bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GASZ is indispensable for gametogenesis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Guo Peilin , Yu Ye , Kang Hongxia , Liu Yutong , Zhu Dalin , Sun Chenxin , Xing Zhiping , Tang Ziyue , Chen Kai , Tan Anjiang
Published: May 2024

The prominent role of the P‐element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)‐interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway in animals is to silence transposable elements and maintain genome stability, ensuring proper gametogenesis in gonads. GASZ (Germ cell protein with Ankyrin repeats, Sterile alpha motif, and leucine Zipper) is an evolutionarily conserved protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane of germ cells and plays vital roles in the piRNA pathway and spermatogenesis in mammals. In the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, GASZ is essential for piRNA biogenesis and oogenesis, whereas its biological functions in non‐drosophilid insects are still unknown. Here, we describe a comprehensive investigation of GASZ functions in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect, by using a binary transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system. The BmGASZ mutation did not affect growth and development, but led to sterility in both males and females. Eupyrene sperm bundles of mutant males exhibited developmental defects, while the apyrene sperm bundles were normal, which were further confirmed through double copulation experiments with sex‐lethal mutants, which males possess functional eupyrene sperm and abnormal apyrene sperm. In female mutant moths, ovarioles were severely degenerated and the eggs in ovarioles were deformed compared with that of wild type (WT). Further RNA‐seq and RT‐qPCR analysis revealed that amounts of piRNAs and transposon expression were dysregulated in gonads of mutants. In summary, this study has demonstrated vital roles of BmGASZ in gametogenesis through regulating the piRNA pathway in B. mori.
Role of estrogen signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells for innate and adaptive immune responses in antigen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Barrett Aidan , Horkeby Karin , Corciulo Carmen , Carlsten Hans , Lagerquist Marie K , Scheffler Julia M , Islander Ulrika
Published: May 2024

Women are more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with peak incidence occurring around menopause. Estrogen has major effects on the immune system and is protective against arthritis. We have previously shown that treatment with estrogen inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in murine models of arthritis, although the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells that generate the three‐dimensional structure of lymph nodes (LNs). FRCs are vital for coordinating immune responses from within LNs and are characterized by the expression of the chemokine CCL19, which attracts immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of estrogen on innate and adaptive immune cells in arthritis is mediated by estrogen signaling in FRCs. Conditional knockout mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in CCL19‐expressing cells (Ccl19‐CreERαfl/fl) were generated and tested. Ccl19‐CreERαfl/fl mice and littermate controls were ovariectomized, treated with vehicle or estradiol and subjected to the 28‐day‐long antigen‐induced arthritis model to enable analyses of differentiated T‐ and B‐cell populations and innate cells in LNs by flow cytometry. The results reveal that while the response to estradiol treatment in numbers of FRCs per LN is significantly reduced in mice lacking ERα in FRCs, estrogen does not inhibit joint inflammation or markedly affect immune responses in this arthritis model. Thus, this study validates the Ccl19‐CreERαfl/fl strain for studying estrogen signaling in FRCs within inflammatory diseases, although the chosen arthritis model is deemed unsuitable for addressing this question.
Causal factors and time in formation of areas of endemism for land planarians in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Lago‐Barcia Domingo , Conti Luis Americo , Solà Eduard , Carbayo Fernando , DaSilva Marcio Bernardino
Published: May 2024

Here, we discovered areas of endemism (AoE) for land planarians (Geoplaninae) and tested the influence of the past climate in the formation of AoEs in the southeastern AF in Brazil.

Location

Southeastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Materials and Methods

We used 1888 records of 371 species in Endemicity Analysis and Geographic Interpolation of Endemism to uncover AoEs. We also carried out a species distribution modelling (SDM) of three genera to see the suitability regions where they were distributed during Mid‐Pliocene, Last Interglacial Maximum, Last Glacial Maximum and present time. Finally, we inferred a molecular phylogeny of Geoplaninae aiming to estimate divergence times of the taxa to test the relative influence of more recent climatic fluctuations in the speciations.

Results

We delimited 15 robust AoEs. SDM corroborates past climate altered some genera distribution. However, results of the phylogenetic analysis resulted in time estimation older than Pleistocene climatic fluctuations for more recent speciations. These endemic patterns could be explained through processes of reduction and expansion of suitability areas but in older times as generally reported in the literature. Geological events that formed mountains, sedimentary basins and major rivers are integrated with climate to explain high endemism and diversification.

Main Conclusions

Planarians have shown to be an optimal model for fine‐scale studies of AoE and diversification in AF. Pleistocene climatic fluctuations seem to have not been responsible for their diversification, but older climatic changes with geological events seem to have influenced their speciations and the present‐day high levels of endemism. In the future, robust phylogenies with more comprehensive sampling integrated with palaeoecological models will help to understand the diversification of the AF.
Spatio‐temporal shift in body size and plumage coloration is associated with the magnitude of climate change in a cosmopolitan owl
Authors: Romano Andrea , Florent Gaëlle , Novelli Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Roulin Alexandre
Published: May 2024

Aim

Climatic gradients shape geographic variation in phenotypic traits that are involved in animal thermoregulation. Therefore, increasing temperatures under global warming are expected to cause change over time in traits that show predictable spatial patterns according to environmental clines (body and appendage size, tegument coloration), as well exemplified by biogeographic rules and shown by increasing literature at a local scale. However, whether temporal shifts in phenotypic traits vary spatially according to the magnitude of the change in local climatic conditions is still unknown.

Location

World.

Taxon

Barn owl species complex (Tyto alba group).

Methods

By using thousands of museum specimens collected across the globe from 1901 to 2018, we calculated within‐population change over time in wing length, bill length and melanin‐based plumage coloration and examined whether these trends differed across geographic regions, latitudes and gradients of climate changes.

Results

We showed that populations exposed to an increasing warmer climate were subjected to a more marked decrease in body size, as gauged by wing length, and also absolute bill length that displayed a similar, although less steep, pattern of shrinking over time. In addition, phaeomelanin‐based ventral plumage colour has become paler in regions where the climate changed into warmer and drier, and darker where both temperature and precipitation increased.

Main Conclusions

These trends are generally coherent with the predictions based on Bergmann's and Gloger's rules, but not Allen's rule, and suggest that temporal shifts in body size and tegument colour depend on the magnitude of the alteration in climatic conditions, with populations living in regions where the climate has changed the most that are subjected to more marked phenotypic changes. Spatio‐temporal variation in climate has driven within‐species phenotypic clines, and it is expected to increase differences among populations according to the predicted further climate change.
‘I'm still su!c!dal when you're done with the paperwork’: an inductive framework thematic analysis of #camhs on TikTok
Authors: Foster Molly , Frith Hannah , John Mary
Published: May 2024

Background

Young people are sharing their experiences of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the United Kingdom on TikTok. Little is known about the content of these videos and their influence on young people's attitudes towards seeking professional mental health support.

Methods

This study explored how CAMHS is represented in a sample of 100 #camhs TikTok videos using participatory inductive framework thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were developed alongside young people as co‐researchers: (a) CAMHS can be frustrating and unhelpful, but sometimes life‐saving, (b) Young people can feel their distress is invalidated by CAMHS, (c) CAMHS makes young people feel responsible for their distress, and (d) Young people may not feel CAMHS professionals are trustworthy. Video content described dismissive responses to expressions of suicidal ideation, professional knowledge being privileged over lived experience, and breaches of confidentiality. Some shared positive experiences of CAMHS helping to keep them safe.

Conclusions

Together, the themes reflect a representation of CAMHS as a service where adults are powerful and young people occupy a subjugated position. This may influence young people's professional help‐seeking behaviour. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are presented.
Preliminary investigation into long‐term stress by isolated captivity‐related changes of reproduction hormones in Cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Kim Ji Woon , Lee Yoon Beom , Jo Woori , Kang Tae‐Ku , Park Na‐Hye , Lee Gwang‐Hoon
Published: May 2024

Background

Stress profoundly affects physical and emotional well‐being, extending its physiological influence to the female menstrual cycle, impeding the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, and affecting fertility by suppressing sex‐stimulating hormones.

Methods

In this study, we meticulously analyzed menstrual cycles and corresponding hormonal fluctuations in three female Cynomolgus monkeys.

Results

The preliminary findings indicated lower‐than‐normal levels of cortisol, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Anovulatory bleeding occurred in one monkey, which could be linked to stress. In contrast to cortisol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is correlated to cortisol levels, was consistently elevated in menstruating monkeys, suggesting its potential as a stress indicator. The non‐menstruating group exhibited stress‐related weight loss, emphasizing the observed ALP trends.

Conclusions

Non‐menstruating monkeys may experience more stress than menstruating monkeys. The implications of this study extend beyond the confines of primate studies and offer a valuable method for enhancing the welfare of female Cynomolgus monkeys.
The role of family relationships on adolescents' development and adjustment during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Campione‐Barr Nicole , Skinner Ann , Moeller Kimberly , Cui Lixian , Kealy Carmen , Cookston Jeff
Published: May 2024

In typical times, adolescents' relationships with family members influence changing cognitive, social, and physical aspects of their development. The COVID‐19 pandemic, however, impacted the full family system in ways that were unprecedented. Scholars of adolescence worldwide were driven to understand how adolescents' relationships with family members changed due to these dramatic societal shifts and the influence these relationships had on adolescents' well‐being. This systematic review examined two research questions with 189 articles published from 2020–2022: (1) How has the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted families with adolescents, including broader family functioning, family relationship qualities, and parenting? and (2) How has the pandemic or pandemic‐related stressors interacted with family functioning, family relationships, and parenting of adolescents to impact adolescent well‐being and adjustment? Additionally, examination of the relevant studies were divided into sub‐themes of pandemic influence: (a) family environment and routines, (b) family difficulties, (c) parenting and parent−adolescent relationships, and (d) sibling relationships.
Feeling a little uneasy: A comparative discourse analysis of White and BIPOC college students’ reflective writing about systemic racism
Authors: Coleman Brett Russell , Yantis Caitlyn
Published: May 2024

This critical discourse analysis compares the ways in which White and BIPOC college students discuss their experiences of an educational intervention meant to promote better understanding of systemic racism. We analyzed reflective writing produced by 11 White psychology students from a private liberal arts college in the eastern United States and 17 BIPOC students from a Human Services program at a public university in the western United States. White students engaged in whiteness discourse that distanced themselves from the realities of systemic racism and/or relieved the cognitive dissonance associated with the self‐ and group‐image threat related to learning about systemic racism. In so doing, they unwittingly upheld white supremacy. BIPOC students, in contrast, engaged an antiracist discourse that employed critiques of the social systems that produce systemic racism and destabilized dominant colorblind narratives, often by drawing on lived experience. From the Critical Race Theory perspective that the centrality of lived experience is a legitimate lens through which to analyze racial subordination, we discuss the importance of attending to the action orientation and constructed nature of discourse in antiracist education.
Establishing a telehealth model addressing paediatric sleep health in remote and rural Northern Territory Australia: Overcoming the distance barrier
Authors: Gentin Natalie , Howarth Timothy P , Crossland Graeme , Patel Hemi , Jonas Catherine , Blecher Gregory , Widger John , Whybourne Annie , Heraganahally Subash S
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study examined the outcomes of a telehealth model for sleep health assessment among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous children residing in remote and regional communities at the Top End Northern Territory (NT) of Australia.

Methods

Video telehealth consultation, that included clinical history and relevant physical findings assessed virtually with an interstate paediatric sleep physician was conducted remotely. Polysomnography (PSG) and therapeutic interventions were carried out locally at Darwin, NT. The study participants were children referred between 2015 and 2020.

Results

Of the total 812 children referred for sleep assessment, 699 underwent a diagnostic PSG. The majority of patients were female (63%), non‐Indigenous (81%) and resided in outer regional areas (88%). Indigenous children were significantly older and resided in remote or very remote locations (22% vs. 10%). Referral patterns differed according to locality and Indigenous status – (non‐Indigenous via private (53%), Indigenous via public system (35%)). Receipt of referrals to initial consultation was a median of 16 days and 4 weeks from consult to PSG. Remote children had slightly longer time delay between the referral and initial consult (32 vs. 15 days). Fifty one percent were diagnosed to have OSA, 27% underwent adenotonsillectomy and 2% were prescribed with CPAP therapy.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that a telehealth model can be an effective way in overcoming logistical barriers and in providing sleep health services to children in remote and regional Australia. Further innovative efforts are needed to improve the service model and expand the reach for vulnerable children in very remote communities.
Dynamic regulation of water potential in Juniperus osteosperma mediates ecosystem carbon fluxes
Authors: Guo Jessica S. , Barnes Mallory L. , Smith William K. , Anderegg William R. L. , Kannenberg Steven A.
Published: May 2024

Some plants exhibit dynamic hydraulic regulation, in which the strictness of hydraulic regulation (i.e. iso/anisohydry) changes in response to environmental conditions. However, the environmental controls over iso/anisohydry and the implications of flexible hydraulic regulation for plant productivity remain unknown.

In Juniperus osteosperma, a drought‐resistant dryland conifer, we collected a 5‐month growing season time series of in situ, high temporal‐resolution plant water potential () and stand gross primary productivity (GPP). We quantified the stringency of hydraulic regulation associated with environmental covariates and evaluated how predawn water potential contributes to empirically predicting carbon uptake.

Juniperus osteosperma showed less stringent hydraulic regulation (more anisohydric) after monsoon precipitation pulses, when soil moisture and atmospheric demand were high, and corresponded with GPP pulses. Predawn water potential matched the timing of GPP fluxes and improved estimates of GPP more strongly than soil and/or atmospheric moisture, notably resolving GPP underestimation before vegetation green‐up.

Flexible hydraulic regulation appears to allow J. osteosperma to prolong soil water extraction and, therefore, the period of high carbon uptake following monsoon precipitation pulses. Water potential and its dynamic regulation may account for why process‐based and empirical models commonly underestimate the magnitude and temporal variability of dryland GPP.
Phenotyping methodologies of log end splitting in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Authors: Soares Luis Carlos da Silva , Moreira Jorcélio Cabral , Botega Gustavo Pucci , Carneiro Vinicius Quintão , Lafetá Bruno Oliveira , de Figueiredo Izabel Cristina Rodrigues , Gonçalves Flávia Maria Avelar
Published: May 2024

This study addresses the crucial consideration of log end splitting in breeding programmes for treated wood. There is a paucity of research focused on efficiently optimizing the phenotyping process for this particular trait. The study aimed to compare methodologies for log end splitting phenotyping and develop an image‐based crack evaluation approach. Initially, 32 eucalyptus clones underwent phenotyping using manual measurement, digital image analysis and visual evaluation. Results showed similar phenotypic values, but image analysis demonstrated better clone discrimination, reducing evaluation time to 78 h compared to manual measurement. The second part focused on testing convolutional neural network architectures (UNet, LinkNet and FPN) using real and synthetic images. U‐Net exhibited slight superiority based on higher Intersection over Union (IoU) values, exhibiting a high correlation (.89) with true values. This approach significantly reduced evaluation time to approximately 10.15 h, emphasizing its efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Social media use among adolescents with acne: A cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Finan Cyrelle F. , Leon Phoenix , Midani Lynn , Hill Deirdre A. , Smidt Aimee C.
Published: May 2024

Social media is increasingly used by patients for the management of skin conditions like acne, despite the potential risk for low‐quality information. This study surveyed 45 participants between the ages of 12 and 17 years to investigate factors that could be associated with social media use among adolescents with acne. The likelihood of social media use was not significantly increased by clinical severity of acne, more severe physical barriers (greater than or equal to 20 miles to the dermatology clinic), more severe temporal barriers (waiting 12 or more weeks for a first dermatology appointment), or worsened quality of life (assessed via the Skindex‐Teen score). This study increases understanding of adolescents' social media behaviors, particularly as a way to seek information for skin conditions like acne.
A novel reverse perilesional home phototherapy can promote the repigmentation of vitiligo patches with complete leukotrichia: A 12‐week, open‐label, double‐arm, multicenter, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lei Na , Cao Xuechen , Feng Yifei , Liu Guoyan , Feng Jianqing , Zhao Yidong , Zhao Zhiming , Li Ziyu , Song Lebin , Lu Yan
Published: May 2024

Background/Purpose

Existing phototherapies are ineffective for treating patients with vitiligo with complete leukotrichia. We compared the efficacy of reverse perilesional irradiation, during which only the lesional areas are covered, with conventional narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) home phototherapy for repigmentation of non‐segmental vitiligo in patients with complete leukotrichia.

Methods

This was a 12‐week, open‐label, double‐arm, multicenter clinical trial, with a total of 121 patients with non‐segmental vitiligo who were randomly divided into two groups (both received topical tacrolimus): the conventional NB‐UVB irradiation (CI) and reverse perilesional NB‐UVB irradiation (RI) groups.

Results

A statistically significant difference in improvement from baseline was observed in the RI group compared with the findings in the CI group (−30.8% ± 11.8% vs. −25.5% ± 11.05%, respectively [p = .010]; pair‐wise comparison p = .900 at week 4, p = .104 at week 8, and p = .010 at week 12). At week 12, the average percentage change from baseline of leukotrichia in the irradiation area significantly decreased from 100% to 82.2% ± 13.65% in the RI group, and from 100% to 88.7% ± 9.64% in the CI group (p = .027). Adverse events were minor, including desquamation, dryness, erythema, and blisters. No severe or lasting side effects were observed during the study.

Conclusion

RI mediated better repigmentation of vitiligo with complete leukotrichia than CI.
Maps, Apps and Race: The Market as a Theoretical Machine
Authors: Migozzi Julien
Published: May 2024

My commentary situates Desiree Fields' lecture within a long‐standing movement that, paying attention to real estate data and techniques of property, turned the housing market into a theoretical machine. I understand her intervention as a fourth and pivotal conceptual moment in the study of housing markets and inequalities for the discipline of geography, for it brings racial capitalism and settler colonialism as theoretical starting points to analyse the political economy of housing in the era of digital property technologies. As such, her lecture opens up a welcome, ambitious, yet also uncertain terrain to advance global urban theory under platform capitalism and stimulate relational approaches in housing studies. Discussing the regularities through which race, technology and property shape housing and wealth inequalities across variegated sites of market‐making provides a conceptual horizontality that acknowledges the United States as a testing ground, rather than a ground truth, for the production of geographical knowledge.
Climate Change and Property Experiments in Appalachia
Authors: Safransky Sara
Published: May 2024

This commentary thinks with Desiree Fields' ‘Digital Experiments with Landed Property’ across the urban–rural continuum. I offer provisional observations on rural property experiments emerging in Central Appalachia in the context of climate change. By way of conclusion, I suggest how scholars might engage and extend Fields' important provocations to deepen understandings of the shifting nature of land and property relations in the rural USA and the stakes thereof for rising authoritarian populism and political possibilities otherwise.
Hidden diversity in eastern North America: The genus Ligidium (Oniscidea, Ligiidae) in the southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Recuero Ernesto , Caterino Michael S.
Published: May 2024

The terrestrial isopod genus Ligidium includes 58 species from Europe, Asia, and North America. In Eastern North America four species are recognized: L. floridanum and L. mucronatum, known just from their type localities in Florida and Louisiana respectively, L. blueridgensis, endemic to the southern Appalachians, and L. elrodii, widespread from Georgia to Ontario. The genus shows a marked morphological conservatism, and species are differentiated mostly by small morphological differences; it is not always easy to determine if such variability represents inter‐ or intraspecific variation. Here, we explore the diversity of Ligidium from the southern Appalachian Mountains, exploring the congruence of morphologically defined groups with multilocus phylogenetic reconstructions and molecular species delimitation methods. We have studied a total of 130 specimens from 37 localities, mostly from the southern Appalachians, and analysed mtDNA (Cox1) and nuclear (28S, NaK) sequences. Morphologically, we recognized eight morphotypes, most of them assignable to current concepts of L. elrodii and L. blueridgensis. Phylogenetic analyses supported the evolutionary independence of all morphotypes, and suggest the existence of 8–9 species, including limited cryptic diversity. Single‐locus delimitation analyses based on mtDNA data suggest the existence of a much higher number of species than the multilocus analyses. The estimated age of the ancestors of sampled lineages indicates a long presence of the genus in eastern North America and old speciation events through the Miocene. Our results indicate a higher diversity than previously thought among the Ligidium populations present in the southern Appalachian Mountains, with several species to be described.
The Impacts of Financial Market, Trade and Economic Policy Uncertainties on the Import Performance of Advanced Economies
Authors: Gong Xueting , Borojo Dinkneh Gebre , Yushi Jiang , Miao Miao , Wu Peixuan
Published: May 2024

This study aims to examine the long-term and short-term diverse effects of economic policy uncertainty, trade policy uncertainty, and financial market uncertainties on the import performance of advanced economies. It employs the Pooled mean group autoregressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) method for the panel of 27 advanced economies using quarterly data from the first quarter of 1996 to the fourth quarter of 2020. The study's results reveal that local and global economic and trade policy uncertainties have significant adverse long-term effects on the import performance of advanced economies. Besides, financial market uncertainties negatively impact advanced economies’ imports in the long run. Nonetheless, the results imply that domestic economic and trade policy uncertainties positively affect imports in the short run. Moreover, the Dumitrescu-Hurlin (D-H) panel causality test indicated that bidirectional causality exists between financial market and trade policy uncertainty indicators and imports. However, unidirectional causality exists between economic policy indicators and imports. The results are consistent across different sensitivity analyses. Based on these findings, we propose policy implications to control economic, trade and financial market uncertainties and thereby alleviating their impact on the import performance of advanced economies.
One-step formation of ZrON thin film on surface of carbon fine particles for membrane electrode assembly
Authors: Aihara Yudai , Iida Takashi , Kodama Kakeru , Iwata Hiroshi , Sekiya Takao
Published: May 2024

Zirconium nitride and oxynitride films were deposited on alumina or carbon particles by reactive sputtering using a magnetron sputtering apparatus with a Zr hollow cylindrical target and a vibrating equipment with heating capability. The vibrating equipment developed in this study was effective if the particles are spherical and highly monodisperse. Uniform film deposition was achieved over the entire surface of highly monodisperse spherical alumina particles using the vibrating equipment during deposition. Pure ZrN crystalline layers was deposited under Ar and N2 gas flows with heating on XC-72 carbon powder particles removed adsorbed oxygen. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping analysis for deposited XC-72 carbon particles showed ubiquitous film deposition on agglomerated particles regardless of vibration during sputtering. Uniform film deposition with vibrating equipment was achieved on the entire surface of CGB-10 particles with more spherical and monodisperse than XC-72 but precipitated crystalline phase depended on unintentional oxygen chemisorbed on the particles. Addition and increase in flow rate of oxygen to the sputtering gas resulted in the formation of desired crystalline phase, Zr2ON2, Zr7O8N4, and monoclinic ZrO2, precipitated in the film using CGB-10 particles with chemisorbed oxygen removed. Current density for oxygen reduction reaction measured for MEA made from CGB-10 particles with ZrON-based crystals deposited was larger than that for thin film deposited on a carbon plate substrate.
Inference of source signatures of merchant ships in shallow ocean environments
Authors: Knobles D. P. , Neilsen Tracianne B. , Hodgkiss William S. , Goff John A.
Published: May 2024

An ocean acoustics experiment in 2017 near a shipping lane on the New England continental shelf in about 75 m of water provided an opportunity to evaluate a methodology to extract source signatures of merchant ships in a bottom-limited environment. The data of interest are the received acoustic levels during approximately 20 min time intervals centered at the closest position of approach (CPA) time for each channel on two 16-element vertical line arrays. At the CPA ranges, the received levels exhibit a frequency-dependent peak and null structure, which possesses information about the geophysical properties of the seabed, such as the porosity and sediment thickness, and the characterization of the source, such as an effective source depth. The modeled seabed is represented by two sediment layers, parameterized with the viscous grain shearing (VGS) model, which satisfies causality, over a fixed deep layered structure. Inferred estimates of the implicit source levels require averaging an error function over the full 20 min time intervals. Within the 200–700 Hz band, the Wales–Heitmeyer model captures the inferred frequency dependence of the source levels.
Surface wave propagation control with locally resonant metasurfaces using topology-optimized resonators
Authors: Giraldo Guzman Daniel , Pillarisetti Lalith Sai Srinivas , Frecker Mary , Lissenden Cliff J. , Shokouhi Parisa
Published: May 2024

Locally resonant elastodynamic metasurfaces for suppressing surface waves have gained popularity in recent years, especially because of their potential in low-frequency applications such as seismic barriers. Their design strategy typically involves tailoring geometrical features of local resonators to attain a desired frequency bandgap through extensive dispersion analyses. In this paper, a systematic design methodology is presented to conceive these local resonators using topology optimization, where frequency bandgaps develop by matching multiple antiresonances with predefined target frequencies. The design approach modifies an individual resonator's response to unidirectional harmonic excitations in the in-plane and out-of-plane directions, mimicking the elliptical motion of surface waves. Once an arrangement of optimized resonators composes a locally resonant metasurface, frequency bandgaps appear around the designed antiresonance frequencies. Numerical investigations analyze three case studies, showing that longitudinal-like and flexural-like antiresonances lead to nonoverlapping bandgaps unless both antiresonance modes are combined to generate a single and wider bandgap. Experimental data demonstrate good agreement with the numerical results, validating the proposed design methodology as an effective tool to realize locally resonant metasurfaces by matching multiple antiresonances such that bandgaps generated as a result of in-plane and out-of-plane surface wave motion combine into wider bandgaps.
Association Between Depressive Symptoms, Cognitive Status, and the Dual-Task Performance Index in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Brauner Fabiane de Oliveira , Oliveira Mariana , Hausen Daiane Oliveira , Schiavo Aniuska , Balbinot Gustavo , Mestriner Régis Gemerasca
Published: May 2024

The Performance Index (P-Index) is a measure for evaluating mobility-related dual-task performance in older adults. The identification of specific clinicodemographic factors predictive of P-Index scores, however, remains unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 120 community-dwelling older adults (average age 71.3 ± 11.23 years) to explore clinicodemographic variables that influence P-Index scores during the instrumented timed up and go test. Unadjusted analyses suggested several factors, including age, gender, body mass index, Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, functional reach test performance, history of falls, ethnicity, Geriatric Depression Scale scores, alcohol consumption, and educational levels, as potential predictors of P-Index. However, adjusted multinomial multiple regression analysis revealed Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores as the exclusive independent predictors of P-Index classifications, segmented into high, intermediate, or low (percentiles ≤ 25, 26–74, or ≥ 75, respectively). A significant association was observed between the manifestation of depressive symptoms, lower Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, and reduced cognitive–motor performance. The findings implicate depressive symptoms and low cognitive performance as substantial impediments to optimal dual-task mobility within this cohort. Further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of cognitive stimulation and antidepressant therapy, in augmenting mobility-related dual-task performance among older adults.
Source reservoir controls on the size, frequency, and composition of large-scale volcanic eruptions
Authors: Booth Catherine A. , Jackson Matthew D. , Sparks R. Stephen J. , Rust Alison C.
Published: May 2024

Large-scale, explosive volcanic eruptions are one of the Earth’s most hazardous natural phenomena. We demonstrate that their size, frequency, and composition can be explained by processes in long-lived, high-crystallinity source reservoirs that control the episodic creation of large volumes of eruptible silicic magma and its delivery to the subvolcanic chamber where it is stored before eruption. Melt percolates upward through the reservoir and accumulates a large volume of low-crystallinity silicic magma which remains trapped until buoyancy causes magma-driven fractures to propagate into the overlying crust, allowing rapid magma transfer from the reservoir into the chamber. Ongoing melt percolation in the reservoir accumulates a new magma layer and the process repeats. Our results suggest that buoyancy, rather than crystallinity, is the key control on magma delivery from the source reservoir. They identify an optimum reservoir size for the largest silicic eruptions that is consistent with data from natural systems and explain why larger magnitude eruptions are not observed on Earth.
Early cortical GABAergic interneurons determine the projection patterns of L4 excitatory neurons
Authors: Bragg-Gonzalo Lorena , Aguilera Alfonso , González-Arias Candela , De León Reyes Noelia S. , Sánchez-Cruz Alonso , Carballeira Paula , Leroy Félix , Perea Gertrudis , Nieto Marta
Published: May 2024

During cerebral cortex development, excitatory pyramidal neurons (PNs) establish specific projection patterns while receiving inputs from GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (INs). Whether these inhibitory inputs can shape PNs’ projection patterns is, however, unknown. While layer 4 (L4) PNs of the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex are all born as long-range callosal projection neurons (CPNs), most of them acquire local connectivity upon activity-dependent elimination of their interhemispheric axons during postnatal development. Here, we demonstrate that precise developmental regulation of inhibition is key for the retraction of S1L4 PNs’ callosal projections. Ablation of somatostatin INs leads to premature inhibition from parvalbumin INs onto S1L4 PNs and prevents them from acquiring their barrel-restricted local connectivity pattern. As a result, adult S1L4 PNs retain interhemispheric projections responding to tactile stimuli, and the mice lose whisker-based texture discrimination. Overall, we show that temporally ordered IN activity during development is key to shaping local ipsilateral S1L4 PNs’ projection pattern, which is required for fine somatosensory processing.
Sex in cardiovascular disease: Why this biological variable should be considered in in vitro models
Authors: McClain Anna K. , Monteleone Peter P. , Zoldan Janet
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s leading cause of death, exhibits notable epidemiological, clinical, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. Many such differences can be linked back to cardiovascular sexual dimorphism, yet sex-specific in vitro models are still not the norm. A lack of sex reporting and apparent male bias raises the question of whether in vitro CVD models faithfully recapitulate the biology of intended treatment recipients. To ensure equitable treatment for the overlooked female patient population, sex as a biological variable (SABV) inclusion must become commonplace in CVD preclinical research. Here, we discuss the role of sex in CVD and underlying cardiovascular (patho)physiology. We review shortcomings in current SABV practices, describe the relevance of sex, and highlight emerging strategies for SABV inclusion in three major in vitro model types: primary cell, stem cell, and three-dimensional models. Last, we identify key barriers to inclusive design and suggest techniques for overcoming them.
Comprehensive genomic landscape of antibiotic resistance in
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Lee Do-Hoon , Lee Kihyun , Kim Yong-Seok , Cha Chang-Jun
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus epidermidis
, a common commensal bacterium found on human skin, can cause infections in clinical settings, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) impedes the treatment of
S. epidermidis
infections. However, studies characterizing the ARGs in
S. epidermidis
with regard to genomic and ecological diversities are limited. Thus, we performed a comprehensive and comparative analysis of 405 high-quality
S. epidermidis
genomes, including those of 35 environmental isolates from the Han River, to investigate the genomic diversity of antibiotic resistance in this pathogen. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the prevalence of ARGs in
S. epidermidis
genomes associated with multi-locus sequence types. The genes encoding dihydrofolate reductase (
dfrC
) and multidrug efflux pump (
norA
) were genome-wide core ARGs. β-Lactam class ARGs were also highly prevalent in the
S. epidermidis
genomes, which was consistent with the resistance phenotype observed in river isolates. Furthermore, we identified chloramphenicol acetyltransferase genes (
cat
) in the plasmid-like sequences of the six river isolates, which have not been reported previously in
S. epidermidis
genomes. These genes were identical to those harbored by the
Enterococcus faecium
plasmids and associated with the insertion sequence 6 family transposases, homologous to those found in
Staphylococcus aureu
s plasmids, suggesting the possibility of horizontal gene transfer between these Gram-positive pathogens. Comparison of the ARG and virulence factor profiles between
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureu
s genomes revealed that these two species were clearly distinguished, suggesting genomic demarcation despite ecological overlap. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the genomic diversity of antibiotic resistance in
S. epidermidis
.

IMPORTANCE

A comprehensive understanding of the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles of the skin commensal bacterium and opportunistic pathogen
Staphylococcus epidermidis
needs to be documented from a genomic point of view. Our study encompasses a comparative analysis of entire
S. epidermidis
genomes from various habitats, including those of 35 environmental isolates from the Han River sequenced in this study. Our results shed light on the distribution and diversity of ARGs within different
S. epidermidis
multi-locus sequence types, providing valuable insights into the ecological and genetic factors associated with antibiotic resistance. A comparison between
S. epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
revealed marked differences in ARG and virulence factor profiles, despite their overlapping ecological niches.
Follow-up report of fundus findings of tuberous sclerosis-associated retinal astrocytoma of two siblings
Authors: Bukke Anand Naik , Sundar Dheepak M , Chawla Rohan , Shanmugam Chandradevi
Published: May 2024

A late adolescent with tuberous sclerosis (TS) presented with reduced vision in one eye to our tertiary care university hospital 4 years ago. Fundus examination revealed multiple retinal astrocytic hamartomas (RAHs) in both eyes. His younger sibling, who also had TS, was found to have RAH on retinal screening. The swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) findings were typical of RAH. We further noted that some of the RAH lesions showed segmental whitening of the outer walls of the arterioles, which traversed through them. The segmental whitening may suggest the enveloping of normal retinal vessels by the tumour. En-face and B-scan SS-OCT angiography of patients with TS showed vascularity within the tumour. The vessels within the tumour appeared to be in continuity with the retinal vasculature. Both siblings were reviewed annually. At the end of 4 years, there was no change in visual acuity, tumour size, number, vascularity and behaviour.
Long-term cognitive recovery following isolated bilateral infarction of the fornix presenting with amnesia
Authors: Bradshaw Jennifer , Choi Philip MC , Wrigley Scott
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Isolated infarction of the fornix is a relatively rare stroke syndrome frequently associated with amnesia. The long-term cognitive outcome in cases of acute fornix infarction is poorly understood. This is largely due to the limited number of case studies that have documented cognitive outcomes beyond the acute recovery phase on quantifiable neuropsychological measures. We describe a patient who developed acute amnesia and was subsequently diagnosed on cerebral MRI with bilateral infarction in the anterior columns of the fornix.

Method

Comprehensive neuropsychological review was undertaken prospectively at baseline, early and late phases of recovery.

Results

At 9 months post-stroke, there was some reduction in the severity of memory dysfunction, but a significant anterograde amnesia persisted.

Conclusion

This is one of the very few cases in the literature where neuropsychological function has been comprehensively and serially examined over the first year post-isolated bilateral fornix infarction. It is concluded that amnesia can persist well beyond 6 months in these cases, with associated functional impairment in daily life.
Prevalence and factors associated with inappropriate continuation of stress ulcer prophylaxis at discharge
Authors: Chinnappan Justine , Al-Handola Rami , Joseph Noyal M , Ogbon Ekwevugbe , McDonald Philip J
Published: May 2024

Stress ulcer prophylaxis is started in the critical care unit to decrease the risk of upper gastrointestinal ulcers in critically ill persons and to decrease mortality caused by stress ulcer complications. Unfortunately, the drugs are often continued after recovery through discharge, paving the way for unnecessary polypharmacy.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including patients admitted to the adult critical care unit and started on the stress ulcer prophylaxis with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine receptor 2 blocker (H2 blocker) with an aim to determine the prevalence of inappropriate continuation at discharge and associated factors.

Result

3200 people were initiated on stress ulcer prophylaxis, and the medication was continued in 1666 patients upon discharge. Indication for long-term use was not found in 744 of 1666, with a 44% prevalence of inappropriate continuation. A statistically significant association was found with the following risk factors: discharge disposition (home vs other medical facilities, p=0.002), overall length of stay (more than 10 days vs less than or equal to 10 days, p<0.0001), mechanical ventilator use (p<0.001), number of days on a mechanical ventilator (more than 2 days vs less than or equal to 2 days, p<0.001) and class of stress ulcer prophylaxis drug used (H2 blocker vs PPI, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of inappropriate continuation was found to be higher than prior studies. Given the risk of unnecessary medication intake and the associated healthcare cost, a web-based quality improvement initiative is being considered.
Stealth transgenes enable CAR-T cells to evade host immune responses
Authors: Grauwet Korneel , Berger Trisha , Kann Michael C , Silva Harrison , Larson Rebecca , Leick Mark B , Bailey Stefanie R , Bouffard Amanda A , Millar David , Gallagher Kathleen , Turtle Cameron J , Frigault Matthew J , Maus Marcela V
Published: May 2024

Background

Adoptive cell therapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, has improved patient outcomes for hematological malignancies. Currently, four of the six FDA-approved CAR-T cell products use the FMC63-based αCD19 single-chain variable fragment, derived from a murine monoclonal antibody, as the extracellular binding domain. Clinical studies demonstrate that patients develop humoral and cellular immune responses to the non-self CAR components of autologous CAR-T cells or donor-specific antigens of allogeneic CAR-T cells, which is thought to potentially limit CAR-T cell persistence and the success of repeated dosing.

Methods

In this study, we implemented a one-shot approach to prevent rejection of engineered T cells by simultaneously reducing antigen presentation and the surface expression of both Classes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) via expression of the viral inhibitors of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAPi) in combination with a transgene coding for shRNA targeting class II MHC transactivator (CIITA). The optimal combination was screened in vitro by flow cytometric analysis and mixed lymphocyte reaction assays and was validated in vivo in mouse models of leukemia and lymphoma. Functionality was assessed in an autologous setting using patient samples and in an allogeneic setting using an allogeneic mouse model.

Results

The combination of the Epstein-Barr virus TAPi and an shRNA targeting CIITA was efficient and effective at reducing cell surface MHC classes I and II in αCD19 ‘stealth’ CAR-T cells while retaining in vitro and in vivo antitumor functionality. Mixed lymphocyte reaction assays and IFNγ ELISpot assays performed with T cells from patients previously treated with autologous αCD19 CAR-T cells confirm that CAR T cells expressing the stealth transgenes evade allogeneic and autologous anti-CAR responses, which was further validated in vivo. Importantly, we noted anti-CAR-T cell responses in patients who had received multiple CAR-T cell infusions, and this response was reduced on in vitro restimulation with autologous CARs containing the stealth transgenes.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that the proposed stealth transgenes may reduce the immunogenicity of autologous and allogeneic cellular therapeutics. Moreover, patient data indicate that repeated doses of autologous FMC63-based αCD19 CAR-T cells significantly increased the anti-CAR T cell responses in these patients.