bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inoculation with Bacillus cereus DW019 Modulates Growth, Yield and Rhizospheric Microbial Community of Cherry Tomato
Authors: Dong Wei , Liu Hongyu , Ning Zhoushen , Bian Zijun , Zeng Luxue , Xie Dibing
Published: May 2023

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play an important role in promoting plant growth and increasing crop yield. Bacillus cereus DW019, which was previously isolated from an ion-absorbed rare-earth ore of Ganzhou in Southeastern China, has been considered as a PGPR due to its production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ammonia and siderophore, but its promoting effect on plants remains poorly understood. In this study, autoclaved dead cells and viable cells of Bacillus cereus DW019 at different concentrations were inoculated into pot-cultivated cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) to investigate the promoting effect on plant growth and yield. A total of 70 days after inoculation, the plants and fruits of cherry tomato were harvested, and their growth indicators, yields, and nutrients were measured. The results showed that biomass, stem thickness, plant height and root length were significantly promoted and that the vitamin C, soluble sugar and soluble protein were significantly increased. Inoculation with Bacillus cereus also modulated the rhizospheric microbial community diversity and structure, especially the proportions of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, which in turn improved the plant height, fresh weight, nutritional quality and rhizosphere soil bacterial diversity of cherry tomato. All the findings suggest that Bacillus cereus DW019 is beneficial to the growth of crops and improves the yield of cherry tomato, suggesting that Bacillus cereus DW019 could be developed into a potential biofertilizer to be used as an agricultural inoculant to increase crop yield and improve the soil ecosystem.
Estimating Wolf Population Size and Dynamics by Field Monitoring and Demographic Models: Implications for Management and Conservation
Authors: Merli Enrico , Mattioli Luca , Bassi Elena , Bongi Paolo , Berzi Duccio , Ciuti Francesca , Luccarini Siriano , Morimando Federico , Viviani Viviana , Caniglia Romolo , Galaverni Marco , Fabbri Elena , Scandura Massimo , Apollonio Marco
Published: May 2023

We estimated the current size and dynamics of the wolf population in Tuscany and investigated the trends and demographic drivers of population changes. Estimates were obtained by two different approaches: (i) mixed-technique field monitoring (from 2014 to 2016) that found the minimum observed pack number and estimated population size, and (ii) an individual-based model (run by Vortex software v. 10.3.8.0) with demographic inputs derived from a local intensive study area and historic data on population size. Field monitoring showed a minimum population size of 558 wolves (SE = 12.005) in 2016, with a density of 2.74 individuals/100 km2. The population model described an increasing trend with an average annual rate of increase λ = 1.075 (SE = 0.014), an estimated population size of about 882 individuals (SE = 9.397) in 2016, and a density of 4.29 wolves/100 km2. Previously published estimates of wolf population were as low as 56.2% compared to our field monitoring estimation and 34.6% in comparison to our model estimation. We conducted sensitivity tests to analyze the key parameters driving population changes based on juvenile and adult mortality rates, female breeding success, and litter size. Mortality rates played a major role in determining intrinsic growth rate changes, with adult mortality accounting for 62.5% of the total variance explained by the four parameters. Juvenile mortality was responsible for 35.8% of the variance, while female breeding success and litter size had weak or negligible effects. We concluded that reliable estimates of population abundance and a deeper understanding of the role of different demographic parameters in determining population dynamics are crucial to define and carry out appropriate conservation and management strategies to address human–wildlife conflicts.
Effects of Different Proteases on Protein Digestion In Vitro and In Vivo and Growth Performance of Broilers Fed Corn–Soybean Meal Diets
Authors: Zheng Mengli , Bai Yan , Sun Yingxia , An Jing , Chen Qinghua , Zhang Tieying
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different proteases alone or in combination on protein digestibility of broilers. In vitro, the properties of four proteases in broilers, including acidic protease (AcP), alkaline protease (AlP), neutral protease (NeP) and keratinase (Ker), on endogenous protease activity and their effects on protein digestibility of common ingredients in broiler diets were investigated using a gut-mimicking model. In vivo, 640 1-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into 8 groups of 10 with 8 replicates of 10 birds per replicate cage. Eight dietary treatments included a corn–soybean meal basal diet (control), and the basal diet with 1.6 U AcP/g, 0.8 U NeP/g, 0.8 U AlP/g, 0.4 U Ker/g, 1.6 U AcP/g + 0.8 U NeP/g, 1.6 U AcP/g + 0.8 U AlP/g, or 1.6 U AcP/g + 0.4 U Ker/g added. The experiment lasted for 31 days. The results showed that the optimum pH values of AcP, NeP, AlP and Ker were 3.0, 9.0, 11.0 and 11.0 in vitro, respectively. Ker recovery proportion was 37.68% at pH 3.3–6.2. AcP alone or in combination with NeP, AlP or Ker increased in vitro crude protein digestibility (IVCPD) and decreased ileal apparent digestibility of crude protein in 31-day-old broilers (p < 0.05). All protease supplementation reduced the ileal apparent digestibility of amino acids compared to the control (p < 0.05). Acidic protease had a positive effect on trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, while AlP and Ker showed a negative effect. In vivo, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in broiler diets supplemented with AcP compared to the control group. When adding exogenous proteases to broiler diets, their sensitivity to digestive pH and their negative effects on endogenous protease activity, dosage and combination effects should be taken into account. In addition, the properties and dosage of proteases and the protein level in the feed should be considered.
Clinical Diagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis without Myoglobinuria or Electromyographic Abnormalities in a Dog
Authors: Santifort Koen Maurits , Plonek Marta , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: May 2023

A 2-year-old female neutered Old German Shepherd was presented for acute non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Upon presentation to the emergency department, hematology and biochemical blood tests revealed no abnormalities aside from mildly elevated C-reactive protein levels (22.5 mg/L, reference range 0.0–10.0) and immeasurable creatine kinase (CK) activity. Neurological evaluation the next day revealed ambulatory tetraparesis, general proprioceptive deficits, mild ataxia and dubious diffuse myalgia. Withdrawal reflexes were weak on both thoracic and pelvic limbs. The CK was determined to be significantly elevated at that point (32.856 U/L, ref. range 10.0–200.0). Urinalysis revealed no abnormalities. An electromyographic (EMG) study of thoracic limb, paraspinal and pelvic limb muscles revealed no abnormalities. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the cervicothoracic spinal cord was performed and revealed no abnormalities. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis without myoglobinuria or EMG abnormalities was formed. Muscular biopsies were declined due to the rapid clinical improvement of the dog. A follow-up showed the progressive decline of CK activity to normal values and clinical remission of signs. A diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was concluded based on clinical signs, consistent CK activity elevations and the response to supportive treatment for rhabdomyolysis, despite the absence of myoglobinuria and EMG abnormalities. Rhabdomyolysis should not be excluded based on the lack of EMG abnormalities or myoglobinuria in dogs.
Effects of Temperature on Plasma Protein Binding Ratios (PPBRs) of Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin in Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Xu Ning , Sun Weiyu , Zhang Huan , Li Zhi , Luo Xiangzhong , Ai Xiaohui , Ding Yongzhen , Cheng Bo
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the PPBRs of EF and CF in the plasma of yellow catfish, grass carp, and largemouth bass at different temperatures with different concentrations. A fast and simple ultrafiltration method was used to determine the PPBRs of EF and CF. Results showed that PPBRs of EF decreased from 37.71% to 9.66%, from 46.10% to 13.52%, and from 43.90% to 4.36% in the plasma of yellow catfish with the increase of concentration from 15 to 25 °C. The same trends of PPBRs of EF were presented in the plasma of grass carp and largemouth bass. In comparison to the data at the same concentration of EF at disparate temperatures, the PPBRs of EF at a concentration of 1 µg/mL increased from 37.71% to 46.10% and then decreased to 43.90% in the plasma of yellow catfish with elevated temperature from 15 to 25 °C. There is no obvious regularity with the rise of temperature, and the same phenomenon also were found in other concentrations and species. Meanwhile, the PPBRs of CF also decreased in the three species with the rise in concentration. Under the consistent concentration, the temperature-dependent regularities were not found in the PPBRs of CF. Overall, the increased concentration reduced the PPBRs of EF and CF in the plasma of three fish species, and the alteration in temperature only has a certain effect on the PPBRs of EF and CF.
The Antimicrobial Applications of Nanoparticles in Veterinary Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rodrigues Mariana Paiva , Pinto Priscila Natália , Dias Raul Roque de Souza , Biscoto Gabriela Lago , Salvato Lauranne Alves , Millán Ruben Dario Sinisterra , Orlando Ricardo Mathias , Keller Kelly Moura
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) are nanoscaled particles sized from 1–100 nm, which can be composed of inorganic or organic compounds. NPs have distinctive morphology, size, structure, and surface features, which give them specific properties. These particular attributes make them interesting for biological and medical applications. Due to these characteristics, researchers are studying the possible aptness of numerous nanoparticles in veterinary medicine, such as the capacity to act as a drug delivery system. The use of these NPs as a possible bactericidal or bacteriostatic medication has been studied against different bacteria, especially multiresistant strains and the ones that cause mastitis disease. The antibiofilm property of these nanostructures has also already been proved. The antiviral activity has also been shown for some important viral animal diseases; the antifungal activity had been demonstrated against both pathogenic and mycotoxigenic species. Therefore, this review aimed to elucidate the main clinical and preventive veterinary applications of inorganic and organic nanoparticles.
In Situ Strength vs. Potential Strength of Concrete: Proposal of a New Procedure for the Assessment of Excess Voidage
Authors: Pucinotti Raffaele
Published: May 2023

Concrete cores extracted from the same structural element may show variations in strength resulting from a lack of homogeneity and variations in the grade of compactness. This paper, while accounting for such variability, introduces a new formulation to assess both in situ and the potential characteristic strength of concrete. The first part addresses the Concrete Society report 11 on formulations and the formulation introduced by the author that considers new coefficients that take into account the addition of water to the cement mixer and the influence of excess voidage. The second part describes a case study in that the procedures were applied to an experimental campaign carried out on two series of cores. The visual means method proposed by report 11 is applied for excess voidage assessment to the first series of cores, while a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan allowing a direct estimate of the percentage of voids in different sections is applied to the cores of the second series. Results show noticeable variations in the percentage of voids within the same drilling. Moreover, the proposed formulation can estimate the actual value of both the in situ and potential characteristic strengths of concrete with a reasonable degree of approximation. Finally, a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan leads to extremely precise results, making it possible to evaluate the percentage of voids in different sections of the same core.
Pharmaceuticals Removal from Wastewater with Microalgae: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pereira André , de Morais Etiele Greque , Silva Liliana , Pena Angelina , Freitas Andreia , Teixeira Margarida Ribau , Varela João , Barreira Luísa
Published: May 2023

Urban wastewaters contain pharmaceuticals that are not appropriately removed in conventional wastewater treatments, limiting treated water reuse. Microalgae have been shown to remove pharmaceuticals from urban wastewater in laboratory trials, but few studies have been conducted under natural conditions. In this work, pharmaceutical removal was assessed in a pilot-scale microalgal tertiary wastewater treatment in real conditions. Even after secondary treatment, the water contained measurable amounts of pharmaceuticals (an average of 218.4 ng/L) that significantly decreased to 39.83 ng/L at the exit of the microalgal system. Pharmaceuticals’ average removal rates were slightly higher in the summer (79.1%) than in autumn (71.1%). Antibiotics and antipsychotics were better removed (88.8 and 86.4%, respectively) than antihypertensives (75.3%) and others (Bezafibrate and Diclofenac; 64.0%). Physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater influenced pharmaceutical removal; significant positive correlations were observed between anti-hypertensive drug removal and ammonium concentration (r = 0.53; p < 0.05), total nitrogen and total pharmaceutical removal (r = 0.46; p < 0.05), and total nitrogen and antipsychotic drug removal (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of microalgal tertiary treatment in the removal of pharmaceuticals.
A Labelling Method for the Travelling Salesman Problem
Authors: Tawanda Trust , Nyamugure Philimon , Kumar Santosh , Munapo Elias
Published: May 2023

The travelling salesman problem (TSP) is a problem whereby a finite number of nodes are supposed to be visited exactly once, one after the other, in such a way that the total weight of connecting arcs used to visit these nodes is minimized. We propose a labelling method to solve the TSP problem. The algorithm terminates after K−1 iterations, where K is the total number of nodes in the network. The algorithm’s design allows it to determine alternative tours if there are any in the TSP network. The computational complexity of the algorithm reduces as iterations increase, thereby making it a powerful and efficient algorithm. Numerical illustrations are used to prove the efficiency and validity of the proposed algorithm.
A Target Re-Identification Method Based on Shot Boundary Object Detection for Single Object Tracking
Authors: Miao Bingchen , Chen Zengzhao , Liu Hai , Zhang Aijun
Published: May 2023

With the advantages of simple model structure and performance-speed balance, the single object tracking (SOT) model based on a Transformer has become a hot topic in the current object tracking field. However, the tracking errors caused by the target leaving the shot, namely the target out-of-view, are more likely to occur in videos than we imagine. To address this issue, we proposed a target re-identification method for SOT called TRTrack. First, we built a bipartite matching model of candidate tracklets and neighbor tracklets optimized by the Hopcroft–Karp algorithm, which is used for preliminary tracking and judging the target leaves the shot. It achieves 76.3% mAO on the tracking benchmark Generic Object Tracking-10k (GOT-10k). Then, we introduced the alpha-IoU loss function in YOLOv5-DeepSORT to detect the shot boundary objects and attained 38.62% mAP75:95 on Microsoft Common Objects in Context 2017 (MS COCO 2017). Eventually, we designed a backtracking identification module in TRTrack to re-identify the target. Experimental results confirmed the effectiveness of our method, which is superior to most of the state-of-the-art models.
Vibration Energy Harvester Based on Bilateral Periodic One-Dimensional Acoustic Black Hole
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Wang Hai , Yang Chunlai , Sun Hang , Yuan Yikai
Published: May 2023

An acoustic black hole (ABH) has been applied in the regulation of structural performance to form the aggregation effect of elastic waves in the local area of the structure, which has been used in energy harvesting in recent years. The piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (VEH) integrated with the beam of a bilateral periodic 1D ABH is proposed in this study. The theoretical model of the proposed VEH is established and analyzed based on the transfer matrix method. The performance of the VEHs is numerically simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics. The simulation results show that the performance of the bilateral ABH beam is higher than its traditional counterpart. Finally, the performance of the proposed VEH is validated in an experimental system. The experimental results show that the peak output voltage of the VEH Model 3 can reach 169.16 V, which is 1.9 times that of the traditional one. In the optimal impedance matching, the output power of the third bilateral VEH is 2.7 times that of the traditional ABH, which can reach 91.52 mW.
An Optimized Fed-Batch Culture Strategy Based on Multidimensional Time Series Aggregation
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Lei , Gong Xiugang , Chang Zheng , Yang Shanliang , Li Jing , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2023

An optimized feeding strategy for the fed-batch fermentation of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KGA) is proposed to enhance the total profit of a workshop. Instead of assigning the same quantity of substrate to each batch in the empirical scheduling, the online feeding strategy offers a practical approach that allows for the precise management of substrate feeding to maximize economic performance. The forecasting of the profit function has been achieved through the proposed similarity measurement and multidimensional time series aggregation method. This method solves the problem of predicting the total economic benefit at the end of fermentation, in the absence of fermentation substrate measurement data. Pseudo-online simulation has been conducted, utilizing data derived from ninety industrial batches. A 6% increase in total profit is observed, which indicates that the optimized strategy utilizes the substrate and other related resources more efficiently and leads to a higher overall profit.
Obtaining Bacterial Cellulose through Selected Strains of Acetic Acid Bacteria in Classical and Waste Media
Authors: Płoska Justyna , Garbowska Monika , Klempová Simona , Stasiak-Różańska Lidia
Published: May 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural exopolysaccharide characterized by a high purity, mechanical strength, and the ability to absorb various compounds. Obtaining BC on an industrial scale is expensive, mainly due to the high cost of the culture media. Replacing classical media with waste from the agri-food industry may be a promising way to reduce the costs when obtaining BC. The aim of these studies was to compare the effectiveness of the biosynthesis of BC in classical and waste media using two strains, Komagataeibacter xylinus K2G30 and Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 23769. Classical Hestrin−Schramm, YPM, GY, and GYE media were used. The waste media were banana peels, celery pomace, fish waste, hemp seed pomace, deproteinized acid whey (DAW), and non-deproteinized acid whey (NDAW). The highest efficiency of BC biosynthesis in classical media was observed in YPM and it was 5.23 g·dm−3 with K. xylinus K2G30. In the waste media, the highest yield of BC was observed in AW, when the yield of BC was 2.99 g·dm−3 with K. xylinus K2G30. In addition, it was demonstrated that the presence of proteins and lactic acid in AW influenced the efficiency when obtaining BC in the culture of K. xylinus. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain BC from industrial waste, especially from AW.
The LHAASO PeVatron Bright Sky: What We Learned
Authors: Cardillo Martina , Giuliani Andrea
Published: May 2023

The recent detection of 12 γ-ray galactic sources well above E>100 TeV by the LHAASO observatory has been a breakthrough in the context of the search for the origin of cosmic rays (CR). Although most of these sources remain unidentified, they are often spatially correlated with leptonic accelerators, such as pulsar and pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). This dramatically affects the paradigm for which a γ-ray detection at E>100 TeV implies the presence of a hadronic accelerator of PeV particles (PeVatron). Moreover, the LHAASO results support the idea that sources other than the standard candidates, supernova remnants, can accelerate galactic CRs. In this context, the good angular resolution of future Cherenkov telescopes, such as the ASTRI Mini-Array and CTA, and the higher sensitivity of future neutrino detectors, such as KM3NeT and IceCube-Gen2, will be of crucial importance. In this brief review, we want to summarize the efforts made up to now, from both theoretical and experimental points of view, to fully understand the LHAASO results in the context of the CR acceleration issue.
TwIdw—A Novel Method for Feature Extraction from Unstructured Texts
Authors: Szabó Nagy Kitti , Kapusta Jozef
Published: May 2023

This research proposes a novel technique for fake news classification using natural language processing (NLP) methods. The proposed technique, TwIdw (Term weight–inverse document weight), is used for feature extraction and is based on TfIdf, with the term frequencies replaced by the depth of the words in documents. The effectiveness of the TwIdw technique is compared to another feature extraction method—basic TfIdf. Classification models were created using the random forest and feedforward neural networks, and within those, three different datasets were used. The feedforward neural network method with the KaiDMML dataset showed an increase in accuracy of up to 3.9%. The random forest method with TwIdw was not as successful as the neural network method and only showed an increase in accuracy with the KaiDMML dataset (1%). The feedforward neural network, on the other hand, showed an increase in accuracy with the TwIdw technique for all datasets. Precision and recall measures also confirmed good results, particularly for the neural network method. The TwIdw technique has the potential to be used in various NLP applications, including fake news classification and other NLP classification problems.
Dynamic Response of Tunnels with a Rubber-Sand Isolation Layer under Normal Fault Creep-Slip and Subsequent Seismic Shaking: Shaking Table Testing and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Peng Shuquan , Liu Yongzhang , Fan Ling , Zeng Yuankai , Wang Guobo , Xun Zhize , Chen Guoliang
Published: May 2023

Tunnels may suffer severe damage when passing through an active fault in high-intensity earthquake zones. The present study aims to investigate the performance of an isolation layer composed of a rubber-sand mixture, an emerging trend in low-cost seismic mitigation studies. Based on the Ngong tunnel in the Nairobi-Malaba Railroad in Kenya, Africa, the effect of the rubber-sand isolation layer on the acceleration and strain of the tunnel lining was investigated through a shaking table test under small normal fault creep-slip and subsequent seismic shaking. The influences of the length of the isolation layer and the rubber content in the mixture were analyzed by numerical simulation. The results indicate that the isolation layer slightly reduces the acceleration response of the tunnel lining within the fault and obviously reduces the permanent strain of the invert and crown within the fault under small normal fault creep-slip and subsequent seismic excitation. The mitigation effect of the isolation layer is related to the length of the isolation layer and the rubber content in the mixture. In the case of this study, the length of the isolation layer is triple the fault width (influence range of the fault) and the appropriate enhancement of the rubber content of the isolation layer offers favorable conditions for mitigation effect, respectively.
Physical Characteristics and Body Image of Japanese Female University Long-Distance Runners
Authors: Kagawa Masaharu , Iwamoto Sayumi , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Ota Masako
Published: May 2023

While female long-distance runners are considered to have strong body dissatisfaction and body concerns, body-image research that incorporates detailed anthropometric and body composition parameters is still limited. The present study therefore investigates the physical characteristics and body image of Japanese female long-distance runners and explores the factors that influence their body image. Detailed anthropometric and body composition assessment using a dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DFBIA) was conducted on 30 Japanese female university long-distance runners. In addition, a questionnaire that included the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) and the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) was administered. On average, the participants had relatively low body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) (BMI: 18.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2; %BF: 19.7 ± 4.4%), but about 50–60% of them perceived themselves as being fat or having an excessive level of %BF. Their BSS scores were not associated with their measured physique. However, the anthropometric variables of the limbs were associated with the BAQ and its subscales. There was no single source that the majority referred to obtain information on their body, and performance was the only reason for their increased body concern. In order to better understand the factors that influence their body dissatisfaction and the effects of providing accurate information on behaviour modification, further investigation is warranted.
Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase Compartmentalization Separates Inositol Phosphate Metabolism from Inositol Lipid Signaling
Authors: Yu Jia , Leibiger Barbara , Yang Shao-Nian , Shears Stephen B. , Leibiger Ingo B. , Berggren Per-Olof , Barker Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

Multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (MINPP1) is an enigmatic enzyme that is responsible for the metabolism of inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) and inositol 1,3,4,5,6 pentakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P5 in mammalian cells, despite being restricted to the confines of the ER. The reason for this compartmentalization is unclear. In our previous studies in the insulin-secreting HIT cell line, we expressed MINPP1 in the cytosol to artificially reduce the concentration of these higher inositol phosphates. Undocumented at the time, we noted cytosolic MINPP1 expression reduced cell growth. We were struck by the similarities in substrate preference between a number of different enzymes that are able to metabolize both inositol phosphates and lipids, notably IPMK and PTEN. MINPP1 was first characterized as a phosphatase that could remove the 3-phosphate from inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P4). This molecule shares strong structural homology with the major product of the growth-promoting Phosphatidyl 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) and PTEN can degrade both this lipid and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Because of this similar substrate preference, we postulated that the cytosolic version of MINPP1 (cyt-MINPP1) may not only attack inositol polyphosphates but also PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, a key signal in mitogenesis. Our experiments show that expression of cyt-MINPP1 in HIT cells lowers the concentration of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. We conclude this reflects a direct effect of MINPP1 upon the lipid because cyt-MINPP1 actively dephosphorylates synthetic, di(C4:0)PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in vitro. These data illustrate the importance of MINPP1′s confinement to the ER whereby important aspects of inositol phosphate metabolism and inositol lipid signaling can be separately regulated and give one important clarification for MINPP1′s ER seclusion.
NiSe2/Ag3PO4 Nanocomposites for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalysts for Environmental Remediation Applications
Authors: Rani Madeeha , Murtaza Maida , Amjad Aneeqa , Zahra Manzar , Waseem Amir , Alhodaib Aiyeshah
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the use of NiSe2/Ag3PO4 nanocomposite catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB and BPA pollutants. Samples of pure NiSe2, Ag3PO4, and NiSe2/Ag3PO4 composites with varying NiSe2 (10%, 20%, and 30%) proportions were synthesized using hydrothermal techniques. The 20% NiSe2/Ag3PO4 composite showed the greatest photocatalytic efficiency for both RhB and BPA degradation. The study also examined the impact of various factors, such as the initial concentration of dye, catalyst amount, pH, and reaction time, on the photodegradation process. The 20% NiSe2/Ag3PO4 catalyst effectively degraded 10 ppm RhB in 20 min and 20 ppm BPA in 30 min. The physical properties of the samples were examined using SEM, PXRD, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The cycling runs of 20% NiSe2/Ag3PO4 also exhibited improved stability compared to Ag3PO4, with a degradation rate of 99% for RhB and BPA. The combination and synergistic effect of NiSe2 and Ag3PO4 played a vital role in enhancing the stability of the photocatalysts. Both the RhB and BPA photodegradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetic models with rate constants of 0.1266 min−1 and 0.2275 min−1, respectively. The study also presented a Z-scheme reaction mechanism to elucidate the process of photodegradation exhibited by the composites after active species capture experiments, which showed that superoxide anion radicals and holes were responsible for the photodegradation.
Cellular Functions of High-Temperature Requirement Factor A4 in Placenta
Authors: Pei Chang-Zhu , Choi Bum-Chae , Park Jun-Hyeok , Park Hyo Young , Paek Jinyoung , Lee Kyung-Ju , Yun Bo-Seong , Kim Young Ju , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: May 2023

The expression of High-temperature requirement factor A4 (HtrA4) mRNA is significantly lower in the chorionic villi of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) than in the control group. We conducted an investigation into the cellular functions of HtrA4 using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and shRNA-HtrA4 to create knockout BeWo cells and HtrA4 knockdown JEG3 cells. Our results indicated that the knockout BeWo cells exhibited reduced capacity for invasion and fusion, but increased levels of proliferation and migration, with a significantly shortened cell cycle compared to wild-type cells. Wild-type BeWo cells highly expressed cell invasion- and fusion-related factors, while knockout BeWo cells highly expressed migration-, proliferation-, and cell cycle-related factors. The shRNA-HtrA4 JEG3 cells showed a decreased capacity for invasion, but an increased capacity for migration, accompanied by a decrease in the expression of cell invasion-related factors and an increase in migration-related factors. Moreover, our ELISA results revealed that the serum HtrA4 level was lower in patients with RPL than in the controls. These findings suggest that HtrA4 depletion may be associated with placental dysfunction.
Impact of Short-Term (+)-JQ1 Exposure on Mouse Aorta: Unanticipated Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Contractility
Authors: Yan Binjie , Gui Yu , Guo Yanan , Sun Jiaxing , Saifeddine Mahmoud , Deng Jingti , Hill Joseph A. , Hollenberg Morley D. , Jiang Zhi-Sheng , Zheng Xi-Long
Published: May 2023

(+)-JQ1, a specific chemical inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family protein 4 (BRD4), has been reported to inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and mouse neointima formation via BRD4 regulation and modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of (+)-JQ1 on smooth muscle contractility and the underlying mechanisms. Using wire myography, we discovered that (+)-JQ1 inhibited contractile responses in mouse aortas with or without functional endothelium, reducing myosin light chain 20 (LC20) phosphorylation and relying on extracellular Ca2+. In mouse aortas lacking functional endothelium, BRD4 knockout did not alter the inhibition of contractile responses by (+)-JQ1. In primary cultured SMCs, (+)-JQ1 inhibited Ca2+ influx. In aortas with intact endothelium, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of contractile responses was reversed by NOS inhibition (L-NAME) or guanylyl cyclase inhibition (ODQ) and by blocking the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), (+)-JQ1 rapidly activated AKT and eNOS, which was reversed by PI3K or ATK inhibition. Intraperitoneal injection of (+)-JQ1 reduced mouse systolic blood pressure, an effect blocked by co-treatment with L-NAME. Interestingly, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of aortic contractility and its activation of eNOS and AKT were mimicked by the (−)-JQ1 enantiomer, which is structurally incapable of inhibiting BET bromodomains. In summary, our data suggest that (+)-JQ1 directly inhibits smooth muscle contractility and indirectly activates the PI3K/AKT/eNOS cascade in endothelial cells; however, these effects appear unrelated to BET inhibition. We conclude that (+)-JQ1 exhibits an off-target effect on vascular contractility.
CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy Thin Films Electrodeposited on Aluminum Support
Authors: Popescu Ana-Maria Julieta , Branzoi Florina , Burada Marian , Moreno Jose Calderon , Anastasescu Mihai , Anasiei Ioana , Olaru Mihai Tudor , Constantin Virgil
Published: May 2023

We investigate the corrosion behavior on the microstructure of CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy thin film potentiodynamic alloys electrodeposited on aluminum support. Using electrolytes based on dimethyformamide (DMF), (HCON(CH₃)₂), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, (CH3)2SO), an acetonitrile (AN, CH3CN) organic system (4:1 vol. ratio), LiClO4 in different concentrations and CoCl2, CrCl3 × 6H2O, FeCl2 × 4H2O, MnCl2 × 4H2O and NiCl2 × 6H2O in different conditions, the HEA components were co-deposited on an aluminum foil substrate. Using the CALPHAD method and the MatCalc PC software, the structure of the HEA system under study was investigated by calculating the characteristic kinetic and thermodynamic criteria. The influence of each metal from HEA inside the solid solution zone and over the formation of the solid solution phase were obtained from the ratio between the derived parameters. The electrochemical measurements, which demonstrate that on an aluminum support the HEA thin films have lower corrosion resistance, were performed at ambient temperature in an aerated artificial solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the microstructure of HEA thin films before and after corrosion in artificial seawater. This complex study demonstrates that the electrodeposition of HEA thin films on an aluminum support is more difficult and that the resistance to corrosion is much lower compared to that in the previous work on HEA deposits on a copper support.
Optimization of the Monte Carlo Simulation for Sapphire in Wet Etching
Authors: Wu Guorong , Li Yang , Qian Jiaxing , Miao Xinghua
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the Monte Carlo simulation for sapphire in wet etching is optimized, which improves the accuracy and efficiency of simulated results. Firstly, an eight-index classification method is proposed to classify the kinds of surface atoms, which can make assigned removal probabilities more accurately for surface atoms. Secondly, based on the proposed classification method of surface atoms, an extended removal probability equation (E-RPE) is proposed, which makes the errors between simulated and experimental rates smaller and greatly improves the accuracy of the simulated result of the etch rate distribution under the experimental condition (H2SO4:H3PO4 = 3:1, 236 °C). Thirdly, a modified removal probability equation (ME-RPE) considering the temperature dependence is proposed based on the error analysis between the simulated and experimental rates under different temperature conditions, which can simulate etch rates under the different temperature conditions through a group of optimized energy parameters and improve the simulation efficiency. Finally, small errors between the simulated and experimental rates under the different temperature conditions (H2SO4:H3PO4 = 3:1, 202 °C and 223 °C) verify the validity of the ME-RPE for temperature change. The optimization methods for the Monte Carlo simulation of sapphire in wet etching proposed in this paper will provide a reference for the simulation of other crystal materials.
The Role of Surgery in Oligometastatic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma
Authors: Janes Lindsay A. , Angeles Christina V.
Published: May 2023

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are extremely rare, comprising <15% of primary sarcomas. Distant metastasis occurs in about 20% of cases, with pulmonary and hepatic metastasis as the most common sites of hematogenous spread. Although surgical resection is well established as the main treatment of localized primary disease, there are limited guidelines for the surgical treatment of intra-abdominal and distant metastases. There are inadequate systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic sarcoma, thereby necessitating the consideration of surgical options in carefully selected patients. Key points to consider include tumor biology, patient fitness and co-morbidities, overall prognosis, and goals of care. Multidisciplinary sarcoma tumor board discussion for each case is an essential practice in order to deliver the best care to these patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the published literature on the past and present role of surgery in the treatment of oligometastatic retroperitoneal sarcoma in order to inform the management of this difficult disease.
Anti-Tumor Effect and Neurotoxicity of Ethanol Adjuvant Therapy after Surgery of a Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Ban Yoshitaka , Hoshi Manabu , Oebisu Naoto , Orita Kumi , Iwai Tadashi , Yao Hana , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: May 2023

Wide resection is the main treatment for sarcomas; however, when they are located near major nerves, their sacrifices might affect limb function. The efficacy of ethanol adjuvant therapy for sarcomas has not been established. In this study, the anti-tumor effect of ethanol, as well as its neurotoxicity, were assessed. In vitro anti-tumor effect of ethanol as evaluated using MTT, wound healing, and invasion assays on a synovial sarcoma cell line (HS-SY-II). In vivo, an assessment was conducted in nude mice (implanted with subcutaneous HS-SY-II) treated with different ethanol concentrations after surgery with a close margin. Sciatic nerve neurotoxicity was assessed with electrophysiological and histological examination. In vitro, ethanol concentrations at 30% and higher showed cytotoxic effects in MTT assay and markedly reduced migration and invasive ability of HS-SY-II. In vivo, both 30% and 99.5% ethanol concentrations, compared to 0% concentration, significantly reduced the local recurrence. However, in the group treated with 99.5% ethanol, nerve conduction tests showed prolonged latency and decreased amplitude, and morphological changes suggestive of nerve degeneration were observed in the sciatic nerve, while the 30% ethanol did not cause neurological damage. In conclusion, 30% is the optimal concentration for ethanol adjuvant therapy after close-margin surgery for sarcoma.
A Descriptive Study of Repeated Hospitalizations and Survival of Patients with Metastatic Melanoma in the Northern Italian Region during 2004–2019
Authors: Mannucci Matilde , Fontana Vincenzo , Campanella Dalila , Filiberti Rosa Angela , Pronzato Paolo , Rosa Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Background: Survival rates for metastatic melanoma (MM) patients have improved in recent years, leading to major expenses and health resource use. We conducted a non-concurrent prospective study to describe the burden of hospitalization in a real-world setting for patients with MM. Methods: Patients were tracked throughout all hospital stays in 2004–2019 by means of hospital discharges. The number of hospitalizations, the rehospitalization rate, the average time spent in the hospital and the time span between consecutive admissions were evaluated. Relative survival was also calculated. Results: Overall, 1570 patients were identified at the first stay (56.5% in 2004–2011 and 43.7% in 2012–2019). A total of 8583 admissions were retrieved. The overall rehospitalization rate was 1.78 per patient/year (95%CI = 1.68–1.89); it increased significantly with the period of first stay (1.51, 95%CI = 1.40–1.64 in 2004–2011 and 2.11, 95%CI = 1.94–2.29 thereafter). The median time span between hospitalizations was lower for patients hospitalized after 2011 (16 vs. 26 months). An improvement in survival for males was highlighted. Conclusions: The hospitalization rate of patients with MM was higher in the last years of the study. Compared with a shorter length of stay, patients were admitted to hospitals with a higher frequency. Knowledge of the burden of MM is essential for planning the allocation of healthcare resources.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Hepatic Uveal Melanoma Metastases
Authors: Sajan Abin , Fordyce Samuel , Sideris Andrew , Liou Connie , Toor Zeeshan , Filtes John , Krishnasamy Venkatesh , Ahmad Noor , Reis Stephen , Brejt Sidney , Baig Asad , Khan Shaheer , Caplan Michael , Sperling David , Weintraub Joshua
Published: May 2023

Uveal melanoma is one of the most common primary intraocular malignancies that accounts for about 85% of all ocular melanomas. The pathophysiology of uveal melanoma is distinct from cutaneous melanoma and has separate tumor profiles. The management of uveal melanoma is largely dependent on the presence of metastases, which confers a poor prognosis with a one-year survival reaching only 15%. Although a better understanding of tumor biology has led to the development of novel pharmacologic agents, there is increasing demand for minimally invasive management of hepatic uveal melanoma metastases. Multiple studies have already summarized the systemic therapeutic options available for metastatic uveal melanoma. This review covers the current research for the most prevalent locoregional treatment options for metastatic uveal melanoma including percutaneous hepatic perfusion, immunoembolization, chemoembolization, thermal ablation, and radioembolization.
Evaluation of NAG, NGAL, and KIM-1 as Prognostic Markers of the Initial Evolution of Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Tabernero Guadalupe , Pescador Moisés , Ruiz Ferreras Elena , Morales Ana I. , Prieto Marta
Published: May 2023

Kidney transplantation is the best option for end-stage chronic kidney disease. Transplant viability is conditioned by drugs’ nephrotoxicity, ischemia–reperfusion damage, or acute rejection. An approach to improve graft survival is the identification of post-transplant renal function prognostic biomarkers. Our objective was to study three early kidney damage biomarkers (N-acetyl-d-glucosaminidase, NAG; neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL; and kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1) in the initial period after transplantation and to identify possible correlations with main complications. We analysed those biomarkers in urine samples from 70 kidney transplant patients. Samples were taken on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after intervention, as well as on the day that renal function stabilised (based on serum creatinine). During the first week after transplant, renal function improved based on serum creatinine evolution. However, increasing levels of biomarkers at different times during that first week could indicate tubular damage or other renal pathology. A relationship was found between NGAL values in the first week after transplantation and delayed graft function. In addition, higher NAG and NGAL, and lower KIM-1 values predicted a longer renal function stabilisation time. Therefore, urinary NAG, NGAL, and KIM-1 could constitute a predictive tool for kidney transplant complications, contributing to improve graft survival rates.
Identifying Cancer Driver Pathways Based on the Mouth Brooding Fish Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xiang Xiaowen , Zhao Bihai , Huang Jianlin , Yang Lan , Zeng Yifu
Published: May 2023

Identifying the driver genes of cancer progression is of great significance in improving our understanding of the causes of cancer and promoting the development of personalized treatment. In this paper, we identify the driver genes at the pathway level via an existing intelligent optimization algorithm, named the Mouth Brooding Fish (MBF) algorithm. Many methods based on the maximum weight submatrix model to identify driver pathways attach equal importance to coverage and exclusivity and assign them equal weight, but those methods ignore the impact of mutational heterogeneity. Here, we use principal component analysis (PCA) to incorporate covariate data to reduce the complexity of the algorithm and construct a maximum weight submatrix model considering different weights of coverage and exclusivity. Using this strategy, the unfavorable effect of mutational heterogeneity is overcome to some extent. Data involving lung adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme were tested with this method and the results compared with the MDPFinder, Dendrix, and Mutex methods. When the driver pathway size was 10, the recognition accuracy of the MBF method reached 80% in both datasets, and the weight values of the submatrix were 1.7 and 1.89, respectively, which are better than those of the compared methods. At the same time, in the signal pathway enrichment analysis, the important role of the driver genes identified by our MBF method in the cancer signaling pathway is revealed, and the validity of these driver genes is demonstrated from the perspective of their biological effects.
Makerspaces and Making Data: Learning from Pre-Service Teachers’ STEM Experiences in a Community Makerspace
Authors: Douglass Helen
Published: May 2023

As the student population in the United States (US) is becoming more diverse, educator preparation programs are seeking ways to make the teacher workforce more diverse, which involves diversification of training experiences. Informal spaces, which can include integrated science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) opportunities, are not traditionally part of teacher preparation, although teachers are being asked to occupy these STEM spaces with more frequency. Including informal experiences in a community STEM makerspace, which highlights digital fabrication, creativity, and problem solving, diversifies teacher preparation by extending beyond both the university setting and the elementary classroom. This exploratory case study with elementary (primary) pre-service teachers in a science and math methods (vis a vis STEM) class examines experiences they have in a community makerspace in a qualitative study, which uses Data Engagement (DE) as a methodological framework. DE draws upon intersectional feminist, critical, and materialist theories. Assembled and made data from observations in the makerspace, pre- and post-maker reflections, and responses to a modified in-person interview protocol reveal that, despite more open-ended and complex challenges than those experienced in class, participants reported positive future-thinking, less content dread, and more agency in perceived efficacy. These results invite further study and conversation about including informal STEM maker experiences in US teacher preparation as a step to increasing diversity in the teacher workforce.