bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On some products of finite groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches A. , Madanha S.Y. , Pedraza-Aguilera M.C. , Wu X.
Published: March 2023

A classical result of Baer states that a finite group G which is the product of two normal supersoluble subgroups is supersoluble if and only if Gʹ is nilpotent. In this article, we show that if G = AB is the product of supersoluble (respectively, w-supersoluble) subgroups A and B, A is normal in G and B permutes with every maximal subgroup of each Sylow subgroup of A, then G is supersoluble (respectively, w-supersoluble), provided that Gʹ is nilpotent. We also investigate products of subgroups defined above when $ A\cap B=1 $ and obtain more general results.
Social Mobility in Sweden before the Welfare State
Authors: Berger Thor , Engzell Per , Eriksson Björn , Molinder Jakob
Published: March 2023

We use historical census data to show that Sweden exhibited high levels of intergenerational occupational mobility several decades before the rise of the welfare state. Mobility rates were higher than in other nineteenth- and twentieth-century European countries, closer to those observed in the highly mobile nineteenth-century United States. We leverage mobility variation across Swedish municipalities to shed light on potential determinants: economic growth and migration are positively correlated with mobility, consistent with the patterns observed across countries.
Impact of bridging social capital on the tragedy of the commons: experimental evidence
Authors: Safarzynska Karolina , Sylwestrzak Marta
Published: March 2023

Sharing resources between members of different tribes and collectives is common and well-documented. Surprisingly, little is known about factors that are conducive to building social relationships between groups. We design a common-pool resource experiment, where after harvesting, groups can send some of their harvest to augment the resource of the outgroup. We compare donations made by individuals collectively and independently of other group members, under the conditions of equal and unequal resources. We find that individuals acting as decision-makers, but not groups, donate harvests frequently even though it is payoff-reducing. We conduct an additional treatment, where each donation is matched (doubled) by an equivalent transfer of resources, making sharing between groups payoff-improving. Under matching donations, sharing between groups flourishes, but fails to prevent resource decline in most groups. Finally, our experiment reveals that members of low-endowment groups overharvest resources in expectation of donations from affluent groups, which leads to the tragedy of the commons.
Minimalinvasive Therapie der gutartigen Prostatavergrösserung
Authors: Rieken Malte
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Minimal-invasive Techniken haben einen wachsenden Stellenwert im Spektrum der zur Verfügung stehenden Therapieoptionen der gutartigen Prostatavergrösserung. Hinsichtlich der vorliegenden Evidenz weist UroLift mit zwei prospektiven randomisierten Studien im Vergleich zur Schein-OP oder TUR-P ( Transurethrale Resektion der Prostata) einen hohen Evidenzgrad auf. Die Technik zeichnet eine im Vergleich zur TUR-P signifikant höhere Rate an Ejakulationserhalt aus, während die Verbesserung der objektiven Miktionsparameter der TUR-P unterlegen ist. Hinsichtlich der Rezum-Wasserdampfablation der Prostata liegen Daten einer randomisierten Studie im Vergleich zur Schein-OP vor sowie mehrere Kohortenstudien, welche ebenfalls eine signifikante Verbesserung von Miktionsbeschwerden bei einer hohen Rate an Sexualfunktionserhalt zeigen. Das Verfahren iTIND (temporäres implantierbares Nitinol Device) weist bisher den geringsten Umfang an Evidenz auf mit lediglich einer randomisierten Studie zum Scheineingriff mit einem Verlauf von einem Jahr sowie mehreren Kohortenstudien. Auch bei dieser Technik zeigt sich eine signifikante Verbesserung der Miktionsbeschwerden bei attraktiven Komorbiditätsspektrum. Prostatische Stents sind seit vielen Jahren auf dem Markt, bis dato fehlen jedoch weiterhin Daten aus randomisierten Studien. Bei der Auswahl minimal-invasiver Techniken sollte in Abhängigkeit der Wünsche und Erwartungen des Patienten entschieden werden, ob zum Erhalt von Sexualfunktion und einem geringeren Nebenwirkungsspektrum die verglichen mit Standardtechniken potenziell unterlegenen Resultate bezüglich der Verbesserung von Symptomen und Miktionsparamtern in Kauf genommen werden möchten.
Die männliche Inkontinenz
Authors: Kranzbühler Benedikt
Published: March 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die Urininkontinenz ist eine häufige Erkrankung des älteren Mannes, welche die Lebensqualität stark einschränken kann. Die Prävalenz steigt bei Männern über 85 Jahren auf bis zu 32%. Risikofaktoren einer männlichen Inkontinenz sind neben Operationen an der Prostata auch ein fortschreitendes Alter, Immobilität, Harnwegsinfektionen, Diabetes mellitus, kognitive Einschränkungen und neurologische Erkrankungen. Generell werden drei Subtypen der Urininkontinenz unterschieden: Belastungsinkontinenz, Dranginkontinenz und Mischinkontinenz. Im Rahmen eines Prostataobstruktionssyndroms kann es aufgrund einer Detrusorüberaktivität zu einer Dranginkontinenz kommen. Häufiger ist jedoch eine iatrogene Verletzung oder auch eine vorbestehende Insuffizienz des äusseren Schliessmuskels, welche zu einer postoperativen Belastungsinkontinenz nach einer Deobstruktion der Prostata führen kann. Die korrekte Behandlung der Inkontinenz führt in vielen Fällen zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Beschwerden, muss jedoch individuell an den jeweiligen Patienten angepasst werden.
Connecting Hemispheric Asymmetries of Planetary Albedo and Surface Temperature
Authors: Rugenstein Maria , Hakuba Maria
Published: March 2023

Satellite measurements show that the Northern and Southern hemispheres reflect equal amounts of shortwave radiation (“albedo symmetry”), but no theory exists on if, how, and why the symmetry is established and maintained. Ambiguously, climate models are strongly biased in albedo symmetry but agree in the sign of the response to CO2. We find that mean‐state biases in albedo symmetry and hemispheric surface temperature asymmetry correlate negatively. Similarly, the response of albedo asymmetry to CO2 forcing correlates negatively with the magnitude of the asymmetry in surface warming. This is true across many and within single climate model simulations: a too warm or stronger warming hemisphere is darker or darkens more than its counterpart. In the 21 years of observations we find the same tendency and hypothesize (a) albedo symmetry is a function of the current climate state and (b) we will observe an evolution toward albedo asymmetry in coming decades.
A Struggled Rupture Initiation of the Mw 6.1 2009 L’Aquila Earthquake
Authors: Cabrera Leoncio , Poli Piero
Published: March 2023

Understanding under which physical conditions large earthquakes begin, is a key question in Earth science. Laboratory experiments and numerical models have shown that earthquake nucleation has distinct phases: a quasi‐static and an acceleration stage, followed by dynamic propagation. However, obtaining observations of such or similar processes in nature is complex. Here, we report on the rupture initiation of the Mw 6.1 2009 L'Aquila earthquake. From the detailed analysis of seismic waves recorded at several stations, we identify an ∼0.6‐s signal preceding the large dynamic rupture. From the geometrical characterization and rupture parameters of this initial phase, we infer that the rupture struggled to initiate exhibiting a slow rupture velocity ( km/s) and low seismic efficiency () due to a complex environment in the region where the rupture starts. We also show that the parameters of the rupture initiation are representative of scale‐dependent quantities for slip‐dependent nucleation models.
Electron Heating in Magnetosheath Turbulence: Dominant Role of the Parallel Electric Field Within Coherent Structures
Authors: Xu Qianyun , Zhou Meng , Ma Wenqing , He Jiansen , Huang Shiyong , Zhong Zhihong , Pang Ye , Deng Xiaohua
Published: March 2023

How particles are being energized by turbulent electromagnetic fields is an outstanding question in plasma physics and astrophysics. This paper investigates the electron acceleration mechanism in strong turbulence (δB/B0 ∼ 1) in the Earth's magnetosheath based on the novel observations of the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. We find that electrons are magnetized in turbulent fields for the majority of the time. By directly calculating the electron acceleration rate from Fermi, betatron mechanism, and parallel electric field, it is found that electrons are primarily accelerated by the parallel electric field within coherent structures. Moreover, the acceleration rate by parallel electric fields increases as the spatial scale reduces, with the most intense acceleration occurring over about one ion inertial length. This study is an important step toward fully understanding the turbulent energy dissipation in weakly collisional plasmas.
Effect of User Decision and Environmental Factors on Computationally Derived River Networks
Authors: Olsen N. R. , Tavakoly A. A. , McCormack K. A. , Levin H. K.
Published: March 2023

Despite recent developments of continental and global vector‐based river networks, the impact of digital elevation model selection, stream initiation area and environmental parameters including land cover, and elevation, remain unexplored at large scales. To fill this gap, vector river networks based on multiple data sets are compared to the National Hydrography Dataset Plus High Resolution flowpaths. Using TauDEM, river networks from three conditioned Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were produced at multiple thresholds for stream initiation. OpenCLC, a software package for the comparison of hydrographic networks, was used to compare digital hydrographic networks with the NHDPlus HR flowlines data set over more than 35,00 basins. Networks derived from the 12 m Tandem‐X data set showed similar results as the MERIT Hydro with 90 m resolution until the application of a sophisticated stream burning methodology improved performance significantly. The optimal CLC is obtained at 1‐km threshold for Hydrological Data and Maps Based on SHuttle Elevation Derivatives at multiple Scales and MERIT Hydro‐gridded data sets, quality declined with smaller thresholds. Spatial patterns in river‐network quality were observed and were associated with dominant land classification, with greater forest coverage associated with significantly better quality and greater wetland presence with lower quality networks. This study demonstrates user selection of DEM, and threshold combined with environmental factors (vegetation, water coverage, and precipitation) play a significant role in river‐network quality compared to the DEM selection, and that without sophisticated conditioning, a higher resolution base DEM does not necessarily produce a better river network.
Reversible Thermal Hysteresis in Heating‐Cooling Cycles of Magnetic Susceptibility: A Fine Particle Effect of Magnetite
Authors: Zhang Qi , Appel Erwin
Published: March 2023

Thermomagnetic curves of magnetic susceptibility (κ) are key to characterizing magnetic properties. We report hump‐shaped κ‐T curves of magnetite‐bearing basalt during heating‐cooling cycles to ∼340°C, with a large thermal hysteresis and similar starting and ending values, even in multiple repeated cycles, ruling out changes in magnetic mineralogy. Based on FORC diagrams and published results of engineered materials, we propose that thermal hysteresis arises from configurations of magnetic moments in clusters of single‐domain particles due to dipolar coupling, with different collective behavior during heating and cooling. This effect modifies the hump‐shaped thermal relaxation behavior of the individual nanoparticles. FORC and κ‐T results indicate an increase in effective particle sizes after 700°C‐heating. Our results are a warning against premature interpretation of a decreasing trend in κ‐T curves by maghemite inversion. Instead, fine particle behavior should be considered when a hump‐shaped κ‐T behavior is detected.
Causal linkage of presence of mutant NPM1 to efficacy of novel therapeutic agents against AML cells with mutant NPM1
Authors: Mill Christopher P. , Fiskus Warren , Das Kaberi , Davis John A. , Birdwell Christine E. , Kadia Tapan M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Daver Naval , Takahashi Koichi , Sasaki Koji , McGeehan Gerard M. , Ruan Xinjia , Su Xiaoping , Loghavi Sanam , Kantarjian Hagop , Bhalla Kapil N.
Published: March 2023

In AML with NPM1 mutation causing cytoplasmic dislocation of NPM1, treatments with Menin inhibitor (MI) and standard AML chemotherapy yield complete remissions. However, the causal and mechanistic linkage of mtNPM1 to the efficacy of these agents has not been definitively established. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 editing to knockout (KO) or knock-in a copy of mtNPM1 in AML cells, present studies demonstrate that KO of mtNPM1 from AML cells abrogates sensitivity to MI, selinexor (exportin-1 inhibitor), and cytarabine. Conversely, the knock-in of a copy of mtNPM1 markedly sensitized AML cells to treatment with MI or cytarabine. Following AML therapy, most elderly patients with AML with mtNPM1 and co-mutations in FLT3 suffer AML relapse with poor outcomes, creating a need for novel effective therapies. Utilizing the RNA-Seq signature of CRISPR-edited AML cells with mtNPM1 KO, we interrogated the LINCS1000-CMap data set and found several pan-HDAC inhibitors and a WEE1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor among the top expression mimickers (EMs). Additionally, treatment with adavosertib (WEE1 inhibitor) or panobinostat (pan-HDAC inhibitor) exhibited synergistic in vitro lethal activity with MI against AML cells with mtNPM1. Treatment with adavosertib or panobinostat also reduced AML burden and improved survival in AML xenograft models sensitive or resistant to MI.
Visual acuity time in range: a novel concept to describe consistency in treatment response in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Kozak Igor , Pearce Ian , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Machewitz Tobias , Lambrou George N. , Molina Daniel , Suleiman Lima , Youssef Hossam , Bressler Neil M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess ‘time in range’ as a novel measure of treatment response in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Methods

This post hoc analysis of the Protocol T randomised clinical trial included 660 individuals with centre-involved DMO and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter score ≤78–≥24 (approximate Snellen equivalent 20/32–20/320). Study participants received intravitreal aflibercept 2.0 mg, repackaged (compounded) bevacizumab 1.25 mg, or ranibizumab 0.3 mg given up to every 4 weeks using defined retreatment criteria. Mean time in range was calculated using a BCVA letter score threshold of ≥69 (20/40 or better; minimum driving requirement in many regions), with sensitivity analyses using BCVA thresholds from 100 to 0 (20/10 to 20/800) in 1-letter increments.

Results

Time in range was defined as either the absolute or relative duration above a predefined BCVA threshold, measured in weeks or as a percentage of time, respectively. Using a BCVA letter score threshold of ≥69 (20/40 or better), the least squares mean time in range (adjusted for baseline BCVA) in Year 1 was 41.2 weeks with intravitreal aflibercept, 4.0 weeks longer (95% CI: 1.7, 6.3; p = 0.002) than bevacizumab and 3.6 weeks longer (1.3, 5.9; p = 0.004) than ranibizumab. Overall, mean time in range was numerically longer for intravitreal aflibercept for all BCVA letter score thresholds between 92 and 30 (20/20 to 20/250). In the Day 365–728 analysis, time in range was 3.9 (1.3, 6.5) and 2.4 (0.0, 4.9) weeks longer with intravitreal aflibercept vs bevacizumab and vs ranibizumab (p = 0.011 and 0.106), respectively.

Conclusion

BCVA time in range may represent another way to describe visual outcomes and potential impact on vision-related functions over time for patients with DMO and provide a better understanding, for physicians and patients, of the consistency of treatment efficacy.
The color of environmental noise in river networks
Authors: Tu Tongbi , Comte Lise , Ruhi Albert
Published: March 2023

Despite its far-reaching implications for conservation and natural resource management, little is known about the color of environmental noise, or the structure of temporal autocorrelation in random environmental variation, in streams and rivers. Here, we analyze the geography, drivers, and timescale-dependence of noise color in streamflow across the U.S. hydrography, using streamflow time series from 7504 gages. We find that daily and annual flows are dominated by red and white spectra respectively, and spatial variation in noise color is explained by a combination of geographic, hydroclimatic, and anthropogenic variables. Noise color at the daily scale is influenced by stream network position, and land use and water management explain around one third of the spatial variation in noise color irrespective of the timescale considered. Our results highlight the peculiarities of environmental variation regimes in riverine systems, and reveal a strong human fingerprint on the stochastic patterns of streamflow variation in river networks.
Structural basis of Ty1 integrase tethering to RNA polymerase III for targeted retrotransposon integration
Authors: Nguyen Phong Quoc , Huecas Sonia , Asif-Laidin Amna , Plaza-Pegueroles Adrián , Capuzzi Beatrice , Palmic Noé , Conesa Christine , Acker Joël , Reguera Juan , Lesage Pascale , Fernández-Tornero Carlos
Published: March 2023

The yeast Ty1 retrotransposon integrates upstream of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III (Pol III). Specificity of integration is mediated by an interaction between the Ty1 integrase (IN1) and Pol III, currently uncharacterized at the atomic level. We report cryo-EM structures of Pol III in complex with IN1, revealing a 16-residue segment at the IN1 C-terminus that contacts Pol III subunits AC40 and AC19, an interaction that we validate by in vivo mutational analysis. Binding to IN1 associates with allosteric changes in Pol III that may affect its transcriptional activity. The C-terminal domain of subunit C11, involved in RNA cleavage, inserts into the Pol III funnel pore, providing evidence for a two-metal mechanism during RNA cleavage. Additionally, ordering next to C11 of an N-terminal portion from subunit C53 may explain the connection between these subunits during termination and reinitiation. Deletion of the C53 N-terminal region leads to reduced chromatin association of Pol III and IN1, and a major fall in Ty1 integration events. Our data support a model in which IN1 binding induces a Pol III configuration that may favor its retention on chromatin, thereby improving the likelihood of Ty1 integration.
Domain-specific p53 mutants activate EGFR by distinct mechanisms exposing tissue-independent therapeutic vulnerabilities
Authors: Ho Teresa Lai Fong , Lee May Yin , Goh Hui Chin , Ng Germaine Yi Ning , Lee Jane Jia Hui , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Lim Yan Ting , Zhao Tianyun , Lim Edwin Kok Hao , Phua Cheryl Zi Jin , Lee Yi Fei , Lim Rebecca Yi Xuan , Ng Perry Jun Hao , Yuan Ju , Chan Dedrick Kok Hong , Lieske Bettina , Chong Choon Seng , Lee Kuok Chung , Lum Jeffrey , Cheong Wai Kit , Yeoh Khay Guan , Tan Ker Kan , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Verma Chandra S. , Lane David P. , Tam Wai Leong , Venkitaraman Ashok R.
Published: March 2023

Mis-sense mutations affecting TP53 promote carcinogenesis both by inactivating tumor suppression, and by conferring pro-carcinogenic activities. We report here that p53 DNA-binding domain (DBD) and transactivation domain (TAD) mis-sense mutants unexpectedly activate pro-carcinogenic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling via distinct, previously unrecognized molecular mechanisms. DBD- and TAD-specific TP53 mutants exhibited different cellular localization and induced distinct gene expression profiles. In multiple tissues, EGFR is stabilized by TAD and DBD mutants in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments respectively. TAD mutants promote EGFR-mediated signaling by enhancing EGFR interaction with AKT via DDX31 in the cytosol. Conversely, DBD mutants maintain EGFR activity in the nucleus, by blocking EGFR interaction with the phosphatase SHP1, triggering c-Myc and Cyclin D1 upregulation. Our findings suggest that p53 mutants carrying gain-of-function, mis-sense mutations affecting two different domains form new protein complexes that promote carcinogenesis by enhancing EGFR signaling via distinctive mechanisms, exposing clinically relevant therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Crop Type Maps for Operational Global Agricultural Monitoring
Authors: Becker-Reshef Inbal , Barker Brian , Whitcraft Alyssa , Oliva Patricia , Mobley Kara , Justice Christina , Sahajpal Ritvik
Published: March 2023

Crop type maps identify the spatial distribution of crop types and underpin a large range of agricultural monitoring applications ranging from early warning of crop shortfalls, crop condition assessments, production forecasts, and damage assessment from extreme weather, to agricultural statistics, agricultural insurance, and climate mitigation and adaptation decisions. Despite their importance, harmonized, up-to-date global crop type maps of the main food commodities do not exist to date. To address this critical data gap of global-scale consistent, up-to-date crop type maps, we harmonized 24 national and regional datasets from 21 sources covering 66 countries to develop a set of Best Available Crop Specific masks (BACS) over the major production and export countries for wheat, maize, rice, and soybeans, in the context of the G20 Global Agriculture Monitoring Program, GEOGLAM.
A novel model of the continual reassessment method in Phase I trial
Authors: Zhang Weijia , Lei Wanni , Zhu Xiaojun
Published: March 2023

For the model-based designs, the continual reassessment method (CRM) is widely used to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in phase I clinical trials. To improve the performance of classic CRM models, we propose a new CRM and its dose-toxicity probability function based on the Cox model whatever the treatment response is immediately observed or delayed. In the process of dose-finding trial, we can use our model in situations when either the response is delayed or not and can derive the likelihood function and posterior mean toxicity probabilities to find the MTD. Simulation is carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed model with the classic CRM models. We also evaluate the operating characteristics of the proposed model by the Efficiency, Accuracy, Reliability, and Safety (EARS) criteria.
Majorana’s approach to nonadiabatic transitions validates the adiabatic-impulse approximation
Authors: Kofman P. O. , Ivakhnenko O. V. , Shevchenko S. N. , Nori Franco
Published: March 2023

The approach by Ettore Majorana for non-adiabatic transitions between two quasi-crossing levels is revisited and significantly extended. We rederive the transition probability, known as the Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana formula, and introduce Majorana’s approach to modern readers. This result, typically referred as the Landau–Zener formula, was published by Majorana before Landau, Zener and Stückelberg. Moreover, we go well beyond previous results and we now obtain the full wave function, including its phase, which is important nowadays for quantum control and quantum information. The asymptotic wave function correctly describes the dynamics away from the avoided-level crossing, while it has limited accuracy in that region.
Aerobic biodegradation of untreated polyester–polyether urethanes by newly isolated yeast strains Exophilia sp. NS-7 and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12
Authors: Giyahchi Minoo , Moghimi Hamid
Published: March 2023

Polyester-urethanes as the most widely used polyurethanes (PUs) are among the most recalcitrant plastics in natural conditions. Among existing approaches for managing and reducing plastic waste, biodegradation as a promising approach to reduce plastic waste pollution has drawn scientific society's attention in recent years. In this study, two polyester–polyether urethane degrading yeasts were isolated and identified as two new strains of Exophilia sp. NS-7 and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12. The results showed that Exophilia sp. NS-7 is esterase, protease, and urease positive, and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12 can produce esterase and urease. Both strains can degrade Impranil® as the sole carbon source with the highest growth rate in 4–6 and 8–12 days, respectively. SEM micrograph revealed PU degradation ability in both strains by showing so many pits and holes in treated films. The Sturm test showed that these two isolates can mineralize PU to CO2, and significant decreases in N–H stretching, C–H stretching, C=O stretching, and N–H/C=O bending absorption in the molecular structure of PU were revealed by the FT-IR spectrum. The detection of the deshielding effect in chemical shifts of the H-NMR spectrum after the treatment also confirmed the destructive effects of both strains on PU films.
Determinants of bone mass in older adults with normal- and overweight derived from the crosstalk with muscle and adipose tissue
Authors: Walowski Carina O. , Herpich Catrin , Enderle Janna , Braun Wiebke , Both Marcus , Hasler Mario , Müller Manfred J. , Norman Kristina , Bosy-Westphal Anja
Published: March 2023

Lower bone mass in older adults may be mediated by the endocrine crosstalk between muscle, adipose tissue and bone. In 150 community-dwelling adults (59–86 years, BMI 17–37 kg/m2; 58.7% female), skeletal muscle mass index, adipose tissue and fat mass index (FMI) were determined. Levels of myokines, adipokines, osteokines, inflammation markers and insulin were measured as potential determinants of bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD). FMI was negatively associated with BMC and BMD after adjustment for mechanical loading effects of body weight (r-values between −0.37 and −0.71, all p < 0.05). Higher FMI was associated with higher leptin levels in both sexes, with higher hsCRP in women and with lower adiponectin levels in men. In addition to weight and FMI, sclerostin, osteocalcin, leptin × sex and adiponectin were independent predictors of BMC in a stepwise multiple regression analysis. Muscle mass, but not myokines, showed positive correlations with bone parameters that were weakened after adjusting for body weight (r-values between 0.27 and 0.58, all p < 0.01). Whereas the anabolic effect of muscle mass on bone in older adults may be partly explained by mechanical loading, the adverse effect of obesity on bone is possibly mediated by low-grade inflammation, higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels.
A low dose of RBD and TLR7/8 agonist displayed on influenza virosome particles protects rhesus macaque against SARS-CoV-2 challenge
Authors: Koopman Gerrit , Amacker Mario , Stegmann Toon , Verschoor Ernst J. , Verstrepen Babs E. , Bhoelan Farien , Bemelman Denzel , Böszörményi Kinga P. , Fagrouch Zahra , Kiemenyi-Kayere Gwendoline , Mortier Daniella , Verel Dagmar E. , Niphuis Henk , Acar Roja Fidel , Kondova Ivanela , Kap Yolanda S. , Bogers Willy M. J. M. , Mooij Petra , Fleury Sylvain
Published: March 2023

Influenza virosomes serve as antigen delivery vehicles and pre-existing immunity toward influenza improves the immune responses toward antigens. Here, vaccine efficacy was evaluated in non-human primates with a COVID-19 virosome-based vaccine containing a low dose of RBD protein (15 µg) and the adjuvant 3M-052 (1 µg), displayed together on virosomes. Vaccinated animals (n = 6) received two intramuscular administrations at week 0 and 4 and challenged with SARS-CoV-2 at week 8, together with unvaccinated control animals (n = 4). The vaccine was safe and well tolerated and serum RBD IgG antibodies were induced in all animals and in the nasal washes and bronchoalveolar lavages in the three youngest animals. All control animals became strongly sgRNA positive in BAL, while all vaccinated animals were protected, although the oldest vaccinated animal (V1) was transiently weakly positive. The three youngest animals had also no detectable sgRNA in nasal wash and throat. Cross-strain serum neutralizing antibodies toward Wuhan-like, Alpha, Beta, and Delta viruses were observed in animals with the highest serum titers. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, CXCL-10 and IL-6 were increased in BALs of infected control animals but not in vaccinated animals. Virosomes-RBD/3M-052 prevented severe SARS-CoV-2, as shown by a lower total lung inflammatory pathology score than control animals.
Intuitionistic fuzzy fairly operators and additive ratio assessment-based integrated model for selecting the optimal sustainable industrial building options
Authors: Mishra Arunodaya Raj , Rani Pratibha , Cavallaro Fausto , Hezam Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2023

In the past few years, the private sectors and industries have focused their attention on sustainable development goals to achieve the better and more sustainable future for all. To accomplish a sustainable community, one requires to better recognize the fundamental indicators and selects the most suitable sustainable policies in diverse regions of the community. Considering the huge impact of construction industry on sustainable development, very less research efforts have been made to obtain worldwide sustainable elucidations for this type of industry. As a large sector of construction industry, industrial buildings consume enormous amounts of energy and financial assets, and play a key character in job creation and life quality improvement in the community. In order to assess the sustainable industrial buildings by means of multiple indicators, the present study introduces a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making methodology which integrates the fairly aggregation operator, the MEthod based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC), the stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and the additive ratio assessment (ARAS) methods with intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS). In this respect, firstly new intuitionistic fuzzy weighted fairly aggregation operators are proposed and then employed to aggregate the decision information in the proposed hybrid method. This operator overcomes the limitations of basic intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators. To find the criteria weights, an integrated model is presented based on the MEREC for objective weights and the SWARA for subjective weights of indicators under IFS context. To rank the sustainable industrial buildings, an integrated ARAS method is employed from uncertain perspective. Further, a case study concerning sustainable industrial buildings evaluation is presented to illustrate the superiority and practicality of the developed methodology. The advantages of the developed approach are highlighted in terms of stability and reliability by comparison with some of the existing methods.
A novel method for in-situ extracting bio-impedance model parameters optimized for embedded hardware
Authors: Simić Mitar , Freeborn Todd J. , Šekara Tomislav B. , Stavrakis Adrian K. , Jeoti Varun , Stojanović Goran M.
Published: March 2023

A novel method for embedded hardware-based parameter estimation of the Cole model of bioimpedance is developed and presented. The model parameters R∞, R1 and C are estimated using the derived set of equations based on measured values of real (R) and imaginary part (X) of bioimpedance, as well as the numerical approximation of the first derivative of quotient R/X with respect to angular frequency. The optimal value for parameter α is estimated using a brute force method. The estimation accuracy of the proposed method is very similar with the relevant work from the existing literature. Moreover, performance evaluation was performed using the MATLAB software installed on a laptop, as well as on the three embedded-hardware platforms (Arduino Mega2560, Raspberry Pi Pico and XIAO SAMD21). Obtained results showed that the used platforms can perform reliable bioimpedance processing with the same accuracy, while Raspberry Pi Pico is the fastest solution with the smallest energy consumption.
Coenzyme A binding sites induce proximal acylation across protein families
Authors: Carrico Chris , Cruz Andrew , Walter Marius , Meyer Jesse , Wehrfritz Cameron , Shah Samah , Wei Lei , Schilling Birgit , Verdin Eric
Published: March 2023

Lysine Nɛ-acylations, such as acetylation or succinylation, are post-translational modifications that regulate protein function. In mitochondria, lysine acylation is predominantly non-enzymatic, and only a specific subset of the proteome is acylated. Coenzyme A (CoA) can act as an acyl group carrier via a thioester bond, but what controls the acylation of mitochondrial lysines remains poorly understood. Using published datasets, here we found that proteins with a CoA-binding site are more likely to be acetylated, succinylated, and glutarylated. Using computational modeling, we show that lysine residues near the CoA-binding pocket are highly acylated compared to those farther away. We hypothesized that acyl-CoA binding enhances acylation of nearby lysine residues. To test this hypothesis, we co-incubated enoyl-CoA hydratase short chain 1 (ECHS1), a CoA-binding mitochondrial protein, with succinyl-CoA and CoA. Using mass spectrometry, we found that succinyl-CoA induced widespread lysine succinylation and that CoA competitively inhibited ECHS1 succinylation. CoA-induced inhibition at a particular lysine site correlated inversely with the distance between that lysine and the CoA-binding pocket. Our study indicated that CoA acts as a competitive inhibitor of ECHS1 succinylation by binding to the CoA-binding pocket. Together, this suggests that proximal acylation at CoA-binding sites is a primary mechanism for lysine acylation in the mitochondria.
Platelet to lymphocyte ratio was a risk factor in Perthes disease
Authors: Wang TianTian , Luo XiaoLin , Li BoXiang , Huang Qian , Liu JianHong , Tang ShengPing , Liu Yun , Lu RongBin , Liao ShiJie , Ding XiaoFei
Published: March 2023

The study was aimed to determine the relationship between PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio) and the lateral pillar classification of Perthes disease, and to provide an alternative index for clinical diagnosis. In addition, the association of the PLR with the necrosis stage of Perthes disease was also explored. This was a retrospective study. 74 children with Perthes disease and 60 children in the healthy control group without femoral head necrosis in our hospital from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The general data and clinical parameters were collected from the hospital information system. The modified herring lateral pillar classification was collected for the fragmentation stage case group and the PLR, NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio), LMR (lymphocyte to monocyte ratio) and PNR (platelet to neutrophil ratio) were calculated. The cases were divided into four groups, herring A and B were group I, herring B/C and C were group II, the healthy control group was group III, and the necrosis stage was group IV. The hematological indexes (NLR, PLR, LMR, PNR) of children at different stages were statistically analyzed. Group I consisted of 36 patients, with an average age of 7.4 ± 2.0 years (3–11 years). Group II consisted of 23 patients, with an average age of 7.4 ± 1.9 years (4–12 years). Group III consisted of 60 patients, with a mean age of 7.4 ± 2.7 years (4–13 years). Group IV consisted of 15 patients, with an average age of 6.4 ± 1.7 years (3–10 years). The average values of PLR in groups I, II, III and IV were 131.98 ± 47.44, 122.19 ± 37.88, 102.46 ± 30.68 and 128.90 ± 28.11, respectively. It's worth noting that there was statistically significant difference among groups I, II and III (P = 0.003). The optimal threshold of PLR was 130.25, the sensitivity was 45.8% and the specificity was 85%. PLR was also significantly different between groups III and group IV. PLR was higher in Herring A and B classifications than in Herring B/C and C classifications. PLR had certain diagnostic value in both the necrosis stage and fragmentation stage as a risk factor.
Lonafarnib and everolimus reduce pathology in iPSC-derived tissue engineered blood vessel model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Authors: Abutaleb Nadia O. , Atchison Leigh , Choi Leandro , Bedapudi Akhil , Shores Kevin , Gete Yantenew , Cao Kan , Truskey George A.
Published: March 2023

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare, fatal genetic disease that accelerates atherosclerosis. With a limited pool of HGPS patients, clinical trials face unique challenges and require reliable preclinical testing. We previously reported a 3D tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV) microphysiological system fabricated with iPSC-derived vascular cells from HGPS patients. HGPS TEBVs exhibit features of HGPS atherosclerosis including loss of smooth muscle cells, reduced vasoactivity, excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, inflammatory marker expression, and calcification. We tested the effects of HGPS therapeutics Lonafarnib and Everolimus separately and together, currently in Phase I/II clinical trial, on HGPS TEBVs. Everolimus decreased reactive oxygen species levels, increased proliferation, reduced DNA damage in HGPS vascular cells, and improved vasoconstriction in HGPS TEBVs. Lonafarnib improved shear stress response of HGPS iPSC-derived endothelial cells (viECs) and reduced ECM deposition, inflammation, and calcification in HGPS TEBVs. Combination treatment with Lonafarnib and Everolimus produced additional benefits such as improved endothelial and smooth muscle marker expression and reduced apoptosis, as well as increased TEBV vasoconstriction and vasodilation. These results suggest that a combined trial of both drugs may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond Lonafarnib, if the Everolimus dose can be tolerated.
Evaluation of autoantibodies to desmoglein-2 in dogs with and without cardiac disease
Authors: Walker Ashley L. , Li Ronald H. L. , Nguyen Nghi , Jauregui Carina E. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Gagnon Allison L. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: March 2023

Autoantibodies to desmoglein-2 have been associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in people. ARVC is a common disease in the Boxer dog. The role of anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies in Boxers with ARVC and correlation with disease status or severity is unknown. This prospective study is the first to evaluate dogs of various breeds and cardiac disease state for anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies. The sera of 46 dogs (10 ARVC Boxers, 9 healthy Boxers, 10 Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy, 10 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, and 7 healthy non-Boxer dogs) were assessed for antibody presence and concentration via Western blotting and densitometry. Anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies were detected in all dogs. Autoantibody expression did not differ between study groups and there was no correlation with age or body weight. In dogs with cardiac disease, there was weak correlation with left ventricular dilation (r = 0.423, p = 0.020) but not left atrial size (r = 0.160, p = 0.407). In ARVC Boxers there was strong correlation with the complexity of ventricular arrhythmias (r = 0.841, p = 0.007) but not total number of ectopic beats (r = 0.383, p = 0.313). Anti-desmoglein-2 antibodies were not disease specific in the studied population of dogs. Correlation with some measures of disease severity requires further study with larger populations.
Impact of radiation dose reduction and iterative image reconstruction on CT-guided spine biopsies
Authors: Paprottka Karolin J. , Kupfer Karina , Schultz Vivian , Beer Meinrad , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S. , Sollmann Nico
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of dose reduction on image quality and confidence for intervention planning and guidance regarding computed tomography (CT)-based intervertebral disc and vertebral body biopsies. We retrospectively analyzed 96 patients who underwent multi-detector CT (MDCT) acquired for the purpose of biopsies, which were either derived from scanning with standard dose (SD) or low dose (LD; using tube current reduction). The SD cases were matched to LD cases considering sex, age, level of biopsy, presence of spinal instrumentation, and body diameter. All images for planning (reconstruction: “IMR1”) and periprocedural guidance (reconstruction: “iDose4”) were evaluated by two readers (R1 and R2) using Likert scales. Image noise was measured using attenuation values of paraspinal muscle tissue. The dose length product (DLP) was statistically significantly lower for LD scans regarding the planning scans (SD: 13.8 ± 8.2 mGy*cm, LD: 8.1 ± 4.4 mGy*cm, p < 0.01) and the interventional guidance scans (SD: 43.0 ± 48.8 mGy*cm, LD: 18.4 ± 7.3 mGy*cm, p < 0.01). Image quality, contrast, determination of the target structure, and confidence for planning or intervention guidance were rated good to perfect for SD and LD scans, showing no statistically significant differences between SD and LD scans (p > 0.05). Image noise was similar between SD and LD scans performed for planning of the interventional procedures (SD: 14.62 ± 2.83 HU vs. LD: 15.45 ± 3.22 HU, p = 0.24). Use of a LD protocol for MDCT-guided biopsies along the spine is a practical alternative, maintaining overall image quality and confidence. Increasing availability of model-based iterative reconstruction in clinical routine may facilitate further radiation dose reductions.
Beyond the spore, the exosporium sugar anthrose impacts vegetative Bacillus anthracis gene regulation in cis and trans
Authors: Norris Michael H. , Bluhm Andrew P. , Metrailer Morgan C. , Jiranantasak Treenate , Kirpich Alexander , Hadfield Ted , Ponciano Jose Miguel , Blackburn Jason K.
Published: March 2023

The Bacillus anthracis exosporium nap is the outermost portion of spore that interacts with the environment and host systems. Changes to this layer have the potential to impact wide-ranging physiological and immunological processes. The unique sugar, anthrose, normally coats the exosporium nap at its most distal points. We previously identified additional mechanisms rendering B. anthracis anthrose negative. In this work, several new ant−B. anthracis strains are identified and the impact of anthrose negativity on spore physiology is investigated. We demonstrate that live-attenuated Sterne vaccines as well as culture filtrate anthrax vaccines generate antibodies targeting non-protein components of the spore. The role of anthrose as a vegetative B. anthracis Sterne signaling molecule is implicated by luminescent expression strain assays, RNA-seq experiments, and toxin secretion analysis by western blot. Pure anthrose and the sporulation-inducing nucleoside analogue decoyinine had similar effects on toxin expression. Co-culture experiments demonstrated gene expression changes in B. anthracis depend on intracellular anthrose status (cis) in addition to anthrose status of extracellular interactions (trans). These findings provide a mechanism for how a unique spore-specific sugar residue affects physiology, expression and genetics of vegetative B. anthracis with impacts on the ecology, pathogenesis, and vaccinology of anthrax.
Outer nuclear layer recovery as a predictor of visual prognosis in type 1 choroidal neovascularization of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Lee Seungheon , Kim Kyung Tae , Kim Dong Yoon , Chae Ju Byung , Seo Eoi Jong
Published: March 2023

To investigate the changes in outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and its impact on vision. Type 1 CNV eyes (n = 94) were retrospectively compared to normal control eyes (n = 35). Along with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the location of CNV, foveal ONL thickness, and subretinal fluid height were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and analyzed. Visual outcome and OCT biomarkers were compared. As a result, the CNV group had thinner foveal ONL and worse BCVA compared to the control group. ONL thickness recovered partially along with visual improvement following 3 monthly initial loading doses of aflibercept injections, and it correlated with the final BCVA during the 1-year follow-up. Eyes achieved foveal ONL recovery over + 10 µm had lower subfoveal CNV (45.5%) and showed better visual outcomes than eyes with stationary ONL or suboptimal ONL recovery (76.0%, p = 0.012). In conclusion, type 1 CNV eyes that recovered foveal ONL thickness at initial loading of anti-VEGF demonstrated good final visual outcome during the 1-year follow-up. Monitoring the foveal ONL thickness during early anti-VEGF treatment can give information about the visual outcomes in type 1 CNV.
Nano‑zinc enhances gene regulation of non‑specific immunity and antioxidative status to mitigate multiple stresses in fish
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Singh Dilip Kumar , Chandan Nitish Kumar , Thorat Supriya Tukaram , Patole Pooja Bapurao , Gite Archana , Reddy Kotha Sammi
Published: March 2023

The toxicity of ammonia surged with arsenic pollution and high temperature (34 °C). As climate change enhances the pollution in water bodies, however, the aquatic animals are drastically affected and extinct from nature. The present investigation aims to mitigate arsenic and ammonia toxicity and high-temperature stress (As + NH3 + T) using zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Zn-NPs were synthesized using fisheries waste to developing Zn-NPs diets. The four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated and prepared. The diets containing Zn-NPs at 0 (control), 2, 4 and 6 mg kg−1 diets were included. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were noticeably improved using Zn-NPs diets in fish reared under with or without stressors. Interestingly, lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced, whereas vitamin C and acetylcholine esterase were enhanced with supplementation of Zn-NPs diets. Immune-related attributes such as total protein, globulin, albumin, myeloperoxidase (MPO), A:G ratio, and NBT were also improved with Zn-NPs at 4 mg kg−1 diet. The immune-related genes such as immunoglobulin (Ig), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), and interleukin (IL1b) were strengthening in the fish using Zn-NPs diets. Indeed, the gene regulations of growth hormone (GH), growth hormone regulator (GHR1), myostatin (MYST) and somatostatin (SMT) were significantly improved with Zn-NPs diets. Blood glucose, cortisol and HSP 70 gene expressions were significantly upregulated by stressors, whereas the dietary Zn-NPs downregulated the gene expression. Blood profiling (RBC, WBC and Hb) was reduced considerably with stressors (As + NH3 + T), whereas Zn-NPs enhanced the RBC, WBC, and Hb count in fish reread in control or stress conditions. DNA damage-inducible protein gene and DNA damage were significantly reduced using Zn-NPs at 4 mg kg−1 diet. Moreover, the Zn-NPs also enhanced the arsenic detoxification in different fish tissues. The present investigation revealed that Zn-NPs diets mitigate ammonia and arsenic toxicity, and high-temperature stress in P. hypophthalmus.
An attempt to confirm the contribution to ORR activity of different N-species in M-NC (M = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts with XPS analysis
Authors: Li Zhuxin , Yu Hongquan , Zhang Yong , Wu Danyang , Bai Yunxiang , Liu Shuhong , Zhao Hong
Published: March 2023

M-NC catalysts were prepared by a combination of the electrospinning method and thermal treatment.
Manganese–cobalt oxide as an effective bifunctional cathode for rechargeable Zn–air batteries with a compact quad-cell battery design
Authors: Dilshad Khaleel Ahmed J. , Rabinal M. K.
Published: March 2023

Metal–air batteries are an important component of future energy needs. Especially, zinc-air batteries show promising electrochemical characteristics.
Electronegativity principle for hydrogen evolution activity using first-principles calculations
Authors: An Yi , Ouyang Min , Kong Shaoyu , Wang Guangjin , Chen Xiaobo
Published: March 2023

Catalysts with lower Mulliken electronegativity χ exhibit higher catalytic activity. This electronegativity principle is reaction route and pH independent and is founded on the thermoneutral requirement on ΔGH.