bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial DNA polymerase and its contribution to the knowledge about human POLG‐related disorders
Authors: Gilea Alexandru Ionut , Magistrati Martina , Notaroberto Ilenia , Tiso Natascia , Dallabona Cristina , Baruffini Enrico
Published: July 2023

Most eukaryotes possess a mitochondrial genome, called mtDNA. In animals and fungi, the replication of mtDNA is entrusted by the DNA polymerase γ, or Pol γ. The yeast Pol γ is composed only of a catalytic subunit encoded by MIP1. In humans, Pol γ is a heterotrimer composed of a catalytic subunit homolog to Mip1, encoded by POLG, and two accessory subunits. In the last 25 years, more than 300 pathological mutations in POLG have been identified as the cause of several mitochondrial diseases, called POLG‐related disorders, which are characterized by multiple mtDNA deletions and/or depletion in affected tissues. In this review, at first, we summarize the biochemical properties of yeast Mip1, and how mutations, especially those introduced recently in the N‐terminal and C‐terminal regions of the enzyme, affect the in vitro activity of the enzyme and the in vivo phenotype connected to the mtDNA stability and to the mtDNA extended and point mutability. Then, we focus on the use of yeast harboring Mip1 mutations equivalent to the human ones to confirm their pathogenicity, identify the phenotypic defects caused by these mutations, and find both mechanisms and molecular compounds able to rescue the detrimental phenotype. A closing chapter will be dedicated to other polymerases found in yeast mitochondria, namely Pol ζ, Rev1 and Pol η, and to their genetic interactions with Mip1 necessary to maintain mtDNA stability and to avoid the accumulation of spontaneous or induced point mutations.
Sol‐Gel‐Syntheses and Structural as well as Electrical Characterizations of Anatase‐ and Rutile‐Type Solid Solutions in the System IrO2−TiO2
Authors: Reichert Daniel , Stöwe Klaus
Published: July 2023

This paper describes solid solutions in the quasibinary oxide system iridium‐titanium IrO2−TiO2 with rutile and anatase crystal structures. Based on X‐ray diffraction evaluations using Rietveld refinements, changes of lattice parameters were determined within the composition series of 0–100 mol % iridium. These changes prove the existence of a complete solid solution series in the rutile structure type. The solubility limit for iridium in the anatase lattice was found to be 6.0(8) mol % iridium for the underlying sol‐gel process. In addition, iridium is a promoter for the conversion from anatase to rutile type. Furthermore, the X‐ray diffraction results of a calcination temperature series for the composition with 5 mol % iridium are shown, which confirm the findings of the composition series and allow conclusions on the phase segregation behavior. The results are complemented by 2‐point conductivity measurements at different pressures in a piston press to investigate the question of the conductivity mechanism.
The potencies and neurotoxicity of intrathecal levobupivacaine in a rat spinal model: Effects of concentration
Authors: Gao Luyue , Yang Zhen , Zeng Sisi , Li Jiabei , Wang Na , Wang Fangjun
Published: July 2023

This study was aimed at examining the anesthetic effects and spinal cord injuries in the rats by intrathecal injection of levobupivacaine at different concentrations. Rats with successful intrathecal cannulation were selected and randomly divided into six groups (n = 72), and administered 0.1 mL of 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, or 0.75% levobupivacaine, saline or 5% lidocaine via intrathecal catheters. The potency of levobupivacaine was evaluated by walking behavior. To identify the motor and sensory function, walking behavior and paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were measured once a day. After 7 days, the L4–5 spinal cord segments were removed for histological examination. The onset time of 0.125% levobupivacaine intrathecal injection was 70.0 ± 8.9 s, and the maintenance time was 9.5 ± 1.8 min. The onset time of 0.75% levobupivacaine intrathecal injection was significantly shortened to 31.0 ± 5.5 s, and the maintenance time was significantly extended to 31.3 ± 5.4 min. The severe injury was observed in the 5% lidocaine group, while milder injury was observed in the 0.75% levobupivacaine group. The damage in the 0.5% levobupivacaine group was mild, and there were no histological abnormalities in the 0.125%, 0.25% levobupivacaine and saline groups. The neurotoxicity of intrathecally administered levobupivacaine was concentration dependent. In addition, higher concentrations of levobupivacaine were associated with shorter onset and longer maintenance times. The clinical concentration of levobupivacaine should not exceed 0.5% to avoid potential damage.
Construction of an easy‐to‐use predictive model for ultrasound‐detected tophi to improve the detection of hidden tophi
Authors: Liu Wei , Guo Wen , Zhao Kaiping , Zang Qiang , Wu Husheng , Man Siliang , Li Hongchao , Zhang Liang , Song Hui
Published: July 2023

Background

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is used in clinical practice to evaluate gout patients and is an effective imaging tool for the detection of tophi. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with ultrasound‐detected tophi in gout patients and to construct a clinical model to predict its occurrence and improve the detection of hidden tophi.

Methods

Data of gout patients admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 were collected. The complete and detailed information from gout cases with completed musculoskeletal ultrasound was included in the analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with ultrasound‐detected tophi. A nomogram was used to visualize the clinical predictive models.

Results

Among 517 gout patients, rheumatologists found that 67 patients (13.0%) had subcutaneous tophi by visual observation, while musculoskeletal ultrasound revealed that 123 patients (23.8%) had ultrasound‐detected tophi with odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) = 2.20 (1.81–2.67). Disease duration, upper limb joint flare (ULJF), persistent joint pain (PJP), uric acid, and homocysteine levels were independently associated with ultrasound‐detected tophi, and they had ORs (95% CIs) of 1.092 (1.050–1.136), 3.732 (2.312–6.025), 1.864 (1.086–3.200), 1.003 (1.001–1.004), and 1.015 (1.000–1.030), respectively. After balancing the complexity and accuracy of the model, Model 2 (incorporating disease duration, ULJF, PJP, and uric acid) was chosen to create a nomogram to predict the occurrence of ultrasound‐detected tophi. The nomogram had good discrimination (consistency index [C‐index] = 0.774) and excellent calibration, demonstrated by calibration curves.

Conclusion

Using easily available indicators, such as disease duration, the nature of the joint pain, and uric acid levels, we successfully developed an easy‐to‐use clinical model to improve the detection of hidden tophi.
Observer‐based sampled‐data control for networked systems with consecutive packet dropouts
Authors: Sun Hao‐Yuan , Han Hong‐Gui , Sun Jian , Qiao Jun‐Fei
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the observer‐based sampled‐data control problem for networked systems with consecutive packet dropouts. A new consecutive packet dropout model is established to describe the phenomenon of packet dropout in both the sensor‐controller (S‐C) and controller‐actuator (C‐A) channels. First, the considered system with observer‐based control scheme is studied in the discrete‐time domain by using equivalent discretization transformation. In order to simplify subsequent analysis, matrix exponential computation is employed to transform the discrete‐time system into a more tractable form. Then, the proposed new consecutive packet dropout model is taken into consideration to establish the stochastic mean square exponential stability condition. Furthermore, a novel two‐step synthesis approach is used to design the observer‐based controller. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed observer‐based sampled‐data control approach is verified using a numerical example. In addition, the advantages of the proposed approach are validated through comparisons.
Preparation of Flame Retardant Polycarbonate‐acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Composite using Graphene Nanoplatelets and Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate Additives
Authors: Tran Quang Vinh , Nguyen Thi Nhiem , Doan Thi Hai , Thi Tuyet Anh Dang , Nguyen Ha Thanh , Hoang Mai Ha , Huong Pham Thi Lan , Nguyen Van Tuyen
Published: July 2023

A flame‐retardant composite material (designated as GFPA) was prepared by incorporating a blend of polycarbonate‐acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS, 80/20 wt%) and two additives of potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) at 0.5 wt% and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) at 1 wt%. The structural characterization results indicated that incorporating both GNP and PFBS significantly improved the dispersibility of the additives compared to using either of them individually. Furthermore, PFBS exhibited dual properties of a flame‐retardant and PC/ABS compatibilizer, which resulted in improved flame‐retardancy and mechanical characteristics of the GFPA material. The GFPA material was found to exhibit good flame‐retardancy properties with a V‐0 rating as determined by the UL‐94 method and a limited oxygen index of 27.6 %. In addition, the GFPA material exhibited remarkably improved mechanical properties such as enhanced impact strength (1.33 times), tensile strength (3.73 times), and flexural strength (8.61 times) compared to those of the neat PC/ABS composite.
Effect of Different Amounts of Pt on Fe3O4−TiO2 for Photocatalytic H2 Production Under Solar Light
Authors: Firtina‐Ertis Irem , Kerkez‐Kuyumcu Özge
Published: July 2023

In this study, Pt doped Fe3O4−TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized in two steps; (i) Fe3O4−TiO2 (FT) was prepared by the complex‐assisted vapor thermal (VT) method, (ii) Pt was doped to Fe3O4−TiO2 (FT−Pt) by the polyol method. The effect of different amounts of Pt was investigated for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The absorption spectrum of FT with 5.0 % Pt exhibits a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of ∼420 nm which corresponds to the band gap of 2.95 eV. The FT and Pt doped FT samples showed a less intense photoluminescence (PL) band than TiO2 (T) due to the lower e−/h+ recombination rate. By increasing % wt. Pt in the FT samples, PL intensity was decreased. Thus, Pt plays an essential role to hinder the recombination of e−/h+ pairs. Consequently, FT‐5.0 % Pt showed 144 μmol/g‐cat H2 production rate, just about 3.3 times higher than that of FT photocatalyst; due to the suitable band gap energy and the retarded e−/h+ recombination. Therefore, the synergistic effect of Pt and Fe3O4 is found to be beneficial to decrease the e−/h+ recombination rate thus the photocatalytic activity enhancement was achieved.
Experimental Investigation of Cationic Gemini Surfactants: Self‐Assembly, Corrosion Inhibition, Foaming and Dye Solubilization Properties
Authors: Kasapoğlu Sinem , Batıgöç Çiğdem , Boz Mesut , Tetik Övül
Published: July 2023

In this study, two cationic gemini surfactants 12‐3‐12 and 12‐3(OH)‐12 were synthesized in our labrotory. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of synthesized surfactants were determined by conductivity measurements. The aggregation number (Nagg) of micelles was calculated using the pyrene probe fluorescence method. It was been investigated the corrosion effect of cationic gemini surfactants were denoted as 12‐3‐12 and 12‐3(OH)‐12 for carbon steel in 1 M HCl. The inhibition effect was investigated using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. It has been determined that both surfactants showed the best inhibitory effect at low concentrations. The foaming capacity (FC) and the foam stability (FS) of gemini surfactants were studied by measuring the foam volume for 0.5 % (w/v) surfactant solutions and it was observed that the foaming properties of 12‐3(OH)‐12 gemini surfactant were better. The solubility capability of both surfactants was tested with the water‐insoluble dye Sudan Red B and it was observed that the solubility increased significantly over the CMC value of the cationic gemini surfactants. Finally, the corrosion effect, foam capacity and foam stability and effects on paint solubility of the synthesized surfactants were obtained at very low concentrations.
Discovery of Anti‐Breast Cancer Thiophene Sulfonamide Derivatives: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking against EGFR, MM‐PBSA, MD Simulations, ADME/Tox, and in vitro Studies
Authors: Patel Ashish K. , Shah Ujashkumar A , Soni Jigar Y. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Teli Divya M. , Patel Purvesh R. , Patel Bhavin H. , Valand Nikunj , Patel Manish B.
Published: July 2023

With aim of developing the crucial pharmacophoric properties of the reported EGFR inhibitors (EGFRIs), a series of thiophene compounds having ethyl 5‐methylthiophene‐3‐carboxylate core were designed. The designed compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies that indicated the potentialities of compounds AP−A8, A9, A13 and A15 to be EGFRIs. Then, the MD simulations studies confirmed the stability and the correct binding of compound AP−A15 – EGFR complex at both energetic and conformational levels. Furthermore, in silico ADMET prediction revealed that the majority of the proposed compounds had drug‐like characteristics and have minimal toxicity and unfavourable side effects. The designed compounds were synthesized and there in vitro anticancer activity against the cancer cell line (MCF‐7) was measured. Ethyl 5‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐2‐(2‐(4‐(thiophen‐2‐ylsulfonyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)acetamido)thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (AP−A15) was found to be most potent compound with EC50values 3.5 μM, which was very close to Tamoxifen and Brigatinib. Majority compounds showed good to moderate cytotoxic activities ranging from 3.5 μM to 35.9 μM.
Thermodynamically Induced Interfacial Condensation for Efficient Fog Harvesting
Authors: Ji Yating , Yang Weifeng , Li Xiaoyan , Hou Keru , Du Peibo , Zhao Hong , Fan Zhuizhui , Xu Bi , Cai Zaisheng
Published: July 2023

Fog harvesting is a sustainable approach to dealing with the global freshwater crisis. A range of strategies in microstructure design and wettability remodeling for fog management are clearly explained. However, the influence of thermodynamic endothermic and exothermic processes on fog harvesting is rarely explored. Here, a thermodynamically induced interfacial condensation‐enhanced fog‐harvesting fabric (AWF‐6) is developed that also incorporates asymmetric geometry and surface chemistry. By coupling the high thermal conductivity interface supported by boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), the Laplace pressure difference generated by nanoneedles, and the wettability gradient constructed by stearic acid (STA), the fabric achieves a water collection rate (WCR) of 1538.4 mg h cm−2, which is the maximum value in state‐of‐the‐art cotton‐based fog harvesting devices (FHDs). Furthermore, the potential application of AWF‐6 in agricultural irrigation is demonstrated. This study shows a thermodynamic proposal for building next‐generation fibrous FHDs.
Lorentz symmetry and IR structure of the BFSS matrix model
Authors: Tropper Adam , Wang Tianli
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The BFSS matrix model relates flat space M-theory to a large N limit of matrix quantum mechanics describing N non-relativistic D0-branes. M-theory, being a theory of gravity in flat space, has a rich infrared structure that includes various soft theorems and an infinite set of conserved charges associated to asymptotic symmetries. In this work, we ask: to what extent is this infrared structure present in BFSS? We find that all the salient features concerning the infrared structure of M-theory carry over naturally to the quantum mechanics dual. Moreover, we demonstrate that the dual statement of the soft graviton theorem in the matrix model implies that D0-brane scattering amplitudes in BFSS enjoy the full 11d Lorentz symmetry of M-theory, a claim which has been long anticipated. We also offer several first-principle consistency checks for our findings, including a computation of the soft theorem which does not presuppose the BFSS duality and a non-trivial match between several known symmetries of M-theory and BFSS that appear naturally in this formalism. These calculations give non-perturbative evidence in support of the BFSS duality as a model of flat space holography.
WD repeat domain 82 (Wdr82) facilitates mouse iPSCs generation by interfering mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis
Authors: Cui Guina , Zhou Jingxuan , Sun Jiatong , Kou Xiaochen , Su Zhongqu , Xu Yiliang , Liu Tingjun , Sun Lili , Li Wenhui , Wu Xuanning , Wei Qingqing , Gao Shaorong , Shi Kerong
Published: July 2023

Background

Abundantly expressed factors in the oocyte cytoplasm can remarkably reprogram terminally differentiated germ cells or somatic cells into totipotent state within a short time. However, the mechanism of the different factors underlying the reprogramming process remains uncertain.

Methods

On the basis of Yamanaka factors OSKM induction method, MEF cells were induced and reprogrammed into iPSCs under conditions of the oocyte-derived factor Wdr82 overexpression and/or knockdown, so as to assess the reprogramming efficiency. Meanwhile, the cellular metabolism was monitored and evaluated during the reprogramming process. The plurpotency of the generated iPSCs was confirmed via pluripotent gene expression detection, embryoid body differentiation and chimeric mouse experiment.

Results

Here, we show that the oocyte-derived factor Wdr82 promotes the efficiency of MEF reprogramming into iPSCs to a greater degree than the Yamanaka factors OSKM. The Wdr82-expressing iPSC line showed pluripotency to differentiate and transmit genetic material to chimeric offsprings. In contrast, the knocking down of Wdr82 can significantly reduce the efficiency of somatic cell reprogramming. We further demonstrate that the significant suppression of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria underlies the molecular mechanism by which Wdr82 promotes the efficiency of somatic cell reprogramming. Our study suggests a link between mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling and cell fate transition or stem cell function maintenance, which might shed light on the embryonic development and stem cell biology.
Prediction of reinforced concrete walls shear strength based on soft computing-based techniques
Authors: Tabrizikahou Alireza , Pavić Gordana , Shahsavani Younes , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana
Published: July 2023

The precise estimation of the shear strength of reinforced concrete walls is critical for structural engineers. This projection, nevertheless, is exceedingly complicated because of the varied structural geometries, plethora of load cases, and highly nonlinear relationships between the design requirements and the shear strength. Recent related design code regulations mostly depend on experimental formulations, which have a variety of constraints and establish low prediction accuracy. Hence, different soft computing techniques are used in this study to evaluate the shear capacity of reinforced concrete walls. In particular, developed models for estimating the shear capacity of concrete walls have been investigated, based on experimental test data accessible in the relevant literature. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, the integrated genetic algorithms, and the integrated particle swarm optimization methods were used to optimize the fuzzy model’s membership function range and the results were compared to the outcomes of random forests (RF) model. To determine the accuracy of the models, the results were assessed using several indices. Outliers in the anticipated data were identified and replaced with appropriate values to ensure prediction accuracy. The comparison of the resulting findings with the relevant experimental data demonstrates the potential of hybrid models to determine the shear capacity of reinforced concrete walls reliably and effectively. The findings revealed that the RF model with RMSE = 151.89, MAE = 111.52, and$${R}^2$$R2= 0.9351 has the best prediction accuracy. Integrated GAFIS and PSOFIS performed virtually identically and had fewer errors than ANFIS. The sensitivity analysis shows that the thickness of the wall$$({b_\mathrm{{w}}})$$(bw)and concrete compressive strength$$({f_\mathrm{{c}}})$$(fc)have the most and the least effects on shear strength, respectively.
The effect of increased plasma potassium on myocardial function; a randomized POTCAST substudy
Authors: Winsløw Ulrik , Sakthivel Tharsika , Zheng Chaoqun , Philbert Berit , Vinther Michael , Frandsen Emil , Iversen Kasper , Bundgaard Henning , Jøns Christian , Risum Niels
Published: July 2023

Plasma potassium (p-K) in the high-normal range has been suggested to reduce risk of cardiovascular arrythmias and mortality through electrophysiological and mechanical effects on the myocardium. In this study, it was to investigated if increasing p-K to high-normal levels improves systolic- and diastolic myocardial function in patients with low-normal to moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The study included 50 patients (mean age 58 years (SD 14), 81% men), with a mean p-K 3.95 mmol/l (SD 0.19), mean LVEF 48% (SD 7), and mean Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) -14.6% (SD 3.1) patients with LVEF 35–55% from “Targeted potassium levels to decrease arrhythmia burden in high-risk patients with cardiovascular diseases trial” (POTCAST). Patients were given standard therapy and randomized (1:1) to an intervention that included guidance on potassium-rich diets, potassium supplements, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists targeting high-normal p-K levels (4.5-5.0 mmol/l). Echocardiography was done at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 44 days (SD 18) and the echocardiograms were analyzed for changes in GLS, mechanical dispersion, E/A, e’, and E/e’. At follow-up, mean difference in changes in p-K was 0.52 mmol/l (95%CI 0.35;0.69), P<0.001 in the intervention group compared to controls. GLS was improved with a mean difference in changes of -1.0% (-2;-0.02), P<0.05 and e’ and E/e’ were improved with a mean difference in changes of 0.9 cm/s (0.02;1.7), P = 0.04 and ? 1.5 (-2.9;-0.14), P = 0.03, respectively. Thus, induced increase in p-K to the high-normal range improved indices of systolic and diastolic function in patients with low-normal to moderately reduced LVEF.
Exploiting number theory for dynamic software watermarking
Authors: Dalla Preda Mila , Ianni Michele
Published: July 2023

Software watermarking is a protection technique which aims at combating software piracy, thus defending intellectual property, by embedding stegosignatures or watermarks into a program. In the presence of an illegal copy of the program, the owner can reliably claim her rights by extracting the watermark from the program itself. In this paper, we introduce a new software watermarking technique which can be used even with compiled programs. The proposed technique is dynamic: the watermark can be recovered during the execution of the program and it is related to a specific path of execution that is triggered by a given input. We illustrate the technique by means of a watermarking protocol for C/C++/C# source code which tackles many different challenges in the task of encoding the watermark, embedding it into a source code and extracting it from a compiled program. We show the validity of our approach by proving its robustness against common attacks.
Sexueller Kindesmissbrauch im Darknet: Sexualisierung von Kindern in textbasierten Storys aus einem „Girl-Lover“-Forum
Authors: Krähnke Uwe , Hurst Lilian , Schumann Judith , Huikuri Salla , Bussweiler Julia , Lehmann Robert
Published: July 2023

Vor dem Hintergrund, dass aktuell in Deutschland das Konsumieren und der Besitz von rein textbasierten kinderpornografischen Inhalten im Gegensatz zu fotografischen und videografischen Darstellungen nicht strafbar ist, zeigt der Beitrag auf, inwiefern in Storys aus einem „Girl Lover“-Forum im Darknet sexualisierte Gewalt an Kindern thematisiert wird. Anhand einer durchgeführten inhaltlich-formalen Textanalyse konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass diese im literarischen Format der Erzählung geschriebenen Storys neben nichtsexualisierten Darstellungen nackter bzw. nur leicht bekleideter Kinder eine Vielzahl von Schilderungen schweren sexuellen Missbrauchs enthalten. Durch die in den Storys bevorzugt dargestellten sexualisierten Anreize und die wiederkehrenden Beschreibungen sexueller Handlungen wurden Kinder von den jeweiligen Verfasser*innen in einer Art und Weise bloßgestellt, die u. E. die Intention des § 184b (StGB) zum Erwerb und zum Besitz kinderpornografischen Inhalts unterläuft. Gemessen an der vielfach verwendeten 10-stufigen COPINE-Skala (Combating Paedophile Information Networks in Europe; Taylor et al. 2001) liegt der Schweregrad des in den untersuchten „Girl-Lover“-Storys dargestellten Kindesmissbrauchs (im Mittel über 8) sogar deutlich höher als bei bislang ausgewerteten bild- und videobasierten Sammlungen von Darstellungen sexualisierten Kindesmissbrauchs (z. B. COPINE-Durchschnittswert 4–6 in: Fortin und Proulx 2019). Zudem enthalten die untersuchten Storys aus dem „Girl-Lover“-Forum vielfach Mutmaßungen darüber, wie Kinder sexuelle Handlungen erleben. Hierbei sind gravierende verzerrte Darstellungen unübersehbar – insbesondere falsche Annahmen über das Interesse an und körperliche Reaktionen bei sexuellen Handlungen von Kindern, über einvernehmliche sexuelle Kontakte und die romantische Verbundenheit. Zudem gibt es Darstellungen, in denen das Kind auf ein jederzeit verfügbares Sexualobjekt für Erwachsene reduziert wird. Das von den Storys ausgehende Risiko wird v. a. darin gesehen, so das Fazit des vorliegenden Beitrages, dass durch ihren Konsum die Fantasie zu sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch angeregt und ein verzerrtes Normalitätsempfinden für ein entsprechendes Verhalten gestärkt werden kann.
Use of random forest for assessing the effect of water quality parameters on the biological status of surface waters
Authors: Szomolányi Orsolya , Clement Adrienne
Published: July 2023

The Water Framework Directive aims to reach good status in European surface waters by 2027. Despite the efforts taken already, the ecological status of surface waters has hardly improved during the last decades. In order to find efficient measures, there is an urgent need to improve our knowledge in understanding the linkage between the anthropogenic factors and the indicators of the ecological status assessment. Due to the complexity of the ecosystems, basic statistical methods (such as linear regression) cannot help in finding relationships between the biological quality elements and the supporting water chemistry parameters. The paper demonstrates that in these cases a machine learning data-driven method can be a promising tool for supporting biological classification. With random forest, the Gini index was used for ranking physico-chemical variables based on their influence on biological elements. Variables that have the biggest Gini index were selected for predicting the biological status of phytoplankton, phytobenthos and macrophytes. Binary classification and predictions were performed on a five-class scale. Predictions tended to be fairly good (errors varied within 8–60%, median 33.3%). A comparative analysis was also made with logistic regression, however, in some cases it led to slightly worse or slightly better predictions. We concluded that due to significant errors, the biological status assessment cannot be replaced completely by model predictions, but the method is sufficient to fill in certain gaps in the data and can help in the planning of biological monitoring systems. The evaluation was performed with Hungarian river and water quality database.
Development of open access tool for automatic use factor calculation using DICOM-RT patient data
Authors: Choi Dong Hyeok , Kim Dong Wook , Park So Hyun , Ahn So Hyun , Ahn Woo Sang , Lee Rena , Kim Jin Sung
Published: July 2023

Our study recalculated the use factor of linear accelerators (LINACs) by using an in-house program based on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine radiation therapy (DICOM-RT). We considered the impact of advancements and changes in treatment trends, including modality, technology, and radiation dose, on the use factor, which is one of the shielding parameters. In accordance with the methodology described in the NCRP 151 report, we computed the use factor for four linear accelerators (LINACs) across three hospitals. We analyzed the results based on the treatment techniques and treatment sites for three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy or volumetric modulated arc therapy. Our findings revealed that the use factors obtained at 45° and 90° were 14.8% and 13.5% higher than those of the NCRP 151 report. In treatment rooms with a high 3D-CRT ratio, the use factor at a specific angle differed by up to 14.6% relative to the NCRP 151 report value. Our results showed a large difference in the use factor for specific sites such as the breast and spine, so it is recommended that each institution recalculate the use factor using patient’s data.
Freedoms Delayed
Authors: Kuran Timur
Published: July 2023

According to diverse indices of political performance, the Middle East is the world's least free region. Some believe that it is Islam that hinders liberalization. Others retort that Islam cannot be a factor because the region is no longer governed under Islamic law. This book by Timur Kuran, author of the influential Long Divergence, explores the lasting political effects of the Middle East's lengthy exposure to Islamic law. It identifies several channels through which Islamic institutions, both defunct and still active, have limited the expansion of basic freedoms under political regimes of all stripes: secular dictatorships, electoral democracies, monarchies legitimated through Islam, and theocracies. Kuran suggests that Islam's rich history carries within it the seeds of liberalization on many fronts; and that the Middle East has already established certain prerequisites for a liberal order. But there is no quick fix for the region's prevailing record of human freedoms.
ON A CONJECTURE FOR A REFINEMENT OF THE SUM OF MINIMAL EXCLUDANTS
Authors: DU JULIA Q. D. , TANG DAZHAO
Published: July 2023

In 2019, Andrews and Newman [‘Partitions and the minimal excludant’, Ann. Comb.23(2) (2019), 249–254] introduced the arithmetic function
$\sigma \textrm {mex}(n)$
, which denotes the sum of minimal excludants over all the partitions of n. Baruah et al. [‘A refinement of a result of Andrews and Newman on the sum of minimal excludants’, Ramanujan J., to appear] showed that the sum of minimal excludants over all the partitions of n is the same as the number of partition pairs of n into distinct parts. They proved three congruences modulo
$4$
and
$8$
for two functions appearing in this refinement and conjectured two further congruences modulo
$8$
and
$16$
. We confirm these two conjectures by using q-series manipulations and modular forms.
Magnetically actuated glaucoma drainage device for regulating intraocular pressure after implantation
Authors: Pereira Inês C. F. , van Mechelen Ralph J. S. , Wyss Hans M. , Pinchuk Leonard , Beckers Henny J. M. , den Toonder Jaap M. J.
Published: July 2023

The key risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma drainage devices implanted in the eye can reduce IOP and thus stop disease progression. However, most devices currently used in clinical practice are passive and do not allow for postsurgical IOP control, which may result in serious complications such as hypotony (i.e., excessively low IOP). To enable noninvasive IOP control, we demonstrate a novel, miniature glaucoma implant that will enable the repeated adjustment of the hydrodynamic resistance after implantation. This is achieved by integrating a magnetic microvalve containing a micropencil-shaped plug that is moved using an external magnet, thereby opening or closing fluidic channels. The microplug is made from biocompatible poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS) containing iron microparticles. The complete implant consists of an SIBS drainage tube and a housing element containing the microvalve and fabricated with hot embossing using femtosecond laser-machined glass molds. Using in vitro and ex vivo microfluidic experiments, we demonstrate that when the microvalve is closed, it can provide sufficient hydrodynamic resistance to overcome hypotony. Valve function is repeatable and stable over time. Due to its small size, our implant is a promising, safe, easy-to-implant, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery device.
circSLC4A7 accelerates stemness and progression of gastric cancer by interacting with HSP90 to activate NOTCH1 signaling pathway
Authors: Hui Yang , Wenguang Yuan , Wei Shang , Haoran Wang , Shanglei Ning , Ju Liu
Published: July 2023

Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) play critical roles in gastric cancer (GC) initiation and development. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in diverse cancer biological processes and function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. This study aims to discover the expression profile and functional roles of circRNAs in GCSCs. A spheroid formation assay was conducted to enrich GCSCs. Genome-wide sequencing of circRNAs showed that a novel circRNA, circSLC4A7, was one of the most upregulated circRNAs in GCSCs. CircSLC4A7 was localized to the nucleus, and its level was elevated in GC cells and tissues. Furthermore, circSLC4A7 increased CSC-like properties and drove cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which were determined by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Specific circRNA pull-down assays followed by mass spectrometry analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence assay were conducted and HSP90 was detected to interact with circSLC4A7 and mediate the oncogenic function of circSLC4A7 by activating the Notch1 signaling pathway in GC. This study highlights a novel oncogenic function of circSLC4A7 mediated by its binding with HSP90 and thus activating the Notch1 signaling pathway.
Apoptotic exosome-like vesicles transfer specific and functional mRNAs to endothelial cells by phosphatidylserine-dependent macropinocytosis
Authors: Brodeur Alexandre , Migneault Francis , Lanoie Maude , Beillevaire Déborah , Turgeon Julie , Karakeussian-Rimbaud Annie , Thibodeau Nicolas , Boilard Éric , Dieudé Mélanie , Hébert Marie-Josée
Published: July 2023

Apoptosis of endothelial cells prompts the release of apoptotic exosome-like vesicles (ApoExos), subtype extracellular vesicles secreted by apoptotic cells after caspase-3 activation. ApoExos are different from both apoptotic bodies and classical exosomes in their protein and nucleic acid contents and functions. In contrast to classical apoptotic bodies, ApoExos induce immunogenic responses that can be maladaptive when not tightly regulated. In the present study, we elucidated the mechanisms by which ApoExos are internalized by endothelial cells, which leads to shared specific and functional mRNAs of importance to endothelial function. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we revealed that ApoExos were actively internalized by endothelial cells. SiRNA-induced inhibition of classical endocytosis pathways with pharmacological inhibitors showed that ApoExos were internalized via phosphatidylserine-dependent macropinocytosis independently of classical endocytosis pathways. An electron microscopy analysis revealed that ApoExos increased the macropinocytosis rate in endothelial cells, setting in motion a positive feedback loop that increased the amount of internalized ApoExos. Deep sequencing of total RNA revealed that ApoExos possessed a unique protein-coding RNA profile, with PCSK5 being the most abundant mRNA. Internalization of ApoExos by cells led to the transfer of this RNA content from the ApoExos to cells. Specifically, PCSK5 mRNA was transferred to cells that had taken up ApoExos, and these cells subsequently expressed PCSK5. Collectively, our findings suggest that macropinocytosis is an effective entry pathway for the delivery of RNAs carried by ApoExos and that these RNAs are functionally expressed by the endothelial cells that internalize them. As ApoExos express a specific mRNA signature, these results suggest new avenues to understand how ApoExos produced at sites of vascular injury impact vascular function.
The RNA binding proteins TIA1 and TIAL1 promote Mcl1 mRNA translation to protect germinal center responses from apoptosis
Authors: Osma-Garcia Ines C. , Mouysset Mailys , Capitan-Sobrino Dunja , Aubert Yann , Turner Martin , Diaz-Muñoz Manuel D.
Published: July 2023

Germinal centers (GCs) are essential for the establishment of long-lasting antibody responses. GC B cells rely on post-transcriptional RNA mechanisms to translate activation-associated transcriptional programs into functional changes in the cell proteome. However, the critical proteins driving these key mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we show that the RNA binding proteins TIA1 and TIAL1 are required for the generation of long-lasting GC responses. TIA1- and TIAL1-deficient GC B cells fail to undergo antigen-mediated positive selection, expansion and differentiation into B-cell clones producing high-affinity antibodies. Mechanistically, TIA1 and TIAL1 control the transcriptional identity of dark- and light-zone GC B cells and enable timely expression of the prosurvival molecule MCL1. Thus, we demonstrate here that TIA1 and TIAL1 are key players in the post-transcriptional program that selects high-affinity antigen-specific GC B cells.
C. elegans ageing is accelerated by a self-destructive reproductive programme
Authors: Kern Carina C. , Srivastava Shivangi , Ezcurra Marina , Hsiung Kuei Ching , Hui Nancy , Townsend StJohn , Maczik Dominik , Zhang Bruce , Tse Victoria , Konstantellos Viktoras , Bähler Jürg , Gems David
Published: July 2023

In post-reproductive C. elegans, destructive somatic biomass repurposing supports production of yolk which, it was recently shown, is vented and can serve as a foodstuff for larval progeny. This is reminiscent of the suicidal reproductive effort (reproductive death) typical of semelparous organisms such as Pacific salmon. To explore the possibility that C. elegans exhibits reproductive death, we have compared sibling species pairs of the genera Caenorhabditis and Pristionchus with hermaphrodites and females. We report that yolk venting and constitutive, early pathology involving major anatomical changes occur only in hermaphrodites, which are also shorter lived. Moreover, only in hermaphrodites does germline removal suppress senescent pathology and markedly increase lifespan. This is consistent with the hypothesis that C. elegans exhibit reproductive death that is suppressed by germline ablation. If correct, this would imply a major difference in the ageing process between C. elegans and most higher organisms, and potentially explain the exceptional plasticity in C. elegans ageing.
Experimental manifestation of redox-conductivity in metal-organic frameworks and its implication for semiconductor/insulator switching
Authors: Li Jingguo , Kumar Amol , Johnson Ben A. , Ott Sascha
Published: July 2023

Electric conductivity in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) follows either a band-like or a redox-hopping charge transport mechanism. While conductivity by the band-like mechanism is theoretically and experimentally well established, the field has struggled to experimentally demonstrate redox conductivity that is promoted by the electron hopping mechanism. Such redox conductivity is predicted to maximize at the mid-point potential of the redox-active units in the MOF, and decline rapidly when deviating from this situation. Herein, we present direct experimental evidence for redox conductivity in fluorine-doped tin oxide surface-grown thin films of Zn(pyrazol-NDI) (pyrazol-NDI = 1,4-bis[(3,5-dimethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl]naphthalenediimide). Following Nernstian behavior, the proportion of reduced and oxidized NDI linkers can be adjusted by the applied potential. Through a series of conductivity measurements, it is demonstrated that the MOF exhibits minimal electric resistance at the mid-point potentials of the NDI linker, and conductivity is enhanced by more than 10000-fold compared to that of either the neutral or completely reduced films. The generality of redox conductivity is demonstrated in MOFs with different linkers and secondary building units, and its implication for applications that require switching between insulating and semiconducting regimes is discussed.
Chemogenetic dissection of a prefrontal-hypothalamic circuit for socially subjective reward valuation in macaques
Authors: Noritake Atsushi , Ninomiya Taihei , Kobayashi Kenta , Isoda Masaki
Published: July 2023

The value of one’s own reward is affected by the reward of others, serving as a source for envy. However, it is not known which neural circuits mediate such socially subjective value modulation. Here, we chemogenetically dissected the circuit from the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) while male macaques were presented with visual stimuli that concurrently signaled the prospects of one’s own and others’ rewards. We found that functional disconnection between the MPFC and LH rendered animals significantly less susceptible to others’ but not one’s own reward prospects. In parallel with this behavioral change, inter-areal coordination, as indexed by coherence and Granger causality, decreased primarily in the delta and theta bands. These findings demonstrate that the MPFC-to-LH circuit plays a crucial role in carrying information about upcoming other-rewards for subjective reward valuation in social contexts.
Oxonium ion scanning mass spectrometry for large-scale plasma glycoproteomics
Authors: White Matthew E. H. , Sinn Ludwig R. , Jones D. Marc , de Folter Joost , Aulakh Simran Kaur , Wang Ziyue , Flynn Helen R. , Krüger Lynn , Tober-Lau Pinkus , Demichev Vadim , Kurth Florian , Mülleder Michael , Blanchard Véronique , Messner Christoph B. , Ralser Markus
Published: July 2023

Protein glycosylation, a complex and heterogeneous post-translational modification that is frequently dysregulated in disease, has been difficult to analyse at scale. Here we report a data-independent acquisition technique for the large-scale mass-spectrometric quantification of glycopeptides in plasma samples. The technique, which we named ‘OxoScan-MS’, identifies oxonium ions as glycopeptide fragments and exploits a sliding-quadrupole dimension to generate comprehensive and untargeted oxonium ion maps of precursor masses assigned to fragment ions from non-enriched plasma samples. By applying OxoScan-MS to quantify 1,002 glycopeptide features in the plasma glycoproteomes from patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls, we found that severe COVID-19 induces differential glycosylation in IgA, haptoglobin, transferrin and other disease-relevant plasma glycoproteins. OxoScan-MS may allow for the quantitative mapping of glycoproteomes at the scale of hundreds to thousands of samples.
Realization times of energetic modernization measures for buildings based on interviews with craftworkers
Authors: Richarz Jan , Fuchs Nico , Zurke Jacqueline , Imberg Jan , Datsko Tanja , Hering Dominik , Müller Dirk
Published: July 2023

Modernizing existing buildings is vital to saving carbon emissions and counteracting global climate change. Many countries face the challenge of modernizing a considerable number of their buildings in the next two decades. Implementing related modernization measures requires a high number of craftworkers. However, current studies indicate that these craftworkers’ current lack will increase. Examining the effects of craftworkers shortage on modernization strategies needs data concerning the realization time of modernization measures. We collected this data based on 90 expert interviews and provide it in this paper. The interview results comprise realization times for insulation measures of the envelope and changes in the heat supply system for typical buildings. This paper describes the data collection and presents the raw data available at a repository at Figshare. The data is internationally applicable in simulation and optimization approaches for building modernization.
Symptoms and quality of life before, during, and after a SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive or negative test: data from Lifelines
Authors: Goërtz Yvonne M. J. , Spruit Martijn A. , Van Herck Maarten , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole ,   Lifelines Corona Research Initiative, Boezen H. Marike , Mierau Jochen O. , Franke H. Lude , Dekens Jackie , Deelen Patrick , Lanting Pauline , Vonk Judith M. , Nolte Ilja , Ori Anil P. S. , Claringbould Annique , Boulogne Floranne , Dijkema Marjolein X. L. , Wiersma Henry H. , Warmerdam Robert , Jankipersadsing Soesma A. , van Blokland Irene , de Bock Geertruida H. , Wijmenga Cisca , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Burtin Chris , Janssen Daisy J. A.
Published: July 2023

This study evaluates to what extent symptoms are present before, during, and after a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and to evaluate how the symptom burden and quality of Life (QoL) compares to those with a negative PCR test. Participants from the Dutch Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort Study filled-out as of March 2020 weekly, later bi-weekly and monthly, questions about demographics, COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, QoL, and symptoms. The study population included those with one positive or negative PCR test who filled out two questionnaires before and after the test, resulting in 996 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 3978 negative participants. Nearly all symptoms were more often reported after a positive test versus the period before the test (p < 0.05), except fever. A higher symptom prevalence after versus before a test was also found for nearly all symptoms in negatives (p < 0.05). Before the test, symptoms were already partly present and reporting of nearly all symptoms before did not differ between positives and negatives (p > 0.05). QoL decreased around the test for positives and negatives, with a larger deterioration for positives. Not all symptoms after a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test might be attributable to the infection and symptoms were also common in negatives.