bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of a novel transcript LNPPS acting as tumour suppressor in bladder cancer via PDCD5‐mediated p53 degradation blockage
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Yifan , Zhang Xinya , Yang Xuemei , Qi Qiuchen , Mi Qi , Feng Maoxiao , Wang Yunshan , Wang Chuanxin , Li Peilong , Du Lutao
Published: December 2022

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in tumour initiation and progression. However, little is known about their contributions to p53‐related bladder cancer (BC) inhibition.

Methods

By using high‐throughput sequencing, we screened the expression profiles of lncRNAs in BC and adjacent non‐tumour tissues. The roles of a novel lncRNA, named LNPPS [a lncRNA for programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) and p53 stability], were determined by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays. RNA pull‐down followed by mass spectrometry analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation assays and other immunoprecipitation assays were performed to reveal the interactions among LNPPS, PDCD5 and p53, and the regulatory effect of LNPPS on the complex ubiquitination network comprising PDCD5, p53 and mouse double minute 2 homologue (MDM2).

Results

LNPPS was downregulated in BC and markedly inhibited the viability of BC cells by inducing PDCD5/p53‐related apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, LNPPS, serving as a scaffold, connected PDCD5 and p53 with nucleotides (nt) located at 121‒251 nt and 251‒306 nt of LNPPS, respectively. This process allowed LNPPS to protect PDCD5 from proteasomal degradation by blocking its K20 site ubiquitination. On the other hand, the increased interaction between PDCD5 and p53 displaced p53 from the MDM2‒p53 ubiquitination complex, resulting in an increase in p53 expression and related apoptosis levels. Moreover, LNPPS could induce the accumulation of PDCD5 and p53 in the nucleus and exert a synergistic effect on the prevention of protein degradation. In addition, we confirmed that the downregulation of LNPPS in BC was mediated by the decreased N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight a novel cross‐talk between LNPPS and the PDCD5/p53/MDM2 ubiquitination axis in BC development, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for BC patients.
Changes in microbial community structure and functioning with elevation are linked to local soil characteristics as well as climatic variables
Authors: Lux Johannes , Xie Zhijing , Sun Xin , Wu Donghui , Scheu Stefan
Published: December 2022

Mountain forests are important carbon stocks and biodiversity hotspots but are threatened by increased insect outbreaks and climate‐driven forest conversion. Soil microorganisms play an eminent role in nutrient cycling in forest habitats and form the basis of soil food webs. Uncovering the driving factors shaping microbial communities and functioning at mountainsides across the world is of eminent importance to better understand their dynamics at local and global scales. We investigated microbial communities and their climatic and local soil‐related drivers along an elevational gradient (800–1700 m asl) of primary forests at Changbai Mountain, China. We analyzed substrate‐induced respiration and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) in litter and two soil layers at seven sites. Microbial biomass (Cmic) peaked in the litter layer and increased towards higher elevations. In the litter layer, the increase in Cmic and in stress indicator ratios was negatively correlated with Ca concentrations indicating increased nutritional stress in high microbial biomass communities at sites with lower Ca availability. PLFA profiles in the litter layer separated low and high elevations, but this was less pronounced in soil, suggesting that the litter layer functions as a buffer for soil microbial communities. Annual variations in temperature correlated with PLFA profiles in all three layers, while annual variations in precipitation correlated with PLFA profiles in upper soil only. Furthermore, the availability of resources, soil moisture, Ca concentrations, and pH structured the microbial communities. Pronounced changes in Cmic and stress indicator ratios in the litter layer between pine‐dominated (800–1100 m) and spruce‐dominated (1250–1700 m) forests indicated a shift in the structure and functioning of microbial communities between forest types along the elevational gradient. The study highlights strong changes in microbial community structure and functioning along elevational gradients, but also shows that these changes and their driving factors vary between soil layers. Besides annual variations in temperature and precipitation, carbon accumulation and nitrogen acquisition shape changes in microbial communities with elevation at Changbai Mountain.
Metabolic rates in the squareback marsh crab Armases cinereum
Authors: Smith Nanette , Anderson Lars , Fletcher Laura S. , Stancil Carter K. , Griffen Blaine D.
Published: December 2022

Metabolic rate is a basic individual metric that extends beyond the individual to link the ecology of populations, communities, and ecosystems via its role as a central component of energy budgets. Metabolic rates are often measured indirectly by quantifying respiration under simplified, standard laboratory conditions. This approach limits the application of these measurements to a small range of conditions that commonly do not reflect natural field conditions. We measured metabolic rates of the squareback marsh crab Armases cinereum under field conditions. Previous work highlights that movement of individual A. cinereum, especially females, provides a potential spatial subsidy of energy, as individuals consume foods in salt marshes and then transfer the resulting energy to upland forest ecosystems. We show that metabolic rate increases with size for both males and females and that metabolic rates are influenced by temperature and by whether females are vitellogenic. The metabolic rates that we measured more closely approximate field metabolic rates than standard metabolic rates and demonstrate that individual crabs experience high energy expenditures, reducing the amount of energy that may be transferred as a subsidy between marsh and forest as a result of the daily movements of individual crabs. Our measurements are therefore also a key component for the construction of an energy budget for this species.
Quantifying (non)parallelism of gut microbial community change using multivariate vector analysis
Authors: Härer Andreas , Rennison Diana J.
Published: December 2022

Parallel evolution of phenotypic traits is regarded as strong evidence for natural selection and has been studied extensively in a variety of taxa. However, we have limited knowledge of whether parallel evolution of host organisms is accompanied by parallel changes of their associated microbial communities (i.e., microbiotas), which are crucial for their hosts' ecology and evolution. Determining the extent of microbiota parallelism in nature can improve our ability to identify the factors that are associated with (putatively adaptive) shifts in microbial communities. While it has been emphasized that (non)parallel evolution is better considered as a quantitative continuum rather than a binary phenomenon, quantitative approaches have rarely been used to study microbiota parallelism. We advocate using multivariate vector analysis (i.e., phenotypic change vector analysis) to quantify direction and magnitude of microbiota changes and discuss the applicability of this approach for studying parallelism, and we compiled an R package for multivariate vector analysis of microbial communities (‘multivarvector’). We exemplify its use by reanalyzing gut microbiota data from multiple fish species that exhibit parallel shifts in trophic ecology. We found that multivariate vector analysis results were largely consistent with other statistical methods, parallelism estimates were not affected by the taxonomic level at which the microbiota is studied, and parallelism might be stronger for gut microbiota function compared to taxonomic composition. This approach provides an analytical framework for quantitative comparisons across host lineages, thereby providing the potential to advance our capacity to predict microbiota changes. Hence, we emphasize that the development and application of quantitative measures, such as multivariate vector analysis, should be further explored in microbiota research in order to better understand the role of microbiota dynamics during their hosts' adaptive evolution, particularly in settings of parallel evolution.
Leaving more than footprints: Anthropogenic nutrient subsidies to a protected area
Authors: Guerra A. S. , Bui A. , Klope M. , Orr D. A. , Shaffer S. A. , Young H. S.
Published: December 2022

Mobile animals that traverse ecosystem boundaries can fundamentally reshape environments by providing critical nutrient and energy inputs to the ecosystems they inhabit. In particular, aggregations of seabirds often transform coastal and island ecosystems through large amounts of nutrient‐rich guano deposition. Anthropogenically driven losses of these subsidies can occur through changes in abundance of mobile species, including seabirds, and have been shown to drive whole‐scale ecosystem state change on islands. However, even though many species that forage on anthropogenic food sources are highly mobile and may thus play important roles in moving nutrients from urban systems to otherwise conserved ecosystems, the impacts of anthropogenic supplements on spatial subsidies have been largely ignored. Here we examine the effects of large nesting colonies of Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis), a generalist carnivore known to forage on human refuse, on the Channel Islands of California. Specifically, we explore how their foraging on human subsidies may change nutrient deposition patterns at their relatively remote and protected breeding islands. We equipped gulls with GPS loggers to assess the frequency of urban foraging, and we partnered this tracking data with bird density data to estimate the rate of wild and urban‐derived guano deposition on two different islands. Consistent with research on other gull species, we found high (up to 40%) but island‐specific rates of urban foraging, resulting between 66 and 93 kg ha−1 of guano in these two sites during the breeding season, a level greater than half the amount of fertilizer applied annually in typical commercial agricultural settings and likely the primary source of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to this system. Specifically, we estimate that 27 kg ha−1 year−1 of nutrient‐rich guano is shuttled to these otherwise isolated islands from anthropogenic sources. This research highlights the large shadow (i.e., footprint) that human activity can cast on even remote ecosystems by driving significant nutrient enrichment through impacts on animal behavior and connectivity.
One‐Pot Synthesis of N‐Benzyl/Allyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐benzothiazolamines from 1‐(2‐Iodophenyl)‐3‐phenylthioureas and Benzyl/Allyl Halides
Authors: Feng Rong , Ma Jie , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: December 2022

A facile method for the copper‐catalyzed synthesis of N‐benzyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐benzothiazolamines was explored. In the presence of CuI, N‐phenylbenzothiazolamines was in situ generated from substituted 1‐(2‐iodophenyl)‐3‐phenylthioureas, which susequently underwent coupling with benzyl/allyl halides to give the desired N‐benzyl/allyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐benzothiazolamines fluently in a one‐pot manner. The protocol features easy performance, easily available materials, good yield and broad substrates scope, showing potential synthetic value for the preparation of a variety of biologically or pharmaceutically active compounds.
A continuous Bayesian network regression model for estimating seismic liquefaction‐induced settlement of the free‐field ground
Authors: Hu Jilei , Xiong Bin , Zhang Zheng , Wang Jing
Published: December 2022

The Bayesian network (BN) method has been successfully applied to evaluate earthquake liquefaction‐induced settlement of free‐field ground in recent years due to several specific advantages. However, the existing BN models need to discretize all continuous variables, and therefore, they can only predict the range value of the settlement (i.e., classification). Thus, information loss is inevitable in the process of discretization, which will largely reduce the prediction accuracy of the model. To realize the application of the BN method in the regression prediction of seismic liquefaction‐induced settlement, this study proposes a hybrid modelling method combining a hill‐climbing algorithm and domain knowledge to construct the structure of a continuous BN regression model based on historical liquefaction‐induced settlement data, and then the conditional linear Gaussian approach is used to learn the conditional probability distributions of parameters. A five‐fold cross‐validation test is used to demonstrate better generalization performance and advantages (such as considering model uncertainty and prior knowledge) of the continuous BN regression model compared with a discrete BN classification model, simplified methods such as the Tokimatsu & Seed and Ishihara & Yoshimine methods, and an artificial neural network model. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In addition, the other two continuous BN models using the Arias intensity and cumulative absolute velocity instead of the peak ground acceleration perform slightly worse than the proposed continuous BN model, and the reason for this difference is discussed.
Early microglial response, myelin deterioration and lethality in mice deficient for very long chain ceramide synthesis in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Teo Jonathan D. , Marian Oana C. , Spiteri Alanna G. , Nicholson Madeline , Song Huitong , Khor Jasmine X. Y. , McEwen Holly P. , Ge Anjie , Sen Monokesh K. , Piccio Laura , Fletcher Jessica L. , King Nicholas J. C. , Murray Simon S. , Brüning Jens C. , Don Anthony S.
Published: December 2022

The sphingolipids galactosylceramide (GalCer), sulfatide (ST) and sphingomyelin (SM) are essential for myelin stability and function. GalCer and ST are synthesized mostly from C22‐C24 ceramides, generated by Ceramide Synthase 2 (CerS2). To clarify the requirement for C22‐C24 sphingolipid synthesis in myelin biosynthesis and stability, we generated mice lacking CerS2 specifically in myelinating cells (CerS2ΔO/ΔO). At 6 weeks of age, normal‐appearing myelin had formed in CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice, however there was a reduction in myelin thickness and the percentage of myelinated axons. Pronounced loss of C22‐C24 sphingolipids in myelin of CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice was compensated by greatly increased levels of C18 sphingolipids. A distinct microglial population expressing high levels of activation and phagocytic markers such as CD64, CD11c, MHC class II, and CD68 was apparent at 6 weeks of age in CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice, and had increased by 10 weeks. Increased staining for denatured myelin basic protein was also apparent in 6‐week‐old CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice. By 16 weeks, CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice showed pronounced myelin atrophy, motor deficits, and axon beading, a hallmark of axon stress. 90% of CerS2ΔO/ΔO mice died between 16 and 26 weeks of age. This study highlights the importance of sphingolipid acyl chain length for the structural integrity of myelin, demonstrating how a modest reduction in lipid chain length causes exposure of a denatured myelin protein epitope and expansion of phagocytic microglia, followed by axon pathology, myelin degeneration, and motor deficits. Understanding the molecular trigger for microglial activation should aid the development of therapeutics for demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurotization of the radial forearm free flap improves swallowing outcomes in hemiglossectomy defects
Authors: Marchiano Emily , Kana Lulia , Bellile Emily , Smith Joshua D. , Casper Keith A. , Malloy Kelly M. , Chinn Steven B. , Stucken Chaz L. , Prince Mark E. P. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Rosko Andrew J. , Spector Matthew E.
Published: December 2022

Background

We examined the effect of free tissue neurotization on speech and swallowing outcomes for patients undergoing reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing a hemiglossectomy and reconstruction with a RFFF. Functional outcomes including nutritional mode, range of liquids and solids, and speech understandability were analyzed 1‐year post‐treatment.

Results

Eighty‐four patients were included in this analysis, 41 of whom had neurotized flaps (49%). No significant differences in demographic or clinical variables were seen between the neurotized and non‐neurotized groups. On multivariate analysis controlling for BMI, flap area, and N‐classification, patients with neurotized flaps were significantly more likely to have normal range of liquids and solids and less likely to have a G‐tube.

Conclusions

Neurotization of RFFF reconstructing hemiglossectomy defects results in decreased G‐tube dependence and improved range of liquids and solids.
C‐shaped dipper: A novel useful auxiliary tool for preparation of specimen grids for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Ishii Noriyuki
Published: December 2022

The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has played a pivotal role in visualizing and detailing the morphology of nanoscale objects of observation, but care must be taken to ensure that the object is in its original, unperturbed state. This is because not all objects under the observation are necessarily robust and structurally stable, and if the object being observed is so delicate and easily changeable in shape, one may be observing structural artifacts leading to wrong interpretations. I here present a novel prototype of an easy‐to‐use and reliable auxiliary tool, the C‐shaped dipper, developed for the preparation of specimen grids for TEM, along with its handling instructions for diverse applications. Some nanostructures are so delicate and fragile that their nanocomplexes are easily destroyed when aspirated by a pipette with a narrow tip diameter. Using the C‐shaped dipper, the observation objects can be scooped up in a droplet formed by the surface tension of the liquid, keeping their intact shapes, and placed on a grid precovered with a support film. The C‐shaped dipper has proven to be excellent for handling soft assemblies having delicate structures, such as nano‐scale composites, for facilitating thin layered formations with molecular constituent blocks, and for preparing a grid individually covered with a collodion film or an amorphous carbon support film.
Malignant DFFB isoform switching promotes leukemia survival in relapse pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Enlund Sabina , Sinha Indranil , Amor Amanda Ramilo , Fard Shahrzad Shirazi , Tamm Ekaterina Pokrovskaja , Jiang Qingfei , Lundin Vanessa , Nilsson Anna , Holm Frida
Published: December 2022

With modern treatment most children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survive without relapse. However, for children who relapse the prognosis is still poor, especially in children with T‐cell phenotype (T‐ALL) and remains the major cause of death. The exact mechanism of relapse is currently not known. While contribution of RNA processing alteration has been linked to other hematological malignancies, its contribution in pediatric T‐ALL may provide new insights. Almost all human genes express more than one alternative splice isoform. Thus, gene modulation producing a diverse repertoire of the transcriptome and proteome have become a significant molecular marker of cancer and a potential therapeutic vulnerability. To study this, we performed RNA‐sequencing analysis on patient‐derived samples followed by splice isoform‐specific PCR. We uncovered a distinct RNA splice isoform expression pattern characteristic for relapse samples compared to the leukemia samples from the time of diagnosis. We also identified deregulated splicing and apoptosis pathways specific for relapse T‐ALL. Moreover, patients with T‐ALL displayed pro‐survival splice isoform switching favoring pro‐survival isoforms compared to normal healthy stem cells. Cumulatively, pro‐survival isoform switching and DFFB isoform regulation of SOX2 and MYCN may play a role in T‐ALL proliferation and survival, thus serving as a potential therapeutic option.
Dynamics of nosocomial SARS‐CoV‐2 transmissions: Facing the challenge of variants of concern in a Brazilian reference hospital
Authors: Hoffmann Andressa Taíz , da Silva Mariana Soares , Gularte Juliana Schons , Pasqualotto Alessandro Comaru , Proença Módena José Luiz , Hansen Alana Witt , Stadñik Claudio Marcel Berdún , Sukienik Teresa Cristina Teixeira , Demoliner Meriane , Heldt Fágner Henrique , Filippi Micheli , Pereira Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Góes , de Marques Cristiani Gomes , Kohler Ionara Ines , Quevedo Daniela Muller De , Spilki Fernando Rosado
Published: December 2022

The hospital environment can be considered a high risk for the occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission outbreaks, either for health professionals who are directly involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of the disease, or for patients, for being in an environment more vulnerable to the acquisition of nosocomial infections. In this molecular epidemiology study, we aimed to analyze the occurrence and transmission dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 in outbreaks and local chains of transmission in a large tertiary teaching hospital in southern Brazil, in addition to verifying circulating strains and their epidemiological relation in the local context, from September 21, 2020 to October 5, 2021. Positive samples involved in COVID‐19 clusters or outbreaks were analyzed using clinical, epidemiological and genomic data. Different lineages and sublineages among patients in the same room were observed. Most patients had their first clinical manifestation, evidence of suspicion, and diagnostic confirmation within 7–14 days or >14 days after hospital admission. The patients who have contact with confirmed cases of COVID‐19 spent, on average, 6.28 days in the same environment until the positive test. There was a significant association between the outcome and the number of vaccine doses (p < 0.05), where those who received two doses presented a lower occurrence of death. There was a total replacement of variant of concern (VOC) Gamma by VOC Delta from August 2021 at the study site. Although the epidemiological analysis indicates nosocomial infections, through genomic sequencing, it was established that most of the hospital outbreaks had different origins. These findings highlight the utility of integrating epidemiological and genomic data to identify possible routes of viral entry and dissemination.
Agricultural grasslands buffer density effects in red deer populations
Authors: Mysterud Atle , Langvatn Rolf , Meisingset Erling L. , Rivrud Inger Maren
Published: December 2022

Population densities of several cervid species have increased in recent decades in North America and Europe, and cervids frequently eat and damage agricultural crops. Competition and depletion of natural food resources are the main mechanisms for the density‐dependent decline in vital rates of large herbivores. The extent to which access to agricultural crops can buffer density effects in cervid populations, however, is unknown. Agricultural grasslands cover more than a third of the European agricultural area, and red deer (Cervus elaphus) use these grasslands in many European countries. Over the past few decades, such grasslands have been subject to management intensification (with renewal and fertilization) in some areas and abandonment (no longer being harvested) in other areas. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models to examine the development of body masses of red deer in Norway during a period of population density increase in 16 local management units with different availability of cultivated grasslands (0.87–6.44%) in a region with active management of grasslands (Tingvoll, n = 5,780, 2000–2019) and a region with ongoing abandonment (Hitra, n = 10,598, 2007–2020). There was a consistent decline in the body mass of red deer linked to increased population density in both regions. A higher proportion of agricultural grassland was linked to higher body mass and lower density effects in both sexes and across all age classes. There is a link between body mass, survival, and reproduction. Therefore, the buffering of density effects of access to agricultural crops will fuel cervid population growth and lead to less natural regulation of abundance, making it more difficult to control dense cervid populations by harvesting.
Effects of donation collection methods on donation amount: Nudging donation for the cause and overhead
Authors: Suk Kwanho , Mudita Triza
Published: December 2022

This research examines the influence of donation collection methods on the amounts of donation, focusing on donations for the cause and overhead. This research examines the effects of the three donation collection methods (allocation, cause‐first addition, and overhead‐first addition) that vary in terms of the procedure through which the donation amount is decided. The results of three empirical studies indicate that the donation collection method affects the amounts donated for the cause and overhead, in addition to the total donation amount. Study 1 shows that donors tend to donate more for the cause when the collection method asks them to add an extra amount for overhead to the amount donated for the cause (i.e., cause‐first addition) than when the collection method asks donors to allocate their total donation amounts to the cause and overhead (i.e., allocation), which also affects the total donation amount. Studies 2 and 3 test the effects of the donation collection order by comparing between the cause‐first and the overhead‐first addition methods. Results show that donors tend to donate more to the cause and overhead when the donation amount for overhead is asked first (i.e., overhead‐first) than when the donation amount for the cause is asked first (i.e., cause‐first). Furthermore, in all three studies, donors' satisfaction with the donation is not affected by the collection methods.
Mass spectrometry‐based methods to characterize highly heterogeneous biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nonbiological complex drugs at the intact‐mass level
Authors: Kaltashov Igor A. , Ivanov Daniil G. , Yang Yang
Published: December 2022

The intact‐mass MS measurements are becoming increasingly popular in characterization of a range of biopolymers, especially those of interest to biopharmaceutical industry. However, as the complexity of protein therapeutics and other macromolecular medicines increases, the new challenges arise, one of which is the high levels of structural heterogeneity that are frequently exhibited by such products. The very notion of the molecular mass measurement loses its clear and intuitive meaning when applied to an extremely heterogenous system that cannot be characterized by a unique mass, but instead requires that a mass distribution be considered. Furthermore, convoluted mass distributions frequently give rise to unresolved ionic signal in mass spectra, from which little‐to‐none meaningful information can be extracted using standard approaches that work well for homogeneous systems. However, a range of technological advances made in the last decade, such as the hyphenation of intact‐mass MS measurements with front‐end separations, better integration of ion mobility in MS workflows, development of an impressive arsenal of gas‐phase ion chemistry tools to supplement MS methods, as well as the revival of the charge detection MS and its triumphant entry into the field of bioanalysis already made impressive contributions towards addressing the structural heterogeneity challenge. An overview of these techniques is accompanied by critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, and a brief overview of their applications to specific classes of biopharmaceutical products, vaccines, and nonbiological complex drugs.
Population age structure, asset price, and financial stability
Authors: Li Gang , Elahi Ehsan , Wang Xingshuai
Published: December 2022

Based on the data collected from 32 countries, the empirical test is conducted by constructing the financial stability index FSCI (Financial Stability Conditions Index). Results found that the changes in population age structure will affect financial stability, but the effects of different age structures are inconsistent, and there is country heterogeneity. The laborers are the main force in financial markets and significantly contribute to financial stability. The elderly population is also conducive to long‐term financial stability due to their low‐risk attitude. Results also confirmed that a change in population age structure affects household asset allocation prices.
Whole exome sequencing reveals several novel variants in congenital disorders of glycosylation and glycogen storage diseases in seven patients from Iran
Authors: Papi Atefe , Zamani Mina , Shariati Gholamreza , Sedaghat Alireza , Seifi Tahere , Negahdari Samira , Sedighzadeh Sahar Sadat , Zeighami Jawaher , Saberi Alihossein , Hamid Mohammad , Galehdari Hamid
Published: December 2022

Background

Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) and Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are inborn metabolic disorders caused by defects in some metabolic pathways. These disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by impaired O‐ as well as N‐glycosylation pathways. CDG patients show a broad spectrum of clinical presentations; many GSD types (PGM1‐CDG) have muscle involvement and hypoglycemia.

Methods

We applied WES for all seven patients presenting GSD and CDG symptoms. Then we analyzed the data using various tools to predict pathogenic variants in genes related to the patients' diseases.

Results

In the present study, we identified pathogenic variants in Iranian patients suffering from GSD and CDG, which can be helpful for patient management, and family counseling. We detected seven pathogenic variants using whole exome sequencing (WES) in known AGL (c.1998A>G, c.3635T>C, c.3682C>T), PGM1 (c.779G>A), DPM1 (c.742T>C), RFT1 (c.127A>G), and GAA (c.1314C>A) genes.

Conclusion

The suspected clinical diagnosis of CDG and GSD patients was confirmed by identifying missense and or nonsense mutations in PGM1, DPM1, RFT1, GAA, and AGL genes by WES of all 7 cases. This study helps us understand the scenario of the disorder causes and consider the variants for quick disease diagnosis.
Construction of solutions of a two‐dimensional Riemann problem for a thin film model of a perfectly soluble antisurfactant solution
Authors: Barthwal Rahul , Raja Sekhar T. , Raja Sekhar G. P.
Published: December 2022

This article is concerned with formulation of three‐dimensional thin film model for an antisurfactant solution and hence constructing unique global solution for a two‐dimensional Riemann problem for the corresponding reduced hyperbolic form. We develop six geometrically different structures of the solution using generalized characteristic analysis method while relaxing the restriction that only one planar elementary wave is developed at the interface of each initial discontinuity. We analyze the interactions of classical and nonclassical waves in detail to construct the global solution of the corresponding 2‐D Riemann problem. Further, we provide the expressions for strength, location, and propagation speed of delta shock wave at each interaction point. Moreover, we compare these solutions with the solutions of a one‐dimensional rotated initial value problem and prove that our solutions are globally unique.
Realistic simulation in nursing education: Testing two scenario‐based models
Authors: Martins Teresa , Santos Francisco , Lumini Maria José , Sousa Maria Rui , Peixoto Maria José , Freire Rosa Maria , Salazar Berta , Fernandes Carla , de Fátima Araújo Maria
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate students' self‐perceived pedagogical outcomes when using a digital scenario‐based tool compared to traditional scenarios printed on paper.

Design

This study used a within‐subjects experiment.

Method

A digital platform for scenario development was developed, focusing on patients' regaining independence and returning home after an acute event. Students participated in two simulation activities, differing only in the type of scenario used and completed a questionnaire to evaluate their learning experience.

Results

Students considered that the new scenario template provided a clearer understanding of the situation under analysis, allowing them to recognize the focuses of attention to be prioritized when formulating the intervention plan.

No Patient or Public Contribution: A digital platform for a standardized process of scenario writing to help realistic simulation in nursing education is a novelty in this study and will likely contribute to substantial learning gains.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Thermometry via Controlled Diffusion
Authors: Carlton Hayden , Foster Shelby L. , Benamara Mourad , Greenlee Lauren F. , Huitink David
Published: December 2022

The process of magnetic nanoparticle heating releases enormous amounts of thermal energy. Through typical calorimetric analyses, the total thermal energy released can be easily quantified; however, knowledge of nanoscale temperature is necessary. Herein, a novel method of nanoscale thermometry by analyzing intra‐particle diffusion in core–shell nanoparticles is proposed. Heating the iron cores with an alternating magnetic field in a saline suspension encourages the diffusion of sodium ions into the silica shells of the particles, which is modeled numerically; however, experimental measurements are needed in order to provide accurate diffusivity estimations. After determining the diffusion characteristics from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy) depth profiling of silica films, energy dispersive analysis with high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy measures the sodium ion gradient within single particles before and after heating. When compared directly to the numerical simulations, the results indicate that the temperature gradient between particles and saline suspension reaches significantly higher temperatures than the macro‐scale temperature of the solution. By accurately knowing the thermal gradient between nanoparticles and the surrounding medium, nanoparticles can be engineered to limit surface resistances as much as possible and promote high rates of thermal energy transfer.
Development of Mid‐Way Testing Contingencies for Solid Rocket Motor Processing
Authors: Subramanian Selvakumar , Prasad Sthanikam Siva
Published: December 2022

Polyurethane based composite solid propellant (CSP) having aluminium as fuel and ammonium perchlorate (AP) as oxidizer is used in present day solid rocket motors (SRMs). Mechanical and burn rate properties of CSP are wholly dependent on the composition and packing fraction of bimodal AP. Any process deviation or anomalous behavior of propellant slurry at the end of pre/final mixing will result in unacceptable mechanical and ballistic properties leading to rejection of these mixes. Hence, it becomes essential to investigate for possible causes of anomalous behavior such as incorrect content and Coarse/Fine AP ratio (CAP/FAP), contamination with foreign materials, etc. Though suitable test procedures are already available for homogeneity/composition analysis and in vogue, there is no regular test procedures in case of interchange of raw materials of different formulations, to check for contamination of pre‐mixes and to verify AP content in the mixes after mixing the curing agent. Herein, simple contingency procedures have been developed to estimate CAP/FAP in the pre‐mix and AP content in pre/finalmix slurries. The CAP (before its use in premix and after CAP/FAP estimation) was examined using a particle size and shape analyzer and an optical microscope. Contamination checks were also carried out on the samples of premixes usingFT‐IR and DSC. In addition, propellant samples cured under standard conditions were checked for possible deviations with respect to expected mechanical, interfacial, physical and ballistic properties. Conclusions drawn from the investigation can be used to clear the pre/final mix batches for further processing.It is to be noted that these cost‐saving contingency procedures will hereafter form part of analytical testing routines during the processing of solid propellant segments.
Black Holes with Electric and Magnetic Charges in F(R)$F(R)$ Gravity
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Nojiri S.
Published: December 2022

We construct spherically symmetric and static solutions in gravity coupled with electromagnetic fields. The solutions include new types of black holes with electric and magnetic charges. We show that the higher‐derivative terms make the curvature singularity much softer than that in the charged black holes in Einstein's general relativity. We calculate some thermodynamical quantities of the obtained black holes like entropy, Hawking radiation, and quasi‐local energy and we confirm that the black hole solutions satisfy the first law of thermodynamics. Finally, we study the stability analysis using the odd‐type mode and show that there are stable black hole solutions and the radial speed of the parity‐odd mode is unit, that is, the speed of light.
Relative efficiency of methods to estimate cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) larval infestation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Seimandi‐Corda Gaëtan , Hall Jamie , Jenkins Todd , Cook Samantha M.
Published: December 2022

Background

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephala) is an important pest of winter oilseed rape (OSR) crops in Europe. Damage is caused by adults feeding on young leaves and by larvae mining in the leaves and stems. The most common method to estimate the severity of CSFB larval infestation is by plant dissection, which is time consuming and labour intensive. Two alternative methods have been proposed: extraction of larvae from desiccating plants and counting the percentage of leaves with scars left by larvae on plant petioles. These methods are easy to implement and less time consuming than plant dissection but have not been properly validated.

Results

OSR plants were sampled in five different experiments and the two alternative methods tested; assessment of the total number of scars per plant as a predictor of the number of larvae was also tested. The number of larvae remaining in plants following various periods of desiccation was checked via plant dissection. We found that the desiccation method is efficient, giving reliable results after 7 days (76% of the total larvae extracted) with good accuracy in estimating the number of larvae per plant (±0.38 larvae per plant). The total number of scars also gives a reliable estimation of the number of larvae (r = 0.76, accuracy of ±1.01 larvae per plant).

Conclusion

OSR plant desiccation and the total number of scars per plant are reliable methods to estimate CSFB larval infestation and will facilitate monitoring of this cryptic pest stage. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Separation of perfluoroalkyl substances by ion chromatography with a resorcinarene stationary phase
Authors: Chan Wai Ning , Harrison Roger G.
Published: December 2022

Perfluoroalkyl substances pose a worldwide environmental health risk. It is important to develop new detection and quantification methods for perfluoroalkyl substances. Currently, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry is the proposed method to analyze perfluoroalkyl substances. Ion chromatography, with its ability to use water samples as they are collected, could be a promising technique to detect anionic perfluoroalkyl substances in water. A new cationic stationary phase, composed of a resorcinarene bound to arginine, was synthesized and used to separate perfluoroalkyl substances by ion chromatography. The new packing material under the right gradient conditions separates perfluoroalkyl substances such as perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, perfluoropentanoic acid, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid. Unlike the case with common anions, it was found that decreasing the NaOH concentration in the eluent resulted in better perfluoroalkyl substances separation. The detection limits of the perfluoroalkyl substances were from 0.44 to 4.0 mg/L and the limits of quantification were from 1.5 to 13 mg/L. The retention times of the perfluoroalkyl substances were dependent on the number of CF2 groups and whether their acid group was sulfonate or carboxylate. Also, the detection of perfluoroalkyl substances in tap and lake water was accomplished.
The Suitability of Belgian Law to B Corp
Authors: Hiez David
Published: December 2022

Belgian law is very interesting when considering B Corp, particularly since its major reform of company law. Originally duplicated from French law, Belgian company law remained B Corp friendly even after it started deviating from it at the end of the nineteenth century. Its first main amendment was the establishment of the social purpose company in 1995, one of the most stimulating legal dress for social enterprises. Its last originality, in 2020, is the regulation of both companies and associations in a same code, with many common provisions, and with a wide definition for both. This renews dramatically the opposition between the for-profit and the not-for-profit organisations.
Social Enterprises in the European Union: Gradual Recognition of Their Importance and Models of Legal Regulation
Authors: Vargas Vasserot Carlos
Published: December 2022

This chapter addresses social enterprises as a special corporate category, which in some European jurisdictions, and increasingly so after their promotion by the European Union, are provided with a specific legal framework to promote and encourage their development. The paper begins with a brief compilation of the several social enterprise concepts developed by economic doctrines both in the United States and Europe, which reveal a great diversity of approaches. This is followed by an analysis of the various documents published by the European Union, showing the increasing recognition of this business phenomenon, from the publication of the Social Business Initiative in 2011 to the recent Action Plan for the Social Economy in 2021. Finally, the results obtained from the analysis of the different European legal systems are presented, and three main models of legal regulation of social enterprises are distinguished, namely, the use of the social cooperative form, enactment of a special law, and integration into a social economy law. The chapter concludes with a table comparing the essential aspects of the regulation of social enterprises in 14 European countries.
Corporations with Social Aims in the Japanese Legal System
Authors: Matsumoto Nobuko
Published: December 2022

In Japan, there is no specific legislation for “benefit corporations” or “social enterprises,” and the concepts of those entities are not necessarily widely known. This does not mean that Japanese industry and society do not accept the idea of businesses with social aims. On the contrary, Japanese for-profit corporations have a tradition of conducting business with social aims, and there are various nonprofit corporation schemes that can be used when one incorporates businesses with social aims. In the author’s view, existing entities are succeeding in their efforts to engage in social business at least to a certain extent, and the necessity of the new structure has not been necessarily recognized. At the same time, existing entities are not perfectly suited for engaging in businesses with social aims. Speaking of share corporations, it is difficult for customers or investors to distinguish share corporations which surely pursue their social aims from others. Continued observation is needed on whether these businesses will grow by utilizing existing entities or new specific legal infrastructures will be introduced in the future.
Social Enterprises and Benefit Corporations in Spain
Authors: del Val Talen Paula
Published: December 2022

This chapter provides an overview of the legal framework for social enterprises in Spain and portrays the benefit-corporation phenomenon from the perspective of the Spanish law. The former is presided over by Ley 5/2011, de 29 de marzo, de Economía Social (LES), the main conceptual and policy aspects of which are discussed in this chapter. On the latter, since benefit corporations are not regulated in Spain, the contribution draws up their identifying elements from both a comparative methodology and a failed proposal for a general interest private limited liability company (S.L.I.G.). We consider benefit corporations and their applicable regime within the everlasting debate on the role of profit—both objective and subjective—as part of the cause of the company contract. Against this background, this chapter provides three theoretical models for benefit corporations under the Spanish company law and assesses how they may be adapted into the articles of association. We then examine how core finance and governance aspects may be touched, namely, the distribution of profits, directors’ duties, and shareholder protection mechanisms. The chapter supports the view that benefit corporations may be lawfully formed de lege lata under the Spanish companies and social enterprise law, although significant regulatory amendments are advisable to smoothen the process.
Ansätze for scattering amplitudes from p-adic numbers and algebraic geometry
Authors: De Laurentis Giuseppe , Page Ben
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Rational coefficients of special functions in scattering amplitudes are known to simplify on singular surfaces, often diverging less strongly than the naïve expectation. To systematically study these surfaces and rational functions on them, we employ tools from algebraic geometry. We show how the divergences of a rational function constrain its numerator to belong to symbolic powers of ideals associated to the singular surfaces. To study the divergences of the coefficients, we make use of p-adic numbers, closely related to finite fields. These allow us to perform numerical evaluations close to the singular surfaces in a stable manner and thereby characterize the divergences of the coefficients. We then use this information to construct low-dimensional Ansätze for the rational coefficients. As a proof-of-concept application of our algorithm, we reconstruct the two-loop 0 → q$$ \overline{q} $$

q
¯

γγγ pentagon-function coefficients with fewer than 1000 numerical evaluations.
First evaluation of meson and τ lepton spectra and search for heavy neutral leptons at ILC beam dump
Authors: Nojiri Mihoko M. , Sakaki Yasuhito , Tobioka Kohsaku , Ueda Daiki
Published: December 2022

Abstract

A beam dump experiment can be seamlessly added to the proposed Inter- national Linear Collider (ILC) program because the high energy electron beam should be dumped after the collision point. The ILC beam dump experiment will provide an excellent opportunity to search for new long-lived particles. Since many of them can be produced by a rare decay of standard model particles, we evaluate spectra of the mesons and τ lepton at the decay based on the PHITS and PYTHIA8 simulations. As a motivated physics case, we study the projected sensitivity of heavy neutral leptons at the ILC beam dump experiment. The heavy neutral leptons can also be produced via deep inelastic scattering and Z boson decay at the ILC main detector, which we include in the projection. With the multi-track signal, the reach would be greatly extended in mass and coupling, even compared with the other proposed searches.