bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural mechanisms of sequential dependence in time perception: The impact of prior task and memory processing
Authors: Cheng (程思) Si , Chen (陈思佚) Siyi , Glasauer Stefan , Keeser Daniel , Shi (施壮华) Zhuanghua
Published: May 2023

Our perception and decision-making are susceptible to prior context. Such sequential dependence has been extensively studied in the visual domain, but less is known about its impact on time perception. Moreover, there are ongoing debates about whether these sequential biases occur at the perceptual stage or during subsequent post-perceptual processing. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), we investigated neural mechanisms underlying temporal sequential dependence and the role of action in time judgments across trials. Participants performed a timing task where they had to remember the duration of green coherent motion and were cued to either actively reproduce its duration or simply view it passively. We found that sequential biases in time perception were only evident when the preceding task involved active duration reproduction. Merely encoding a prior duration without reproduction failed to induce such biases. Neurally, we observed activation in networks associated with timing, such as striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, and performance monitoring networks, particularly when a “Response” trial was anticipated. Importantly, the hippocampus showed sensitivity to these sequential biases, and its activation negatively correlated with the individual’s sequential bias following active reproduction trials. These findings highlight the significant role of memory networks in shaping time-related sequential biases at the post-perceptual stages.

Significance Statement

Our study explores the neural mechanisms of sequential dependence in time perception and reveals that active reproduction of time duration in the previous trial can bias subsequent estimates, resulting in a sequential dependence effect. In contrast, passive viewing of a stimulus without reproducing its duration does not produce this effect. At the neural level, we observed increased activity in memory regions like the hippocampus when sequential biases were reduced. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between hippocampal activation and sequential bias following active reproduction trials, suggesting that the involvement of memory networks mediates how we are influenced by past experiences when judging time.
An algorithm for drug discovery based on deep learning with an example of developing a drug for the treatment of lung cancer
Authors: Chebanov Dmitrii K. , Misyurin Vsevolod A. , Shubina Irina Zh.
Published: May 2023

We have designed an algorithm implemented in a software platform for the development of new anti-tumor drugs in the form of small molecules. Several molecules were generated for the treatment of patients with lung cancer as an example. At the initial stage, we identified the targets for the therapy. Firstly, we evaluated the expression profile of the genes most associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with lung cancer using deep learning. Additional patients’ data were gained by generative adversarial neural networks (GAN) technology. As a result, a set of genes was successfully selected, which expression was associated with poor prognosis. We identified the genes that could distinguish normal tissue from tumor tissue using another deep learning model that was trained to predict normal and tumor tissue based on gene expression. The other genes were considered as targets for targeted lung cancer therapy. After that, a module was developed that predicts the interactions of inhibitors with proteins. For this purpose, the amino acid sequences of proteins were represented in vector form, as well as formulas of chemical compounds interacting with proteins. In addition, a deep learning-based module was developed that predicts the IC50 in experiments on cell lines. Virtual pre-clinical trials with the selected inhibitors were performed to identify relevant cell lines for laboratory experiments. As a result, the study obtained formulas of several molecules with the predicted binding to certain proteins.
Prior flavivirus immunity skews the yellow fever vaccine response to expand cross-reactive antibodies with increased risk of antibody dependent enhancement of Zika and dengue virus infection
Authors: Santos-Peral Antonio , Luppa Fabian , Goresch Sebastian , Nikolova Elena , Zaucha Magdalena , Lehmann Lisa , Dahlstroem Frank , Karimzadeh Hadi , Kummerer Beate M , Thorn-Seshold Julia , Winheim Elena , Dobler Gerhard , Hoelscher Michael , Endres Stefan , Krug Anne B , Pritsch Michael , Barba-Spaeth Giovanna , Rothenfusser Simon
Published: May 2023

Human pathogenic flaviviruses pose a significant health concern and vaccination is the most effective instrument to control their circulation. How pre-existing immunity to antigenically related viruses modulates immunization outcome remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) on the epitope immunodominance and immunogenicity of the yellow fever 17D vaccine (YF17D) in a cohort of 250 human vaccinees.

Following YF17D vaccination, all study participants seroconverted and generated protective neutralizing antibody titers. At day 28, TBEV pre-immunity did not affect the polyclonal neutralizing response which largely depended on the IgM fraction. We found that sera from TBEV-immunized individuals enhanced YF17D vaccine virus infection via antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Upon vaccination, individuals with TBEV pre-immunity had higher concentrations of cross-reactive IgG antibodies with limited neutralizing capacity against YF17D whereas vaccinees without prior flavivirus exposure showed a non-cross-reacting response. Using a set of recombinant YF17D envelope protein mutants displaying different epitopes, we identified quaternary epitopes as the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. Sequential immunizations redirected the IgG response towards the pan-flavivirus fusion loop epitope (FLE) with the potential to mediate enhancement of dengue and Zika virus infections whereas TBEV naïve individuals elicited an IgG response directed towards neutralizing epitopes without an enhancing effect.

We propose that the YF17D vaccine effectively conceals the FLE and primes a neutralizing IgG response in individuals with no prior flavivirus exposure. In contrast, the response in TBEV-experienced recipients favors weakly-neutralizing, cross-reactive epitopes potentially increasing the risk of severe dengue and Zika disease due to ADE.
SHORT-TERM CALORIC RESTRICTION IN MICE PROMOTES RESOLUTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS, WHILE WEIGHT REGAIN ACCELERATES ITS PROGRESSION
Authors: Scolaro Bianca , Brown Emily J. , Krautter Franziska , Petitjean Marie , Donahoe Casey , Pena Stephanie , Garabedian Michela L. , Nikain Cyrus A. , Laskou Maria , Tufanli Ozlem , Hannemann Carmen , Aouadi Myriam , Weinstock Ada , Fisher Edward A.
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

While weight loss is highly recommended for those with obesity, >60% will regain their lost weight. This weight cycling is associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, relative to never having lost weight. How weight loss/regaindirectlyinfluence atherosclerotic inflammation is unknown. Thus, we studied short-term caloric restriction (stCR) in obese hypercholesterolemic mice, without confounding effects from changes in diet composition. Weight loss was found to promote atherosclerosis resolution independent of plasma cholesterol. From single-cell RNA-sequencing and subsequent mechanistic studies, this can be partly attributed to a unique subset of macrophages accumulating with stCR in epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT) and atherosclerotic plaques. These macrophages, distinguished by high expression ofFcgr4, help to clear necrotic cores in atherosclerotic plaques. Conversely, weight regain (WR) following stCR accelerated atherosclerosis progression with disappearance of Fcgr4+ macrophages from eWAT and plaques. Furthermore, WR caused reprogramming of immune progenitors, sustaining hyper-inflammatory responsiveness. In summary, we have developed a model to investigate the inflammatory effects of weight cycling on atherosclerosis and the interplay between adipose tissue, bone marrow, and plaques. The findings suggest potential approaches to promote atherosclerotic plaque resolution in obesity and weight cycling through induction of Fcgr4+ macrophages and inhibition of immune progenitor reprogramming.

Graphical abstract
Local haplotype visualization for trait association analysis with crosshap
Authors: Marsh Jacob I. , Petereit Jakob , Johnston Brady A. , Bayer Philipp E. , Fernandez Cassandria G. Tay , Al-Mamun Hawlader A. , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: May 2023

GWAS excels at harnessing dense genomic variant datasets to identify candidate regions responsible for producing a given phenotype. However, GWAS and traditional fine-mapping methods do not provide insight into the complex local landscape of linkage that contains and has been shaped by the causal variant(s). Here, we present ‘crosshap’, an R package that performs robust density-based clustering of variants based on their linkage profiles to capture haplotype structures in a local genomic region of interest. Following this, ‘crosshap’ is equipped with visualization tools for choosing optimal clustering parameters (ε) before producing an intuitive figure that provides an overview of the complex relationships between linked variants, haplotype combinations, phenotypic traits and metadata.

Availability and implementation

The ‘crosshap’ package is freely available under the MIT license and can be downloaded directly from CRAN with R>4.0.0. The development version is available on GitHub alongside issue support (https://github.com/jacobimarsh/crosshap). Tutorial vignettes and documentation are available (https://jacobimarsh.github.io/crosshap/).
Bacterial Cytochrome P450-catalyzed Post-translational Macrocyclization
Authors: He Bei-Bei , Cheng Zhuo , Liu Jing , Liu Runze , Zhong Zheng , Gao Ying , Liu Hongyan , Li Yong-Xin
Published: May 2023

Bacterial cytochrome P450s represent an emerging enzyme family that can modify ribosomally synthesized peptides to generate structurally complex macrocyclic skeletons. However, the functional sequence space of this type of enzyme is largely unexplored. In this study, we conduct a systematic genome mining of small ribosomal peptide-tailoring P450s from genomes of actinobacteria via a precursor-centric, primary sequence-, and structure-guided strategy. We uncovered 1,957 putative P450s, prioritized two representative families for functional study, and characterized two P450 enzymes that can respectively catalyze Tyrosine-to-Tryptophan and Tryptophan-to-Tryptophan crosslinks to form 3-mer or 4-mer macrocycle. These two P450 enzymes exhibit broad substrate selectivity, suggesting a promising starting template for engineering unnatural cyclic peptide construction. Our work expanded the enzymatic catalysis of P450s and could inspire the community to discover hidden peptide-modifying enzymes.
Conformational analysis of membrane-proximal segments of GDAP1 in a lipidic environment using synchrotron radiation suggests a mode of assembly at the mitochondrial outer membrane
Authors: Sutinen Aleksi , Jones Nykola C. , Hoffmann Søren Vrønning , Ruskamo Salla , Kursula Petri
Published: May 2023

The mitochondrial outer membrane creates a diffusion barrier between the cytosol and mitochondrial intermembrane space, allowing the exchange of metabolic products, important for efficient mitochondrial function in neurons. The ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1 (GDAP1) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein with a critical role in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic balance in neurons. Missense mutations in theGDAP1gene are linked to the most common human peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). GDAP1 is a distant member of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) superfamily, with unknown enzymatic properties or functions at the molecular level. The structure of the cytosol-facing GST-like domain has been described, but there is no consensus on how the protein interacts with the mitochondrial outer membrane. Here, we describe a model for GDAP1 assembly on the membrane using peptides vicinal to the GDAP1 transmembrane domain. We used oriented circular dichroism spectroscopy (OCD) with synchrotron radiation to study the secondary structure and orientation of GDAP1 segments at the outer and inner surfaces of the outer mitochondrial membrane. These experiments were complemented by small-angle X-ray scattering, providing the first experimental structural models for full-length human GDAP1. The results indicate that GDAP1 is bound into the membraneviaa single transmembrane helix, flanked by two peripheral helices interacting with the outer and inner leaflet of the mitochondrial outer membrane in different orientations. Impairment of such interactions could be a mechanism for CMT in the case of missense mutations affecting these segments instead of the GST-like domain.
The paradoxical effect of perceived organizational politics on employees motivation: the mediation role of hostility and moderating role of organizational injustice
Authors: Nazir Sajjad , Khadim Sahar , Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Syed Nausheen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research aims to unpack the relationship between employees' perceived organizational politics (POP) and their self-determined motivation by itemizing the mediating role of hostility and a moderating role of organizational injustice.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected at two different times from 270 employees working in various universities in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings revealed that POP negatively influence intrinsic motivation, autonomous extrinsic motivation and positively impact amotivation, whereas POP does not affect employees' controlled extrinsic motivation. Furthermore, POP positively influences hostility. Moreover, hostility mediates the relationships between perceived organizational politics and self-determined motivation. Finally, the findings also revealed that the relationship between perceived organizational politics and hostility was stronger when the perceived organizational injustice was high.

Practical implications

POP can lead to intentional efforts to harm the organization by enhancing employee hostility, which divulges how this peril can be restrained by implanting organizational fairness. Moreover, proactive employees with superior emotional intelligence skills have a greater capability to control their negative emotions. Emotional intelligence (EI) training can effectively reduce the hostility between employees provoked by POP and ultimately diminish self-determined motivation.

Originality/value

The current study revealed that ambiguous forms of political behavior trigger isolated work emotions, negatively affecting organizational sustainability and outcomes. These results have valuable suggestions regarding organizational injustice as a moderator to diminish the hostility resulting from POP.
Older adult's commercial diffusion of household sector innovation: a vocational and retirement perspective
Authors: Yu Xin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Citizens can develop new products in the household sector (HHS), and although HHS innovations are generally valuable to others, they are seldom diffused by the innovator. In order to provide insight for the understanding of this diffusion failure, this article proposes to introduce the vocational and retirement perspective to consider how the innovator's chronological aging affects her diffusion channel selection. Commercial diffusion of HHS innovations allows older adults to continue a work-related identity. And, a satisfying work experience could enhance older adults' reliance on work for self-worth. Therefore, the relationship between the older HHS innovators and their commercial diffusion as well as the moderating effect of their person–organization (P–O) fit on this relationship was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study referred to the standard procedure and utilized a Japanese consumer panel to identify HHS innovators. The criterion of old age was set to 60+ years old. The hypotheses were tested with ordinary least squares regression analysis. The robustness of our findings was checked by analyzing two restricted samples.

Findings

In Japan, older adults are more likely to diffuse their HHS innovators commercially than to peers. This relationship is amplified when the older adults also perceived a P-O fit in their employer firm.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the evidence that older adults can be an important source of innovation. It – for the first time – points out that the vocational and retirement perspective can help researchers consider why a particular diffusion channel is selected and thereby provide insight for understanding when the diffusion failure of HHS innovation is alleviated. The moderating effect of the P–O fit originally suggests the “interdependent life spheres”, that is, older adults' work experience may affect their post-retirement life and their activity in the household sector.
Future of work – apprehensions and excitement of management graduates
Authors: P.M. Nimmi , Mukundan Smarty P. , Jose Geetha , Tesi Alessio , Alias Reena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study explores the perceptions of graduates on their employability and future of work, in light of the challenges thrown upon by new vicissitudes in the work environment. The study intends to assess the preparedness of management graduates in facing the challenges and uncertainties of the actual job market.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured and informal interviews with 65 management graduates from UK, Canada, Italy and India. The thematic analysis uncovered the concerns and areas to develop for management graduates regarding their future employability perceptions.

Findings

The authors benefited from a unique opportunity to capture the views and experience of graduates who are undergoing management education during this ambiguous period. Three major themes were developed on how to develop oneself for an ambiguous future of work which includes Psychological strengths, Skill enhancement and Future mindset. The study also unearthed the major focus areas for better employability from a graduate perspective.

Practical implications

Practical contribution comes from strategies to prepare university graduates for sustainable careers. Study hints at the importance of work experience, adaptability and skill enhancement in meeting the challenges of the future.

Originality/value

From a global approach this is one among the first studies to look into the graduate perspective of their preparedness for future work.
Transitions in daily search tactics: during the cross-app interaction search process
Authors: Chen Jing , Chen Hongli , Li Yingyun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cross-app interactive search has become the new normal, but the characteristics of their tactic transitions are still unclear. This study investigated the transitions of daily search tactics during the cross-app interaction search process.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 204 young participants' impressive cross-app search experiences in real daily situations were collected. The search tactics and tactic transition sequences in their search process were obtained by open coding. Statistical analysis and sequence analysis were used to analyze the frequently applied tactics, the frequency and probability of tactic transitions and the tactic transition sequences representing characteristics of tactic transitions occurring at the beginning, middle and ending phases. 

Findings

Creating the search statement (Creat), evaluating search results (EvalR), evaluating an individual item (EvalI) and keeping a record (Rec) were the most frequently applied tactics. The frequency and probability of transitions differed significantly between different tactic types. “Creat? EvalR? EvalI? Rec” is the typical path; Initiate the search in various ways and modifying the search statement were highlighted at the beginning phase; iteratively creating the search statement is highlighted in the middle phase; Moreover, utilization and feedback of information are highlighted at the ending phase. 

Originality/value

The present study shed new light on tactic transitions in the cross-app interactive environment to explore information search behaviour. The findings of this work provide targeted suggestions for optimizing APP query, browsing and monitoring systems.
Open-source 3-D printing materials database generator
Authors: Choppara Dheeraj , Garmulewicz Alysia , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to apply an open-source approach to protect the 3D printing industry from innovation stagnation due to broad patenting of obvious materials.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, first an open-source implementation of the first five conditions of an open-source algorithm developed to identify all obvious 3-D printing materials was implemented in Python, and the compound combinations of two and three constituents were tested on ten natural and synthetic compounds. The time complexity for combinations composed of two constituents and three constituents is determined to be O(n2) and O(n3), respectively.

Findings

Generating all combinations of materials available on the Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) registry on the fastest processor on the market will require at least 73.9 h for the latter, but as the number of constituents increases the time needed becomes prohibitive (e.g. 3 constituents is 1.65 million years). To demonstrate how machine learning (ML) could help prioritize both theoretical as well as experimental efforts a three-part biomaterial consisting of water, agar and glycerin was used as a case study. A decision tree model is trained with the experimental data and is used to fill in missing physical properties, including Young's modulus and yield strength, with 84.9 and 85.1% accuracy, respectively.

Originality/value

The results are promising for an open-source system that can theoretically generate all possible combinations of materials for 3-D printing that can then be used to identify suitable printing material for specific business cases based on desired material properties.
Remotely sensed environmental data as ecological proxies for ground‐dwelling ant diversity along a subtropical forest succession gradient
Authors: Lee Roger H. , Kwong Ivan H. Y. , Tsang Toby P. N. , Wong Mark K. L. , Guénard Benoit
Published: May 2023

Early naturalists such as Humboldt observed that changes in topography and anthropogenic disturbances influenced vegetation structure and the composition of animal communities. This holistic view of community assembly continues to shape conservation and restoration strategies in an era of landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. Today, remote sensing affords ecologists the tools for obtaining rapid and precise measures of topography, disturbance history and vegetation structure. Nonetheless, the capacity of such measures to predict the structure of diverse and functionally important insect communities has not been fully explored.

We sampled ground‐dwelling ant assemblages with pitfall traps along a successional gradient (15 grasslands, 21 shrublands and 44 forests) in subtropical Asia, and measured the taxonomic (TD) and functional diversity (FD). We used airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and aerial photography—to measure topography, anthropogenic‐fire history and vegetation structure at each site. Using structural equation models, we tested the hypothesis that vegetation structure mediated the effects of topography and anthropogenic‐fire history on ant assemblage TD and FD, with stronger effects on the latter.

We found that low elevation and anthropogenic‐fire history promoted ant TD, and by mediating vegetation structure, these factors further controlled ant FD. Specifically, assemblages of ant species occupying more similar niches—as indicated by their lower FD—were found in secondary forests that had more structurally homogeneous vegetation. These sites also had low insolation and high water moisture content, and were not recently burned as revealed by LiDAR‐derived metrics and aerial images. Furthermore, remotely sensed vegetation structures were closely associated with individual ant traits, such as body size and eye length, which reflect species' preferences for habitat structure.

Synthesis. Our study uncovers the interactive effects of topography, disturbance history and vegetation structure in determining the TD and FD of ant assemblages in subtropical landscapes. Moreover, it demonstrates that remote sensed data can be leveraged to efficiently elucidate the complex effects of environmental change and disturbances on vegetation structure and consequently insect biodiversity, representing ecological proxies to refine ground investigation plans and support appropriate conservation and restoration measures for degraded landscapes.
Cross‐Country Analysis of HRM Parameters in Emerging Markets: An Assessment of Measurement Invariance
Authors: Darwish Tamer K. , Singh Satwinder , Batsakis Georgios , Potočnik Kristina
Published: May 2023

In this paper we aim to critically discuss the challenges and benefits of using survey instruments (SIs) by measuring human resource management (HRM) parameters across five emerging markets – Brunei Darussalam, India, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. In so doing, we proceed to an assessment of the measurement invariance of HRM parameters measured by SIs across these five countries. Based on our field experience and empirical results showing lack of measurement invariance across these five national contexts, we provide recommendations for conducting comparative analysis of HRM parameters in emerging markets, ultimately contributing to the HRM convergence–divergence debate in this type of national context.
Making Modern Mughals: Gendered Labour, Colonial Governance and the Household in Colonial India
Authors: Narayan Rochisha
Published: May 2023

British officials in India disparaged the Mughal zanana to construct a linear argument on progress from a decadent Mughal past to the modern colonial period. This discourse was accompanied by the systematic marginalisation of Mughals under British rule, especially after the Rebellion of 1857. This article complicates tropes about the Mughal zanana and offers a historical perspective on late Mughal households. Using the colonial archive on Mughal genealogies, pensions and petitions, and educational records and scholarships, it illuminates how Mughal women confounded the teleology in colonial narratives. It demonstrates how Mughal women, of varying status and rank, fostered a tenuous modernity by weaving Mughal pasts into their present. Weighed against colonial attempts to gradually bring about the erasure of Mughal identity, this article suggests that these women's efforts to raise new generations of Mughals can be read as quotidian political acts.
Neonatal mortality risk for vulnerable newborn types in 15 countries using 125.5 million nationwide birth outcome records, 2000–2020
Authors: Suárez‐Idueta Lorena , Blencowe Hannah , Okwaraji Yemisrach B , Yargawa Judith , Bradley Ellen , Gordon Adrienne , Flenady Vicki , Paixao Enny S. , Barreto Mauricio L. , Lisonkova Sarka , Wen Qi , Velebil Petr , Jírová Jitka , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsebet , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Sakkeus Luule , Abuladze Liili , Yunis Khalid A. , Al Bizri Ayah , Barranco Arturo , Broeders Lisa , van Dijk Aimée E. , Alyafei Fawziya , Olukade Tawa O. , Razaz Neda , Söderling Jonas , Smith Lucy K. , Draper Elizabeth S. , Lowry Estelle , Rowland Neil , Wood Rachael , Monteath Kirsten , Pereyra Isabel , Pravia Gabriella , Ohuma Eric O. , Lawn Joy E. ,   the National Vulnerable Newborn Mortality Collaborative Group and Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Core Group
Published: May 2023

Objective

To compare neonatal mortality associated with six novel vulnerable newborn types in 125.5 million live births across 15 countries, 2000–2020.

Design

Population‐based, multi‐country study.

Setting

National data systems in 15 middle‐ and high‐income countries.

Methods

We used individual‐level data sets identified for the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. We examined the contribution to neonatal mortality of six newborn types combining gestational age (preterm [PT] versus term [T]) and size‐for‐gestational age (small [SGA], <10th centile, appropriate [AGA], 10th–90th centile or large [LGA], >90th centile) according to INTERGROWTH‐21st newborn standards. Newborn babies with PT or SGA were defined as small and T + LGA was considered as large. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and population attributable risks (PAR%) for the six newborn types.

Main outcome measures

Mortality of six newborn types.

Results

Of 125.5 million live births analysed, risk ratios were highest among PT + SGA (median 67.2, interquartile range [IQR] 45.6–73.9), PT + AGA (median 34.3, IQR 23.9–37.5) and PT + LGA (median 28.3, IQR 18.4–32.3). At the population level, PT + AGA was the greatest contributor to newborn mortality (median PAR% 53.7, IQR 44.5–54.9). Mortality risk was highest among newborns born before 28 weeks (median RR 279.5, IQR 234.2–388.5) compared with babies born between 37 and 42 completed weeks or with a birthweight less than 1000 g (median RR 282.8, IQR 194.7–342.8) compared with those between 2500 g and 4000 g as a reference group.

Conclusion

Preterm newborn types were the most vulnerable, and associated with the highest mortality, particularly with co‐existence of preterm and SGA. As PT + AGA is more prevalent, it is responsible for the greatest burden of neonatal deaths at population level.
Successful use of subcutaneous anakinra in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis precipitated by candidiasis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and description of a novel therapeutic regimen
Authors: Xu Gary , Islam Sadia Tasnim , Makarie‐Rofail Lydia , Barnsley Les , Limaye Sandhya
Published: May 2023

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and often fatal condition characterized by inappropriate immune system activation leading to a “cytokine storm”, and ultimately resulting in end‐organ damage. Causes include primary defects in genes involved in immune‐mediated cytolytic pathways, or secondary triggers such as infection or malignancy. We describe a case of HLH precipitated by fungal infection which occurred as a consequence of immunosuppression for management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and necrotizing myopathy. The patient presented with immune‐mediated disease of the muscles and lung which was treated with high‐dose corticosteroids and aggressive immunosuppression. HLH emerged in the context of confirmed candidiasis and features of severe sepsis. The patient responded rapidly to antifungal therapy and high‐dose anakinra, which was administered subcutaneously and progressively weaned over 4 weeks. She completed HLH treatment as an outpatient and remains well at 12 months with controlled SLE and no recurrence of HLH.
High‐affinity amide‐lanthanide adsorption to gram‐positive soil bacteria
Authors: Chang Elliot , Lammers Laura N. , Pallud Céline
Published: May 2023

The gram‐positive soil bacterium, Arthrobacter nicotianae, uses multiple organic acid functional groups to adsorb lanthanides onto its cell surface. At relevant soil pH conditions of 4.0–6.0, many of these functional groups are de‐protonated and available for cation sorption and metal immobilization. However, among the plethora of naturally occurring site types, A. nicotianae is shown to possess high‐affinity amide and phosphate sites that disproportionately affect lanthanide adsorption to the cell wall. We quantify neodymium (Nd)‐selective site types, reporting an amide‐Nd stability constant of log10K = 6.41 ± 0.23 that is comparable to sorption via phosphate‐based moieties. These sites are two to three orders of magnitude more selective for Nd than the adsorption of divalent metals to ubiquitous carboxyl‐based moieties. This implies the importance of lanthanide biosorption in the context of metal transport in subsurface systems despite trace concentrations of lanthanides found in the natural environment.
The policy response to global value chain disruption
Authors: Dadush Uri
Published: May 2023

This article considers how policymakers should react to the disruption of Global Value Chains, which became dramatically evident during the pandemic. It argues that repeated shocks to GVCs, as seen in recent years, are not purely random and disjointed events. They are the result of fundamental shifts in the geopolitical environment, global economy, and climate. Firms have concluded that international supply chains have become endemically riskier, and this is changing their risk/efficiency calculus. But there is no reason and – so far – little evidence to suggest that GVCs will stage a large‐scale retreat. Powerful economic forces are at work that will prompt increased reliance on GVCs and improve their operability in the future. Governments tend to overreact when faced with supply shocks, and unnecessarily impede GVCs; more nuanced and coordinated responses are needed. The WTO can play an important role, promoting the resilience of GVCs.
Piezo1 opposes age‐associated cortical bone loss
Authors: Li Xuehua , Zhang Connie , Bowman Hayden H. , Stambough Jeffrey B. , Stronach Benjamin M. , Mears Simon C. , Barnes Lowry C. , Ambrogini Elena , Xiong Jinhu
Published: May 2023

As we age, our bones undergo a process of loss, often accompanied by muscle weakness and reduced physical activity. This is exacerbated by decreased responsiveness to mechanical stimulation in aged skeleton, leading to the hypothesis that decreased mechanical stimulation plays an important role in age‐related bone loss. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, is critical for bone homeostasis and mechanotransduction. Here, we observed a decrease in Piezo1 expression with age in both murine and human cortical bone. Furthermore, loss of Piezo1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes resulted in an increase in age‐associated cortical bone loss compared to control mice. The loss of cortical bone was due to an expansion of the endosteal perimeter resulting from increased endocortical resorption. In addition, expression of Tnfrsf11b, encoding anti‐osteoclastogenic protein OPG, decreases with Piezo1 in vitro and in vivo in bone cells, suggesting that Piezo1 suppresses osteoclast formation by promoting Tnfrsf11b expression. Our results highlight the importance of Piezo1‐mediated mechanical signaling in protecting against age‐associated cortical bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption in mice.
Working memory‐related brain activity in cannabis use disorder: The role of cross‐cultural differences in cannabis attitudes
Authors: Kroon Emese , Kuhns Lauren , Colyer‐Patel Karis , Filbey Francesca , Cousijn Janna
Published: May 2023

Cannabis legislation and attitudes towards use are changing. Given that evidence from cultural neuroscience research suggests that culture influences the neurobiological mechanisms underlying behaviour, it is of great importance to understand how cannabis legislation and attitudes might affect the brain processes underlying cannabis use disorder. Brain activity of 100 dependent cannabis users and 84 controls was recorded during an N‐back working memory (WM) task in participants from the Netherlands (NL; users = 60, controls = 52) and Texas, USA (TX; users = 40, controls = 32). Participants completed a cannabis culture questionnaire as a measure of perceived benefits (positive) and perceived harms (negative) of cannabis from their personal, friends–family's and country–state's perspectives. Amount of cannabis use (grams/week), DSM‐5 CUD symptoms and cannabis use‐related problems were assessed. Cannabis users self‐reported more positive and less negative (personal and friends–family) cannabis attitudes than controls, with this effect being significantly larger in the TX cannabis users. No site difference in country–state attitudes was observed. TX cannabis users, compared with NL cannabis users, and those cannabis users perceiving more positive country–state attitudes showed a more positive association between grams/week and WM‐related activity in the superior parietal lobe. NL cannabis users, compared with TX cannabis users, and those cannabis users with less positive personal attitudes showed a more positive association between grams/week and WM‐load‐related activity in the temporal pole. Both site and cultural attitudes moderated the association of quantity of cannabis use with WM‐ and WM‐load‐related activity. Importantly, differences in legislation did not align with perceived cannabis attitudes and appear to be differentially associated with cannabis use‐related brain activity.
The genetic spectrum of a Chinese series of patients with 46, XY disorders of the sex development
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Zhao Zhiyuan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Sun Bang , Cao Yaqing , Nie Min , Wu Xueyan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The etiology of 46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) is complex, and studies have shown that different series of patients with 46, XY DSD has different genetic spectrum. In this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying genetic etiology in a Chinese series of patients with 46, XY DSD by whole exome sequencing (WES).

Methods

Seventy patients with 46, XY DSD were enrolled from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Beijing, China). The detailed clinical characteristics were evaluated, and peripheral blood was collected for WES to find the patients’ rare variants (RVs) of genes related to 46, XY DSD. The clinical significance of the RVs was annotated according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results

A total of 57 RVs from nine genes were identified in 56 patients with 46, XY DSD, which include 21 novel RVs and 36 recurrent RVs. Based on the American ACMG guidelines, 43 variants were classified as pathogenic(P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants and 14 variants were defined as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). P or LP variants were identified in 64.3% (45/70) patients of the series. Thirty‐nine, 14, and 4 RVs were involved in the process of androgen synthesis and action, testicular determination and developmental process, and syndromic 46, XY DSD, respectively. The top three genes most frequently affected to cause 46, XY DSD were AR, SRD5A2, and NR5A1. Seven patients were found harboring RVs of the 46, XY DSD pathogenic genes identified in recent years, namely DHX37 in four patients, MYRF in two patients, and PPP2R3C in one patient.

Conclusion

We identified 21 novel RVs of nine genes, which extended the genetic spectrum of 46, XY DSD pathogenic variants. Our study showed that 60% of the patients were caused by AR, SRD5A2 or NR5A1 P/LP variants. Therefore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Sanger sequencing of these three genes could be performed first to identify the pathogeny of the patients. For those patients whose pathogenic variants had not been found, whole‐exome sequencing could be helpful in determining the etiology.
Prehospital tourniquet use in civilian extremity trauma: an Australian observational study
Authors: Read David J , Wong Jessica , Liu Raine , Gumm Kellie , Anderson David
Published: May 2023

Background

Prehospital tourniquets (PHTQ) for trauma have been shown to be safe and effective in the military environment and in some civilian settings. However, the supporting civilian data are mostly from North America with a differing case mix and trauma system and may not be applicable to the Australian environment. The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience with PHTQ from safety and efficacy viewpoints.

Method

Retrospective review of all patients with PHTQ from 1 August 2016 to 31 December 2019 was conducted. Data were matched from the RMH Trauma Registry and Ambulance Victoria Registry. Clinical presentation including prehospital observations, PHTQ times, limb outcomes and complications are described.

Results

Thirty‐one cases met inclusion criteria, for whom median age was 37 (IQR: 23.9–66.3), median ISS 17 (13–34) and 80.6% were male. The majority (n = 19, 61.3%) were as a result of road traffic crash, and six (19.4%) from penetrating mechanisms, usually glass. Over a quarter (29.0%) suffered a traumatic amputation. The median prehospital SBP was 100 (IQR: 80–110), the median prehospital HR was 101 (IQR: 77.0–122.3) and was the median PHTQ time was 124 min (IQR: 47–243). Complications attributable to the tourniquet were seen in 4/30 cases (13.3%).

Conclusion

This Australian series differs from North American civilian PHTQ series with a lower penetrating trauma rate and longer PHTQ times. Despite this, complication rates are within the published literature's range. Concerns regarding limited transferability of overseas studies to the Australian context suggests that ongoing audit is required.
Spontaneous urban vegetation as an indicator of soil functionality and ecosystem services
Authors: Molina José Antonio , Martín‐Sanz Juan Pedro , Casermeiro Miguel Ángel , Quintana José Ramón
Published: May 2023

Questions

Our study focused on spontaneous vegetation in urban greenspaces in a Mediterranean city with the aim of relating plant community properties with ecological services along soil disturbance gradients. We asked which plant communities have the greatest plant biodiversity and soil carbon storage and the best‐performing nutrient cycles and water regulation.

Location

Madrid City (Central Spain).

Methods

We studied four types of plant communities following soil disturbance gradients: vegetation on trampled soils, roadside vegetation, annual grasslands and perennial forbs. Regarding vegetation, we studied plant composition and productivity, plant diversity, plant growth forms and functional groups. Regarding soils, we determined soil organic carbon (TOC), available nutrients, the activity of seven enzymes relating to the main macronutrient cycles, and physical properties such as bulk density (BD) and soil water‐holding capacity (WHC). We used one‐way ANOVA to determine the influence of the plant community type on both soil and vegetation variables. Canonical correspondence analysis was performed to interpret the relationships between plant species assemblages with environmental gradients.

Results

Perennial forbs showed greater biomass and developed on soils with the greatest TOC and available phosphorus. Annual grasslands displayed the highest plant diversity. Roadside vegetation developed on soils with higher phenoloxidase activity when compared to vegetation on trampled soils and annual grasslands. Vegetation on trampled soils developed on soils with lower WHC, lower beta‐glucosidase, arylamidase and phosphatase activities and higher BD when compared to perennial forbs. Plant community distribution followed gradients most significantly associated with soil organic matter content, soil compaction and nutrient cycling performance.

Conclusions

We conclude that plant communities are good indicators of ecosystem function and services which are unevenly distributed throughout urban habitats. The management in Mediterranean unmaintained urban greenspaces should be aimed at avoiding soil compaction to promote biodiversity, carbon storage and water regulation.
Death‐row organ donation, revisited
Authors: Hansman Laura , Reis‐Dennis Samuel
Published: May 2023

In 2011, bioethicists turned their attention to the question of whether prisoners on death row ought to be allowed to be organ donors. The discussion began with a provocative anti‐procurement article by Arthur Caplan and prompted responses from an impressive lineup of commentators. In the 10 years since, the situation for death‐row inmates seeking to donate has hardly changed: U.S. prison authorities consistently refuse to allow death‐row procurement. We believe that it is time to revisit the issue. While Caplan's commentators rebutted his narrow contention that organ procurement would undermine the goals of deterrence and retribution, none of them attempted to make a positive, nonconsequentialist case for organ donation as a right of death‐row inmates. That is the task we take up in this paper. After sketching and briefly defending a theory of punishment, we show how denial of organ donation is inconsistent with punishment's basic logic.
Evidence of biotic resistance to exotic plant invasion in degraded Bornean forests
Authors: Waddell Emily H. , Chapman Daniel S. , Hill Jane K. , Hughes Mark , Sailim Azlin Bin , Tangah Joseph , Banin Lindsay F.
Published: May 2023

Intact tropical forests are generally considered to be resistant to invasions by exotic species, although the shrub Clidemia hirta (Melastomataceae) is highly invasive in tropical forests outside its native range. Release from natural enemies (e.g., herbivores and pathogens) contributes to C. hirta invasion success where native melastomes are absent, and here we examine the role of enemies when C. hirta co‐occurs with native Melastomataceae species and associated herbivores and pathogens. We study 21 forest sites within agricultural landscapes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, recording herbivory rates in C. hirta and related native Melastoma spp. plants along two 100‐m transects per site that varied in canopy cover. Overall, we found evidence of enemy release; C. hirta had significantly lower herbivory (median occurrence of herbivory per plant = 79% of leaves per plant; median intensity of herbivory per leaf = 6% of leaf area) than native melastomes (93% and 20%, respectively). Herbivory on C. hirta increased when closer to native Melastoma plants with high herbivory damage, and in more shaded locations, and was associated with fewer reproductive organs on C. hirta. This suggests host‐sharing by specialist Melastomataceae herbivores is occurring and may explain why invasion success of C. hirta is lower on Borneo than at locations without related native species present. Thus, natural enemy populations may provide a “biological control service” to suppress invasions of exotic species (i.e., biotic resistance). However, lower herbivory pressures in more open canopy locations may make highly degraded forests within these landscapes more susceptible to invasion.

Abstract in Malay is available with online material.