bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The optimization of postoperative radiotherapy in de novo stage IV breast cancer: evidence from real-world data to personalize treatment decisions
Authors: Miyashita Minoru , Balogun Onyinye B. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Huo Dezheng
Published: February 2023

Prolonged survival of patients with stage IV breast cancer could change the role of radiotherapy for local control of breast primary, but its survival benefit remains unclear. Our aim is to investigate the survival benefit of radiotherapy in de novo stage IV breast cancer. Stage IV breast cancer patients who received breast surgery and have survived 12 months after diagnosis (landmark analysis) were included in the study from 2010 to 2015 of the National Cancer DataBase. Multivariable Cox models and a propensity score matching were used to control for confounding effects. Of 11,850 patients, 3629 (30.6%) underwent postoperative radiotherapy to breast or chest wall and 8221 (69.4%) did not. In multivariable analysis adjusting for multiple prognostic variables, postoperative radiotherapy was significantly associated with better survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.69–0.80; P < 0.001). Radiotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with bone (P < 0.001) or lung metastasis (P = 0.014), but not in patients with liver (P = 0.549) or brain metastasis (P = 0.407). Radiotherapy was also associated with improved survival in patients with one (P < 0.001) or two metastatic sites (P = 0.028), but not in patients with three or more metastatic sites (P = 0.916). The survival impact of radiotherapy did not differ among subtypes. The results of survival analysis in the propensity score-matched sub-cohort were precisely consistent with those of multivariable analysis. These real-world data show that postoperative radiotherapy might improve overall survival for de novo Stage IV breast cancer with bone or lung metastasis, regardless of subtypes.
Design and implementation of elliptical mantle cloaks for polarization decoupling of two tightly spaced interleaved co-frequency patch array antennas
Authors: Masoumi Reza , Kazemi Robab , Fathy Aly E.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we utilized the method of mantle cloaking to decouple/isolate two densely packed interleaved patch array antennas operating at the same frequency but with orthogonal polarizations. To reduce mutual coupling between the adjacent elements, vertical strips, as a type of elliptical mantle cloaks, are located in close proximity to the patches. At the operating frequency of f0 = 3.7 GHz, the edge-to-edge spacing of the elements of the two interleaved arrays is less than λ0/80 (1 mm) and the center-to-center spacing of each array element is 0.7 λ0 (57 mm). The proposed design is implemented using 3D printing technology, and its performance in terms of return loss, efficiency, gain, radiation patterns, and isolation is measured for evaluation. The results show the radiation characteristics of the arrays are perfectly retrieved after cloaking similar to the isolated arrays. Decoupling tightly spaced patch antenna arrays on a single substrate paves the way to achieve miniaturized communication systems with full duplex operation or dual polarization communication.
The tight junction protein occludin modulates blood–brain barrier integrity and neurological function after ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: Sugiyama Shintaro , Sasaki Tsutomu , Tanaka Hiroo , Yan Haomin , Ikegami Takeshi , Kanki Hideaki , Nishiyama Kumiko , Beck Goichi , Gon Yasufumi , Okazaki Shuhei , Todo Kenichi , Tamura Atsushi , Tsukita Sachiko , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: February 2023

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption contributes to brain injury and neurological impairment. Tight junctions (TJs) and cell–cell adhesion complexes develop between endothelial cells in the brain to establish and maintain the BBB. Occludin, the first transmembrane protein identified in TJs, has received intense research interest because numerous in vitro studies have suggested its importance in maintaining BBB integrity. However, its role in maintaining BBB integrity after ischemic stroke is less clear owing to the lack of in vivo evidence. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics and function of occludin across the acute and chronic phases after stroke using occludin-deficient mice. By photochemically induced thrombosis model, the expression of occludin was decreased in brain endothelial cells from ischemic lesions. The neurological function of occludin-deficient mice was continuously impaired compared to that of wild-type mice. BBB integrity evaluated by Evans blue and 0.5-kDa fluorescein in the acute phase and by 10-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran in the chronic phase was decreased to a greater extent after stroke in occludin-deficient mice. Furthermore, occludin-deficient mice showed decreased claudin-5 and neovascularization after stroke. Our study reveals that occludin plays an important role from the acute to the chronic phase after ischemic stroke in vivo.
Design and implementation of humidity sensor based on carbon nitride modified with graphene quantum dots
Authors: Morsy Mohamed , Gomaa Islam , Mokhtar M. M. , ElHaes Hanan , Ibrahim Medhat
Published: February 2023

Relative humidity (RH) is one of the most important factors that deserve intensive study because of its impact on many aspects of life. In this work humidity sensor based on carbon nitride / graphene quantum dots (g-C3N4/GQDs) nanocomposites have been developed. The structure, morphology and composition properties of the g-C3N4/GQDs were investigated and analyzed by XRD, HR-TEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, Raman, XPS and BET surface area. The average particle size of GQDs was estimated from XRD to be 5 nm and confirmed using HRTEM. The HRTEM images prove that the GQDs are attached to the external surface of the g-C3N4. The measured BET surface area was found to be 216 m2/g, 313 m2/g, and 545 m2/g for GQDs, g-C3N4, and g-C3N4/GQDs respectively. The d-spacing and crystallite size were estimated from XRD and HRTEM and found in a good matching. The humidity sensing behavior of g-C3N4/GQDs was measured in a wide span of humidity from 7% up to 97% RH under different testing frequencies. The obtained results demonstrate good reversibility and fast response/recovery time. The implemented sensor exhibits a great application prospect in humidity alarm devices, automatic diaper alarms, and breath analysis, which have advantages such as strong anti-interference capability, low cost, and easy to use.
Rice-memolin, a novel peptide derived from rice bran, improves cognitive function after oral administration in mice
Authors: Shobako Maiko , Shobako Naohisa , Zhang Biyun , Kaneko Kentaro , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: February 2023

Many people eat polished rice, while rice bran, a by-product known to be rich in protein and expected to have potential functions for health benefits, has not been effectively utilized. In this study, we determined that orally administered Val-Tyr-Thr-Pro-Gly (VYTPG) derived from rice bran protein improved cognitive decline in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). It was demonstrated that VYTPG was released from model peptides corresponding to fragment sequences of original rice proteins (Os01g0941500, Os01g0872700, and allergenic protein) after treatment with thermolysin, a microorganism-derived enzyme often used in industrial scale processes. The thermolysin digest also improved cognitive decline after oral administration in mice. Because VYTPG (1.0 mg/kg) potently improved cognitive decline and is enzymatically produced from the rice bran, we named it rice-memolin. Next, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the cognitive decline improvement associated with rice-memolin. Methyllycaconitine, an antagonist for α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, suppressed the rice-memolin-induced effect, suggesting that rice-memolin improved cognitive decline coupled to the acetylcholine system. Rice-memolin increased the number of 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells and promoted the mRNA expression of EGF and FGF-2 in the hippocampus, implying that these neurotropic factors play a role in hippocampal neurogenesis after rice-memolin administration. Epidemiologic studies demonstrated that diabetes is a risk factor for dementia; therefore, we also examined the effect of rice-memolin on glucose metabolism. Rice-memolin improved glucose intolerance. In conclusion, we identified a novel rice-derived peptide that can improve cognitive decline. The mechanisms are associated with acetylcholine and hippocampal neurogenesis. Rice-memolin is the first rice-brain-derived peptide able to improve cognitive decline.
Artificial intelligence-based clustering and characterization of Parkinson's disease trajectories
Authors: Birkenbihl Colin , Ahmad Ashar , Massat Nathalie J. , Raschka Tamara , Avbersek Andreja , Downey Patrick , Armstrong Martin , Fröhlich Holger
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a highly heterogeneous disease both with respect to arising symptoms and its progression over time. This hampers the design of disease modifying trials for PD as treatments which would potentially show efficacy in specific patient subgroups could be considered ineffective in a heterogeneous trial cohort. Establishing clusters of PD patients based on their progression patterns could help to disentangle the exhibited heterogeneity, highlight clinical differences among patient subgroups, and identify the biological pathways and molecular players which underlie the evident differences. Further, stratification of patients into clusters with distinct progression patterns could help to recruit more homogeneous trial cohorts. In the present work, we applied an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to model and cluster longitudinal PD progression trajectories from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Using a combination of six clinical outcome scores covering both motor and non-motor symptoms, we were able to identify specific clusters of PD that showed significantly different patterns of PD progression. The inclusion of genetic variants and biomarker data allowed us to associate the established progression clusters with distinct biological mechanisms, such as perturbations in vesicle transport or neuroprotection. Furthermore, we found that patients of identified progression clusters showed significant differences in their responsiveness to symptomatic treatment. Taken together, our work contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneity encountered when examining and treating patients with PD, and points towards potential biological pathways and genes that could underlie those differences.
Three-decade assessment of dry and wet spells change across Iran, a fingerprint of climate change
Authors: Motamedi Armita , Gohari Alireza , Haghighi Ali Torabi
Published: February 2023

Extended periods of hydro-climate extremes with excessive or scarce rainfall associated with high or low temperatures have resulted in an imbalanced water cycle and inefficient socio-economic systems in several regions of Iran. However, there is a lack of comprehensive investigations on short-term to long-term variations in timing, duration, and temperature of wet/dry spells. This study bridges the current gap through a comprehensive statistical analysis of historical climatic data (1959–2018). Results indicated that the negative tendency of the accumulated rainfall (− 0.16/ − 0.35 mm/year during the past 60/30 years) in 2- to 6-day wet spells had made significant contributions to the ongoing downward trend in annual rainfall (− 0.5/ − 1.5 mm/year during the past 60/30 years) owing to a warmer climate condition. Warmer wet spells are likely responsible for precipitation patterns changes in snow-dominated stations since their wet spells temperature has more than threefold growth with increasing distance to coasts. The most detected trends in climatic patterns have started in the last two decades and become more severe from 2009 to 2018. Our results confirm the alteration of precipitation features across Iran due to anthropogenic climatic change, and suggest expected increase in air temperature would likely result in further dry and warm conditions over the coming decades.
Reevaluating the wave power-salt marsh retreat relationship
Authors: Houttuijn Bloemendaal L. J. , FitzGerald D. M. , Hughes Z. J. , Novak A. B. , Georgiou I. Y.
Published: February 2023

Salt marshes are threatened by rising sea levels and human activities, and a major mechanism of marsh loss is edge retreat or erosion. To understand and predict loss in these valuable ecosystems, studies have related erosion to marsh hydrodynamics and wave characteristics such as wave power. Across global studies, erosion is reported to be largely linearly related to wave power, with this relationship having implications for the resilience of marshes to extreme events such as storms. However, there is significant variability in this relationship across marshes because of marsh heterogeneity and the uniqueness of each physical setting. Here, we investigate the results of individual studies throughout the world that report a linear relationship and add a new dataset from the Great Marsh in Massachusetts (USA). We find that most marsh wave power and erosion data are not normally distributed and when these datasets are properly plotted to account for their distributions, the resulting relationships vary from previously published curves. Our Great Marsh data suggest that events from specific wind directions can have an outsized impact on edge erosion due to their larger fetch and wind speeds. We also find that factors other than wave attack such as edge erosion along tidal channels, can have a measurable impact on retreat rates. We show the importance of maintaining statistical assumptions when performing regressions, as well as emphasize the site-specificity of these relationships. Without calibration of a marsh erosion-wave power relationship using robust regressions for each individual marsh, such a relationship is not fully constrained, resulting in unreliable predictions of future marsh resilience and response to climate change.
Crystal structure of the CoV-Y domain of SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Pustovalova Yulia , Shi Wuxian , Gorbatyuk Oksana , Sreeramulu Sridhar , Schwalbe Harald , Hoch Jeffrey C. , Hao Bing
Published: February 2023

Replication of the coronavirus genome starts with the formation of viral RNA-containing double-membrane vesicles (DMV) following viral entry into the host cell. The multi-domain nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) is the largest protein encoded by the known coronavirus genome and serves as a central component of the viral replication and transcription machinery. Previous studies demonstrated that the highly-conserved C-terminal region of nsp3 is essential for subcellular membrane rearrangement, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we report the crystal structure of the CoV-Y domain, the most C-terminal domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3, at 2.4 Å-resolution. CoV-Y adopts a previously uncharacterized V-shaped fold featuring three distinct subdomains. Sequence alignment and structure prediction suggest that this fold is likely shared by the CoV-Y domains from closely related nsp3 homologs. NMR-based fragment screening combined with molecular docking identifies surface cavities in CoV-Y for interaction with potential ligands and other nsps. These studies provide the first structural view on a complete nsp3 CoV-Y domain, and the molecular framework for understanding the architecture, assembly and function of the nsp3 C-terminal domains in coronavirus replication. Our work illuminates nsp3 as a potential target for therapeutic interventions to aid in the on-going battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and diseases caused by other coronaviruses.
Peak knee joint moments accurately predict medial and lateral knee contact forces in patients with valgus malalignment
Authors: Holder Jana , van Drongelen Stefan , Uhlrich Scott David , Herrmann Eva , Meurer Andrea , Stief Felix
Published: February 2023

Compressive knee joint contact force during walking is thought to be related to initiation and progression of knee osteoarthritis. However, joint loading is often evaluated with surrogate measures, like the external knee adduction moment, due to the complexity of computing joint contact forces. Statistical models have shown promising correlations between medial knee joint contact forces and knee adduction moments in particularly in individuals with knee osteoarthritis or after total knee replacements (R2 = 0.44–0.60). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how accurately model-based predictions of peak medial and lateral knee joint contact forces during walking could be estimated by linear mixed-effects models including joint moments for children and adolescents with and without valgus malalignment. Peak knee joint moments were strongly correlated (R2 > 0.85, p < 0.001) with both peak medial and lateral knee joint contact forces. The knee flexion and adduction moments were significant covariates in the models, strengthening the understanding of the statistical relationship between both moments and medial and lateral knee joint contact forces. In the future, these models could be used to evaluate peak knee joint contact forces from musculoskeletal simulations using peak joint moments from motion capture software, obviating the need for time-consuming musculoskeletal simulations.
Smart waste management perspective of COVID-19 healthy personal protective materials in concrete for decorative landscape pavements and artificial rocks
Authors: El Aal Ahmed Abd , Alsaiari Mabkhoot A. , Radwan Ahmed E. , Fenais Amr
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a new method for determining the effect of healthy personal protective material (HPPM) stripes, such as surgical masks, protective suits, and overhead and foot covers, on the durability and physicomechanical characteristics of concrete for use in architectural forms. Because of the current global epidemic caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), the use of HPPM, such as surgical masks, protective suits, and overhead and foot covers, has increased considerably. COVID-19’s second and third waves are currently affecting various countries, necessitating the use of facemasks (FM). Consequently, millions of single FM have been discharged into the wild, washing up on beaches, floating beneath the seas, and ending up in hazardous locations. The effect of stripe fibers on the physicomechanical characteristics of concrete, such as the workability, Uniaxial Compressive Strength UCS, flexural strength, impact strength, spalling resistance, abrasion resistance, sorptivity, Water absorption Sw, porosity (ηe), water penetration, permeability, and economic and eco-friendly aspects, need to be determined. With a focus on HPPM, especially single-use facemasks, this study investigated an innovative way to incorporate pandemic waste into concrete structures. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction patterns were employed to analyze the microstructures and interfacial transition zones and to identify the elemental composition. The HPPM had a pore-blocking effect, which reduced the permeability and capillary porosity. Additionally, the best concentrations of HPPM, particularly of masks, were applied by volume at 0, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%. The use of mixed fibers from different HPPMs increased the strength and overall performance of concrete samples. The tendency of growing strength began to disappear at approximately 2%. The results of this investigation showed that the stripe content had no effect on the compressive strength. However, the stripe is critical for determining the flexural strength of concrete. The UCS increased steadily between 1 and 1.5% before falling marginally at 2.5%, which indicates that incorporating HPPM into concrete had a significant impact on the UCS of the mixture. The addition of HPPM to the mixtures considerably modified the failure mode of concrete from brittle to ductile. Water absorption in hardened concrete is reduced when HPPM stripes and fibers were added separately in low-volume fractions to the concrete mixture. The concrete containing 2% HPPM fibers had the lowest water absorption and porosity percentage. The HPPM fibers were found to act as bridges across cracks, enhancing the transfer capability of the matrices. From a technological and environmental standpoint, this study found that using HPPM fibers in the production of concrete is viable.
Contribution of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to the mechanism of urinary continence as demonstrated by dynamic MRI
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Naito Renato , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Yoshida Kotaro , Gabata Toshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: February 2023

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been reported to exhibit better postoperative urinary continence, but the reasons behind this are unknown. This study included 254 cases who underwent RARP and underwent postoperative dynamic MRI. We measured the urine loss ratio (ULR) immediately after postoperative urethral catheter removal and investigated its affecting factors and the mechanisms. Nerve-sparing (NS) techniques was performed in 175 (69%) unilateral and 34 (13%) bilateral cases, whereas Retzius-sparing in 58 (23%) cases. The median ULR early after indwelling catheter removal in all patients was 4.0%. The multivariate analysis was performed on factors that reduce ULR and found that the following factors were associated with ULR: younger age, NS and Retzius-sparing, which were significant. Additionally, dynamic MRI findings showed that membranous urethral length and the anterior rectal wall movement toward the pubic bone during abdominal pressure were significant factors. The movement observed on the dynamic MRI during abdominal pressure was thought to reflect an effective urethral sphincter closure mechanism. Long membranous urethral length and an effective urethral sphincter closure mechanism during abdominal pressure were considered effective for favorable urinary continence after RARP. NS and Retzius-sparing were clearly shown to have an additive effect in preventing urinary incontinence.
Exploring the mechanism of anti-fatigue of resveratrol based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, and in vitro studies
Authors: Ma Peipei , Li Jinlei , Huang Qing , Wei Shijie , Ge Hurong , Wang Zhizhong
Published: February 2023

To investigate the potential mechanism of resveratrol in anti-fatigue by network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to investigate the anti-fatigue efficacy of resveratrol through in vitro animal experiments. Resveratrol action targets and fatigue-related targets were obtained using various databases. The anti-fatigue targets of resveratrol were obtained using the Venn diagram, uploaded to the String database, imported into Cytoscape 3.7.1, and constructed into a Protein-protein interaction network. The target genes were then subjected to Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of gene and genome enrichment analysis. Molecular docking verification was performed on the binding ability of the core target to resveratrol. Using swimming-trained mice as exercise models, exhaustive swimming time and fatigue-related biochemical parameters were used as indicators to investigate the effects of resveratrol on exercise endurance and energy metabolism. 104 anti-fatigue targets and 10 core target genes of resveratrol were obtained. KEGG analysis enrichment included AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Human cytomegalovirus infection, and Pathways in cancer. Molecular docking showed that the core target genes TP53, PIK3R1, AKT1, PIK3CA, and MAPK1 had good binding activity to resveratrol. Animal experiments showed that resveratrol could prolong the exhaustive swimming time of endurance-trained mice (P < 0.01), decrease aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, blood lactate (P < 0.01), decrease blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.05), increase the liver glycogen, muscle glycogen (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Resveratrol has the characteristics of multiple targets and multiple pathways in anti-fatigue; resveratrol can enhance exercise endurance in mice.
Phase-change materials based on amorphous equichalcogenides
Authors: Golovchak Roman , Plummer Jarres , Kovalskiy Andriy , Holovchak Yuriy , Ignatova Tetyana , Trofe Anthony , Mahlovanyi Bohdan , Cebulski Jozef , Krzeminski Piotr , Shpotyuk Yaroslav , Boussard-Pledel Catherine , Bureau Bruno
Published: February 2023

Phase-change materials, demonstrating a rapid switching between two distinct states with a sharp contrast in electrical, optical or magnetic properties, are vital for modern photonic and electronic devices. To date, this effect is observed in chalcogenide compounds based on Se, Te or both, and most recently in stoichiometric Sb2S3 composition. Yet, to achieve best integrability into modern photonics and electronics, the mixed S/Se/Te phase change medium is needed, which would allow a wide tuning range for such important physical properties as vitreous phase stability, radiation and photo-sensitivity, optical gap, electrical and thermal conductivity, non-linear optical effects, as well as the possibility of structural modification at nanoscale. In this work, a thermally-induced high-to-low resistivity switching below 200 °C is demonstrated in Sb-rich equichalcogenides (containing S, Se and Te in equal proportions). The nanoscale mechanism is associated with interchange between tetrahedral and octahedral coordination of Ge and Sb atoms, substitution of Te in the nearest Ge environment by S or Se, and Sb–Ge/Sb bonds formation upon further annealing. The material can be integrated into chalcogenide-based multifunctional platforms, neuromorphic computational systems, photonic devices and sensors.
Low-cost fully additively manufactured passive microwave components exploiting available 3D flexibility
Authors: Piekarz Ilona , Wincza Krzysztof , Gruszczynski Slawomir , Sorocki Jakub
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a novel technique for low-cost realization of fully additively manufactured passive microwave components through Stereolithography and selective metallization. The introduction of the third dimension (Z-axis) allows to improve parameters of the circuits (impedance match, isolation, etc.) by realization of variable thickness air layers underneath the circuits’ patterns, which additionally lower the overall circuit losses caused by 3D printing material dielectric properties. Realization of a directional coupler, a low-pass filter, and a patch antenna utilizing the proposed manufacturing technique is discussed in detail and experimentally validated. The obtained measurement results for circuit demonstrators operating within the centimeter frequency range prove the benefits and performance of the introduced technique.
Asian-Australian summer monsoons linkage to ENSO strengthened by global warming
Authors: Xu Chenxi , Wang S.-Y. Simon , Borhara Krishna , Buckley Brendan , Tan Ning , Zhao Yaru , An Wenling , Sano Masaki , Nakatsuka Takeshi , Guo Zhengtang
Published: February 2023

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) used to affect the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) and Australian summer monsoon (AusSM) precipitation in different ways but global warming may have changed it. This study built robust annual ASM (AusSM) precipitation reconstructions during 1588–2013 (1588–1999) to examine the ENSO-monsoon relationship and how it has changed. During the period of 1588–1850 when natural climate variability was dominant, the ENSO-monsoon and inter-monsoon relationship was weak and non-stationary. Since 1850, however, both the inter-monsoon and ENSO-monsoon relationships saw an enhancement and this trend has been persistent to the present day, suggesting the influence of anthropogenic climate warming. Further analysis of climate model projections found that global warming can strengthen the ENSO-monsoon association that, subsequently, acts to synchronize the ASM and AusSM variations.
Targeting ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk in colorectal cancer and the deregulation of DNA repair and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Shilan , Kapoor Sabeeta , Tripathi Chakrapani , Perez Jorge Tovar , Mohan Nivedhitha , Dashwood Wan Mohaiza , Zhang Ke , Rajendran Praveen , Dashwood Roderick
Published: February 2023

ACE2 overexpression in colorectal cancer patients might increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report that knockdown, forced overexpression, and pharmacologic inhibition in human colon cancer cells targeted ACE2-BRD4 crosstalk to mediate marked changes in DNA damage/repair and apoptosis. In colorectal cancer patients for whom high ACE2 plus high BRD4 expression is predictive of poor survival, pan-BET inhibition would need to consider proviral/antiviral actions of different BET proteins during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Unraveling topoisomerase IA gate dynamics in presence of PPEF and its preclinical evaluation against multidrug-resistant pathogens
Authors: Maurya Vikas , Singh Raja , Singh Reman Kumar , Pandey Stuti , Yadav Pooja , Parashar Palak , Gaind Rajni , Dubey Kshatresh Dutta , Naresh Patwari G. , Tandon Vibha
Published: February 2023

Type IA topoisomerases maintain DNA topology by cleaving ssDNA and relaxing negative supercoils. The inhibition of its activity in bacteria prevents the relaxation of negative supercoils, which in turn impedes DNA metabolic processes leading to cell death. Using this hypothesis, two bisbenzimidazoles, PPEF and BPVF are synthesized, selectively inhibiting bacterial TopoIA and TopoIII. PPEF stabilizes the topoisomerase and topoisomerase-ssDNA complex, acts as an interfacial inhibitor. PPEF display high efficacy against ~455 multi-drug resistant gram positive and negative bacteria. To understand molecular mechanism of inhibition of TopoIA and PPEF, accelerated MD simulation is carried out, and results suggested that PPEF binds, stabilizes the closed conformation of TopoIA with –6Kcal/mol binding energy and destabilizes the binding of ssDNA. The TopoIA gate dynamics model can be used as a tool to screen TopoIA inhibitors as therapeutic candidates. PPEF and BPVF cause cellular filamentation and DNA fragmentation leading to bacterial cell death. PPEF and BPVF show potent efficacy against systemic and neutropenic mouse models harboring E. coli, VRSA, and MRSA infection without cellular toxicity.
A heterophil/lymphocyte-selected population reveals the phosphatase PTPRJ is associated with immune defense in chickens
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Jin , Wang Qiao , Zhang Qi , Thiam Mamadou , Zhu Bo , Ying Fan , Elsharkawy Mohamed Shafey , Zheng Maiqing , Wen Jie , Li Qinghe , Zhao Guiping
Published: February 2023

Quantification of leukocyte profiles is among the simplest measures of animal immune function. However, the relationship between H/L ratio and innate immunity and the measure’s utility as an index for heterophil function remains to be analyzed. Variants associated with H/L ratio were fine-mapped based on the resequencing of 249 chickens of different generations and an F2 segregating population generated by crossing selection and control lines. H/L ratio in the selection line was associated with a selective sweep of mutations in protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type J (PTPRJ), which affects proliferation and differentiation of heterophils through its downstream regulatory genes. The SNP downstream of PTPRJ (rs736799474) have a universal effect on H/L, with CC homozygotes exhibiting improved heterophil function because of downregulated PTPRJ expression. In short, we systematically elucidated the genetic basis of the change in heterophil function resulting from H/L selection by identifying the regulatory gene (PTPRJ) and causative SNP.
Spatial transcriptomics analysis of zone-dependent hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury murine model
Authors: Xin Jiaqi , Yang Ting , Wu Xiaoyi , Wu Yingting , Liu Yi , Liu Xuan , Jiang Mengxi , Gao Wei
Published: February 2023

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common complication in liver transplantation. The connection between I/R-induced injury response and liver heterogeneity has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we converge histopathological examination with spatial transcriptomics to dissect I/R injury patterns and their associated molecular changes, which reveal that the pericentral zones are most sensitive to I/R injury in terms of histology, transcriptomic changes, and cell type dynamics. Bioinformatic analysis of I/R injury-related pathways predicts that celastrol can protect against liver I/R injury by inducing ischemic pre-conditioning, which is experimentally validated. Mechanistically, celastrol likely implements its protective effect against I/R injury by activating HIF1α signaling and represents a potential strategy for resolving liver I/R.
Structural insights into ribonucleoprotein dissociation by nucleocapsid protein interacting with non-structural protein 3 in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ni Xincheng , Han Yinze , Zhou Renjie , Zhou Yanmei , Lei Jian
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein interacts with non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3) to facilitate viral RNA synthesis and stabilization. However, structural information on the N-Nsp3 complex is limited. Here, we report a 2.6 Å crystal structure of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the N protein in complex with the ubiquitin-like domain 1 (Ubl1) of Nsp3 in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One NTD and two Ubl1s formed a stable heterotrimer. We performed mutational analysis to reveal the key residues for this interaction. We confirmed the colocalization of SARS-CoV-2 N and Nsp3 in Huh-7 cells. N-Ubl1 interaction also exists in SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. We found that SARS-CoV-2 Ubl1 competes with RNA to bind N protein in a dose-dependent manner. Based on our results, we propose a model for viral ribonucleoprotein dissociation through N protein binding to Ubl1 of Nsp3.
Theoretical prediction of nanomolar and sequence-selective binding of synthetic supramolecular cucurbit[7]uril to N-terminal Leu-containing tripeptides
Authors: Zhao Ying , Li Fei , Ma Fenfen , Zhi Junge , Wu Guanglu , Zheng Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

This study aims to investigate the molecular recognition of cucurbit[7]uril to 17 designed N-terminal Leu-containing tripeptides in aqueous medium by molecular dynamics simulation and screen out tripeptides with high binding affinity.
Distorted octahedral cobalt(ii)–acylpyrazolone complex with a tunable lattice-strain structure – an efficient electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Anensong Djadock Claudelle Sybilline , Vengatesan Singaram , Tagne Kuate Alain Charly , Ngoune Jean , Ravichandran Subbiah , Vasudevan Subramanyan
Published: February 2023

Mononuclear cobalt(ii)–acylpyrazolone complexes and their structure–property relationship are described. The complexes exhibit high activity towards the OER and moderate activity for HER in alkaline medium.
Morphology modulation and electrochemical performance properties of Mn-decorated (NH4)2V10O25·8H2O as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Kou Lingjiang , Wang Yong , Song Jiajia , Ai Taotao , Kajiyoshi Koji , Wattanapaphawong Panya , Wang Jintao
Published: February 2023

Illustration of the synthetic procedure and enhancement mechanism of conductivity and Zn2+-diffusion coefficient. The loose structure can facilitate the transportation of ions and electrons.
Near-infrared light induced curing of electrically conductive adhesive assisted by upconversion particles
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Ren , Luo Jing
Published: February 2023

We report a highly-efficient method for preparing an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) by using the upconversion nanoparticle-assisted near infrared photopolymerization (UCAP) technology.
A nanozyme-like colorimetric sensing strategy based on persulfate activation on Co-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Deng Zehui , Xiao Qingling , Fu Heyun , Zheng Shourong , Alvarez Pedro J.J. , Zhu Dongqiang , Xu Zhaoyi , Qu Xiaolei
Published: February 2023

This study developed a nanozyme-like colorimetric sensing strategy based on persulfate activation for the first time, outperforming the H2O2 activation approach.
Regulation of the nature and sites of copper species in CuNaY zeolites for ethylene and ethane separation
Authors: Li Guanhong , Wang Huan , Li Qiang , Zhang Xiaoxin , Qin Yucai , Bi Yanfeng , Song Lijuan
Published: February 2023

Relationship between the states of Cu species and ethylene adsorption capacity.
Federated learning privacy incentives: Reverse auctions and negotiations
Authors: Lyu Hongqin , Zhang Yongxiong , Wang Chao , Long Shigong , Guo Shengnan
Published: February 2023

The incentive mechanism of federated learning has been a hot topic, but little research has been done on the compensation of privacy loss. To this end, this study uses the Local SGD federal learning framework and gives a theoretical analysis under the use of differential privacy protection. Based on the analysis, a multi‐attribute reverse auction model is proposed to be used for user selection as well as payment calculation for participation in federal learning. The model uses a mixture of economic and non‐economic attributes in making choices for users and is transformed into an optimisation equation to solve the user choice problem. In addition, a post‐auction negotiation model that uses the Rubinstein bargaining model as well as optimisation equations to describe the negotiation process and theoretically demonstrate the improvement of social welfare is proposed. In the experimental part, the authors find that their algorithm improves both the model accuracy and the F1‐score values relative to the comparison algorithms to varying degrees.
Energy efficient indoor localisation for narrowband internet of things
Authors: Keshta Ismail , Soni Mukesh , Bhatt Mohammed Wasim , Irshad Azeem , Rizwan Ali , Khan Shakir , Maaliw Renato R. , Soomar Arsalan Muhammad , Shabaz Mohammad
Published: February 2023

There are an increasing number of Narrow Band IoT devices being manufactured as the technology behind them develops quickly. The high co‐channel interference and signal attenuation seen in edge Narrow Band IoT devices make it challenging to guarantee the service quality of these devices. To maximise the data rate fairness of Narrow Band IoT devices, a multi‐dimensional indoor localisation model is devised, consisting of transmission power, data scheduling, and time slot scheduling, based on a network model that employs non‐orthogonal multiple access via a relay. Based on this network model, the optimisation goal of Narrow Band IoT device data rate ratio fairness is first established by the authors, while taking into account the Narrow Band IoT network: The multi‐dimensional indoor localisation optimisation model of equipment tends to minimize data rate, energy constraints and EH relay energy and data buffer constraints, data scheduling and time slot scheduling. As a result, each Narrow Band IoT device's data rate needs are met while the network's overall performance is optimised. We investigate the model's potential for convex optimisation and offer an algorithm for optimising the distribution of multiple resources using the KKT criterion. The current work primarily considers the NOMA Narrow Band IoT network under a single EH relay. However, the growth of Narrow Band IoT devices also leads to a rise in co‐channel interference, which impacts NOMA's performance enhancement. Through simulation, the proposed approach is successfully shown. These improvements have boosted the network's energy efficiency by 44.1%, data rate proportional fairness by 11.9%, and spectrum efficiency by 55.4%.
Junctionless nanosheet gate‐all‐around transistors fabricated on void embedded silicon on insulator substrate
Authors: Mu Zhiqiang , Zhou Hongyang , Yang Yumeng , Liu Qiang , Wei Xing , Yu Wenjie
Published: February 2023

A novel junctionless gate‐all‐around (GAA) transistor with ultrathin nanosheet GAA channel and self‐aligned raised source/drain (RSD) is successfully designed and fabricated on void embedded silicon on insulator (VESOI) substrate through a much simpler fabrication process. Devices with as thin as 13‐nm nanosheet GAA channel thickness exhibit excellent electrical characteristics: on/off current ratio of 106 and on‐state drive current of 58 µA/µm. Although the parasitic planar channel component still exists, the device performance is decisively dominated by the GAA channel, and further boosted by the junction‐free bulk conduction mechanism and the self‐aligned RSD structure.
Optimal scheduling of prosumer's battery storage and flexible loads for distribution network support
Authors: Kelepouris Nikolaos S. , Nousdilis Angelos I. , Bouhouras Aggelos S. , Christoforidis Georgios C.
Published: February 2023

Here, an efficient Energy Management System (EMS) for residential installations is proposed. The EMS handles on site Photovoltaic (PV) power production along with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and performs load shifting under a Demand Side Management (DSM) scheme that considers user comfort. The goal of the proposed methodology is the minimization of power exchange between the prosumer and the grid. In this way, the power flow across the Distribution Network (DN) is decreased, thus reducing power losses, and improving the voltage profile along the DN. Moreover, the EMS increases the self‐sufficiency of the residence. The minimization problem is solved via a metaheuristic algorithm, namely Unified Particle Swarm Optimization (UPSO) utilizing real consumption patterns for residential appliances. The latter adds complexity to the problem but offers accurate modelling of the power demand and improves the performance of the EMS scheme. The proposed EMS is locally implemented as a plug‐and‐play scheme and benefits both the prosumer and the DN under low computational burden, proving to be efficient. Simulation results for a case study verify the efficiency of the proposed EMS and the comparison with other similar methods proves its superior performance.
Finger vein recognition based on lightweight convolutional attention model
Authors: Zhang Zhongxia , Wang Mingwen
Published: February 2023

Convolutional neural networks are a hot research topic in finger vein recognition. However, most existing research focuses on increasing the depth and width of the convolutional neural network to improve the network's performance, which has a specific requirement on the computer's computational power. To reduce the computational burden, a lightweight convolutional attention model (LCAModel) is proposed for finger vein recognition to achieve more accurate visual structure capture by exploiting the sensitivity of the attention mechanism to features. First, the attentional model (AModel) is proposed to extract representative features of images, which mainly utilizes the adaptive mapping on space and channels of the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) to make features distinguishable. In addition, considering the integrity of the features, a convolutional model (CModel) is designed to supplement the features of AModel. Finally, the features obtained from AModel and CModel are fused using an adaptive weighting mechanism to make the features more complete. Here, the obtained features are provided into a support vector machine (SVM) for image classification. The experiments are carried out on two publicly available databases, demonstrating that the proposed network structure requires less computing power and performs better.
A reduced‐switch‐count two‐phase interleaved switch‐control‐capacitor LLC converter with accurate current balancing
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Yu Xiang , Li Chaojie , Feng Shuting , Zhao Hongbo , Yan Zhengchao
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a reduced‐switch‐count two‐phase interleaved LLC converter with precise current balancing is proposed by using switching‐control‐capacitor (SCC) technology. Compared with the conventional SCC‐LLC converter, the proposed two‐phase SCC‐LLC converter reduces the switch count with the SCC circuits, and achieves excellent current sharing under all the tolerance conditions between the two‐phase resonant elements. In the proposed converter, the SCC circuit is only used in the first phase. The design of the SCC circuit parameters is analyzed to reduce the voltage stress of the SCC circuit and to ensure that two‐phase currents are balancing with large tolerance of resonant elements. A 2.16‐kW GaN‐based two‐phase interleaved SCC‐LLC converter prototype is established for data center application, and the experimental results show that the 98.1% peak efficiency, the 97.6% full load efficiency, and higher than 96% efficiency at the wide range from 3‐A to 40‐A load current are achieved. The precise current sharing lower than 1% is achieved by using a cheap ceramic capacitor with high tolerance, which validates the performance of the converter.
Powering implanted sensors that monitor human activity using spider‐web coil wireless power transfer
Authors: Mahmood Amal Ibrahim , Gharghan Sadik Kamel , Eldosoky Mohamed A. A. , Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: February 2023

Implantable biomedical devices (IBMD) and biomedical sensors (BMS) enhance patients’ quality of life by monitoring vital signs, detecting diseases, and replacing malfunctioning organs. However, IBMDs and BMSs require battery power to operate, and they have limited battery life. Wireless power transfer (WPT) is one practical way to address this limitation. In this paper, the authors designed and implemented WPT‐based magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) using a spider‐web coil (SWC) (WPT–MRC–SWC) that supplies the proposed IBMD, including accelerometer sensors, the single‐chip microcontroller ATmega 328, and the nRF24L01 wireless protocol, with power. The WPT–MRC–SWC examines acceleration measurements on three knee‐joint axes (X, Y, and Z) in five different positions: sitting, standing, walking, lying down, and jogging. The SWC of transmitters and receivers (implanted) exhibits an operating frequency of 1.78 MHz with a series/parallel (S/P) configuration. The implanted system's data, transmitted outside the human body using nRF24L01, operates at 2.4 GHz. The results reveal that WPT provides 5 V at an air gap of 60 mm between the receiver and transmitter coils, indicating that it can run or charge IBMD batteries without failure. This study validates the effectiveness of the WPT–MRC–SWC by applying it to an actual application.
Identification of molecular subtypes of ischaemic stroke based on immune‐related genes and weighted co‐expression network analysis
Authors: Wei Duncan , Chen Xiaopu , Xu Jing , He Wenzhen
Published: February 2023

Immune system has been reported to play a key role in the development of ischaemic stroke (IS). Nevertheless, its exact immune‐related mechanism has not yet been fully revealed. Gene expression data of IS and healthy control samples was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was obtained. Immune‐related genes (IRGs) data was downloaded from the ImmPort database. The molecular subtypes of IS were identified based on IRGs and weighted co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). 827 DEGs and 1142 IRGs were obtained in IS. Based on 1142 IRGs, 128 IS samples were clustered into two molecular subtypes: clusterA and clusterB. Based on the WGCNA, the authors found that the blue module had the highest correlation with IS. In the blue module, 90 genes were screened as candidate genes. The top 55 genes were selected as the central nodes according to gene degree in protein–protein interactions network of all genes in blue module. Through taking overlap, nine real hub genes were obtained that might distinguish between clusterA subtype and clusterB subtype of IS. The real hub genes (IL7R, ITK, SOD1, CD3D, LEF1, FBL, MAF, DNMT1, and SLAMF1) may be associated with molecular subtypes and immune regulation of IS.