bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of miR-200b-3p confers broad-spectrum resistance to viral infection by targeting TBK1
Authors: Fang An , Yuan Yueming , Sui Baokuen , Wang Zhihui , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Ming , Chen Huanchun , Fu Zhen F. , Zhao Ling
Published: May 2023

The host innate immune system’s defense against viral infections depends heavily on type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Research into the mechanisms of virus-host interactions is essential for developing novel antiviral therapies. In this study, we compared the effect of the five members of the microRNA-200 (miR-200) family on IFN-I production during viral infection and found that miR-200b-3p displayed the most pronounced regulatory effect. During viral infection, we discovered that the transcriptional level of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p) increased with the infection of influenza virus (IAV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and miR-200b-3p production was modulated by the activation of the ERK and p38 pathways. We identified cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) as a novel transcription factor that binds to the miR-200b-3p promoter. MiR-200b-3p reduces NF-κB and IRF3-mediated IFN-I production by targeting the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of TBK1 mRNA. Applying miR-200b-3p inhibitor enhances IFN-I production in IAV and VSV-infected mouse models, thus inhibiting viral replication and improving mouse survival ratio. Importantly, in addition to IAV and VSV, miR-200b-3p inhibitors exhibited potent antiviral effects against multiple pathogenic viruses threatening human health worldwide. Overall, our study suggests that miR-200b-3p might be a potential therapeutic target for broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.

IMPORTANCE

The innate immune response mediated by type I interferon (IFN-I) is essential for controlling viral replication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to regulate the IFN signaling pathway. In this study, we describe a novel function of miRNA-200b-3p in negatively regulating IFN-I production during viral infection. miRNA-200b-3p was upregulated by the MAPK pathway activated by IAV and VSV infection. The binding of miRNA-200b-3p to the 3′ UTR of TBK1 mRNA reduced IFN-I activation mediated by IRF3 and NF-κB. Application of miR-200b-3p inhibitors exhibited potent antiviral effects against multiple RNA and DNA viruses. These results provide fresh insight into understanding the impact of miRNAs on host-virus interactions and reveal a potential therapeutic target for common antiviral intervention.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. Strain AG207R, a Potential Bacteriocin Producer Isolated from Ginger Roots and Exhibiting Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity, Including against Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kwandee Wongsakorn , Boondireke Sirirat , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Kongrit Darika
Published: May 2023

Here, we report the genome sequence of
Rhizobium
sp. strain AG207R, isolated from ginger roots. The genome assembly comprises a 6,915,576-bp circular chromosome with 59.56% GC content and possesses 11 regions of biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites, including one related to bacteriocin.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus TUS-SO1, a Bacterium Capable of Degrading 2-Phenoxyacetophenone
Authors: Nakagawa Hirari , Kaneko Hiroki , Furuya Toshiki
Published: May 2023

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
TUS-SO1 degrades 2-phenoxyacetophenone, a model compound for the β-
O
-4 linkage in lignin. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of this bacterium. The draft genome comprises 4,284,351 nucleotides and 3,976 coding DNA sequences, with an average G+C content of 38.5%.
Flotillin-associated rhodopsin (FArhodopsin), a widespread paralog of proteorhodopsin in aquatic bacteria with streamlined genomes
Authors: Haro-Moreno Jose M. , López-Pérez Mario , Alekseev Alexey , Podoliak Elizaveta , Kovalev Kirill , Gordeliy Valentin , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco
Published: May 2023

Microbial rhodopsins are found more than once in a single genome (paralogs) often have different functions. We screened a large dataset of open ocean single-amplified genomes (SAGs) for co-occurrences of multiple rhodopsin genes. Many such cases were found among Pelagibacterales (SAR11), HIMB59, and the Gammaproteobacteria
Pseudothioglobus
SAGs. These genomes always had a
bona fide
proteorhodopsin and a separate cluster of genes containing a second rhodopsin associated with a predicted flotillin coding gene and have thus been named flotillin-associated rhodopsins (FArhodopsins). Although they are members of the proteorhodopsin protein family, they form a separate clade within that family and are quite divergent from known proton-pumping proteorhodopsins. They contain either DTT, DTL, or DNI motifs in their key functional amino acids. FArhodopsins are mainly associated with the lower layers of the epipelagic zone. All marine FArhodopsins had the retinal binding lysine, but we found relatives in freshwater metagenomes lacking this key amino acid. AlphaFold predictions of marine FArhodopsins indicate that their retinal pocket might be very reduced or absent, hinting that they are retinal-less. Freshwater FArhodopsins were more diverse than marine ones, but we could not determine if there were other rhodopsins in the genome due to the lack of SAGs or isolates. Although the function of FArhodopsins could not be established, their conserved genomic context indicated involvement in the formation of membrane microdomains. The conservation of FArhodopsins in diverse and globally abundant microorganisms suggests that they may be important in the adaptation to the twilight zone of aquatic environments.

IMPORTANCE

Rhodopsins have been shown to play a key role in the ecology of aquatic microbes. Here, we describe a group of widespread rhodopsins in aquatic microbes associated with dim light conditions. Their characteristic genomic context found in both marine and freshwater environments indicates a novel potential involvement in membrane microstructure that could be important for the function of the coexisting proteorhodopsin proton pumps. The absence or reduction of the retinal binding pocket points to a drastically different physiological role.
PPE
Barcoding Identifies Biclonal Mycobacterium ulcerans Buruli Ulcer, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tchan B. G. O. , Ngazoa-Kakou S. , Aka N. , Apia N. K. B. , Hammoudi N. , Drancourt M. , Saad J.
Published: May 2023

We describe a new targeted sequencing approach that characterizes the
PPE
gene to disclose the simultaneous presence of different variants of a single pathogenic microorganism. This approach has direct implications on the understanding of pathogen diversity and natural history and potential therapeutic implications when dealing with obligate and opportunistic pathogens, such as
Mycobacterium ulcerans
presented here as a prototype.
Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Sequenced Genomes of Four Contrasting Rhizobacteria in Phytopathogen Inhibition and Interaction with Capsicum annuum Roots
Authors: De la Cruz-Rodríguez Yumiko , Adrián-López Jesús , Martínez-López Jazmín , Neri-Márquez Bibiana Itzel , García-Pineda Ernesto , Alvarado-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Fraire-Velázquez Saúl
Published: May 2023

To advance the characterization of a microorganism as a biocontrol agent against phytopathogens, it is highly recommended to analyze the potential of the profile of secondary metabolites as antibiotics that it produces to counteract pathogens. Some specific metabolites have positive impacts in plants.
Microbial Assemblages Associated with the Soil-Root Continuum of an Endangered Plant,
Helianthemum songaricum
Schrenk
Authors: Xu Daolong , Yu Xiaowen , Chen Jin , Liu Haijing , Zheng Yaxin , Qu Hanqing , Bao Yuying
Published: May 2023

Microbial assemblages play significant roles in plant survival, health, and ecological services. The symbiosis between soil microorganisms and these plants and their interactions with soil factors are important features of the adaptation of desert plants to an arid and barren environment.
The Inactivated ISKNV-I Vaccine Confers Highly Effective Cross-Protection against Epidemic RSIV-I and RSIV-II from Cultured Spotted Sea Bass Lateolabrax maculatus
Authors: Fu Weixuan , Li Yong , Fu Yuting , Zhang Wenfeng , Luo Panpan , Sun Qianqian , Yu Fangzhao , Weng Shaoping , Li Wangdong , He Jianguo , Dong Chuanfu
Published: May 2023

Red seabream iridovirus (RSIV) infects a wide mariculture bony fish and has resulted in significant annual economic loss worldwide. Previous studies showed that the phenotypic diversity of infectious RSIV isolates would lead to different virulence characteristics, viral antigenicity, and vaccine efficacy as well as host range.
Supplemental Material: U-Pb and Re-Os geochronology and geochemistry of the Ulgen hidden porphyry Mo deposit in the Derbugan metallogenic belt (NE China): Insights into petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Xia Tianjiao , Liang Xinquan , et al.
Published: May 2023

Table S1: Lithology, occurrences and locations of samples selected for zircon U-Pb, molybdenite Re-Os, whole-rock major-trace element analysis, zircon Hf, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analysis. Table S2: Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb data of the granitoids. Table S3: Re-Os data of molybdenite from the Ulgen porphyry Mo deposit. Table S4: Whole-rock major and trace element compositions of the monzogranitic porphyry, muscovite monzonitic granite, and biotite granitic porphyry. Table S5: Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of the granitoids in the Ulgen deposit. Table S6: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic composition of the granitoids. Table S7: Trace element (ppm) data of zircon grains from the granitoids.
Testing the applicability and additional value of a consultation round after the consensus meeting in the development of two core outcome sets
Authors: Beune Irene Maria , Jansen Larissa , Grooten Iris , Ganzevoort Wessel , Painter Rebecca C , Gordijn Sanne
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Test applicability and additional value of a consultation round after the consensus meeting in the development of core outcome sets (COSs).

Study design and setting

In two COS procedures (Core Outcome Set for the prevention and treatment of fetal GROwth restriction: deVeloping Endpoints (COSGROVE) and Definition and Core Outcomes on Hyperemesis Gravida (DCOHG)) that followed the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials methodology, the first round of convergence to consensus among stakeholder groups in an online Delphi procedure was followed by a face-to-face consensus meeting during which a COS was formulated. We subsequently presented the COS to the online panel in a consultation round to confirm that the online panel agreed with the choices made at the consensus meeting, defined as 80% agreement.

Participants

In the COSGROVE Study, there were eight stakeholder groups, and 83 out of 107 participants completed the consultation round. In the DCOHG Study, there were four stakeholder groups, and 96 out of 125 completed the consultation round.

Interventions

Adding a consultation round after completing a modified Delphi method with a consensus meeting.

Results

There was a level of agreement of 81% and 84%, respectively, in the consultation round of both procedures. This was above the preset level of agreement. The consultation round yielded additional suggestions to refine COS formulation in one of the studies.

Conclusion

Our study shows that in two procedures, the online expert panel agreed with the participants of the consensus meeting in these procedures, lending validity to existing COS methodology. Future studies could evaluate whether bringing back the COS for confirmation after the consensus meeting could potentially increase the uptake of the final COS.
Time trends in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes by sex and socioeconomic status in Catalonia, Spain: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Bennett Matthew , Pistillo Andrea , Recalde Martina , Reyes Carlen , Freisling Heinz , Duarte-Salles Talita
Published: May 2023

Objective

We aimed to estimate how longitudinal trends in cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in Catalonia, Spain from 2009 to 2018 may differ by age, sex and socioeconomic deprivation.

Design

Cohort study using prospectively collected data.

Setting

Electronic health records from primary healthcare centres in Catalonia, Spain.

Participants

3 247 244 adults (≥40 years).

Outcome measures

We calculated the annual incidence (per 1000 persons-year) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) between three time periods of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus to measure trends and changes in incidence during the study period.

Results

In 2016–2018 compared with 2009–2012, cardiovascular disease incidence increased in the 40–54 (eg, IRR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.52 to 1.69 in women) and 55–69 age groups. There was no change in cardiovascular disease incidence in women aged 70+ years, and a slight decrease in men aged 70+ years (0.93, 0.90 to 0.95). Hypertension incidence decreased in all age groups for both sexes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence decreased in all age groups for both sexes (eg, 0.72, 0.70 to 0.73 in women aged 55–69 years), except for the 40–54 year age group (eg, 1.09, 1.06 to 1.13 in women). Higher incidence levels were found in the most deprived areas, especially in the 40–54 and 55–69 groups.

Conclusions

Overall cardiovascular disease incidence has increased while hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence have decreased in the last years in Catalonia, Spain, with differences in trends by age group and socioeconomic deprivation.
Fostering practice-based evidence through routine outcome monitoring in a university psychotherapy service for common mental health problems: a protocol for a naturalistic, observational study
Authors: Valdiviezo-Oña Jorge , Montesano Adrián , Evans Chris , Paz Clara
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Data-informed psychotherapy and routine outcome monitoring are growing as referents in psychotherapy research and practice. In Ecuador, standardised web-based routine outcome monitoring systems have not been used yet, precluding data-driven clinical decisions and service management. Hence, this project aims at fostering and disseminating practice-based evidence in psychotherapy in Ecuador by implementing a web-based routine outcome monitoring system in a university psychotherapy service.

Methods and analyses

This is a protocol for an observational naturalistic longitudinal study. Progress and outcomes of treatment in the Centro de Psicología Aplicada of the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador will be examined. Participants will be adolescents and adults (≥11 years) seeking treatment, as well as therapists and trainees working at the centre between October 2022 and September 2025. Clients’ progress will be monitored by a range of key variables: psychological distress, ambivalence to change, family functioning, therapeutic alliance and life satisfaction. Sociodemographic information and satisfaction with treatment data will be collected before and at the end of treatment, respectively. Also, semi-structured interviews to explore therapists’ and trainees’ perceptions, expectations and experiences will be conducted. We will analyse first contact data, psychometrics of the measures, reliable and clinically significant change, outcome predictors as well as trajectories of changes. Moreover, we will conduct a framework analysis for the interviews.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol for this study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (#PV-10–2022). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific articles, at conferences and in workshops.

Trial registration number

NCT05343741.
Green Cross method in a postanaesthesia care unit: a qualitative study of the healthcare professionals’ experiences after 3 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic period
Authors: Birkeli Gørill Helen , Ballangrud Randi , Jacobsen Hilde Kristin , Tveter Deilkas Ellen Catharina , Lindahl Anne Karin
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Unsafe medical care causes morbidity and mortality among the hospital patients. In a postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), increasing patient safety is a joint effort between different professions. The Green Cross (GC) method is a user-friendly incident reporting method that incorporates daily safety briefings to support healthcare professionals in their daily patient safety work. Thus, this study aimed to describe healthcare professionals’ experiences with the GC method in a PACU setting 3 years after its implementation, including the period of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic’s three waves.

Design

An inductive, descriptive qualitative study was conducted. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted at a PACU of a university hospital in South-Eastern Norway.

Participants

Five semistructured focus group interviews were conducted in March and April 2022. The informants (n=23) were PACU nurses (n=18) and collaborative healthcare professionals (n=5) including physicians, nurses and a pharmacist.

Results

The theme ‘still active, but in need of revitalisation’ was created, describing the healthcare professionals’ experiences with the GC method, 3 years post implementation. The following five categories were found: ‘continuing to facilitate open communication’, ‘expressing a desire for more interprofessional collaboration regarding improvements’, ‘increasing reluctance to report’, ‘downscaling due to the pandemic’ and ‘expressing a desire to share more of what went well’.

Conclusions

This study offers information regarding the healthcare professionals’ experiences with the GC method in a PACU setting; further, it deepens the understanding of the daily patient safety work using this incident reporting method.
Associations between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Dainese Paolo , Mahieu Hanne , De Mits Sophie , Wittoek Ruth , Stautemas Jan , Calders Patrick
Published: May 2023

To provide an extensive review on the associations between knee inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and Scopus were searched up to 13 December 2022. We included articles reporting associations between knee inflammation (measured by effusion, synovitis, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and cytokines) and signs of altered pain processing (assessed by quantitative sensory testing and/or questionnaire for neuropathic-like pain) in people with knee OA. Methodological quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool. Level of evidence and strength of conclusion were determined using the Evidence-Based Guideline Development method. Nine studies were included, comprising of 1889 people with knee OA. Signs of greater effusion/synovitis may be positively associated with lower knee pain pressure threshold (PPT) and neuropathic-like pain. Current evidence could not establish an association between BMLs and pain sensitivity. Evidence on associations between inflammatory cytokines and pain sensitivity or neuropathic-like pain was conflicting. There are indications of a positive association between higher serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels and lower PPT and presence of temporal summation. Methodological quality varied from level C to A2. Signs of effusion/synovitis may be positively associated with neuropathic-like pain and pain sensitivity. There are indications of a possible positive association between serum CRP levels and pain sensitivity. Given the quality and the small amount of included studies, uncertainty remains. Future studies with adequate sample size and follow-up are needed to strengthen the level of evidence.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022329245.
Potential mechanisms of multimodal prehabilitation effects on surgical complications: a narrative review
Authors: Sibley Daniel , Chen Maggie , West Malcolm A , Matthew Andrew G , Santa Mina Daniel , Randall Ian
Published: May 2023

Continuous advances in prehabilitation research over the past several decades have clarified its role in improving preoperative risk factors, yet the evidence demonstrating reduced surgical complications remains uncertain. Describing the potential mechanisms underlying prehabilitation and surgical complications represents an important opportunity to establish biological plausibility, develop targeted therapies, generate hypotheses for future research, and contribute to the rationale for implementation into the standard of care. In this narrative review, we discuss and synthesize the current evidence base for the biological plausibility of multimodal prehabilitation to reduce surgical complications. The goal of this review is to improve prehabilitation interventions and measurement by outlining biologically plausible mechanisms of benefit and generating hypotheses for future research. This is accomplished by synthesizing the available evidence for the mechanistic benefit of exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions for reducing the incidence and severity of surgical complications reported by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). This review was conducted and reported in accordance with a quality assessment scale for narrative reviews. Findings indicate that prehabilitation has biological plausibility to reduce all complications outlined by NSQIP. Mechanisms for prehabilitation to reduce surgical complications include anti-inflammation, enhanced innate immunity, and attenuation of sympathovagal imbalance. Mechanisms vary depending on the intervention protocol and baseline characteristics of the sample. This review highlights the need for more research in this space while proposing potential mechanisms to be included in future investigations.
Investigation of the self-sealing of Opalinus Clay from the lower sandy facies of Mont Terri site by mock-up tests with highly saline and alkaline solutions
Authors: Barakat Yara , Mokni Nadia , Cui Yu-Jun , Delage Pierre , Bernier Frederic
Published: May 2023

Three small-scale mock-up tests were carried out on artificially fractured Opalinus Clay samples from the lower sandy facies of Mont Terri site: the first with the synthetic water of neutral pH and at an osmotic suction of 1 MPa, the second with a highly NaNO3 saline solution with a neutral pH and at osmotic suction of 34 MPa, and the third with a hyperalkaline solution at pH = 13.5 and at osmotic suction of 1.16 MPa. The radial swelling pressure was monitored using a total pressure sensor along with the fracture opening using a displacement transducer. The tests ran for over 290 days. After that, the three tests were dismantled. A detailed petrophysical characterization of 45 subsamples was conducted, and the pore size distribution was determined at different positions. X-ray diffractometry measurements were also conducted to identify any mineralogical changes. Results show that, in the case of the synthetic water and the alkaline solution, the friction forces exerted by the lid and the base on the sample were significant and probably hampered the self-sealing of the fracture. Saline solutions affect the self-sealing process of claystones. Indeed, even though increasing the salinity caused the contraction of the diffuse double layer and generated additional fractures within the sample, which increased the permeability and thus accelerated the hydration process, a complete self-sealing of the fracture opening was not observed.
Decision support system for selecting engineering consultants using qualifications-based selection (QBS) and fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Nomir Maram , Hammad Ahmed
Published: May 2023

In qualifications-based selection (QBS), consultants are selected according to their competencies rather than price. However, clients are often apprehensive about the subjectivity associated with implementing QBS because non-price criteria are hard to measure. In addition, there is no complete set of all relevant consultant evaluation criteria established. There is also a lack of an automated decision support system for objectively assisting owners in selecting qualified consultants with improved consistency and transparency. In this paper, a comprehensive set of consultant evaluation criteria is identified. Evaluation rules are also established for measuring qualitative criteria, where those rules determine the linguistic performance ratings for the fuzzy TOPSIS model instead of decision-makers, which minimizes subjectivity and increases transparency. The decision support system presented in this paper is flexible, allowing the decision-maker to adjust criteria weights based on the project characteristics and to exclude any non-applicable evaluation rules that may not fit in some projects.
“Anteaters” under the airport: a slender new species of blindsnake, genus Indotyphlops, from Timor-Leste (Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae: Asiatyphlopinae)
Authors: O'Shea Mark , Wallach Van , Hsiao Emma , Kaiser Hinrich
Published: May 2023

We describe a slender immature female blindsnake from the main airport in Dili, Timor-Leste, as a new species of Indotyphlops, adding a third species to the country's known blindsnake fauna of Sundatyphlops polygrammicus (Schlegel, 1839) and Virgotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803). The new species has the following combination of characteristics: small size (snout–vent length = 119 mm), slender body (relative body thickness 71), T-V supralabial imbrication pattern, relative rostral width 0.36, 434 middorsal scales, relative tail length 1.7%, absence of enlarged occipital scales, and apical spine absent. The snake was found in an ant nest under several flat rocks near the fuel depot of Nicolau Lobato International Airport, and this habitat and the discovery in a busy location with heavy human impacts indicate that the species is likely a primarily subterranean myrmeco- or termitophage.
Neural Network-based Tool for Survivability Assessment of K-variant Systems
Authors: Bekiroglu Berk , Korel Bogdan
Published: May 2023

The K-variant is a multi-variant architecture to enhance the security of the time-bounded mission and safety-critical systems. Variants in the K-variant architecture are generated by controlled source program transformations. Previous experimental studies showed that the K-variant architecture might improve the security of systems against memory exploitation attacks. In order to estimate the survivability of K-variant systems, simulation techniques are utilized. However, these techniques are slow and may not be practical for the design of K-variant systems. Therefore, fast and highly accurate estimations of the survivability of K-variant systems are necessary for developers. The neural networks may allow quick and accurate estimation of the survivability of K-variant systems. The developed neural network-based tool can make quick and precise estimations of the survivability of K-variant systems under different conditions. In this paper, the accuracy of the neural network-based tool is investigated in an experimental study. The neural network-based tool estimations are compared with a K-variant attack emulator in three programs for up to ten variant systems under four attack types and three attack durations. The experimental study demonstrates that the neural network-based tool makes fast and accurate estimations of the survivability of K-variant systems under all the conditions investigated.
The Silent (R)evolution of SAT
Authors: Fichte Johannes K. , Berre Daniel Le , Hecher Markus , Szeider Stefan
Published: May 2023

Today's powerful, robust SAT solvers have become primary tools for solving hard computational problems.
Using Algorithms to Deliver Disaster Aid
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: May 2023

Ensuring the billions of dollars governments send the disaster-stricken actually get to their intended destinations.
Making Connections
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: May 2023

Bob Metcalfe, recipient of the 2022 ACM A.M. Turing Award for his role in the development of Ethernet, briefly considered a career in tennis.
Tokenization of Tunisian Arabic: A Comparison between Three Machine Learning Models
Authors: Mekki Asma , Zribi Inès , Ellouze Mariem , Belguith Lamia Hadrich
Published: May 2023

Tokenization represents the way of segmenting a piece of text into smaller units called tokens. Since Arabic is an agglutinating language by nature, this treatment becomes a crucial preprocessing step for many Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications such as morphological analysis, parsing, machine translation, information extraction, and so on. In this article, we investigate word tokenization task with a rewriting process to rewrite the orthography of the stem. For this task, we are using Tunisian Arabic (TA) text. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study that uses TA for word tokenization. Therefore, we start by collecting and preparing various TA corpora from different sources. Then, we present a comparison of three character-based tokenizers based on Conditional Random Fields (CRF), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Deep Neural Networks (DNN). The best proposed model using CRF achieved an F-measure result of 88.9%.
Bringing the Analysis of Electrodeposition Signals in Voltammetry Out of the Shadows
Authors: Rappleye Devin S. , Fuller Ranon G.
Published: May 2023

Voltammetry studies of electrodeposition are growing rapidly. Yet, relations for the analysis of electrodeposition reactions in voltammetry remain relatively obscure in the literature. The existing cyclic and square wave voltammetry relations for electrodeposition and their limitations are discussed to increase awareness. A retrospective analysis is performed to demonstrate the impact of model selection in improving the analysis of electrodeposition behavior with voltammetric data. A repository for voltammetry models of electrodeposition is proposed to further increase familiarity and application of the most appropriate models, which would support a rapidly growing area of research and technological development.
Analysis of Mechanisms Affecting the Tool in Pulsed Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Ghasemiansafaei Mandana , Schaefer Florian , Hall Thomas , Baehre Dirk
Published: May 2023

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is an important technology in machining difficult-to-cut materials. The contactless nature of ECM and anodic dissolution of the workpiece propound no tool ablation. Nevertheless, in a few studies, tool damages, namely the formation of pits and geometrical changes, have been observed, which is the investigative goal of this work. This study considers three hypotheses to investigate tool changes during pulsed electrochemical machining (PECM) which are hydrogen embrittlement, cavitation erosion, and cathodic corrosion. A systematic study of monitoring possible tool (1.4112 martensitic stainless steel) changes during ECM and PECM in aqueous NaNO3 electrolyte is performed. Experimental results of this study show that hydrogen embrittlement and cavitation erosion are not the reason for causing changes in the tool. Cathodic corrosion might be the reason for the changes in the tool in this study; however, more investigation is needed. The approach in this study is investigating the microstructure of the tool regarding different aspects before and after ECM and PECM, as the microstructure stores information regarding phenomena occurring during any process.
Fabrication of Moth-Eye Structures with Precisely Controlled Shapes by Nanoimprinting Using Anodic Porous Alumina Molds
Authors: Yanagishita Takashi , Etani Mayu , Kondo Toshiaki
Published: May 2023

An anodic porous alumina mold with tapered pores, which can be used to form moth-eye structures, was formed by repetitions of anodization and etching. It was shown that the controllability of the pore shape of the anodic porous alumina mold improved with the number of repetitions of anodization and etching. However, it was found that even when the total anodization time or anodic charge (electrical current × time) was kept constant, the thickness of anodic films was not constant because the total etching time varied. This is because the etching of the anodic porous alumina mold not only increases the pore size but also reduces the thickness of the barrier layer so that pore growth proceeds after the barrier layer is re-formed during re-anodization. Therefore, it was found that if anodization is performed with the additional anodic charge required to re-form the barrier layer, an anodic porous alumina mold with tapered pores and uniform film thickness can be produced even if the etching time is varied. Nanoimprinting using the resulting anodic porous alumina mold was shown to form a moth-eye structure with a reflectance of less than 0.1% over the entire visible light range.
Development of electrophysiological properties of fusiform neurons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus of mice before and after hearing onset
Authors: Benites Nikollas M. , Rodrigues Beatriz , da Silveira Carlos H. , Kushmerick Christopher , Leão Ricardo M.
Published: May 2023

Auditory brainstem neurons express unique electrophysiological properties adapted for their complex physiological functions that develop before hearing onset. Fusiform neurons of the DCN present two firing states, quiet and active, but the origin of these states is not known. Here, we showed that the quiet and active states develop after hearing onset at P14, along with changes in action potentials, suggesting an influence of auditory input on the refining of fusiform neuron’s excitability.
Frequency-dependent centrifugal modulation of the activity of different classes of mitral and tufted cells in olfactory bulb
Authors: Zhou Fu-Wen , Hook Chelsea , Puche Adam C.
Published: May 2023

Neuronal circuits in the olfactory bulb closely modulate olfactory bulb output activity. Activation of GABAergic circuits from the HDB to the olfactory bulb has both direct and indirect action differentially across the five classes of M/TC bulbar output neurons. The net effect enhances the excitability of deeper output neurons as HDB frequency increases, altering the relative inhibition-excitation balance of output circuits. We hypothesize that this sharpens the tuning specificity of classes of M/TCs to odors during sensory processing.
A Case of Primary Intraosseous Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Mandible
Authors: Sasaki Erika , Yamagata Kenji , Hagiwara Takayuki , Takasaki Ryo , Fukuzawa Satoshi , Uchida Fumihiko , Ishibashi-Kanno Naomi , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: May 2023

Primary intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PIACC) of the jaw is rare. To our knowledge, only 51 cases have been reported in the English literature. We present a rare case of PIACC arising in the mandible with multiple bone metastases and review the previous articles. A 70-year-old woman presented with paresthesia of the right chin and lower gingiva for 4 months. Radiography revealed an irregular radiolucent region on the right side of the ramus, infiltrating to the mandibular canal. Biopsy revealed a pathological diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Multiple bone metastases were present in the sternum, scapula, and thighs. The treatment effect was progressive disease for chemotherapy; therefore, best supportive care was provided for 3 years.
Development of Novel Herbal Compound Formulations Targeting Neuroinflammation: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification
Authors: Liu Yang , Chang Dennis , Zhou Xian
Published: May 2023

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The multicomponent and multitarget approach may provide a practical strategy to address the complex pathological mechanisms of neuroinflammation. This study aimed to develop synergistic herbal compound formulas to attenuate neuroinflammation using integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. Eight phytochemicals with anti-neuroinflammatory potential were selected in the present study. A compound-gene target-signaling pathway network was constructed to illustrate the mechanisms of action of each phytochemical and the interactions among them at the molecular level. Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding affinity of each phytochemical and its key gene targets. An experimental study was conducted to identify synergistic interactions among the eight phytochemicals, and the associated molecular mechanisms were examined by immunoblotting based on the findings from the network pharmacology analysis. Two paired combinations, andrographolide and 6-shogaol (AN-SG) (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL), and baicalein-6-shogaol (BA-SG) (IC50 = 3.28 μg/mL), were found to synergistically (combination index <1) inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in microglia N11 cells. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that MAPK14, MAPK8, and NOS3 were the top three relevant gene targets for the three phytochemicals, and molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities of the phytochemicals to their coded proteins. Immunoblotting suggested that the AN-SG and BA-SG both showed prominent effects in inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (

p
<
0.01

and

p
<
0.05

, respectively) and MAPKp-p38 (both

p
<
0.05

) compared with those induced by the LPS stimulation only. The AN-SG combination exhibited greater inhibitions of the protein expressions of iNOS (

p
<
0.05

vs. individual components), which may partly explain the mechanisms of the synergy observed. This study established a practical approach to developing novel herbal-compound formulations using integrated network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. The study provides a scientific basis and new insight into the two synergistic combinations against neuroinflammation.
An Approach for Three-Dimensional Sectorization in the Terminal Area Based on Airspace Function
Authors: Wan Lili , Ye Wenjing , Xu Can , Li Jiangchen , Huang Xiao , Gong Wenjian , Tian Yong
Published: May 2023

As explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) has grown in popularity, it has become possible to more clearly explain the functional correspondence between airspace and traffic flow, which can alleviate the contradiction between the continuously increasing traffic demand in the terminal area and the limited airspace capacity; this paper studies the three-dimensional sectorization in the terminal area based on the airspace function. First, trajectory clustering is adopted to classify the functions of air traffic flows. Then, a functional sectorization framework is proposed to enable different airspace sectors with varied functions, where specifically the functional consistency objective between the airspace sector and the traversed air traffic flows is proposed. Third, a corresponding efficient algorithm is designed to generate functional sectors with an accurate scope that can well separate different traffic flows. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated by the actual operation datasets in the Shanghai terminal area. The results show that the method proposed in this paper can not only generate three-dimensional sectors with specific functions according to the prevailing traffic flow in the complex terminal area, which is conducive to the construction of controllers’ situational awareness, but also can reduce potential conflicts and traffic density variance, increasing average sector flight time a lot.
Impacts of the Feeder-Related Built Environment on Taxi-Metro Integrated Use in Lanzhou, China
Authors: Chen Qixiang , Lv Bin , Hao Binbin , Li Xianlin
Published: May 2023

It is very common that taxi is used as a feeder mode to/from a metro station especially in third-tier cities of China. But research on taxi-metro integrated use is rather limited. This paper investigates the relationship between feeder-related built environment and taxi-metro integrated use by using taxi trajectory data in Lanzhou, China. Firstly, regression models are developed to explore the transfer distance of access/egress trips during peak hours. Then, the catchment area is delineated for collecting feeder-related environment variables. Finally, several negative binomial regressions are employed to examine the relationships between feeder-related built environment and taxi-metro integrated use during peak hours on weekdays. The results reveal that (a) people prefer to use taxi as feeder mode for metro access during morning peak hours and for metro egress during evening peak hours; (b) the transfer distance of taxi-metro integrated use is about 3.8 km; (c) higher mixed land use generates more taxi-metro integrated use during evening peak hours. Higher proportion of residential land use attracts more taxi-metro integrated use for metro access during morning peak hours. Those findings will help transport planners to develop tailored land-use interventions to improve transit accessibility and promote the sustainable multimodal travel.
A Hierarchical Authentication System for Access Equipment in Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Hui-Juan , He Shen , Chen Jia , Yang Kai , Ran Peng , Chen Jiake
Published: May 2023

With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, massive heterogeneous equipment involving all walks of life has been connected to networks. However, many current authentication methods have poor robustness and cannot ensure the safety of access equipment due to the complexity and uncertainty of the network environment. To deal with this problem, a hierarchical authentication system was proposed in this paper. First, an equipment identification method (EIM), using stack denoising autoencoders (SDAs), is developed to weaken the uncertainty to recognize the type of access equipment. Second, an equipment authentication method (EAM), based on the identification result and similarity theory, is designed to improve the verification accuracy to guarantee the credibility of access equipment. Third, the proposed hierarchical authentication system was tested in a real access platform. The experimental results demonstrated the satisfactory performance of this proposed hierarchical authentication system.
Supplementary Table 9 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 9 includes two-year cumulative incidences for HCC surveillance overall and by insurance type, by calendar year of cirrhosis diagnosis (% and 95% confidence intervals).
Supplementary Table 13 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 13 includes the two-year cumulative incidences for HCC surveillance overall and by insurance type, by calendar year of cirrhosis diagnosis, excluding individuals with decompensated cirrhosis (% and 95% confidence intervals).
Table S4 from Incidence Trends and Survival in Early-Onset Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Radkiewicz Cecilia , Asplund Johannes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2023

5-year relative survival in early- (age 20-49 years) and later-onset (age 50-84 years) esophagogastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed in years 2007-2019 together with early-to-later-onset excess mortality rate ratios (EMRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
The GENIE BPC NSCLC Cohort: A Real-World Repository Integrating Standardized Clinical and Genomic Data for 1,846 Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Choudhury Noura J. , Lavery Jessica A. , Brown Samantha , de Bruijn Ino , Jee Justin , Tran Thinh Ngoc , Rizvi Hira , Arbour Kathryn C. , Whiting Karissa , Shen Ronglai , Hellmann Matthew , Bedard Philippe L. , Yu Celeste , Leighl Natasha , LeNoue-Newton Michele , Micheel Christine , Warner Jeremy L. , Ginsberg Michelle S. , Plodkowski Andrew , Girshman Jeffrey , Sawan Peter , Pillai Shirin , Sweeney Shawn M. , Kehl Kenneth L. , Panageas Katherine S. , Schultz Nikolaus , Schrag Deborah , Riely Gregory J. ,   on behalf of the AACR GENIE BPC Core Team
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

We describe the clinical and genomic landscape of the non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohort of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) Biopharma Collaborative (BPC).

Experimental Design:

A total of 1,846 patients with NSCLC whose tumors were sequenced from 2014 to 2018 at four institutions participating in AACR GENIE were randomly chosen for curation using the PRISSMM data model. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated for patients treated with standard therapies.

Results:

In this cohort, 44% of tumors harbored a targetable oncogenic alteration, with EGFR (20%), KRAS G12C (13%), and oncogenic fusions (ALK, RET, and ROS1; 5%) as the most frequent. Median OS (mOS) on first-line platinum-based therapy without immunotherapy was 17.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 14.9–19.5 months]. For second-line therapies, mOS was 9.2 months (95% CI, 7.5–11.3 months) for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and 6.4 months (95% CI, 5.1–8.1 months) for docetaxel ± ramucirumab. In a subset of patients treated with ICI in the second-line or later setting, median RECIST PFS (2.5 months; 95% CI, 2.2–2.8) and median real-world PFS based on imaging reports (2.2 months; 95% CI, 1.7–2.6) were similar. In exploratory analysis of the impact of tumor mutational burden (TMB) on survival on ICI treatment in the second-line or higher setting, TMB z-score harmonized across gene panels was associated with improved OS (univariable HR, 0.85; P = 0.03; n = 247 patients).

Conclusions:

The GENIE BPC cohort provides comprehensive clinicogenomic data for patients with NSCLC, which can improve understanding of real-world patient outcomes.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Desmoglein 2 Functions as a Receptor for Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Breast Cancer Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Wirth Keith M. , Kizy Scott , Muretta Joseph M. , Markowski Todd W. , Yong Peter , Sheka Adam , Abdelwahab Hisham , Hertzel Ann V. , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Yamamoto Masato , Bernlohr David A.
Published: May 2023

S1. DSC and DSG isoforms expressed in MCF-7 cells.