bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser Interfaced Mass Spectrometry of the Sunscreen Molecule Octocrylene Demonstrates that Protonation Does Not Impact Photostability
Authors: Anstöter Cate S. , Wong Natalie G. K. , Selwe Kgato P. , Dessent Caroline E. H.
Published: August 2023

Octocrylene (OCR) is a widely used organic sunscreen molecules, and is a dominant component of many sunscreen formulations. Here, we perform the first measurements on the protonated form of OCR, i. e. [OCR+H]+, to probe whether protonation affects the molecule's photostability. The novel photochemical technique of UV laser‐interfaced mass spectrometry is employed from 400–216 nm, revealing that the electronic absorption spectrum of OCR across the S1 and S2 states red shift by 40 nm upon protonation. Our measurements reveal that [OCR+H]+ predominantly undergoes photofragmentation into the m/z 250 and 232 ionic products, associated with loss of its bulky alkyl side chain, and subsequent loss of water, respectively. We compare the photochemical fragmentation results with higher‐energy collisional dissociation results to investigate the nature of the photodynamics that occur following UV absorption. The excited state decay pathways over the S1 and S2 excited states of [OCR+H]+ are associated with statistical fragmentation in line with dominant ultrafast decay. This behaviour mirrors that of neutral OCR, demonstrating that protonation does not affect the ultrafast decay pathways of this sunscreen molecule. We discuss our results in the context of the known breakdown of OCR into benzophenone, identifying a potential photoactivated pathway to benzophenone formation in solution.
Differentiation and Subculturing of Renal Proximal Tubular‐like Cells Derived from Human iPSC
Authors: Meijer Tamara , Naderlinger Elisabeth , Jennings Paul , Wilmes Anja
Published: August 2023

Recently, we have developed a protocol to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into proximal tubular‐like cells (PTL) (Chandrasekaran et al., 2021). These cells express proximal tubular‐specific markers, including megalin, and form a polarized monolayer expressing tight junction proteins, including ZO‐3 and occludin. Furthermore, PTL display functional properties, including megalin‐facilitated endocytosis, P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) efflux, and respond to parathyroid hormone. Here, we report step‐by‐step protocols to culture iPSC prior to differentiation (Basic Protocol 1), to differentiate PTL from iPSC (Basic Protocol 2), and to passage and freeze‐thaw PTL (Basic Protocol 3). Additionally, we provide a protocol (Basic Protocol 4) to culture PTL on microporous growth supports (transwells). Immunofluorescence stainings for characteristic markers, including megalin, are shown for unpassaged (Basic Protocol 2) and passaged (Basic Protocol 3) PTL. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: iPSC culture

Basic Protocol 2: iPSC‐derived PTL differentiation

Basic Protocol 3: PTL passaging, culturing, and freezing

Basic Protocol 4: PTL culturing on transwells

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of Geltrex‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of RPTEC/TERT1 or fHDF/TERT166‐ECM‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of human collagen IV‐coated cell culture plates

Support Protocol 4: Immunofluorescence staining
First‐Principles Study on X (Co, In, Ni, Pd, Ge, Ca) Doping on the Structural Stability and Mechanical Properties of AlCu.
Authors: Yang S.N. , Liu M.M. , Gan G.Y. , Zhou X.L.
Published: August 2023

The stability, mechanical property, electronic structure, and Debye temperature of Al‐Cu‐X ternary compounds formed by X (Co, In, Ni, Pd, Ge, Ca) doped AlCu are systematically studied by first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The cohesive energy and formation enthalpy results of Al‐Cu‐X show that the structure is thermodynamically stable, which are consistent with the data previously reported. Elastic modulus results that are estimated by Voigt‐Reuss‐Hill approximation. It shows that Co, Ni, and Pd increase the bulk modulus of AlCu, while In, Ge, and Ca decrease the bulk modulus of AlCu. Co, In, Ni, Pd, Ge, and Ca decrease the shear modulus and Young's modulus of AlCu. In addition, the anisotropy of Al‐Cu‐X is studied by different anisotropy indexes and Young's modulus spatial distribution figure. The electronic structures of Al‐Cu‐X ternary compounds are calculated and analyzed. It shows that the Co, In, Ni, and Pd elements are mainly hybridized with the Cu‐d orbital, while Ge and Ca are hybridized with the Al‐p orbital. Moreover, the sound velocity and Debye temperature of Al‐Cu‐X are discussed.
Conservation of crop wild relative diversity in Northeast Africa: Checklist and prioritization
Authors: Aldow Ahmed , Brehm Joana Magos , Kordofani Maha , Abdoul‐latif Fatouma , Maxted Nigel
Published: August 2023

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an important source of genetic diversity useful for crop improvement. This study was conducted to create both a checklist and a priority inventory of CWR in Northeast Africa. A partial CWR regional checklist was obtained by combining the floras of Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan for priority crop genera. It includes 1020 taxa belonging to 39 families and 130 genera, and about 80% of these taxa are native. The families with the highest number of CWR were the Poaceae (334) and Fabaceae (202). The checklist was then prioritized based on the social and economic value of the related crops using the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database and the potential use of CWR for crop improvement using the crop gene pool or taxon group concepts. These criteria were applied to the checklist via a serial method to generate a prioritized inventory of 97 CWR taxa belonging to 19 families and 44 genera. Forty‐three percent of these taxa occur in more than two countries and additionally 32% in Eritrea and Ethiopia, 18% in Sudan and South Sudan, and 7% in Somalia. For crop improvement, 20% of the taxa have confirmed uses, 23% have recorded potential uses, and 28% have both confirmed and potential uses. This prioritized list includes important CWR taxa related to regionally important food crops such as sorghum and teff, as well as providing a foundation for further conservation studies by conservationists and breeders in this region and worldwide.
The role of CSR in sustaining corporate brands in the global market: The perspective of telecommunication companies in Ghana
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Amoasi Richard
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention. Companies now utilize CSR to strengthen their relationships with stakeholders and gain a competitive advantage. While CSR is more widely embraced in developed countries, developing markets like Ghana often overlook its potential benefits. This study examines the direct impact of CSR elements on brand sustainability. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between brand sustainability and CSR. Data was collected from three hundred and fifty (350) questionnaires distributed to employees of Ghana's three most widely used telecommunications networks. The measurement model and hypothesis testing were evaluated using structured equation modeling PLS. The research findings indicate that CSR initiatives have positive and significant effects on the sustainability of social, environmental, and brand systems. Specifically, the economic dimension exhibited a negative correlation with brand sustainability in the MTN network, while the social dimension showed a positive relationship with each telecommunications network separately. The study concludes that absorptive capacity positively influences brand sustainability across all networks. Furthermore, the findings suggest that absorptive capacity beneficially modifies the environmental component of CSR and brand sustainability. Based on the study, it is recommended that service managers make concerted efforts to enhance customers' perception of the company's social concerns through various CSR initiatives.
Beyond profits: The linkages between local embeddedness, social legitimacy, and corporate philanthropy in the mining industry
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong
Published: August 2023

Despite the growing body of research on corporate philanthropy, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how local embeddedness impacts the philanthropic activities of firms. Our study addresses this gap in the philanthropy literature by proposing and testing a model that elucidates this mechanism. Drawing on data from 166 firms operating in the mining industry, our findings indicate that local embeddedness has a positive effect on a firm's social legitimacy. However, we also discovered that this relationship is amplified when there is greater legal inefficiency. Additionally, our results demonstrate that a firm's social legitimacy serves as a mediator in the relationship between local embeddedness and corporate philanthropy. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
Characterization of the lysergic acid diethylamide analog, 1‐(thiophene‐2‐carbonyl)‐N,N‐diethyllysergamide (1T‐LSD) from a blotter product
Authors: Tanaka Rie , Kawamura Maiko , Mizutani Sakumi , Kikura‐Hanajiri Ruri
Published: August 2023

Recently, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogs have appeared worldwide as designer drugs. In this study, we identified a distributed LSD analog from a paper‐sheet product. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), liquid chromatography–photodiode array–mass spectrometry (LC‐PDA‐MS), and liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) were used to analyze the sheet product. The sheet product claimed to contain 1‐(1,2‐dimethylcyclobutanoyl)‐N,N‐diethyllysergamide (1D‐LSD). However, an unknown compound was detected in the product together with tryptamine and L‐tryptophan methyl ester. This compound was isolated from the sheets and identified as 1‐(thiophene‐2‐carbonyl)‐N,N‐diethyl‐6‐methyl‐9,10‐didehydroergoline‐8β‐carboxamide (1‐thiophenoyl LSD; 1‐(2‐thienoyl)‐LSD, 1T‐LSD), using 1H, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and various two‐dimensional NMR techniques. 1T‐LSD was shown to have the thiophene‐2‐carbonyl group at the N1 position instead of the 1,2‐dimethylcyclobutane‐carbonyl group as claimed. The amount of 1T‐LSD (free base) in three individual unit from one sheet was determined to be 87–100 μg per unit using a proton‐specific quantitative NMR (1H‐qNMR) method. Deacylation of 1T‐LSD to LSD was also observed to occur in methanol‐d4 during NMR analysis. The UV spectrum of 1T‐LSD differed from that of other LSD analogs, and the fluorescence sensitivity was much lower. Because of concerns about the future distribution of products containing new LSD analogs, continued monitoring of newly detected compounds in sheet products is encouraged.
Egg predators improve the hatching success of salamander eggs
Authors: Takahashi Mizuki K. , Ruszala Dominique
Published: August 2023

A common challenge that oviparous animals face is securing survivorship during the vulnerable embryonic stage. One of the parental investment strategies to improve survivorship is providing physical structures to protect the embryos. In amphibians, there is a notable diversity in jelly‐layer structures surrounding eggs. Previous studies show that these jelly layers provide eggs with protection against egg predators, egg pathogens, and desiccation. However, few studies examined the cost–benefit relationship of the jelly‐layer structures. By using the predator–prey interaction between wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) tadpoles and spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) eggs as a model system, we tested three hypotheses: (1) having the outer jelly layers would be costly to the embryos, (2) the relative benefit of the structural egg defense would become apparent and increase as the intensity of egg predation increases, and (3) a certain degree of predation would increase the hatching success of salamander embryos by mechanically thinning the thick outer jelly layers and increasing oxygen diffusion throughout an egg mass. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a factorial experiment in which we crossed four egg‐predation levels with two jelly‐layer conditions, intact or removed. We found that the jelly layers were essential in protecting spotted salamander embryos from wood frog tadpoles but that the associated cost was apparent in no‐predation treatments. The differential survivorship between intact eggs and eggs without jelly layers showed that the fitness advantage of jelly layers increased as the level of predation increased. Finally, the hatching success of intact egg masses was highest under the high predation conditions. These results imply that the evolution of the jelly‐layer thickness occurred under constant egg‐predation pressure. Given this predator–prey coevolution, egg predators may play a critical role in improving the hatching success of salamander embryos under certain conditions.
Development of capacitive seating analysis sensor using conductive textile for the evaluation of seating motion
Authors: Kurosaki Hirofumi , Shirahata Hiromu , Kawahara Junya , Kondo Yasuhito , Kondo Ken , Lee Bumsuk , Odagaki Masato
Published: August 2023

In this study, we developed a capacitive seating analysis sensor using a conductive textile for evaluating a Seating Motion. Physical burden on caregivers is a common problem at nursing care sites. Developing long‐term caregiving skills can help reduce the physical burden on amateur caregivers. Several quantitative evaluation studies have focused on the skills of caregivers. However, such evaluation is highly expensive and require huge area because it involves the use of motion capture systems with several 3D cameras for dynamic motion analysis. In our previous study, we developed a conductive textile sensor for measuring the seating position of a care recipient in a wheelchair. The sensor could measure either seating body pressure or distance between the buttocks and the seat. The system can measure the care recipient's motion without requiring any motion capture system. We recommend using the sensor to evaluate the skills of caregivers; the sensor output can be used to determine the seating speed of the care recipient on the chair. Herein, we report the validity of the measurement system comprising a conductive textile–based capacitive seating analysis sensor for evaluating seating in nursing care.
VIMT of non‐minimum phase system by using initial control signal
Authors: Suzuki Motoya
Published: August 2023

In this paper, input‐oriented virtual internal model tuning (VIMT) is expanded to non‐minimum phase systems. Proposed method can tune the feedback controller and the desired transfer function. Compared to Fictitious Reference Iterative Tuning (FRIT), the proposed method can realize good controllers even when the time constant of the desired transfer function is small. The validity of the proposed method is verified via numerical simulation.
Serum uric acid to high‐density lipoprotein ratio as a novel indicator of inflammation is correlated with the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome: A large‐scale study
Authors: Kolahi Ahari Rana , Mansoori Amin , Sahranavard Toktam , Miri Monireh Sadat , Feizi Sara , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: August 2023

Introduction

We investigated the association of serum uric acid to high‐density lipoprotein ratio (UHR) with the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among MASHAD cohort participants.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, the cohort participants were divided into MetS (+) and MetS (−) groups. MetS (+) were classified into Group 1 (those with 3 MetS criteria), Group 2 (those with 4 MetS criteria) and Group 3 (those with 5 MetS criteria). UHR was compared among the groups.

Results

Data related to 9637 subjects including 3824 MetS (+) and 5813 MetS (−) were analysed. The mean UHR was significantly higher (p < .001) in the MetS (+) group compared with the MetS (−) group. UHR increased as the MetS severity increased (p < .001). ROC analysis revealed that UHR greater than 9.5% has 89.07% sensitivity and 77.03% specificity in differentiating MetS (−) from MetS (+) subjects.

Conclusion

Among MASHAD cohort study participants, a significant association between UHR and MetS was found. Furthermore, there is an increase in UHR as the severity of MetS increases. Registration number of MASHAD cohort study: 85134.
Air‐Induced Hydroxyphosphorylation of α‐Trifluoromethyl Styrenes with H‐Phosphonates and H‐Phosphine Oxides
Authors: He Jingjing , Sun Zhudi , Deng Yupian , Liu Ying , Zheng Pai , Zhang Xuxue , Cao Song
Published: August 2023

Efficient synthesis of β‐hydroxy‐β‐CF3‐phosphonates and β‐hydroxy‐β‐CF3‐phosphine oxides by Mn‐mediated or transition‐metal‐free hydroxyphosphorylation of α‐trifluoromethy)styrenes with H‐phosphonates or H‐phosphine oxides with the assistance of air, respectively, was described.
Annulation via Ring Opening/Cyclization of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclobutanes with 2‐Naphthols: Access to Highly Functionalized Naphthalene‐Fused Oxepines
Authors: Wen Yongshun , Liu Meizhen , Chen Zuliang , Wei Yingjing
Published: August 2023

A mild and straightforward access to various substituted naphthalene‐fused oxepines from readily available Donor‐Acceptor (D‐A) cyclobutanes is reported. This method involves the Lewis acid‐catalyzed reactions of D‐A cyclobutanes with 2‐naphthols to afford ring‐opened products, which can undergo intramolecular cyclization mediated by the NBS‐base system to yield corresponding naphthalene‐fused oxepines. The cyclization protocol involves a nucleophilic attack of the oxygen of 2‐naphthol on the newly formed electrophilic acceptor end of D‐A cyclobutane.
Capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and Foodomics: Advances and applications in the period March 2021 to March 2023
Authors: Domínguez‐Rodríguez Gloria , Montero Lidia , Herrero Miguel , Cifuentes Alejandro , Castro‐Puyana María
Published: August 2023

This work presents a revision of the main applications of capillary electromigration (CE) methods in food analysis and Foodomics. Papers that were published during the period March 2021 to March 2023 are included. The work shows the multiple CE methods that have been developed and applied to analyze different types of molecules in foods and beverages. Namely, CE methods have been applied to analyze amino acids, biogenic amines, heterocyclic amines, peptides, proteins, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, DNAs, contaminants, toxins, pesticides, additives, residues, small organic and inorganic compounds, and other minor compounds. In addition, new CE procedures to perform chiral separation and for evaluating the effects of food processing as well as the last developments of microchip CE and new applications in Foodomics will be also discussed. The new procedures of CE to investigate food quality and safety, nutritional value, storage, and bioactivity are also included in the present review work.
Meta‐omics assisted microbial gene and strain resources mining in contaminant environment
Authors: Huang Yiqun , Hu Haiyang , Zhang Tingting , Wang Weiwei , Liu Wenzhao , Tang Hongzhi
Published: August 2023

Human activities have led to the release of various environmental pollutants, triggering ecological challenges. In situ, microbial communities in these contaminated environments are usually assumed to possess the potential capacity of pollutant degradation. However, the majority of genes and microorganisms in these environments remain uncharacterized and uncultured. The advent of meta‐omics provided culture‐independent solutions for exploring the functional genes and microorganisms within complex microbial communities. In this review, we highlight the applications and methodologies of meta‐omics in uncovering of genes and microbes from contaminated environments. These findings may assist in future bioremediation research.
Learn when a school official's personal observations are considered education records
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: August 2023

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act generally prohibits a college or university from disclosing personally identifiable information in a student's education record to a third party without consent. However, in an April 2023 guidance document, the Student Privacy Policy Office explained that “information that a school official obtains through personal knowledge or observation . . . is generally not protected by FERPA's limitations on the disclosure of education records, even if that information is also contained in an education record.” (Student Privacy Policy Office,
Guidance for School Officials on Student Health Records (April 12, 2023)
An experience in the implementation of the flipped classroom instructional model in the computer science degree
Authors: Aldalur Iñigo , Markiegi Urtzi , Iturbe Mikel , Roman Ibai , Illarramendi Miren
Published: August 2023

In recent years, education has undergone a profound transformation process, having gone from relying only on the traditional lecture to making full use of digital formats. This gradual process, accelerated by the COVID‐19 pandemic in the last years, has triggered innovative changes in the educational process. Within this context, many lecturers have adopted the flipped classroom instructional model, aiming to improve the motivation and involvement of the students. In this model, students must acquire certain theoretical knowledge at home, and the classes, with the help of the lecturer, are used for the more practical part. This article presents the results obtained when the flipped classroom model was implemented in the computer science degree. Specifically, during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 courses, this instructional model was assessed in 15 subjects. Results show that the flipped classroom instructional model can be stated that it has improved the students' perception of the learning experience, students' dedication and engagement has been improved, students' perception of their understanding of the subject has improved. The faculty considers that the teaching experience has improved and is in favor of continuing with the experience in future courses.
Characterization of an active landslide structure with integrated electrical resistivity tomography and multi‐channel analysis of surface waves methods in Değirmendere district, Sakarya (Türkiye)
Authors: Karaaslan Hasan , Silahtar Ali , Ramazanoglu Sefik
Published: August 2023

Landslides following the development of slope instability can have serious consequences. Geophysical surveys have potential to aid in the understanding of landslides and their instability. This study described a landslide that occurred under particular geomorphological and meteorological conditions in Erenler (Sakarya, NW Türkiye) using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and multi‐channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) surveys and mechanical drillings. Data showed that the landslide is characterized by downslope movement of an altered clay unit over a claystone unit. The traditional landslide model used to interpret geoelectric data involves sliding of a relatively low‐resistivity material over higher resistivity bedrock. Here, the ERT survey showed a relatively high‐resistivity sliding material moving over relatively low‐resistivity bedrock units corresponding to the claystone unit. The relatively lower resistivity of the whole study area was related to the clay‐rich materials detected in the boreholes. This low‐resistivity unit was detected at high velocity in the MASW section, and it was understood that this layer was a compact structure acting like bedrock. The detected slip surfaces, landslide scars and slip surface toe indicate that the movement character of the landslide is retrogressive. The study results showed that the integrated and comparative use of different geophysical methods effectively reduces interpretation uncertainties and potential errors and leads to much better landslide characterization.
Enhanced energy density of quasi‐solid‐state supercapacitor based on activated carbon electrode derived from honeycomb and gel polymer electrolyte with redox‐additive methylene blue
Authors: Singh Manoj K. , Sharma Atul Kumar , Chaurasia Sujeet Kumar
Published: August 2023

Incorporation of redox nature at the electrode‐electrolyte interface is of the current research approach for enhancing the specific capacity as well the energy density of the carbon supercapacitor. In the present studies, symmetric carbon supercapacitor cells are fabricated by using gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with and without addition of redox‐additive (MB) and activated carbon (AC) extracted from natural bio‐waste honeycomb (HCAC). The redox‐additive polymeric electrolyte offers high room temperature ionic conductivity (σRT ~ 2.3 × 10−3 S cm−1) and electrochemical stability window of ~1.4 V on the addition of 0.1 g of MB. The HC‐based activated carbon (HCAC) offers high surface area ~ 586 m2 g−1 and dominant meso‐porosity. The performance optimization of the supercapacitor cells are examined by using cyclic voltammetry, charge‐discharge (CD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The supercapacitor with redox‐additive GPE shows the electric double layer features along with faradaic reaction at the electrode‐electrolyte interface, which offers high capacitance ~114 F g−1 and specific energy ~7.76 Wh kg−1 at a power density 0.49 kW kg−1, which is almost ~2.5 times higher than the supercapacitor cell without redox‐additive GPE. Furthermore, the supercapacitor cell with 0.1 g MB redox‐additive based electrolyte shows almost stable capacitance up to 10 000 CD cycles with ~36% initial fading.
Adapting Neutralizing Antibodies to Viral Variants by Structure‐Guided Affinity Maturation Using Phage Display Technology
Authors: Peissert Frederik , Pedotti Mattia , Corbellari Riccardo , Simonelli Luca , De Gasparo Raoul , Tamagnini Elia , Plüss Louis , Elsayed Abdullah , Matasci Mattia , De Luca Roberto , Cassaniti Irene , Sammartino Jose’ Camilla , Piralla Antonio , Baldanti Fausto , Neri Dario , Varani Luca
Published: August 2023

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have achieved great efficacy and safety for the treatment of numerous infectious diseases. However, their neutralization potency is often rapidly lost when the target antigen mutates. Instead of isolating new antibodies each time a pathogen variant arises, it can be attractive to adapt existing antibodies, making them active against the new variant. Potential benefits of this approach include reduced development time, cost, and regulatory burden. Here a methodology is described to rapidly evolve neutralizing antibodies of proven activity, improving their function against new pathogen variants without losing efficacy against previous ones. The reported procedure is based on structure‐guided affinity maturation using combinatorial mutagenesis and phage display technology. Its use against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is demonstrated, but it is suitable for any other pathogen. As proof of concept, the method is applied to CoV‐X2, a human bispecific antibody that binds with high affinity to the early SARS‐CoV‐2 variants but lost neutralization potency against Delta. Antibodies emerging from the affinity maturation selection exhibit significantly improved neutralization potency against Delta and no loss of efficacy against the other viral sequences tested. These results illustrate the potential application of structure‐guided affinity maturation in facilitating the rapid adaptation of neutralizing antibodies to pathogen variants.
Density structure of the upper and middle crust in the northeast Dabie Orogen revealed by terrestrial gravity surveys
Authors: Xu Rugang , Wu Guiju , Wang Gang , Fu Guangyu , Yu Fei , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Li
Published: August 2023

Moderate to strong earthquakes have occurred frequently in the northeast Dabie Orogen recently. From 2014 to 2017, the Guanmiao Earthquake Swarm (GES), with a maximum earthquake magnitude of M3.9, and the Quanjun Earthquake Swarm (QES), with a maximum earthquake magnitude of M3.7, occurred successively in the area near southeast Jinzhai County, where two main Mesozoic E–W‐striking boundary faults, including the Xiaotian–Mozitan and Xinyang–Shucheng faults, are cut by the Cenozoic NNE‐/NE‐trending dextral strike‐slip faulting system. These earthquake swarms occurred within areas of human activities and have the potential to cause more violent geological hazards. However, the tectonic geneses of the earthquake swarms are still unknown due to a lack of sufficient geophysical evidence. Based on terrestrial high‐resolution Bouguer gravity anomaly data, the density structure of the northeast Dabie Mountains is inverted using a 3D linear gravity inversion method. As a result, the occurrence and cutting depth of the reactivated faults near the earthquake swarms are defined, suggesting that the Shangloufang–Xialoufang Fault (F11) may be the seismogenic fault of the GES. The genesis of the QES is possibly associated with the fault termination of the Yingshan–Quanjun strike‐slip fault (F10). More broadly, F10 is one of the major synthetic faults of the NNE‐/NE‐trending dextral strike‐slip faulting system between the Tanlu and Shangcheng–Macheng (F2) faults, which bound the East Dabie Block together. The synthetic and antithetic faults fully cover the Beihuaiyang belt and North Dabie unit topography. These intraplate strike‐slip faults formed to accommodate vertical and lateral movements of the Dabie Mountains, driven by the oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate, were likely responsible for generating earthquakes in both Huoshan and Jinzhai.
Association between gene expression and functional‐metabolic architecture in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zang Zhenxiang , Zhang Xiaolong , Song Tianbin , Li Jiping , Nie Binbin , Mei Shanshan , Hu Zhi'an , Zhang Yuqing , Lu Jie
Published: August 2023

Gene expression plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). How gene expression profiles are correlated with functional‐metabolic architecture remains obscure. We enrolled 34 PD patients and 25 age‐and‐sex‐matched healthy controls for simultaneous 18F‐FDG‐PET/functional MRI scanning during resting state. We investigated the functional gradients and the ratio of standard uptake value. Principal component analysis was used to further combine the functional gradients and glucose metabolism into functional‐metabolic architecture. Using partial least squares (PLS) regression, we introduced the transcriptomic data from the Allen Institute of Brain Sciences to identify gene expression patterns underlying the affected functional‐metabolic architecture in PD. Between‐group comparisons revealed significantly higher gradient variation in the visual, somatomotor, dorsal attention, frontoparietal, default mode, and subcortical network (pFDR < .048) in PD. Increased FDG‐uptake was found in the somatomotor and ventral attention network while decreased FDG‐uptake was found in the visual network (pFDR < .008). Spatial correlation analysis showed consistently affected patterns of functional gradients and metabolism (p = 2.47 × 10−8). PLS analysis and gene ontological analyses further revealed that genes were mainly enriched for metabolic, catabolic, cellular response to ions, and regulation of DNA transcription and RNA biosynthesis. In conclusion, our study provided genetic pathological mechanism to explain imaging‐defined brain functional‐metabolic architecture of PD.
Robust hierarchically organized whole‐brain patterns of dysconnectivity in schizophrenia spectrum disorders observed after personalized intrinsic network topography
Authors: Dickie Erin W. , Shahab Saba , Hawco Colin , Miranda Dayton , Herman Gabrielle , Argyelan Miklos , Ji Jie Lisa , Jeyachandra Jerrold , Anticevic Alan , Malhotra Anil K. , Voineskos Aristotle N.
Published: August 2023

Background

Spatial patterns of brain functional connectivity can vary substantially at the individual level. Applying cortical surface‐based approaches with individualized rather than group templates may accelerate the discovery of biological markers related to psychiatric disorders. We investigated cortico‐subcortical networks from multi‐cohort data in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and healthy controls (HC) using individualized connectivity profiles.

Methods

We utilized resting‐state and anatomical MRI data from n = 406 participants (n = 203 SSD, n = 203 HC) from four cohorts. Functional timeseries were extracted from previously defined intrinsic network subregions of the striatum, thalamus, and cerebellum as well as 80 cortical regions of interest, representing six intrinsic networks using (1) volume‐based approaches, (2) a surface‐based group atlas approaches, and (3) Personalized Intrinsic Network Topography (PINT).

Results

The correlations between all cortical networks and the expected subregions of the striatum, cerebellum, and thalamus were increased using a surface‐based approach (Cohen's D volume vs. surface 0.27–1.00, all p < 10−6) and further increased after PINT (Cohen's D surface vs. PINT 0.18–0.96, all p < 10−4). In SSD versus HC comparisons, we observed robust patterns of dysconnectivity that were strengthened using a surface‐based approach and PINT (Number of differing pairwise‐correlations: volume: 404, surface: 570, PINT: 628, FDR corrected).

Conclusion

Surface‐based and individualized approaches can more sensitively delineate cortical network dysconnectivity differences in people with SSDs. These robust patterns of dysconnectivity were visibly organized in accordance with the cortical hierarchy, as predicted by computational models.
Multimodal fusion of multiple rest fMRI networks and MRI gray matter via parallel multilink joint ICA reveals highly significant function/structure coupling in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Khalilullah K. M. Ibrahim , Agcaoglu Oktay , Sui Jing , Adali Tülay , Duda Marlena , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: August 2023

In this article, we focus on estimating the joint relationship between structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) gray matter (GM), and multiple functional MRI (fMRI) intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs). To achieve this, we propose a multilink joint independent component analysis (ml‐jICA) method using the same core algorithm as jICA. To relax the jICA assumption, we propose another extension called parallel multilink jICA (pml‐jICA) that allows for a more balanced weight distribution over ml‐jICA/jICA. We assume a shared mixing matrix for both the sMRI and fMRI modalities, while allowing for different mixing matrices linking the sMRI data to the different ICNs. We introduce the model and then apply this approach to study the differences in resting fMRI and sMRI data from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus controls. The results of the pml‐jICA yield significant differences with large effect sizes that include regions in overlapping portions of default mode network, and also hippocampus and thalamus. Importantly, we identify two joint components with partially overlapping regions which show opposite effects for AD versus controls, but were able to be separated due to being linked to distinct functional and structural patterns. This highlights the unique strength of our approach and multimodal fusion approaches generally in revealing potentially biomarkers of brain disorders that would likely be missed by a unimodal approach. These results represent the first work linking multiple fMRI ICNs to GM components within a multimodal data fusion model and challenges the typical view that brain structure is more sensitive to AD than fMRI.
Structural brain correlates of non‐verbal cognitive ability in 5‐year‐old children: Findings from the FinnBrain birth cohort study
Authors: Pulli Elmo P. , Nolvi Saara , Eskola Eeva , Nordenswan Elisabeth , Holmberg Eeva , Copeland Anni , Kumpulainen Venla , Silver Eero , Merisaari Harri , Saunavaara Jani , Parkkola Riitta , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Saukko Ekaterina , Kataja Eeva‐Leena , Korja Riikka , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Tuulari Jetro J.
Published: August 2023

Non‐verbal cognitive ability predicts multiple important life outcomes, for example, school and job performance. It has been associated with parieto–frontal cortical anatomy in prior studies in adult and adolescent populations, while young children have received relatively little attention. We explored the associations between cortical anatomy and non‐verbal cognitive ability in 165 5‐year‐old participants (mean scan age 5.40 years, SD 0.13; 90 males) from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort study. T1‐weighted brain magnetic resonance images were processed using FreeSurfer. Non‐verbal cognitive ability was measured using the Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) estimated from the Block Design and Matrix Reasoning subtests from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI‐III). In vertex‐wise general linear models, PIQ scores associated positively with volumes in the left caudal middle frontal and right pericalcarine regions, as well as surface area in left the caudal middle frontal, left inferior temporal, and right lingual regions. There were no associations between PIQ and cortical thickness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine structural correlates of non‐verbal cognitive ability in a large sample of typically developing 5‐year‐olds. The findings are generally in line with prior findings from older age groups, with the important addition of the positive association between volume / surface area in the right medial occipital region and non‐verbal cognitive ability. This finding adds to the literature by discovering a new brain region that should be considered in future studies exploring the role of cortical structure for cognitive development in young children.
From undeserving to deserving: Undocumented students’ resistance to being shut out in the transition to college
Authors: Perez Nicole A. , Ballinas Jorge
Published: August 2023

This study examines college access among undocumented students in Elkhart County, Indiana to understand how institutional actors are responding to revelations of their legal status. Using data from 39 life history interviews, we demonstrate how undocumented students’ transition to college can hinge on the extent to which students are deemed deserving or undeserving by institutional actors. Also, participants seek out resources for reaching college through resisting abrupt abandonment by seeking alternative sources of support to ensure their transition to college. We argue that undocumented students are much more active in this process than tends to come across in previous research.

Practical Takeaways

Institutional actors—teachers, counselors, or college administrators—can constrain or facilitate undocumented student's transitions to college at various points.

Institutional actors in new immigrant communities tend to lack resources and information needed to meet the college going needs of undocumented students.

When denied access or overlooked during the pursuit of higher education, undocumented students are agentic and seek out resources elsewhere.
‘I went for rehab many times and it never worked, but the harm reduction process has given me renewed hope’. Perceptions on the effectiveness of harm reduction and community‐based opioid substitution therapy
Authors: Nyashanu Tichaenzana , Scheibe Andrew , Visser Maretha
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

The accessibility of opioid substitution therapy (OST), one of the recommended treatments for opioid dependence, remains low.

This study sought to explore the perceived effectiveness of OST from the perspectives of peer outreach workers and OST clients in a community‐based harm reduction programme.

Methods

The research was done within the Community‐Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP) in Tshwane, South Africa. Fifteen peer educators (13 males and 2 females) took part in two focus group discussions. Thereafter, there were semi‐structured interviews in which 15 OST clients (11 males and 4 females) participated. A convenience cross‐sectional study was used. Interviews were audio‐recorded. Using thematic analysis, themes were examined to evaluate how OST and the harm reduction approach were perceived to contribute to the improved health status of people with opioid dependence.

Results

Peer outreach workers and COSUP clients significantly endorsed OST as an effective treatment for opioid dependence. Participants perceived greater effectiveness of OST compared to abstinence‐centred inpatient rehabilitation programmes. However, there were sentiments that more community education on OST was needed to motivate people with opioid dependence to access services and to address misconceptions about OST.

Conclusions

There is a lack of multi‐level and multi‐sectoral engagement of various stakeholders in opioid dependence services, needed to accelerate utilisation of OST services.

So What?

The research unpacks the need for an integrated approach to service use optimisation, and the need to evaluate the role that increased awareness and community education on harm reduction strategies can play in enhancing the utilisation of OST services.
Validation of novel DNA methylation markers in cervical precancer and cancer
Authors: El‐Zein Mariam , Cheishvili David , Szyf Moshe , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: August 2023

We have recently identified, using a genome‐wide approach, new methylation markers which were evaluated among various cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades and cervical cancer. We herein validate the methylated state of these genes in independent study populations, based on histology ascertained outcomes regardless of human papillomavirus status. CA10, DPP10, FMN2 and HAS1 (discovery set: 54 normal, 50 CIN1, 40 CIN2, 42 CIN3) were evaluated by targeted bisulfite next generation sequencing (NGS) (Illumina MiSeq platform) in 258 (training set: 100 normal, 50 CIN1, 50 CIN2, 50 CIN3, 8 cancers) and 373 (validation set: 100 normal, 57 CIN1, 61 CIN2, 53 CIN3, 102 cancers) physician‐collected samples (PreservCyt). Using targeted amplification NGS data from the training set for 94 normal and eight cancer samples, we calculated for each gene the median methylation value. These were summed and normalized to compute a four‐gene Marker Polygenic Score (MPS). We compared the relationship between MPS and progression from normal through CIN grades and cancer, separately in the training and validation sets, and tested its clinical performance via receiver‐operating characteristic curves. MPS increased with increasing CIN grade, and accurately predicted cervical cancer in the training (area under the curve, AUC = 0.9950) and validation (AUC = 0.9337) sets, comparing normal to cancer. Using the highest threshold of 100% specificity, sensitivity for detection of cervical cancer was 67.7%; whereas reducing specificity to 95% increased sensitivity to 84.3%. Further evaluation of these biomarkers is warranted in prospective studies.
Twenty‐year outcome of prevalence, incidence, mortality and survival rate in patients with malignant bone tumors
Authors: Xu Yao , Shi Fanqi , Zhang Yanting , Yin Mengfan , Han Xiuxin , Feng Jinyan , Wang Guowen
Published: August 2023

Malignant bone tumors are a group of rare malignant tumors and our study aimed to update the recent epidemiologic estimates based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Patients diagnosed with malignant bone tumors from 2000 to 2019 were included and their characteristics were retrospectively described. The limited‐duration prevalence, annual age‐adjusted incidence and mortality were calculated, and the annual percentage changes were analyzed to quantify the rate change. Finally, observed survival and relative survival rate were illustrated. Subgroup analysis across tumor type, age, gender, tumor Grade, primary tumor site and stage was also performed. As for results, a total of 11 655 eligible patients with malignant bone tumor were selected. Osteosarcoma was the most common tumor type, followed by chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chordoma. The estimated limited‐duration prevalence of malignant bone tumors increased from 2000 (0.00069%) to 2018 (0.00749%). Steady age‐adjusted incidence was observed in all patients during the study period while the highest rate occurred in osteosarcoma. Mortality rates differed in subgroups while elder patients (older than 64 years) presented the highest mortality rate compared to other age groups. In all bone tumors, the 10‐year observed survival and relative survival rates were 58.0% and 61.9%, respectively. Chondrosarcoma patients had the best survival outcome, followed by osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chordoma and other bone tumors. In conclusion, different epidemiologic performance in incidence and mortality was observed across tumor type as well as other demographic and clinicopathological variables, which provide potential suggestion for further adjustment of medical resource.
Loss of cancer cell‐derived ADAM15 alters the tumor microenvironment in colorectal tumors
Authors: Puig‐Blasco Laia , Piotrowski Krzysztof B. , Michaelsen Signe R. , Bager Nicolai S. , Areškevičiūtė Aušrinė , Thorseth Marie‐Louise , Sun Xiao‐Feng , Keller Ulrich auf dem , Kristensen Bjarne W. , Madsen Daniel H. , Gnosa Sebastian P. , Kveiborg Marie
Published: August 2023

Tumor progression and response to treatment are highly affected by interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Many of the soluble factors and signaling receptors involved in this crosstalk are shed by a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs). Upregulation of ADAM15 has been linked to worse survival in cancer patients and a tumor‐promoting function both in vitro and in murine cancer models. Although ADAM15 has been involved in cell‐cell and cell‐extracellular matrix interactions, its role in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the TME in vivo remains unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to understand how ADAM15 regulates the cell composition of the TME and how it affects tumor progression. Here, we showed an upregulation of ADAM15 in tumor tissues from rectal cancer patients. Subcutaneous injection of wildtype and ADAM15‐knockout CT26 colon cancer cells in syngeneic mice confirmed the protumorigenic role of ADAM15. Profiling of tumors revealed higher immune cell infiltration and cancer cell apoptosis in the ADAM15‐deficient tumors. Specifically, loss of ADAM15 led to a reduced number of granulocytes and higher infiltration of antigen‐presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages, as well as more T cells. Using in vitro assays, we confirmed the regulatory effect of ADAM15 on macrophage migration and identified ADAM15‐derived CYR61 as a potential molecular mediator of this effect. Based on these findings, we speculate that targeting ADAM15 could increase the infiltration of immune cells in colorectal tumors, which is a prerequisite for effective immunotherapy.
Australian country paper: Integrated approaches to irrigation management in the future
Authors: Parr Eddie , Hayes Peter , Vranes Momir , Walters Carl
Published: August 2023

Irrigation in Australia expanded dramatically during the early to mid‐twentieth century under an economic and social development regime of government. This led to overallocation and overuse of many of the country's water resources to the detriment of the rivers and riverine environments. To address this degradation federal and state governments have come together to implement a range of reforms at national, basin and catchment level to return water to the rivers but not at the expense of rural communities and a range of policy reforms to implement water resource best management practice including cost recovery pricing, accuracy in measurement (resource availability and extraction). The three most significant components of these reforms are the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, the National Water Initiative and the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Programme (SRWUIP). These actions are complemented by infrastructure and management improvements at on‐ and off‐farm levels and examples are documented.