bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-32 Suppression: its Effects on Prostate Cancer
Cells’ Capability to Proliferate and Migrate
Authors: Al-Marzook Farah A. , Hassan Duha Maithem , Alghazal Maha Waleed , Kadheem Rana Abd Alameer , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Saleh Marwan Mahmood
Published: January 2023

Introduction This paper sought to scrutinize the role of microRNA-32
(miR-32) on the growth and migration as well as on the expression of metastatic
genes in PC3 cells of prostate cancer in vitro.

Methods Subsequent transfection of cells with miR-32 mimics, miR-32
inhibitor, negative control (NC), cell proliferation using MTT, and apoptosis by
ELISA were performed. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was directed to measure the
expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and vascular endothelial
growth factors (VEGF) as metastatic and angiogenesis genes in the progression of
PC3.

Results miR-32 was overexpressed in PC3 cells compared to normal cells
(P<0.001). Down-regulation of miR-32 obstructs in vitro
proliferation and migration while intensifying the apoptosis rate in PC3 cells.
Also, we found that miR-32 negatively modulates the expression of VEGF and MMP2
in PC3 cells.

Conclusion These results indicate that the suppression of miR-32 might
offer an auxiliary treatment procedure for addressing the invasion, progression,
and metastasis in PCa patients by improving cell apoptosis.
Acteoside from Conandron ramondioides Reduces Microcystin-LR Cytotoxicity by Inhibiting Intracellular Uptake Mediated by OATP1B3
Authors: Takumi Shota , Hashimoto Kairi , Tomioka Masaru , Sato Mina , He Weijie , Komatsu Yumiko , Aoki Shunji , Ikeda Ryuji , Shiozaki Kazuhiro , Furukawa Tatsuhiko , Komatsu Masaharu
Published: January 2023

The hepatotoxin microcystin-LR is a strong inhibitor of serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP) 1 and PP2A. The onset of its cytotoxicity depends on its selective uptake via the
hepatocyte uptake transporters, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3. Understanding and preventing the cytotoxicity of microcystin-LR is crucial to maintain human
health. This chemoprevention study demonstrates that the herbal plant extract of iwajisha (20 µg/mL) reduced microcystin-LR cytotoxicity in OATP1B3-expressing cells by approximately six
times. In addition, 20 µM acteoside, which is one of the major compounds in iwajisha, reduced microcystin-LR cytotoxicity by approximately 7.4 times. Acteoside could also reduce the
cytotoxicity of other compounds, such as okadaic acid and nodularin, which are both substrates of OATP1B3 and inhibitors of PP1/PP2A. To investigate the mechanism by which the cytotoxicity
of microcystin-LR is attenuated by acteosides, microcystin-LR and microcystin-LR-binding proteins in cells were examined after microcystin-LR and acteosides were co-exposed. Thus, acteoside
noncompetitively inhibited microcystin-LR uptake by OATP1B3-expressing cells. Furthermore, acteoside inhibited the intracellular interaction of microcystin-LR with its binding protein(s),
including the 22 kDa protein. Furthermore, using immunoblot analysis, acteoside induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which is one of the survival
signaling molecules. These results suggest that acteoside reduces microcystin-LR cytotoxicity through several mechanisms, including the inhibition of microcystin-LR uptake via OATP1B3, and
decreased interaction between microcystin-LR and its binding protein(s), and that ERK signaling activation contributes to the attenuation effect of acteoside against microcystin-LR
cytotoxicity.
Costs of a structured early detection program for advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis: insights on the “plus” of Check-up 35+
Authors: Ortner Julia , Van Ewijk Reyn Joris , Velthuis Louis , Labenz Christian , Arslanow Anita , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Reichert Matthias Christian , Farin-Glattacker Erik , Fichtner Urs Alexander , Stelzer Dominikus , Galle Peter Robert , Lammert Frank
Published: January 2023

Background The implementation of an early detection program for
liver cirrhosis in a general population has been discussed for some time. Recently, the
effectiveness of a structured screening procedure, called SEAL (Structured Early detection of
Asymptomatic Liver cirrhosis), using liver function tests (AST and ALT) and APRI to early
detect advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in participants of the German “Check-up 35” was
investigated.

Methods This study identifies the expected diagnostic costs of
SEAL in routine care and their drivers and reports on prevailing CLD etiologies in this
check-up population. The analysis is based on theoretical unit costs, as well as on the
empirical billing and diagnostic data of SEAL participants.

Results Screening costs are mainly driven by liver biopsies,
which are performed in a final step in some patients. Depending on the assumed biopsy rates
and the diagnostic procedure, the average diagnostic costs are between EUR 5.99 and 13.74 per
Check-up 35 participant and between EUR 1,577.06 and 3,620.52 per patient diagnosed with
fibrosis/cirrhosis (F3/F4). The prevailing underlying etiology in 60% of cases is
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Discussion A liver screening following the SEAL algorithm could
be performed at moderate costs. Screening costs in routine care depend on actual biopsy rates
and procedures, attendance rates at liver specialists, and the prevalence of fibrosis in the
Check-up 35 population. The test for viral hepatitis newly introduced to Check-up 35 as
once-in-a-lifetime part of Check-up 35 is no alternative to SEAL.
Computer-aided diagnosis for optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps including sessile serrated lesions: a real-time comparison with screening endoscopists
Authors: Houwen Britt B. S. L. , Hazewinkel Yark , Giotis Ioannis , Vleugels Jasper L. A. , Mostafavi Nahid S. , van Putten Paul , Fockens Paul , Dekker Evelien ,   POLAR Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background We aimed to compare the accuracy of the optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps, including sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), between a computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) system and endoscopists during real-time colonoscopy.

Methods We developed the POLyp Artificial Recognition (POLAR) system, which was capable of performing real-time characterization of diminutive colorectal polyps. For pretraining, the Microsoft-COCO dataset with over 300 000 nonpolyp object images was used. For training, eight hospitals prospectively collected 2637 annotated images from 1339 polyps (i. e. publicly available online POLAR database). For clinical validation, POLAR was tested during colonoscopy in patients with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and compared with the performance of 20 endoscopists from eight hospitals. Endoscopists were blinded to the POLAR output. Primary outcome was the comparison of accuracy of the optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps between POLAR and endoscopists (neoplastic [adenomas and SSLs] versus non-neoplastic [hyperplastic polyps]). Histopathology served as the reference standard.

Results During clinical validation, 423 diminutive polyps detected in 194 FIT-positive individuals were included for analysis (300 adenomas, 41 SSLs, 82 hyperplastic polyps). POLAR distinguished neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions with 79 % accuracy, 89 % sensitivity, and 38 % specificity. The endoscopists achieved 83 % accuracy, 92 % sensitivity, and 44 % specificity. The optical diagnosis accuracy between POLAR and endoscopists was not significantly different (P = 0.10). The proportion of polyps in which POLAR was able to provide an optical diagnosis was 98 % (i. e. success rate).

Conclusions We developed a CADx system that differentiated neoplastic from non-neoplastic diminutive polyps during endoscopy, with an accuracy comparable to that of screening endoscopists and near-perfect success rate.
Effect of an automated flexible endoscope channel brushing system on improving reprocessing quality: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Shang Renduo , Liu Jun , Luo Zi , Huang Xingmin , Zhang Caiqing , Chen Di , Wu Lianlian , Yao Liwen , Wang Xianglan , Wang Qing , Wu Yunxing , Zhang Lili , Yu Honggang
Published: January 2023

Background Qualified reprocessing, of which meticulous channel brushing is the most crucial step, is essential for prevention and control of endoscopy-associated infections. However, channel brushing is often omitted in practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an automated flexible endoscope channel brushing system (AECBS) on improving the quality of endoscope reprocessing.

Methods This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted between 24 November 2021 and 22 January 2022 at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China. Eligible endoscopes were randomly allocated to the auto group (channels brushed by AECBS) or the manual group (channels brushed manually), with sampling and culturing after high-level disinfection and drying. The primary end point was the proportion of endoscopes with positive cultures.

Results 204 endoscopes in the auto group and 205 in the manual group were analyzed. The proportion of endoscopes with positive cultures was significantly lower in the auto group (15.2 % [95 %CI 10.7 %–21.0 %]) than in the manual group (23.4 % [95 %CI 17.9 %–29.9 %]).

Conclusions AECBS could effectively reduce bioburden and improve reprocessing quality of gastroscopes and colonoscopes. AECBS has the potential to replace manual brushing and lower the risk of endoscopy-associated infections, providing a new option for the optimization of reprocessing.
Silylium Ion Initiated Intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-Type Cyclization of 1,1-Difluoroalkenes with Subsequent Hydrodefluorination of C(sp3)–F Bonds
Authors: Roy Avijit , Gao Haopeng , Oestreich Martin , Klare Hendrik F. T.
Published: January 2023

The strong electrophilicity of silylium ions has been leveraged to probe an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type cyclization of aryl-tethered 1,1-difluoroalkenes. The reaction is presumed to be initiated by a preferential electrophilic silylation of the carbon–carbon double bond over the activation of one of the vinylic C(sp2)–F bonds. Subsequent cyclization followed by hydrodefluorination of the resulting C(sp3)–F bonds leads to the final product. The resulting tetraline derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields. Distinct from earlier reports, the reaction proceeds with the perfluorinated tetraphenylborate counteranion under ambient conditions without the prerequisite of a carborate counteranion associated with the silylium ion intermediates.
Cascade Processes Merging Chemical and Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Mangas-Sánchez Juan , Ascaso-Alegre Christian
Published: January 2023

Cascade processes are an attractive strategy to rapidly build molecular complexity and circumvent the need to isolate reaction intermediates, providing higher efficiencies into synthetic routes with lower environmental toll. We have recently developed a new method to synthesise chiral 1,4-nitro alcohols by sequentially combining three transformations in the same reaction vessel via asymmetric C–C bond formation using a chiral thiourea catalyst and a bioreduction process as key steps.

1 Introduction

2 A Chemoenzymatic Cascade to Make Chiral 1,4-Nitro Alcohols

3 Conclusions and Perspectives
We Know What You Agreed To, Don't We?—Evaluating the Quality of Paper-Based Consents Forms and Their Digitalized Equivalent Using the Example of the Baltic Fracture Competence Centre Project
Authors: Rau Henriette , Stahl Dana , Reichel Anna-Juliana , Bialke Martin , Bahls Thomas , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Introduction The informed consent is the legal basis for research with human subjects. Therefore, the consent form (CF) as legally binding document must be valid, that is, be completely filled-in stating the person's decision clearly and signed by the respective person. However, especially paper-based CFs might have quality issues and the transformation into machine-readable information could add to low quality. This paper evaluates the quality and arising quality issues of paper-based CFs using the example of the Baltic Fracture Competence Centre (BFCC) fracture registry. It also evaluates the impact of quality assurance (QA) measures including giving site-specific feedback. Finally, it answers the question whether manual data entry of patients' decisions by clinical staff leads to a significant error rate in digitalized paper-based CFs.

Methods Based on defined quality criteria, monthly QA including source data verification was conducted by two individual reviewers since the start of recruitment in December 2017. Basis for the analyses are the CFs collected from December 2017 until February 2019 (first recruitment period).

Results After conducting QA internally, the sudden increase of quality issues in May 2018 led to site-specific feedback reports and follow-up training regarding the CFs' quality starting in June 2018. Specific criteria and descriptions on how to correct the CFs helped in increasing the quality in a timely matter. Most common issues were missing pages, decisions regarding optional modules, and signature(s). Since patients' datasets without valid CFs must be deleted, QA helped in retaining 65 datasets for research so that the final datapool consisted of 840 (99.29%) patients.

Conclusion All quality issues could be assigned to one predefined criterion. Using the example of the BFCC fracture registry, CF-QA proved to significantly increase CF quality and help retain the number of available datasets for research. Consequently, the described quality indicators, criteria, and QA processes can be seen as the best practice approach.
Stakeholder perceptions on causes and effects of public project failures in Ghana
Authors: Dick-Sagoe Christopher , Lee Ka Yiu , Odoom Daniel , Boateng Peggy Otiwaa
Published: January 2023

Factors responsible for the failure of most development projects are multifaceted. This study focused on unearthing the causes and effects of public project failure from the perspective of project stakeholders. Sixty stakeholders working on different public projects in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana completed a questionnaire. This study found that major causes of project failure were related to corruption, payment delays, procurement processes, planning, monitoring, bureaucracy, communication, and supervision. The perceived effects of project failure included revenue loss, discouraged investment, and unemployment. Project failure increased the initial cost of projects, impacted economic growth, led to the provision of substandard infrastructure and service relocation. Other effects of project failure were loss of capacity for public projects and emotional stress experienced by project stakeholders. The government of Ghana should adopt strategies to overcome corruption, bureaucracy, and unnecessary political influence. Finally, the government should cooperate with relevant stakeholders to implement measures geared towards improving the current system for procurement, supervision, monitoring, planning, and management practices.
Analytical derivative couplings within the framework of time-dependent density functional theory coupled with conductor-like polarizable continuum model: Formalism, implementation, and applications
Authors: Huang Xunkun , Pei Zheng , Liang WanZhen
Published: January 2023

The nonadiabatic phenomena, which are characterized by a strong coupling between electronic and nuclear motions, are ubiquitous. The nonadiabatic effect of the studied system can be significantly affected by the surrounding environment, such as solvents, in which such nonadiabatic process takes place. It is essential to develop the theoretical models to simulate these processes while accurately modeling the solvent environment. The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is currently the most efficient approach to describe the electronic structures and dynamics of complex systems, while the polarizable continuum model (PCM) represents one of the most successful examples among continuum solvation models. Here, we formulate the first-order derivative couplings (DCs) between the ground and excited states as well as between two excited states by utilizing time-independent equation of motion formalism within the framework of both linear response and spin flip formulations of TDDFT/CPCM (the conductor-like PCM), and implement the analytical DCs into the Q-CHEM electronic structure software package. The analytic implementation is validated by the comparison of the analytical and finite-difference results, and reproducing geometric phase effect in the protonated formaldimine test case. Taking 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzonitrile and uracil in the gas phase and solution as an example, we demonstrate that the solvent effect is essential not only for the excitation energies of the low-lying excited-states but also for the DCs between these states. Finally, we calculate the internal conversion rate of benzophenone in a solvent with DC being used. The current implementation of analytical DCs together with the existing analytical gradient and Hessian of TDDFT/PCM excited states allows one to study the nonadiabatic effects of relatively large systems in solutions with low computational cost.
Modular mixing in plasmonic metal oxide nanocrystal gels with thermoreversible links
Authors: Kang Jiho , Sherman Zachary M. , Crory Hannah S. N. , Conrad Diana L. , Berry Marina W. , Roman Benjamin J. , Anslyn Eric V. , Truskett Thomas M. , Milliron Delia J.
Published: January 2023

Gelation offers a powerful strategy to assemble plasmonic nanocrystal networks incorporating both the distinctive optical properties of constituent building blocks and customizable collective properties. Beyond what a single-component assembly can offer, the characteristics of nanocrystal networks can be tuned in a broader range when two or more components are intimately combined. Here, we demonstrate mixed nanocrystal gel networks using thermoresponsive metal–terpyridine links that enable rapid gel assembly and disassembly with thermal cycling. Plasmonic indium oxide nanocrystals with different sizes, doping concentrations, and shapes are reliably intermixed in linked gel assemblies, exhibiting collective infrared absorption that reflects the contributions of each component while also deviating systematically from a linear combination of the spectra for single-component gels. We extend a many-bodied, mutual polarization method to simulate the optical response of mixed nanocrystal gels, reproducing the experimental trends with no free parameters and revealing that spectral deviations originate from cross-coupling between nanocrystals with distinct plasmonic properties. Our thermoreversible linking strategy directs the assembly of mixed nanocrystal gels with continuously tunable far- and near-field optical properties that are distinct from those of the building blocks or mixed close-packed structures.
An efficient protocol for excited states of large biochromophores
Authors: Feighan Oliver , Manby Frederick R. , Bourne-Worster Susannah
Published: January 2023

Efficient energy transport in photosynthetic antenna is a long-standing source of inspiration for artificial light harvesting materials. However, characterizing the excited states of the constituent chromophores poses a considerable challenge to mainstream quantum chemical and semiempirical excited state methods due to their size and complexity and the accuracy required to describe small but functionally important changes in their properties. In this paper, we explore an alternative approach to calculating the excited states of large biochromophores, exemplified by a specific method for calculating the Qy transition of bacteriochlorophyll a, which we name Chl-xTB. Using a diagonally dominant approximation to the Casida equation and a bespoke parameterization scheme, Chl-xTB can match time-dependent density functional theory’s accuracy and semiempirical speed for calculating the potential energy surfaces and absorption spectra of chlorophylls. We demonstrate that Chl-xTB (and other prospective realizations of our protocol) can be integrated into multiscale models, including concurrent excitonic and point-charge embedding frameworks, enabling the analysis of biochromophore networks in a native environment. We exploit this capability to probe the low-frequency spectral densities of excitonic energies and interchromophore interactions in the light harvesting antenna protein LH2 (light harvesting complex 2). The impact of low-frequency protein motion on interchromophore coupling and exciton transport has routinely been ignored due to the prohibitive costs of including it in simulations. Our results provide a more rigorous basis for continued use of this approximation by demonstrating that exciton transition energies are unaffected by low-frequency vibrational coupling to exciton interaction energies.
Experiments and computations of wave-induced oscillations of submerged horizontal plates
Authors: Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Chen Yongbo , Zhao Binbin , Ertekin R. Cengiz
Published: January 2023

Wave-induced oscillations of submerged horizontal plates are studied by conducting laboratory experiments and by developing theoretical and computational models. These models include a linear solver based on the Green-function method, a nonlinear model based on Green–Naghdi wave equations, and a model based on computational fluid dynamics. The submerged horizontal plate oscillates in the vertical direction due to oscillatory wave loads. Oscillations of the plate are controlled by the use of a spring-damper system. Laboratory measurements and the models provide quantitative information on (i) how oscillations of submerged plates vary with wave conditions, plate characteristics, and the control system and (ii) how different models using different levels of assumptions predict the wave-induced oscillations. Particular attention is given to energy-production applications of the submerged oscillating plate, and discussion is provided on how the oscillation height and velocity vary with its initial submergence depth, stiffness of the attached spring, and the strength of the viscous damper. It is found that the oscillation varies almost linearly with the wave height, but nonlinearly with the wave period, initial submergence depth of the plate, damping, and the spring stiffness. Overall, it is found that nonlinearity plays an important role in this problem, while the effect of viscosity is negligible.
Effect of the counterion size on microphase separation in charged-neutral diblock copolymers
Authors: Gavrilov Alexey A.
Published: January 2023

In this work, the question of the influence of the counterion size on the self-assembly in melts of diblock copolymers with one charged block was studied using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. It was assumed that the blocks were fully compatible, i.e., the Flory–Huggins parameter χ between them was equal to 0. Due to the presence of correlation attraction (electrostatic cohesion) between the charged species, the systems with all types of counterions underwent transitions to ordered states, forming various morphologies, including lamellae, perforated lamellae, and hexagonally packed cylinders. Phase diagrams were constructed by varying the chain composition fc and locating the order–disorder transition positions in terms of the electrostatic strength parameter λ (dimensionless Bjerrum length). Despite having a rather large ion size mismatch, the systems with smaller counterions demonstrated an even better tendency to form microphase separated states than the systems with larger ones. It was found that the differences between the phase diagrams of the systems with different counterions can be roughly rationalized by using coordinates (volume fraction of the charged block φc—modified interaction parameter λ*). The latter parameter assumes that the electrostatic energy is simply inversely proportional to the characteristic distance between the ions of different signs. Such an approach appeared to be rather effective and allowed the diagrams obtained for different counterion sizes to almost coincide. The results of this work suggest that the counterion size can be used as a tool to control the system morphology as well as the effective incompatibility between the blocks.
Enhanced production of hydrogen from alkaline electrolysis by microbubbles removal on bionic electrode
Authors: Peng Ci , Zhao Luhaibo , Tang Zhiyong
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a plane electrode reactor with gas electro-generation in alkaline water electrolysis was developed. In such electrochemical reactors, the efficiency is closely linked to the hydrodynamics of the electrogenerated bubbles acting as movable electrical insulators. The electric and flow fields of the electrodes were studied by numerical simulation methods and the data revealed even electric potential distributions of the novel bionic type when compared to conventional grid type. The Murray leaf-like total pressure drop was the lowest and the flow field was mostly uniform, resulting in synergetic effect of electric field and flow field with higher hydrogen concentration reaching about 50% the traditional one. The experimental data indicated lower overpotential of Murray leaf-like structure by 12% than those obtained by traditional grid electrode plates. Furthermore, the visual experiments showed that the mean bubble size of the bionic leaf-like electrodes was smaller than that of the grid type by 45%, suggesting possible optimization of generated and detachment of hydrogen bubbles on the bionic electrode surface. In sum, the combination of uniform current distribution and efficient removal of hydrogen bubbles by optimizing the electrodes through bionic design could promote the efficiency of the alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production.
Study of bulk carrier properties in largely hybridized InAsSb/GaSb superlattice materials
Authors: Haugan H. J. , Elhamri S. , Mahalingam K. , Das D. , Ram-Mohan L. R. , Bedford R. G. , Eyink K. G.
Published: January 2023

The prospect of implementing quantum device architectures with technologically mature III–V semiconductors requires precisely controlled topologically protected edge states and bulk insulation. However, experimentally reaching this regime with III–V heterostructure epitaxy has been difficult due to charged bulk defects. Charged defects prevent bulk insulation and disturb the stability of edge states. Hence, we study carrier properties in a hybridized III–V InAs0.9Sb0.1/GaSb superlattice (SL) structure. We realize that an electron density (mobility) is limited to approximately 1012 cm−2 (104 cm2/V s). In order to understand these limits, the authors investigate the in-plane mobility of hybridized SLs as a function of current-carrying layer thickness, L, to determine scattering mechanisms that restrict carrier mobility. Although theory predicts the in-plane mobility is proportional to L6 dominated by interface roughness scattering (IRS) at low temperatures, we report that mobility follows the fourth power dependence, which is a weaker than expected from IRS theory. We attribute the discrepancy between experiment and the model to interface intermixing and wave function penetration into barrier regions. We use this understanding to develop a strategy for realizing high-performance topological materials.
ABC+D: A time-independent coupled-channel quantum dynamics program for elastic and ro-vibrational inelastic scattering between atoms and triatomic molecules in full dimensionality
Authors: Yang Dongzheng , Chai Shijie , Xie Daiqian , Guo Hua
Published: January 2023

We discuss the details of a time-independent quantum mechanical method and its implementation for full-dimensional non-reactive scattering between a closed-shell triatomic molecule and a closed-shell atom. By solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation within the coupled-channel framework using a log-derivative method, the state-to-state scattering matrix (S-matrix) can be determined for inelastic scattering involving both the rotational and vibrational modes of the molecule. Various approximations are also implemented. The ABC+D code provides an important platform for understanding an array of physical phenomena involving collisions between atoms and molecules.
Reassessment of the subspecific status of the Australian Wet Tropics yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis
Authors: Cooper Steven J. B. , Travouillon Kenny J. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Saint Kathleen , Russell Rupert , Winter John
Published: January 2023

The Wet Tropics (WT) population of the yellow-bellied glider Petaurus australis Shaw, 1791 in North Queensland is listed as Endangered at the state and national level, but its taxonomic classification is currently uncertain. Here we expand on previous genetic and morphological analyses of the WT population with additional samples and genetic loci to re-assess its subspecific status. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene showed that the WT population formed a reciprocally monophyletic group relative to a group comprising P. australis from its remaining distribution in Australia. The genetic distinction of the WT population was further corroborated by analyses of the nuclear gene von Willebrand factor. Molecular clock analyses of combined ND2–ND4 data suggested that the WT population has been isolated from neighbouring populations in southern Queensland over multiple ice age cycles. Morphological analyses show that the WT gliders are smaller, with proportionally shortened faces, and have paler bellies compared to southern yellow-bellied gliders. We, therefore, propose that the WT population be recognised as a distinct subspecies which we herein describe. This taxonomic reassessment of P. australis has important implications for the ongoing conservation management of the WT population and yellow-bellied gliders throughout Australia.
ROCK2 interacts with p22phox to phosphorylate p47phox and to control NADPH oxidase activation in human monocytes
Authors: Tlili Asma , Pintard Coralie , Hurtado-Nedelec Margarita , Liu Dan , Marzaioli Viviana , Thieblemont Nathalie , Dang Pham My-Chan , El-Benna Jamel
Published: January 2023

Monocytes play a key role in innate immunity by eliminating pathogens, releasing high levels of cytokines, and differentiating into several cell types, including macrophages and dendritic cells. Similar to other phagocytes, monocytes produce superoxide anions through the NADPH oxidase complex, which is composed of two membrane proteins (p22phox and gp91phox/NOX2) and four cytosolic proteins (p47phox, p67phox, p40phox and Rac1). The pathways involved in NADPH oxidase activation in monocytes are less known than those in neutrophils. Here, we show that p22phox is associated with Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) in human monocytes but not neutrophils. This interaction occurs between the cytosolic region of p22phox (amino acids 132 to 195) and the coiled-coil region of ROCK2 (amino acids 400 to 967). Interestingly, ROCK2 does not phosphorylate p22phox, p40phox, p67phox, or gp91phox in vitro but phosphorylates p47phox on Ser304, Ser315, Ser320 and Ser328. Furthermore, KD025, a selective inhibitor of ROCK2, inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and p47phox phosphorylation in monocytes. Specific inhibition of ROCK2 expression in THP1-monocytic cell line by siRNA inhibited ROS production. These data show that ROCK2 interacts with p22phox and phosphorylates p47phox, and suggest that p22phox could be a shuttle for ROCK2 to allow p47phox phosphorylation and NADPH oxidase activation in human monocytes.
KCNH2
encodes a nuclear-targeted polypeptide that mediates hERG1 channel gating and expression
Authors: Jain Abhilasha , Stack Olivia , Ghodrati Saba , Sanchez-Conde Francisco G. , Ukachukwu Chiamaka U. , Salwi Shreya , Jimenez-Vazquez Eric N. , Jones David K.
Published: January 2023

KCNH2
encodes hERG1, the voltage-gated potassium channel that conducts the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (I
Kr
) in human cardiac tissue. hERG1 is one of the first channels expressed during early cardiac development, and its dysfunction is associated with intrauterine fetal death, sudden infant death syndrome, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. Here, we identified a hERG1 polypeptide (hERG1
NP
) that is targeted to the nuclei of immature cardiac cells, including human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The nuclear hERG1
NP
immunofluorescent signal is diminished in matured hiPSC-CMs and absent from adult rat cardiomyocytes. Antibodies targeting distinct hERG1 channel epitopes demonstrated that the hERG1
NP
signal maps to the hERG1 distal C-terminal domain.
KCNH2
deletion using CRISPR simultaneously abolished I
Kr
and the hERG1
NP
signal in hiPSC-CMs. We then identified a putative nuclear localization sequence (NLS) within the distal hERG1 C-terminus, 883-RQRKRKLSFR-892. Interestingly, the distal C-terminal domain was targeted almost exclusively to the nuclei when overexpressed HEK293 cells. Conversely, deleting the NLS from the distal peptide abolished nuclear targeting. Similarly, blocking α or β1 karyopherin activity diminished nuclear targeting. Finally, overexpressing the putative hERG1
NP
peptide in the nuclei of HEK cells significantly reduced hERG1a current density, compared to cells expressing the NLS-deficient hERG1
NP
or GFP. These data identify a developmentally regulated polypeptide encoded by
KCNH2
, hERG1
NP
, whose presence in the nucleus indirectly modulates hERG1 current magnitude and kinetics.
Research methods in study abroad
Authors: Pérez-Vidal Carmen , Sanz Cristina
Published: January 2023

The chapter summarizes the evolution of SA research from the 90s to the present, a field that has become an
established area of inquiry with theoretical impact and methodological sophistication. SA research has incorporated the different
approaches and methodological changes that have characterized second language acquisition (SLA) scholarship, including technological
advances and new designs and approaches to research. This trajectory suggests it is now a good time to stop and reflect upon the
methodological developments that have taken place in our field, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to look ahead and point towards
new directions. The first section of the chapter presents a bird’s eye view of study abroad (SA) research, while the second summarizes
results from published meta-analyses on methodology implemented in empirical studies on personal and language development in immersive
contexts abroad. Based on the information presented throughout the volume, the chapter then moves to present a critical summary of the
limitations identified in past research as well as proposals for future SA studies.
Quantitative approaches in L2 research abroad
Authors: Zalbidea Janire , Issa Bernard
Published: January 2023

This chapter provides an overview and discussion of quantitative research designs that investigate learning outcomes in immersion settings abroad. We begin with a brief introduction to the underlying assumptions, key concepts, and overarching goals of quantitative research approaches for investigating learner development. We then summarize the core contributions of quantitative approaches in study abroad research, with attention to primary study designs, instruments, and measures employed to examine linguistic outcomes, individual differences, and other central aspects of learners’ experiences abroad. This section is followed by a critical discussion of the main methodological limitations associated with this strand of research. Lastly, we propose ways to address these limitations and to achieve more robust and generalizable findings in future quantitative study abroad research.
Oral fluency measures in study abroad research
Authors: Mora Joan Carles , Sehgal Sapna , Serrano Raquel
Published: January 2023

Measuring L2 speaking fluency is methodologically challenging. The current chapter critically evaluates measures of L2 speaking fluency and their limitations in study abroad (SA) research and offers new methodological directions based on current findings from L2 fluency research. The analysis of current methods in SA suggests researchers should move beyond the analysis of utterance and perceived fluency to include cognitive fluency in the assessment of oral development to gain a better understanding and a more comprehensive picture of SA effects on language development. In addition, we propose several methodological strategies that aim at improving the sensitivity and reliability of fluency measures in capturing the impact of SA on fluency development. Specifically, we highlight the need for expanding the range of elicitation methods to include dialogic speech, we recommend the use of L2-specific measures to control for learner variability in L1 speaking fluency, and we suggest the impact of socio-psychological and cognitive individual differences on L2 fluency development in study abroad be thoroughly investigated.
Grammatical development during study abroad
Authors: Howard Martin
Published: January 2023

This chapter considers how study-abroad research has investigated different dimensions of grammatical development in learner processing, comprehension, knowledge and production. The chapter looks at the principal instruments and methods used, reflecting different theoretical paradigms. There follows a reflection on what the instruments and methods reveal about grammatical development in a study abroad context, and a critique of the methodological and developmental insights in the context of the diversity of findings on what is learnt at a grammatical level during study abroad and how it is investigated. The chapter ends by considering these limitations and offers a roadmap for future research.
A linear approach of chain composition
Authors: Federzoni Silvia , Ho-Dac Lydia-Mai , Fabre Cécile
Published: January 2023

This corpus-based approach to coreference chains analyzes recurrences in the patterns of chains, providing new insights into conventions or preferences in the forms of referential expressions. By taking into account the linearity of discourse and the succession of mentions, it goes beyond the more commonly implemented analysis of global characteristics. We analyze 581 reference chains from the French corpus AnnoDis. Using clustering methods, we first show that the resulting clusters are linguistically interpretable. We then demonstrate that animacy and genre influence chain composition. Finally we identify the main patterns of coreference chains in the corpus. This highlights different types of chains and discourse strategies, which vary across genres, and confirms a major influence of referent type.
When referents are seen and heard
Authors: Vandenitte Sébastien
Published: January 2023

Constructed action is a referential strategy whereby signers and speakers use their bodies and/or voices to depict referents and their actions. Using a corpus-based study, this chapter compares constructed action in LSFB and Belgian French. It shows both that LSFB signers use constructed action to denote referents more frequently than Belgian French speakers do and that the two language communities use an overlapping set of articulators to enact referents. However, it also sheds light on differences in the use of these articulators, notably facial expression and the use of hand and arm movements, across LSFB and Belgian French. By documenting this referential strategy in a signed and a spoken language, this study informs the field of comparative semiotics.
Human collective nouns and plural definite noun phrases
Authors: Lecolle Michelle
Published: January 2023

This chapter explores nominal forms with a plural meaning that denote groups of humans in French: human collective nouns (HCNs) and plural definite noun phrases (NP with [les ‘the’ + Nplural]). I combine semantic-referential and argumentative perspectives in order to assess the role of plural reference in these two domains. After presenting my conception of reference and referent and the specificities of plural reference, I compare the two types of expressions from a semantic-referential point of view, based on expressions with the same extension: the HCNs le peuple (français) ‘the (French) people,’ la population (française) ‘the (French) population,’ l’opinion publique (française) ‘(French) public opinion,’ and the plural definite NPs les Français ‘the French’ and les citoyens (français) ‘(French) citizens.’
“peut-être on peut improviser un peu”
Authors: Baldauf-Quilliatre Heike , Chernyshova Elizaveta , Colon de Carvajal Isabel , Etienne Carole , Heiden Lydia , Smykowski Laurène
Published: January 2023

Following the methodological approach of multimodal conversation analysis, our study focuses on the emergence of a jointly constructed reference during a card game interaction: the participants need to find a common solution in order to continue their activity. The data collected in situ allow us to apprehend the different verbal and non-verbal resources mobilised by the players in order to show that in social interaction reference construction is a joint achievement that involves various types of resources which are temporally finely tuned (among others joint visual attention on the object gesturally put in focus). We also show that once a referent-function association is established and grounded, it can be “activated” later on by using an iconic gesture.
The choice of referring expressions in adult-child dialogues
Authors: Le Mené Guigourès Marine , Salazar-Orvig Anne , da Silva-Genest Christine , Marcos Haydée
Published: January 2023

This chapter focuses on the choice of referring expressions in adult-child dialogues, and particularly on the identification of formal and functional conditions promoting the uses of personal and demonstrative pronouns. The study is based on a corpus of 22 parent-child dyads. Children are aged from 21 to 27 months and interact with their interlocutor in various activities. Referring expressions were analysed according to their syntactic function, the activity dyads were involved in, the discourse type and their position in the referential chain. Our results show a strong interaction between formal and functional factors, in adults’ and children’s discourse, and confirm that the acquisition of pronouns’ referential value originates in the uptake of discourse sequences within the frame of familiar activities.
Concurrent translation on collaborative platforms
Authors: Gough Joanna , Temizöz Özlem , Hieke Graham , Zilio Leonardo
Published: January 2023

The advent of AI-supported, cloud-based collaborative translation platforms have enabled a new form of online collaborative translation – ‘concurrent translation’ (CT). CT refers to commercial translation performed on such platforms by multiple agents (translators, editors, subject-matter experts etc.) simultaneously, via concurrent access. Although the practice has recently gained more ground, research on CT is scarce. The present article reports on selected key findings of a study that investigates translators’ experiences with CT via a survey of 804 professional translators working in CT mode across different commercial platforms. Despite the affordances such as peer learning, positive competition, speed, flexibility of the volume of work and working time, and reduced responsibility and reduced stress, CT workflow comes with its substantial challenges such as time pressure, negative competition, reduced self-revision and research, all of which result in quality compromised for speed.
Structure and characteristic studies of ZrAlNiCu films prepared by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Tsai Du-Cheng , Chen Erh-Chiang , Huang Yen-Lin , Chang Zue-Chin , Shieu Fuh-Sheng
Published: January 2023

This study explores the influence of process parameters on the structural, mechanical, and electrical properties of ZrAlNiCu alloy and nitride film obtained by magnetron sputtering of a single Zr51Al11Ni4Cu34 target. Selected variables affecting the process are working pressure, substrate temperature, and nitrogen partial pressure. Almost all films are amorphous except for nitride films deposited at moderate nitrogen partial pressure, which consist of the FCC-ZrN nanophase. A low working pressure and high substrate temperature result in refined boundary interfaces, thus increasing their hardness and electrical conductivity. Nitride films have higher hardness and lower electrical conductivity than alloy films because of their strong ionic metal-N bonding. Thus, the formation of FCC-ZrN nanocrystals is conducive to the further improvement of hardness.
Survival probability of compound nuclei in heavy-ion fusion reaction
Authors: Manjunatha H C , Damodara Gupta P S , Sowmya N , Manjunatha N , Sridhar K N , Seenappa L , Nandi T
Published: January 2023

We have developed an empirical formula to calculate the survival probability of superheavy nuclei by analyzing about 95 fusion experiments, which were classified into four categories based on the deformation parameters of a projectile–target system. Every category is analyzed using ten different entrance channel parameters; one of these displays the smoothest variation. That channel is Z
2/A, where Z and A are the atomic number and mass number, respectively. Further, the predicted empirical relation is improved by the inclusion of the fission barrier, separation energy, level density parameter, center of mass energy, and fusion barrier height for the Z
2/A term. Furthermore, the evaporation residue cross-section is maximum at a certain beam energy, called the optimal energy. Thus, finding the survival probability at the optimal energy is important in the synthesis of a superheavy nucleus. We have developed an empirical formula for the survival probability at the optimal energy to facilitate future superheavy nucleus synthesis.
Fabrication and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2 production of B-doped N-deficient g-C3N4/CdS Hybrids with robust 2D/2D hetero-interface interaction
Authors: Chu Guoliang , Qiu Lingfang , Wen Ke , Li Ping , Cao Banpeng , Tang Yi , Chen Xiangshu , Kita Hidetoshi , Duo Shuwang
Published: January 2023

2D layered photocatalysts with proper electronic structure have sparked much attention in the field of visible-light photocatalysis for H2 production. Herein, by simply calcining the mixture of ultrathin g-C3N4 (CNN) and NaBH4, heteroatom B and N defect were simultaneously introduced into g-C3N4. The obtained modified g-C3N4 (BDCNN) was further coupled with 2D flower-like CdS nanosheet. The optimal 2D/2D BDCNN/CdS-15% heterojunction behaved ideal photocatalytic activity for H2 revolution by water splitting, and the highest H2 revolution rate was as high as 1013.8 μmol g−1 h−1, which was 6.7 times, 2 times, and 5.8 times of the corresponding values of pristine CNN, BDCNN and CdS respectively. It was evidenced that the band structure of 2D/2D BDCNN/CdS-15% was well tuned for better visible-light adsorption and higher separation efficiency of photo-induced carriers for enhancing H2 revolution performance. The achievement in this study provided informative principles for exploring g-C3N4 based heterojunctions with higher H2-production performance.