bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Generating Webtoons Using Multilingual Text-to-Image Models
Authors: Yu Kyungho , Kim Hyoungju , Kim Jeongin , Chun Chanjun , Kim Pankoo
Published: June 2023

Text-to-image technology enables computers to create images from text by simulating the human process of forming mental images. GAN-based text-to-image technology involves extracting features from input text; subsequently, they are combined with noise and used as input to a GAN, which generates images similar to the original images via competition between the generator and discriminator. Although images have been extensively generated from English text, text-to-image technology based on multilingualism, such as Korean, is in its developmental stage. Webtoons are digital comic formats for viewing comics online. The webtoon creation process involves story planning, content/sketching, coloring, and background drawing, all of which require human intervention, thus being time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, this study proposes a multilingual text-to-image model capable of generating webtoon images when presented with multilingual input text. The proposed model employs multilingual BERT to extract feature vectors for multiple languages and trains a DCGAN in conjunction with the images. The experimental results demonstrate that the model can generate images similar to the original images when presented with multilingual input text after training. The evaluation metrics further support these findings, as the generated images achieved an Inception score of 4.99 and an FID score of 22.21.
Removal of Multiple-Radio-Frequency Interference in 1.29 GHz Wind Profiler Spectra
Authors: Lee Kyung Hun , Kwon Byung Hyuk
Published: June 2023

A 1.29 GHz wind profiler was developed under a private–military–government cooperative wind profiler radar development project in the Republic of Korea. During the test operation period, radio frequency interference (RFI) contamination occurred in the spectrum. In addition to the general shape, with a continuous appearance depending on the altitude, the spectrum showed complex shapes, such as discontinuous and overlapping frequencies. The RFI characteristics in the wind profiler spectra were analyzed, and a new algorithm was developed to remove multiple RFI (MRFI). Meteorological and non-meteorological signals were separated by filtering with a spectrum width threshold of 0.1 m/s. A continuity check was performed to determine MRFI in the non-meteorological signal. The number of gates in which the same radial velocity is continuous was determined based on whether the beam was vertical or oblique; a rough continuity test was performed, considering exceptional circumstances for the meteorological signal. For overlapping MRFI, the process was repeated. Spectral contamination by MRFI was removed through filtering and iterated scans; the continuity of wind vectors calculated from the improved spectral radial velocity was verified. Good-quality wind vectors can be produced even in a bad-radio-frequency environment if proper quality control is performed.
Diversity and Ranking of ENSO Impacts along the Eastern Seaboard of Subtropical Southern Africa
Authors: Blamey Ross C. , Reason Chris J. C.
Published: June 2023

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant mode of interannual climate variability over southern Africa during the summer half of the year. It is widely accepted that El Niño (La Niña) core summers (December–February) are typically warmer and drier (cooler and wetter) than average over the region. Although it is recognized that the ENSO impacts are nonlinear and not all events result in the expected impact, little or no work has been carried out to systematically explore the diversity and ranking of these impacts. Here, parameter-space bubble plots involving various rainfall and temperature metrics are used to study how such impacts vary over the eastern seaboard of subtropical southern Africa to determine the ENSO events with the strongest impacts, and to identify the most anomalous ENSO cases. Comparison of neutral summers experiencing the strongest droughts/floods with ENSO impacts is also performed. These metrics are designed to be applicable to the interests of farmers and other user groups. It is found that 1987/1988 (2017/2018) was the most unusual El Niño (La Niña) and neutral 1981/1982 had a severe drought, worse than occurs during most El Niños. These unusual cases are explained in terms of regional circulation and SST anomalies. Implications of the results for seasonal forecasting and for farmers are discussed.
RPCGB Method for Large-Scale Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Ettahiri Abderrahmane , El Mouatasim Abdelkrim
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose a new approach for optimizing a large-scale non-convex differentiable function subject to linear equality constraints. The proposed method, RPCGB (random perturbation of the conditional gradient method with bisection algorithm), computes a search direction by the conditional gradient, and an optimal line search is found by a bisection algorithm, which results in a decrease of the cost function. The RPCGB method is designed to guarantee global convergence of the algorithm. An implementation and testing of the method are given, with numerical results of large-scale problems that demonstrate its efficiency.
New Insights into Oxidative and Reductive Stress Responses and Their Relation to the Anticancer Activity of Selenium-Containing Compounds as Hydrogen Selenide Donors
Authors: Krakowiak Agnieszka , Pietrasik Sylwia
Published: June 2023

Redox balance is important for the homeostasis of normal cells, but also for the proliferation, progression, and survival of cancer cells. Both oxidative and reductive stress can be harmful to cells. In contrast to oxidative stress, reductive stress and the therapeutic opportunities underlying the mechanisms of reductive stress in cancer, as well as how cancer cells respond to reductive stress, have received little attention and are not as well characterized. Therefore, there is recent interest in understanding how selective induction of reductive stress may influence therapeutic treatment and disease progression in cancer. There is also the question of how cancer cells respond to reductive stress. Selenium compounds have been shown to have chemotherapeutic effects against cancer, and their anticancer mechanism is thought to be related to the formation of their metabolites, including hydrogen selenide (H2Se), which is a highly reactive and reducing molecule. Here, we highlight recent reports on the molecular mechanism of how cells recognize and respond to oxidative and reductive stress (1) and the mechanisms through which different types of selenium compounds can generate H2Se (2) and thus selectively affect reductive stress under controlled conditions, which may be important for their anticancer effects.
Chasing the Role of miRNAs in RCC: From Free-Circulating to Extracellular-Vesicle-Derived Biomarkers
Authors: Mastrolia Ilenia , Catani Virginia , Oltrecolli Marco , Pipitone Stefania , Vitale Maria Giuseppa , Masciale Valentina , Chiavelli Chiara , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto , Nasso Cecilia , Grisendi Giulia , Sabbatini Roberto , Dominici Massimo
Published: June 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the second most common cancer of the urinary system. The current therapeutic strategies are based on partial or total nephrectomy and/or targeted therapies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors to which patients are often refractory. Preventive and screening strategies do not exist and the few available biomarkers for RCC are characterized by a lack of sensitivity, outlining the need for novel noninvasive and sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis and better disease monitoring. Blood liquid biopsy (LB) is a non- or minimally invasive procedure for a more representative view of tumor heterogeneity than a tissue biopsy, potentially allowing the real-time monitoring of cancer evolution. Growing interest is focused on the extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by either healthy or tumoral cells and recovered in a variety of biological matrices, blood included. EVs are involved in cell-to-cell crosstalk transferring their mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and protein content. In particular, transferred miRNAs may regulate tumorigenesis and proliferation also impacting resistance to apoptosis, thus representing potential useful biomarkers. Here, we present the latest efforts in the identification of circulating miRNAs in blood samples, focusing on the potential use of EV-derived miRNAs as RCC diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Emerging Rhabdoviruses and Human Infection
Authors: Shepherd James G. , Davis Chris , Streicker Daniel G. , Thomson Emma C.
Published: June 2023

Rhabdoviridae is a large viral family, with members infecting a diverse range of hosts including, vertebrate species, arthropods, and plants. The predominant human pathogen within the family is Rabies lyssavirus, the main cause of human rabies. While rabies is itself a neglected disease, there are other, less well studied, rhabdoviruses known to cause human infection. The increasing application of next-generation sequencing technology to clinical samples has led to the detection of several novel or rarely detected rhabdoviruses associated with febrile illness. Many of these viruses have been detected in low- and middle-income countries where the extent of human infection and the burden of disease remain largely unquantified. This review describes the rhabdoviruses other than Rabies lyssavirus that have been associated with human infection. The discovery of the Bas Congo virus and Ekpoma virus is discussed, as is the re-emergence of species such as Le Dantec virus, which has recently been detected in Africa 40 years after its initial isolation. Chandipura virus and the lyssaviruses that are known to cause human rabies are also described. Given their association with human disease, the viruses described in this review should be prioritised for further study.
High-Throughput Analysis of Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Levels in Subtypes of People with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Bissenova Samal , Buitinga Mijke , Boesch Markus , Korf Hannelie , Casteels Kristina , Teunkens An , Mathieu Chantal , Gysemans Conny
Published: June 2023

Neutrophils might play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D), by contributing to immune dysregulation via a highly inflammatory program called neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation or NETosis, involving the extrusion of chromatin entangled with anti-microbial proteins. However, numerous studies reported contradictory data on NET formation in T1D. This might in part be due to the inherent heterogeneity of the disease and the influence of the disease developmental stage on neutrophil behavior. Moreover, there is a lack of a standardized method to measure NETosis in an unbiased and robust manner. In this study, we employed the Incucyte® ZOOM live-cell imaging platform to study NETosis levels in various subtypes of adult and pediatric T1D donors compared to healthy controls (HC) at baseline and in response to phorbol–myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. Firstly, we determined that the technique allows for an operator-independent and automated quantification of NET formation across multiple time points, which showed that PMA and ionomycin induced NETosis with distinct kinetic characteristics, confirmed by high-resolution microscopy. NETosis levels also showed a clear dose-response curve to increasing concentrations of both stimuli. Overall, using Incucyte® ZOOM, no aberrant NET formation was observed over time in the different subtypes of T1D populations, irrespective of age, compared to HC. These data were corroborated by the levels of peripheral NET markers in all study participants. The current study showed that live-cell imaging allows for a robust and unbiased analysis and quantification of NET formation in real-time. Peripheral neutrophil measures should be complemented with dynamic quantification of NETing neutrophils to make robust conclusions on NET formation in health and disease.
Aldosterone: Essential for Life but Damaging to the Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Crompton Michael , Skinner Laura J. , Satchell Simon C. , Butler Matthew J.
Published: June 2023

The renin angiotensin aldosterone system is a key regulator of blood pressure. Aldosterone is the final effector of this pathway, acting predominantly via mineralocorticoid receptors. Aldosterone facilitates the conservation of sodium and, with it, water and acts as a powerful stimulus for potassium excretion. However, evidence for the pathological impact of excess mineralocorticoid receptor stimulation is increasing. Here, we discussed how in the heart, hyperaldosteronism is associated with fibrosis, cardiac dysfunction, and maladaptive hypertrophy. In the kidney, aldosterone was shown to cause proteinuria and fibrosis and may contribute to the progression of kidney disease. More recently, studies suggested that aldosterone excess damaged endothelial cells. Here, we reviewed how damage to the endothelial glycocalyx may contribute to this process. The endothelial glycocalyx is a heterogenous, negatively charged layer on the luminal surface of cells. Aldosterone exposure alters this layer. The resulting structural changes reduced endothelial reactivity in response to protective shear stress, altered permeability, and increased immune cell trafficking. Finally, we reviewed current therapeutic strategies for limiting endothelial damage and suggested that preventing glycocalyx remodelling in response to aldosterone exposure may provide a novel strategy, free from the serious adverse effect of hyperkalaemia seen in response to mineralocorticoid blockade.
The Role of Trace Elements and Minerals in Osteoporosis: A Review of Epidemiological and Laboratory Findings
Authors: Skalny Anatoly V. , Aschner Michael , Silina Ekaterina V. , Stupin Victor A. , Zaitsev Oleg N. , Sotnikova Tatiana I. , Tazina Serafima Ia. , Zhang Feng , Guo Xiong , Tinkov Alexey A.
Published: June 2023

The objective of the present study was to review recent epidemiological and clinical data on the association between selected minerals and trace elements and osteoporosis, as well as to discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations. We have performed a search in the PubMed-Medline and Google Scholar databases using the MeSH terms “osteoporosis”, “osteogenesis”, “osteoblast”, “osteoclast”, and “osteocyte” in association with the names of particular trace elements and minerals through 21 March 2023. The data demonstrate that physiological and nutritional levels of trace elements and minerals promote osteogenic differentiation through the up-regulation of BMP-2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, as well as other pathways. miRNA and epigenetic effects were also involved in the regulation of the osteogenic effects of trace minerals. The antiresorptive effect of trace elements and minerals was associated with the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. At the same time, the effect of trace elements and minerals on bone health appeared to be dose-dependent with low doses promoting an osteogenic effect, whereas high doses exerted opposite effects which promoted bone resorption and impaired bone formation. Concomitant with the results of the laboratory studies, several clinical trials and epidemiological studies demonstrated that supplementation with Zn, Mg, F, and Sr may improve bone quality, thus inducing antiosteoporotic effects.
Cortical Structure Differences in Relation to Age, Sexual Attractions, and Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents: An Examination of Mean Diffusivity and T1 Relaxation Time
Authors: Skorska Malvina N. , Thurston Lindsey T. , Biasin Jessica M. , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Zucker Kenneth J. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Lai Meng-Chuan , VanderLaan Doug P.
Published: June 2023

Recent research found that the combination of masculine gender identity and gynephilia was associated with cortical T1 relaxation time, which is considered to reflect gray matter density. We hypothesized that mean diffusivity (MD), a diffusion tensor imaging metric that reflects the degree to which water movement is free versus constrained, in combination with T1 relaxation time would provide further insight regarding cortical tissue characteristics. MD and T1 relaxation time were measured in 76 cortical regions in 15 adolescents assigned female at birth who experience gender dysphoria (GD AFAB) and were not receiving hormone therapy, 17 cisgender girls, and 14 cisgender boys (ages 12–17 years). Sexual orientation was represented by the degree of androphilia–gynephilia and the strength of sexual attraction. In multivariate analyses, cortical T1 relaxation time showed a weak but statistically significant positive association with MD across the cortex, suggesting that macromolecule-rich cortical tissue also tends to show water movement that is somewhat more constrained. In further multivariate analyses, in several left frontal, parietal, and temporal regions, the combination of shorter T1 relaxation time and faster MD was associated with older age and greater gynephilia in GD AFAB individuals and cisgender boys and with stronger attractions in cisgender boys only. Thus, for these cortical regions in these groups, older age, gynephilia, and stronger attractions (cisgender boys only) were associated with macromolecule-rich tissue in which water movement was freer—a pattern that some prior research suggests is associated with greater cell density and size. Overall, this study indicates that investigating T1 relaxation time and MD together can further inform how cortical gray matter tissue characteristics relate to age and psychosexuality.
Trauma-Responsive Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Chopp Sara , Topitzes Dimitri , Mersky Joshua
Published: June 2023

Research on the effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs has revealed that VR services are less effective for trauma-affected and Black consumers. For instance, consumers with trauma exposure disengage from services earlier than their non-traumatized counterparts, and Black consumers benefit less from each phase of VR services compared to others. One midwestern state’s VR program sought to address these disparities by offering trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services that emphasize cultural responsiveness, racial equity, and strengths-based practices. To begin this work, the state’s VR program collaborated with an applied research unit in a public university to establish two work groups: a communications group and a training group. The purpose of the communications group was to build a robust referral network within the VR Division and with other community-based agencies and providers, particularly for low-income, Black consumers. The purpose of the training group was to develop and deliver a training program to support VR professionals in providing trauma-informed and trauma-responsive services. Results from an evaluation of the training indicated that each training module generated for staff both reminders and new insights into ways to effectively work with consumers. Staff expressed that they wanted opportunities to further explore and apply the training content and needed additional, ongoing support to implement what they were learning. In response to staff needs, the state’s VR program is continuing to invest in this community–university partnership by establishing communities of practice for staff and evaluating the effectiveness of the training program.
Further Explanation on the Excitation Mechanism of Stay Cable Vibration in Dry Conditions
Authors: Nguyen Duy Thao , Vo Duy Hung
Published: June 2023

The present article outlines a research investigation carried out in a wind tunnel setting aimed at augmenting comprehension of the excitation mechanism of stay cable vibration in arid conditions. A multitude of wind tunnel experiments were thoroughly scrutinized. The study commenced by conducting measurements of the stay cable vibration in conditions of steady flow. The flow angle was set at 45 degrees, and the inclination was set at 25 degrees. The wind velocities varied during the experiment. Additionally, an investigation into the flow field surrounding the stay cable’s was conducted in both vertical and horizontal directions. By utilizing two hot wire anemometers in the cable wake, an extensive database of flow field measurements was obtained. The experimental results revealed that the vibration characteristics of the stay cable under the arid conditions considered in this study aligned with findings reported in existing literature. Notably, a deeper comprehension of the excitation mechanism of a stay cable in a dry state was attained. This mechanism is closely associated with the inhibition of Karman vortices and the development of low-frequency vortices. At low wind speeds, Karman vortices predominated, resulting in small-amplitude vibrations. However, as the wind speed increased, the influence of Karman vortices diminished progressively, while the low-frequency vortices grew stronger. These low-frequency vortices exhibited high energy and a significant correlation with shedding along the stay cable, thereby inducing cable vibration in a dry environment.
Research Methods in Urban Design: A Framework for Researching the Performance and Resilience of Places
Authors: Lehmann Steffen
Published: June 2023

Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions [...]
A BIM-Based Simulation Approach for Life-Cycle Quality Control in Post-Pandemic Hospitals
Authors: Gao Si , Xie Hu , Yang Mian , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Ming , Wang Xin , Jiang Ze-Hao
Published: June 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 has engendered extensive challenges for conventional hospital operations. To adapt to this problematic issue, a mixed-use hospital functioning system for normal and epidemic situations is proposed. However, the inherent complexity of a hospital embedded with a function of epidemic prevention and control renders a restrained construction process that may compromise quality. In this stance, we developed a BIM (building information modelling)-based simulation approach addressing life-cycle quality control in post-pandemic hospitals. An illustrative case study approach, which draws on the grey literature, was used to address the research question. BIM forward design was employed to integrate with such elements as functional streamline, emergency site, and ward conversion in the process of transformation from normal to epidemic-related operations. Computational fluid dynamics-based fluid simulation was conducted to obtain the most suitable air supply and exhaust solutions for negative pressure wards. BIM forward design method contributed to improving design efficiency and quality. The results of ventilation simulation and environmental analysis showed that the design scheme met all the functional requirements and technical specifications. Meanwhile, the best pipeline synthesis scheme was obtained, which reduced the rework and saved on construction time. The proposed method is beneficial to improve the efficiency of design information sharing and business collaboration. Implications generated from this study can be used as a significant reference for the future construction of various healthcare facilities.
Seismic Performance of SFRC Shear Walls with Window Opening and the Substitution Effect for Steel Bars
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Tang Zizhao , Duan Yuanfeng , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: June 2023

Shear walls are important vertical and lateral bearing element in structures. While shear walls with openings are fragile due to stress concentration and the quasi-brittle behavior of concrete in tension. Therefore, additional strengthening rebars are required for the shear walls with openings. However, it aggravates the problem of dense reinforcement which increases the steel cage manufacturing and concrete compaction problem and still lacks countermeasures against concrete damage and cracking. To reduce the rebar demand and improve the damage tolerance of squat reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls with openings, an optimized steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) was adopted to understand the seismic performance by cyclical loading test. The tested specimens included a plain RC shear wall without strengthening bar around the opening (for comparison), an SFRC shear wall, and an SFRC shear wall with a reduced distributed steel bar. This paper mainly studies the effect of using SFRC to improve the seismic performance of the open shear wall and to replace the reinforcement around the opening and the shear reinforcement. The hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, bearing capacity degradation and energy dissipation of the specimens were analyzed. The results show that the failure can be delayed and relieved, the deformation capacity and energy dissipation can considerably improve, and rebars can be partially replaced by using SFRC.
Automated Classification of the Phases Relevant to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injury Risks in Residential Roof Shingle Installation Operations Using Machine Learning
Authors: Dutta Amrita , Breloff Scott P. , Mahmud Dilruba , Dai Fei , Sinsel Erik W. , Warren Christopher M. , Wu John Z.
Published: June 2023

Awkward kneeling in sloped shingle installation operations exposes roofers to knee musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks. To address the varying levels of risk associated with different phases of shingle installation, this research investigated utilizing machine learning to automatically classify seven distinct phases in a typical shingle installation task. The classification process relied on analyzing knee kinematics data and roof slope information. Nine participants were recruited and performed simulated shingle installation tasks while kneeling on a sloped wooden platform. The knee kinematics data were collected using an optical motion capture system. Three supervised machine learning classification methods (i.e., k-nearest neighbors (KNNs), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF)) were selected for evaluation. The KNN classifier provided the best performance for overall accuracy. The results substantiated the feasibility of applying machine learning in classifying shingle installation phases from workers’ knee joint rotation and roof slope angles, which may help facilitate method and tool development for automated knee MSD risk surveillance and assessment among roofers.
Enhancement of the Anticancer Ability of Natural Killer Cells through Allogeneic Mitochondrial Transfer
Authors: Kim Seong-Hoon , Kim Mi-Jin , Lim Mina , Kim Jihye , Kim Hyunmin , Yun Chang-Koo , Yoo Yun-Joo , Lee Youngjun , Min Kyunghoon , Choi Yong-Soo
Published: June 2023

An in vitro culture period of at least 2 weeks is required to produce sufficient natural killer (NK) cells for immunotherapy, which are the key effectors in hematological malignancy treatment. Mitochondrial damage and fragmentation reduce the NK cell immune surveillance capacity. Thus, we hypothesized that the transfer of healthy mitochondria to NK cells could enhance their anticancer effects. Allogeneic healthy mitochondria isolated from WRL-68 cells were transferred to NK cells. We evaluated NK cells’ proliferative capacity, cell cycle, and cytotoxic capacity against various cancer cell types by analyzing specific lysis and the cytotoxic granules released. The relationship between the transferred allogenic mitochondrial residues and NK cell function was determined. After mitochondrial transfer, the NK cell proliferation rate was 1.2-fold higher than that of control cells. The mitochondria-treated NK cells secreted a 2.7-, 4.1-, and 5-fold higher amount of granzyme B, perforin, and IFN-γ, respectively, when co-cultured with K562 cells. The specific lysis of various solid cancer cells increased 1.3–1.6-fold. However, once allogeneic mitochondria were eliminated, the NK cell activity returned to the pre-mitochondrial transfer level. Mitochondria-enriched NK cells have the potential to be used as a novel solid cancer treatment agent, without the need for in vitro cytokine-induced culture.
Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Tumor Dormancy
Authors: Zhang Yuzhe , Yan Lirong , Wang Zhongqing , Li Fang , Lv Jinqi , Liu Jiaqing , Liu Xuqin , Bao Li , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2023

Tumor dormancy continues to be a research hotspot with numerous pressing problems that need to be solved. The goal of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of pertinent articles published in the twenty-first century. We concentrate on significant keywords, nations, authors, affiliations, journals, and literature in the field of tumor dormancy, which will help researchers to review the results that have been achieved and better understand the directions of future research. We retrieved research articles on tumor dormancy from the Web of Science Core Collection. This study made use of the visualization tools VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica, as visualization helps us to uncover the intrinsic connections between information. Research on tumor dormancy has been growing in the 21st century, especially from 2015 to the present. The United States is a leader in many aspects of this research area, such as in the number of publications, the number of partners, the most productive institutions, and the authors working in this field. Harvard University is the institution with the highest number of publications, and Aguirre-Ghiso, Julio A. is the author with the highest number of publications and citations. The keywords that emerged after 2017 were “early dissemination”, “inhibition”, “mechanism”, “bone metastasis”, and “promotion”. We believe that research on tumor dormancy mechanisms and therapy has been, and will continue to be, a major area of interest. The exploration of the tumor dormancy microenvironment and immunotherapeutic treatments for tumor dormancy is likely to represent the most popular future research topics.
Identification, and Experimental and Bioinformatics Validation of an Immune-Related Prognosis Gene Signature for Low-Grade Glioma Based on mRNAsi
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ye Shengda , Wu Du , Xu Ziyue , Wei Wei , Duan Faliang , Luo Ming
Published: June 2023

Background: Low-grade gliomas (LGGs), which are the second most common intracranial tumor, are diagnosed in seven out of one million people, tending to develop in younger people. Tumor stem cells and immune cells are important in the development of tumorigenesis. However, research on prognostic factors linked to the immune microenvironment and stem cells in LGG patients is limited. We critically need accurate related tools for assessing the risk of LGG patients. Methods: In this study, we aimed to identify immune-related genes (IRGs) in LGG based on the mRNAsi score. We employed differentially expressed gene (DEG) methods and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The risk signature was then further established using a lasso Cox regression analysis and a multivariate Cox analysis. Next, we used immunohistochemical sections (HPA) and a survival analysis to identify the hub genes. A nomogram was built to assess the prognosis of patients based on their clinical information and risk scores and was validated using a DCA curve, among other methods. Results: Four hub genes were obtained: C3AR1 (HR = 0.98, p < 0.001), MSR1 (HR = 1.02, p < 0.001), SLC11A1 (HR = 1.01, p < 0.01), and IL-10 (HR = 1.01, p < 0.001). For LGG patients, we created an immune-related prognostic signature (IPS) based on mRNAsi for estimating risk scores; different risk groups showed significantly different survival rates (p = 3.3 × 10−16). Then, via an evaluation of the IRG-related signature, we created a nomogram for predicting LGG survival probability. Conclusion: The outcome suggests that, when predicting the prognosis of LGG patients, our nomogram was more effective than the IPS. In this study, four immune-related predictive biomarkers for LGG were identified and proven to be IRGs. Therefore, the development of efficient immunotherapy techniques can be facilitated by the creation of the IPS.
Tungsten Oxide Morphology-Dependent Au/TiO2/WO3 Heterostructures with Applications in Heterogenous Photocatalysis and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Székely István , Kovács Zoltán , Rusu Mihai , Gyulavári Tamás , Todea Milica , Focșan Monica , Baia Monica , Pap Zsolt
Published: June 2023

Developing highly efficient Au/TiO2/WO3 heterostructures with applications in heterogeneous photocatalysis (photocatalytic degradation) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (dye detection) is currently of paramount significance. Au/TiO2/WO3 heterostructures were obtained via heat or time-assisted synthesis routes developed by slightly modifying the Turkevich–Frens synthesis methods and were investigated by TEM, SEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, photoluminescence, and UV–vis DRS techniques. Structural features, such as WO3 crystalline phases, TiO2 surface defects, as well as the WO3 (220) to TiO2-A (101) ratio, were the key parameters needed to obtain heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity for removing oxalic acid, phenol, methyl orange, and aspirin. Photodegradation efficiencies of 95.9 and 96.9% for oxalic acid; above 96% (except one composite) for phenol; 90.1 and 97.9% for methyl orange; and 81.6 and 82.1% for aspirin were obtained. By employing the SERS technique, the detection limit of crystal violet dye, depending on the heterostructure, was found to be between 10−7–10−8 M. The most promising composite was Au/TiO2/WO3-HW-TA it yielded conversion rates of 82.1, 95.9 and 96.8% for aspirin, oxalic acid, and phenol, respectively, and its detection limit for crystal violet was 10−8 M. Au/TiO2/WO3-NWH-HA achieved 90.1, 96.6 and 99.0% degradation efficiency for methyl orange, oxalic acid, and phenol, respectively, whereas its limit of detection was 10−7 M. The Au/TiO2/WO3 heterojunctions exhibited excellent stability as SERS substrates, yielding strong-intensity Raman signals of the pollutant molecules even after a long period of time.
CO2 to Value-Added Chemicals: Synthesis and Performance of Mono- and Bimetallic Nickel–Cobalt Nanofiber Catalysts
Authors: Schossig John , Gandotra Akash , Arizapana Kevin , Weber Daniel , Wildy Michael , Wei Wanying , Xu Kai , Yu Lei , Chimenti Robert , Mantawy Islam , Hyun Dong Choon , Chen Wenshuai , Zhang Cheng , Lu Ping
Published: June 2023

In an epoch dominated by escalating concerns over climate change and looming energy crises, the imperative to design highly efficient catalysts that can facilitate the sequestration and transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into beneficial chemicals is paramount. This research presents the successful synthesis of nanofiber catalysts, incorporating monometallic nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) and their bimetallic blend, NiCo, via a facile electrospinning technique, with precise control over the Ni/Co molar ratios. Application of an array of advanced analytical methods, including SEM, TGA–DSC, FTIR-ATR, XRD, Raman, XRF, and ICP-MS, validated the effective integration and homogeneous distribution of active Ni/Co catalysts within the nanofibers. The catalytic performance of these mono- and bimetallic Ni/Co nanofiber catalysts was systematically examined under ambient pressure conditions for CO2 hydrogenation reactions. The bimetallic NiCo nanofiber catalysts, specifically with a Ni/Co molar ratio of 1:2, and thermally treated at 1050 °C, demonstrated a high CO selectivity (98.5%) and a marked increase in CO2 conversion rate—up to 16.7 times that of monometallic Ni nanofiber catalyst and 10.8 times that of the monometallic Co nanofiber catalyst. This significant enhancement in catalytic performance is attributed to the improved accessibility of active sites, minimized particle size, and the strong Ni–Co–C interactions within these nanofiber structures. These nanofiber catalysts offer a unique model system that illuminates the fundamental aspects of supported catalysis and accentuates its crucial role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Laser Irradiation-Induced Pt-Based Bimetallic Alloy Nanostructures without Chemical Reducing Agents for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hu Taiping , Fan Yisong , Ye Yixing , Cai Yunyu , Liu Jun , Ma Yao , Li Pengfei , Liang Changhao
Published: June 2023

Binary metallic alloy nanomaterials (NMs) have received significant attention because of their widespread application in photoelectrocatalysis, electronics, and engineering. Although various synthetic methods have been adopted to prepare binary alloy NMs, the formation of bimetallic alloy NMs by irradiating the mixed solutions of metal salts and metal powders, using a nanosecond pulsed laser in the absence of any reducing agent, is rarely reported. Herein, we report a simple method to fabricate PtX (X = Ag, Cu, Co, Ni) alloy NMs by laser irradiation. Taking PtAg alloys as an example, we present the growth dynamics of the PtAg alloys by laser irradiating a mixture solution of bulk Pt and AgNO3. The experimental process and evidenced characterization indicate that the photothermal evaporation induced by laser irradiation can cause the fragmentation of the bulk Pt into smaller parts, which alloy with Ag atoms extracted from Ag+ by solvated electrons (e−aq) and free radicals (Haq). These alloys were used as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), proving their potential application. Notably, in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, the PtNi alloy exhibited higher HER activity (44 mV at 10 mA/cm−2) compared to the untreated bulk Pt (72 mV). Our work provides unique insights into the growth processing of valuable Pt-based bimetallic alloy NMs by laser-assisted metallic alloying, which paves a path for the development of bimetallic alloy electrocatalysts.
The Effect of Xevinapant Combined with Ionizing Radiation on HNSCC and Normal Tissue Cells and the Impact of Xevinapant on Its Targeted Proteins cIAP1 and XIAP
Authors: Fleischmann Julia , Hildebrand Laura S. , Kuhlmann Lukas , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold V.
Published: June 2023

The poor prognosis of HNSCC is partly due to treatment resistance. The SMAC mimetic Xevinapant is a promising new approach to targeted cancer therapy. Xevinapant inhibits cIAP1/2 and XIAP, leading to apoptosis, necroptosis and inhibition of prosurvival signaling. Combining Xevinapant with IR could improve therapeutic potential. The effect of Xevinapant in combination with IR on HNSCC and healthy tissue cells was investigated. Cell growth, cell death, clonogenic survival and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were studied, and intracellular cIAP1 and XIAP levels were evaluated. Xevinapant had cytostatic and cytotoxic, as well as radiosensitizing, effects on the malignant cells, while healthy tissue cells were less affected. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death was particularly affected, but the increase in residual DSBs and the reduced survival implied an additional effect of Xevinapant on DNA damage repair and other cell inactivation mechanisms. cIAP1 and XIAP levels varied for each cell line and were affected by Xevinapant and IR treatment. There was an association between higher IAP levels and increased cell death. Xevinapant appears to be a potent new drug for HNSCC therapy, especially in combination with IR. IAP levels could be an indicator for impaired DNA damage repair and increased susceptibility to cellular stress.
Pathophysiological Roles of the TRPV4 Channel in the Heart
Authors: Chaigne Sébastien , Barbeau Solène , Ducret Thomas , Guinamard Romain , Benoist David
Published: June 2023

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel is a non-selective cation channel that is mostly permeable to calcium (Ca2+), which participates in intracellular Ca2+ handling in cardiac cells. It is widely expressed through the body and is activated by a large spectrum of physicochemical stimuli, conferring it a role in a variety of sensorial and physiological functions. Within the cardiovascular system, TRPV4 expression is reported in cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), where it modulates mitochondrial activity, Ca2+ homeostasis, cardiomyocytes electrical activity and contractility, cardiac embryonic development and fibroblast proliferation, as well as vascular permeability, dilatation and constriction. On the other hand, TRPV4 channels participate in several cardiac pathological processes such as the development of cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, ischemia–reperfusion injuries, heart failure, myocardial infarction and arrhythmia. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of TRPV4 channel implications in cardiac physiology and discuss the potential of the TRPV4 channel as a therapeutic target against cardiovascular diseases.
The Effects of Growth Modification on Pollen Development in Spring Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes with Contrasting Drought Tolerance
Authors: Ogrodowicz Piotr , Wojciechowicz Maria Katarzyna , Kuczyńska Anetta , Krajewski Paweł , Kempa Michał
Published: June 2023

Drought stress inducing pollen sterility can reduce crop yield worldwide. The regulatory crosstalk associated with the effects of drought on pollen formation at the cellular level has not been explored in detail so far. In this study, we performed morphological and cytoembryological analysis of anther perturbations and examined pollen development in two spring barley genotypes that differ in earliness and drought tolerance. The Syrian breeding line CamB (drought-tolerant) and the European cultivar Lubuski (drought-sensitive) were used as experimental materials to analyze the drought-induced changes in yield performance, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, the pollen grain micromorphology and ultrastructure during critical stages of plant development. In addition, fluctuations in HvGAMYB expression were studied, as this transcription factor is closely associated with the development of the anther. In the experiments, the studied plants were affected by drought, as was confirmed by the analyses of yield performance and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics. However, contrary to our expectations, the pollen development of plants grown under specific conditions was not severely affected. The results also suggest that growth modification, as well as the perturbation in light distribution, can affect the HvGAMYB expression. This study demonstrated that the duration of the vegetation period can influence plant drought responses and, as a consequence, the processes associated with pollen development as every growth modification changes the dynamics of drought effects as well as the duration of plant exposition to drought.
Molecular Mechanisms of Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: June 2023

The liver is the most frequently target for metastasis among patients with colorectal cancer mainly because of the portal vein circulation that directly connects the colon and rectum with the liver. The liver tumor microenvironment consists of different cell types each with unique characteristics and functions that modulate the antigen recognition and immune system activation. Primary tumors from other sites “prime” the liver prior to the seeding of cancer cells, creating a pre-metastatic niche. Following invasion into the liver, four different phases are key to the development of liver metastases: a microvascular phase in which cancer cells infiltrate and become trapped in sinusoidal vessels; an extravascular, pre-angiogenic phase; an angiogenic phase that supplies oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells; and a growth phase in which metastatic cells multiply and enlarge to form detectable tumors. Exosomes carry proteins, lipids, as well as genetic information that can create a pre-metastatic niche in distant sites, including the liver. The complexity of angiogenic mechanisms and the exploitation of the vasculature in situ by cancer cells have limited the efficacy of currently available anti-angiogenic therapies. Delineating the molecular mechanisms implicated in colorectal liver metastases is crucial to understand and predict tumor progression; the development of distant metastases; and resistance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatment.
Targeted Deletion of Thymosin Beta 4 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Jieun , Lee Chanbin , Han Jinsol , Jeong Hayeong , Wang Sihyung , Choi Yung Hyun , Jung Youngmi
Published: June 2023

Liver fibrosis is the most common feature of liver disease, and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main contributors to liver fibrosis. Thus, finding key targets that modulate HSC activation is important to prevent liver fibrosis. Previously, we showed that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) influenced HSC activation by interacting with the Hedgehog pathway in vitro. Herein, we generated Tβ4 conditional knockout (Tβ4-flox) mice to investigate in vivo functions of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis. To selectively delete Tβ4 in activated HSCs, double-transgenic (DTG) mice were generated by mating Tβ4-flox mice with α-smooth muscle actin (α-Sma)-Cre-ERT2 mice, and these mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or underwent bile duct ligation to induce liver fibrosis. Tβ4 was selectively suppressed in the activated HSCs of DTG mouse liver, and this reduction attenuated liver injury, including fibrosis, in both fibrotic models by repressing Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In addition, the re-expression of Tβ4 by an adeno-associated virus reversed the effect of HSC-specific Tβ4 deletion and led to liver fibrosis with Hh activation in CCl4-exposed mice treated with tamoxifen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that Tβ4 is a crucial regulator of HSC activation, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic target for curing liver fibrosis.
Leveraging Plasma Membrane Repair Therapeutics for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Bulgart Hannah R. , Goncalves Isabella , Weisleder Noah
Published: June 2023

Plasma membrane repair is an essential cellular mechanism that reseals membrane disruptions after a variety of insults, and compromised repair capacity can contribute to the progression of many diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are marked by membrane damage from many sources, reduced membrane integrity, elevated intracellular calcium concentrations, enhanced reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and widespread neuronal death. While the toxic intracellular effects of these changes in cellular physiology have been defined, the specific mechanism of neuronal death in certain neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. An abundance of recent evidence indicates that neuronal membrane damage and pore formation in the membrane are key contributors to neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. In this review, we have outlined evidence supporting the hypothesis that membrane damage is a contributor to neurodegenerative diseases and that therapeutically enhancing membrane repair can potentially combat neuronal death.
Transparent, High-Strength, and Antimicrobial Polyvinyl Alcohol/Boric Acid/Poly Hexamethylene Guanidine Hydrochloride Films
Authors: Zhang Shaotian , Wei Dafu , Xu Xiang , Guan Yong
Published: June 2023

It is still crucial to improve the mechanical characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films without resorting to chemical cross-linking. In this study, boric acid (BA) was used to enhance the mechanical characteristics of PVA films while maintaining their excellent transparency and biodegradability. The hydrogen bond interaction between PVA and BA resulted in a 70% increase in tensile strength (from 48.5 to 82.1 MPa) and a 46% increase in elongation at break (from 150 to 220%). To introduce antibacterial properties, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) was incorporated into PVA/BA composite films resulting in PVA/BA/PHMG composite films. The PVA/BA/PHMG films exhibited 99.99% bacterial inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with negligible leaching of PHMG. The PVA/BA/PHMG films maintained a tensile strength of 75.3 MPa and an elongation at a break of 208%. These improved mechanical and antimicrobial properties make PVA/BA and PVA/BA/PHMG films promising for applications in food and medicinal packaging.