bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bariatric Surgery Should Be Offered to Active-Duty Military Personnel: a Retrospective Study of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Experience
Authors: Mailloux Olivier , Tassé Nicolas , Tchernof André , Nadeau Mélanie , Dawe Philip , Beckett Andrew , Biertho Laurent
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Like most Western armies, obesity affects Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. However, this is not yet accepted for active-duty soldiers in most countries. The CAF have approved bariatric surgery since 2005. Our aim is to assess weight loss, resolution of obesity-related comorbidities, and impacts of bariatric surgery on military careers.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative data, long-term bariatric results, and military outcomes of 108 CAF active-duty military personnel who underwent bariatric surgery in Canada over a 61-month period.

Results

The cohort was predominantly male (66.7%) with a mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) of 43.6 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Roux-Y gastric bypass was performed in 59 patients, sleeve gastrectomy in 29, and gastric banding in 20. All the surgeries were performed laparoscopically. The total body weight loss at the last follow-up visit was 22.5 ± 11.0%. Remission or improvement of hypertension was observed in 91.2%, diabetes in 85.7%, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) in 43.6%, sleep apnea in 43.1%, and dyslipidemia in 42.9%. One patient (0.9%) was medically released due to postoperative complications. Fifteen patients (13.9%) were deployed postoperatively. The combined deployable and possibly deployable statuses increased from 35.4% preoperatively to 47.9% postoperatively.

Conclusion

This is the largest series of bariatric surgeries performed in active-duty military personnel. Bariatric surgery is effective and safe and improves deployability without impairing military careers. These results are relevant to the military of many industrialized countries. Bariatric surgery should be considered for all active-duty military personnel who meet surgical criteria for the treatment of obesity.

Graphical Abstract
The role of marketing in new ventures: How marketing activities should be organized in firms’ infancy
Authors: Fürst Andreas , Gabrielsson Mika , Gabrielsson Peter , Prigge Jana-Kristin
Published: January 2023

Although marketing activities are vital for new ventures (NVs) to ensure growth and survival, previous research is silent on how to organize them in firms’ infancy. The entrepreneurship literature focuses on which marketing activities to perform in NVs but not on how to organize these activities, whereas the marketing literature concentrates on how to organize marketing activities in established firms but not in NVs, which face specific opportunities and challenges in their early stage of development. This article aims to tackle this research gap by examining marketing’s role within NVs’ organization. Drawing on in-depth interviews with managers, we identify two key organizational dimensions: marketing’s dispersion (related to the proliferation and, thus, wide anchoring of marketing responsibilities) and marketing’s structuration (related to the manifestation and, thus, deep anchoring of marketing responsibilities). Through a field survey and archival data, we show that marketing’s dispersion enhances NV profitability, while marketing’s structuration decreases it, and that with increasing marketing influence (i.e., power of marketing actors) in NVs and NV maturity (i.e., age and size), this diametrical pattern of effects becomes less pronounced. Overall, the findings provide novel theoretical and practical insights into the organizational design of marketing in firms’ infancy.
Ameliorative Effects of Thunbergia erecta L. Leaves Against the Initiation of Hepatocarcinogenesis Induced by Diethylnitrosamine in the Rat Model
Authors: Farag Fatma Sayed Abdel-Aal , Anwar Hend Mohamed , Aboushousha Tarek , Mohammed Hala Sh. , Ismail Lotfi Diab Mousa
Published: January 2023

Thunbergia erecta L. contains cytotoxic and liver-protective compounds. Thunbergia erecta L. leaves were macerated in 70% aqueous ethanol, then fractionated with ethyl acetate (9.3 g) and butanol (12.7 g), and attenuated Den-induced liver cancer in a Wistar rat experimental model. Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were chromatographed using column chromatography and solid-phase extraction (SPE); Vicenin-II (1), kaempferol (2), biochanin A, sissotrin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (3), gentianose (4), acacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (5), apigenin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (6), and rosmarinic acid (7) were extracted, and their structures were determined using NMR spectroscopy and ESI-mass spectrometry. Sixty rats were divided into six groups (ten each): control group, Den group, doxorubicin/Den-treated group, butanol fraction/Den-treated group, and isolated acacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside/Den-treated group. The liver enzymes and proinflammatory biomarkers were used to estimate the liver function. In addition, liver tissues were collected for analysis of oxidative stress markers, gene expression, and histopathology. There is a significant increase in the levels of liver enzymes, AFP, and TNF-ἁ. This was conveyed by a significant increase of IL-1 and caspase-3, elevation of MDA and reduction of GSH, and suppression of Bcl2 and elevation of Bax expression. All parameters in butanol, ethyl acetate fractions, and isolated acacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside (major constituents) of T. erecta L. were significantly improved to values close to those of the control group.
p53 Inhibition in Pancreatic Progenitors Enhances the Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Aigha Idil I. , Abdelalim Essam M.
Published: January 2023

The multipotent pancreatic progenitor cells (MPCs) co-expressing the transcription factors, PDX1 and NKX6.1, are the source of functional pancreatic β-cells. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of p53 inhibition in MPCs on the generation of PDX1+/NKX6.1+ MPCs and pancreatic β-cell generation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were differentiated into MPCs and β-cells. hESC-MPCs (stage 4) were treated with different concentrations of p53 inhibitors, and their effect was evaluated using different approaches. NKX6.1 was overexpressed during MPCs specification. Inhibition of p53 using pifithrin-μ (PFT-μ) at the MPC stage resulted in a significant increase in the number of PDX1+/NKX6.1+ cells and a reduction in the number of CHGA+/NKX6.1− cells. Further differentiation of MPCs treated with PFT-μ into pancreatic β-cells showed that PFT-μ treatment did not significantly change the number of C-Peptide+ cells; however, the number of C-PEP+ cells co-expressing glucagon (polyhormonal) was significantly reduced in the PFT-μ treated cells. Interestingly, overexpression of NKX6.1 in hESC-MPCs enhanced the expression of key MPC genes and dramatically suppressed p53 expression. Our findings demonstrated that the p53 inhibition during stage 4 of differentiation enhanced MPC generation, prevented premature endocrine induction and favored the differentiation into monohormonal β-cells. These findings suggest that adding a p53 inhibitor to the differentiation media can significantly enhance the generation of monohormonal β-cells.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of Public Services Distribution in African Urban Areas: a Cost-Benefit Analysis Based on Bid Rents from Spatial Interaction Models
Authors: Dentinho Tomaz Ponce , Pakissi César
Published: January 2023

The paper proposes a cost-benefit analysis of alternative school networks that are otimized to cover the territory of the central part of Huambo Municipality in Angola. Benefits comes from increases in housing prices associated with changes in employment generated by schools, evaluated by variations in values of real estate estimated by the bid-rents of a spatial interaction model using hedonic regression methods. Costs are associated with construction and functioning of schools. The more advisable school networks alternatives are the ones that optimize the coverage of the region with education services while securing individual viability of each one of the schools.
The Student Strike that Won Ethnic Studies and Black Student College Admissions
Authors: Epstein Kitty Kelly , Stringer Bernard
Published: January 2023

This article explores the student strike which won Ethnic Studies and Black college student admissions. The San Francisco State Strike of 1968 which shut down the campus for five months was unique in its vision, its intensity, its class composition, its strategies, and its relationship to both the Black community and non-Black student organizations. The event is significant because the creation of Ethnic Studies as an academic field has vastly expanded humanity’s knowledge of African-American history and the history of other people of color, and the percentage of Black students completing four years of college more than doubled in the period following this strike and subsequent similar college movements. One of the authors was a leader of the Black Student Union Central Committee. The authors use interviews with the leaders, personal reflection, and archival material to draw conclusions about the reasons for the strike’s success and long-lasting impact. Its lessons may have importance for the racial and social justice movements of today.
Semi-autonomous inspection for concrete structures using digital models and a hybrid approach based on deep learning and photogrammetry
Authors: Mirzazade Ali , Popescu Cosmin , Gonzalez-Libreros Jaime , Blanksvärd Thomas , Täljsten Björn , Sas Gabriel
Published: January 2023

Bridge inspections are relied heavily on visual inspection, and usually conducted within limited time windows, typically at night, to minimize their impact on traffic. This makes it difficult to inspect every meter of the structure, especially for large-scale bridges with hard-to-access areas, which creates a risk of missing serious defects or even safety hazards. This paper presents a new technique for the semi-automated damage detection in tunnel linings and bridges using a hybrid approach based on photogrammetry and deep learning. The first approach involves using photogrammetry to reconstruct a 3D model. It is shown that a model with sub-centimeter accuracy can be obtained after noise removal. However, noise removal also reduces the point cloud density, making the 3D point cloud unsuitable for quantification of small-scale damages such as fine cracks. Therefore, the captured images are also analyzed using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models to enable crack detection and segmentation. For this aim, in the second approach, the 3D model is generated by the output of CNN models to enable crack localization and quantification on 3D digital model. These two approaches were evaluated in separate case studies, showing that the proposed technique could be a valuable tool to assist human inspectors in detecting, localizing, and quantifying defects on concrete structures.
Evidence for parent-of-origin effects in autism spectrum disorder: a narrative review
Authors: Ryan Niamh M. , Heron Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders known to be highly heritable with a complex genetic architecture. Abnormal brain developmental trajectories that impact synaptic functioning, excitation-inhibition balance and brain connectivity are now understood to play a central role in ASD. Ongoing efforts to identify the genetic underpinnings still prove challenging, in part due to phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity.

This review focuses on parent-of-origin effects (POEs), where the phenotypic effect of an allele depends on its parental origin. POEs include genomic imprinting, transgenerational effects, mitochondrial DNA, sex chromosomes and mutational transmission bias. The motivation for investigating these mechanisms in ASD has been driven by their known impacts on early brain development and brain functioning, in particular for the most well-documented POE, genomic imprinting. Moreover, imprinting is implicated in syndromes such as Angelman and Prader-Willi, which frequently share comorbid symptoms with ASD. In addition to other regions in the genome, this comprehensive review highlights the 15q11-q13 and 7q chromosomal regions as well as the mitochondrial DNA as harbouring the majority of currently identified POEs in ASD.
A combined bio-system to improve effluent water quality from sewage wastewater plants for agricultural reuse
Authors: Gadow Samir I. , El-Shawadfy Mohamed A. , Abd El-Zaher Fatma H.
Published: January 2023

A continuous lab-scale integrated bio-system
was conducted to treat sewage wastewater from Abu-Rawash wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The bio-system showed high efficiency in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), and total suspended solids (TSS). The experimental analysis results indicated that the maximum COD removal and methane yields were 97.6 and 13.74 mmol CH4/Kg COD at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 h, respectively. Zn, Mn, and Fe were removed at a high rate of up to 96.6%. The sponge bio-carriers have improved overall treatment performance and substantially improved mixed liquor volatile suspended solids/mixed liquor suspended solids (MLVSS/MLSS) ratio at an appreciated range, and the total pathogenic organisms were removed up to 99.8% in the second stage. Because the innovative bio-system enables a rapid startup process, is simple to use, and is inexpensive, it can provide an economically feasible alternative for wastewater management and could be extended to full-scale applications for agricultural purposes.
A Diagnostic Method Based on Deflection Analysis for Monitoring Post-elastic Response of Beams
Authors: Sciegaj Adam
Published: January 2023

A non-destructive diagnostic method based on deflection analysis for monitoring the post-elastic response of beams was developed, and a diagnostic indicator was proposed. The indicator was defined as the second moment of the normalised curvature function about the mid-span, where the curvature was computed from the normalised deflection function. Elastic reference values of the indicator were computed for simply supported beams under uniformly distributed load, three-point, and four-point bending. Development of the indicator under progressive loading was examined with the help of finite element analyses. The indicator value monotonically decreased with increasing deformation provided that maximum bending moment was located between 0.41L and 0.59L, where L is the span of the beam. In this interval, the value of the indicator was unique and enabled the direct monitoring of the post-elastic stress level in the cross-section. The method was validated with the help of available experiments on simply supported beams. For beams working in the elastic range, a mean error of $${2.1}{\%}$$

2.1

%

was obtained between the measured and theoretical indicator values. For quasi-brittle material in the post-elastic stage, the decreasing value of the indicator signified the development of damage in accordance with experimental results.
The Effect of Expressed Gratitude Interventions on Psychological Wellbeing: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Studies
Authors: Kirca Abdurrahman , M. Malouff John , Meynadier Jai
Published: January 2023

The effectiveness of expressed gratitude interventions in enhancing psychological wellbeing has been explored in a number of studies. The present meta-analysis synthesized results from 25 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 6,745 participants, to examine the effect of expressed gratitude interventions on positive indicators of psychological wellbeing, including life satisfaction, positive affect, and happiness. The results showed that expressed gratitude interventions had a significant effect on psychological wellbeing relative to neutral comparison groups, Hedges’ g = 0.22, 95% CI [0.11, 0.33], p < .001. The significant effects applied to each of the three elements of positive wellbeing. Intervention length and duration from baseline to final assessment did not significantly moderate effect sizes across studies. The present findings indicate that expressed gratitude interventions have value in improving psychological wellbeing.
Evaluation of physico-chemical and heavy metals status in irrigation, stagnant, and Indus River water at the trans-Himalayan region
Authors: Charan Guru , Bharti Vijay K. , Giri Arup , Kumar Prabhat
Published: January 2023

The water quality of various resources is changing everywhere, including the high-altitude region, which may have adverse health effects on animals and the human population. So far, not much study has been conducted on high-mountain region water resources. Therefore, this study was conducted at Leh-Ladakh, a high-altitude region, to know the water quality of different sources. For this, water samples were collected from irrigation, stagnant (pond), and Indus river water resources and analyzed different physicochemical parameters as per standard methods and heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (Optima 7000 DV, Perkin Elmer) at the laboratory. The results revealed that the total mean values of pH (7.58 ± 0.04), electrical conductivity (EC-243.78 ± 18.05 µS/cm), salinity (0.12 ± 0.01%), total dissolved solids (TDS-121.519.75 mg/L), turbidity (1.17 ± 0.22 NTU) and chemical oxygen demand (COD-31.45 ± 0.73 mg/L) of Indus river water, pH (7.43 ± 0.05), EC (231.86 ± 11.00 µS/cm), salinity (0.11 ± 0.01%), TDS (113.31 ± 5.48 mg/L), turbidity (0.85 ± 0.11 NTU) and COD (29.74 ± 0.49 mg/L) of irrigation water, and pH (7.46 ± 0.03), EC (233.14 ± 11.41 µS/cm), salinity (0.12 ± 0.01%), TDS (115.03 ± 5.78 mg/L), turbidity (0.67 ± 0.13 NTU) and COD (29.65 ± 0.57 mg/L) of pond water were within the prescribed limit by World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. However, variances in the range of heavy metals were observed in Indus river water, irrigation water, and in stagnant water at different sites. Our results revealed that the As, Cd, and Pb were above the permissible limit of WHO for drinking water. At the same time, the Ni and Cr levels were observed below the maximum permissible limit. Therefore, these water resources, if used for more extended periods, may pose health-related issues to humans and animals from these elements. So, this study finding will help develop specific mitigation strategies for water management for drinking and other purposes.
Sudden Cardiac Arrests in the Polish Tatra Mountains: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mikiewicz Maciej , Polok Kamil , Szczeklik Wojciech , Górka Andrzej , Kosiński Sylweriusz
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Achieving the optimal survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest in mountains is challenging. The odds of surviving are influenced mainly by distance, response time, and organization of the emergency medical system. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in whom cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in the Polish Tatra Mountains.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data on sudden cardiac arrest collected from the database of the Tatra Mountain Rescue Service and local emergency medical system from 2001 to 2021.

Results

A total of 74 cases of sudden cardiac arrest were recorded. The mortality rate was 88% (65/74). Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 22 (30%) patients. A group of survivors was characterized by more frequent use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) (56% vs 14%, P=0.011), a shorter interval between cardiac arrest and emergency team arrival (12 vs 20 min, P=0.005), and a shorter time to initiation of advanced life support (ALS) (12 vs 22 min, P=0.004). All survivors had a shockable initial rhythm. The majority of survivors (8/9, 89%) had a good or moderate neurological outcome.

Conclusions

This study confirms poor survival rate after sudden cardiac arrest in the mountain area. The use of AED, shockable initial rhythm, and shorter time interval to emergency team arrival and ALS initiation are associated with better outcomes.
Interwar Symphonies and the Imagination
Authors: MacGregor Emily
Published: January 2023

The symphony has long been entangled with ideas of self and value. Though standard historical accounts suggest that composers' interest in the symphony was almost extinguished in the early 1930s, this book makes plain the genre's continued cultural dominance, and argues that the symphony can illuminate issues around space/geography, race, and postcolonialism in Germany, France, Mexico, and the United States. Focusing on a number of symphonies composed or premiered in 1933, this book recreates some of the cultural and political landscapes of an uncertain historical moment-a year when Hitler took power in Germany, and the Great Depression reached its peak in the United States. Interwar Symphonies and the Imagination asks what North American and European symphonies from the early 1930s can tell us about how people imagined selfhood during a period of international insecurity and political upheaval, of expansionist and colonial fantasies, scientised racism, and emergent fascism.
Seizure and Epilepsy Care
Authors: Landazuri Patrick , Lecumberri Nuria Lacuey , Vilella Bertran Laura , Farrenburg Mark , Lhatoo Samden
Published: January 2023

Epilepsy is a frequently encountered disease, affecting 1-2% of the population, but one that is often mistreated due to misunderstandings of specific diagnoses and treatments. This practical manual provides a succinct and clinically relevant reference of routine clinical epilepsy care. The book is designed around the four main aspects of an epilepsy patient's care: first seizure, inpatient epilepsy care, outpatient epilepsy care, and diagnostic modalities. These four aspects are carefully delineated to illustrate the key differences in best practice management. Rational use of EEG and imaging testing is thoroughly covered to guide improved utility of these results. Caring for the mental health of epilepsy patients is also covered, as this is pertinent at every stage and location of epilepsy patient care. An excellent resource for neurology trainees at the resident, fellow, and medical student level as well as advanced practice providers.
Spontaneous Speech
Authors: Tucker Benjamin V. , Mukai Yoichi
Published: January 2023

Phonetic research investigates how speakers and listeners use speech to convey messages. The speech produced to encode a particular message can vary wildly. Understanding and explaining the phonetic variability embodied in this example is one of the main motivations for this Element. Why and how do speakers produce this variability and how does it impact listeners? This Element focuses on spontaneous speech and its relationship with phonetic research. The authors discuss background and describe research investigating the variation that occurs when speakers and listeners are engaged in spontaneous, conversational speech. As a result, this Element explores aspects of spontaneous speech from the phonetic perspective using both production and perception areas of phonetics. This Element focuses on spontaneous speech and its relationship with phonetic research, exploring aspects of spontaneous speech from the phonetic perspective using both production and perception areas of phonetics.
Optimal Forest Management of Even-Aged Longleaf Pine Stands with Nontimber Benefits
Authors: Susaeta Andres
Published: January 2023

We present an optimal control model to simultaneously determine the optimal planting density, thinning schedules, harvest age, and revenues of an even-aged longleaf pine (Pinus palustrisMill) stand, an iconic species in the Southeastern United States. We assume that the forest stand is managed for timber production and carbon sequestration under different site indexes—a measurement of potential forest productivity. Our simulation results show that the optimal planting density tends to increase when longleaf pine is managed in medium and high site indexes. Furthermore, the optimal harvest age tends to be extended with payments for carbon sequestration.
History of the Giraffe Pipe locality inferred from microfossil remains: a thriving freshwater ecosystem near the Arctic Circle during the warm Eocene
Authors: Siver Peter A. , Lott Anne Marie
Published: January 2023

How will freshwater lakes in the Arctic respond to climate change, especially if polar amplification results in even greater warming at these northern latitudes? Deep time analogs offer opportunities to understand the potential effects of future climate warming on arctic environments. A core from the Giraffe Pipe fossil locality located in the Northwest Territories of Canada offers a window into the life of a thriving Arctic freshwater ecosystem in the Eocene during greenhouse conditions. The remains of an extensive deposit of microfossils, including photosynthetic protists (chrysophytes, diatoms, and green algae), heterotrophic protists (euglyphids, heliozoans, paraphysomonads, and rotosphaerids), and sponges, were used to reconstruct the history of the ancient waterbody. Concentrations and diversity of chrysophyte taxa were extensive throughout the core, accounting for >70% of the microfossil remains. The ratio of chrysophyte cysts to diatom valves, with a mean value near 14 throughout the core, further emphasized the dominance of the chrysophytes, and given the high diversity of taxa, the locality represents a “paleo-hotspot” for this eukaryote lineage. Based on the totality of fossil evidence, the waterbody within the Giraffe Pipe crater represented a series of relatively shallow aquatic habitats, with changing physical and chemical conditions, and varying water depths. Five major zones were identified, each found to be stable for an extended period of time, but with distinct transitions between successive zones signaling significant shifts in environmental conditions. The study provides valuable insight on how Arctic freshwater ecosystems responded to past warm climates, and to the organisms that could potentially thrive in these environments under future warming scenarios.
Caught between the Union Jack and the Nazi Swastika: African Protests over Ambiguous Status under British Imperialism and Potential Transfer to Nazi Colonialism
Authors: Kissi Edward
Published: January 2023

Resistance to colonial rule is a dominant topic in the historical study of Africa. But resistance to attempted transfer of colonised peoples and territories, to promote peace in Europe, has not gained similar attention in African and colonial historiographies. This article looks at how rumours and reports of Nazi Germany's colonial demands in Africa, and the ambiguous reactions of British officials to them, shaped conversations among colonised peoples about their dignity under British colonialism and in intra-European diplomacy. The article argues that the prospect of Nazi rule and its spectre of slave-labour concentration camps for Africa's Western-educated elites, and other colonial subjects, bound these segments of colonial society closer to British, and French, imperialism than they relished at an uncertain, but critical moment in African and international history. They became the defenders of colonial systems they deplored, and opponents of a ruthless regime they feared.
Outer Radiation Belt Flux and Phase Space Density Response to Sheath Regions: Van Allen Probes and GPS Observations
Authors: Kalliokoski Milla M. H. , Henderson Michael G. , Morley Steven K. , Kilpua Emilia K. J. , Osmane Adnane , Olifer Leonid , Turner Drew L. , Jaynes Allison N. , George Harriet , Hoilijoki Sanni , Turc Lucile , Palmroth Minna
Published: January 2023

Turbulent and compressed sheath regions preceding interplanetary coronal mass ejections strongly impact electron dynamics in the outer radiation belt. Changes in electron flux can occur on timescales of tens of minutes, which are unlikely to be captured by a two‐satellite mission. The recently released Global Positioning System (GPS) data set generally has shorter revisit times (atL∼ 4–8) owing to the large number of satellites in the constellation equipped with energetic particle detectors. Investigating electron fluxes at energies from 140 keV to 4 MeV and sheaths observed in 2012–2018, we show that the flux response to sheaths on a timescale of 6 hr, previously reported from Van Allen Probes (RBSP) data, is reproduced by GPS measurements. Furthermore, GPS data enables derivation of the response on a timescale of 30 min, which further confirms that the energy andL‐shell dependent changes in electron flux are associated with the impact of the sheath. Sheath‐driven loss is underestimated over longer timescales as the electrons recover during the ejecta. We additionally show the response of electron phase space density (PSD), which is a key quantity in identifying non‐adiabatic loss from the system and electron energization through wave‐particle interactions. The PSD response is calculated from both RBSP and GPS data for the 6 hr timescale, as well as from GPS data for the 30 min timescale. The response is divided based on the geoeffectiveness of the sheaths revealing that electrons are effectively accelerated only during geoeffective sheaths, while loss commonly occurs during all sheaths.
The Stability of Dense Oceanic Crust Near the Core‐Mantle Boundary
Authors: Panton James , Davies J. Huw , Myhill Robert
Published: January 2023

The large low‐shear‐velocity provinces (LLSVPs) are thought to be thermo‐chemical in nature, with recycled oceanic crust (OC) being a contender for the source of the chemical heterogeneity. The melting process which forms OC concentrates heat producing elements (HPEs) within it which, over time, may cause any collected piles of OC to destabilize, limiting their suitability to explain LLSVPs. Despite this, most geodynamic studies which include recycling of OC consider only homogeneous heating rates. We perform a suite of spherical, three‐dimensional mantle convection simulations to investigate how buoyancy number, geochemical model and heating model affects the ability of recycled OC to accumulate at the core‐mantle boundary. Our results agree with others that only a narrow range of buoyancy numbers allow OC to form piles in the lower mantle which remain stable to present day. We demonstrate that heterogeneous radiogenic heating causes piles to destabilize more readily, reducing present day CMB coverage from 63% to 47%. Consequently, the choice of geochemical model can influence pile formation. Geochemical models which lead to high internal heating rates can cause more rapid replenishment of piles, increasing their longevity. Where piles do remain to present day, first order comparisons suggest that old (hot) OC material can produce seismic characteristics, such as Vs anomalies, similar to those of LLSVPs. Given the range of current density estimates for lower mantle mineral phases, subducted OC remains a contender for the chemical component of thermo‐chemical LLSVPs.
Unconventional Surface Charging Within Deep Cavities on Airless Planetary Bodies: Particle‐In‐Cell Plasma Simulations
Authors: Nakazono J. , Miyake Y.
Published: January 2023

Surface charging properties of a nonconducting surface that has a deep cavity and is in contact with the solar wind plasma are investigated by means of the particle‐in‐cell plasma simulations. The modeled topography is an abstract representation of deep depressions found on the irregular surfaces of solid planetary bodies. The simulations have revealed unconventional charging features in that the cavity bottom is charged up to positive values even without any electron emission processes such as photoemission, provided that the surface location is accessible to a portion of incoming solar wind ions. The major driver of the positive charging is identified as drifting ions of the solar wind plasma, and an uncommon current ordering where ion currents exceed electron currents is established at the innermost part of the deep cavity. This also implies that the deep cavity bottom may have a positive potential of several hundred volts, which is similar in magnitude to the kinetic energy of an ion drift motion. The present study also clarifies the role of photoelectrons in developing the distinctive charging environment inside the cavity. The photoemitted electrons can no longer trigger positive charging at the cavity bottom, but rather exhibit the effect of relaxing positive potentials caused by the solar wind ions. The identified charging process, which is primarily due to the solar wind ions, is localized at the depths of the cavity and may be one possible scenario for generating intense electric fields inside the cavity.
Modeling the Greenland Ice Sheet's Committed Contribution to Sea Level During the 21st Century
Authors: Nias Isabel J. , Nowicki Sophie , Felikson Denis , Loomis Bryant
Published: January 2023

Mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet can be partitioned between surface mass balance and discharge due to ice dynamics through its marine‐terminating outlet glaciers. A perturbation to a glacier terminus (e.g., a calving event) results in both an instantaneous response in velocity and mass loss and a diffusive response due to the evolution of ice thickness over time. This diffusive response means the total impact of a retreat event can take decades to be fully realized. Here we model the committed response of the Greenland Ice Sheet by applying perturbations to the marine‐terminating glacier termini that represent recent observed changes, and simulating the response over the 21st century, while holding the climate forcing constant. The sensitivity of the ice sheet response to model parameter uncertainty is explored within an ensemble framework, and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment data is used to constrain the results using a Bayesian calibration approach. We find that the Greenland Ice Sheet's committed contribution to 21st century sea level rise is at least 33.5 [17.5 52.4] mm (25th and 75th percentiles in brackets), with at least 6 mm being attributable directly to terminus retreat that occurred between 2007 and 2015. The spread in our projections is driven by uncertainty in the basal friction coefficient. Our results complement the ISMIP6 Greenland projections, which report the ice sheet response to future forcing, excluding the background response. In this way, we can obtain estimates of Greenland's total contribution to sea level rise in 2100.
The Rise of Gaming-Based Virtual Field Trips
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2023

Geologists are harnessing a game engine to build environments for teaching and learning.
Scientists Improve Hurricane Resilience in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Fl�rez Santiago
Published: January 2023

Scientists are using acoustic sensors to collect data and improve hurricane preparedness and coastal resilience in the archipelago of San Andr�s.
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor deficiency exacerbates autoimmune hepatitis by inducing intestinal dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction
Authors: Lin Hongwei , Lin Jing , Pan Tongtong , Li Ting , Jiang Huimian , Fang Yan , Wang Yuxin , Wu Faling , Huang Jia , Zhang Huadong , Chen Dazhi , Chen Yongping
Published: January 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease with unclear pathogenesis. The gut microbiota and intestinal barrier play an essential role in AIH. Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is a central component of mucosal immunity. Herein, we aimed to test the hypothesis that pIgR plays a pivotal role in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis and gut barrier integrity in an AIH mouse model. The expression of intestinal pIgR shows the variation tendency of falling after rising with the aggravation of experimental AIH (EAH). The deletion of Pigr exacerbates liver damage in EAH. Furthermore, we identified a distinct microbiota profile of Pigr-deficient EAH mice, with a significant increased aboundance in the Oscillospiraceae family, particularly the Anaeromassilibacillus genus. Such a situation occurs because the loss of Pigr inhibits MEK/ERK, a key signal pathway whereby pIgR transports immunoglobulin A (IgA), resulting in reduced IgA secretion, which leads to the destruction of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins and intestinal flora disturbance. Increased intestinal leakage causes increased translocation of bacteria to the liver, thus aggravating liver inflammation in EAH. Treatment with the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant reverses liver damage in EAH mice but loses its protective effect without pIgR. Our study identifies that intestinal pIgR is a critical regulator of the adaptive response to S100-induced alterations in gut flora and the gut barrier function, which closely correlates with liver injury. Intestinal upregulation of pIgR could be a novel approach for treating AIH.
NF-YAl drives EMT in Claudinlow tumours
Authors: Londero Michela , Gallo Alberto , Cattaneo Camilla , Ghilardi Anna , Ronzio Mirko , Del Giacco Luca , Mantovani Roberto , Dolfini Diletta
Published: January 2023

NF-Y is a trimeric transcription factor whose binding site -the CCAAT box- is enriched in cancer-promoting genes. The regulatory subunit, the sequence-specificity conferring NF-YA, comes in two major isoforms, NF-YA long (NF-YAl) and short (NF-YAs). Extensive expression analysis in epithelial cancers determined two features: widespread overexpression and changes in NF-YAl/NF-YAs ratios (NF-YAr) in tumours with EMT features. We performed wet and in silico experiments to explore the role of the isoforms in breast -BRCA- and gastric -STAD- cancers. We generated clones of two Claudinlow BRCA lines SUM159PT and BT549 ablated of exon-3, thus shifting expression from NF-YAl to NF-YAs. Edited clones show normal growth but reduced migratory capacities in vitro and ability to metastatize in vivo. Using TCGA, including upon deconvolution of scRNA-seq data, we formalize the clinical importance of high NF-YAr, associated to EMT genes and cell populations. We derive a novel, prognostic 158 genes signature common to BRCA and STAD Claudinlow tumours. Finally, we identify splicing factors associated to high NF-YAr, validating RBFOX2 as promoting expression of NF-YAl. These data bring three relevant results: (i) the definition and clinical implications of NF-YAr and the 158 genes signature in Claudinlow tumours; (ii) genetic evidence of 28 amino acids in NF-YAl with EMT-promoting capacity; (iii) the definition of selected splicing factors associated to NF-YA isoforms.
Schwann cell-derived exosomes containing MFG-E8 modify macrophage/microglial polarization for attenuating inflammation via the SOCS3/STAT3 pathway after spinal cord injury
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhu Bin , Gu Guangjin , Zhang Wencan , Li Junjin , Wang Hongda , Wang Min , Song Xiaomeng , Wei Zhijian , Feng Shiqing
Published: January 2023

Macrophage/microglia polarization acts as an important part in regulating inflammatory responses in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the regulation of inflammation of Schwann cell-derived exosomes (SCDEs) for SCI repair is still unclear. Therefore, we intend to find out the effect of SCDEs on regulating the inflammation related to macrophage polarization during the recovery of SCI. Firstly, the thesis demonstrated that SCDEs could attenuate the LPS- inflammation in BMDMs by suppressing M1 polarization and stimulating M2 polarization. Similarly, SCDEs improved functional recovery of female Wistar rats of the SCI contusion model according to BBB (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan) score, electrophysiological assay, and the gait analysis system of CatWalk XT. Moreover, MFG-E8 was verified as the main component of SCDEs to improve the inflammatory response by proteomic sequencing and lentiviral transfection. Improvement of the inflammatory microenvironment also inhibited neuronal apoptosis. The knockout of MFG-E8 in SCs can reverse the anti-inflammatory effects of SCDEs treatment. The SOCS3/STAT3 signaling pathway was identified to participate in upregulating M2 polarization induced by MFG-E8. In conclusion, our findings will enrich the mechanism of SCDEs in repairing SCI and provide potential applications and new insights for the clinical translation of SCDEs treatment for SCI.
The potential role of m6A reader YTHDF1 as diagnostic biomarker and the signaling pathways in tumorigenesis and metastasis in pan-cancer
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Li Jing , Yang Hang , Yang Xinyi , Zhang Ya , Yu Xinchao , Li Ying , Chen Gangxian , Yang Zuozhang
Published: January 2023

m6A is an important RNA methylation in progression of various human cancers. As the m6A reader protein, YTHDF1 is reported to accelerate m6A-modified mRNAs translation in cytoplasm. It is highly expressed in various human cancers and contributes to the progression and metastasis of cancers. YTHDF1 was closely associated with poor prognosis and also used as a molecular marker for clinical diagnosis or therapy in human cancers. It has been reported to promote chemoresistance to Adriamycin, Cisplatin and Olaparib by increasing mRNA stability of its target molecule. Moreover, it contributes to CSC-like characteristic of tumor cells and inducing the antitumor immune microenvironment. Here, we reviewed the clinical diagnostic and prognostic values of YTHDF1, as well as the molecular mechanisms of YTHDF1 in progression and metastasis of human cancers.
Tailoring polymer electrolyte ionic conductivity for production of low- temperature operating quasi-all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Li Zhuo , Yu Rui , Weng Suting , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Xuefeng , Guo Xin
Published: January 2023

The stable operation of lithium-based batteries at low temperatures is critical for applications in cold climates. However, low-temperature operations are plagued by insufficient dynamics in the bulk of the electrolyte and at electrode|electrolyte interfaces. Here, we report a quasi-solid-state polymer electrolyte with an ionic conductivity of 2.2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at −20 °C. The electrolyte is prepared via in situ polymerization using a 1,3,5-trioxane-based precursor. The polymer-based electrolyte enables a dual-layered solid electrolyte interphase formation on the Li metal electrode and stabilizes the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2-based positive electrode, thus improving interfacial charge-transfer at low temperatures. Consequently, the growth of dendrites at the lithium metal electrode is hindered, thus enabling stable Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 coin and pouch cell operation even at −30 °C. In particular, we report a Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 coin cell cycled at −20 °C and 20 mA g−1 capable of retaining more than 75% (i.e., around 151 mAh g−1) of its first discharge capacity cycle at 30 °C and same specific current.
Resonators with tailored optical path by cascaded-mode conversions
Authors: Ginis Vincent , Benea-Chelmus Ileana-Cristina , Lu Jinsheng , Piccardo Marco , Capasso Federico
Published: January 2023

Optical resonators enable the generation, manipulation, and storage of electromagnetic waves. The physics underlying their operation is determined by the interference of electromagnetic waves, giving rise to the resonance spectrum. This mechanism causes the limitations and trade-offs of resonator design, such as the fixed relationship between free spectral range, modal linewidth, and the resonator’s refractive index and size. Here, we introduce a new class of optical resonators, generating resonances by designing the optical path through transverse mode coupling in a cascaded process created by mode-converting mirrors. The generalized round-trip phase condition leads to resonator characteristics that are markedly different from Fabry-Perot resonators and can be tailored over a wide range. We confirm the existence of these modes experimentally in an integrated waveguide cavity with mode converters coupling transverse modes into one supermode. We also demonstrate a transverse mode-independent transmission and show that its engineered spectral properties agree with theoretical predictions.
The classical pathway triggers pathogenic complement activation in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Seifert Larissa , Zahner Gunther , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Hickstein Naemi , Dehde Silke , Wulf Sonia , Köllner Sarah M. S. , Lucas Renke , Kylies Dominik , Froembling Sarah , Zielinski Stephanie , Kretz Oliver , Borodovsky Anna , Biniaminov Sergey , Wang Yanyan , Cheng Hong , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Zipfel Peter F. , Hopfer Helmut , Puelles Victor G. , Panzer Ulf , Huber Tobias B. , Wiech Thorsten , Tomas Nicola M.
Published: January 2023

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by glomerular immune complexes containing complement components. However, both the initiation pathways and the pathogenic significance of complement activation in MN are poorly understood. Here, we show that components from all three complement pathways (alternative, classical and lectin) are found in renal biopsies from patients with MN. Proximity ligation assays to directly visualize complement assembly in the tissue reveal dominant activation via the classical pathway, with a close correlation to the degree of glomerular C1q-binding IgG subclasses. In an antigen-specific autoimmune mouse model of MN, glomerular damage and proteinuria are reduced in complement-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermates. Severe disease with progressive ascites, accompanied by extensive loss of the integral podocyte slit diaphragm proteins, nephrin and neph1, only occur in wild-type animals. Finally, targeted silencing of C3 using RNA interference after the onset of proteinuria significantly attenuates disease. Our study shows that, in MN, complement is primarily activated via the classical pathway and targeting complement components such as C3 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
Subcellular analysis of blood-brain barrier function by micro-impalement of vessels in acute brain slices
Authors: Hanafy Amira Sayed , Steinlein Pia , Pitsch Julika , Silva Mariella Hurtado , Vana Natascha , Becker Albert J. , Graham Mark Evan , Schoch Susanne , Lamprecht Alf , Dietrich Dirk
Published: January 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a tightly and actively regulated vascular barrier. Answering fundamental biological and translational questions about the BBB with currently available approaches is hampered by a trade-off between accessibility and biological validity. We report an approach combining micropipette-based local perfusion of capillaries in acute brain slices with multiphoton microscopy. Micro-perfusion offers control over the luminal solution and allows application of molecules and drug delivery systems, whereas the bath solution defines the extracellular milieu in the brain parenchyma. Here we show, that this combination allows monitoring of BBB transport at the cellular level, visualization of BBB permeation of cells and molecules in real-time and resolves subcellular details of the neurovascular unit. In combination with electrophysiology, it permits comparison of drug effects on neuronal activity following luminal versus parenchymal application. We further apply micro-perfusion to the human and mouse BBB of epileptic hippocampi highlighting its utility for translational research and analysis of therapeutic strategies.