bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquiritin exhibits anti-acute lung injury activities through suppressing the JNK/Nur77/c-Jun pathway
Authors: Zhou Hongling , Yang Tangjia , Lu Zibin , He Xuemei , Quan Jingyu , Liu Shanhong , Chen Yuyao , Wu Kangtai , Cao Huihui , Liu Junshan , Yu Linzhong
Published: April 2023

Background

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), a well-known traditional medicine, is traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as cough, sore throat, asthma and bronchitis. We aim to investigate the effects of liquiritin (LQ), the main bioactive compound in licorice against acute lung injury (ALI) and explore the potential mechanism.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish. Intratracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg of LPS was used for induction an ALI mice model. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were tested using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun related proteins. Protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured by BCA protein assay. The effect of JNK on Nur77 transcriptional activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay, while electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to examine the c-Jun DNA binding activity.

Results

LQ has significant anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish and RAW264.7 cells. LQ inhibited the expression levels of p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), p-Nur77 (Ser351) and p-c-Jun (Ser63), while elevated the Nur77 expression level. Inhibition of JNK by a specific inhibitor or small interfering RNA enhanced the regulatory effect of LQ on Nur77/c-Jun, while JNK agonist abrogated LQ-mediated effects. Moreover, Nur77-luciferase reporter activity was suppressed after JNK overexpression. The effects of LQ on the expression level of c-Jun and the binding activity of c-Jun with DNA were attenuated after Nur77 siRNA treatment. LQ significantly ameliorated LPS-induced ALI with the reduction of lung water content and BALF protein content, the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in lung BALF and the suppression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun signaling, which can be reversed by a specific JNK agonist.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that LQ exerts significant protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation both in vivo and in vitro via suppressing the activation of JNK, and consequently inhibiting the Nur77/c-Jun signaling pathway. Our study suggests that LQ may be a potential therapeutic candidate for ALI and inflammatory disorders.
Cerebrospinal fluid lipoproteins inhibit α-synuclein aggregation by interacting with oligomeric species in seed amplification assays
Authors: Bellomo Giovanni , Paciotti Silvia , Concha-Marambio Luis , Rizzo Domenico , Wojdaƚa Anna Lidia , Chiasserini Davide , Gatticchi Leonardo , Cerofolini Linda , Giuntini Stefano , De Luca Chiara Maria Giulia , Ma Yihua , Farris Carly M. , Pieraccini Giuseppe , Bologna Sara , Filidei Marta , Ravera Enrico , Lelli Moreno , Moda Fabio , Fragai Marco , Parnetti Lucilla , Luchinat Claudio
Published: April 2023

Background

Aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) is a prominent feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Currently, α-syn seed amplification assays (SAAs) using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represent the most promising diagnostic tools for synucleinopathies. However, CSF itself contains several compounds that can modulate the aggregation of α-syn in a patient-dependent manner, potentially undermining unoptimized α-syn SAAs and preventing seed quantification.

Methods

In this study, we characterized the inhibitory effect of CSF milieu on detection of α-syn aggregates by means of CSF fractionation, mass spectrometry, immunoassays, transmission electron microscopy, solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a highly accurate and standardized diagnostic SAA, and different in vitro aggregation conditions to evaluate spontaneous aggregation of α-syn.

Results

We found the high-molecular weight fraction of CSF (> 100,000 Da) to be highly inhibitory on α-syn aggregation and identified lipoproteins to be the main drivers of this effect. Direct interaction between lipoproteins and monomeric α-syn was not detected by solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, on the other hand we observed lipoprotein-α-syn complexes by transmission electron microscopy. These observations are compatible with hypothesizing an interaction between lipoproteins and oligomeric/proto-fibrillary α-syn intermediates. We observed significantly slower amplification of α-syn seeds in PD CSF when lipoproteins were added to the reaction mix of diagnostic SAA. Additionally, we observed a decreased inhibition capacity of CSF on α-syn aggregation after immunodepleting ApoA1 and ApoE. Finally, we observed that CSF ApoA1 and ApoE levels significantly correlated with SAA kinetic parameters in n = 31 SAA-negative control CSF samples spiked with preformed α-syn aggregates.

Conclusions

Our results describe a novel interaction between lipoproteins and α-syn aggregates that inhibits the formation of α-syn fibrils and could have relevant implications. Indeed, the donor-specific inhibition of CSF on α-syn aggregation explains the lack of quantitative results from analysis of SAA-derived kinetic parameters to date. Furthermore, our data show that lipoproteins are the main inhibitory components of CSF, suggesting that lipoprotein concentration measurements could be incorporated into data analysis models to eliminate the confounding effects of CSF milieu on α-syn quantification efforts.
Association of preterm outcome with maternal systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xiafang , Di Wen , Ye Lili , Hu Yabin , Jiang Meng , Wu Jiayue , Bu Jun , Sun Jianhua , Bei Fei
Published: April 2023

Background

Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is at greater risk of pregnancy complications and is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. However hardly any study has looked at the influence of SLE on the outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to explore the influence of SLE on the outcomes of preterm infants.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, preterm infants born to mothers with SLE from Shanghai Children’s Medical Center during 2012 to 2021 were enrolled. Infants were excluded if they were died during hospitalization or has major congenital anomalies and neonatal lupus. Exposure was defined as mother diagnosed SLE before or during pregnancy. Maternal SLE group was matched with Non-SLE group by gestational age, birth weight and gender. Clinical data has been extracted from patients’ records and registered. Major morbidities of premature and biochemical parameters in the two groups were compared using multiple logistic regression.

Results

One hundred preterm infants born to 95 mothers with SLE were finally enrolled. The mean (standard deviation) of gestational age and birth weight were 33.09 (7.28) weeks and 1768.50 (423.56) g respectively. There was no significant difference in major morbidities between SLE group and non-SLE group. Compared with non-SLE group, SLE off-spring had significantly lower leukocytes, neutrophiles after birth, neutrophils and platlet in one week (mean difference: -2.825, -2.001, -0.842, -45.469, respectively). Among SLE group, lower birth weight and smaller gestational age were observed in SLE mothers with disease active during pregnancy, kidney involved, blood system involved and not taking Aspirin during pregnancy. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, exposure to aspirin during pregnancy reduced the risk of very preterm birth and increased the incidence of survive without major morbidities among preterm infants born to SLE mothers.

Conclusion

Born to mothers with SLE may not increase the risk of major premature morbidities, but the hematologic profile of SLE preterm infants may be different from preterm infants born to women without SLE. The outcome of SLE preterm infants is associated with maternal SLE status and may benefit from maternal aspirin administration.
IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) in primary care: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled implementation trial
Authors: McClatchey Kirstie , Hammersley Vicky , Steed Liz , Sheringham Jessica , Marsh Viv , Barat Atena , Delaney Brigitte , Hamborg Thomas , Fitzsimmons Deborah , Holmes Steve , Jackson Tracy , Ehrlich Elisabeth , Morgan Noelle , Saxon Ann , Preston Megan , Price David , Taylor Stephanie J. C. , Pinnock Hilary ,   the IMP2 ART Programme Group
Published: April 2023

Background

Asthma is a common long-term condition and major public health problem. Supported self-management for asthma that includes a written personalised asthma action plan, supported by regular professional review, reduces unscheduled consultations and improves asthma outcomes and quality of life. However, despite unequivocal inter/national guideline recommendations, supported self-management is poorly implemented in practice. The IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) implementation strategy has been developed to address this challenge. The aim of this implementation trial is to determine whether facilitated delivery of the IMP2ART strategy increases the provision of asthma action plans and reduces unscheduled care in the context of routine UK primary care.

Methods

IMP2ART is a parallel group, cluster randomised controlled hybrid II implementation trial. One hundred forty-four general practices will be randomly assigned to either the IMP2ART implementation strategy or control group. Following a facilitation workshop, implementation group practices will receive organisational resources to help them prioritise supported self-management (including audit and feedback; an IMP2ART asthma review template), training for professionals and resources to support patients to self-manage their asthma. The control group will continue with usual asthma care. The primary clinical outcome is the between-group difference in unscheduled care in the second year after randomisation (i.e. between 12 and 24 months post-randomisation) assessed from routine data. Additionally, a primary implementation outcome of asthma action plan ownership at 12 months will be assessed by questionnaire to a random sub-group of people with asthma. Secondary outcomes include the number of asthma reviews conducted, prescribing outcomes (reliever medication and oral steroids), asthma symptom control, patients’ confidence in self-management and professional support and resource use. A health economic analysis will assess cost-effectiveness, and a mixed methods process evaluation will explore implementation, fidelity and adaptation.

Discussion

The evidence for supported asthma self-management is overwhelming. This study will add to the literature regarding strategies that can effectively implement supported self-management in primary care to reduce unscheduled consultations and improve asthma outcomes and quality of life.

Trial registration

ISRCTN15448074. Registered on 2 December 2019.
Streptococcus oralis pulmonic valve endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nahhal Sarah B. , Sarkis Patrick , Zakhem Aline El , Arnaout Mohammad Samir , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: April 2023

Background

Several factors increase the risk of right-sided endocarditis. The tricuspid valve is usually involved in right-sided endocarditis cases. Infective endocarditis of the pulmonic valve is rare, and few cases of pulmonic valve endocarditis were reported previously.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case of a 81-year-old Middle Eastern male patient, admitted to our hospital three times in a period of 2 months for fever and cough. He had Streptococcus oralis bacteremia with vegetation that was on the pulmonic valve. We diagnosed him with pulmonic valve endocarditis, and he was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics.

Conclusion

It is important to keep high suspicion for isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis in patients with respiratory symptoms. Adequate dental care is important in patients with risk factors for infective endocarditis.
Evaluation of factors related to depression in peritoneal dialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Bazazzadeh Sepehr , Sharbafchi Mohammad Reza , Naeini Maryam Kazemi , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen , Atapour Abdolamir , Mortazavi Mojgan
Published: April 2023

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is serious global public health challenge in many developing countries. Treatment of ESRD is carried out through renal replacement therapy like peritoneal dialysis (PD). Depression is the most common mood disorder which has a strong impact on the quality of life in patients with ESRD. Little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of depression in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Method and materials

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 adult ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis for at least three months who referred to the peritoneal dialysis centers of Al-Zahra, Noor & Ali Asghar hospitals, Isfahan, Iran from May to August 2019. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition questionnaire was used to measure the symptoms of depression and its severity.

Results

43.5% of patients had some levels of depression. Assessing the association of depression with demographic and PD-related factors showed that there was no significant difference regarding age, BMI, dialysis adequacy and residual kidney function, dialysis frequency, type of dialysis solution used, disease duration, and age at the start of dialysis. Ordinal logistics regression analysis showed significant association between depression severity categories and gender (OR = 0.397, CI: 0.160–0.985, p = 0.046), marital status (OR = 2.983, CI: 1.180–7.541, p = 0.021), having a separate room for dialysis (OR = 2.511, CI: 1.108–5.692, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

As our findings have revealed 43.5% of our participants suffered from mild-to-severe depression, we suggest careful attention and routine evaluation for depression in PD patients, especially women and single patients and those who have low socioeconomic status.
A human induced pluripotent stem cell model from a patient with hereditary cerebral small vessel disease carrying a heterozygous R302Q mutation in HTRA1
Authors: Qian Emi , Uemura Masahiro , Kobayashi Hiroya , Nakamura Shiho , Ozawa Fumiko , Yoshimatsu Sho , Ishikawa Mitsuru , Onodera Osamu , Morimoto Satoru , Okano Hideyuki
Published: April 2023

Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is an inherited cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) caused by biallelic mutations in the high-temperature requirement serine peptidase A1 (HTRA1) gene. Even heterozygous mutations in HTRA1 are recently revealed to cause cardinal clinical features of CSVD. Here, we report the first establishment of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line from a patient with heterozygous HTRA1-related CSVD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were reprogrammed by the transfection of episomal vectors encoding human OCT3/4 (POU5F1), SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC, LIN28, and a murine dominant-negative mutant of p53 (mp53DD). The established iPSCs had normal morphology as human pluripotent stem cells and normal karyotype (46XX). Moreover, we found that the HTRA1 missense mutation (c.905G>A, p.R302Q) was heterozygous. These iPSCs expressed pluripotency-related markers and had the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers in vitro. HTRA1 and the supposed disease-associated gene NOG were differentially expressed in the patient iPSCs at mRNA levels compared to those of control lines. The iPSC line would facilitate in vitro research for understanding the cellular pathomechanisms caused by the HTRA1 mutation including its dominant-negative effect.
Memorial
Authors: Clark Dean , Durrani Tariq S.
Published: April 2023

Enders Robinson, A reminiscence
Η έννοια της αγωνίας στον Πασκάλ
Authors: Ξηρογιάννη Παναγιώτα
Published: April 2023

Ο πασκάλ είναι ο διανοητής που κατέδειξε με το στοχασμό του το εύθραυστο της ανθρώπινης ύπαρξης και το μεγαλείο της. Η ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη είναι τραγική εφόσον ο θάνατος την οδηγεί στο μηδέν και αποτελεί το ενδιάμεσο ανάμεσα στο παν και στο μηδέν. Οι στοχασμοί του πασκάλ είναι διαχρονικοί και ανθρώπινοι εφόσον ο στοχαστής κατέδειξε ότι η αυτοσυνειδησία οδηγεί στην αγωνία και όταν η ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη δε στοχάζεται οδηγείται σε ελλειπτικότητα και σε απουσία αγωνίας. Όσο ζει ο άνθρωπος αγωνιά .Ο πασκάλ υπήρξε ο κατεξοχήν φιλόσοφος της αγωνίας και είναι ο προπάτωρ του υπαρξισμού. Ο φιλόσοφος ούτε στιγμή δεν αναπαύτηκε σωματικά και πνευματικά. Μέσω της αγωνίας η ύπαρξη αναγεννάται και οδηγείται στη διακονία του παραδόξου. Ο άνθρωπος αποτελεί ένα καλάμι που στοχάζεται και γνωρίζει ότι πεθαίνει. Όλη η αξιοπρέπεια θεμελιώνεται στη σκέψη του. Για τον πασκάλ όπως ο χριστιανισμός έτσι και ο χριστός βρίσκεται πάντα σε αγωνία εντός του κήπου της γεθσημανή έως τη συντέλεια του κόσμου.
THE ILLUSORY SELF: DAVID HUME AND EARLY BUDDHISM ON PERSONAL IDENTITY
Authors: XIONG XIAORUI
Published: April 2023

Both David Hume and Buddhism provides arguments refuting the existence of a personal identity, with evidence based on the fact that we cannot find an unchanging self within us. However, the differing views that the two philosophical systems hold toward the essence of causality is closely linked to their way of explaining the illusory nature of the self and indicates fundamental differences between the two theories. The contrasting context and purpose of the ideologies lead to contrasting meaning behind the seemingly similar denials of the self, with Hume aiming for revelation while Buddhism for guidance.
The Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Critically Ill Respiratory Failure Patients
Authors: Elatroush Hatem Hamed , Essawy Tarek Samy , Kenawy Mahmoud Mohamed , Karoub Ahmed Samir Abd El Aziem , Ismail Amira Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background: Lung ultrasound is a new diagnostic tool for diagnosis of acute chest conditions. The aim of the current study was to assess the accuracy of lung ultrasound algorithm in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with respiratory failure. Methods: This is a randomized comparative study included 80 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital during three years from October 2017- October 2020. The study received the approval of ethical committee of faculty Medicine, Kasr- El-Einy, Cairo University. History, clinical examination, Chest X ray, Computed tomography (CT) chest, lung US, and Echocardiography were done. Results: Ultrasonography (US) showed sensitivity and specificity 100 %, 100% respectively in diagnosis of pneumothorax Regarding pneumonia, sensitivity and specificity of US were (68.2%, 86.2% respectively). Regarding interstitial lung disease (ILD), sensitivity and specificity of US were (55.6%, 98.6%). Additionally, as regard pulmonary edema and pleural effusion, US sensitivity and specificity were (66.7%, 97.4%) and (78.9%, 98.4%) respectively. Conclusion: In comparison with CT scan, bedside lung ultrasonography (LUS) seems to be a valuable substitute in cases where performing CT is problematic. We recommend starting the use of bedside LUS as routine tool to improve the diagnostic accuracy for most of the pulmonary presentations.
Genetic Markers that Predict the Formation of Certain Body Types and the Development of Motor Qualities
Authors: Safarova Dilbar D. , B. Musaev Bakhrom , Sultanov Gafurjon N. , Dilmurаdov Shukhrat S , Solaydinov Elmurodjon Sh.
Published: April 2023

Purpose of the study-development of criteria and techniques for the prognostic selection of athletes based not only on the signs of the phenotype but also on the indicators of genetic markers that predict the development of certain physical qualities and the formation of certain body types. Material and Methods: The assessment of the physical development of athletes was carried out based on anthropometric methods according to the recommendations set forth by E.G. Martirosov, 1982 [1]. The type of constitution was determined by the Heath-Carter method, 1989 with the identification of ecto, endo, and mesomorphic components, calculated using special formulas. The HLA- genetic system was identified by typing in the microcyto-lymphotoxin test according to the method of Yu.M. Zaretskaya, and V.M. Abramov [3]. Research results: Athletes-rowers with the highest sports qualifications - masters of sports of international class and masters of sports, represent a fairly homogeneous sample: 75% of athletes have an endo-mesomorphic type, 16.7% have an ecto-endomorphic type, 8.3% have an ecto-mesomorphic type of. For a more reliable clarification of the role of the HLA system genes in the program of individual development, the associations of sub loco A, B, and C of the HLA complex with the somatotype were studied. So, for endo-mesomorphic somatotypes, significant specific associations with antigens HLA-A3, HLA-A9, HLA-A11, sublocus HLA-B35, as well as HLA-СW4 and HLA-СW6 were revealed. Ecto-mesomorphic somatotypes had significant associations with antigens of the sublocus HLA-CW-5, A-10. It has been established that for athletes specializing in speed-strength sports (rowing, boxing), the haplotype HLA-A1 and B-35 are specific at X2-5.76. Intergroup comparison of frequencies of registration of the antigenic composition revealed that the content of HLA-B7 in athletes - power workers (wrestling) are significantly higher and significantly at x = 6.645, that is, HLA-B7 can be considered as a genetic marker of strength qualities. It has been established that for athletes specializing in speed-strength sports (rowing, boxing), the haplotype HLA-A1 and B-35 are specific at X2-5.76. Conclusions: Specific genetic markers associated not only with the formation of certain types of physique but also predicting the spectrum of development of several physical qualities that are of selective importance in the practice of sports have been established.
Monolithically integrated polarization rotator and splitter with designed power ratio
Authors: Wang Shumeng , Li Peng , Yan Jize
Published: April 2023

Inverse designs are widely used for creating ultra-compact photonic devices, but suffer from high computation power due to the optimization complexity. General Stoke’s theorem proves that the overall change present at the outer boundary is equal to the integral of the change over the inner intervals, providing the possibility to divide one sophisticated device into several simple building blocks. Thus, we integrate this theorem with the inverse designs as a novel design methodology for optical devices. Compared with conventional inverse designs, the separated regional-optimisations can reduce the computational complexity significantly. The overall computational time is around five times shorter than optimizing the whole device region. To validate the proposed methodology, a monolithically integrated polarization rotator and splitter is designed and fabricated to demonstrate the performance experimentally. The device achieves polarization rotation (TE00 to TE00 and TM00 modes) and power splitting with the designed power ratio. The exhibited average insertion loss is <1 dB and the crosstalk is <−9.5 dB. These findings confirm the advantages of the new design methodology, as well as its feasibility for achieving multiple functions on one monolithic device.
Computational spectrometer based on local feature-weighted spectral reconstruction
Authors: Yan Rong , Wang Shuai , Jiao Qiang , Bian Liheng
Published: April 2023

The computational spectrometer enables the reconstruction of spectra from precalibrated information encoded. In the last decade, it has emerged as an integrated and low-cost paradigm with vast potential for applications, especially in portable or handheld spectral analysis devices. The conventional methods utilize a local-weighted strategy in feature spaces. These methods overlook the fact that the coefficients of important features could be too large to reflect differences in more detailed feature spaces during calculations. In this work, we report a local feature-weighted spectral reconstruction (LFWSR) method, and construct a high-accuracy computational spectrometer. Different from existing methods, the reported method learns a spectral dictionary via L4-norm maximization for representing spectral curve features, and considers the statistical ranking of features. According to the ranking, weight features and update coefficients then calculate the similarity. What’s more, the inverse distance weighted is utilized to pick samples and weight a local training set. Finally, the final spectrum is reconstructed utilizing the local training set and measurements. Experiments indicate that the reported method’s two weighting processes produce state-of-the-art high accuracy.
Anderson localization without eigenstates in photonic quantum walks
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: April 2023

Anderson localization is ubiquitous in wavy systems with strong static and uncorrelated disorder. The delicate destructive interference underlying Anderson localization is usually washed out in the presence of temporal fluctuations or aperiodic drives in the Hamiltonian, leading to delocalization and restoring transport. However, in one-dimensional lattices with off diagonal disorder, Anderson localization can persist for arbitrary time-dependent drivings that do not break a hidden conservation law originating from the chiral symmetry, leading to the dubbed “localization without eigenstates.” Here it is shown that such an intriguing phenomenon can be observed in discrete-time photonic quantum walks with static disorder applied to the coin operator and can be extended to non-Hermitian dynamics as well.
High-speed spatially re-modulated structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Tu Shijie , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Yueying , Gong Wenwen , Liu Xin , Liu Q. , Han Yubing , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Hao Xiang
Published: April 2023

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) allows non-invasive visualization of nanoscale subcellular structures. However, image acquisition and reconstruction become the bottleneck to further improve the imaging speed. Here, we propose a method to accelerate SIM imaging by combining the spatial re-modulation principle with Fourier domain filtering and using measured illumination patterns. This approach enables high-speed, high-quality imaging of dense subcellular structures using a conventional nine-frame SIM modality without phase estimation of the patterns. In addition, seven-frame SIM reconstruction and additional hardware acceleration further improve the imaging speed using our method. Furthermore, our method is also applicable to other spatially uncorrelated illumination patterns, such as distorted sinusoidal, multifocal, and speckle patterns.
Fully guided and phase locked Ti:PPLN waveguide squeezing for applications in quantum sensing
Authors: Domeneguetti Renato , Stefszky Michael , Herrmann Harald , Silberhorn Christine , Andersen Ulrik L. , Neergaard-Nielsen Jonas S. , Gehring Tobias
Published: April 2023

This work reports a fully guided setup for single-mode squeezing on integrated titanium-indiffused periodically poled nonlinear resonators. A continuous-wave laser beam is delivered and the squeezed field is collected by single-mode fibers; up to −3.17(9) dB of useful squeezing is available in fibers. To showcase the usefulness of such a fiber-coupled device, we applied the generated squeezed light in a fiber-based phase sensing experiment, showing a quantum enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio of 0.35 dB. Moreover, our investigation of the effect of photorefraction on the cavity resonance condition suggests that it causes system instabilities at high powers.
Dirac–Weyl semimetal in photonic metacrystals
Authors: Long Sheng , Yang Jie , Wang Hanyu , Yu Zhide , Yang Biao , Guo Qinghua , Xiang Yuanjiang , Xia Lingbo , Zhang Shuang
Published: April 2023

Dirac–Weyl semimetal is a novel type of topological phase that features the coexistence of Dirac and Weyl points in momentum space. In this study, a photonic Dirac–Weyl semimetal is proposed by introducing screw rotation symmetries into a spatial inversion symmetry-lacking system. A realistic metacrystal structure is designed for experimental consideration. The screw rotation symmetries are crucial for the existence of Dirac points, whose Z2 topology is revealed by the (010) surface states. Meanwhile, two pairs of ideal Weyl points at the same frequency are protected by D2d point group symmetries. The Dirac points and Weyl points reside in a clean frequency interval. The proposed photonic Dirac–Weyl semimetal provides a versatile platform for exploring the interaction between Dirac and Weyl semimetals and exploiting possible photonic topological devices.
STEP AND GRADED-INDEX CORE-BASED POLYMER MULTIMODE INTERFERENCE SPLITTERS FOR PHOTONIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
Authors: Rasel MD Omar Faruk , Afsary Noor , Alam Md Koushik , Tasnim Fariha , Sakib Md Nazmuz , Hatai Ryosuke , Ishigure Takaaki
Published: April 2023

This paper demonstrates step-index (SI) and graded-index (GI) core-based multimode interference (MMI) splitters realized with polymer materials for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). These SI and GI index-based MMI splitters guide the input light through the multimode waveguide following the self-imaging principles and demonstrate the multiple outputs with the same uniformity when the self-imaging length is obtained. We numerically design and develop (1×5) MMI splitters by using the beam propagation method (BPM), and we use the RSoft CAD BeamPROP solver for the structural design and waveguide characterization. The structures of the SI and GI MMI splitters are optimized by investigating the structural parameters, particularly the width and length of the multimode waveguide and the core spacing between the output ports with the maximum uniform intensity at the self-imaging length. We also compare the structural design and optical properties of the SI and GI MMI waveguides. The excess losses of the SI MMI splitter are 1.09 and 1.12 dB for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes, respectively, while for the GI MMI splitter, the losses are 0.56 dB and 0.55 dB for TE and TM modes, respectively at 1.55 µm. The power splitting efficiency of SI MMI splitters is 77%, and for GI MMI splitters, it is 88%. We also investigate the polarization dependence loss (PDL) for both MMI splitters, and the losses for SI and GI MMI splitters are 0.024 dB and 0.005 dB, respectively.
Applying a GAN-based classifier to improve transcriptome-based prognostication in breast cancer
Authors: Guttà Cristiano , Morhard Christoph , Rehm Markus
Published: April 2023

Established prognostic tests based on limited numbers of transcripts can identify high-risk breast cancer patients, yet are approved only for individuals presenting with specific clinical features or disease characteristics. Deep learning algorithms could hold potential for stratifying patient cohorts based on full transcriptome data, yet the development of robust classifiers is hampered by the number of variables in omics datasets typically far exceeding the number of patients. To overcome this hurdle, we propose a classifier based on a data augmentation pipeline consisting of a Wasserstein generative adversarial network (GAN) with gradient penalty and an embedded auxiliary classifier to obtain a trained GAN discriminator (T-GAN-D). Applied to 1244 patients of the METABRIC breast cancer cohort, this classifier outperformed established breast cancer biomarkers in separating low- from high-risk patients (disease specific death, progression or relapse within 10 years from initial diagnosis). Importantly, the T-GAN-D also performed across independent, merged transcriptome datasets (METABRIC and TCGA-BRCA cohorts), and merging data improved overall patient stratification. In conclusion, the reiterative GAN-based training process allowed generating a robust classifier capable of stratifying low- vs high-risk patients based on full transcriptome data and across independent and heterogeneous breast cancer cohorts.
Hierarchical spatiotemporal modeling of human visceral leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Hernandez Helin G. , Brown Grant D. , Lima Iraci D. , Coutinho José F. , Wilson Mary E. , Nascimento Eliana L. T. , Jeronimo Selma M. B. , Petersen Christine A. , Oleson Jacob J.
Published: April 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that is globally distributed and has the potential to cause very serious illness. Prior literature highlights the emergence and spread of VL is influenced by multiple factors, such as socioeconomic status, sanitation levels or animal and human reservoirs. The study aimed to retrospectively investigate the presence and infectiousness of VL in Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil between 2007 and 2020. We applied a hierarchical Bayesian approach to estimate municipality-specific relative risk of VL across space and time. The results show evidence that lower socioeconomic status is connected to higher municipality-specific VL risk. Overall, estimates reveal spatially heterogeneous VL risks in RN, with a high probability that VL risk for municipalities within the West Potiguar mesoregion are more than double the expected VL risk. Additionally, given the data available, results indicate there is a high probability of increasing VL risk in the municipalities of Natal, Patu and Pau dos Ferros. These findings demonstrate opportunities for municipality-specific public health policy interventions and warrant future research on identifying epidemiological drivers in at-risk regions.
Interpretable, non-mechanistic forecasting using empirical dynamic modeling and interactive visualization
Authors: Mason Lee , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Chanock Stephen J. , Hicks Blànaid , Almeida Jonas S.
Published: April 2023

Forecasting methods are notoriously difficult to interpret, particularly when the relationship between the data and the resulting forecasts is not obvious. Interpretability is an important property of a forecasting method because it allows the user to complement the forecasts with their own knowledge, a process which leads to more applicable results. In general, mechanistic methods are more interpretable than non-mechanistic methods, but they require explicit knowledge of the underlying dynamics. In this paper, we introduce EpiForecast, a tool which performs interpretable, non-mechanistic forecasts using interactive visualization and a simple, data-focused forecasting technique based on empirical dynamic modelling. EpiForecast’s primary feature is a four-plot interactive dashboard which displays a variety of information to help the user understand how the forecasts are generated. In addition to point forecasts, the tool produces distributional forecasts using a kernel density estimation method–these are visualized using color gradients to produce a quick, intuitive visual summary of the estimated future. To ensure the work is FAIR and privacy is ensured, we have released the tool as an entirely in-browser web-application.
Examining the extraction of parafoveal semantic information in Tibetan
Authors: Shen Meng , Niu Zibei , Gao Lei , Li Tianzhi , Wang Danhui , Li Shan , Zeng Man , Bai Xuejun , Gao Xiaolei
Published: April 2023

This study conducted two experiments to investigate the extraction of semantic preview information from the parafovea in Tibetan reading. In Experiment 1, a single-factor (preview type: identical vs. semantically related vs. unrelated) within-subject experimental design was used to investigate whether there is a parafoveal semantic preview effect (SPE) in Tibetan reading. Experiment 2 used a 2 (contextual constraint: high vs. low) × 3 (preview type: identical vs. semantically related vs. unrelated) within-subject experimental design to investigate the influence of contextual constraint on the parafoveal semantic preview effect in Tibetan reading. Supporting the E-Z reader model, the experimental results showed that in Tibetan reading, readers could not obtain semantic preview information from the parafovea, and contextual constraint did not influence this process. However, comparing high- and low-constrained contexts, the latter might be more conducive to extracting semantic preview information from the parafovea.
A real-time voice cloning system with multiple algorithms for speech quality improvement
Authors: Hu Weixin , Zhu Xianyou
Published: April 2023

With the development of computer technology, speech synthesis techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Speech cloning can be performed as a subtask of speech synthesis technology by using deep learning techniques to extract acoustic information from human voices and combine it with text to output a natural human voice. However, traditional speech cloning technology still has certain limitations; excessively large text inputs cannot be adequately processed, and the synthesized audio may include noise artifacts like breaks and unclear phrases. In this study, we add a text determination module to a synthesizer module to process words the model has not included. The original model uses fuzzy pronunciation for such words, which is not only meaningless but also affects the entire sentence. Thus, we improve the model by splitting the letters and pronouncing them separately. Finally, we also improved the preprocessing and waveform conversion modules of the synthesizer. We replace the pre-net module of the synthesizer and use an upgraded noise reduction algorithm combined with the SV2TTS framework to achieve a system with superior speech synthesis performance. Here, we focus on improving the performance of the synthesizer module to achieve higher-quality speech synthesis audio output.
Regional intergenerational mobility and corporate innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Luo Changfu , Xie Lian
Published: April 2023

By stimulating social vitality and improving innovation efficiency, intergenerational mobility plays an essential role in economic development. With the data from China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS) and A-share listed companies, this paper uses the methodology of intergenerational order correlation to measure regional intergenerational mobility, and examines the impact of regional intergenerational mobility on corporate innovation. The results are as follows: (1) Regional intergenerational mobility promotes corporate innovation both quantitatively and qualitatively, and a series of robustness tests confirm our findings; (2) Two channels identified are government-enterprise human capital allocation and fairness perception; (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the innovation effect of regional intergenerational mobility is more significant in the high-tech industry and private enterprises; (4) Multi-dimensional market-oriented policy can be used to get rid of the shackles of low intergenerational mobility on corporate innovation. Our findings provide implications for developing countries on how to address the relationship between inequality and economic development.
A general algorithm for error-in-variables regression modelling using Monte Carlo expectation maximization
Authors: Stoklosa Jakub , Hwang Wen-Han , Warton David I.
Published: April 2023

In regression modelling, measurement error models are often needed to correct for uncertainty arising from measurements of covariates/predictor variables. The literature on measurement error (or errors-in-variables) modelling is plentiful, however, general algorithms and software for maximum likelihood estimation of models with measurement error are not as readily available, in a form that they can be used by applied researchers without relatively advanced statistical expertise. In this study, we develop a novel algorithm for measurement error modelling, which could in principle takeanyregression model fitted by maximum likelihood, or penalised likelihood, and extend it to account for uncertainty in covariates. This is achieved by exploiting an interesting property of the Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization (MCEM) algorithm, namely that it can be expressed as an iteratively reweighted maximisation of complete data likelihoods (formed by imputing the missing values). Thus we can take any regression model for which we have an algorithm for (penalised) likelihood estimation when covariates are error-free, nest it within our proposed iteratively reweighted MCEM algorithm, and thus account for uncertainty in covariates. The approach is demonstrated on examples involving generalized linear models, point process models, generalized additive models and capture–recapture models. Because the proposed method uses maximum (penalised) likelihood, it inherits advantageous optimality and inferential properties, as illustrated by simulation. We also study the model robustness of some violations in predictor distributional assumptions. Software is provided as therefitMEpackage onR, whose key function behaves like arefit()function, taking a fitted regression model object and re-fitting with a pre-specified amount of measurement error.
The effect of C/N ratio and its frequent addition on commensal and pathogenic bacterial abundances in shrimp Litopeaneus vanname gut in a biofloc system: Ratio and frequent addition interaction matters
Authors: Ghonimy Abdallah , Chen Zhao , Li Jian
Published: April 2023

The environmental biotic and abiotic factors form a complicated relationship with the host intestinal microbiota. In our study, we applied different levels of C/N ratio (10, 15, 20) and frequent addition times (once, twice, triple a day) in a factorial experimental design. GC/LC analysis of filtrated biofloc (BF) samples revealed the highest relative fold change for the untargeted bioactive molecules among different treatments, whereas the 16s rRNA analysis revealed the change in the shrimp gut microbiota composition. Based on the available literature on the relationship between the bioactive molecules and the available bacteria in this study, the next bioactive molecules were discussed. Proline was associated with Bacteroidota, Flavobacteriaceae, Gammaproteobacteria, and Flavobacteriales. Plumbagine was associated with Norcardiaceae. Phytosphingosin was associated with Bacteroidota. Phosphocholine compound was associated with Bacteroidota. The monobutyl ether, benzofuran, and piperidone were associated with Micobacteriaceae and Mycobacterium. Generally, C/N 15 and 20 once a day, and C/N 20 triple a day have showed a merit over other treatments in term of low pathogenic and unfavorable bacteria, and high commensal bacterial abundances. The revealed bioactive molecule composition showed the complicity of BF as a source for novel compounds as biosecurity agents in BF system. These molecules could be developed to feed additives upgrading the biosecurity level in aquaculture systems. Other bioactive molecules require future studies to reveal novel molecules in term of aquaculture biosecurity control.
MoErv14 mediates the intracellular transport of cell membrane receptors to govern the appressorial formation and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Qian Bin , Su Xiaotong , Ye Ziyuan , Liu Xinyu , Liu Muxing , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: April 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae causes rice blasts posing serious threats to food security worldwide. During infection, M. oryzae utilizes several transmembrane receptor proteins that sense cell surface cues to induce highly specialized infectious structures called appressoria. However, little is known about the mechanisms of intracellular receptor tracking and their function. Here, we described that disrupting the coat protein complex II (COPII) cargo protein MoErv14 severely affects appressorium formation and pathogenicity as the ΔMoerv14 mutant is defective not only in cAMP production but also in the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) MoPmk1. Studies also showed that either externally supplementing cAMP or maintaining MoPmk1 phosphorylation suppresses the observed defects in the ΔMoerv14 strain. Importantly, MoErv14 is found to regulate the transport of MoPth11, a membrane receptor functioning upstream of G-protein/cAMP signaling, and MoWish and MoSho1 function upstream of the Pmk1-MAPK pathway. In summary, our studies elucidate the mechanism by which the COPII protein MoErv14 plays an important function in regulating the transport of receptors involved in the appressorium formation and virulence of the blast fungus.
Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors, Adam Abraham (2022)
Authors: Kunze Peter C.
Published: April 2023

Review of: Attack of the Monster Musical: A Cultural History of Little Shop of Horrors, Adam Abraham (2022)

London: Bloomsbury, 256 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35017-931-8, p/bk, $24.95
The prevalence, virulence, and serogroups of Dichelobacter nodosus and prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum in footrot lesions of sheep and cattle in Morocco
Authors: Bamouh Zahra , Elkarhat Z. , Zouagui Z. , Fihri O. Fassi , Elharrak M.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: Footrot is a contagious disease of ruminants leading to severe economic losses. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, virulence, and serogroups of Dichelobacter nodosus and the prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum in footrot lesions of sheep and cattle.

Materials and Methods: A total of 106 pathogenic lesion samples were taken from 74 sheep and 32 cattle exhibiting typical footrot lesions and were analyzed for the presence of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Both virulence and serogroup were estimated for D. nodosus positive samples.

Results: Among the 106 samples, 89 were positive by PCR for F. necrophorum, D. nodosus, or both. Dichelobacter nodosus was detected at a rate of 78.3% versus 28.3% for F. necrophorum. Virulent D. nodosus strains were detected in 67.5% of positive samples, with a higher rate in sheep (73.4%) than in cattle (47.4%). Benign D. nodosus strains were detected in 57.8% of samples, with a lower prevalence rate in sheep (50%) than in cattle (84.2%). The positive samples of D. nodosus revealed the presence of three dominant serogroups (D, H, I) and three minor serogroups (G, C, A) by serogroup-specific multiplex PCR.

Conclusion: The findings provided information on the prevalence of D. nodosus and F. necrophorum strains in footrot lesions of sheep and cattle in some regions of Morocco, which will be useful for developing an effective autovaccine for the prevention of this disease in cattle and sheep in these regions.

Keywords: cattle, Dichelobacter nodosus, footrot, Fusobacterium necrophorum, polymerase chain reaction, sheep.
Divulgação científica através do Instagram
Authors: Rodrigues Paulla Vieira , Amorim Neto Dionisio Pedro
Published: April 2023

A divulgação científica se destina à disseminação de informações e conhecimentos científicos através de uma linguagem acessível e de fácil compreensão voltada ao público não familiarizado com termos técnicos e especializados. O avanço e a disponibilidade de tecnologias digitais influenciam está prática visto que as inúmeras redes sociais disponíveis viabilizam e ampliam a possibilidade de disseminação dessas informações. O Instagram é uma rede social on-line e uma poderosa ferramenta de compartilhamento de mídias que possui alto alcance de pessoas. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar os resultados da divulgação cientifica realizada através do uso de um perfil no Instagram criado por estudantes da disciplina Metodologia de Projeto de Extensão, do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas do Instituto Federal de Rondônia- Campus Colorado do Oeste. Este projeto de extensão possibilitou reflexões acerca do uso dessa plataforma como ferramenta de divulgação científica e da própria formação pedagógica dos alunos extensionistas, uma vez que eram eles que selecionaram os conteúdos trabalhados e que também realizaram a transposição desses em uma linguagem mais acessível à comunidade. Por fim, o projeto permitiu a diminuição das fronteiras entre instituto-sociedade visto que a plataforma on-line podia ser acessada de qualquer lugar, por qualquer pessoa.