bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor shoot and leaf growth in Huanglongbing-affected sweet orange is associated with increased investment in defenses
Authors: Neupane Answiya , Shahzad Faisal , Bernardini Chiara , Levy Amit , Vashisth Tripti
Published: December 2023

Citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) causes sparse (thinner) canopies due to reduced leaf and shoot biomass. Herein, we present results demonstrating the possible mechanisms behind compromised leaf growth of HLB-affected ‘Valencia’ sweet orange trees by comparing morphological, transcriptome, and phytohormone profiles at different leaf development phases (1. buds at the start of the experiment; 2. buds on day 5; . 3. leaf emergence; 4. leaf expansion; and 5. leaf maturation) to healthy trees. Over a period of 3 months (in greenhouse conditions), HLB-affected trees had ≈40% reduction in growth traits such as tree height, number of shoots per tree, shoot length, internode length, and leaf size compared to healthy trees. In addition, buds from HLB-affected trees lagged by ≈1 week in sprouting as well as leaf growth. Throughout the leaf development, high accumulation of defense hormones, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and low levels of growth-promoting hormone (auxin) were found in HLB-affected trees compared to healthy trees. Concomitantly, HLB-affected trees had upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding SA, ABA, and ethylene-related proteins in comparison to healthy trees. The total number of cells per leaf was lower in HLB-affected trees compared to healthy trees, which suggests that reduced cell division may coincide with low levels of growth-promoting hormones leading to small leaf size. Both bud dieback and leaf drop were higher in HLB-affected trees than in healthy trees, with concomitant upregulated DEGs encoding senescence-related proteins in HLB-affected trees that possibly resulted in accelerated aging and cell death. Taken together, it can be concluded that HLB-affected trees had a higher tradeoff of resources on defense over growth, leading to sparse canopies and a high tree mortality rate with HLB progression.
Ayahuasca-induced personal death experiences: prevalence, characteristics, and impact on attitudes toward death, life, and the environment
Authors: David Jonathan , Bouso José Carlos , Kohek Maja , Ona Genís , Tadmor Nir , Arnon Tal , Dor-Ziderman Yair , Berkovich-Ohana Aviva
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Despite an emerging understanding regarding the pivotal mechanistic role of subjective experiences that unfold during acute psychedelic states, very little has been done in the direction of better characterizing such experiences and determining their long-term impact. The present paper utilizes two cross-sectional studies for spotlighting – for the first time in the literature – the characteristics and outcomes of self-reported past experiences related to one’s subjective sense of death during ayahuasca ceremonies, termed here Ayahuasca-induced Personal Death (APD) experiences.

Methods

Study 1 (n = 54) reports the prevalence, demographics, intensity, and impact of APDs on attitudes toward death, explores whether APDs are related with psychopathology, and reveals their impact on environmental concerns. Study 2 is a larger study (n = 306) aiming at generalizing the basic study 1 results regarding APD experience, and in addition, examining whether APDs is associated with self-reported coping strategies and values in life.

Results

Our results indicate that APDs occur to more than half of those participating in ayahuasca ceremonies, typically manifest as strong and transformative experiences, and are associated with an increased sense of transcending death (study 1), as well as the certainty in the continuation of consciousness after death (study 2). No associations were found between having undergone APD experiences and participants’ demographics, personality type, and psychopathology. However, APDs were associated with increased self-reported environmental concern (study 1). These experiences also impact life in profound ways. APDs were found to be associated with increases in one’s self-reported ability to cope with distress-causing life problems and the sense of fulfillment in life (study 2).

Discussion

The study’s findings highlight the prevalence, safety and potency of death experiences that occur during ayahuasca ceremonies, marking them as possible mechanisms for psychedelics’ long-term salutatory effects in non-clinical populations. Thus, the present results join other efforts of tracking and characterizing the profound subjective experiences that occur during acute psychedelic states.
High intensity interval training exercise increases dopamine D2 levels and modulates brain dopamine signaling
Authors: Tyler John , Podaras Madeline , Richardson Brittany , Roeder Nicole , Hammond Nikki , Hamilton John , Blum Kenneth , Gold Mark , Baron David A. , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous research has outlined the health benefits of exercise including its therapeutic potential for substance use disorders (SUD). These data have already been utilized and it is now common to find exercise as part of SUD treatment and relapse prevention programs. However, we need to better understand different exercise regimens and determine which would be the most beneficial for SUDs. Recently, high intensity interval training (HIIT) has gained attention in comparison with aerobic and resistance exercise. Little is known regarding the neurobiological mechanisms of HIIT, including its effects on dopamine signaling and receptor levels in the brain. The present study examined the effects of chronic HIIT exercise on dopamine signaling as measured by dopamine type 1-like receptor (D1R)-like, dopamine type 2-like receptor (D2R)-like, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) quantification in the brains of male and female rats as measured by [3H] SCH 23390 and [3H] spiperone autoradiography, and TH-immunoreactive optical density values.

Methods

Rats were separated in two groups: sedentary and HIIT exercise. Exercise was on a treadmill for 30 min daily (10 3 min cycles) for six weeks with progressive speed increased up to 0.8 mph (21.5 m/min).

Results

Results showed for D2R-like binding, a significant effect across the ventral caudate putamen (V CPU) between sexes, such that mean D2R-like binding was 14% greater for males than females. In the nucleus accumbens shell (Nac Shell), the HIIT Exercise rats showed 16% greater D2R-like binding as compared to the sedentary rats. No significant effects of HIIT exercise were found across groups for brain D1R-like binding levels or TH expression.

Conclusion

These results suggest that HIIT exercise can modulate dopamine signaling by way of increased D2R. These findings support the premise that HIIT exercise plays an important role in dopamine signaling and, may provide a potential mechanism for how HIIT exercise can impact the brain and behavior.
Impact of lifestyle and psychological resilience on survival among the oldest-old in China: a cohort study
Authors: Cai Jianping , Gao Yumeng , Hu Tingfa , Zhou Lv , Jiang Hongye
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Healthy lifestyles and psychological resilience are important factors influencing the life expectancy of the oldest-old (≥80 years). Stratified by urban and rural groups, this study used a 10-year cohort to examine the mechanism of lifestyle and psychological resilience on the survival of the oldest-old in China.

Methods

This study used the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey datasets spanning from 2008 to 2018, and 9,250 eligible participants were included. The primary outcome variable was all-cause mortality, and independent variables included healthy lifestyle index and psychological resilience. Six covariates were included in the survival analysis and moderation-mediation model, such as gender and annual household income.

Results

This study found that the oldest-old with five healthy lifestyles had the longest survival time, averaging 59.40 months for urban individuals and 50.08 months for rural individuals. As the lifestyle index increased, the survival rate significantly increased. The Cox regression showed that for the urban oldest-old, the lifestyle index served as a protective factor for survival outcomes. However, this effect lost statistical significance among rural oldest-old individuals. For urban oldest-old individuals, psychological resilience significantly mediated and moderated the effect of the lifestyle index on survival status, but the moderating effect was not statistically significant for the rural ones.

Discussion

Overall, healthy lifestyles and psychological resilience can be effective in enhancing the survival of the oldest-old, and there are differences between urban and rural population, so different interventions should be adopted for urban and rural areas to achieve longer life in China.
A conversation analytic approach to schizophrenic interaction: methodological reflections on disruptions of the common-sense world
Authors: Smith R. G. , Stirling Lesley
Published: December 2023

Certain schools of phenomenological psychiatry conceive of schizophrenia as a pathology of common-sense. Ethnomethodological enquiry, with its roots in Schutzian social phenomenology, takes as its domain, topic, and substance of study the ongoing achievement of a common-sense world between social members. Yet, dialogue between psychiatry and ethnomethodological approaches is thin. In this article, we discuss a conversation analytic approach to schizophrenic interaction which has generated and utilized a model of a five-world manifold to frame analyses of talk-in-interaction. ‘Worlds’ are conceived, after Schutz, as finite domains of meaning, and the model operates as a breach of natural attitude assumptions to examine mechanisms of the constitution of the one-world-in-common of common-sense. It is suggested that certain aspects of schizophrenic talk might receive account in terms of a loss of integration between these five domains of meaning. Conversation Analytic methods were applied to transcripts of audio recordings of psychiatric interviews but encountered hurdles that motivated the broadening of methodological scope. Such hurdles included a weakening of the next turn proof procedure, implicit reification of the schizophrenia construct, and problems of translation presented by the analyst’s normative membership encountering non-normative life-worlds of schizophrenic experience. Strategic responses to these hurdles included exploring linkages between phenomenological psychiatry and ethnomethodological approaches, as well as an engagement of ethnomethodological self-reflection and conceptual clarification of the schizophrenia construct in line with Garfinkel’s unique adequacy requirement. The manifold model is glossed, and interaction between two of its worlds – a world of concrete, situational immediacies and another of abstract organizations – is explored in more detail via analysis of conversational data. It is suggested that the five-world model, along with further micro-analysis of talk-in-interaction, might have implications in psychiatry for topics such as autism, double bookkeeping, concretism, theories of disturbed indexicality, and insight attribution. We conclude that the consideration of atypical interaction obliges the interaction analyst to take account of their own implicit normative world-frames and that the use of domain-specific top-down models in conjunction with the inductive approach of Conversation Analysis may extend the reach of CA to facilitate productive dialogue with other disciplines.
Comparative analysis of conventional penile clamps and Uriclak device in managing male incontinence following radical, turp, or laser prostate surgery
Authors: Ten Eva
Published: December 2023

This article examines the impact of various prostate surgery techniques on male urinary incontinence, evaluating the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of penile clamps as a post-prostate surgery treatment. The study compares the characteristics and applications of conventional penile clamps and the Uriclak urethral compression device, highlighting their differences and potential for managing male incontinence.
Cross-sectional survey exploring current intake practices for dogs admitted to animal shelters in Texas: a descriptive study
Authors: Cranford Mackenzie , Bing Abbey , Cisneros Alissa , Carroll Amber D. , Porter Hannah , Stellato Anastasia Chiara
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Entering an animal shelter is a stressful experience for dogs that can impair their welfare, adoptability, and shelter staff safety; thus, it is crucial to reduce the stress experienced during intake. This study investigated the current intake practices for dogs admitted in animal shelters in Texas, United States.

Methods

To gather data, an online survey was designed and distributed to shelter employees responsible for intake at animal shelters. The survey collected information about examination procedures, the type of information collected from owner-surrenders, as well as the housing environment for the dogs.

Results

Survey participants (n = 64) were shelter staff from municipal (59%, 38/64) and private shelters (23%, 15/64) in 47 counties. Handling techniques reported to be used during intake exams varied depending on the dog’s behavior, with participants reporting higher restraint for aggressive dogs and lower restraint for calm dogs. If the dog was displaying fear, participants reported offering food and attention (89%, 47/53), using towel restraint (64%, 34/53) and conducting the exam on someone’s lap (49%, 26/53). In cases of aggression, it was commonly reported to use muzzles (81%, 42/52) and catch poles (77%, 40/52), and shorten the exam (71%, 37/52). After the exam, most reported placing dogs on the adoption floor (45%, 27/60) or placing them wherever space was available (20%, 12/60).

Discussion

Results provide descriptive information on current intake procedures and routine handling techniques used in Texas shelters. Future research should explore shelter dog responses to routine handling techniques to support the development of evidence-based protocols during routine intake examinations and procedures.
Interactions between the helminth and intestinal microbiome in smallholder chicken farming systems
Authors: Nemathaga Mishumo , Smith Rae M. , Malatji Dikeledi P.
Published: December 2023

Helminth parasite infections are widespread in smallholder farming systems affecting farmers and livestock animals. There are pathogenic parasites that populate the gut of their host and coexist closely with the gut microbiota. The physical and immunological environment of the gut can be modified by parasites and microbiota creating a wide range of interactions. These interactions modify the development of infection, affects overall host health, and can modify the way a host interacts with its bacterial microbiota. In addition, where there is a high worm burden parasites will affect the health of the host and intestinal tract colonization. This review highlights key studies on the interaction between helminth parasites and the intestinal microbiome to understand the relationship between parasitic worm infections and gut microbiome health in chickens. Finally, the review discusses modulations, molecular changes, and the importance of helminth-microbiome interactions for the host.
Case report: Surgical management of ileal duplication cyst in a cat: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kim Kihoon , Kim Jaehwan , Kim Hwiyool
Published: December 2023

A 6-year-old castrated, mixed breed cat presented with vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a round, well-marginated structure closely associated with the ileum proximal to the ileocolic junction. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass originating from the distal end of the ileum, close to the ileocolic junction. The mass did not interact with the intestinal lumen. Excisional biopsy with omentalization was performed without small intestinal resection to preserve the ileocolic junctions. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an enteric duplication cyst. The cat recovered uneventfully from surgery and remained asymptomatic postoperatively. No recurrence was identified 4 months after surgery. Enteric duplication cysts are uncommon congenital anomalies that originate in the gastrointestinal tract. They could either be communicating or non-communicating with the intestinal lumen. Enteric duplication cysts can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Enteric duplication cysts associated with the esophagus, duodenum, and jejunum have also been reported in cats. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an enteric duplication cyst in the feline ileum. Thus, enteric duplication should be considered a differential diagnosis in cystic masses of the ileum.
Concrete Carbonation of Deep Burial Storage Constructions under Model Aging Conditions
Authors: Medvedev Vyacheslav , Pustovgar Andrey , Adamtsevich Aleksey , Adamtsevich Liubov
Published: December 2023

To ensure the safe operation of concrete structures of deep-burial storages, it is necessary to research the degradation mechanisms of such structures. Concrete carbonation is one of the key factors determining the service life of concrete structures. Existing methods for the concrete carbonation process research at various stages of the building structure life cycle make it possible to conduct model tests in the shortest possible time by simulating the operational factors influencing the corrosion process development. The authors carried out model tests of concrete of deep-burial storages using the method of accelerated concrete carbonation and by taking into account the effects of elevated temperatures. When exposed to elevated temperatures during carbonation, concrete samples exhibit a decrease in compressive strength in the first 56 days of testing by an average of 1.6 MPa. However, by the end of the tests (168 days), the strength of concrete samples at elevated temperatures is on average 4 MPa higher. The microstructure and carbonation dynamics were studied by XRD, TGA and SEM. The data obtained in the research can be used to develop models for predicting the service life of concrete structures of deep-burial storages.
KLC1-ROS1 Fusion Exerts Oncogenic Properties of Glioma Cells via Specific Activation of JAK-STAT Pathway
Authors: Fujii Takashi , Nakano Yoshiko , Hagita Daichi , Onishi Nobuyuki , Endo Arumu , Nakagawa Masaya , Yoshiura Toru , Otsuka Yohei , Takeuchi Satoru , Suzuki Mario , Shimizu Yuzaburo , Toyooka Terushige , Matsushita Yuko , Hibiya Yuko , Tomura Satoshi , Kondo Akihide , Wada Kojiro , Ichimura Koichi , Tomiyama Arata
Published: December 2023

Here, we investigated the detailed molecular oncogenic mechanisms of a novel receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) fusion, KLC1-ROS1, with an adapter molecule, KLC1, and an RTK, ROS1, discovered in pediatric glioma, and we explored a novel therapeutic target for glioma that possesses oncogenic RTK fusion. When wild-type ROS1 and KLC1-ROS1 fusions were stably expressed in the human glioma cell lines A172 and U343MG, immunoblotting revealed that KLC1-ROS1 fusion specifically activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, a major RTK downstream signaling pathway, when compared with wild-type ROS1. Immunoprecipitation of the fractionated cell lysates revealed a more abundant association of the KLC1-ROS1 fusion with JAK2 than that observed for wild-type ROS1 in the cytosolic fraction. A mutagenesis study of the KLC1-ROS1 fusion protein demonstrated the fundamental roles of both the KLC1 and ROS1 domains in the constitutive activation of KLC1-ROS1 fusion. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that KLC1-ROS1 fusion upregulated cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance when compared to wild-type ROS1. Combination treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide and an inhibitor of ROS1, JAK2, or a downstream target of STAT3, demonstrated antitumor effects against KLC1-ROS1 fusion-expressing glioma cells. Our results demonstrate that KLC1-ROS1 fusion exerts oncogenic activity through serum-independent constitutive activation, resulting in specific activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. Our data suggested that molecules other than RTKs may serve as novel therapeutic targets for RTK fusion in gliomas.
Hitting the Sweet Spot: How Glucose Metabolism Is Orchestrated in Space and Time by Phosphofructokinase-1
Authors: Campos Melissa , Albrecht Lauren V.
Published: December 2023

Glycolysis is the central metabolic pathway across all kingdoms of life. Intensive research efforts have been devoted to understanding the tightly orchestrated processes of converting glucose into energy in health and disease. Our review highlights the advances in knowledge of how metabolic and gene networks are integrated through the precise spatiotemporal compartmentalization of rate-limiting enzymes. We provide an overview of technically innovative approaches that have been applied to study phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1), which represents the fate-determining step of oxidative glucose metabolism. Specifically, we discuss fast-acting chemical biology and optogenetic tools that have delineated new links between metabolite fluxes and transcriptional reprogramming, which operate together to enact tissue-specific processes. Finally, we discuss how recent paradigm-shifting insights into the fundamental basis of glycolytic regulatory control have shed light on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and could provide insight into new therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer.
Is Metastatic Staging Needed for All Patients with Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancers?
Authors: Lim Geok Hoon , Hoo Jing Xue , Shin You Chan , Choo Rachel Zhi Ting , Wong Fuh Yong , Allen John Carson
Published: December 2023

Background: Patients with bilateral breast cancers are uncommon and are associated with a poorer prognosis. While metastatic staging guidelines in patients with unilateral cancer were established, the indication of metastatic staging in patients with bilateral breast cancers is unclear. We aimed to determine which patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancers require metastatic staging at diagnosis. This is the first such reported study, to the best of our knowledge. Methods: A retrospective review of newly diagnosed synchronous bilateral invasive breast cancer patients at our institution was performed. We excluded patients with malignant phyllodes or no metastatic staging. Patients’ demographics and pathological and staging results were analysed to determine the group of bilateral breast cancer patients who required metastatic staging. Results: A total of 92 patients with synchronous bilateral invasive cancers were included. The mean age was 58 years old, and 64.1% had bilateral invasive ductal carcinoma. 23.9% had systemic metastasis. Nodal status was statistically significant for systemic metastasis on staging (p = 0.0081), with only three patients (3.3%) having negative nodal status and positive metastatic staging. These three patients, however, showed symptoms of distant metastasis. 92.3% of patients with negative nodes also had negative metastatic staging. Using negative nodal status as a guide avoided metastatic staging in 40.4% of all patients. Conclusions: Negative nodal status was the most predictive factor for no systemic metastasis on staging in patients with synchronous bilateral invasive breast cancers. Hence, metastatic staging could be reserved for patients with symptoms of systemic metastasis and/or metastatic nodes. This finding could be validated in larger studies.
Nutrient Element Stocks and Dynamic Changes in Stump–Root Systems of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis
Authors: Xie Zhushan , Liang Xiang , Liu Haiyu , Deng Xiangsheng , Cheng Fei
Published: December 2023

Stump–root systems consist of aboveground stumps and underground coarse roots after timber harvesting. Stump–root systems are the primary source of coarse woody debris (CWD) in plantations, and they play a crucial role in the material cycle, energy flow, and biodiversity of Eucalyptus plantation ecosystems. However, there is limited knowledge about the changes in elemental stock within this CWD type during decomposition. To address this gap, we conducted a study on Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis stump–root systems at various times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years) after clearcutting. Our aim was to investigate the stock changes in eight elements (K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) within the stumps and coarse roots over time and their decay levels, and we analyzed the relationship between elemental stocks and the physical, chemical, and structural components of stump–root systems. Our findings revealed the following: (1) The majority of each element’s stock within the stump–root system was found in the coarse roots. The elemental stocks in both stumps and coarse roots decreased as time passed after clearcutting and as decay progressed. (2) Notably, the elemental stocks in stumps and coarse roots were significantly higher than in other treatments during the initial 0–2 years after clearcutting and at decay classes I and II. In terms of elemental stocks, stumps from all clearcutting times or decay classes had the highest K stock, followed by Ca and Fe. Mg, Mn, and S stocks were lower than the first three, while Zn and Cu stocks were very low. The ordering of elemental stocks from high to low in the stump–root systems generally aligned with that of the coarse roots. (3) The residual rates of K, Mg, and Mn stocks in the stump–root systems fit the negative exponential model well. It took approximately 1 to 3.5 years for a 50% loss of the initial stocks of these elements and 5 to 10 years for a 95% loss. (4) The large amount of biomass in the stump–root system is the long-term nutrient reservoir of plantations, and any factor related to biomass loss affects the magnitude and duration of the nutrient reservoir, such as N, P, stoichiometric ratios, density, water-holding capacity, and hemicellulose. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the nutrient elemental dynamics and ecological functions of stump–root systems in Eucalyptus plantations.
Assessing the Ecological Effects of Fiscal Investments in Sloping Land Conversion Program for Revegetation: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Ding Zhenmin , He Yulong , Liu Shuohua , Zhang Xiao , Hu Weiwei , Yao Shunbo
Published: December 2023

The study of the ecological effects of the Sloping land conversion program (SLCP) has great significance for afforestation optimization policies based on cost-effectiveness. This paper uses the panel fixed effect model and the panel threshold model to study the ecological effects of fiscal investments in the SLCP at the county level in Shaanxi Province of China. The regional ecological performance indicated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has improved after the implementation of the SLCP, but the vegetation suffers degradation risks due to the cessation of subsidies. The results demonstrate strong support for a time lag effect, an effect of diminishing marginal returns, and a threshold effect whereas a significant but negative direct effect of SLCP’s fiscal investments on the vegetation. Specifically, it takes approximately four years after fiscal investments for the NDVI to realize the greatest investment performance. The marginal contribution of fiscal investments to ecological performance reveals an increasing trend initially, followed by a decreasing trend. In addition, the ecological effects of fiscal investments in the SLCP are moderated negatively by ecological endowments. The results indicate that fiscal investments in the SLCP should consider its cost-effectiveness in policy design and improvements.
A Vulnerability Assessment of Open-Source Implementations of Fifth-Generation Core Network Functions
Authors: Dolente Filippo , Garroppo Rosario Giuseppe , Pagano Michele
Published: December 2023

The paper presents an experimental security assessment within two widely used open-source 5G projects, namely Open5GS and OAI (Open-Air Interface). The examination concentrates on two network functions (NFs) that are externally exposed within the core network architecture, i.e., the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the Network Repository Function/Network Exposure Function (NRF/NEF) of the Service-Based Architecture (SBA). Focusing on the Service-Based Interface (SBI) of these exposed NFs, the analysis not only identifies potential security gaps but also underscores the crucial role of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in implementing robust security measures. Furthermore, given the shift towards Network Function Virtualization (NFV), this paper emphasizes the importance of secure development practices to enhance the integrity of 5G network functions. In essence, this paper underscores the significance of scrutinizing security vulnerabilities in open-source 5G projects, particularly within the core network’s SBI and externally exposed NFs. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for MNOs, enabling them to establish effective security measures and promote secure development practices to safeguard the integrity of 5G network functions. Additionally, the empirical investigation aids in identifying potential vulnerabilities in open-source 5G projects, paving the way for future enhancements and standard releases.
RNA Polymerases IV and V Are Involved in Olive Fruit Development
Authors: Serrano Alicia , Moret Martín , Fernández-Parras Isabel , Bombarely Aureliano , Luque Francisco , Navarro Francisco
Published: December 2023

Transcription is carried out in most eukaryotes by three multimeric complexes (RNA polymerases I, II and III). However, plants contain two additional RNA polymerases (IV and V), which have evolved from RNA polymerase II. RNA polymerases II, IV and V contain both common and specific subunits that may specialise some of their functions. In this study, we conducted a search for the genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of RNA polymerases IV and V, as well as those corresponding to RNA polymerase II in olive trees. Based on the homology with the genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified 13 genes that putatively code for the specific subunits of polymerases IV and V, and 16 genes that code for the corresponding specific subunits of polymerase II in olives. The transcriptomic analysis by RNA-Seq revealed that the expression of the RNA polymerases IV and V genes was induced during the initial stages of fruit development. Given that RNA polymerases IV and V are involved in the transcription of long non-coding RNAs, we investigated their expression and observed relevant changes in the expression of this type of RNAs. Particularly, the expression of the intergenic and intronic long non-coding RNAs tended to increase in the early steps of fruit development, suggesting their potential role in this process. The positive correlation between the expression of RNA polymerases IV and V subunits and the expression of non-coding RNAs supports the hypothesis that RNA polymerases IV and V may play a role in fruit development through the synthesis of this type of RNAs.
The Role of the AT-Rich Interaction Domain 1A Gene (ARID1A) in Human Carcinogenesis
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Lee Cheok Soon
Published: December 2023

The switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) (SWI/SNF) complex uses energy from ATP hydrolysis to mobilise nucleosomes on chromatin. Components of SWI/SNF are mutated in 20% of all human cancers, of which mutations in AT-rich binding domain protein 1A (ARID1A) are the most common. ARID1A is mutated in nearly half of ovarian clear cell carcinoma and around one-third of endometrial and ovarian carcinomas of the endometrioid type. This review will examine in detail the molecular functions of ARID1A, including its role in cell cycle control, enhancer regulation, and the prevention of telomerase activity. ARID1A has key roles in the maintenance of genomic integrity, including DNA double-stranded break repair, DNA decatenation, integrity of the cohesin complex, and reduction in replication stress, and is also involved in mismatch repair. The role of ARID1A loss in the pathogenesis of some of the most common human cancers is discussed, with a particular emphasis on gynaecological cancers. Finally, several promising synthetic lethal strategies, which exploit the specific vulnerabilities of ARID1A-deficient cancer cells, are briefly mentioned.
Dementia Detection from Speech: What If Language Models Are Not the Answer?
Authors: Bouazizi Mondher , Zheng Chuheng , Yang Siyuan , Ohtsuki Tomoaki
Published: December 2023

A growing focus among scientists has been on researching the techniques of automatic detection of dementia that can be applied to the speech samples of individuals with dementia. Leveraging the rapid advancements in Deep Learning (DL) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), these techniques have shown great potential in dementia detection. In this context, this paper proposes a method for dementia detection from the transcribed speech of subjects. Unlike conventional methods that rely on advanced language models to address the ability of the subject to make coherent and meaningful sentences, our approach relies on the center of focus of the subjects and how it changes over time as the subject describes the content of the cookie theft image, a commonly used image for evaluating one’s cognitive abilities. To do so, we divide the cookie theft image into regions of interest, and identify, in each sentence spoken by the subject, which regions are being talked about. We employed a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network to learn different patterns of dementia subjects and control ones and used it to perform a 10-fold cross validation-based classification. Our experimental results on the Pitt corpus from the DementiaBank resulted in a 82.9% accuracy at the subject level and 81.0% at the sample level. By employing data-augmentation techniques, the accuracy at both levels was increased to 83.6% and 82.1%, respectively. The performance of our proposed method outperforms most of the conventional methods, which reach, at best, an accuracy equal to 81.5% at the subject level.
Picosecond Laser-Induced Bump Formation on Coated Glass for Smart Window Manufacturing
Authors: Ioffe Savely , Petrov Andrey , Mikhailovsky Grigory
Published: December 2023

We report a study on the process of the formation of bubble-like structures on a coated glass surface using 50 ps laser pulses. The high-intensity interaction of laser radiation on the film–glass interface allowed us to develop a process for efficient glass bump formation. The high peak energy of the picosecond pulses has allowed us to merge the processes of coating evaporation and bubble growth into one. A parameter window was established within which efficient bump formation can be achieved. Well-defined spherical structures with a height up to 60 μm and a diameter up to 250 μm were obtained at pulse energy Epulse = 2.5 ÷ 4 μJ and laser fluence F = 2.5–0.41 J/cm2). The key aspects of the bump formation process were studied and are explained.
Precise Identification of Site Characteristics and Risk Management of Ningdong Coal Power Base
Authors: Ren Yuxin , Feng Xiaotong , Ma Kun , Zhai Wen , Dong Jihong
Published: December 2023

With the active development of coal-related industries in Ningdong, problems such as land degradation caused by coal-based site expansion and soil pollution caused by coal-based solid waste discharge are getting progressively worse. The identification of space types and the proposal of risk management are the key basic issues of regional energy resource low-carbon development and ecological protection. This article proposes an index system for feature extraction at the regional and site scales. The spatial–temporal evolution trends and differences in Ningdong coal power base from 2003 to 2021 were identified and interpreted through feature recognition based on Landsat images at the regional scale. Accurate site type recognition was conducted based on 10 m resolution Sentinel-2 images from 2021. We utilized the PSR (pressure–state–response) model for a comprehensive assessment of risk management in Ningdong. The results of this study show that the coal site > the coal chemical site > the coal power site, and the risk of the coal power base is in a controllable state; thus, we put forward a zoning control strategy. Our data on the pollution risk management of large-scale coal-fired power generation complexes are of significant importance for site remediation and regional ecological restoration.
Adhesive Performance of Resin Cement to Glass-Ceramic and Polymer-Based Ceramic CAD/CAM Materials after Applying Self-Etching Ceramic Primer or Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Turunç Oğuzman Rana , Şişmanoğlu Soner
Published: December 2023

Ensuring optimum bond strength during cementation is vital for restoration success, with the practicality of the process being crucial in clinical practice. This study analyzed the effect of a single-step self-etching ceramic primer (MEP) and various surface treatments on the microshear bond strength (µSBS) between resin cement and glass-ceramic or polymer-based ceramic CAD/CAM materials. Specimens were fabricated from leucite-based glass-ceramic (LEU), lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LDC), resin nanoceramic (RNC), and polymer infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) (n = 160). They were then classified based on the surface treatments (n = 10): control (no treatment); sandblasting with Al2O3 (AL); etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF); and MEP application. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the surface topography. µSBS was measured after cementation and thermocycling procedures. Failure modes were examined with a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis involved two-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests with a significance level of 0.05. µSBS was significantly influenced by both surface treatment and CAD/CAM material type. The most enhanced µSBS values for each material, regarding the surface treatment, were: LEU and LDC, HF; RNC, AL; PICN, AL or HF. MEP significantly increased the µSBS values of CAD/CAM materials except RNC, yet it did not yield the highest µSBS values for any of them.
Nanoscale Surface Refinement of CoCrMo Alloy for Artificial Knee Joints via Chemical Mechanical Polishing
Authors: Zhang Hanji , Zhang Jiangliang , Lai Jinghui , Chen Yilin , Tian Mengqiang , Pan Guofeng , Yang Xueli , Qi Yuhang
Published: December 2023

In this study, we address the challenge of surface roughness in CoCrMo alloys, typically used in artificial knee joints, which can initiate a cascade of biological responses causing inflammation, osteolysis, joint instability, and increased susceptibility to infection. We propose the application of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technique, using an ecologically responsible slurry composed of 4 wt% SiO2, 0.3 wt% H2O2, 1.0 wt% glycine, and 0.05 wt% benzotriazole. Our innovative approach demonstrated significant improvements, achieving a material removal rate of 30.9 nm/min and reducing the arithmetic mean roughness from 20.76 nm to 0.25 nm, thereby enhancing the nanoscale surface quality of the artificial knee joint alloy. The smoother surface is attributed to a decrease in corrosion potential to 0.18 V and a reduction in corrosion current density from 9.55 µA/cm2 to 4.49 µA/cm2 with the addition of BTA, evidenced by electrochemical tests. Furthermore, the preservation of the phase structure of the CoCrMo alloy, as confirmed by XRD analysis and elemental mapping, ensures the structural integrity of the treated surfaces. These outcomes and our simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our CMP method in engineering surface treatments for artificial knee joints to optimize friction behavior and potentially extend their lifespans.
Alkali–Silica Reactions: Literature Review on the Influence of Moisture and Temperature and the Knowledge Gap
Authors: Olajide Olusola D. , Nokken Michelle R. , Sanchez Leandro F. M.
Published: December 2023

The alkali–silica reaction is a universally known destructive mechanism in concrete that can lead to the premature loss of serviceability in affected structures. Quite an enormous number of research studies have been carried out focusing on the mechanisms involved as well as the mitigation and prevention of the reaction. A few in-depth discussions on the role of moisture and temperature exist in the literature. Nevertheless, moisture and temperature have been confirmed to play a vital role in the reaction. However, critical assessments of their influence on ASR-induced damage are limited. The available moisture in concrete needed to initiate and sustain the reaction has been predominantly quantified with the relative humidity as a result of difficulties in the use of other media, like the degree of capillary saturation, which is more scientific. This paper discussed the current state of understanding of moisture measurement in concrete, the role of moisture and temperature in the kinetics of the reaction, as well as the moisture threshold needed for the reaction. Furthermore, the influence of these exposure conditions on the internal damage caused by ASR-induced deterioration was discussed.
A Statistical and Optimization Study on the Influence of Different Abrasive Types on Kerf Quality and Productivity during Abrasive Waterjet (AWJ) Milling of Ti-4Al-6V
Authors: Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Dekster Lisa , Kudelski Rafał , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis
Published: December 2023

Non-conventional machining processes offer significant advantages over conventional ones, especially in terms of the productivity, cost, and surface integrity of the produced parts due to their higher flexibility. Abrasive waterjet machining, in particular, constitutes an ecologically friendly process with a negligible thermal impact on a workpiece, and it has considerable capabilities for obtaining the desired outcome by regulating some of its numerous parameters. Among these parameters, the abrasive type is particularly important due to its hardness, mesh size, and shape, which lead to considerable deviations on the obtained depth, kerf characteristics, and productivity. Thus, in this work, a comprehensive comparison is conducted on the use of garnet and silicon carbide particles for the slot milling of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy under different conditions. The capabilities of both abrasive materials are evaluated by statistical analysis regarding the depth of penetration, kerf width, kerf taper angle, and material removal rate (MRR), which are obtained under the same process conditions. Finally, a multi-objective optimization based on grey relational analysis (GRA) is performed for several different practical cases. It was found that, although silicon carbide is more efficient in optimizing individual process outputs, the use of a garnet abrasive can lead to considerably better trade-offs between two or more objectives of the machining process.
Step-by-Step Replacement of Cyano Groups by Tricyanovinyls—The Influence on the Acidity
Authors: Kütt Agnes
Published: December 2023

Acid-base properties are the simplest expression of compounds’ coordinating ability. In the present work, we studied in silico how the gas-phase Brønsted acidity (GA) of several polycyano-substituted compounds change when cyano (CN) groups are replaced by 1,2,2-tricyanovinyl (TCNV) groups in (iso)cyanic acid, dicyanoamine, cyanoform, and hydrogen tetracyanoborate. Different tautomers and conformers/isomers are included in this study. Gas-phase acidity values are compared with the acidities of various acids, including percyanated protonated monocarba-closo-dodecaborate (carborane acid) and dodecaborate, as well as hydrogen cyanide and 1,2,2-tricyanoethene. An estimation of acetonitrile (MeCN), dimethylsufoxide (DMSO), and 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) acidities is presented using the COSMO-RS method and correlation analysis. The strongest acid with four TCNV groups shows remarkable acidic properties.
Enhancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Performance by MXene, Graphene, and Ionic Liquids: A DFT Investigation
Authors: Cao Jianghui , Xue Sensen , Zhang Jian , Ren Xuefeng , Gao Liguo , Ma Tingli , Liu Anmin
Published: December 2023

The efficacy of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries crucially hinges on the sulfur immobilization process, representing a pivotal avenue for bolstering their operational efficiency and durability. This dissertation primarily tackles the formidable challenge posed by the high solubility of polysulfides in electrolyte solutions. Quantum chemical computations were leveraged to scrutinize the interactions of MXene materials, graphene (Gr) oxide, and ionic liquids with polysulfides, yielding pivotal binding energy metrics. Comparative assessments were conducted with the objective of pinpointing MXene materials, with a specific focus on d-Ti3C2 materials, evincing augmented binding energies with polysulfides and ionic liquids demonstrating diminished binding energies. Moreover, a diverse array of Gr oxide materials was evaluated for their adsorption capabilities. Scrutiny of the computational outcomes unveiled an augmentation in the solubility of selectively screened d-Ti3C2 MXene and ionic liquids—vis à vis one or more of the five polysulfides. Therefore, the analysis encompasses an in-depth comparative assessment of the stability of polysulfide adsorption by d-Ti3C2 MXene materials, Gr oxide materials, and ionic liquids across diverse ranges.
Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction N-Doped Carbon Nanosheets Were Prepared by Hydrothermal Carbonization
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Zheng Yajie , Zhang Peiyun , Hou Junhua
Published: December 2023

A metal-free carbon catalyst is a kind of oxygen reduction catalyst with great prospects. It is an important material with potential to replace the traditional Pt catalyst. In this paper, a kind of irregular and ultra-thin carbon nanosheet (K180M-300-900) with high catalytic activity was synthesized by hydrothermal calcination using okra as a biomass and NH4Cl as an N source. The prepared nitrogen-doped metal-free catalyst with high pyridine-N and graphitic-N provides an extremely large number of active sites and has certain lattice defects. Ultra-thin carbon nanosheets promote sufficient contact between the catalyst and electrolyte, promote the diffusion of oxygen, and result in a faster transfer rate of electrons. The initial potential and half-slope potential of K180M-300-900 are 0.99 V and 0.82 V, respectively, which are comparable to those of 20% Pt/C. In addition, the stability and methanol tolerance of this catalyst (K180M-300-900) are better than 20% Pt/C, so it has great development potential and application value. This result provides a new method to prepare metal-free carbon materials that will take the place of traditional Pt catalysts.
Enantioselective Catalytic Aldol Reactions in the Presence of Knoevenagel Nucleophiles: A Chemoselective Switch Optimized in Deep Eutectic Solvents Using Mechanochemistry
Authors: Al Beiruty Hanaa , Zhylinska Sofiia-Stefaniia , Kutateladze Nino , Cheong Hayley Kay Tinn , Ñíguez José A. , Burlingham Sarah J. , Marset Xavier , Guillena Gabriela , Chinchilla Rafael , Alonso Diego A. , Nugent Thomas C.
Published: December 2023

In the presence of different nucleophilic Knoevenagel competitors, cyclic and acyclic ketones have been shown to undergo highly chemoselective aldol reactions with aldehydes. In doing so, the substrate breadth for this emerging methodology has been significantly broadened. The method is also no longer beholden to proline-based catalyst templates, e.g., commercially available O-t-Bu-L-threonine is advantageous for acyclic ketones. The key insight was to exploit water-based mediums under conventional (in-water) and non-conventional (deep eutectic solvents) conditions. With few exceptions, high aldol-to-Knoevenagel chemoselectivity (>10:1) and good product profiles (yield, dr, and ee) were observed, but only in DESs (deep eutectic solvents) in conjunction with ball milling did short reaction times occur.