bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring invertebrate indicators of ecosystem health by focusing on the flow transitional zones in a large, shallow eutrophic lake
Authors: Hao Aimin , Kobayashi Sohei , Chen Fangbo , Yan Zhixiong , Torii Takaaki , Zhao Min , Iseri Yasushi
Published: June 2023

The river–lake transitional zone provides a unique environment for the biological community and can reduce pollution inputs in lake ecosystems from their catchments. To explore environmental conditions with high purification potential in Lake Taihu and indicator species, we examined the river-to-lake changes in water and sediment quality and benthic invertebrate communities in the transitional zone of four regions. The spatial variations in the environment and invertebrate community observed in this study followed the previously reported patterns in Taihu; the northern and western regions were characterized by higher nutrient concentrations in water, higher heavy metal concentrations in sediment, and higher total invertebrate density and biomass dominated by pollution-tolerant oligochaetes and chironomids. Although nutrient concentrations were low and transparency was high in the eastern region, the taxon richness was the lowest there, which disagreed with the previous findings and might be due to a poor cover of macrophytes in this study. The river-to-lake change was large in the southern region for water quality and the invertebrate community. Water circulation induced by strong wind-wave actions in the lake sites of the southern region is assumed to have promoted photosynthetic and nutrient uptake activities and favored invertebrates that require well-aerated conditions such as polychaetes and burrowing crustaceans. Invertebrates usually adapted to brackish and saline environments are suggested to be indicators of a well-circulated environment with active biogeochemical processes and a less eutrophic state in Taihu, and wind-wave actions are key to maintaining such a community and natural purifying processes.
Greater myofibrillar protein synthesis following weight-bearing activity in obese old compared with non-obese old and young individuals
Authors: Morgan Paul T. , Smeuninx Benoit , Marshall Ryan N. , Korzepa Marie , Quinlan Jonathan I. , McPhee Jamie S. , Breen Leigh
Published: June 2023

The mechanisms through which obesity impacts age-related muscle mass regulation are unclear. In the present study, rates of integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis (iMyoPS) were measured over 48-h prior-to and following a 45-min treadmill walk in 10 older-obese (O-OB, body fat[%]: 33 ± 3%), 10 older-non-obese (O-NO, 20 ± 3%), and 15 younger-non-obese (Y-NO, 13 ± 5%) individuals. Surface electromyography was used to determine thigh muscle “activation”. Quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), volume, and intramuscular thigh fat fraction (ITFF) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured by dynamometry. Quadriceps CSA and volume were greater (muscle volume, Y-NO: 1182 ± 232 cm3; O-NO: 869 ± 155 cm3; O-OB: 881 ± 212 cm3, P < 0.01) and ITFF significantly lower (m. vastus lateralis, Y-NO: 3.0 ± 1.0%; O-NO: 4.0 ± 0.9%; O-OB: 9.1 ± 2.6%, P ≤ 0.03) in Y-NO compared with O-NO and O-OB, with no difference between O-NO and O-OB in quadriceps CSA and volume. ITFF was significantly higher in O-OB compared with O-NO. Relative MVC was lower in O-OB compared with Y-NO and O-NO (Y-NO: 5.5 ± 1.6 n·m/kg−1; O-NO: 3.9 ± 1.0 n·m/kg−1; O-OB: 2.9 ± 1.1 n·m/kg−1, P < 0.0001). Thigh muscle “activation” during the treadmill walk was greater in O-OB compared with Y-NO and O-NO (Y-NO: 30.5 ± 13.5%; O-NO: 35.8 ± 19.7%; O-OB: 68.3 ± 32.3%, P < 0.01). Habitual iMyoPS did not differ between groups, whereas iMyoPS was significantly elevated over 48-h post-walk in O-OB (+ 38.6 ± 1.2%·day−1, P < 0.01) but not Y-NO or O-NO (+ 11.4 ± 1.1%·day−1 and + 17.1 ± 1.1%·day−1, respectively, both P > 0.271). Equivalent muscle mass in O-OB may be explained by the muscle anabolic response to weight-bearing activity, whereas the age-related decline in indices of muscle quality appears to be exacerbated in O-OB and warrants further exploration.
Waves in a Stochastic Cell Motility Model
Authors: Hamster Christian , van Heijster Peter
Published: June 2023

In Bhattacharya et al. (Sci Adv 6(32):7682, 2020), a set of chemical reactions involved in the dynamics of actin waves in cells was studied at two levels. The microscopic level, where the individual chemical reactions are directly modelled using Gillespie-type algorithms, and on a macroscopic level where a deterministic reaction–diffusion equation arises as the large-scale limit of the underlying chemical reactions. In this work, we derive, and subsequently study, the related mesoscopic stochastic reaction–diffusion system, or chemical Langevin equation, that arises from the same set of chemical reactions. We explain how the stochastic patterns that arise from this equation can be used to understand the experimentally observed dynamics from Bhattacharya et al. In particular, we argue that the mesoscopic stochastic model better captures the microscopic behaviour than the deterministic reaction–diffusion equation, while being more amenable for mathematical analysis and numerical simulations than the microscopic model.
Accounting for the middle: motivations, extent, and limitations of middle managers’ earnings management
Authors: Wagener Sebastian
Published: June 2023

The accounting process is complex and prone to interference from the various parties involved. Using middle managers, we examine one of the unknowns of this process. They are able to influence earnings long before top executives can, but their actions are virtually untraceable in consolidated financial statements. We gather survey data from 77 middle managers to shed light on their motivations, the extent of their earnings management, and the relevant limitations of the associated practices. Our results indicate that there is no uniform motivation that drives all of these managers equally. The spectrum of reported motivations includes meeting targets, smoothing earnings, and reducing future expectations. Despite this diversity, a large majority of the surveyed middle managers state that they manage earnings substantially but mostly downwards. To this end, they employ both accounting actions, such as adjustments to provisions, and real actions, such as transaction shifts. In the opinions of the middle managers in this sample, the factors that most limit their discretion are auditors and internal controls. The results also reveal the influence of superiors on middle managers’ practices throughout the accounting process.
Imaging findings of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and autoinflammatory diseases in children
Authors: Tsujioka Yuko , Nishimura Gen , Sugimoto Hideharu , Nozaki Taiki , Kono Tatsuo , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: June 2023

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a collective term for pediatric inflammatory arthritis of unknown etiology, which presents diverse clinical and imaging findings. The pathogenesis is complex; however, most cases stem from an autoimmune mechanism. Herein we provide a short review of imaging findings of JIA. Imaging assessment begins with plain radiography demonstrating joint swelling, periarticular osteopenia, and juxtaarticular bone erosion. Bone erosion occurs later in JIA. Instead, aberrant epimetaphyseal growth often gives the first clue to the diagnosis. US and MRI can demonstrate the details of the synovium, cartilage, and subchondral bone. JIA is subdivided into oligoarthritis, polyarthritis (rheumatoid factor-negative and positive), psoriatic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, and systemic JIA. Awareness of the different clinical characteristics, pathogenic background, and prognosis of each subtype facilitates a more advanced, imaging-based diagnosis. Unlike the other types, systemic JIA is an autoinflammatory disease accompanied by inflammatory cytokinemia and systemic symptoms stemming from aberrant activation of the innate immunity. Other autoinflammatory diseases, both monogenic (e.g., NOMID/CINCA) and multifactorial (e.g., CRMO), are also discussed.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure
Authors: Shamsi Aamir , Cannata Antonio , Piper Susan , Bromage Daniel I. , McDonagh Theresa A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

Heart failure (HF) is commonly associated with iron deficiency (ID), defined as insufficient levels of iron to meet physiological demands. ID’s association with anaemia is well understood but it is increasingly recognised as an important comorbidity in HF, even in the absence of anaemia. This review summarises contemporary evidence for the measurement and treatment of ID, in both HFrEF and HFpEF, and specific HF aetiologies, and highlights important gaps in the evidence-base.

Recent Findings

ID is common among patients with HF and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Correcting ID in patients with HF can impact upon functional status, exercise tolerance, symptoms, and overall quality of life, irrespective of anaemia status.

ID is a modifiable comorbidity in HF. Therefore, recognising and treating ID has emerging therapeutic potential and is important for all clinicians who care for patients with HF to understand the rationale and approach to treatment.
Advances in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Panez-Toro Isidora , Muñoz-García Javier , Vargas-Franco Jorge W. , Renodon-Cornière Axelle , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Lézot Frédéric , Heymann Dominique
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

This article gives a brief overview of the most recent developments in osteosarcoma treatment, including targeting of signaling pathways, immune checkpoint inhibitors, drug delivery strategies as single or combined approaches, and the identification of new therapeutic targets to face this highly heterogeneous disease.

Recent Findings

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors in children and young adults, with a high risk of bone and lung metastases and a 5-year survival rate around 70% in the absence of metastases and 30% if metastases are detected at the time of diagnosis. Despite the novel advances in neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the effective treatment for osteosarcoma has not improved in the last 4 decades. The emergence of immunotherapy has transformed the paradigm of treatment, focusing therapeutic strategies on the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the most recent clinical trials show a slight improvement over the conventional polychemotherapy scheme.

The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma by controlling the tumor growth, the metastatic process and the drug resistance and paved the way of new therapeutic options that must be validated by accurate pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.
Investigating the role of knowledge-based supply chains for supply chain resilience by graph theory matrix approach
Authors: Sezer Muruvvet Deniz , Ozbiltekin-Pala Melisa , Kazancoglu Yigit , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Kumar Anil , Kumar Vikas
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, providing information flow at every phase of a knowledge-based supply chain with technologies has become a vital issue due to rapid population growth, globalisation, and increases in demand in the supply chain. Knowledge-based supply chains have a critical role in increasing resilience in supply chain processes with emerging technologies. Thus, it is necessary to determine the critical factors that increase SC resilience. Therefore, this study aims to determine SC resilience improvement factors in knowledge-based supply chains and investigate the importance level of determining factors using the Graph Theory Matrix Approach. The results suggest that the most important supply chain resilience improvement factor is Adaptive Capacity (F3), followed by Product Prioritization (F9) and Flexibility (F1), respectively. This study is expected to benefit managers and policymakers as it provides a better understanding of critical SC resilience improvement factors that play a role in knowledge-based supply chains. In order to increase resilience in the supply chain, system thinking and solutions should be encouraged by businesses to increase collaboration with stakeholders. Businesses and governments should provide collaborative long-term solutions for the uncertain environment to ensure a sustainable and resilient environment.
Don’t sweat the small stuff; anger rumination and lack of forgiveness are related to aggressive driving behaviours
Authors: Stephens Amanda N. , Collard James , Koppel Sjaan
Published: June 2023

Aggressive drivers pose a significant road safety threat to themselves and other road users. Therefore, understanding the relationships between certain cognitive processes and increased frequency of aggression has the potential to reduce road trauma through intervention. This study examined the relationships between anger rumination and forgiveness with trait driving anger and aggressive driving. These factors have previously been individually identified as predictors of aggression; but have yet to be considered simultaneously, despite recognised association between forgiveness and rumination tendencies outside of road safety research. Aggressive driving was measured across three facets of behaviour: verbal aggression, physical aggression, and use of the vehicle to display anger. Adaptive constructive responses to driving anger were also considered. Five hundred and one drivers (mean age = 43.7; SD = 17.7; men = 53.8%) completed an online questionnaire seeking information on these factors. Structural equation modelling showed that, after controlling for gender, 62% of the variance in aggressive driving was explained by a combination of trait driving anger, more frequent rumination and lower levels of forgiveness. Specifically, lower levels of forgiveness predicted more anger rumination (accounting for 49% of the variance), and the relationship between anger rumination and aggression was fully mediated by trait driving anger. A second model demonstrated that 17% of the variance in adaptive constructive responses to anger could be explained by higher levels of forgiveness, lower rumination and driving anger. Efforts to improve driver behaviour need to focus primarily on the reduction of driving anger. This could be achieved by reducing rumination through the promotion of forgiveness for the behaviour of other drivers.
Application of a Designed Mixed Model Approach for Antioxidant Extraction from Pomace
Authors: Wiedemair Verena , Zlöbl Dominik , Bach Katrin
Published: June 2023

Pomace is a residue of juice production, but still holds many valuable compounds, such as antioxidants. However, efficient extraction proves to be challenging, as extractability is highly dependent on experimental conditions. Furthermore, antioxidants are also often retained by structural polysaccharides. Consequently, this study investigates the extractability of antioxidants in five different types of pomace in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 full factorial fully replicated design to determine the most efficient way of extraction. Therefore, extracting agent, temperature, extraction method and use of enzyme to break down structural components were alternated to investigate the effects of these parameters on the extractability. Main effects as well as interaction effects were estimated with linear mixed models. To study the effects of polysaccharides on the retention of antioxidants, the amount of soluble polysaccharides was measured and connected to the antioxidant capacity at each experimental condition. The experiments showed that acetone was most suitable as an extracting agent and that the use of pectinase significantly increased the amount of extracted antioxidants. Additionally, ultrasound-assisted extraction is advantageous compared to extraction in water bath. Temperature showed the lowest effect in this experimental design. Lastly, the results also highlight that the amount of soluble polysaccharides does not correlate with the extractability of antioxidants.
Statistical analysis of past kicks and blowouts occurred in a Middle Eastern oilfield
Authors: Ashena Rahman , Bahreini Hossein , Lotfi Mosayeb
Published: June 2023

In 2017, blowouts and then explosions occurred in a Middle Eastern oilfield. A root cause of the incident is lack of study and investigation of the past kicks and blowouts data. Therefore, as a pioneer work in the region, data gathering and analysis of past kicks and blowouts were made in the studied oilfield to learn lessons and find gaps. Out of the 149 drilled wells, a total of 117 kicks and three (3) blowouts occurred. In this work, a list of drilling parameters to be considered in data gathering and analysis were suggested as a guideline for future works elsewhere. The statistical analysis not only showed all the three exploration wells kicked which is not a surprise, but it also showed that 39 out of 146 (26.71%) also experienced kicks during reservoir drilling. The large number of kicks in development wells proved that possibility of kick occurrence in development wells is not low. In exploration wells, the predominant kick causes were gas-cut mud and insufficient mud weight which indicates the necessity of using pressure while drilling in addition to drilling rate control systems in exploration wells. However, in development wells, lost circulation was the predominant kick cause indicating the necessity of using low-weight drilling fluids and managed pressure drilling systems. The direct role of human error exists at least in 60% of kicks occurred in this field, which shows the great importance of improved drilling personnel training. Although only 3.45% kicks in development wells occurred due to improper hole fill-up during tripping, this cause should not only be deemed trivial, but it should also be taken seriously as being the cause of the blowout. The 2.56% possibility of kick conversion to blowouts and 67% risk of blowout conversion to explosion emphasize the necessity of maintaining primary well control and using efficient and early kick detection systems. Bullhead was the more commonly used method than standard well control methods; as this kill method may not always be safe, its application should be revised.
Solidarity as an Empirical-Ethical Framework for the Analysis of Contact Tracing Apps — a Novel Approach
Authors: Haltaufderheide Joschka , Krämer Dennis , D’Angelo Isabella , Brachem Elisabeth , Vollmann Jochen
Published: June 2023

Digital contact tracing is used in different countries to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic. It raises challenging empirical and ethical questions due to its complexity and widespread effects calling for a broader approach in ethical evaluation. However, existing approaches often fail to include all relevant value perspectives or lack reference to empirical data on the artifact in question. In this paper, we describe the development of an interdisciplinary framework to analyze digital contact tracing from an empirical and ethical perspective. Starting with an analysis of methodological tensions in the attempt to analyze digital contact tracing, we, firstly, set out three methodological premises regarding (a) a specific view of technology, (b) a fruitful normative perspective, and (c) ways to gather empirical knowledge about the object under investigation. Secondly, we inspect consequences of these premises to develop our research methodology. In doing so, we argue for a postphenomenological perspective on technology, solidarity as an important concept to guide the ethical perspective, and an empirical approach based on qualitative social science research and the concept of affordances. We illustrate these considerations by referring to our analysis of the German Corona-Warn-App as an instance of contact tracing based on the Exposure Notification Framework by Google and Apple. We then discuss the implications of using such a framework, including considerations concerning future developments of technologies similar to or inspired by the current concepts of contact tracing.
Mechanism and kinetics of CBDA decarboxylation into CBD in hemp
Authors: Fućak Tedi , Kreft Samo , Svedružić Željko M. , Tavčar Eva
Published: June 2023

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a pharmacologically active ingredient for use in medical, cosmetic, and food products. CBD forms from cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) with the process of decarboxylation by heating cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) material. During the production of CBD-rich material, decarboxylation should be performed in precise conditions regarding temperature and time. The experiments were performed by heating hemp samples at 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 °C for 180 min. Materials were sampled every 20 min and cannabinoid content was analyzed using HPLC, followed by calculation of kinetic parameters. Experimental results showed an exponential reduction of CBDA in the samples during heating. CBD simultaneously increased, and after a specific point, CBD started degrading. The optimal conditions were 140 °C for 30 min. At the level of molecular orbitals, reaction steps, and reaction coordinates, along with the corresponding changes in molecular energy, the molecular mechanism of CBDA decarboxylation and CBD formation was described. Computational analysis has confirmed that the mechanism of CBDA decarboxylation is a direct beta-keto acid pathway. The course of CBDA decarboxylation depends on the time, temperature, and chemical composition of the sample.
[18F]FDG PET/CT criteria for treatment response assessment: EORTC and beyond
Authors: Miceli Alberto , Jonghi-Lavarini Lorenzo , Santo Giulia , Cassarino Gianluca , Linguanti Flavia , Gazzilli Maria , Cimino Alessandra , Buschiazzo Ambra , Sorbello Stefania , Abenavoli Elisabetta , Conte Miriam , Pepponi Miriam , Di Dato Rossella , Rondini Maria , Salis Roberto , Tardelli Elisa , Nicolini Denise , Laudicella Riccardo , La Torre Flavia , Nappi Anna Giulia
Published: June 2023

In the era of precision medicine, the optimization of oncological patient management with early and accurate tumor response assessment is crucial. In this scenario, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has gained an important role in providing prognostically relevant information. The first PET-based scoring system proposed in 1999 was the well-known European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria. From that moment on and over the last 20 years, several PET/CT criteria have emerged and have been adapted to enhance the response assessment for specific tumor types and/or therapies, with only a few of them endorsed by guidelines. In this literature systematic review, we aimed to list and discuss the most relevant PET/CT criteria proposed for solid and non-solid [18F]FDG-avid tumors. A literature search extended until November 2022 on the PubMed/MEDLINE database was conducted. The criteria used to assess the response were first classified according to treatment type and specific cancer type. Then, the main findings of the criteria were analyzed and discussed. A widespread effort to standardize and identify the best [18F]FDG PET response criteria tailored for each oncological treatment emerged, also considering the introduction of new biological therapeutic agents and the increasingly essential post-treatment application of [18F]FDG PET/CT in different cancer diseases. To improve their impact on daily clinical practice, however, most of the proposed criteria need to be further validated.
Large deformation and brittle failure calculated using the dual-domain material point method
Authors: Barclay Paul L. , Waters Jiajia , Zhang Duan Z.
Published: June 2023

The dual domain material point (DDMP) method is explored as a candidate to be implemented in a general purpose code to perform simulations of materials with complex geometry that undergo large history-dependent deformation and failure. To test its candidacy, we study its mesh convergence, its sensitivity to mesh orientation, and its ability to handle softening and failure of a material. Simulations of large deformation and simulations of mechanical failure are performed using both DDMP and the material point method (MPM). When cell-crossing of material points is not an issue and when there are a sufficient number of material points in each computation cell, the numerical error decreases with the square of the cell size as expected for both MPM and DDMP. DDMP has reduced error compared with MPM when there are many instances of material points crossing cell boundaries due to the continuous nature of the modified gradient of the shape functions. Simulations of a specimen under tension are also performed where the background mesh is aligned and misaligned with the tension direction. MPM displays a significant mesh-dependent stress field, DDMP shows negligible mesh dependency. Despite a mesh orientation-dependent stress field from MPM, the critical tension and failure mode from both MPM and DDMP calculations have negligible mesh dependency when using a non-local failure model. If only the failure mode is important (i.e., local stresses are unimportant), MPM with a non-local failure model is a suitable method for modeling failure with small deformations. However, if local stresses are also important or if there are large deformations with many cell-crossings before failure, DDMP should be the method that is used. A needed improvement for DDMP is identified from our numerical simulations.
Virtual Models Using Augmented Reality May Provide a Suitable Supplement, Although Not a Physical Specimen Replacement, in Pathology Education
Authors: Moro Christian , Bu Dianheng , Gadgil Aditya , Wright Gordon , Jones Cindy J.
Published: June 2023

There is a growing trend towards using virtual models within medical programs. In some disciplines, the use of human samples or cadavers is increasingly being replaced by technology-enhanced modes of delivery. Although this transition can occur with some success, the impact of virtual representations to replace depictions of disease states from dissected samples displayed in acrylic pathological specimen jars has never been investigated. This study assessed medical student perceptions of replacing teaching through physical specimens (i.e. specimen jars or real tissue) with virtual models across cardiovascular, neural, musculoskeletal, haematology, endocrine and immunological pathology curricula. Seventy-four year 2 (n = 31) and year 5 (n = 43) medical students participated in the study. After being provided with a demonstration of a potential tablet-based lesson on lung pathology using augmented reality, participants completed a Likert-scale survey and provided written feedback. Questions requested thoughts on the usefulness of the 3D-virtual model compared to physical specimens and whether current teaching in pathology could be replaced by technology-enhanced practices. Most students (58.15%) disagreed on the replacement of physical specimens with virtual models. Furthermore, over half the students (55.4%) indicated that the replacement of physical specimens with augmented reality models would not be beneficial for pathology learning. Nearly two-thirds of students believed that the absence of physical specimens would negatively impact their knowledge. Nonetheless, many students would appreciate the opportunity to revise pathology away from the labs with virtual options. As such, an overwhelming number of students (89.2%) would prefer having both physical specimens and virtual models for learning. This study identifies that technology-enhanced learning may be a suitable supplement alongside traditional hands-on teaching but should not replace the use of pathological specimens within a medical curriculum.
Reactions of provitamin-A-enriched maize to foliar diseases under field conditions in Nigeria
Authors: Iseghohi Innocent , Abe Ayodeji , Meseka Silvestro , Mengesha Wende , Gedil Melaku , Job Anthony , Menkir Abebe
Published: June 2023

Maize is a major staple food in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vitamin A deficiency index is high in Africa and could be reduced through the consumption of provitamin-A-enriched maize. However, foliar diseases such as maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust constrain maize production in SSA. The cultivation of host-resistant varieties is the most effective approach to mitigate their effects. Therefore, maize synthetics improved for PVA carotenoids, their selection cycles and crosses as well as a commercial disease-resistant check were assessed for resistance to maize streak virus, northern corn leaf blight and common rust at hotspots in Nigeria. The foliar diseases’ effects on the agronomic performance and carotenoid content of the maize genotypes were assessed. The Genotypes differed for most agronomic traits and foliar disease resistance. Stepwise regression revealed that, although the agronomic traits determined 93% of the grain yield, each foliar disease had effect on the yield. A unit increase in maize streak virus score increased plant aspect and husk cover scores by 0.6 and 0.4, respectively, whereas an increase in common rust score decreased plant height by 16.2 cm and increased plant aspect score by 0.7. Maize streak virus and common rust decreased genotypic variability for lutein by 36.7 and 18.7%, respectively, while northern corn leaf blight decreased genotypic variability for provitamin A by 27.1%. Most of the genotypes exhibited moderate susceptibility to northern corn leaf blight. However, three selection cycles and three crosses exhibited high tolerance to maize streak virus and moderate tolerance to common rust, thus can serve as sources of PVA-enriched, maize streak virus and common rust tolerant lines.
Photosynthesis and biochemical characterization of the green alga Chlamydopodium fusiforme (Chlorophyta) grown in a thin-layer cascade
Authors: Torzillo Giuseppe , Álvarez-Gómez Félix , Celis-Plá Paula S. M. , Rearte Agustín , Gómez-Serrano Cintia , Silva Benavides Ana Margarita , Štěrbová Karolína , Caporgno Martín , Touloupakis Eleftherios , Masojídek Jiří , Figueroa Felix L.
Published: June 2023

Photosynthesis, growth and biochemical composition of the biomass of the freshwater microalga Chlamydopodium fusiforme cultures outdoors in a thin-layer cascade were investigated. Gross oxygen production measured off-line in samples taken from the outdoor cultures was correlated with the electron transport rate estimated from chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. According to photosynthesis measurements, a mean of 38.9  ±  10.3 mol of photons were required to release one mole of O2, which is 4.86 times higher than the theoretical value (8 photons per 1 O2). In contrast, according to the fluorescence measurements, a mean of 11.7  ±  0.74 mol of photons were required to release 1 mol of O2. These findings indicate that fluorescence-based photosynthesis rates may not be fully replace oxygen measurements to evaluate the performance of an outdoor culture. Daily gross biomass productivity was 0.3 g DW L−1 day−1 consistently for 4 days. Biomass productivity was strongly affected by the suboptimal concentration at which the culture was operated and by the respiration rate, as the substantial volume of culture was kept in the dark (about 45% of the total volume). As the cells were exposed to excessive light, the photosynthetic activity was mainly directed to the synthesis of carbohydrates in the biomass. In the morning, carbohydrate content decreased because of the dark respiration. Per contra, protein content in the biomass was lower at the end of the day and higher in the morning due to carbohydrate consumption by respiration. The data gathered in these trials are important for the future exploitation of Chlamydopodium fusiforme as a potential novel species in the field of microalgae for the production of bio-based compounds.

Graphical abstract
Multi-source Transfer Learning Based on the Power Set Framework
Authors: Song Bingbing , Pan Jianhan , Qu Qiaoli , Li Zexin
Published: June 2023

Transfer learning is a great technology that can leverage knowledge from label-rich domains to address problems in similar domains that lack labeled data. Most previous works focus on single-source transfer, assuming the source domain contains sufficient labeled data and is close to the target domain. However, in practical applications, this assumption is hardly met, and labeled data exist in different domains. To improve the adaptability of transfer learning models for multi-source scenarios, many existing methods utilize the commonality and specificity across source domains. They either map all source domains with the target domain into a common feature space for knowledge transfer or combine multiple classifiers trained on pairs of each source and target to form a target classifier. However, the correlations across multiple source domains that can bring significant impacts on learning performance are ignored. In light of this, we propose a novel multi-source transfer learning method based on the power set framework (PSF-MSTL). First, PSF-MSTL constructs a power set framework that enables different source domains to be interrelated. Second, PSF-MSTL makes the source-domain framework integral and able to provide complementary knowledge using a dual-promotion strategy. Additionally, PSF-MSTL is formulated as an optimization problem, and an iterative algorithm is presented to address it. Finally, we conduct extensive experiments to show that PSF-MSTL can outperform many advanced multi-source transfer learning methods.
Non‐Precursory Accelerating Aseismic Slip During Rupture Nucleation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Dal Zilio Luca , Morgan Julia K. , Kammer David S.
Published: June 2023

Accelerating aseismic slip events have been commonly observed during the rupture nucleation processes of the earthquake. While that accelerating aseismic slip is usually considered strong evidence for precursory activity, it remains unclear whether all accelerating aseismic slip events are precursory to an incoming earthquake. Two contrasting nucleation models have been introduced to explain the observations associated with the nucleation of unstable slip: the pre‐slip and cascade nucleation models. Each of these two‐end members, however, has its own limitations. In this study, we employ Discrete Element Method simulations of a 2‐D strike‐slip fault to simulate various rupture nucleation and triggering processes. Our simulation results manifest that the final seismic event is a product contributed by multiple pre‐slip nucleation sites, which may interact, causing clock advance or cascade nucleation rupture processes. We also introduce a strengthening perturbation zone to investigate the role of a single nucleation site in an imminent seismic event. The simulation results reveal a new type of non‐precursory aseismic slip, representing the region favoring the generation of the precursory slip process but not correlating to the incoming main event, which differs from the previous interpretation of precursory slip. Furthermore, we include weakening perturbation zones in some simulations to demonstrate how small earthquakes may or may not trigger a nucleation site depending on spatial and temporal conditions. Our simulation results imply that such non‐precursory but accelerating aseismic slip events may suggest a fault segment that appears weakly coupled but possesses the potential to be triggered seismically.
An Increasing Effect of Soil Moisture on Semiempirical Water‐Use Efficiency Models From Wet to Dry Climate Regions
Authors: Sun Xiangyang , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Genxu , Hu Zhaoyong , Song Chunlin , Lin Shan , Sun Juying , Sun Shouqin
Published: June 2023

Water use efficiency (WUE) is a crucial parameter for describing the relationship between carbon and water cycles in plants and ecosystems. Previous studies suggest that an additional intercept is necessary for the empirical WUE model. However, the impact of soil moisture on model performance remains uncertain. In this study, 71 sites of FLUXNET2015 were categorized into energy‐limited, transitional, and water‐limited climates based on the Budyko dryness index (DI). Modified WUE models were utilized to forecast daytime transpiration based on GPP × VPD0.5 with an intercept term, which evaluated whether soil moisture content regulates the intercept term with increasing dryness levels. Our results demonstrated that the WUE model with an additional net radiation (RN) term effectively predicts transpiration in energy‐limited and transitional regions. On the other hand, the WUE model with an additional soil water content (SWC) term performs well in water‐limited regions with annual precipitation of less than 400 mm and energy‐limited regions with annual mean temperature of less than 5°C. The significance of SWC on Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency increased from energy‐limited to water‐limited regions. The coupling of the RN and SWC terms as intercept terms in the empirical WUE model can enhance the prediction of Et in both energy‐limited and transitional regions. With global warming leading to more extreme climates in both humid and arid regions, incorporating the SWC term in the empirical WUE model can enhance the accuracy of modeled daytime transpiration globally, providing an easy‐to‐use method to simulate global transpiration.
Fixing the Flawed Colorado River Compact
Authors: Ge Shemin , Silverstein Joann , Eklund James , Limerick Patricia , Stewart David
Published: June 2023

The 1922 Colorado River Compact ignored available science and overallocated the river’s water, a decision whose effects reverberate today. Now there’s an opportunity to get things right.
Calibrated Absolute Seafloor Pressure Measurements for Geodesy in Cascadia
Authors: Cook Matthew J. , Fredrickson Erik K. , Roland Emily C. , Sasagawa Glenn S. , Schmidt David A. , Wilcock William S. D. , Zumberge Mark A.
Published: June 2023

The boundary between the overriding and subducting plates is locked along some portions of the Cascadia subduction zone. The extent and location of locking affects the potential size and frequency of great earthquakes in the region. Because much of the boundary is offshore, measurements on land are incapable of completely defining a locked zone in the up‐dip region. Deformation models indicate that a record of seafloor height changes on the accretionary prism can reveal the extent of locking. To detect such changes, we have initiated a series of calibrated pressure measurements using an absolute self‐calibrating pressure recorder. A piston‐gauge calibrator under careful metrological considerations produces an absolutely known reference pressure to correct seafloor pressure observations to an absolute value. We report an accuracy of about 25 ppm of the water depth, or 0.02 kPa (0.2 cm equivalent) at 100 m to 0.8 kPa (8 cm equivalent) at 3,000 m. These campaign survey‐style absolute pressure measurements on seven offshore benchmarks in a line extending 100 km westward from Newport, Oregon from 2014 to 2017 establish a long‐term, sensor‐independent time series that can, over decades, reveal the extent of vertical deformation and thus the extent of plate locking and place initial limits on rates of subsidence or uplift. Continued surveys spanning years could serve as calibration values for co‐located or nearby continuous pressure records and provide useful information on possible crustal deformation rates, while epoch measurements spanning decades would provide further limits and additional insights on deformation.
Fluid Influx Promotes Local Strengthening of the Creeping Xianshuihe Fault, Eastern Tibet
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Haibing , Chevalier Marie‐Luce , Si Jialiang , Pan Jiawei , Li Chunrui , Li Yalin
Published: June 2023

While the Xianshuihe fault displays continuous creeping behavior, it is also the most seismically active fault in the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and its earthquake mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we aim at the stick‐slip portion of the creeping Qianning segment of the Xianshuihe fault to determine the characteristics of fault rocks and how fluids at depth influence fault behavior. Field survey, optical and scanning electron microscope observations, X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence analyses, as well as carbon and oxygen isotope analyses were performed on the collected samples. The fault core consists of 3–5 cm‐thick black fault gouge and ∼2.5 m‐thick breccia, surrounded by ∼12 m damage zone. In contrast to fault breccia (1–8 cm in diameter), the black fault gouge, which represents the principal slip zone of repeated seismic events, contains angular quartz particles (∼10 μm on average) and clays dominated by illite. The fluid‐rock interactions altering silica minerals into illite, and the thermal decomposition of carbonate minerals, passively increase the relative content of quartz and feldspar (total 63%–73%) in the fault gouge. The deeply sourced CO2 (from mantle and metamorphic degassing) within the hydrothermal fluids causes carbonate precipitation in breccias (21%–53%), composed of calcite, dolomite, and aragonite. These fluid‐assisted reactions lead to more abundant strong mineral phases (quartz, feldspar, and carbonates, 64%–87%) than weak clays (12%–36%) within the fault core, and locally strengthen the fault, which inhibits slow release of stress at shallow depth and promotes seismic rupture of the fault.
Predictability of the Western North Pacific Subtropical High and Associated East Asian Monsoon Rainfall in APCC Multi‐Models
Authors: Kim OkYeon , Lim Chang‐Mook
Published: June 2023

Using selected models with better performance in simulating the Western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) variability can improve predictions for the East Asia Monsoon (EAM) precipitation. The selected model is clearly superior to the EAM rainfall prediction with the responses to sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) forcing and coupling in the atmospheric circulation between the East Asian subtropical Jet and WNPSH, which are similar to those in the observations. The findings of this study reveal that the “poor” model for EAM rainfall prediction is highly correlated with SSTA regardless of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation phases. The “poor” model shows the responding circulation pattern to the El Niño persistent SSTA in the central‐eastern Pacific until JJA, which induces more bias in the prediction of WNPSH variability and EAM rainfall. It is also noticeable that the “poor” model exhibits stronger barotropic response between the WNPSH and EASJ compared to observations, and therefore, it induces stronger relation between the EAJS and EAM rainfall. As a result, both atmospheric circulation itself over the EAM region and atmospheric‐ocean interactions are important to enhance the predictability of the WNPSH and EAM rainfall.
Glutamatergic dysfunction, neuroplasticity, and redox status in the peripheral blood of patients with motor conversion disorders (functional movement disorders): a first step towards potential biomarkers discovery
Authors: Demartini Benedetta , Nisticò Veronica , Benayoun Caroline , Cigognini Anna Chiara , Ferrucci Roberta , Vezzoli Alessandra , Dellanoce Cinzia , Gambini Orsola , Priori Alberto , Mrakic-Sposta Simona
Published: June 2023

Functional movement disorders (FMD) are characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by typical neurological diseases or other medical conditions. First evidence showed that, compared to healthy controls (CTR), FMD patients presented increased levels of glutamate+glutamine in the anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex, and decreased levels of glutamate in the cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that a glutamatergic dysfunction might play a role in FMD pathophysiology. In this study, 12 FMD patients and 20 CTR were recruited and underwent venous blood sampling and urine collection: levels of glutamate, BDNF, dopamine, oxidative stress, creatinine, neopterin, and uric acid were analyzed. Participants also underwent a psychometric assessment investigating depression, anxiety, and alexithymia. We found that levels of glutamate, BDNF, and dopamine were significantly lower in the blood of FMD patients than CTR. Glutamate and dopamine levels were positively associated with levels of alexithymia. Our findings give further evidence that glutamatergic dysfunction might be involved in the pathophysiology of FMD, possibly representing a biomarker of disease; moreover, since glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems are closely interconnected, our results might have a relevance in terms of treatment options for FMD patients.
Deceptive measures of progress in the NHS long-term plan for cancer: case-based vs. population-based measures
Authors: Oke Jason L. , Brown Sarah Jo , Senger Chris , Welch H. Gilbert
Published: June 2023

The NHS Long Term Plan for cancer aims to increase early-stage diagnoses from 50% to 75% and to have 55,000 more people each year survive their cancer for at least 5 years following diagnosis. The targets measures are flawed and could be met without improving outcomes that really matter to patients. The proportion of early-stage diagnoses could increase, while the number of patients presenting at a late-stage remains the same. More patients could survive their cancer for longer, but lead time and overdiagnosis bias make it impossible to know whether anyone had their life prolonged. The target measures should switch from biased case-based measures to unbiased population-based measures that reflect the key objectives in cancer care: reducing late-stage incidence and mortality.
FOXO1 regulates Th17 cell-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Ren Haozhen , Chen Yuyan , Zhu Zhengyi , Xia Jinkun , Liu Shujun , Hu Yingzhe , Qin Xueqian , Zhang Lu , Ding Yitao , Xia Senzhe , Wang Jinglin
Published: June 2023

Background

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is considered as an effecting factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. Th17/Treg cells are a pair of essential components in adaptive immune response in liver IRI, and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) has the properties of maintaining the function and phenotype of immune cells. Herein, we illuminated the correlation and function between Th17/Treg cell balance and FOXO1 in IRI-induced HCC recurrence.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed on naive CD4+ T cells from normal and IRI model mice to identify relevant transcription factors. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining, and flow cytometry were performed in IRI models to indicate the effect of FOXO1 on the polarization of Th17/Treg cells. Then, transwell assay of HCC cell migration and invasion, clone formation, wound healing assay, and Th17 cells adoptively transfer was utilized to assess the function of Th17 cells in IRI-induced HCC recurrence in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Owning to the application of RNA sequencing, FOXO1 was screened and assumed to perform a significant function in hepatic IRI. The IRI model demonstrated that up-regulation of FOXO1 alleviated IR stress by attenuating inflammatory stress, maintaining microenvironment homeostasis, and reducing the polarization of Th17 cells. Mechanistically, Th17 cells accelerated IRI-induced HCC recurrence by shaping the hepatic pre-metastasis microenvironment, activating the EMT program, promoting cancer stemness and angiogenesis, while the upregulation of FOXO1 can stabilize the liver microenvironment homeostasis and alleviate the negative effects of Th17 cells. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of Th17 cells in vivo revealed its inducing function in IRI-induced HCC recurrence.

Conclusions

These results indicated that FOXO1-Th17/Treg axis exerts a crucial role in IRI-mediated immunologic derangement and HCC recurrence, which could be a promising target for reducing the HCC recurrence after hepatectomy.