bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficient noise error pattern generator for guessing decoding in bursty channels
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Zhan Ming , Zhang Jiangwu , Yu Kan , Wu Fang , Pang Zhibo
Published: February 2024

For the hard guessing random additive noise decoding Markov order (GRAND-MO) algorithm, it is crucial to develop an efficient noise error patterns (NEPs) generator to facilitate its application in bursty channels. This paper proposes a practical hardware realization by generating the NEPs in a sequential manner. Based on classification of the four types of NEPs, we propose to iteratively calculate the “1" and the “0" permutations in the same time. Then, the novel “0" permutation regularization and bit flipping techniques are employed, through which the generation of the four types of NEPs is uniformed at the same way. Moreover, the proposed NEPs generator can generate all NEPs by using the “1" burst parameters, and is suitable for the guessing decoding of any linear block codes. Built on field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation and comparison with existing benchmark, we show the proposed NEPs generator is a power-efficient architecture for realization. This work presents a new solution for the hardware implementation of the NEPs generator in GRAND-MO.
Multiscale dilated denoising convolution with channel attention mechanism for micro-seismic signal denoising
Authors: Cai Jianxian , Duan Zhijun , Wang Li , Meng Juan , Yao Zhenjing
Published: February 2024

Denoising micro-seismic signals is paramount for ensuring reliable data for localizing mining-related seismic events and analyzing the state of rock masses during mining operations. However, micro-seismic signals are commonly contaminated by various types of complex noise, which can hinder micro-seismic accurate P-wave pickup and analysis. In this study, we propose the Multiscale Dilated Convolutional Attention denoising method, referred to as MSDCAN, to eliminate complex noise interference. The MSDCAN denoising model consists of an encoder, an improved attention mechanism, and a decoder. To effectively capture the neighborhood features and multiscale features of the micro-seismic signal, we construct an initial dilated convolution block and a multiscale dilated convolution block in the encoder, and the encoder focuses on extracting the relevant feature information, thus eliminating the noise interference and improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, the attention mechanism is improved and introduced between the encoder and decoder to emphasize the key features of the micro-seismic signal, thus removing the complex noise and further improving the denoising performance. The MSDCAN denoising model is trained and evaluated using micro-seismic data from Stanford University. Experimental results demonstrate an impressive increase in SNR by 11.237 dB and a reduction in root mean square error (RMSE) by 0.802. Compared to the denoising results of the DeepDenoiser, CNN-denoiser and Neighbor2Neighbor methods, the MSDCAN denoising model outperforms them by enhancing the SNR by 2.589 dB, 1.584 dB and 2dB, respectively, and reducing the RMSE by 0.219, 0.050 and 0.188, respectively. The MSDCAN denoising model presented in this study effectively improves the SNR of micro-seismic signals, offering fresh insights into micro-seismic signal denoising methodologies.
School uniforms that hurt: an Australian perspective on gendered mattering
Authors: Wolfe Melissa Joy
Published: February 2024

School uniforms are proliferating as a staple in figurations created of successful students around the world. In Australia the uniform as compulsory formal school wear is a growing phenomenon in both public and private education sectors. School uniforms have often been adopted as unproblematic, by schools, parents, policymakers, and students themselves. It remains unclear from the previous limited and often contradictory research, precisely how uniforms materially affect student academic and social outcomes. Research that considers how students themselves not just perceive but feel about their uniforms is scarce. I focus on the affective response of students to their school uniforms at one government co-educational selective science high school. A  PhEmaterialist approach deprivileges human agency, accounting for matter as dynamic, affective and of consequence in activities, performances, and events. The school uniform as matter is explored as a dynamic and powerful affective force in education and is situated as an integral part of a school’s iteration of binary gender differentiations. Uniforms matter twofold, as a conception that materializes what matters and the differential affect on the bodies that wear them. Bodies respond affectively to the uniform with a sense of comfort or discomfort, consciously and unconsciously. Bodies that do not fit easily with the required uniform hurt as students undergo everyday activities at school. This paper considers the affect of the uniform, with a filmic response from one high achieving ‘smart’ girl through a fine-grain analysis of her feelings of belonging and dis/comfort with and through her school uniform.
Guarding the gatekeepers: a comprehensive approach to control nosocomial measles
Authors: Limavady Andrew , Tu I.-Ting , Bedford Helen
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Despite substantial vaccination progress, persistent measles outbreaks challenge global elimination efforts, particularly within healthcare settings. In this paper, we critically review the factors contributing to measles outbreak and effective control measures for nosocomial transmission of measles.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases for articles up to 17th May, 2023. This was performed by two independent reviewers, with any disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. We also searched governmental and international health agencies for relevant studies.

Results

Forty relevant articles were systematically reviewed, revealing key factors fuelling measles outbreak in healthcare settings, including high transmissibility capability; high intensity exposure; delayed care; failure to use protective equipment and implement control measures; vaccine failure; unclear immunisation history and lack of registries; and lacking recommendation on healthcare workers’ (HCWs) measles vaccination. To combat these challenges, successful control strategies were identified which include early notification of outbreak and contact tracing; triaging all cases and setting up dedicated isolation unit; strengthening protective equipment use and physical measures; improving case detection; determining immunity status of HCWs; establishing policy for measles vaccination for HCWs; management of exposed personnel; and developing a pre-incident response plan.

Conclusion

A coordinated and comprehensive approach is essential to promptly identify and manage measles cases within healthcare settings, necessitating multifactorial strategies tailored to individual settings. These findings provide a valuable foundation for refining strategies to achieve and maintain measles elimination status in healthcare environments.
Feasibility analysis for the application of conduction tracks on textiles by means of laser radiation
Authors: Brackmann F. , Brosda M. , Seidenberg M. , Sonnenschein J.
Published: February 2024

Textiles are not only used for clothing but also have found applications in many other areas. Textiles fulfilling functional or technical properties are called “technical textiles.” Incorporation of conductive components, sensors, or materials reacting to environmental influences convert those into so-called “smart textiles.” Common methods of applying conductive tracks to textiles are embroidery, which can cause damage to the textile, or printing of a low-conductivity paste that may include toxic chemicals. A new method of applying electrical conductors to textiles for contacting is laser welding. In this process, a thin metal foil is welded on locally with an absorber placed above the metal foil to ensure that sufficient energy is applied to partially melt the textile underneath the metal foil. One variant for welding conductive tracks is the use of a globo-optics and a diode laser system with a wavelength of 975 nm. With these optics, the glass sphere focuses the laser beam and serves as a mechanical pressure tool for achieving a zero gap between fabric and foil. Parameters that are varied are the processing speed and the laser power receiving different track widths, as well as the type of textile. In this work, their influence is evaluated by microscopy, electrical resistance measurements during Martindale tests for abrasion resistance, and tensile tests. The investigations clarify the durability and utility of welded conductive tracks on textiles. It is possible to produce conductive tracks out of beaten copper joined on textiles using laser radiation showing conductivity after 10,000 abrasion cycles. The tensile strength of textiles totally made of thermoplastics is more influenced by the heat input of the laser than blended textiles, but their abrasion resistance is worse. Furthermore, an outlook on the possibility of welding using a laser source with a wavelength of 450 nm (blue laser) and a scanner as optics will be given.
How the map becomes the territory: prediction, performativity and the process of taking digital twins for granted
Authors: Leonardi Paul M. , Leavell Virginia
Published: February 2024

A growing body of literature argues that digital models do not just help organizational leaders to predict the future. Models can inadvertently produce the very future they purport to describe. In this view, performativity is a side-effect of digital modeling. But digital twins turn such thinking on its head. Digital twins are digital models that are designed to be performative—changes in the model are supposed to produce corresponding changes in the world the model represents. This is what makes digital twins useful. But for decision-makers to act in ways that align the world outside the model with the predictions contained within, they must first believe that the model is a faithful representation. In other words, for a digital twin to become performative, it must first be taken-for-granted as “real”. In this paper, we explore the technological and organizational characteristics that are likely to shape the level of taken-for-grantedness of a digital twin.
Exploratory study on the body distribution of skin color, pigmentation and, degree of tan in Central European Caucasian Women
Authors: Schmalwieser Alois W. , Götzinger Sabine , Schwabel Florian
Published: February 2024

It is well known that skin color varies by body site and with season. However, little quantitative data on the topography of skin color and pigmentation are available. Therefore, exploratory cutaneous colorimetric measurements in 20 in central European Caucasian women aged 20 to 60 years have been made at 18 body sites. Tri-stimulus L*a*b*-values, hue, and chroma are considered to describe skin color. Based on the “Individual Typology Angle”, the “Degree of Tan” was introduced to quantify the difference between constitutive and facultative pigmentation. Measurements were done in late winter and early summer to estimate potential changes by solar ultraviolet radiation. These measurements made evident that skin color obviously differs across the body in late winter. Even nearby body sites can be recognized as differently colored. A remaining degree of tan was found at permanent and intermittent exposed body sites. The remaining tan was not most pronounced at the permanently exposed sites but on the intermediate ones like the shoulder. In early summer, the degree of tan has most developed at the hands, arms, and instep, followed by the face. This study showed that besides basic differences between body sites in winter, accumulation, and degradation of tan also vary between body sites.

Graphical Abstract
Wittgenstein and Ethics
Authors: Christensen Anne-Marie Søndergaard
Published: February 2024

In Ludwig Wittgenstein's writings, ethics takes a central place in his thinking. This element investigates his engagement with ethics in both early and later thinking. Starting from the remarks on ethics in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and the framing of these remarks, it presents two influential approaches to Tractarian ethics, before it develops a coherent reading of ethics in the early thinking, focusing on ethical silence and the relationship notions of world and the philosophical 'I'. The reading of 'A Lecture on Ethics' focuses on the critique of ethical theory and the personal dimension of ethics, two themes also running through Wittgenstein's later thinking. It considers Wittgenstein's later ethical investigations, of ethical examples, ethically relevant language uses of language and the connections between reflections on ethics and living. It also considers the role of the other in Wittgenstein's later thinking.
The Virtue of External Goods in Action Sports Practice
Authors: Whelan Glen
Published: February 2024

Consistent with the idea that business ethics is a form of applied ethics, many virtue ethicists make use of an extant (pure) moral philosophy framework, namely, one developed by Alasdair MacIntyre. In doing so, these authors have refined MacIntyre’s work, but have never really challenged it. In here questioning, and developing an alternative to, the MacIntyrean orthdoxy, I illustrate the merit of business ethicists adopting a broader philosophical perspective focused on constructing (new) theory. More specifically—and in referring to action sports (e.g., mountain biking, snowboarding)—I propose that an external good motive is not only much more consistent with virtuous practical excellence than MacIntyreans acknowledge, but that such a motive is fundamental to identifying and explaining how practices can be deliberately created (by businesses). Consequently, and in stark contrast with MacIntyre’s deeply pessimistic outlook on modern business and society, I propose that those who value practices might celebrate our current era.
HHC-induced psychosis: a case series of psychotic illness triggered by a widely available semisynthetic cannabinoid
Authors: O’Mahony Brian , O’Malley Andrew , Kerrigan Olan , McDonald Colm
Published: February 2024

Use of both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids has been regularly linked to the development of psychotic illness. Thus, semisynthetic cannabinoids such as hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which have a similar neurobiological profile to delta-9-THC, may also be expected to lead to psychotic illness. However, no such relationship has yet been reported in scientific literature. HHC is readily available online and in many vape shops in Ireland. Here, we present two cases of psychotic illness which appear to have been precipitated by use of legally purchased HHC and discuss its psychotogenic role and factors linked to its current widespread availability.
QUATRE FRAGMENTS LITURGIQUES SUMERIENS DU MUSEE DE BIRMINGHAM. PREMIÈRE PARTIE
Authors: Cavigneaux Antoine
Published: February 2024

Edition with translation of three Sumerian liturgical fragments kept today in Birmingham City Museum. In themselves they are hardly significant, but once put back into their material context, i.e. joined to fragments kept in other museums, and once compared to their literary parallels, they start to become interpretable. The first fragment may come from Larsa, while the others belong to tablets kept in Berlin, partially published in 1913 by Zimmern in his Vorderasiatische Schriftdenkmäler 2, whose origin is admittedly Sippir. The first fragment is part of a vast liturgy of the goddess Ninisina. The two following fragments are from two different tablets both containing a liturgy of Enlil which can now be almost entirely reconstructed. A further fragment is edited in a following article.
Inference on the intraday spot volatility from high-frequency order prices with irregular microstructure noise
Authors: Bibinger Markus
Published: February 2024

We consider estimation of the spot volatility in a stochastic boundary model with one-sided microstructure noise for high-frequency limit order prices. Based on discrete, noisy observations of an Itô semimartingale with jumps and general stochastic volatility, we present a simple and explicit estimator using local order statistics. We establish consistency and stable central limit theorems as asymptotic properties. The asymptotic analysis builds upon an expansion of tail probabilities for the order statistics based on a generalized arcsine law. In order to use the involved distribution of local order statistics for a bias correction, an efficient numerical algorithm is developed. We demonstrate the finite-sample performance of the estimation in a Monte Carlo simulation.
Animalization of Kurds in Turkish-Speaking Social Media
Authors: Tutkal Serhat
Published: February 2024

This article analyzes tweets in the Turkish language from November 2020 to May 2021 in which Kurds are explicitly mentioned that feature negative animalization directed toward Kurds and pro-Kurdish organizations. It systematically compares ways of animalization attribution, to what entities the animalization is attributed mostly, and the attributors (actors) of animalization. First, it argues that animalizing dehumanization directed at Kurds in the data set principally occurs for attributing the lack of four human traits: agency, civility, morality, and rationality. Second, it shows in what different ways the lack of these traits is attributed to Kurdish people in general and to major pro-Kurdish groups such as HDP (the largest pro-Kurdish legal political party) and PKK (the largest pro-Kurdish armed group). Finally, it discloses three main political networks among Twitter users within the data set and characterizes how negative animal references to Kurds, pro-Kurdish groups, and each other were used by these actors. Thus, this research seeks to establish a framework to study other ethnic conflicts from the perspective of animalization and invites further research on whether the trends that were found imply a general tendency around the world.
CARBON ISOTOPE CHANGES THROUGH THE RECENT PAST: F14C AND δ13C VALUES IN SINGLE BARLEY GRAIN FROM 1852 TO 2020
Authors: Dunbar E , Scott E M , Tripney B G
Published: February 2024

Radiocarbon (F14C) and stable carbon (δ13C) values were measured in single grains of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from the sample archive from two adjacent sites of the Long-term Experiments (LTEs) Hoosfield Spring Barley at Rothamsted Research (Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK), covering the growing periods (March to September) of 1852 to 2020. F14C data of the barley grain confirm that recent values are approaching and will decline below the “nominal” F14C value of 1, tracking a similar decrease reported in other studies. Importantly, the measured δ13C values reveal a different temporal decline over the pre-bomb and post-bomb timescale. Detailed statistical analysis of δ13C data along with δ13C analysis of independent, archived barley mash samples, verifies and quantifies the extent and rate of this decline. Evidence presented from the barley grain and barley mash samples suggests a clear breakpoint in δ13C data occurring in 1995, where the rate of change alters, in that the slope in δ13C data for the pre-1995 period is declining at 1.4‰ per century, and the slope in δ13C for the post-1995 period is declining at 3.6‰ per century. Such a consistent shift in δ13C data could be used with F14C values to extend the use of the bomb peak for forensic, ecological, and environmental applications.
CYNTHIA'S BIRTHDAY ACROSTIC (3.10.1–5): PROPERTIUS ON ELEGIAC TIME AND ETERNITY
Authors: Hejduk Julia D.
Published: February 2024

This article argues that an intentional acrostic spanning the first five lines of Propertius’ elegy for Cynthia's birthday (3.10), MANE[T], contributes significantly to the poignancy and purpose of the poem. MANE can be read as māne, ‘in the morning’, or manē, ‘stay!’, both of which emphasize the fleeting nature of dawn—and of Cynthia's youthful beauty. MANET can suggest both ‘[art] remains’ and ‘[death] awaits’. All four of these meanings work together to capture the tension between human transience and artistic immortality. The theme is further enhanced by a balancing reverse telestich at the poem's end, ROSA RVES (‘[a] rose, you will fall to ruin’).
Access to Abortion for Rape Victims in Armed Conflicts: A Feminist Perspective
Authors: Cerulli Francesca
Published: February 2024

Adopting a feminist perspective, this article focuses on the protection of women's right to reproductive health during armed conflicts and, in particular, on access to safe abortion services for rape victims. Indeed, although women are disproportionately affected by conflicts, and their sexual and reproductive needs are exacerbated by the spread of sexual and gender-based violence, there is a lack of specific attention on this topic in the literature. The article therefore aims to investigate whether an obligation to provide access to safe abortion services for rape victims can be interpretatively derived from the set of international rules governing armed conflict. To this end, it will start by focusing on abortion as part of the non-discriminatory medical treatment that states must provide to the wounded and sick. It will then address the interpretation of the absolute obligation to treat humanely persons who are taking no active part in the hostilities, and investigate what such treatment entails when it comes to pregnant women who are victims of rape in armed conflicts. Finally, state practice and the practice of the UN Security Council in the framework of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda will be investigated.
Segregation of co-cultured multicellular systems: review and modeling consideration
Authors: Pajic-Lijakovic Ivana , Eftimie Raluca , Milivojevic Milan , Bordas Stéphane P.A.
Published: February 2024

Cell segregation caused by collective cell migration (CCM) is crucial for morphogenesis, functional development of tissue parts, and is an important aspect in other diseases such as cancer and its metastasis process. Efficiency of the cell segregation depends on the interplay between: (1) biochemical processes such as cell signaling and gene expression and (2) physical interactions between cells. Despite extensive research devoted to study the segregation of various co-cultured systems, we still do not understand the role of physical interactions in cell segregation. Cumulative effects of these physical interactions appear in the form of physical parameters such as: (1) tissue surface tension, (2) viscoelasticity caused by CCM, and (3) solid stress accumulated in multicellular systems. These parameters primarily depend on the interplay between the state of cell–cell adhesion contacts and cell contractility. The role of these physical parameters on the segregation efficiency is discussed on model systems such as co-cultured breast cell spheroids consisting of two subpopulations that are in contact. This review study aims to: (1) summarize biological aspects related to cell segregation, mechanical properties of cell collectives, effects along the biointerface between cell subpopulations and (2) describe from a biophysical/mathematical perspective the same biological aspects summarized before. So that overall it can illustrate the complexity of the biological systems that translate into very complex biophysical/mathematical equations. Moreover, by presenting in parallel these two seemingly different parts (biology vs. equations), this review aims to emphasize the need for experiments to estimate the variety of parameters entering the resulting complex biophysical/mathematical models.
The next generation of developmental psychopathology research: Including broader perspectives and becoming more precise
Authors: Valentino Kristin , Edler Katherine
Published: February 2024

The current Special Issue marks a major milestone in the history of developmental psychopathology; as the final issue edited by Cicchetti, we have an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable progress of the discipline across the last four decades, as well as challenges and future directions for the field. With contemporary issues in mind, including rising rates of psychopathology, health disparities, and international conflict, as well as rapid growth and accessibility of digital and mobile technologies, the discipline of developmental psychopathology is poised to advance multidisciplinary, developmentally- and contextually- informed research, and to make substantial progress in supporting the healthy development of individuals around the world. We highlight key future directions and challenges for the next generation of developmental psychopathology research including further investigation of culture at multiple levels of analysis, incorporation of macro-level influences into developmental psychopathology research, methods advances to address heterogeneity in translational research, precision mental health, and the extension of developmental psychopathology research across the lifespan.
A note on the neutrality of interest rates
Authors: Serletis Apostolos , Xu Libo
Published: February 2024

We test the neutrality of nominal interest rates taking advantage of recent advances in quantitative financial history using the Schmelzing (2022) global nominal interest rate and inflation rate series (across eight centuries), for France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the USA. We pay attention to the integration and cointegration properties of the variables and use the bivariate autoregressive methodology proposed by King and Watson (1997). We argue that meaningful long-run neutrality tests can be performed only for three countries—Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom—and we find no evidence consistent with the neutrality of nominal interest rates.
Information, politicization, and reputation: assessing interest groups’ agenda-setting influence in the EU
Authors: Stevens Frederik , Willems Evelien
Published: February 2024

This study examines interest groups’ influence on the European Commission’s policy agenda. We argue that organizations can gain agenda-setting influence by strategically emphasizing different types of information. Analyzing a novel dataset on the engagement of 158 interest groups across 65 policy issues, we find that prioritizing information about audience support is more advantageous than emphasizing expert information. However, the effectiveness of highlighting the scope of audience support depends on the level of issue salience and degree of interest mobilization. Specifically, our findings indicate that when dealing with issues characterized by quiet politics, there are no systematic differences among groups employing distinct modes of informational lobbying.
Adolescent athletes’ sleep problems and overtraining
Authors: Cho Unjung , Im KyoungBin
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Introduction: Sleep is crucial for athletes’ recovery and performance while overtraining can negatively affect sleep quantity and sleep quality. We present a case of a 16-year-old female athlete exploring the reciprocal negative effects of overtraining and sleep problems on each other. Methods: A flyer of a high school cheerleading team with a history of injuries, irregular menses, chronic fatigue, and various sleep-related complaints presented with declining athletic performance. Results: After medical causes were ruled out, sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome and delayed sleep phase were identified and treated. Despite treatment, her daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks persisted and thus necessitated further investigation. Comprehensive sleep studies, including actigraphy, polysomnography, and multiple sleep latency testing, ultimately revealed insufficient sleep syndrome as the underlying cause. Notably, periods of reduced training intensity coincided with significant improvements in her daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of comprehensive sleep-wake assessments for adolescent athletes to accurately diagnose sleep disorders in the context of overtraining. Prioritizing sleep is crucial for optimizing athletic performance in young athletes by preventing and managing overtraining-related sleep disorders.
Suicide Rates and Prescription of Antidepressants
Authors: Amendola Simone , Plöderl Martin , Hengartner Michael P.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Background: Previous ecological studies reported that increasing antidepressant prescriptions were associated with decreasing suicide rates. Aim: To determine whether antidepressant prescription prevalence is negatively associated with suicide rates (i.e., as antidepressant prescribing increases, suicide rates decrease) between 1999 and 2020. Method: The study protocol was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/978sk/ ). Publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research (CDC WONDER) and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used. Results: Overall, both the antidepressant prescription prevalence and the suicide rate were increasing from 1990 to 2020 in the United States. Positive trends for both outcomes were also evident when analyses were stratified according to sex and/or race/ethnicity. Pearson’s correlation analyses consistently found positive associations between antidepressant prescription prevalence and suicide rates. Limitations: Trends and their associations were examined at the population level. The results cannot clarify the causal nature of the association observed. Conclusion: The results of our analysis consistently demonstrated positive trends for both antidepressant prescription prevalence and suicide rates over time as well as positive associations between them. These findings update those from previous studies and are at odds with the notion that, at a population level, more antidepressant prescriptions would lead to lower suicide rates. However, it needs to be acknowledged that ecological studies provide insufficient evidence to infer causality.
Cold Fog Is Capricious, but Not for Long
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: February 2024

New observations of cold fog formation could eventually improve forecasting.
Five Key Needs for Addressing Flood Injustice
Authors: Sullivan Jonathan , Friedrich Hannah , Tellman Beth , Saunders Alex , Belury Lucas
Published: February 2024

Better data and assessment metrics—and improved researcher involvement in communities—are needed to understand and redress inequitable vulnerabilities to and recoveries from flooding.
Wearable and interactive multicolored photochromic fiber display
Authors: Li Pan , Wang Yuwei , He Xiaoxian , Cui Yuyang , Ouyang Jingyu , Ouyang Ju , He Zicheng , Hu Jiayu , Liu Xiaojuan , Wei Hang , Wang Yu , Lu Xiaoling , Ji Qian , Cai Xinyuan , Liu Li , Hou Chong , Zhou Ning , Pan Shaowu , Wang Xiangru , Zhou Huamin , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Lu Yan-Qing , Tao Guangming
Published: February 2024

Endowing flexible and adaptable fiber devices with light-emitting capabilities has the potential to revolutionize the current design philosophy of intelligent, wearable interactive devices. However, significant challenges remain in developing fiber devices when it comes to achieving uniform and customizable light effects while utilizing lightweight hardware. Here, we introduce a mass-produced, wearable, and interactive photochromic fiber that provides uniform multicolored light control. We designed independent waveguides inside the fiber to maintain total internal reflection of light as it traverses the fiber. The impact of excessive light leakage on the overall illuminance can be reduced by utilizing the saturable absorption effect of fluorescent materials to ensure light emission uniformity along the transmission direction. In addition, we coupled various fluorescent composite materials inside the fiber to achieve artificially controllable spectral radiation of multiple color systems in a single fiber. We prepared fibers on mass-produced kilometer-long using the thermal drawing method. The fibers can be directly integrated into daily wearable devices or clothing in various patterns and combined with other signal input components to control and display patterns as needed. This work provides a new perspective and inspiration to the existing field of fiber display interaction, paving the way for future human–machine integration.
Molecular profiling of the hippocampus of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rexrode Lindsay E. , Hartley Joshua , Showmaker Kurt C. , Challagundla Lavanya , Vandewege Michael W. , Martin Brigitte E. , Blair Estelle , Bollavarapu Ratna , Antonyraj Rhenius B. , Hilton Keauna , Gardiner Alex , Valeri Jake , Gisabella Barbara , Garrett Michael R. , Theoharides Theoharis C. , Pantazopoulos Harry
Published: February 2024

Several lines of evidence point to a key role of the hippocampus in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Altered hippocampal volume and deficits in memory for person and emotion related stimuli have been reported, along with enhanced ability for declarative memories. Mouse models have demonstrated a critical role of the hippocampus in social memory dysfunction, associated with ASD, together with decreased synaptic plasticity. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), a family of extracellular matrix molecules, represent a potential key link between neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and immune system signaling. There is a lack of information regarding the molecular pathology of the hippocampus in ASD. We conducted RNAseq profiling on postmortem human brain samples containing the hippocampus from male children with ASD (n = 7) and normal male children (3–14 yrs old), (n = 6) from the NIH NeuroBioBank. Gene expression profiling analysis implicated molecular pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization, neurodevelopment, synaptic regulation, and immune system signaling. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to confirm several of the top markers identified. The CSPG protein BCAN was examined with multiplex immunofluorescence to analyze cell-type specific expression of BCAN and astrocyte morphology. We observed decreased expression of synaptic proteins PSD95 (p < 0.02) and SYN1 (p < 0.02), increased expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protease MMP9 (p < 0.03), and decreased expression of MEF2C (p < 0.03). We also observed increased BCAN expression with astrocytes in children with ASD, together with altered astrocyte morphology. Our results point to alterations in immune system signaling, glia cell differentiation, and synaptic signaling in the hippocampus of children with ASD, together with alterations in extracellular matrix molecules. Furthermore, our results demonstrate altered expression of genes implicated in genetic studies of ASD including SYN1 and MEF2C.
Key subphenotypes of bipolar disorder are differentially associated with polygenic liabilities for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder
Authors: Song Jie , Jonsson Lina , Lu Yi , Bergen Sarah E. , Karlsson Robert , Smedler Erik , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Jones Ian , Jones Lisa , Craddock Nick , Sullivan Patrick F. , Lichtenstein Paul , Di Florio Arianna , Landén Mikael
Published: February 2024

Bipolar disorder (BD) features heterogenous clinical presentation and course of illness. It remains unclear how subphenotypes associate with genetic loadings of BD and related psychiatric disorders. We investigated associations between the subphenotypes and polygenic risk scores (PRS) for BD, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder (MDD) in two BD cohorts from Sweden (N = 5180) and the UK (N = 2577). Participants were assessed through interviews and medical records for inter-episode remission, psychotic features during mood episodes, global assessment of functioning (GAF, function and symptom burden dimensions), and comorbid anxiety disorders. Meta-analyses based on both cohorts showed that inter-episode remission and GAF-function were positively correlated with BD-PRS but negatively correlated with schizophrenia-PRS (SCZ-PRS) and MDD-PRS. Moreover, BD-PRS was negatively, and MDD-PRS positively, associated with the risk of comorbid anxiety disorders. Finally, SCZ-PRS was positively associated with psychotic symptoms during mood episodes. Assuming a higher PRS of certain psychiatric disorders in cases with a positive family history, we further tested the associations between subphenotypes in index BD people and occurrence of BD, schizophrenia, or MDD in their relatives using Swedish national registries. BD patients with a relative diagnosed with BD had: (1) higher GAF and lower risk of comorbid anxiety than those with a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia or MDD, (2) lower risk of psychotic symptoms than those with a relative diagnosed with schizophrenia. Our findings shed light on the genetic underpinnings of the heterogeneity in clinical manifestations and course of illness in BD, which ultimately provide insights for developing personalized approaches to the diagnosis and treatment.
Divergent suicidal symptomatic activations converge on somato-cognitive action network in depression
Authors: Li Jiao , Wang Dajing , Xia Jie , Zhang Chao , Meng Yao , Xu Shuo , Chen Huafu , Liao Wei
Published: February 2024

Individuals with depression have the highest lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts (SA) among mental illnesses. Numerous neuroimaging studies have developed biomarkers from task-related neural activation in depressive patients with SA, but the findings are inconsistent. Empowered by the contemporary interconnected view of depression as a neural system disorder, we sought to identify a specific brain circuit utilizing published heterogeneous neural activations. We systematically reviewed all published cognitive and emotional task-related functional MRI studies that investigated differences in the location of neural activations between depressive patients with and without SA. We subsequently mapped an underlying brain circuit functionally connecting to each experimental activation using a large normative connectome database (n = 1000). The identified SA-related functional network was compared to the network derived from the disease control group. Finally, we decoded this convergent functional connectivity network using microscale transcriptomic and chemo-architectures, and macroscale psychological processes. We enrolled 11 experimental tasks from eight studies, including depressive patients with SA (n = 147) and without SA (n = 196). The heterogeneous SA-related neural activations localized to the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN), exhibiting robustness to little perturbations and specificity for depression. Furthermore, the SA-related functional network was colocalized with brain-wide gene expression involved in inflammatory and immunity-related biological processes and aligned with the distribution of the GABA and noradrenaline neurotransmitter systems. The findings demonstrate that the SA-related functional network of depression is predominantly located at the SCAN, which is an essential implication for understanding depressive patients with SA.
Incubation of methamphetamine craving in punishment-resistant individuals is associated with activation of specific gene networks in the rat dorsal striatum
Authors: Daiwile Atul P. , McCoy Michael T. , Ladenheim Bruce , Subramaniam Jayanthi , Cadet Jean Lud
Published: February 2024

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is characterized by loss of control over compulsive drug use. Here, we used a self-administration (SA) model to investigate transcriptional changes associated with the development of early and late compulsivity during contingent footshocks. Punishment initially separated methamphetamine taking rats into always shock-resistant (ASR) rats that continued active lever pressing and shock-sensitive (SS) rats that reduced their lever pressing. At the end of the punishment phase, rats underwent 15 days of forced abstinence at the end of which they were re-introduced to the SA paradigm followed by SA plus contingent shocks. Interestingly, 36 percent of the initial SS rats developed delayed shock-resistance (DSR). Of translational relevance, ASR rats showed more incubation of methamphetamine craving than DSR and always sensitive (AS) rats. RNA sequencing revealed increased striatal Rab37 and Dipk2b mRNA levels that correlated with incubation of methamphetamine craving. Interestingly, Bdnf mRNA levels showed HDAC2-dependent decreased expression in the AS rats. The present SA paradigm should help to elucidate the molecular substrates of early and late addiction-like behaviors.
Targeted inhibition of SCFSKP2 confers anti-tumor activities resulting in a survival benefit in osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Jichuan , Ferrena Alexander , Zhang Ranxin , Singh Swapnil , Viscarret Valentina , Al-Harden Waleed , Aldahamsheh Osama , Borjihan Hasibagan , Singla Amit , Yaguare Simon , Tingling Janet , Zi Xiaolin , Lo Yungtai , Gorlick Richard , Schwartz Edward L. , Zhao Hongling , Yang Rui , Geller David S. , Zheng Deyou , Hoang Bang H.
Published: February 2024

Osteosarcoma(OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer for which treatment has remained essentially unchanged for decades. Although OS is characterized by extensive genomic heterogeneity and instability, RB1 and TP53 have been shown to be the most commonly inactivated tumor suppressors in OS. We previously generated a mouse model with a double knockout (DKO) of Rb1 and Trp53 within cells of the osteoblastic lineage, which largely recapitulates human OS with nearly complete penetrance. SKP2 is a repression target of pRb and serves as a substrate recruiting subunit of the SCFSKP2 complex. In addition, SKP2 plays a central role in regulating the cell cycle by ubiquitinating and promoting the degradation of p27. We previously reported the DKOAA transgenic model, which harbored a knock-in mutation in p27 that impaired its binding to SKP2. Here, we generated a novel p53-Rb1-SKP2 triple-knockout model (TKO) to examine SKP2 function and its potential as a therapeutic target in OS. First, we observed that OS tumorigenesis was significantly delayed in TKO mice and their overall survival was markedly improved. In addition, the loss of SKP2 also promoted an apoptotic microenvironment and reduced the stemness of DKO tumors. Furthermore, we found that small-molecule inhibitors of SKP2 exhibited anti-tumor activities in vivo and in OS organoids as well as synergistic effects when combined with a standard chemotherapeutic agent. Taken together, our results suggest that SKP2 inhibitors may reduce the stemness plasticity of OS and should be leveraged as next-generation adjuvants in this cancer.
Memory persistence: from fundamental mechanisms to translational opportunities
Authors: Merlo Santiago Abel , Belluscio Mariano Andrés , Pedreira Maria Eugenia , Merlo Emiliano
Published: February 2024

Memory persistence is a double edge sword. Persistence of adaptive memories is essential for survival and even determines who we are. Neurodegenerative conditions with significant memory loss such as Alzheimer’s disease, testify how defects of memory persistence have severe and irreversible effects on personality, among other symptoms. Yet, maintenance of overly strong maladaptive memories underlies highly debilitating psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, substance dependence and binge eating disorder. Here we review the neurobiological mechanisms supporting memory formation, persistence, inhibition and forgetting. We then shift the focus to how such mechanisms have been exploited to alter the persistence of laboratory-generated memories in human healthy volunteers as a proof of concept. Finally, we review the effect of behavioural and pharmacological interventions in anxiety and addiction disorder patients, highlighting key findings, gaps, and future directions for basic and translational research.
Pervasive alterations of intra-axonal volume and network organization in young children with a 16p11.2 deletion
Authors: Maillard Anne M. , Romascano David , Villalón-Reina Julio E. , Moreau Clara A. , Almeida Osório Joana M. , Richetin Sonia , Junod Vincent , Yu Paola , Misic Bratislav , Thompson Paul M. , Fornari Eleonora , Gygax Marine Jequier , Jacquemont Sébastien , Chabane Nadia , Rodríguez-Herreros Borja
Published: February 2024

Reciprocal Copy Number Variants (CNVs) at the 16p11.2 locus confer high risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Morphometric MRI studies have revealed large and pervasive volumetric alterations in carriers of a 16p11.2 deletion. However, the specific neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying such alterations, as well as their developmental trajectory, are still poorly understood. Here we explored differences in microstructural brain connectivity between 24 children carrying a 16p11.2 deletion and 66 typically developing (TD) children between 2 and 8 years of age. We found a large pervasive increase of intra-axonal volume widespread over a high number of white matter tracts. Such microstructural alterations in 16p11.2 deletion children were already present at an early age, and led to significant changes in the global efficiency and integration of brain networks mainly associated to language, motricity and socio-emotional behavior, although the widespread pattern made it unlikely to represent direct functional correlates. Our results shed light on the neuroanatomical basis of the previously reported increase of white matter volume, and align well with analogous evidence of altered axonal diameter and synaptic function in 16p11.2 mice models. We provide evidence of a prevalent mechanistic deviation from typical maturation of brain structural connectivity associated with a specific biological risk to develop ASD. Future work is warranted to determine how this deviation contributes to the emergence of symptoms observed in young children diagnosed with ASD and other NDDs.
Emerging role of RNA modification and long noncoding RNA interaction in cancer
Authors: Yang Liqiong , Tang Lu , Min Qi , Tian Hua , Li Linwei , Zhao Yueshui , Wu Xu , Li Mingxing , Du Fukuan , Chen Yu , Li Wanping , Li Xiaobing , Chen Meijuan , Gu Li , Sun Yuhong , Xiao Zhangang , Shen Jing
Published: February 2024

RNA modification, especially N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and N7-methylguanosine methylation, participates in the occurrence and progression of cancer through multiple pathways. The function and expression of these epigenetic regulators have gradually become a hot topic in cancer research. Mutation and regulation of noncoding RNA, especially lncRNA, play a major role in cancer. Generally, lncRNAs exert tumor-suppressive or oncogenic functions and its dysregulation can promote tumor occurrence and metastasis. In this review, we summarize N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytosine, and N7-methylguanosine modifications in lncRNAs. Furthermore, we discuss the relationship between epigenetic RNA modification and lncRNA interaction and cancer progression in various cancers. Therefore, this review gives a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which RNA modification affects the progression of various cancers by regulating lncRNAs, which may shed new light on cancer research and provide new insights into cancer therapy.