Polaris Research Articles

Trace elements (REE + Y) reveal marine, subaerial, and hydrothermal controls on an early Archean habitat for life: The 3.48 Ga volcanic-caldera system of the dresser formation, Pilbara Craton

Host to some of Earth's earliest evidence of life, the fossiliferous lowermost chert-barite sequence (DFc1) in the ∼3.5 Ga Dresser Formation of the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia is interpreted to have deposited within a dynamic volcanic-hydrothermal caldera. To date, three end-member fluid compositions (marine, hydrothermal, and subaerial) have been identified using trace and rare earth elements. However, this data has been limited to a few, single rock units, providing only snapshots at various depositional time intervals, and does not represent a synthesis of habitat evolution over time. Here, we present a systematic trace and rare earth element study of 31 whole-rock samples from 10 lithofacies across the entire stratigraphic sequence. Samples include bedded cherts (silicified chemical and clastic sedimentary rocks), hot spring geyserite and sinter terracettes, jaspilitic chert, and silicified volcaniclastic siltstone. Four lithostratrigraphically-defined assemblages (A1-A4) in DFc1 illustrate a transition from marine (underlying pillowed North Star Basalts, deep marine cherts) to shallow water and subaerial conditions (evaporitic carbonate-chert couplets, hot spring geyserite and sinter terracettes, channelized conglomerates and basaltic-evolved volcaniclastics)(A1-A2), followed by a return to deep marine conditions (jaspilitic chert, volcaniclastic siltstone and sandstone)(A3-A4). Our trace and rare earth element data enhance the four-stage model (reflecting, A1-A4 respectively) as follows: stages 1–2, crustal inflation generated the emplacement of a deep-rooted magmatic chamber, leading to surface uplift and a transition from deep water to hydrothermally-influenced semi-restricted lakes, stromatolites, and subaerial hot springs. Trace and rare earth element patterns of A2 geyserite indicate the circulation of low-temperature near-surface, non-marine geothermal fluids through basaltic to more evolved volcaniclastic rocks. REE + Y patterns of sinter terracettes may indicate the formation of hot spring travertine in DFc1; stages 3–4, hydrothermally-influenced jaspilites and volcaniclastic sediments deposited in marine basins driven by caldera collapse. This stifled stromatolite growth and represents the end of subaerial exposure. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to reconstruct Earth's early life habitats, which inform the search for life on Mars and origin of life studies.

Primary Sulfate Is the Dominant Source of Particulate Sulfate during Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Within and surrounding high-latitude cities, poor air quality disturbs Arctic ecosystems, influences the climate, and harms human health. The Fairbanks North Star Borough has wintertime particulate matter (PM) concentrations that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) threshold for public health. Particulate sulfate (SO4 2-) is the most abundant inorganic species and contributes approximately 20% of the total PM mass in Fairbanks, but air quality models underestimate observed sulfate concentrations. Here we quantify sulfate sources using size-resolved δ34S(SO4 2-), δ18O(SO4 2-), and Δ17O(SO4 2-) of particulate sulfate in Fairbanks from January 18th to February 25th, 2022 using a Bayesian isotope mixing model. Primary sulfate contributes 62 ± 12% of the total sulfate mass on average. Most primary sulfate is found in the size bin with a particle diameter < 0.7 μm, which contains 90 ±5% of total sulfate mass and poses the greatest risk to human health. Oxidation by all secondary formation pathways combined contributes 38 ± 12% of total sulfate mass on average, indicating that secondary sulfate formation is inefficient in this cold, dark environment. On average, the dominant secondary sulfate formation pathways are oxidation by H2O2 (13 ± 6%), O3 (8 ± 4%), and NO2 (8 ± 3%). These findings will inform mitigation strategies to improve air quality and public health in Fairbanks and possibly other high-latitude urban areas during winter.

Searching for the North Star or how to navigate a boat with a fixed rudder through turbulent times

AbstractThis piece of work aims to connect the governance and leadership levels of foundations with the demand to respond to the societal poly‐crisis. Challenges such as climate change, migration, demographic development and economic debts cannot be solved on the level of a single country and, thus, call for joint action. Given the inherent independence of foundations, an analysis of how foundations can strengthen their contribution to solve the global poly‐crisis has to begin with the single organisation, its purpose and its leaders. However, how feasible is it to evolve, transform even, governance and leadership in philanthropic organisations, which are often considered rather rigid and inflexible organisations? Based on arguments on governance and leadership of foundations from both the academic and the public debate, we formulate four propositions on how foundation leaders can adapt their foundation to the current societal situation. The propositions include aspects such as transparency, empowerment, sensemaking and leadership support.

Informing the ‘Broad Masses’: Early‐Twentieth‐Century Birth Control Debates and Activism in the Polish‐American Community

AbstractDuring 1925–26 and 1928, debates about birth control took place in the readers' column of North Star (Gwiazda Polarna), a US Polish language weekly. These discussions provide a rare insight into how ideas spread by the US birth control movement were received by an immigrant and ethnic working‐class Catholic community. The readers’ letters showed the prevalence of socialist rationales for birth control, expectation from men to play an active role in family limitation, the lack of references to women's sexual pleasure and an ambivalence towards the teachings of the Catholic Church. In the wake of the discussion, one North Star editor established a birth control association to inform the ‘broad masses’. This role was also played by the North Star letters, which spread family planning information and dispelled the misconceptions regarding birth control possessed by many Polish‐Americans at that time.

Longitudinal changes in magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of the gluteal muscle groups and functional ability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a 12-month cohort study

BackgroundQuantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered an objective biomarker of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but the longitudinal progression of MRI biomarkers in gluteal muscle groups and their predictive value for future motor function have not been described.ObjectiveTo explore MRI biomarkers of the gluteal muscle groups as predictors of motor function decline in DMD by characterizing the progression over 12 months.Materials and methodsA total of 112 participants with DMD were enrolled and underwent MRI examination of the gluteal muscles to determine fat fraction and longitudinal relaxation time (T1). Investigations were based on gluteal muscle groups including flexors, extensors, adductors, and abductors. The North Star Ambulatory Assessment and timed functional tests were performed. All participants returned for follow-up at an average of 12 months and were divided into two subgroups (functional stability/decline groups) based on changes in timed functional tests. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to explore the risk factors associated with future motor function decline.ResultsFor the functional decline group, all T1 values decreased, while fat fraction values increased significantly over 12 months (P<0.05). For the functional stability group, only the fat fraction of the flexors and abductors increased significantly over 12 months (P<0.05). The baseline T1 value was positively correlated with North Star Ambulatory Assessment and negatively correlated with timed functional tests at the 12-month follow-up (P<0.001), while the baseline fat fraction value was negatively correlated with North Star Ambulatory Assessment and positively correlated with timed functional tests at the 12-month follow-up (P<0.001). Multivariate regression showed that increased fat fraction of the abductors was associated with future motor function decline (model 1: odds ratio [OR]=1.104, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.026~1.187, P=0.008; model 2: OR=1.085, 95% CI: 1.013~1.161, P=0.019), with an area under the curve of 0.874.ConclusionFat fraction of the abductors is a powerful predictor of future motor functional decline in DMD patients at 12 months, underscoring the importance of focusing early on this parameter in patients with DMD.

Reference curves of motor function outcomes in young steroid-naïve males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To investigate functional motor performance in a large cohort of young steroid-naïve males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and typically developing males, and to develop specific reference curves for both groups. Also, to describe associations between anthropometric values and functional motor outcomes. Cross-sectional data of 196 steroid-naïve males with DMD aged 4 to 8 years and 497 typically developing males aged 2 years 6 months to 8 years were included. Both groups were evaluated with the time to rise from the floor test, 10-metre walk/run test, 6-minute walk test, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment. Reference curves with centiles 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 95% were estimated using quantile regression. Males with DMD scored significantly worse on all functional motor outcomes than age-matched typically developing males (p < 0.001): 89% to 95% of the males with DMD scored below the 5th centile of the typically developing males. No or weak correlations exist between anthropometric values and functional motor outcomes. The estimated reference curves can support consultation with families of young males with DMD and can support the evaluation of treatment for reaching motor skills and functional motor outcomes compared with typically developing males.

Association between neurodevelopmental impairments and motor function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

We explored various prognostic factors of motor outcomes in corticosteroid-naive boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The associations between parent-reported neurodevelopmental concerns (speech delay, speech and language difficulties (SLD), and learning difficulties), DMD mutation location, and motor outcomes (6-minute walk distance (6MWD), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity) were studied in 196 corticosteroid-naive boys from ages 4 to less than 8 years. Participants with SLD walked 25.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without SLD (p = 0.005) but did not demonstrate statistical differences in NSAA total score, 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity. Participants with distal DMD mutations with learning difficulties walked 51.8 fewer meters in 6 minutes than those without learning difficulties (p = 0.0007). Participants with distal DMD mutations were slower on 10-meter walk/run velocity, and rise from floor velocity (p = 0.02) than those with proximal DMD mutations. Participants with distal DMD mutations, who reported speech delay or learning difficulties, were slower on rise from floor velocity (p = 0.04, p = 0.01) than those with proximal DMD mutations. The mean NSAA total score was lower in participants with learning difficulties than in those without (p = 0.004). Corticosteroid-naive boys with DMD with distal DMD mutations may perform worse on some timed function tests, and that those with learning difficulties may perform worse on the NSAA. Pending confirmatory studies, our data underscore the importance of considering co-existing neurodevelopmental symptoms on motor outcome measures.

Transforming fear into rigor, love, freedom, and joy: A new paradigm of standards-based reform

In the liberatory spirit of Black scholars and honoring the pioneering work of motivation theorists dedicated to a democratic vision of education, this article calls for a new paradigm of standards-based reform. Specifically, we maintain that current standards largely reflect the interests of White, male elites and elevates the economic agenda above other important purposes of education. Moreover, we argue that the standards movement aims to motivate educators to improve the quality of teaching primarily through rewards or fear of public shaming—an approach that is unlikely to lead to a transformation of the system toward racial equity, lifelong learning, wellness, and citizenship. We call for a reframing of educational standards to also include outcomes that nurture and honor the whole human experience—a North Star rooted in the outcomes of rigor, love, freedom, and joy that can serve as a beacon for transforming education toward humanistic outcomes in a racially-divided world. This article is organized into three main sections. First, a historical review of standards-based reform movement is provided followed by an overview of the empirical research underlying the proposed North Star. Finally, we conclude with implications of this new paradigm for research, practice, and advocacy.

P136 Using the North Star and timed function test centiles in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a prospective study

P136 Using the North Star and timed function test centiles in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a prospective study

P139 Correlation and validation of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment, timed test and motor function measure centiles for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

P139 Correlation and validation of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment, timed test and motor function measure centiles for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

P140 Predicting long-term trajectories of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): an updated model

P140 Predicting long-term trajectories of the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): an updated model

P143 Centiles by age for the North Star ambulatory assessment and the associated timed items in glucocorticoid treated boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

P143 Centiles by age for the North Star ambulatory assessment and the associated timed items in glucocorticoid treated boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

P242 Understanding North Star Ambulatory Assessment total scores and their implications for standards of care

P242 Understanding North Star Ambulatory Assessment total scores and their implications for standards of care

Новые горизонты Средневекового При­чер­номорья. Рецензия на книгу: Еманов А.Г. Между Полярной звездой и Полуденным Солнцем: Кафа в мировой торговле XIII–XV веков

This article delves into the monographic study by Professor A.G. Emanov of the University of Tyumen. It represents an attempt to culturally and anthropologically explore the sphere of economic relations in the Old World during the 13th–15th centuries, centered around an in-depth examination of the history of one of the largest trade and craft hubs of that era – the Crimean city of Caffa (modern-day Feodosia). The study draws upon a broad spectrum of written and material sources. The author meticulously analyzed private legal documents, both public and private records in various languages such as Latin, Middle Greek, folk Romance, Germanic, Slavic, as well as other European and Oriental languages, along with collections of numismatic artifacts. The author also compiled a topography detailing the distribution of treasures and individual finds of Caffa’s coins in Eastern Europe.The primary research hypothesis is a departure from the conventional West-East dichotomy, proposing instead the coexistence of the North and the South as central to historical processes. The author’s distinctive style is marked by a penchant for metaphors and etymological exercises. He symbolizes the North as the North Star and the South as the Midday Sun, aligning with how medieval people, especially merchants and sailors, referred to them. To characterize trade and cultural exchange between the North and the South, the author employs the unique term “meridional communication.” The book’s most distingui­shing feature lies in the author’s reconstruction of how medieval Europeans perceived goods exported from Caffa. This perception is explored in the context of urban culture, including the representation of Siberian furs in European heraldry. Additionally, the author reconstructs the mindset of businesspeople from that era. His conclusions suggest that their motives were not purely driven by greed but rather guided by ethos – a behavioral model characterized by a set of value orientations and virtues, encompassing elements such as charity and compassion for the less fortunate and vulnerable.

Safety and Efficacy of DT-DEC01 Therapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients: A 12 - Month Follow-Up Study After Systemic Intraosseous Administration

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and fatal muscle-wasting disease with no known cure. We previously reported the preliminary safety and efficacy up to six months after the administration of DT-DEC01, a novel Dystrophin Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cell therapy created by fusion of myoblasts of DMD patient and the normal donor. In this 12-month follow-up study, we report on the safety and functional outcomes of three DMD patients after the systemic intraosseous administration of DT-DEC01. The safety of DT-DEC01 was confirmed by the absence of Adverse Events (AE) and Severe Adverse Events (SAE) up to 21 months after intraosseous DT-DEC01 administration. The lack of presence of anti-HLA antibodies and Donors Specific Antibodies (DSA) further confirmed DT-DEC01 therapy safety. Functional assessments in ambulatory patients revealed improvements in 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and timed functions of North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). Additionally, improvements in PUL2.0 test and grip strength correlated with increased Motor Unit Potentials (MUP) duration recorded by Electromyography (EMG) in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. DT-DEC01 systemic effect was confirmed by improved cardiac and pulmonary parameters and daily activity recordings. This follow-up study confirmed the safety and preliminary efficacy of DT-DEC01 therapy in DMD-affected patients up to 12 months after intraosseous administration. DT-DEC01 introduces a novel concept of personalized myoblast-based cellular therapy that is irrespective of the mutation type, does not require immunosuppression or the use of viral vectors, and carries no risk of off target mutations. This establishes DT-DEC01 as a promising and universally effective treatment option for all DMD patients.Graphical

Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec Gene Therapy in Ambulatory Patients (Aged ≥4 to

Delandistrogene moxeparvovec is approved in the USA for the treatment of ambulatory patients (4-5 years) with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ENDEAVOR (SRP-9001-103; NCT04626674) is a single-arm, open-label study to evaluate delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin expression, safety, and functional outcomes following administration of commercial process delandistrogene moxeparvovec. In cohort 1 of ENDEAVOR (N = 20), eligible ambulatory males, aged ≥4 to <8 years, received a single intravenous infusion of delandistrogene moxeparvovec (1.33 × 1014 vg/kg). The primary endpoint was change from baseline (CFBL) to week 12 in delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin by western blot. Additional endpoints evaluated included: safety; vector genome copies; CFBL to week 12 in muscle fiber-localized micro-dystrophin by immunofluorescence; and functional assessments, including North Star Ambulatory Assessment, with comparison with a propensity score-weighted external natural history control. The 1-year safety profile of commercial process delandistrogene moxeparvovec in ENDEAVOR was consistent with safety data reported in other delandistrogene moxeparvovec trials (NCT03375164 and NCT03769116). Delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin expression was robust, with sarcolemmal localization at week 12; mean (SD) CFBL in western blot, 54.2% (42.6); p < 0.0001. At 1 year, patients demonstrated stabilized or improved North Star Ambulatory Assessment total scores; mean (SD) CFBL, +4.0 (3.5). Treatment versus a propensity score-weighted external natural history control demonstrated a statistically significant difference in least squares mean (standard error) CFBL in North Star Ambulatory Assessment, +3.2 (0.6) points; p < 0.0001. Results confirm efficient transduction of muscle by delandistrogene moxeparvovec. One-year post-treatment, delandistrogene moxeparvovec was well tolerated, and demonstrated stabilized or improved motor function, suggesting a clinical benefit for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:955-968.

The Green Book and the Green Journal: Finding Our North Star to Light a Path Toward Health Equity.

The Green Book and the Green Journal: Finding Our North Star to Light a Path Toward Health Equity.

Eastward orientations of 17th–19th century churches in the eastern United States: a record of religious symbolism and time

SUMMARYThe eastward orientations of 332 churches in the eastern United States (Georgia to Maine; 30.7°N to 44.5°N) have been measured to an accuracy of ± 0.2°. Most of those churches are listed on the U. S. National Register of Historic Places. Distinct clusters of eastward orientations among the churches have been identified and are interpreted as corresponding to the following: (a) sunrises on specific days of Christian significance, such as Annunciation Day, Ascension Day, and Easter; and (b) True East, as inferred either during sunrises on the Equinox or being perpendicular to the direction toward the North Star. About 30% of the churches have orientations that do not align with any sunrise and appear to have been built using other criteria (e.g., local topographic considerations). Using a combination of methods developed in this study, a narrow range of days (± 1–2 days) can determined for sunrises that are aligned with many churches. Those data allow the day and year to be inferred when the foundations of some churches were laid out. The orientations of graves in cemeteries adjacent to 246 of the churches were also measured.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy from Brain to Muscle: The Role of Brain Dystrophin Isoforms in Motor Functions.

Brain function and its effect on motor performance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an emerging concept. The present study explored how cumulative dystrophin isoform loss, age, and a corticosteroid treatment affect DMD motor outcomes. A total of 133 genetically confirmed DMD patients from Sri Lanka were divided into two groups based on whether their shorter dystrophin isoforms (Dp140, Dp116, and Dp71) were affected: Group 1, containing patients with Dp140, Dp116, and Dp71 affected (n = 98), and Group 2, containing unaffected patients (n = 35). A subset of 52 patients (Group 1, n = 38; Group 2, n = 14) was followed for up to three follow-ups performed in an average of 28-month intervals. The effect of the cumulative loss of shorter dystrophin isoforms on the natural history of DMD was analyzed. A total of 74/133 (56%) patients encountered developmental delays, with 66/74 (89%) being in Group 1 and 8/74 (11%) being in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Motor developmental delays were predominant. The hip and knee muscular strength, according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) activities, "standing on one leg R", "standing on one leg L", and "walk", declined rapidly in Group 1 (p < 0.001 In the follow-up analysis, Group 1 patients became wheelchair-bound at a younger age than those of Group 2 (p = 0.004). DMD motor dysfunction is linked to DMD mutations that affect shorter dystrophin isoforms. When stratifying individuals for clinical trials, considering the DMD mutation site and its impact on a shorter dystrophin isoform is crucial.

Patient-Centered Care: the North Star to guide us during uncertainty into a better day.

Patient-Centered Care: the North Star to guide us during uncertainty into a better day.