bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering Permanent Uplift Along the Pacific Coast of South America Through Signal Analysis of Various Tectonic Processes
Authors: Freisleben Roland , Jara‐Muñoz Julius , Melnick Daniel , Molina Diego , Tassara Andrés , van der Beek Peter , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: September 2023

The tectonically active South American margin is characterized by the accumulation of deformation contributing to uplift of the Andean forearc at millennial time scales. However, the mechanisms responsible for permanent coastal uplift are debated, mainly because methodologically consistent, continental‐scale analyses of uplifted terraces have not yet been carried out for South America. Uplifted marine terraces are generally used to infer permanent coastal deformation and uplift; we used almost 2,000 measurements of last‐interglacial marine terraces to calculate an uplift‐rate signal on which we performed a wavelength analysis. The same spectral analysis was applied to tectonic and subduction parameters associated with accumulation of permanent deformation to detect possible links with the uplift‐rate signal. The uplift‐rate signal displays a constant background‐uplift rate along the margin, perturbed by changes at variable wavelengths. Similarities between its wavelength spectrum and the spectra of tectonic parameters suggest potential correlations pointing toward underlying processes. For example, crustal faulting is mainly responsible for short‐wavelength deformation; intermediate‐wavelength to long‐wavelength tectonic features indicate various extents of locked areas on the megathrust that relate to its long‐term seismotectonic segmentation. We suggest that moderate, long‐term background uplift is caused by major, deep earthquakes near the Moho, although records of such events are sparse. Due to their disparate occurrence, we infer accumulation of permanent deformation over millennial time scales through multiple, distinct uplift phases that are spatially and temporally distributed. Our study highlights the application and utility of a signal‐analysis approach to elucidate the mechanisms driving surface deformation in subduction zones at a continental scale.
Lymph node metastasis in cancer progression: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Ji Haoran , Hu Chuang , Yang Xuhui , Liu Yuanhao , Ji Guangyu , Ge Shengfang , Wang Xiansong , Wang Mingsong
Published: September 2023

Lymph nodes (LNs) are important hubs for metastatic cell arrest and growth, immune modulation, and secondary dissemination to distant sites through a series of mechanisms, and it has been proved that lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an essential prognostic indicator in many different types of cancer. Therefore, it is important for oncologists to understand the mechanisms of tumor cells to metastasize to LNs, as well as how LNM affects the prognosis and therapy of patients with cancer in order to provide patients with accurate disease assessment and effective treatment strategies. In recent years, with the updates in both basic and clinical studies on LNM and the application of advanced medical technologies, much progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms of LNM and the strategies for diagnosis and treatment of LNM. In this review, current knowledge of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of LNs, as well as the molecular mechanisms of LNM, are described. The clinical significance of LNM in different anatomical sites is summarized, including the roles of LNM playing in staging, prognostic prediction, and treatment selection for patients with various types of cancers. And the novel exploration and academic disputes of strategies for recognition, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions of metastatic LNs are also discussed.
Modulation of lytic molecules restrain serial killing in γδ T lymphocytes
Authors: Sandoz Patrick A. , Kuhnigk Kyra , Szabo Edina K. , Thunberg Sarah , Erikson Elina , Sandström Niklas , Verron Quentin , Brech Andreas , Watzl Carsten , Wagner Arnika K. , Alici Evren , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Uhlin Michael , Önfelt Björn
Published: September 2023

γδ T cells play a pivotal role in protection against various types of infections and tumours, from early childhood on and throughout life. They consist of several subsets characterised by adaptive and innate-like functions, with Vγ9Vδ2 being the largest subset in human peripheral blood. Although these cells show signs of cytotoxicity, their modus operandi remains poorly understood. Here we explore, using live single-cell imaging, the cytotoxic functions of γδ T cells upon interactions with tumour target cells with high temporal and spatial resolution. While γδ T cell killing is dominated by degranulation, the availability of lytic molecules appears tightly regulated in time and space. In particular, the limited co-occurrence of granzyme B and perforin restrains serial killing of tumour cells by γδ T cells. Thus, our data provide new insights into the cytotoxic arsenal and functions of γδ T cells, which may guide the development of more efficient γδ T cell based adoptive immunotherapies.
Evolution of schooling drives changes in neuroanatomy and motion characteristics across predation contexts in guppies
Authors: Corral-Lopez Alberto , Kotrschal Alexander , Szorkovszky Alexander , Garate-Olaizola Maddi , Herbert-Read James , van der Bijl Wouter , Romenskyy Maksym , Zeng Hong-Li , Buechel Severine Denise , Fontrodona-Eslava Ada , Pelckmans Kristiaan , Mank Judith E. , Kolm Niclas
Published: September 2023

One of the most spectacular displays of social behavior is the synchronized movements that many animal groups perform to travel, forage and escape from predators. However, elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying the evolution of collective behaviors, as well as their fitness effects, remains challenging. Here, we study collective motion patterns with and without predation threat and predator inspection behavior in guppies experimentally selected for divergence in polarization, an important ecological driver of coordinated movement in fish. We find that groups from artificially selected lines remain more polarized than control groups in the presence of a threat. Neuroanatomical measurements of polarization-selected individuals indicate changes in brain regions previously suggested to be important regulators of perception, fear and attention, and motor response. Additional visual acuity and temporal resolution tests performed in polarization-selected and control individuals indicate that observed differences in predator inspection and schooling behavior should not be attributable to changes in visual perception, but rather are more likely the result of the more efficient relay of sensory input in the brain of polarization-selected fish. Our findings highlight that brain morphology may play a fundamental role in the evolution of coordinated movement and anti-predator behavior.
Solid-state Lidar with wide steering angle using counter-propagating beams
Authors: He Yuxuan , Wang Qiang , Han Xu , Wang Zhonghan , Geng Wenpu , Fang Yuxi , Pan Zhongqi , Yue Yang
Published: September 2023

In a solid-state photonics-based Lidar, all essential components can be integrated into a silicon chip. It is simple and effective to use a tunable laser source to implement Lidar’s beam steering. However, how to effectively increase the steering angle in a small wavelength tuning range is usually a key challenge due to the limited material and waveguide dispersion. In Silicon-on-insulator waveguide, we design a novel solid-state Lidar using two trans-electrical (TE) polarized beams counter-propagating towards each other. Two corresponding output beams from just a single grating coupler (GC) can be seamlessly combined to double the beam steering angle. Furthermore, a low-priced solid-state Lidar is designed for TE polarized beams counter-propagating towards each other by using wavelength division multiplexed laser array.
The reputational and ethical consequences of deceptive chatbot use
Authors: McGuire Jack , De Cremer David , Hesselbarth Yorck , De Schutter Leander , Mai Ke Michael , Van Hiel Alain
Published: September 2023

The use of chatbots is becoming widespread as they offer significant economic opportunities. At the same time, however, customers seem to prefer interacting with human operators when making inquiries and as a result are not as cooperative with chatbots when their use is known. This specific situation creates an incentive for organizations to use chatbots without disclosing this to customers. Will this deceptive practice harm the reputation of the organization, and the employees who work for them? Across four experimental studies, we demonstrate that prospective customers, who interact with an organization using chatbots, perceive the organization to be less ethical if the organization does not disclose the information about the chatbot to their customers (Study 1). Moreover, employees that work for an organization which requires them to facilitate the deceptive use of a chatbot exhibit greater turnover intentions (Study 2) and receive worse job opportunities from recruiters in both a hypothetical experimental setting (Study 3) and from professional job recruiters in the field (Study 4). These results highlight that using chatbots deceptively has far reaching negative effects, which begin with the organization and ultimately impact their customers and the employees that work for them.
The potential role of miRNAs and regulation of their expression in the development of mare endometrial fibrosis
Authors: Wójtowicz Anna , Molcan Tomasz , Lukasik Karolina , Żebrowska Ewelina , Pawlina-Tyszko Klaudia , Gurgul Artur , Szmatoła Tomasz , Bugno-Poniewierska Monika , Ferreira-Dias Graca , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna
Published: September 2023

Mare endometrial fibrosis (endometrosis), is one of the main causes of equine infertility. Despite the high prevalence, both ethology, pathogenesis and the nature of its progression remain poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in multiple cellular processes and functions under physiological and pathological circumstances. In this article, we reported changes in miRNA expression at different stages of endometrosis and the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 on the expression of the most dysregulated miRNAs. We identified 1, 26, and 5 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs), in categories IIA (mild fibrosis), IIB (moderate fibrosis), and III (severe fibrosis) groups compared to category I (no fibrosis) endometria group, respectively (Padjusted < 0.05, log2FC ≥ 1.0/log2FC ≤  − 1.0). This study indicated the potential involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of the process associated to the development and progression of endometrosis. The functional enrichment analysis revealed, that DEmiRs target genes involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinases, Hippo, and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signalling pathways, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. Moreover, we demonstrated that the most potent profibrotic cytokine—TGF-β1—downregulated novel-eca-miR-42 (P < 0.05) expression in fibroblasts derived from endometria at early-stage endometrosis (category IIA).
Magnetic molecules lose identity when connected to different combinations of magnetic metal electrodes in MTJ-based molecular spintronics devices (MTJMSD)
Authors: Mutunga Eva , D’Angelo Christopher , Tyagi Pawan
Published: September 2023

Understanding the magnetic molecules’ interaction with different combinations of metal electrodes is vital to advancing the molecular spintronics field. This paper describes experimental and theoretical understanding showing how paramagnetic single-molecule magnet (SMM) catalyzes long-range effects on metal electrodes and, in that process, loses its basic magnetic properties. For the first time, our Monte Carlo simulations, verified for consistency with regards to experimental studies, discuss the properties of the whole device and a generic paramagnetic molecule analog (GPMA) connected to the combinations of ferromagnet-ferromagnet, ferromagnet-paramagnet, and ferromagnet-antiferromagnet metal electrodes. We studied the magnetic moment vs. magnetic field of GPMA exchange coupled between two metal electrodes along the exposed side edge of cross junction-shaped magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). We also studied GPMA-metal electrode interfaces’ magnetic moment vs. magnetic field response. We have also found that the MTJ dimension impacted the molecule response. This study suggests that SMM spin at the MTJ exposed sides offers a unique and high-yield method of connecting molecules to virtually endless magnetic and nonmagnetic electrodes and observing unprecedented phenomena in the molecular spintronics field.
Predictive scale-bridging simulations through active learning
Authors: Karra Satish , Mehana Mohamed , Lubbers Nicholas , Chen Yu , Diaw Abdourahmane , Santos Javier E. , Pachalieva Aleksandra , Pavel Robert S. , Haack Jeffrey R. , McKerns Michael , Junghans Christoph , Kang Qinjun , Livescu Daniel , Germann Timothy C. , Viswanathan Hari S.
Published: September 2023

Throughout computational science, there is a growing need to utilize the continual improvements in raw computational horsepower to achieve greater physical fidelity through scale-bridging over brute-force increases in the number of mesh elements. For instance, quantitative predictions of transport in nanoporous media, critical to hydrocarbon extraction from tight shale formations, are impossible without accounting for molecular-level interactions. Similarly, inertial confinement fusion simulations rely on numerical diffusion to simulate molecular effects such as non-local transport and mixing without truly accounting for molecular interactions. With these two disparate applications in mind, we develop a novel capability which uses an active learning approach to optimize the use of local fine-scale simulations for informing coarse-scale hydrodynamics. Our approach addresses three challenges: forecasting continuum coarse-scale trajectory to speculatively execute new fine-scale molecular dynamics calculations, dynamically updating coarse-scale from fine-scale calculations, and quantifying uncertainty in neural network models.
Prediction of surface roughness based on fused features and ISSA-DBN in milling of die steel P20
Authors: Guo Miaoxian , Zhou Jin , Li Xing , Lin Zhijian , Guo Weicheng
Published: September 2023

The roughness of the part surface is one of the most crucial standards for evaluating machining quality due to its relationship with service performance. For a preferable comprehension of the evolution of surface roughness, this study proposes a novel surface roughness prediction model on the basis of the unity of fuse d signal features and deep learning architecture. The force and vibration signals produced in the milling of P20 die steel are collected, and time and frequency domain feature from the acquired signals are extracted by variational modal decomposition. The GA-MI algorithm is taken to select the signal features that are relevant to the surface roughness of the workpiece. The optimal feature subset is analyzed and used as the input of the prediction model. DBN is adopted to estimate the surface roughness and the model parameters are optimized by ISSA. (Reviewer 1, Q1) The separate force, vibration and fusion signal information are brought into the DBN model and the ISSA-DBN model for the prediction of surface roughness, and the results show that the accuracy of the roughness prediction is as follows, respectively DBN: 78.1%, 68.8% and 84.4%, and ISSA-DBN: 93.8%, 87.5% and 100%.
Macroscopic fracture mechanism of coal body and evolution characteristics analysis of impact force in deep coal and gas outburst
Authors: Ren Lingran , Tang Jupeng , Pan Yishan , Zhang Xin , Yu Honghao
Published: September 2023

With the increase of mining depth and intensity, coal and gas outburst dynamic disasters occur frequently. In order to deeply study the macroscopic fracture mechanism of coal body and evolution characteristics analysis of impact force, taking the outburst coal seam of Pingmei No. 11 Coal Mine and Sunjiawan coal seam of Hengda Coal Mine as the research objects, the simulation roadway test system of self-developed true triaxial coal and gas outburst is applied to carry out the simulation test of deep coal and gas outburst with buried depths of 1000 m, 1200 m, 1400 m and 1600 m. During the test, the overlying strata stress is simulated by axial compression, the surrounding rock stress is simulated by confining pressure, the gas pressure is simulated by pore pressure, the impact force and acoustic emission monitoring technology are introduced, and the coal seam gas pressure is simulated by mixture pressure of 45% CO2 and 55% N2. From the viewpoint of fracture mechanics, the crack propagation mechanism of coal in the outburst launching area is discussed, the evolution characteristics of impact force and gas pressure are analyzed, and the influence law between acoustic emission signal and impact force is revealed. From the viewpoint of energy conversion, the transformation character of gas internal energy to impact kinetic energy (gas pressure to impact force) are analyzed. The results show that the generation of I-type crack is a prerequisite for outburst catastrophe. With the crack propagation, I-type and II-type cracks intersect and penetrate, resulting in internal structural damage and skeleton instability of coal. Gas wrapped fragmentized coal body thrown, outburst occurs. There is obvious negative pressure in the roadway after outburst. The occurrence of negative pressure is greatly affected by the physical and mechanical properties of coal, ground stress and gas pressure. Impact kinetic energy is mainly provided by gas internal energy. Part of the gas pressure is converted into impact force. The strength and duration of the impact force are determined by the gas pressure. Under the condition of deep working conditions (high ground stress and low gas pressure), the propagation of impact force in the roadway is more hindered. Both impact force and acoustic emission signals can monitor the occurrence of outburst. The peak point of acoustic emission ringing count is earlier than the impact force. The acoustic emission signal can monitor the outburst hazard earlier. The impact force can more specifically reflect the coal fracture.
Post-discharge occurrence of surgical site infections after hip or knee arthroplasty surgery in Poland, a population-based study
Authors: Gajda Mateusz , Gajda Paulina , Pac Agnieszka , Gryglewska Barbara , Wojnarski Marcin , Różańska Anna , Lipińska-Tobiasz Inga , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: September 2023

Arthroplasty is a common procedure improving functioning of patients and their quality of life. Infection is a serious complication that determines subsequent management of the prosthesis and the patient. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of post-discharge surgical site infections (SSI) and their risk factors. A retrospective analysis of an anonymized database from the National Health Found for 2017 of 56,068 adult patients undergoing hip replacement surgery (HPRO) and 27,457 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery (KPRO). The cumulative incidence of post-discharge SSI was 0.92% for HPRO and 0.95% for KPRO. The main risk factors for hip SSI were male gender, diseases of hematopoietic, musculoskeletal and nervous system. The risk factor for knee SSI was male gender. All comorbidities significantly increased the risk of SSI. The ICU stay and antibiotics administered at discharge in studied population increased the risk of detection of SSI after HPRO and KPRO by up to four and seven times, respectively. For both procedures rehabilitation after surgery and total endoprosthesis decreased incidence of SSIs. The lower experience of the center was related to higher SSI incidence in HPRO in primary (1.5% vs. 0.9%) and in revision surgeries (3.8% vs. 2.1%), but in KPRO, lower experience only in primary surgeries was significantly associated with SSI. The cumulative incidence of post-discharge SSI in Poland is higher than in other European countries. Special attention should be paid to patients with chronic diseases.
Uncovering the lack of awareness of sand mining impacts on riverbank erosion among Mekong Delta residents: insights from a comprehensive survey
Authors: Tran Dung Duc , Thien Nguyen Duc , Yuen Kai Wan , Lau Rachel Yu San , Wang Jingyu , Park Edward
Published: September 2023

Global sand demand due to infrastructure construction has intensified sand mining activities in many rivers, with current rates of sand extraction exceeding natural replenishment. This has created many environmental problems, particularly concerning riverbank stability, which adversely affects the livelihoods of people in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). However, sand mining’s social impacts in the region remain inadequately understood. Here we assess locals’ perception of sand mining activities in the VMD and its impacts on riverbank erosion. Residents living along the Bassac River, a hotspot of sand mining, were interviewed. Our results showed that while sand mining is perceived as destructive to the environment, few were aware of its role in worsening riverbank erosion. Only residents directly affected by riverbank collapse were aware of the implications of sand mining and its negative effect on bank stability, as they seem to have actively sought clarification. Our findings highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding among the locals regarding sand mining’s impact on riverbank stability.
mRNA in situ hybridization exhibits unbalanced nuclear/cytoplasmic dystrophin transcript repartition in Duchenne myogenic cells and skeletal muscle biopsies
Authors: Falzarano Maria Sofia , Mietto Martina , Fortunato Fernanda , Farnè Marianna , Martini Fernanda , Ala Pierpaolo , Selvatici Rita , Muntoni Francesco , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: September 2023

To gain insight on dystrophin (DMD) gene transcription dynamics and spatial localization, we assayed the DMD mRNA amount and defined its compartmentalization in myoblasts, myotubes, and skeletal muscle biopsies of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Using droplet digital PCR, Real-time PCR, and RNAscope in situ hybridization, we showed that the DMD transcript amount is extremely reduced in both DMD patients’ cells and muscle biopsies and that mutation-related differences occur. We also found that, compared to controls, DMD transcript is dramatically reduced in the cytoplasm, as up to 90% of it is localized in nuclei, preferentially at the perinuclear region. Using RNA/protein colocalization experiments, we showed that about 40% of nuclear DMD mRNA is localized in the nucleoli in both control and DMD myogenic cells. Our results clearly show that mutant DMD mRNA quantity is strongly reduced in the patients’ myogenic cells and muscle biopsies. Furthermore, mutant DMD mRNA compartmentalization is spatially unbalanced due to a shift in its localization towards the nuclei. This abnormal transcript repartition contributes to the poor abundance and availability of the dystrophin messenger in cytoplasm. This novel finding also has important repercussions for RNA-targeted therapies.
Sub-terahertz feedback interferometry and imaging with emitters in 130 nm BiCMOS technology
Authors: But Dmytro B. , Ikamas Kȩstutis , Kołaciński Cezary , Chernyadiev Aleksandr V. , Vizbaras Domantas , Knap Wojciech , Lisauskas Alvydas
Published: September 2023

In this work, we present the effect of self-mixing in compact terahertz emitters implemented in a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The devices are based on a differential Colpitts oscillator topology with optimized emission frequency at the fundamental harmonic. The radiation is out-coupled through the substrate side using a hyper-hemispheric silicon lens. The first source is optimized for 200 GHz and radiates up to 0.525 mW of propagating power. The second source emits up to 0.325 mW at 260 GHz. We demonstrate that in these devices, feedback radiation produces the change in bias current, the magnitude of which can reach up to several percent compared to the bias current itself, enabling feedback interferometric measurements. We demonstrate the applicability of feedback interferometry to perform coherent reflection-type raster-scan imaging.
Genetic risk score in multiple sclerosis is associated with unique gut microbiome
Authors: Elsayed Noha S. , Valenzuela Robert K. , Kitchner Terrie , Le Thao , Mayer John , Tang Zheng-Zheng , Bayanagari Vishnu R. , Lu Qiongshi , Aston Paula , Anantharaman Karthik , Shukla Sanjay K.
Published: September 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease in which both the roles of genetic susceptibility and environmental/microbial factors have been investigated. More than 200 genetic susceptibility variants have been identified along with the dysbiosis of gut microbiota, both independently have been shown to be associated with MS. We hypothesize that MS patients harboring genetic susceptibility variants along with gut microbiome dysbiosis are at a greater risk of exhibiting the disease. We investigated the genetic risk score for MS in conjunction with gut microbiota in the same cohort of 117 relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and 26 healthy controls. DNA samples were genotyped using Illumina’s Infinium Immuno array-24 v2 chip followed by calculating genetic risk score and the microbiota was determined by sequencing the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. We identified two clusters of MS patients, Cluster A and B, both having a higher genetic risk score than the control group. However, the MS cases in cluster B not only had a higher genetic risk score but also showed a distinct gut microbiome than that of cluster A. Interestingly, cluster A which included both healthy control and MS cases had similar gut microbiome composition. This could be due to (i) the non-active state of the disease in that group of MS patients at the time of fecal sample collection and/or (ii) the restoration of the gut microbiome post disease modifying therapy to treat the MS. Our study showed that there seems to be an association between genetic risk score and gut microbiome dysbiosis in triggering the disease in a small cohort of MS patients. The MS Cluster A who have a higher genetic risk score but microbiome profile similar to that of healthy controls could be due to the remitting phase of the disease or due to the effect of disease modifying therapies.
Recent global increase in multiple rapid intensification of tropical cyclones
Authors: Manikanta N. D. , Joseph Sudheer , Naidu C. V.
Published: September 2023

The rapid intensification (RI ≥ 30 knots/24-h) of tropical cyclones (TCs) makes TC forecasting difficult, resulting in severe damage to property and life. Forecasting can get even worse if TCs have experienced RI more than once (referred to as "multiple-RI TCs") in their lifetime. On a global scale, the relation between long-term trends of multiple-RI TC frequency and maximum potential intensity (MPI) changes is investigated in this study. During 1981–2020, the frequency of multiple-RI TCs significantly increased at a rate of 1.2 TCs/decade, which was primarily due to the upper phases of TC becoming conducive to RI as MPI increased. Our analysis shows that the frequency of multiple-RI TCs has increased by 82.43% in 2000–2020 compared to that in 1981–2000, whereas the frequency of single RI TCs has increased by only 1.63%. The rise in MPI elevates the initial intensity at which a TC undergoes maximum intensification rate, making post-Tropical Storm stages of TCs conducive to RI. As a result, TCs can undergo RI multiple times even following a weakening before the intensity approaches MPI.
Preventing water-inrush from floor in coal working face with paste-like backfill technology
Authors: Qu Xingyue , Shi Longqing , Han Jin
Published: September 2023

In the view of the situation where great economic loss often occurs during mining deep coal seams in Feicheng coal field due to water inrush from the floor Ordovician limestone aquifer, the floor "lower four-zone" theory was used as a guide. 81006 working face of Caozhuang Coalmine in Feicheng coal field was taken as the research background, and paste filling technology was proposed to inhibit or reduce the damaged floor depth caused by mine ground pressure in order to prevent water inrush from the floor Ordovician limestone aquifer. Glue material, coal gangue powder, and fly ash were selected as filling material, and a ground filling system, including a material production system, storage material system, power supply and water supply system, automatic control and measurement system, monitoring and control communications system, emergency response system, and underground filling system, including pipe conveyor system and working face blocking grout loss system, were established to achieve effective filling goaf. Field stress monitoring and floor damaged depth measurement showed that when reaching a steady state after a period of time, paste filling working face not only restored to the original stress state but also significantly reduced the floor's damaged depth caused by mine ground pressure. This verifies that working face with paste-like backfill technology is a very effective measure to prevent water-inrush from the floor.
Transcriptomic profiling of mare endometrium at different stages of endometrosis
Authors: Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. , Wójtowicz A. , Sadowska A. , Moza Jalali B. , Słyszewska M. , Łukasik K. , Gurgul A. , Szmatoła T. , Bugno-Poniewierska M. , Ferreira-Dias G. , Skarzynski D. J.
Published: September 2023

In the current study, transcriptome profiles of mare endometrium, classified into categories I, IIA, and IIB according to Kenney and Doig, were compared using RNA sequencing, analyzed, and functionally annotated using in silico analysis. In the mild stage (IIA) of endometrosis compared to category I endometrium, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were annotated to inflammation, abnormal metabolism, wound healing, and quantity of connective tissue. In the moderate stage (IIB) of endometrosis compared to category I endometrium, DEGs were annotated to inflammation, fibrosis, cellular homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and pregnancy disorders. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-17 as upstream regulators of DEGs associated with cellular homeostasis, metabolism, and fibrosis signaling pathways. In vitro studies showed the effect of these cytokines on DEGs such as ADAMTS1, -4, -5, -9, and HK2 in endometrial fibroblasts at different stages of endometrosis. The effect of cytokines on ADAMTS members’ gene transcription in fibroblasts differs according to the severity of endometrosis. The identified transcriptomic changes associated with endometrosis suggest that inflammation and metabolic changes are features of mild and moderate stages of endometrosis. The changes of ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, -9, in fibrotic endometrium as well as in endometrial fibroblast in response to TGF-β1, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17 suggest the important role of these factors in the development of endometrosis.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extracts of coconut meat (Cocos nucifera L)
Authors: Rizwana Humaira , Aljowaie Reem M. , Al Otibi Fatimah , Alwahibi Mona S. , Alharbi Saleh Ali , Al asmari Saeed Ali , Aldosari Noura S. , Aldehaish Horiah A.
Published: September 2023

Human pathogenic fungi and bacteria pose a huge threat to human life, accounting for high rates of mortality every year. Unfortunately, the past few years have seen an upsurge in multidrug resistance pathogens. Consequently, finding an effective alternative antimicrobial agent is of utmost importance. Hence, this study aimed to phytofabricate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of the solid endosperm of Cocos nucifera L, also known as coconut meat (Cm). Green synthesis is a facile, cost-effective and eco-friendly methods which has several benefits over other physical and chemical methods. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The Cm-AgNPs showed a UV–Vis peak at 435 nm and were crystalline and quasi-spherical, with an average size of 15 nm. The FTIR spectrum displayed functional groups of phenols, alkaloids, sugars, amines, and carbonyl compounds, which are vital in the reduction and capping of NPs. The antibacterial and anticandidal efficacy of the Cm-AgNPs was assessed by the agar-well diffusion method and expressed as a zone of inhibition (ZOI). Amongst all the test isolates, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida auris, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were more susceptible to the NPs with a ZOI of 26.33 ± 0.57 mm, 19.33 ± 0.57 mm, and 18 ± 0.76 mm. The MIC and MFC values for Candida spp. were higher than the bacterial test isolates. Scanning electron microscopic studies of all the test isolates at their MIC concentrations showed drastically altered cell morphology, indicating that the NPs could successfully cross the cell barrier and damage the cell integrity, causing cell death. This study reports the efficacy of Cm-AgNPs against several Candida and bacterial strains, which had not been reported in earlier studies. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Thus, the findings of this study strongly imply that the Cm-AgNPs can serve as promising candidates for therapeutic applications, especially against multidrug-resistant isolates of Candida and bacteria. However, further investigation is needed to understand the mode of action and biosafety.
Revealing the strengthening contribution of stacking faults, dislocations and grain boundaries in severely deformed LPBF AlSi10Mg alloy
Authors: Snopiński Przemysław , Kotoul Michal , Petruška Jindřich , Rusz Stanislav , Żaba Krzysztof , Hilšer Ondřej
Published: September 2023

In this study, microstructural features direct metal laser melted (DMLM) aluminium–silicon-magnesium (AlSi10Mg) are investigated using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The focus is on post-processing by ECAP (Equal Channel Angular Pressing) and its effects on grain refinement, stacking fault formation and dislocation accumulation. In addition, the strength enhancing role of stacking faults is for the first time quantified. The results show that ECAP can increase the yield strength from 294 to 396 MPa, while the elongation increases from 2.4% to 6%. These results show that ECAP processing offers a new approach for producing AlSi10Mg products with improved strength and ductility.
Risk factors of severe hypoglycemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in outpatient clinic of tertiary hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Yunir Em , Nugraha Antonius R. A. , Rosana Martha , Kurniawan Juferdy , Iswati Eni , Sarumpaet Angela , Tarigan Tri Juli Edi , Tahapary Dicky L.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to describe risk factors of severe hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in a tertiary care hospital in Indonesia. This study was a retrospective cohort study in the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. All subjects more than 18 years old who had been visiting the clinic for at least a year were included. Subjects were interviewed whether they had any severe hypoglycemia events within the past year, while data on risk factor variables of severe hypoglycemia was taken from medical records one year before data collection. We recruited 291 subjects, among whom 25.4% suffered at least one episode of severe hypoglycemia within one year. History of severe hypoglycemia (OR 5.864, p ≤ 0.001), eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (OR 1.976, p = 0.028), and insulin use (OR 2.257, p = 0.021) were associated with increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. In conclusion, history of previous severe hypoglycemia, eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73m2, and insulin use were associated with severe hypoglycemia.
Factors associated with palliative care symptoms in cancer patients in Palestine
Authors: Battat Maher , Omair Nawal , WildAli Mohammad A. , Alkaissi Aidah , Salameh Husam T. , Amer Riad , Koni Amer A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H.
Published: September 2023

Palliative care is critical to redundancy in cancer patients seeking to improve their quality of life. Evaluation should be incorporated into clinical practice routines at all stages of cancer. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was used to rate the intensity of ten symptom evaluations designed and validated for cancer patients in various languages and cultures. Therefore, the study aims to assess the symptoms reported using ESAS scores to identify patients who would benefit from palliative care that can improve the integration of palliative care into standard cancer care at An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH). A cross-sectional study was selected for 271 cancer patients using a convenience sampling method at NNUH. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics are described. Furthermore, patients' moderate to severe symptoms (score > 4) were obtained using ESAS-R. The survey consisted of 271 patients, with a response rate of 95%. The average age of the patients was 47 ± 17.7 years, ranging from 18 to 84 years. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1:1, 59.4% of the patients were outpatients, and 153 (56.5%) had hematologic malignancies. Fatigue (62.7%) and drowsiness (61.6%) were the most common moderate to severe symptoms in ESAS. Furthermore, pain (54.6%), nausea (40.2%), lack of appetite (55.0%), shortness of breath (28.5%), depression (40.6%), anxiety (47.2%) and poor well-being (56.5%) were reported. In conclusion, fatigue and drowsiness were the most reported symptoms according to the ESAS scale among cancer patients, while moderate to severe symptoms were reported in cancer patients using the ESAS. The ESAS is a functional tool for assessing cancer patients' symptoms and establishing palliative care services.
Association of general anesthesia exposure with risk of postoperative delirium in patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Ko Ching-Chung , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Chang Yang-Pei , Liu Chien-Cheng , Cheng Wan-Jung , Wu Jheng-Yan , Li Yu-Yu , Lin Tso-Chou , Sun Cheuk-Kwan
Published: September 2023

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association of general anesthesia (GA) exposure with the risk of POD in this patient population. Databases including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 2022. Analysis of 17 studies published between 2015 and 2021 involving 10,678 individuals revealed an association of GA exposure with an elevated risk of POD [odd ratio (OR) = 1.846, 95% CI 1.329 to 2.563, p = 0.0003, I2 = 68.4%, 10,678 patients]. Subgroup analysis of the diagnostic methods also demonstrated a positive correlation between GA exposure and POD risk when validated methods were used for POD diagnosis (OR = 2.199, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.31, p = 0.0002). Meta-regression analyses showed no significant impact of age, male proportion, and sample size on the correlation between GA and the risk of POD. The reported overall incidence of POD from the included studies regardless of the type of anesthesia was between 0.8 and 27%. Our meta-analysis showed a pooled incidence of 10.3% (95% CI 7% to 15%). This meta-analysis suggested an association of general anesthesia with an elevated risk of postoperative delirium, implying the necessity of implementing appropriate prophylactic strategies against this complication when general anesthesia was used in this clinical setting.
Two-dimensional tellurium-based diodes for RF applications
Authors: Askar Abdelrahman M. , Palacios Paula , Pasadas Francisco , Saeed Mohamed , Mohammadzadeh Mohammad Reza , Negra Renato , Adachi Michael M.
Published: September 2023

The research of two-dimensional (2D) Tellurium (Te) or tellurene is thriving to address current challenges in emerging thin-film electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, the study of 2D-Te-based devices for high-frequency applications is still lacking in the literature. This work presents a comprehensive study of two types of radio frequency (RF) diodes based on 2D-Te flakes and exploits their distinct properties in two RF applications. First, a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure is employed as a nonlinear device in a passive RF mixer, where the achieved conversion loss at 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz is as low as 24 dB and 29 dB, respectively. Then, a metal-semiconductor (MS) diode is tested as a zero-bias millimeter-wave power detector and reaches an outstanding linear-in-dB dynamic range over 40 dB, while having voltage responsivities as high as 257 V ⋅ W−1at 1 GHz (up to 1 V detected output voltage) and 47 V ⋅ W−1at 2.5 GHz (up to 0.26 V detected output voltage). These results show superior performance compared to other 2D material-based devices in a much more mature technological phase. Thus, the authors believe that this work demonstrates the potential of 2D-Te as a promising material for devices in emerging high-frequency electronics.
Shifts in isoform usage underlie transcriptional differences in regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Newman Jeremy R. B. , Long S. Alice , Speake Cate , Greenbaum Carla J. , Cerosaletti Karen , Rich Stephen S. , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , McIntyre Lauren M. , Buckner Jane H. , Concannon Patrick
Published: September 2023

Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous loci with allelic associations to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) risk. Most disease-associated variants are enriched in regulatory sequences active in lymphoid cell types, suggesting that lymphocyte gene expression is altered in T1D. Here we assay gene expression between T1D cases and healthy controls in two autoimmunity-relevant lymphocyte cell types, memory CD4+/CD25+regulatory T cells (Treg) and memory CD4+/CD25-T cells, using a splicing event-based approach to characterize tissue-specific transcriptomes. Limited differences in isoform usage between T1D cases and controls are observed in memory CD4+/CD25-T-cells. In Tregs, 402 genes demonstrate differences in isoform usage between cases and controls, particularly RNA recognition and splicing factor genes. Many of these genes are regulated by the variable inclusion of exons that can trigger nonsense mediated decay. Our results suggest that dysregulation of gene expression, through shifts in alternative splicing in Tregs, contributes to T1D pathophysiology.
Vepafestinib is a pharmacologically advanced RET-selective inhibitor with high CNS penetration and inhibitory activity against RET solvent front mutations
Authors: Miyazaki Isao , Odintsov Igor , Ishida Keiji , Lui Allan J. W. , Kato Masanori , Suzuki Tatsuya , Zhang Tom , Wakayama Kentaro , Kurth Renate I. , Cheng Ryan , Fujita Hidenori , Delasos Lukas , Vojnic Morana , Khodos Inna , Yamada Yukari , Ishizawa Kota , Mattar Marissa S. , Funabashi Kaoru , Chang Qing , Ohkubo Shuichi , Yano Wakako , Terada Ryuichiro , Giuliano Claudio , Lu Yue Christine , Bonifacio Annalisa , Kunte Siddharth , Davare Monika A. , Cheng Emily H. , de Stanchina Elisa , Lovati Emanuela , Iwasawa Yoshikazu , Ladanyi Marc , Somwar Romel
Published: September 2023

RET receptor tyrosine kinase is activated in various cancers (lung, thyroid, colon and pancreatic, among others) through oncogenic fusions or gain-of-function single-nucleotide variants. Small-molecule RET kinase inhibitors became standard-of-care therapy for advanced malignancies driven by RET. The therapeutic benefit of RET inhibitors is limited, however, by acquired mutations in the drug target as well as brain metastasis, presumably due to inadequate brain penetration. Here, we perform preclinical characterization of vepafestinib (TAS0953/HM06), a next-generation RET inhibitor with a unique binding mode. We demonstrate that vepafestinib has best-in-class selectivity against RET, while exerting activity against commonly reported on-target resistance mutations (variants in RETL730, RETV804 and RETG810), and shows superior pharmacokinetic properties in the brain when compared to currently approved RET drugs. We further show that these properties translate into improved tumor control in an intracranial model of RET-driven cancer. Our results underscore the clinical potential of vepafestinib in treating RET-driven cancers.
Sustainable energy harvesting technologies with next-generation 3D magnetic nanostructures and nanocomposites
Authors: Achadu Ojodomo J. , Elizur Gideon L. , Bankole Owolabi M. , Ogunlaja Adeniyi S.
Published: September 2023

There are numerous energy sources that are abundant in our environment but are under-utilized. One example is magnetic noise (energy) generated by electrical power systems and from a variety of electronic devices. Other abundant energy sources include sunlight and wind energy, which can be harvested and converted into useful electricity using variously developed energy harvesting technologies and more recently, nanogenerators. Conventional approaches to energy harvesting have included systems that can harness geothermal energy and/or mechanical (human or natural) motions in addition to the aforementioned energy sources. In light of the recent developments in processes driven by nanotechnology, energy harvesting technologies for sustainable use include, among other elements, novel pathways for the preparation of multifunctional 2 and/or 3-dimensional (2/3D) nanomaterials/magnetic nanostructures of various compositions, shapes, and sizes. This aims to overcome some of the current technical limitations of inorganic bulk materials-based energy devices and systems by developing soft, flexible, adaptable and miniaturized energy harvesting devices. In this chapter, we discuss various perspectives on energy harvesting technologies, focusing on using nanostructured materials to redefine the field. We emphasize the significance of the new generation of 3D magnetic nanostructures and nanocomposites as relevant constituent materials for the fabrication of cutting-edge sustainable magnetic nanogenerators for harvesting freely available ambient magnetic (energy) “noise”. We also examine how, with the help of nanotechnology and nanoscience, this development could potentially reduce reliance on batteries, thereby benefiting the rapidly growing industrial automation and contemporary society at a sustainable scale.
Low-frequency noise spectroscopy of nano materials
Authors: Rehman Adil
Published: September 2023

Low-frequency noise or fluctuations are ubiquitous, and the practical realization of electronic devices requires a low noise level. However, these fluctuations also provide valuable information about charge transport mechanisms and other unique features of nanomaterials. In this chapter the importance of low-frequency noise spectroscopy as an efficient characterization tool for nano materials is discussed. Furthermore, the potential of low-frequency noise spectroscopy as an efficient sensing parameter and quality assessment tool is also briefly discussed.