity group (n = 94). Distinct clinicopathological features and prognoses were observed between abdominal wall DTs and intra-abdominal DTs. During a median follow-up of 60 months, 24 patients (10.2%) experienced local recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified intra-abdominal tumors, tumor size >10cm, and positive margins as independent risk factors associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Abdominal wall DTs demonstrate different clinicopathological characteristics and better prognoses compared to intra-abdominal DTs. By achieving negative margins, patients with abdominal wall DTs can achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes and prognosis through curative resection.
SQEAIR: an Improved Infectious Disease Dynamics Model
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Jin Yongchao , Zhou Lihui , Hou Wei , Liu Dongmei , Wang Jianjun , Wang Xiyin
Published: May 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to human health and life. Timely and accurate prediction of the epidemic’s trajectory is crucial for devising effective prevention and control strategies. Traditional infectious disease models may not capture the complexity of modern epidemics, especially when governments implement diverse policies. Drawing from China’s epidemic prevention strategies and Covid-19 transmission characteristics, this study introduces two distinct categories quarantined cases and asymptomatic cases to enhance the traditional SEIR model in depicting disease dynamics. To address the intricate nature of prevention and control efforts, the quarantined cases are further segmented into three subgroups: exposed quarantined, asymptomatic quarantined, and infected quarantined cases. Consequently, a novel SQEAIR model is proposed to model the dynamics of Covid-19. Evaluation metrics such as the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Absolute Percentage Error (MAE) are employed to assess the efficacy and accuracy of both the newly proposed and traditional models. By fitting the models to the number of infected cases in Shanghai (March to May 2022) and Guangzhou (November 2022), it was observed that the SQEAIR model exhibited a lower AIC value compared to the SEIR model, indicating superior fitting accuracy for Covid-19 infections. Moreover, the high accuracy of the SQEAIR model enabled precise predictions of confirmed cases in Guangzhou. Leveraging the SQEAIR model, various parameters were tested to simulate the impact of different influencing factors, enabling the evaluation of defense strategies. These findings underscore the effectiveness of key epidemic control measures, such as quarantining exposed cases, in enhancing public health and promoting awareness of personal protection.
Acquisition of key clinical communication skills through simulation-based education: findings from a program for postgraduate psychiatry trainees (ComPsych)
Authors: Ditton-Phare Philippa , Sandhu Harsimrat , Kelly Brian , Loughland Carmel
Published: May 2024

Objective

Few studies have investigated the maintenance of skills acquired in classroom-based clinician education. Using an advanced simulation-based clinical communication skill training program for postgraduate psychiatry education (ComPsych), we aimed to investigate skill acquisition through assessing changes in competence (abilities) and performance (practice).

Methods

Forty trainee psychiatrists (15 males; age range 26–48) participated. Video-recorded Standardized Patient Assessments (SPAs) were delivered twice pre- and post-training to assess learning. Skills were coded by independent psychologists using the Core Communication Skills (CCS) coding system. Simulated patients (SPs) rated trainees' communication performance using the Sim-Patient SPA checklist. Paired t-tests, linear mixed models and logistic mixed models assessed changes in communication skills over time.

Results

For SPAs, reliability of coder ratings was deemed acceptable (ICC range 0.67 to 0.87). Mean post-training communication performance significantly increased for skills in agenda setting (p < 0.001), information organization (p < 0.001), empathic skills (p = 0.046), and overall skills performance (p = 0.001). Significant decreases for questioning skills were indicative of reduced reliance on these skills post-training. SPs rated all skillsets higher post-training. A modest relationship was detected between frequency (coded) and (SP-rated) quality of communication skills. Improvements in agenda setting and information organisation skills were retained ~ 6 weeks post-training.

Conclusions

Training improved patient-centered communication skills in psychiatry trainees, particularly skills in agenda setting and information organization, with skills retained ~ 6 weeks post-training. There was reduced reliance on questioning skills, which are well utilised generally. The study supports the benefits of this method of communication skills training into postgraduate psychiatry education.
Development of prediction model for structural behavior and gradation of porous asphalt pavement
Authors: Lokesh Yateen , Parate Harshad R. , Swamy H. M. Rajashekhar , Ali Humaira
Published: May 2024

This study is aimed at developing prediction model for structural behavior of Porous Asphalt Pavement (PAP) using ABAQUS software and also developing ANN (Artificial Neural Network) model to predict void percentages in Porous Asphalt mix gradations. Data from the past literatures were used to analyze various mixing parameters affecting the properties of Porous Asphalt gradation mixes. The study analyzed PAPs using KENPAVE software. The findings indicated that fewer allowable repetitions to fatigue and rutting failures were observed for thinner Porous Asphalt Concrete (PAC) layer thicknesses. This suggests that thicker PAC layers may offer better resistance to fatigue and rutting failures in pavement systems. The study found that the nature of subgrade material significantly influenced the rutting performance of PAP systems. Specifically, clayey soils exhibited a 77.74% reduction in the design life of the pavement compared to gravelly soil subgrades. This highlights the importance of considering subgrade characteristics in pavement design and construction to optimize pavement performance and longevity. Higher contact pressures resulted in higher tensile stresses at the bottom of PAC layer which in turn reduced the fatigue life of PAP. The findings from ABAQUS analysis indicated that an increase in the void percentage in Porous Asphalt Concrete (PAC) mixes led to a significant increase in horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of the PAC layer, with a 12.3% increase observed. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in tensile strain for a PAC mix with 28% voids compared to a mix with 16% voids. This suggests that higher void percentages in the PAC mixes can potentially enhance the flexibility and deformation resistance of the pavement structure, which may contribute to improved performance under various loading conditions, hence leading to 92.8% reduction in allowable load repetitions to fatigue failure.

The study further revealed that an increased void percentage in Porous Asphalt Concrete (PAC) mixes resulted in a decrease in vertical stress and deflection in the PAP system. However, no significant effect on the allowable repetitions to rutting failure was observed. This suggests that higher void percentages may lead to better load distribution and reduced vertical stresses within the pavement structure, contributing to improved performance in terms of stress and deflection.

Moreover, Asphalt Pavement mixes were compiled to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) prediction model. The results demonstrated good conformity between predicted and actual data, with a mean square error of 0.109 and a coefficient of correlation of 0.994. This indicates that the ANN model accurately predicts pavement performance based on the compiled asphalt pavement mixes, providing a valuable tool for pavement design and analysis.
Onomantic Divination in Late Medieval Britain
Authors: Edge Joanne
Published: May 2024

Demonstrates the wide prevalence of supposedly impermissible divination techniques found in a wide range of manuscripts from medieval Britain.
The Medicine of the Friars in Medieval England
Authors: Jones Peter Murray
Published: May 2024

Drawing upon a surprising wealth of evidence found in surviving manuscripts, this book restores friars to their rightful place in the history of English health care.
Calculating premium principles from the mode of a unimodal weighted distribution
Authors: Psarrakos Georgios
Published: May 2024

The theory of utility is a well-known method of constructing insurance premiums (see e.g., Newton et al. (1986) Actuarial Mathematics. Itasca, Illinois: The Society of Actuaries.). Furman and Zitikis ((2008) Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, 42, 459–465.) proposed an alternative method using the mean value of a weighted random variable. According to this approach, for various choices of weighting, popular premiums such as net premium, modified variance premium, Esscher premium, and Kamps premium are obtained. On the other hand, some premiums cannot be obtained with this method, such as the premium of the exponential principle. In this paper, we provide a complementary theory by introducing a family of unimodal weighted distributions for which the mode is a premium principle.
How to co-create content moderation policies: the case of the AutSPACEs project
Authors: Aitkenhead Georgia , Fantoni Susanna , Scott James , Batchelor Sophia , Duncan Helen , Llewellyn-Jones David , Mole Callum , Smith Otis , Stoffel Martin , Taylor Robin , Whitaker Kirstie , Greshake Tzovaras Bastian
Published: May 2024

The moderation of user-generated content on online platforms remains a key solution to protecting people online, but also remains a perpetual challenge as the appropriateness of content moderation guidelines depends on the online community that they aim to govern. This challenge affects marginalized groups in particular, as they more frequently experience online abuse but also end up falsely being the target of content-moderation guidelines. While there have been calls for democratic, community-moderation, there has so far been little research into how to implement such approaches. Here, we present the co-creation of content moderation strategies with the users of an online platform to address some of these challenges. Within the context of AutSPACEs—an online citizen science platform that aims to allow autistic people to share their own sensory processing experiences publicly—we used a community-based and participatory approach to co-design a content moderation solution that would fit the preferences, priorities, and needs of its autistic user community. We outline how this approach helped us discover context-specific moderation dilemmas around participant safety and well-being and how we addressed those. These trade-offs have resulted in a moderation design that differs from more general social networks in aspects such as how to contribute, when to moderate, and what to moderate. While these dilemmas, processes, and solutions are specific to the context of AutSPACEs, we highlight how the co-design approach itself could be applied and useful for other communities to uncover challenges and help other online spaces to embed safety and empowerment.
Characterization of N+ Abundances in the Terrestrial Polar Wind Using the Multiscale Atmosphere‐Geospace Environment
Authors: Albarran R. M. , Varney R. H. , Pham K. , Lin D.
Published: May 2024

The High‐latitude Ionosphere Dynamics for Research Applications (HIDRA) model is part of the Multiscale Atmosphere‐Geospace Environment model under development by the Center for Geospace Storms NASA DRIVE Science Center. This study employs HIDRA to simulate upflows of H+, He+, O+, and N+ ions, with a particular focus on the relative N+ concentrations, production and loss mechanisms, and thermal upflow drivers as functions of season, solar activity, and magnetospheric convection. The simulation results demonstrate that N+ densities typically exceed He+ densities, N+ densities are typically ∼10% O+ densities, and N+ concentrations at quiet‐time are approximately 50%–100% of N+ concentrations during storm‐time. Furthermore, the N+ and O+ upflow fluxes show similar trends with variations in magnetospheric driving. The inclusion of ion‐neutral chemical reactions involving metastable atoms is shown to have significant effects on N+ production rates. With this metastable chemistry included, the simulated ion density profiles compare favorably with satellite measurements from Atmosphere Explorer C and Orbiting Geophysical Observatory 6.
Interpreting the Seasonality of Atmospheric Methane
Authors: East James D. , Jacob Daniel J. , Balasus Nicholas , Bloom A. Anthony , Bruhwiler Lori , Chen Zichong , Kaplan Jed O. , Mickley Loretta J. , Mooring Todd A. , Penn Elise , Poulter Benjamin , Sulprizio Melissa P. , Worden John R. , Yantosca Robert M. , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2024

Surface and satellite observations of atmospheric methane show smooth seasonal behavior in the Southern Hemisphere driven by loss from the hydroxyl (OH) radical. However, observations in the Northern Hemisphere show a sharp mid‐summer increase that is asymmetric with the Southern Hemisphere and not captured by the default configuration of the GEOS‐Chem chemical transport model. Using an ensemble of 22 OH model estimates and 24 wetland emission inventories in GEOS‐Chem, we show that the magnitude, latitudinal distribution, and seasonality of Northern Hemisphere wetland emissions are critical for reproducing the observed seasonality of methane in that hemisphere, with the interhemispheric OH ratio playing a lesser role. Reproducing the observed seasonality requires a wetland emission inventory with ∼80 Tg a−1 poleward of 10°N including significant emissions in South Asia, and an August peak in boreal emissions persisting into autumn. In our 24‐member wetland emission ensemble, only the LPJ‐wsl MERRA‐2 inventory has these attributes.
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius mediates anti-PD1 therapy resistance and exacerbates colorectal cancer via myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice
Authors: Liu Yali , Wong Chi Chun , Ding Yanqiang , Gao Mengxue , Wen Jun , Lau Harry Cheuk-Hay , Cheung Alvin Ho-Kwan , Huang Dan , Huang He , Yu Jun
Published: May 2024

Bacteria such as the oral microbiome member Peptostreptococcus anaerobius can exacerbate colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Little is known regarding whether these immunomodulatory bacteria also affect antitumour immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Here we show that administration of P. anaerobius abolished the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy in mouse models of CRC. P. anaerobius both induced intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and stimulated their immunosuppressive activities to impair effective T cell responses. Mechanistically, P. anaerobius administration activated integrin α2β1–NF-κB signalling in CRC cells to induce secretion of CXCL1 and recruit CXCR2+ MDSCs into tumours. The bacterium also directly activated immunosuppressive activity of intratumoral MDSCs by secreting lytC_22, a protein that bound to the Slamf4 receptor on MDSCs and promoted ARG1 and iNOS expression. Finally, therapeutic targeting of either integrin α2β1 or the Slamf4 receptor were revealed as promising strategies to overcome P. anaerobius-mediated resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in CRC.
Entanglement of nanophotonic quantum memory nodes in a telecom network
Authors: Knaut C. M. , Suleymanzade A. , Wei Y.-C. , Assumpcao D. R. , Stas P.-J. , Huan Y. Q. , Machielse B. , Knall E. N. , Sutula M. , Baranes G. , Sinclair N. , De-Eknamkul C. , Levonian D. S. , Bhaskar M. K. , Park H. , Lončar M. , Lukin M. D.
Published: May 2024

A key challenge in realizing practical quantum networks for long-distance quantum communication involves robust entanglement between quantum memory nodes connected by fibre optical infrastructure1–3. Here we demonstrate a two-node quantum network composed of multi-qubit registers based on silicon-vacancy (SiV) centres in nanophotonic diamond cavities integrated with a telecommunication fibre network. Remote entanglement is generated by the cavity-enhanced interactions between the electron spin qubits of the SiVs and optical photons. Serial, heralded spin-photon entangling gate operations with time-bin qubits are used for robust entanglement of separated nodes. Long-lived nuclear spin qubits are used to provide second-long entanglement storage and integrated error detection. By integrating efficient bidirectional quantum frequency conversion of photonic communication qubits to telecommunication frequencies (1,350 nm), we demonstrate the entanglement of two nuclear spin memories through 40 km spools of low-loss fibre and a 35-km long fibre loop deployed in the Boston area urban environment, representing an enabling step towards practical quantum repeaters and large-scale quantum networks.
Temporal multiplexing of perception and memory codes in IT cortex
Authors: She Liang , Benna Marcus K. , Shi Yuelin , Fusi Stefano , Tsao Doris Y.
Published: May 2024

A central assumption of neuroscience is that long-term memories are represented by the same brain areas that encode sensory stimuli1. Neurons in inferotemporal (IT) cortex represent the sensory percept of visual objects using a distributed axis code2–4. Whether and how the same IT neural population represents the long-term memory of visual objects remains unclear. Here we examined how familiar faces are encoded in the IT anterior medial face patch (AM), perirhinal face patch (PR) and temporal pole face patch (TP). In AM and PR we observed that the encoding axis for familiar faces is rotated relative to that for unfamiliar faces at long latency; in TP this memory-related rotation was much weaker. Contrary to previous claims, the relative response magnitude to familiar versus unfamiliar faces was not a stable indicator of familiarity in any patch5–11. The mechanism underlying the memory-related axis change is likely intrinsic to IT cortex, because inactivation of PR did not affect axis change dynamics in AM. Overall, our results suggest that memories of familiar faces are represented in AM and perirhinal cortex by a distinct long-latency code, explaining how the same cell population can encode both the percept and memory of faces.
The rise of baobab trees in Madagascar
Authors: Wan Jun-Nan , Wang Sheng-Wei , Leitch Andrew R. , Leitch Ilia J. , Jian Jian-Bo , Wu Zhang-Yan , Xin Hai-Ping , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Onjalalaina Guy Eric , Gituru Robert Wahiti , Dai Can , Mwachala Geoffrey , Bai Ming-Zhou , Zhao Chen-Xi , Wang Hong-Qi , Du Sheng-Lan , Wei Neng , Hu Guang-Wan , Chen Si-Chong , Chen Xiao-Ya , Wan Tao , Wang Qing-Feng
Published: May 2024

The baobab trees (genus Adansonia) have attracted tremendous attention because of their striking shape and distinctive relationships with fauna1. These spectacular trees have also influenced human culture, inspiring innumerable arts, folklore and traditions. Here we sequenced genomes of all eight extant baobab species and argue that Madagascar should be considered the centre of origin for the extant lineages, a key issue in their evolutionary history2,3. Integrated genomic and ecological analyses revealed the reticulate evolution of baobabs, which eventually led to the species diversity seen today. Past population dynamics of Malagasy baobabs may have been influenced by both interspecific competition and the geological history of the island, especially changes in local sea levels. We propose that further attention should be paid to the conservation status of Malagasy baobabs, especially of Adansoniasuarezensis and Adansoniagrandidieri, and that intensive monitoring of populations of Adansoniaza is required, given its propensity for negatively impacting the critically endangered Adansoniaperrieri.
The Poses for Equine Research Dataset (PFERD)
Authors: Li Ci , Mellbin Ylva , Krogager Johanna , Polikovsky Senya , Holmberg Martin , Ghorbani Nima , Black Michael J. , Kjellström Hedvig , Zuffi Silvia , Hernlund Elin
Published: May 2024

Studies of quadruped animal motion help us to identify diseases, understand behavior and unravel the mechanics behind gaits in animals. The horse is likely the best-studied animal in this aspect, but data capture is challenging and time-consuming. Computer vision techniques improve animal motion extraction, but the development relies on reference datasets, which are scarce, not open-access and often provide data from only a few anatomical landmarks. Addressing this data gap, we introduce PFERD, a video and 3D marker motion dataset from horses using a full-body set-up of densely placed over 100 skin-attached markers and synchronized videos from ten camera angles. Five horses of diverse conformations provide data for various motions from basic poses (eg. walking, trotting) to advanced motions (eg. rearing, kicking). We further express the 3D motions with current techniques and a 3D parameterized model, the hSMAL model, establishing a baseline for 3D horse markerless motion capture. PFERD enables advanced biomechanical studies and provides a resource of ground truth data for the methodological development of markerless motion capture.
A longitudinal electrophysiological and behavior dataset for PD rat in response to deep brain stimulation
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Min , Shen Yin , Li Yuming , Li Shengjie , Xu Yuanhao , Liu Yu , Su Fei , Xin Tao
Published: May 2024

Here we presented an electrophysiological dataset collected from layer V of the primary motor cortex (M1) and the corresponding behavior dataset from normal and hemi-parkinson rats over 5 consecutive weeks. The electrophysiological dataset was constituted by the raw wideband signal, neuronal spikes, and local field potential (LFP) signal. The open-field test was done and recorded to evaluate the behavior variation of rats among the entire experimental cycle. We conducted technical validation of this dataset through sorting the spike data to form action potential waveforms and analyzing the spectral power of LFP data, then based on these findings a closed-loop DBS protocol was developed by the oscillation activity response of M1 LFP signal. Additionally, this protocol was applied to the hemi-parkinson rat for five consecutive days while simultaneously recording the electrophysiological data. This dataset is currently the only publicly available dataset that includes longitudinal closed-loop DBS recordings, which can be utilized to investigate variations of neuronal activity within the M1 following long-term closed-loop DBS, and explore additional reliable biomarkers.
Trend and principal components of HIV/AIDS among adults in SSA
Authors: Hailu Bayuh Asmamaw
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to identify the most important principal components (PCs) that contribute to the prevalence and change of HIV/AIDS in 44 SSA and data from different national and international datasets. The study estimated HIV prevalence, trend, and principal component analysis (PCA). Using the elbow method, the number of important PCs and contributions was identified. The quality of representation was checked, and more contributing variables for most important PCs were identified. Finally, the status by prevalence, the progress by trend, the more influenced component by PCA, and the more influenced variable with quality of representation by PCs were reported. The study found that HIV prevalence varied significantly, with 30 of the countries showed good progress/decline. Four PCs accounted for 51% of the total variance. Literacy, cohabitation, media exposure, and HIV status awareness are highly contributing factors. Based on these findings, a gap-based response will help reduce the burden of HIV.
Raman hyperspectroscopy of saliva and machine learning for Sjögren’s disease diagnostics
Authors: Vyas Bhavik , Khatiashvili Ana , Galati Lisa , Ngo Khoa , Gildener-Leapman Neil , Larsen Melinda , Lednev Igor K.
Published: May 2024

Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and mouth and other morbidities. Polypharmacy or a history of radiation to the head and neck can also lead to dry mouth. Sjogren's disease is often underdiagnosed due to its non-specific symptoms, limited awareness among healthcare professionals, and the complexity of diagnostic criteria, limiting the ability to provide therapy early. Current diagnostic methods suffer from limitations including the variation in individuals, the absence of a single diagnostic marker, and the low sensitivity and specificity, high cost, complexity, and invasiveness of current procedures. Here we utilized Raman hyperspectroscopy combined with machine learning to develop a novel screening test for Sjögren's disease. The method effectively distinguished Sjögren's disease patients from healthy controls and radiation patients. This technique shows potential for development of a single non-invasive, efficient, rapid, and inexpensive medical screening test for Sjögren's disease using a Raman hyper-spectral signature.
Three-dimensional assessment of image distortion induced by active cardiac implants in 3.0T CMR
Authors: Reiter Theresa , Weiss Ingo , Weber Oliver M. , Bauer Wolfgang R.
Published: May 2024

CMR at 3.0T in the presence of active cardiac implants remains a challenge due to susceptibility artifacts. Beyond a signal void that cancels image information, magnetic field inhomogeneities may cause distorted appearances of anatomical structures. Understanding influencing factors and the extent of distortion are a first step towards optimizing the image quality of CMR with active implants at 3.0T. All measurements were obtained at a clinical 3.0T scanner. An in-house designed phantom with a 3D cartesian grid of water filled spheres was used to analyze the distortion caused by four representative active cardiac devices (cardiac loop recorder, pacemaker, 2 ICDs). For imaging a gradient echo (3D-TFE) sequence and a turbo spin echo (2D-TSE) sequence were used. The work defines metrics to quantify the different features of distortion such as changes in size, location and signal intensity. It introduces a specialized segmentation technique based on a reaction–diffusion-equation. The distortion features are dependent on the amount of magnetic material in the active implants and showed a significant increase when measured with the 3D TFE compared to the 2D TSE. This work presents a quantitative approach for the evaluation of image distortion at 3.0T caused by active cardiac implants and serves as foundation for both further optimization of sequences and devices but also for planning of imaging procedures.
Configurational impact of self-regulated writing strategy, writing anxiety, and perceived writing difficulty on EFL writing performance: an fsQCA approach
Authors: Fan Cunying , Wang Juan
Published: May 2024

Previous research has indicated that writing performance of foreign/second language (L2) learners is influenced by their utilization of self-regulated writing strategies. Yet, the relationship between various self-regulated strategies and individual characteristics, such as writing anxiety and perceived writing difficulty, has not been sufficiently examined. To bridge this gap, this study classified self-regulated writing strategies into four distinct types: cognitive, metacognitive, social behavioral, and motivational. These types were combined with L2 learners’ writing anxiety and writing difficulty to form conceptual models to predict high or low writing performance. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to gain a detailed understanding of the causal intricacies of writing performance. Data was collected from a sample of 94 students attending a university in eastern China. fsQCA revealed a variety of configurations associated with EFL writing performance, with six of them leading to high performance and four to low performance. These configurations highlight the complex causal relationship between students’ use of self-regulated writing strategies and their writing performance, while considering their writing anxiety and perceived writing difficulty. The study provided theoretical and practical implications for L2 teachers and educators who wish to enhance L2 learners’ writing performance.
Mechanical behavior of full-thickness burn human skin is rate-independent
Authors: Gallagher Samara , Josyula Kartik , Rahul  , Kruger Uwe , Gong Alex , Song Agnes , Eschelbach Emily , Crawford David , Pham Tam , Sweet Robert , Parsey Conner , Norfleet Jack , De Suvranu
Published: May 2024

Skin tissue is recognized to exhibit rate-dependent mechanical behavior under various loading conditions. Here, we report that the full-thickness burn human skin exhibits rate-independent behavior under uniaxial tensile loading conditions. Mechanical properties, namely, ultimate tensile stress, ultimate tensile strain, and toughness, and parameters of Veronda–Westmann hyperelastic material law were assessed via uniaxial tensile tests. Univariate hypothesis testing yielded no significant difference (p > 0.01) in the distributions of these properties for skin samples loaded at three different rates of 0.3 mm/s, 2 mm/s, and 8 mm/s. Multivariate multiclass classification, employing a logistic regression model, failed to effectively discriminate samples loaded at the aforementioned rates, with a classification accuracy of only 40%. The median values for ultimate tensile stress, ultimate tensile strain, and toughness are computed as 1.73 MPa, 1.69, and 1.38 MPa, respectively. The findings of this study hold considerable significance for the refinement of burn care training protocols and treatment planning, shedding new light on the unique, rate-independent behavior of burn skin.
Defining the correlates of lymphopenia and independent predictors of poor clinical outcome in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Australia
Authors: Hastak Priyanka , Cromer Deborah , Malycha James , Andersen Christopher R. , Raith Eamon , Davenport Miles P. , Plummer Mark , Sasson Sarah C.
Published: May 2024

Lymphopenia is a common feature of acute COVID-19 and is associated with increased disease severity and 30-day mortality. Here we aim to define the demographic and clinical characteristics that correlate with lymphopenia in COVID-19 and determine if lymphopenia is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome. We analysed the ENTER-COVID (Epidemiology of hospitalized in-patient admissions following planned introduction of Epidemic SARS-CoV-2 to highly vaccinated COVID-19 naïve population) dataset of adults (N = 811) admitted for COVID-19 treatment in South Australia in a retrospective registry study, categorizing them as (a) lymphopenic (lymphocyte count < 1 × 109/L) or (b) non-lymphopenic at hospital admission. Comorbidities and laboratory parameters were compared between groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed using a linear or logistic model. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non-survivors exhibited lower median lymphocyte counts than non-ICU patients and survivors respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that low lymphocyte counts associated with hypertension and correlated with haemoglobin, platelet count and negatively correlated with urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Multivariate analysis identified age, male, haemoglobin, platelet count, diabetes, creatinine, bilirubin, alanine transaminase, c-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as independent predictors of poor clinical outcome in COVID-19, while lymphopenia did not emerge as a significant predictor.
Corpus callosum morphology and relationships to illness phenotypes in individuals with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Feusner Jamie D. , Nowacka Alicja , Ly Ronald , Luders Eileen , Kurth Florian
Published: May 2024

Anorexia nervosa is an often-severe psychiatric illness characterized by significantly low body weight, fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. Multiple neuroimaging studies have shown abnormalities in cortical morphology, mostly associated with the starvation state. Investigations of white matter, while more limited in number, have suggested global and regional volume reductions, as well as abnormal diffusivity in multiple regions including the corpus callosum. Yet, no study has specifically examined thickness of the corpus callosum, a large white matter tract instrumental in the inter-hemispheric integration of sensory, motor, and cognitive information. We analyzed MRI data from 48 adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa and 50 healthy controls, all girls/women, to compare corpus callosum thickness and examined relationships with body mass index (BMI), illness duration, and eating disorder symptoms (controlling for BMI). There were no significant group differences in corpus callosum thickness. In the anorexia nervosa group, severity of body shape concerns was significantly, positively correlated with callosal thickness in the rostrum, genu, rostral body, isthmus, and splenium. In addition, there were significant positive correlations between eating disorder-related obsessions and compulsions and thickness of the anterior midbody, rostral body, and splenium. There were no significant associations between callosal thickness and BMI or illness duration. In sum, those with AN with worse concerns about bodily appearance and worse eating disorder-related obsessive thought patterns and compulsive behaviours have regionally thicker corpus callosum, independent of current weight status. These findings provide important neurobiological links to key, specific eating disorder behavioural phenotypes.
Identification of necroptosis-related gene signatures for predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Qin Yuling , Sheng Yawen , Ren Mengxue , Hou Zitong , Xiao Lu , Chen Ruixue
Published: May 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most prevalent and fatal malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. Our research aimed to develop a prognostic model to assist inclinical treatment decision-making.Utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and copy number variation (CNV) data from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) database, we conducted analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene function, and tumor microenvironment (TME) scores in various clusters of OC samples.Next, we classified participants into low-risk and high-risk groups based on the median risk score, thereby dividing both the training group and the entire group accordingly. Overall survival (OS) was significantly reduced in the high-risk group, and two independent prognostic factors were identified: age and risk score. Additionally, three genes—C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10), RELB, and Caspase-3 (CASP3)—emerged as potential candidates for an independent prognostic signature with acceptable prognostic value. In Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, pathways related to immune responses and inflammatory cell chemotaxis were identified. Cellular experiments further validated the reliability and precision of our findings. In conclusion, necroptosis-related genes play critical roles in tumor immunity, and our model introduces a novel strategy for predicting the prognosis of OC patients.
STAT1 regulates neutrophil gelatinase B-associated lipocalin induction in influenza-induced myocarditis
Authors: Constantinesco Nicholas J. , Srikanth Sashwath , De Vito Louis , Moras Crystal , Ramasubramanian Vennila , Chinnappan Baskaran , Hartwick Sean , Schwab Kristina E. , Wu Yijen , Gopal Radha
Published: May 2024

Influenza is a significant public health and economic threat around the world. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a close association between influenza pandemics and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, it has been shown that there is a decrease in cardiovascular mortality in high-risk patients following vaccination with the influenza vaccine. Here, we have investigated the role of anti-viral STAT1 signaling in influenza-induced myocarditis. Wild-type mice (C57BL/6) were infected with either influenza A/PR/8/34 or control, and cellular response and gene expression analysis from the heart samples were assessed 7 days later. The expression of interferon response genes STAT1, STAT2, Mx1, OASL2, ISG15, chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CXCL9 and CXCL10, and the frequency of neutrophils (CD45+CD11b+Ly6G+) and CD4+ T cells (CD45+CD4+) were all significantly increased in influenza-infected mice when compared to vehicle controls. These data suggest that influenza infection induces interferons, inflammatory chemokines, and cellular recruitment during influenza infection. We further investigated the role of STAT1 in influenza-induced myocarditis. The frequency of neutrophils and the levels of lipocalin 2 were significantly increased in STAT1−/− mice when compared to WT controls. Finally, we investigated the role of Lcn2 in viral-induced myocarditis. We found that in the absence of Lcn2, there was preserved cardiac function in Lcn2−/− mice when compared to WT controls. These data suggest that the absence of Lcn2 is cardioprotective during viral-induced myocarditis.
Future changes in South Asian summer monsoon circulation under global warming: role of the Tibetan Plateau latent heating
Authors: Luo Haolin , Wang Ziqian , He Chao , Chen Deliang , Yang Song
Published: May 2024

The South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) is a significant monsoon system that exerts a profound impact on climate and human livelihoods. According to 38 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6, the SASM circulation is projected to weaken significantly under global warming as seen in the weakened low-level westerly wind over the northern tropical Indian Ocean; however, the associated climate dynamics is still under debate. Here, we identify that the weakened low-level westerly wind is closely related to the enhanced latent heating over the Tibetan Plateau (TP), which corresponds with increased summer precipitation in the future. The intensified TP latent heating triggers an anomalous meridional circulation with ascending motions over the plateau and descending motions to the south, leading to an anomalous low-level anticyclone over the northern tropical Indian Ocean. This anticyclone greatly weakens the prevailing low-level westerlies of the SASM through easterly anomalies at the anticyclone’s southern flank. Moisture budget analysis further reveals that increased atmospheric water vapor, rather than the vertical dynamic component, makes the largest contribution to the increased precipitation over the TP. This result confirms that the enhanced TP latent heating is a driver of atmospheric circulation change and contributes to weakening the SASM circulation.
Impairing hydrolase transport machinery prevents human melanoma metastasis
Authors: Nordlinger Alice , Del Rio Justine , Parikh Shivang , Thomas Laetitia , Parikh Roma , Vaknine Hananya , Brenner Ronen , Baschieri Francesco , Robert Aude , Khaled Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Metastases are the major cause of cancer-related death, yet, molecular weaknesses that could be exploited to prevent tumor cells spreading are poorly known. Here, we found that perturbing hydrolase transport to lysosomes by blocking either the expression of IGF2R, the main receptor responsible for their trafficking, or GNPT, a transferase involved in the addition of the specific tag recognized by IGF2R, reduces melanoma invasiveness potential. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the perturbation of this traffic, leads to a compensatory lysosome neo-biogenesis devoided of degradative enzymes. This regulatory loop relies on the stimulation of TFEB transcription factor expression. Interestingly, the inhibition of this transcription factor playing a key role of lysosome production, restores melanomas’ invasive potential in the absence of hydrolase transport. These data implicate that targeting hydrolase transport in melanoma could serve to develop new therapies aiming to prevent metastasis by triggering a physiological response stimulating TFEB expression in melanoma.
G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1, amyloid-β, and tau tangles in older adults
Authors: Oveisgharan Shahram , Yu Lei , de Paiva Lopes Katia , Petyuk Vladislav A. , Tasaki Shinya , Vialle Ricardo , Menon Vilas , Wang Yanling , De Jager Philip L. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A.
Published: May 2024

Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau tangles are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Aβ is extracellular while tau tangles are typically intracellular, and it is unknown how these two proteinopathies are connected. Here, we use data of 1206 elders and test that RNA expression levels of GPER1, a transmembrane protein, modify the association of Aβ with tau tangles. GPER1 RNA expression is related to more tau tangles (p = 0.001). Moreover, GPER1 expression modifies the association of immunohistochemistry-derived Aβ load with tau tangles (p = 0.044). Similarly, GPER1 expression modifies the association between Aβ proteoforms and tau tangles: total Aβ protein (p = 0.030) and Aβ38 peptide (p = 0.002). Using single nuclei RNA-seq indicates that GPER1 RNA expression in astrocytes modifies the relation of Aβ load with tau tangles (p = 0.002), but not GPER1 in excitatory neurons or endothelial cells. We conclude that GPER1 may be a link between Aβ and tau tangles driven mainly by astrocytic GPER1 expression.
Hydrothermal sulfidation of biogenic magnetite produces framboid-like pyrite
Authors: Runge Eric , Mansor Muammar , Chiu Tsz Ho , Shuster Jeremiah , Fischer Stefan , Kappler Andreas , Duda Jan-Peter
Published: May 2024

Biogenic magnetite is a potential biosignature for microbial iron cycling in hydrothermal sulfide systems, critical environments for unraveling the emergence and early evolution of life. However, the preservation potential of biogenic magnetite under hydrothermal conditions is poorly understood. Here, we show that the hydrothermal sulfidation of abiogenic and biogenic magnetite (sulfide/iron = 4, 80 °C) yields pyrite with various distinct morphologies, including framboid-like spheroids. We demonstrate that the variability in pyrite morphologies resulted from the modulation of pyritization rates by interrelated effects between organic matter and elemental sulfur (crystalline or colloidal). Notably, framboid-like pyrite, commonly considered a potential fingerprint of microbial sulfur cycling, was exclusively produced from the hydrothermal sulfidation of biogenic (i.e., organic matter-associated) magnetite produced by iron-cycling microorganisms. Thus, framboid-like pyrite can additionally be a taphonomic fingerprint of microbial iron cycling, enabling a better understanding of the evolution of Earth’s biosphere in deep time.
Altered mitochondrial function in fibroblast cell lines derived from disease carriers of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: James Rachel , Faller Kiterie M. E. , Groen Ewout J. N. , Wirth Brunhilde , Gillingwater Thomas H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive childhood-onset neuromuscular disease with a carrier frequency of ~1:50. Mitochondrial abnormalities are widespread in patients with SMA. Disease carriers for SMA (i.e., the parents of patients with SMA) are viewed as asymptomatic for SMA disease. As far as we are aware, mitochondria have not been previously examined in SMA carriers, yet as they are maternally inherited, mitochondrial function in SMA carriers has putative implications for disease pathogenesis.

Methods

Fibroblast cell lines derived from SMA carriers and controls were obtained from two different sources and cultured under standard conditions. The mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, citrate synthase activity, and bioenergetic analysis were examined as measures of mitochondrial function. The mitochondrial genome was also sequenced in a subset of the fibroblast cell lines to identify any mitochondrial DNA variants.

Results

Here, we show a depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, and reduced citrate synthase activity in SMA carriers compared with controls. A likely pathogenic variant in the MT-CO3 gene (which encodes subunit III of cytochrome c oxidase) was also identified in a paternal carrier.

Conclusions

This study was conducted as a preliminary investigation of mitochondrial function in SMA carriers. Our findings suggest that disease carriers of SMA show differences in mitochondrial function, indicative of a subclinical mitochondrial phenotype. Further investigation in a larger sample set is warranted.
Urbanization and regional climate change-linked warming of Indian cities
Authors: Sethi Soumya Satyakanta , Vinoj V.
Published: May 2024

Cities are vulnerable to the compounding effects of both climate change and urbanization. Here we show that urbanization alone has led to an overall 60% enhancement in warming in Indian cities, with eastern Tier-II cities leading the way. Such a difference in the urban contribution to warming over cities across India calls for a differential approach to combat urban warming effectively.