bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alphaherpesvirus upregulates NDRG1 expression to facilitate the nuclear import of viral UL31 and UL34 proteins
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Ming Sheng‐Li , Zeng Lei , Wang Lu‐Fang , Zhang Chao , Zhu He‐Shui , Yang Guo‐Yu , Zhang Gai‐Ping , Chu Bei‐Bei , Wang Jiang
Published: February 2023

Proteins UL31 and UL34 encoded by alphaherpesvirus are critical for viral primary envelopment and nuclear egress. We report here that pseudorabies virus (PRV), a useful model for research on herpesvirus pathogenesis, uses N‐myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) to assist the nuclear import of UL31 and UL34. PRV promoted NDRG1 expression through DNA damage‐induced P53 activation, which was beneficial to viral proliferation. PRV induced the nuclear translocation of NDRG1, and its deficiency resulted in the cytosolic retention of UL31 and UL34. Therefore, NDRG1 assisted the nuclear import of UL31 and UL34. Furthermore, in the absence of the nuclear localization signal (NLS), UL31 could still translocate to the nucleus, and NDRG1 lacked an NLS, thus suggesting the existence of other mediators for the nuclear import of UL31 and UL34. We demonstrated that heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) was the key factor in this process. UL31 and UL34 interacted with the N‐terminal domain of NDRG1 and the C‐terminal domain of NDRG1 bound to HSC70. Replenishment of HSC70ΔNLS in HSC70‐knockdown cells, or interference in importin α expression, abolished the nuclear translocation of UL31, UL34, and NDRG1. These results indicated that NDRG1 employs HSC70 to facilitate viral proliferation in the nuclear import of PRV UL31 and UL34.
Millimetre‐scale pollen analysis of non‐varved lacustrine sediments from Onepoto maar palaeolake, Auckland, reveals distal vegetation responses and landscape recovery following the ~25.5‐ka Ōruanui supereruption, New Zealand
Authors: Piva Stephen B. , Barker Simon J. , Newnham Rewi M. , Rees Andrew B. H. , Wilson Colin J. N. , Carter Lionel , Iverson Nels A. , Läuchli Benjamin , Augustinus Paul C.
Published: February 2023

The ~25.5‐ka Ōruanui supereruption (Taupō volcano, New Zealand) erupted >1100 km3 of pyroclastic material during the Last Glacial Maximum. The impacts of this event on climate and the New Zealand environment remain unresolved, particularly on ecological timescales. Using sediment cores from Onepoto maar palaeolake, Auckland (~240 km upwind from source), we have analysed pollen assemblages at contiguous 1‐mm intervals, around an intact 3‐cm layer of the Kawakawa‐Ōruanui Tephra to resolve and assess post‐eruption vegetation impacts and landscape recovery. Sediments immediately above the tephra record a decline in the relative abundance of the dominant canopy species of Fuscospora, and concurrent increase in the abundances of grasses, herbs, ferns and shrubs. These changes reflect a brief (<10 years) part‐defoliation of canopy trees, permitting more light to penetrate and to encourage sub‐canopy vegetation growth. A short‐lived volcanogenic cooling inferred from Antarctic ice core records may have contributed to the changes but cannot be separated from the immediate and direct ecological impacts of ashfall on vegetation following the eruption. Our results, here applied to the world's most recent supereruption, more generally demonstrate the value of millimetre‐scale stratigraphic pollen analysis from non‐varved lacustrine sediments as a tool for assessing past eruptive impacts on sub‐decadal timescales.
Desorption of plasmid DNA from anion exchangers: Salt concentration at elution is independent of plasmid size and load
Authors: Beck Jürgen , Biechele Matthias , Repik Christoph , Gruber Petra , Furtmüller Paul G. , Hahn Rainer
Published: February 2023

Detailed studies on the sorption behavior of plasmids on anion exchangers are rare compared to proteins. In this study, we systematically compare the elution behavior of plasmid DNA on three common anion exchange resins using linear gradient and isocratic elution experiments. Two plasmids of different lengths, 8 and 20 kbp, were studied and their elution characteristics were compared to a green fluorescent protein. Using established methods for determining retention characteristics of biomolecules in ion exchange chromatography lead to remarkable results. In contrast to the green fluorescent protein, plasmid DNA consistently elutes at one characteristic salt concentration in linear gradient elution. This salt concentration was the same independent of plasmid size but differed slightly for different resins. The behavior is consistent also at preparative loadings of plasmid DNA. Thus, only a single linear gradient elution experiment is sufficient to design elution in a process scale capture step. At isocratic elution conditions, plasmid DNA elutes only above this characteristic concentration. Even at slightly lower concentrations most plasmids remain tightly bound. We hypothesize, that the desorption is accompanied by a conformational change leading to a reduced number of available negative charges for binding. This explanation is supported by structural analysis before and after elution.
Comparison of three cyclodextrins to optimize bisphenol A extraction from source water: Computational, spectroscopic, and analytical studies
Authors: Saini Shivender Singh , Copello Guillermo J. , Fagan Solange Binotto , Tonel Mariana Zancan
Published: February 2023

Computationally and spectroscopically assisted analytical comparative investigation into the extraction of bisphenol A using three cyclodextrins, that is, α, β, and γ respectively, were performed. A simple, self‐tailored μ‐solid‐phase extraction podium was used to extract bisphenol A from water samples, and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet was used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of bisphenol A. Density functional theory first principle calculations, attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform Raman spectroscopy data supports the analytical selection of β‐cyclodextrin as the adsorbent for bisphenol A extraction. Analytical optimization of various parameters including sample volume, sample pH, eluting solvent and its volume was performed to discover the most proper conditions for maximum extraction. Under the optimized conditions, a limit of detection value of 0.70 ng/ml and a limit of quantification value of 2.31 ng/ml was achieved with β‐cyclodextrin, with recovery (%) values over 98.40–102.50 in real source water samples. Overall, well assisted by comprehensive computational and spectroscopic studies, a novel, simple, sensitive and economic analytical method was developed for the extraction of bisphenol A from source water using cyclodextrin.
Monitoring mesocarnivores with tracks and technology using multi‐method modeling
Authors: Moll Remington J. , Butler Andrew R. , Poisson Mairi K. P. , Tate Patrick , Bergeron Daniel H. , Ellingwood Mark R.
Published: February 2023

Mesocarnivores play important ecological roles and are valued by diverse stakeholders. These species are often the focus of conservation efforts or are managed for sustainable harvest. Management actions require accurate population monitoring, but such monitoring is challenging because mesocarnivores are elusive and persist at low densities. We addressed this challenge by evaluating 2 monitoring methods (scent stations and motion‐sensitive cameras) using multi‐method modeling. We estimated occurrence probabilities and habitat relationships for 8 mesocarnivore species by fitting occupancy models to data collected at 75 sites from October to December 2021 across a 3,200‐km2system in New Hampshire, USA. We assessed the relative estimated precision of the methodological approaches and their costs. We also evaluated tradeoffs in occurrence estimation and uncertainty among study designs by analyzing simulations run across various numbers of study sites and 2 study durations. Cameras cost roughly 10 times more than scent stations but strongly outperformed them in terms of species' detectability and parameter estimate precision. Multi‐method models yielded the most precise estimates of occurrence probability and habitat relationships. Parameter estimates were on average twice as precise for camera and multi‐method models compared to scent stations. Additionally, the estimated precision and direction (positive or negative) of habitat relationships varied with the method employed. Longer camera deployments, additional study sites, and multi‐method approaches nearly always reduced uncertainty, but these reductions were species‐specific and generally most pronounced for more rarely detected species. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of motion‐sensitive cameras traps for monitoring mesocarnivores while revealing the additional benefits of multi‐method modeling. Our results also provide guidance for designing monitoring programs for mesocarnivores while navigating tradeoffs between study design, cost, and uncertainty. Despite its benefits, multi‐method modeling remains uncommon as a general monitoring approach. We suggest managers consider this approach in light of existing datasets and design monitoring programs that integrate traditional methods with emergent technologies.
S100A9 promotes tumor‐associated macrophage for M2 macrophage polarization to drive human liver cancer progression: An in vitro study
Authors: Yang Lan‐Fang , Zhang Zhi‐Bo , Wang Liang
Published: February 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophage polarization have been documented for their implication in various malignancies, but their implication in liver cancer remains to be determined. This study is intended to explore the effect of S100A9 regulated TAMs and macrophage polarization in liver cancer progression. THP‐1 cells were induced to differentiate into M1 and M2 macrophages, which were then cultured in liver cancer cell conditioned culture medium before the M1 and M2 macrophages were identified by measuring biomarkers using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The differential expressed genes in macrophages in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were screened. S100A9 overexpression and knockdown plasmid were transfected into macrophages to determine the effect of S100A9 on M2 macrophage polarization of TAMs and on proliferation ability of liver cancer cells. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) abilities of liver cancer co‐cultured with TAMs. M1 and M2 macrophages were successfully induced and liver cancer cell conditioned culture medium can increase polarization of macrophages into M2 macrophages, in which elevated expression of S100A9 was detected. Data in GEO database showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) upregulated S1000A9 expression. Suppression on S1000A9 can significantly suppress M2 macrophage polarization. TAM can provide the necessary microenvironment for liver cancer cells, HepG2 and MHCC97H by increasing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability, while suppression on S1000A9 can reverse this expression pattern. Suppression on S100A9 expression can regulate M2 macrophage polarization of TAMs to suppress the progression of liver cancer.
Social Media Utilization in Otolaryngology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Huang Alice E. , Chan Erik P. , Stave Christopher M. , Patel Zara M. , Hwang Peter H. , Chang Michael T.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Social media (SM) is an increasingly popular medium for the medical community to engage with patients, trainees, and colleagues. This review aimed to identify reported uses of SM in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS), assess the quality of evidence supporting these uses, and identify gaps in the literature. With the relative lack of regulatory guidelines for the development of SM content, we hypothesized that the quality of content available on SM would be highly variable.

Data Sources and Methods

A scoping review was performed of English‐language peer‐reviewed studies published to date discussing SM use in any form within OHNS. Three reviewers independently screened all abstracts. Two reviewers independently extracted data of interest from the full text of articles identified from the preliminary abstract screen.

Results

171 studies were included, with 94 (54.9%) studies published between 2020 and 2022. 104 (60.8%) studies were conducted in the US. 135 (78.9%) used cross‐sectional or survey‐based methodology; only 7 (4.1%) were controlled studies. SM was most commonly employed for professional networking (n = 37 [21%]), and within subspecialties of otology (n = 38 [22%]) and rhinology/allergy (n = 25 [15%]). Facebook was most frequently used for study recruitment (n = 23 [13.5%]), YouTube for patient education (n = 15 [14.6%]), and Twitter for professional networking (n = 16 [9.4%]).

Conclusion

SM use within OHNS is increasing rapidly, with applications including patient education, professional networking, and study recruitment. Despite myriad articles, there remains a paucity of well‐controlled studies. As SM becomes integrated into healthcare, particularly for applications directly impacting patient care, higher levels of evidence are needed to understand its true impact. Laryngoscope, 133:2447–2456, 2023
Nutritional quality of Onobrychis viciifolia (Scop.) seeds: A potentially novel perennial pulse crop for human use
Authors: Craine Evan B. , Şakiroğlu Muhammet , Peters Tessa E. , Barriball Spencer , Schlautman Brandon
Published: February 2023

Onobrychis viciifolia (hereafter sainfoin) is an autotetraploid (2n = 4x = 28), allogamous insect‐pollinated perennial legume originating from the Caucasus that has historically been cultivated as a forage. As a perennial legume, sainfoin has the potential to improve the sustainability of agriculture and food systems in multiple ways. Sainfoin can provide continuous living cover and biological nitrogen fixation to enhance soil fertility and health. It can also provide ecosystem services as a resource for pollinators and wildlife in addition to nitrogen fixation. Building on this history of valuable uses, The Land Institute is developing sainfoin as a pulse crop for human use. With the goal of supporting human diets with a sustainable, perennial protein source and nutrient‐dense crop, this innovation requires a thorough understanding of the chemical composition of sainfoin seeds to ensure safety and potential nutritional quality. Using seeds from commercial sainfoin varieties developed for forage production, grown by commercial sainfoin seed growers in the western United States, this study evaluates seed composition as part of an ongoing investigation into sainfoin's potential as a novel pulse. We found crude protein content (38.78%) comparable with soybean and lupine, fat content (6.96%) comparable with lupine and chickpea, and starch (7.1%) and dietary fiber content (48.96%) comparable with lupine. Phytic acid content was higher than pulses (1790.89 mg). Ash (3.81%), iron (64.14 ppm), and zinc contents (61.63 ppm) were in the higher end of the range for pulses. This study indicates that sainfoin could become a novel, nutrient‐dense crop for human nutrition. Future studies are required to further characterize seed composition and safety and demonstrate how common legume processing techniques may influence nutritional quality.
Dendrimer and dendrimer gel‐derived drug delivery systems: Breaking bottlenecks of topical administration of glaucoma medications
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Boxuan , Kompella Uday B. , Yang Hu
Published: February 2023

Due to high structural flexibility, multidrug carrying capability, and tunable size, dendrimers have been used as suitable carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery. Drug molecules can be either encapsulated or chemically coupled to dendrimers. The nanoscopic size, spheroidal shape, and cationic surface of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers promote their interaction with the cornea and result in prolonged precorneal retention. Dendrimers could be further cross‐linked to produce three‐dimensional hydrogel networks or dendrimer hydrogels (DH). The properties of the DH can be readily adjusted to maintain both fluidity and adhesiveness, making them suitable for developing topical ocular drug formulations. Micro‐/nano‐ sized DHs, that is, dendrimer micro‐/nano‐ gels, have unique properties such as ease of administration, large specific surface area for adhesion, and drug targeting functionalities, making them attractive for ophthalmic drug delivery. This perspective reports advances in PAMAM dendrimer based drug delivery systems including drug conjugates and micro‐ and nano‐ gels to enhance and sustain the delivery of multiple anti‐glaucoma drugs, Dendrimer and dendrimer gel‐derived drug delivery systems hold great potential as multifunctional  topical drug delivery systems for the eye.
LRRK2 Quantification in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes
Authors: Mancini Andrea , Stoops Erik , Demeyer Leentje , Bellomo Giovanni , Paolini Paoletti Federico , Gaetani Lorenzo , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Parnetti Lucilla
Published: February 2023

Background

The alteration of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) kinase activity is thought to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis beyond familiar cases, and LRRK2 inhibitors are currently under investigation. Preliminary data suggest a relationship between LRRK2 alteration and cognitive impairment in PD.

Objective

To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) LRRK2 levels in PD and other parkinsonian disorders, also correlating them with cognitive impairment.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively investigated by means of a novel highly sensitive immunoassay the levels of total and phosphorylated (pS1292) LRRK2 in CSF of cognitively unimpaired PD (n = 55), PD with mild cognitive impairment (n = 49), PD with dementia (n = 18), dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 12), atypical parkinsonian syndromes (n = 35), and neurological controls (n = 30).

Results

Total and pS1292 LRRK2 levels were significantly higher in PD with dementia with respect to PD with mild cognitive impairment and PD, and also showed a correlation with cognitive performances.

Conclusions

The tested immunoassay may represent a reliable method for assessing CSF LRRK2 levels. The results appear to confirm an association of LRRK2 alteration with cognitive impairment in PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Altered Spinal Cord Functional Connectivity Associated with Parkinson's Disease Progression
Authors: Landelle Caroline , Dahlberg Linda Solstrand , Lungu Ovidiu , Misic Bratislav , De Leener Benjamin , Doyon Julien
Published: February 2023

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) has traditionally been viewed as an α‐synucleinopathy brain pathology. Yet evidence based on postmortem human and animal experimental models indicates that the spinal cord may also be affected.

Objective

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) seems to be a promising candidate to better characterize spinal cord functional organization in PD patients.

Methods

Resting‐state spinal fMRI was performed in 70 PD patients and 24 age‐matched healthy controls, the patients being divided into three groups based on their motor symptom severity: PDlow (n = 24), PDmed (n = 22), and PDadv (n = 24) groups. A combination of independent component analysis (ICA) and a seed‐based approach was applied.

Results

When pooling all participants, the ICA revealed distinct ventral and dorsal components distributed along the rostro‐caudal axis. This organization was highly reproducible within subgroups of patients and controls. PD severity, assessed by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, was associated with a decrease in spinal functional connectivity (FC). Notably, we observed a reduced intersegmental correlation in PD as compared to controls, the latter being negatively associated with patients' upper‐limb UPDRS scores (P = 0.0085). This negative association between FC and upper‐limb UPDRS scores was significant between adjacent C4–C5 (P = 0.015) and C5–C6 (P = 0.20) cervical segments, levels associated with upper‐limb functions.

Conclusions

The present study provides the first evidence of spinal cord FC changes in PD and opens new avenues for the effective diagnosis and therapeutic strategies in PD. This underscores how spinal cord fMRI can serve as a powerful tool to characterize, in vivo, spinal circuits for a variety of neurological diseases. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Atrophin‐1 Function and Dysfunction in Dentatorubral–Pallidoluysian Atrophy
Authors: Nowak Bartosz , Kozlowska Emilia , Pawlik Weronika , Fiszer Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

Dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare, incurable genetic disease that belongs to the group of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. DRPLA is the most common in the Japanese population; however, its global prevalence is also increasing due to better clinical recognition. It is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, epilepsy, dementia, and chorea. DRPLA is caused by dynamic mutation of CAG repeat expansion in ATN1 gene encoding the atrophin‐1 protein. In the cascade of molecular disturbances, the pathological form of atrophin‐1 is the initial factor, which has not been precisely characterized so far. Reports indicate that DRPLA is associated with disrupted protein–protein interactions (in which an expanded polyQ tract plays a crucial role), as well as gene expression deregulation. There is a great need to design efficient therapy that would address the underlying neurodegenerative process and thus prevent or alleviate DRPLA symptoms. An in‐depth understanding of the normal atrophin‐1 function and mutant atrophin‐1 dysfunction is crucial for this purpose. © 2024 Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Genetic mutations in ribosomal biogenesis gene TCOF1 identified in human neural tube defects
Authors: Wang Fang , Cheng Haiqin , Zhang Qin , Guo Jin
Published: February 2023

Background

Rare mutations in multiple genes have been associated with human neural tube defects (NTDs), but their causative roles in NTDs disease are poorly understood. Insufficiency of the ribosomal biogenesis gene treacle ribosome biogenesis factor 1(Tcof1) results in cranial NTDs and craniofacial malformations in mice. Here, we aimed to identify genetic association of TCOF1 with human NTDs.

Methods

High‐throughput sequencing targeted on TCOF1 was performed on samples from 355 human cases affected by NTDs and 225 controls from a Han Chinese population.

Results

Four novel missense variants were found in the NTD cohort. Cell‐based assays indicated that the p.(A491G) variant carried by an individual, who shows anencephaly and single‐nostril abnormality, attenuates production of total proteins, suggesting a loss‐of‐function mutation in ribosomal biogenesis. Importantly, this variant promotes nucleolar disruption and stabilizes p53 protein, highlighting an unbalancing effect on cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

This study explored the functional impact of a missense variant in TCOF1, implicating a set of novel causative biological factors involved in the pathogenicity of human NTDs, particularly whom combined with craniofacial abnormality.
A reconfigurable dual‐polarized cavity‐backed annular slot antenna for wireless internet of things applications
Authors: Kwon Na‐Rae , Lee Wang‐Sang
Published: February 2023

In this letter, a cavity‐backed annular slot antenna with a reconfigurable dual‐linear polarization of ∓45° employing two PIN diodes for wireless internet of things (IoT) applications was proposed to address issues such as bulky size, circuit complexity, and structural stability. The front‐to‐back ratio and gain enhancements of the proposed antenna with an overall size of 0.44 λ0 × 0.44 λ0 × 0.17 λ0 at 2.545 GHz were designed and accomplished utilizing a cavity‐backed reflector. The impedance bandwidth based on the 10 dB return loss and the peak gain of the proposed antenna are approximately 18.8% (2.26–2.73 GHz) and 7.42 dBi, respectively.
A model for gastrointestinal tract motility in a 4D imaging phantom of human anatomy
Authors: Subashi Ergys , Segars Paul , Veeraraghavan Harini , Deasy Joseph , Tyagi Neelam
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility is one of the main sources for intra/inter‐fraction variability and uncertainty in radiation therapy for abdominal targets. Models for GI motility can improve the assessment of delivered dose and contribute to the development, testing, and validation of deformable image registration (DIR) and dose‐accumulation algorithms.

Purpose

To implement GI tract motion in the 4D extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) digital phantom of human anatomy.

Materials and Methods

Motility modes that exhibit large amplitude changes in the diameter of the GI tract and may persist over timescales comparable to online adaptive planning and radiotherapy delivery were identified based on literature research. Search criteria included amplitude changes larger than planning risk volume expansions and durations of the order of tens of minutes. The following modes were identified: peristalsis, rhythmic segmentation, high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs), and tonic contractions. Peristalsis and rhythmic segmentations were modeled by traveling and standing sinusoidal waves. HAPCs and tonic contractions were modeled by traveling and stationary Gaussian waves. Wave dispersion in the temporal and spatial domain was implemented by linear, exponential, and inverse power law functions. Modeling functions were applied to the control points of the nonuniform rational B‐spline surfaces defined in the reference XCAT library. GI motility was combined with the cardiac and respiratory motions available in the standard 4D‐XCAT phantom. Default model parameters were estimated based on the analysis of cine MRI acquisitions in 10 patients treated in a 1.5T MR‐linac.

Results

We demonstrate the ability to generate realistic 4D multimodal images that simulate GI motility combined with respiratory and cardiac motion. All modes of motility, except tonic contractions, were observed in the analysis of our cine MRI acquisitions. Peristalsis was the most common. Default parameters estimated from cine MRI were used as initial values for simulation experiments. It is shown that in patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy for abdominal targets, the effects of GI motility can be comparable or larger than the effects of respiratory motion.

Conclusion

The digital phantom provides realistic models to aid in medical imaging and radiation therapy research. The addition of GI motility will further contribute to the development, testing, and validation of DIR and dose accumulation algorithms for MR‐guided radiotherapy.
A novel univariate dimension‐reduction based interval finite element method for static response prediction of uncertain structures
Authors: Zhao Heng , Li Feng , Xu Qianhui , Pei Chunyan
Published: February 2023

To eliminate the errors caused by the conventional interval perturbation finite element method due to classic interval arithmetic and neglect of higher‐order terms, we propose a novel univariate dimension‐reduction based interval finite element method to predict the static response bounds of structures with uncertain but bounded parameters. First, a univariate dimension‐reduction algorithm is derived using the generalized Taylor expansion. The global stiffness matrix is expressed as the sum of the median and the univariate disturbance radius. Compared with Taylor expansion approximation, the univariate dimension‐reduction approximation has higher accuracy and does not increase the amount of calculation. Then the inverse of the interval global stiffness matrix is approximated as an improved Neumann series. Higher‐ order terms are included by summing up the geometric terms in the Neumann series. Finally, the improved interval algorithm is used to solve the upper and lower bounds of the structural displacement response and the element stress response. The dependence between the interval parameters is accounted in comparison with the classic interval algorithm. The accuracy and effectiveness of the new method are validated by numerical cases on 2D truss, 3D frame and truck frame with multiple interval parameters.
Distinct strategy for the improvement of conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties of MWCNTs/PLA/PBS composites: Synergistic effects of double percolation structure and UV aging
Authors: Jia Shikui , Yan Zongying , Zhu Yan , Zhang Qifeng , Zhang Xiangyang , Coates Phil , Liu Wei , Zhao Zhongguo
Published: February 2023

To reveal a relationship among crystallization, conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties of full biodegradable polymer after ultraviolet (UV) aging, polybutylene succinate (PBS)‐based composites with different weight ratios of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polylactic acid (PLA) /PBS masterbatch were processed via melt‐compounding approach. Morphology of the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch prepared by Pickering emulsion method was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation. Comprehensive effects of different content of masterbatch and UV aging time on the morphology, crystallization, and electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties of MWCNTs/PLA/PBS composites were shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), SEM, wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), polarizing microscope (POM), ultra‐depth of field optical microscope, resistance tester, and vector network analyzer. Compared with PBS composite with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs, the electrical conductivity of PBS composite with the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch increased by two orders of magnitude, and dispersed morphology for the composite showed double percolation structure. After UV aging, both MWCNTs/PBS composites and the PBS composites with the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch, their surface presented burnt yellow and parts of flaws, while both their electrical conductivity and total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness gradually increased. Moreover, with the increasing of UV aging time, not only crystal size of these PBS‐based composites became large, but also their crystal interface became clearer. Furthermore, when UV aging time reached 528 h, the tensile strength of 0.6 M/PLA/PBS composite decreased by 12.6%, while its total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness increased by 39.8%, compared with the composite without UV aging.
Linking soil health to human health: Arbuscular mycorrhizae play a key role in plant uptake of the antioxidant ergothioneine from soils
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Lehotay Steven J. , Lightfield Alan R. , Sun Dongxiao , Richie John P. , Smith Andrew H. , Heller Wade P.
Published: February 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Evidence has emerged that the antioxidant ergothioneine may be important in preventing many inflammatory diseases in humans. However, ergothioneine is not produced by humans or plants and is only made by fungi and some bacteria in soils. As such, humans get ergothioneine from eating fungi (mushrooms) or plants that take it up from the soil. In this study, we found that growing plants with beneficial fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased the amount of ergothioneine in plant tissues. This suggests that promoting agricultural practices that maintain healthy populations of beneficial soil fungi may improve the nutritional quality of crops.

The amino acid ergothioneine (ERGO) has recently gained attention as an antioxidant that benefits human health. ERGO is produced by fungi and mycobacteria in soils and is acquired only from diet. The mechanism by which ERGO is transferred from soil to plant is unknown. Recent work has shown that tillage reduces the amount of ERGO in crops. As tillage also reduces arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) populations, we examined the relationship between AMF and plant ERGO uptake.

We grew asparagus, black beans, wheat, and oats with a variety of single and mixed species AMF inocula and compared ERGO levels of these plants to plants that were uninoculated.

Mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced ERGO content across all plants. There was a positive correlation between AMF colonization level and plant ERGO content.

AMF appear to be important mediators of plant ERGO uptake. Future research is needed to identify the mechanism that leads to higher ERGO in plants colonized by AMF in order to promote farming practices that enhance AMF populations and increase crop ERGO concentration in field settings.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from patients with small cell lung cancers
Authors: Vu Hung M. , Mohammad Hazara Begum , Nguyen Thy N. C. , Lee Jun Hyung , Do Yeji , Sung Ji‐Youn , Lee Seung Hyeun , Kim Min‐Sik
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the malignant cancers with aggressive progression and poor prognosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has been arising recently as a potential source of biomarkers for lung cancers. In this study, we performed quantitative BALF proteomic analysis to identify potential biomarkers for SCLC.

Experimental design

BALF were collected from tumor‐bearing lungs and non‐tumor lungs of five SCLC patients. Then, BALF proteomes were prepared for a TMT‐based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis. Differentially expressed proteins (DEP) were identified when considering individual variation. Potential SCLC biomarker candidates were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). A public database of multiple SCLC cell lines was used to evaluate the correlation of these markers with SCLC subtypes and chemo‐drug responses.

Results

We identified 460 BALF proteins in SCLC patients and observed considerable individual variation among the patients. Immunohistochemical analysis and bioinformatics resulted in the identification of CNDP2 and RNPEP as potential subtype markers for ASCL1 and NEUROD1, respectively. In addition, CNDP2 was found to be positively correlated with responses to etoposide, carboplatin, and irinotecan.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

BALF is an emerging source of biomarkers, making it useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancers. We characterized the proteomes of paired BALF samples collected from tumor‐bearing and non‐tumor lungs of SCLC patients. Several proteins were found elevated in tumor‐bearing BALF, and especially CNDP2 and RNPEP appeared to be potential indicators for ASLC1‐high and NEUROD1‐high subtypes of SCLC, respectively. The positive correlation of CNDP2 with chemo‐drug responses would help to make decisions for treatment of SCLC patients. These putative biomarkers could be comprehensively investigated for a clinical use towards precision medicine.
Timosaponin BII inhibits TGF‐β mediated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through Smad‐dependent pathway during pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ding Dali , Shen Xuebin , Yu Lizhen , Zheng Yueyue , Liu Yao , Wang Wei , Liu Li , Zhao Zitong , Nian Sihui , Liu Limin
Published: February 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options at present, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as a major cause of lung fibrosis. Our previous work has confirmed that total extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge [Asparagaceae] exerted the effect of anti‐PF. As a main constituent of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge [Asparagaceae], the effect of timosaponin BII (TS BII) on drug‐induced EMT process in PF animals and alveolar epithelial cells remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of TS BII on bleomycin (BLM)‐induced PF. The results showed that TS BII could restore the structure of lung architecture and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance in fibrotic rat lung and inhibit collagen deposition. Moreover, we found that TS BII could reverse the abnormal expression of TGF‐β1 and EMT‐related marker proteins including E‐cadherin, vimentin, and α‐SMA. Besides, aberrant TGF‐β1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in BLM‐induced animal model and TGF‐β1‐induced cell model were downregulated by TS BII treatment, indicating that EMT in fibrosis was suppressed by inhibition of TGF‐β/Smad pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In summary, our study suggested that TS BII could be a promising candidate for PF treatment.
Robotic assisted kidney auto‐transplantation as a safe alternative for treatment of nutcracker syndrome and loin pain haematuria syndrome: A case series report
Authors: Mejia Alejandro , Barrera Gutierrez Juan Carlos , Vivian Elaina , Shah Jimmy , Dickerman Richard
Published: February 2023

Background

Describe the outcomes and safety of robotic‐assisted kidney auto‐transplantation (RAKAT) in the treatment of nutcracker syndrome (NCS) and loin pain haematuria syndrome (LPHS).

Methods

This retrospective study included 32 cases of NCS and LPHS seen during December 2016 to June 2021.

Results

Three (9%) patients had LPHS and 29 (91%) NCS. All were non‐Hispanic whites, and 31 (97%) women. The mean age was 32 years (SD = 10) and the BMI 22.8 (SD = 5). The RAKAT was completed in all patients, 63% had a total improvement of pain. According to the Clavien‐Dindo classification, 47% presented with type 1, and 9% with type 3 complications with a mean follow‐up of 10.9 months. The incidence of acute kidney injury in post‐procedure was 28%. No one required blood transfusions, and there were no deaths during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

RAKAT was a feasible procedure with a similar complication rate to those reported for other surgical techniques.
Single‐port laparoscopic versus single‐port robotic right hemicolectomy: Postoperative short‐term outcomes
Authors: Lim Ji Ha , Yun Seong Hyeon , Lee Woo Yong , Kim Hee Cheol , Cho Yong Beom , Huh Jung Wook , Park Yoon Ah , Shin Jung Kyong
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the short‐term postoperative outcomes of single‐port robotic (SPR) using da Vinci SP® system and single port laparoscopic (SPL) right hemicolectomy and determine whether the novel SPR system is safe and feasible.

Methods

From January 2019 to December 2020, a total of 141 patients (41 patients for SPR and 100 patients for SPL) who electively underwent right hemicolectomy for colon cancer performed by a single surgeon were included in the study.

Results

The time to the first bowel movement was 3 (range, 1–4) days after surgery in the SPR group and 3 (2–9, range) days in the SPL group (p = 0.017). However, there were no differences in pathologic outcomes or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

SPR is a safe and feasible surgical technique and has an advantage in the time to first postoperative bowel movement over SPL with no other complications.
Design of a robust model predictive control for nonlinear switched systems: A low‐conservative and recursive feasibility strategy
Authors: Rahdan Ali , Abedi Mostafa
Published: February 2023

This article proposes a robust H∞ based model predictive control scheme for Lipschitz nonlinear switched systems with persistent dwell time. In the developed method, the constraints corresponding to the recursive feasibility are included and the recursive feasibility is guaranteed. In this scheme, the existence of unstabilizable sub‐systems and exogenous disturbances are included which makes it possible to avoid considering an ideal and simplistic assumption about switched systems. By simultaneously designing the controller and the switching signal and using multiple Lyapunov functions, the unacceptable conservatism in methods involving common Lyapunov functions and arbitrary switching signals is avoided. In the proposed solution, a time‐varying prediction horizon is used for finite horizon cost functions, which in turn will be effective in reducing conservatism. In the suggested design strategy, the non‐convex control scheme is formulated as an optimization problem in the framework of linear matrix inequality. Finally, a numerical example is developed and the performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated.
Doubly robust estimation for non‐probability samples with modified intertwined probabilistic factors decoupling
Authors: Liu Zhan , Zheng Junbo , Pan Yingli
Published: February 2023

In recent years, non‐probability samples, such as web survey samples, have become increasingly popular in many fields, but they may be subject to selection biases, which results in the difficulty for inference from them. Doubly robust (DR) estimation is one of the approaches to making inferences from non‐probability samples. When many covariates are available, variable selection becomes important in DR estimation. In this paper, a new DR estimator for the finite population mean is constructed, where the intertwined probabilistic factors decoupling (IPAD) and modified IPAD are used to select important variables in the propensity score model and the outcome superpopulation model, respectively. Unlike the traditional variable selection approaches, such as adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and smoothly clipped absolute deviations, IPAD and the modified IPAD not only can select important variables and estimate parameters, but also can control the false discovery rate, which can produce more accurate population estimators. Asymptotic theories and variance estimation of the DR estimator with a modified IPAD are established. Results from simulation studies indicate that our proposed estimator performs well. We apply the proposed method to the analysis of the Pew Research Center data and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.
Epochal turns: Uncomfortable insights, uncertain outlooks
Authors: Spangenberg Joachim H. , Kurz Rudi
Published: February 2023

The perfect storm of converging political, security, environmental and social crises enforces an epochal turn. Necessarily increasing defensive expenditures for health and climate damage compensation combine with climate adaptation and increased security spending to drive already sluggish economic growth rates into negative territory. The result will by accelerating degrowth, an end to just‐in‐time production concepts, higher resource cost, new dependencies on metal exporters (some of them as nasty as Putin's Russia), and decreasing median incomes. Without significant U‐turns on tax and distribution policies, funds will be lacking to address the challenges. Rather than promising easy ways out of the crises, stopping the drivers, focussing on well‐being instead of growth, and exploring ways to a dignified life within the crises need to be political priorities.
Oxidation of TDMQ20, a Specific Copper Chelator as Potential Drug Against Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Nguyen Michel , Li Youzhi , Robert Anne , Liu Yan , Meunier Bernard
Published: February 2023

Developed as a regulator of copper homeostasis in the brain of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), TDMQ20 is a specific copper(II) chelator able to restore short term memory in AD mice. To anticipate on metabolic studies of this drug‐candidate, here we report the catalytic oxidation of TDMQ20 by a biomimetic system reminiscent of P450 oxidation, using a metalloporphyrin and hydrogen persulfate as oxidant. Oxidation products were mainly characterized by HPLC with UV‐visible spectrometry or high‐resolution mass spectrometry detection. In these conditions, TDMQ20 was readily oxidized by aromatic hydroxylation, oxidation of 1,4‐diphenol or 1,4‐aminophenol to 1,4‐quinone or quinone‐imine, respectively, or oxidative chlorination. These putative metabolites were water‐soluble, suggesting that the drug‐candidate might be easily metabolized and excreted in vivo.
Optical Effect Modulation in Polarized Raman Spectroscopy of Transparent Layered α‐MoO3
Authors: Zou Bo , Wang Xiaonan , Zhou Yu , Zhou Yan , Wu Yanyan , Xing Tiantian , He Yang , Yang Jinfeng , Chen Yuxiang , Ren Peng , Sun Huarui
Published: February 2023

Optical anisotropy, which is quantified by birefringence (Δn) and linear dichroism (Δk), can significantly modulate the angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy (ARPRS) response of anisotropic layered materials (ALMs) by external interference. This work studies the separate modulation of birefringence on the ARPRS response and the intrinsic response by selecting transparent birefringent crystal α‐MoO3 as an excellent platform. It is found that there are several anomalous ARPRS responses in α‐MoO3 that cannot be reproduced by the real Raman tensor widely used in non‐absorbing materials; however, they can be well explained by considering the birefringence‐induced Raman selection rules. Moreover, the systematic thickness‐dependent study indicates that birefringence modulates the ARPRS response to render an interference pattern; however, the amplitude of modulation is considerably lower than that by linear dichroism as occurred in black phosphorous. This weak modulation brings convenience to the crystal orientation determination of transparent ALMs. Combining the atomic vibrational pattern and bond polarizability model, the intrinsic ARPRS response of α‐MoO3 is analyzed, giving the physical origins of the Raman anisotropy. This study employs α‐MoO3 as an example, although it is generally applicable to all transparent birefringent ALMs.
Sequential Separation of Linear, Mono‐, and Di‐Branched Hexane Isomers on a Robust Coordination Polymer with Nonbonding Flexibility
Authors: Chen Rundao , Li Liangying , Olson David H. , Guo Lidong , Chen Lihang , Yang Qiwei , Xu Qianqian , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Qilong , Li Jing , Bao Zongbi
Published: February 2023

Efficient separation of hexane isomers is a crucial process for upgrading gasoline. Herein, the sequential separation of linear, mono‐, and di‐branched hexane isomers by a robust stacked 1D coordination polymer termed as Mn‐dhbq ([Mn(dhbq)(H2O)2], H2dhbq = 2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone) is reported. The interchain space of the activated polymer is of optimal aperture size (5.58 Å) that could exclude 2,3‐dimethylbutane, while the chain structure can discriminate n‐hexane with high capacity (1.53 mmol g−1 at 393 K, 6.67 kPa) by high‐density open metal sites (5.18 mmol g−1). With the temperature‐ and adsorbate‐dependent swelling of interchain spaces, the affinity between 3‐methylpentane and Mn‐dhbq can be deliberately controlled from sorption to exclusion, and thus a complete separation of ternary mixture can be achieved. Column breakthrough experiments confirm the excellent separation performance of Mn‐dhbq. The ultrahigh stability and easy scalability further highlight the application prospect of Mn‐dhbq for separation of hexane isomers.
Carbon Nanotube Diodes Operating at Frequencies of Over 50 GHz
Authors: Xue Chenqiao , Wu Weifeng , Yang Yingjun , Zhou Jianshuo , Ding Li , Wang Sheng
Published: February 2023

Radiofrequency (RF) diodes used for fifth and sixth‐generation (5G and 6G) mobile and wireless communication networks generally require ultrahigh cut‐off frequencies and high integration densities of devices with different functions on a single chip and at low cost. Carbon nanotube diodes are promising devices for radiofrequency applications, but the cut‐off frequencies are still far below the theoretical estimates. Here, a carbon nanotube diode that operates in the millimeter‐wave frequency bands and is based on solution‐processed, high‐purity carbon nanotube network films is reported. The carbon nanotube diodes exhibit an intrinsic cut‐off frequency over 100 GHz and the as‐measured bandwidth can exceed 50 GHz at least. Furthermore, The rectification ratio of the carbon nanotube diode by approximately three times by using yttrium oxide for local p‐type doping in the diode channel is improved.