bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Riparian Groundwater Level Variation and Its Impacts on Bank Erosion in the Middle Yangtze River
Authors: Deng Shanshan , Xia Junqiang , Zhou Meirong , Zhou Yueyao , Liu Xin , Li Zhiwei
Published: June 2022

The interaction between groundwater flow and river flow plays an important role in the bank erosion process, but field measurements on riparian groundwater flows remain very limited, especially in large river systems. Three monitoring wells of groundwater flow were constructed at two typical sites of the Middle Yangtze River (MYR) in 2021, with the hydrographs of the riparian groundwater level and river stage being obtained. Results indicated that (a) the variation in the groundwater level generally followed with the river stage during the flood peak period, but decoupled from the river stage during the recession period; (b) the delayed response of the groundwater level to river stage variation was quantified by the ratio of their change rates, which linearly increased with the magnitude of the river stage, but decreased with the change rate of the river stage as a loose power function; and (c) the increasing ground water level resulted in a 61% loss of the cohesion of upper cohesive bank soil and a complete loss of the apparent cohesion of the lower noncohesive bank soil. The major mechanism underlying the influences of the groundwater flow on bank erosion in the MYR is probably the development of pore water pressure that changes the forces acting on soil block and reduces the soil shear strength, whereas seepage erosion is seemingly not intensive. The current study can provide a direct evidence for the response of the riparian groundwater level variation to the river stage change in a large river system.
A hierarchical vascularized engineered bone inspired by intramembranous ossification for mandibular regeneration
Authors: Ye Xin , He Jianxiang , Wang Shaolong , Han Qianglong , You Dongqi , Feng Bin , Zhao Feiya , Yin Jun , Yu Mengfei , Wang Huiming , Yang Huayong
Published: June 2022

Mandibular defects caused by injuries, tumors, and infections are common and can severely affect mandibular function and the patient’s appearance. However, mandible reconstruction with a mandibular bionic structure remains challenging. Inspired by the process of intramembranous ossification in mandibular development, a hierarchical vascularized engineered bone consisting of angiogenesis and osteogenesis modules has been produced. Moreover, the hierarchical vascular network and bone structure generated by these hierarchical vascularized engineered bone modules match the particular anatomical structure of the mandible. The ultra-tough polyion complex has been used as the basic scaffold for hierarchical vascularized engineered bone for ensuring better reconstruction of mandible function. According to the results of in vivo experiments, the bone regenerated using hierarchical vascularized engineered bone is similar to the natural mandibular bone in terms of morphology and genomics. The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway is specifically activated in hierarchical vascularized engineered bone, indicating that the new bone in hierarchical vascularized engineered bone underwent a process of intramembranous ossification identical to that of mandible development. Thus, hierarchical vascularized engineered bone has a high potential for clinical application in mandibular defect reconstruction. Moreover, the concept based on developmental processes and bionic structures provides an effective strategy for tissue regeneration.
Medial prefrontal cortex Notch1 signalling mediates methamphetamine-induced psychosis via Hes1-dependent suppression of GABAB1 receptor expression
Authors: Ni Tong , Zhu Li , Wang Shuai , Zhu Weili , Xue Yanxue , Zhu Yingjie , Ma Dongliang , Wang Hongyan , Guan Fanglin , Chen Teng
Published: June 2022

Methamphetamine (METH), a widely abused stimulant drug, induces psychosis in approximately half of abusers; this effect is becoming a major concern for society. Although the Notch1 signalling pathway has been shown to play a part in the pathogenesis of some psychiatric disorders, its role in METH-induced psychosis (MIP) is still unknown. Here, the METH-induced locomotor sensitization model in rodents is considered to represent the underlying neurochemical changes driving psychoses. We found that the Notch1 signalling was downregulated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in sensitized mice. Direct genetic and pharmacological manipulations of Notch1 signalling bidirectionally altered METH-induced locomotor sensitization and other MIP-related behaviours through governing neuronal activity in the mPFC. Moreover, Notch1 signalling negatively regulated GABAB1 receptor expression in the mPFC of METH-sensitized mice through Hes1, a transcriptional repressor in Notch1 signalling. Further, we show that Hes1 can directly bind to the GABAB1 receptor promoter. Notably, pharmacological regulation of the GABAB receptor in the mPFC reversed the changes in METH-induced locomotor sensitization caused by the dysfunction of Notch1 signalling. Together, our findings uncover a previously unrecognised Notch1-Hes1-GABAB1 receptor-dependent mechanism involved in regulating mPFC neuronal activity and behavioural phenotypes in MIP. Our work provides mechanistic insight into the aetiology and pathophysiology of MIP.
Fetal endothelial colony-forming cell impairment after maternal kidney transplantation
Authors: Meyer Nadia , Vu Thu Huong , Brodowski Lars , Schröder-Heurich Bianca , von Kaisenberg Constantin , von Versen-Höynck Frauke
Published: June 2022

Background

Successful pregnancies are nowadays possible after kidney transplantation but are associated with a higher incidence of maternal and fetal complications. Immunosuppressive therapy causes cardiovascular side effects but must be maintained during pregnancy. Little is known about the consequences of maternal kidney transplantation on offspring’s endothelial health. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) represent a highly proliferative subtype of endothelial progenitor cells and are crucial for vascular homeostasis, repair and neovascularization. Therefore, we investigated whether maternal kidney transplantation affects fetal ECFCs’ characteristics.

Methods

ECFCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood of uncomplicated and post-kidney-transplant pregnancies and analyzed for their functional abilities with proliferation, cell migration, centrosome orientation and angiogenesis assays. Further, ECFCs from uncomplicated pregnancies were exposed to either umbilical cord serum from uncomplicated or post-kidney-transplant pregnancies.

Results

Post-kidney-transplant ECFCs showed significantly less proliferation, less migration and less angiogenesis compared to control ECFCs. The presence of post-kidney-transplant umbilical cord serum led to similar functional aberrations of ECFCs from uncomplicated pregnancies.

Conclusions

These pilot data demonstrate differences in ECFCs’ biological characteristics in offspring of women after kidney transplantation. Further studies are needed to monitor offspring’s long-term cardiovascular development and to assess possible causal relationships with immunosuppressants, uremia and maternal cardiovascular alterations.

Impact

Pregnancy after kidney transplantation has become more common in the past years but is associated with higher complications for mother and offspring.

Little is known of the impact of maternal kidney transplantation and the mandatory immunosuppressive therapy on offspring vascular development.

In this study we are the first to address and detect an impairment of endothelial progenitor cell function in offspring of kidney-transplanted mothers.

Serum from post-transplant pregnancies also causes negative effects on ECFCs’ function.

Clinical studies should focus on long-term monitoring of offspring’s cardiovascular health.
Statins and prostate cancer—hype or hope? The epidemiological perspective
Authors: Craig Emma L. , Stopsack Konrad H. , Evergren Emma , Penn Linda Z. , Freedland Stephen J. , Hamilton Robert J. , Allott Emma H.
Published: June 2022

Background

Men using cholesterol-lowering statin medications have been found to have lower risks of both advanced and fatal prostate cancer in multiple registry-based studies and prospective cohort studies. Statin use has also been associated with longer survival among men already diagnosed with prostate cancer. Mechanisms responsible for purported anti-cancer effects of statins are not well understood but may offer insight into prostate cancer biology.

Methods

We summarise epidemiological data from studies of statins and prostate cancer and discuss to what extent these findings can be interpreted as causal. Additionally, lipid-mediated and non-lipid-mediated mechanisms that may contribute to potential anti-cancer effects of statins are reviewed. Finally, we consider treatment settings and molecular subgroups of men who might benefit more than others from statin use in terms of prostate cancer-specific outcomes.

Results

Data from prospective observational studies generally reported a lower risk of fatal prostate cancer among statin users. There is some evidence for serum cholesterol-lowering as an indirect mechanism linking statins with advanced and fatal prostate cancer. Window-of-opportunity clinical trials show measurable levels of statins in prostate tissue highlighting potential for direct effects, whilst observational data suggest possible statin-driven modulation of prostate microenvironment inflammation. Additionally, emerging data from registry studies support a potential role for statins within the context of androgen deprivation therapy and anti-androgen treatment.

Conclusion

Prospective and registry-based studies support a lower risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer in statin users relative to non-users, as well as better outcomes among prostate cancer patients. The few randomised-controlled trials conducted so far have short follow-up, lack identified molecular subgroups, and do not provide additional support for the observational results. Consequently, additional evidence is required to determine which men may experience greatest benefit in terms of prostate cancer-specific outcomes and how statin effects may vary according to molecular tumour characteristics.
Dietary folate drives methionine metabolism to promote cancer development by stabilizing MAT IIA
Authors: Li Jin-Tao , Yang Hai , Lei Ming-Zhu , Zhu Wei-Ping , Su Ying , Li Kai-Yue , Zhu Wen-Ying , Wang Jian , Zhang Lei , Qu Jia , Lv Lei , Lu Hao-Jie , Chen Zheng-Jun , Wang Lu , Yin Miao , Lei Qun-Ying
Published: June 2022

Folic acid, served as dietary supplement, is closely linked to one-carbon metabolism and methionine metabolism. Previous clinical evidence indicated that folic acid supplementation displays dual effect on cancer development, promoting or suppressing tumor formation and progression. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be uncovered. Here, we report that high-folate diet significantly promotes cancer development in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by DEN/high-fat diet (HFD), simultaneously with increased expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (gene name, MAT2A; protein name, MATIIα), the key enzyme in methionine metabolism, and acceleration of methionine cycle in cancer tissues. In contrast, folate-free diet reduces MATIIα expression and impedes HFD-induced HCC development. Notably, methionine metabolism is dynamically reprogrammed with valosin-containing protein p97/p47 complex-interacting protein (VCIP135) which functions as a deubiquitylating enzyme to bind and stabilize MATIIα in response to folic acid signal. Consistently, upregulation of MATIIα expression is positively correlated with increased VCIP135 protein level in human HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Furthermore, liver-specific knockout of Mat2a remarkably abolishes the advocating effect of folic acid on HFD-induced HCC, demonstrating that the effect of high or free folate-diet on HFD-induced HCC relies on Mat2a. Moreover, folate and multiple intermediate metabolites in one-carbon metabolism are significantly decreased in vivo and in vitro upon Mat2a deletion. Together, folate promotes the integration of methionine and one-carbon metabolism, contributing to HCC development via hijacking MATIIα metabolic pathway. This study provides insight into folate-promoted cancer development, strongly recommending the tailor-made folate supplement guideline for both sub-healthy populations and patients with cancer expressing high level of MATIIα expression.
Many-body theory of positron binding to polyatomic molecules
Authors: Hofierka Jaroslav , Cunningham Brian , Rawlins Charlie M. , Patterson Charles H. , Green Dermot G.
Published: June 2022

Positron binding to molecules is key to extremely enhanced positron annihilation and positron-based molecular spectroscopy1. Although positron binding energies have been measured for about 90 polyatomic molecules1–6, an accurate ab initio theoretical description of positron–molecule binding has remained elusive. Of the molecules studied experimentally, ab initio calculations exist for only six; these calculations agree with experiments on polar molecules to at best 25 per cent accuracy and fail to predict binding in nonpolar molecules. The theoretical challenge stems from the need to accurately describe the strong many-body correlations including polarization of the electron cloud, screening of the electron–positron Coulomb interaction and the unique process of virtual-positronium formation (in which a molecular electron temporarily tunnels to the positron)1. Here we develop a many-body theory of positron–molecule interactions that achieves excellent agreement with experiment (to within 1 per cent in cases) and predicts binding in formamide and nucleobases. Our framework quantitatively captures the role of many-body correlations and shows their crucial effect on enhancing binding in polar molecules, enabling binding in nonpolar molecules, and increasing annihilation rates by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. Our many-body approach can be extended to positron scattering and annihilation γ-ray spectra in molecules and condensed matter, to provide the fundamental insight and predictive capability required to improve materials science diagnostics7,8, develop antimatter-based technologies (including positron traps, beams and positron emission tomography)8–10, and understand positrons in the Galaxy11.
Engineering topological states in atom-based semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Kiczynski M. , Gorman S. K. , Geng H. , Donnelly M. B. , Chung Y. , He Y. , Keizer J. G. , Simmons M. Y.
Published: June 2022

The realization of controllable fermionic quantum systems via quantum simulation is instrumental for exploring many of the most intriguing effects in condensed-matter physics1–3. Semiconductor quantum dots are particularly promising for quantum simulation as they can be engineered to achieve strong quantum correlations. However, although simulation of the Fermi–Hubbard model4and Nagaoka ferromagnetism5have been reported before, the simplest one-dimensional model of strongly correlated topological matter, the many-body Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model6–11, has so far remained elusive—mostly owing to the challenge of precisely engineering long-range interactions between electrons to reproduce the chosen Hamiltonian. Here we show that for precision-placed atoms in silicon with strong Coulomb confinement, we can engineer a minimum of six all-epitaxial in-plane gates to tune the energy levels across a linear array of ten quantum dots to realize both the trivial and the topological phases of the many-body SSH model. The strong on-site energies (about 25 millielectronvolts) and the ability to engineer gates with subnanometre precision in a unique staggered design allow us to tune the ratio between intercell and intracell electron transport to observe clear signatures of a topological phase with two conductance peaks at quarter-filling, compared with the ten conductance peaks of the trivial phase. The demonstration of the SSH model in a fermionic system isomorphic to qubits showcases our highly controllable quantum system and its usefulness for future simulations of strongly interacting electrons.
Observation of a correlated free four-neutron system
Authors: Duer M. , Aumann T. , Gernhäuser R. , Panin V. , Paschalis S. , Rossi D. M. , Achouri N. L. , Ahn D. , Baba H. , Bertulani C. A. , Böhmer M. , Boretzky K. , Caesar C. , Chiga N. , Corsi A. , Cortina-Gil D. , Douma C. A. , Dufter F. , Elekes Z. , Feng J. , Fernández-Domínguez B. , Forsberg U. , Fukuda N. , Gasparic I. , Ge Z. , Gheller J. M. , Gibelin J. , Gillibert A. , Hahn K. I. , Halász Z. , Harakeh M. N. , Hirayama A. , Holl M. , Inabe N. , Isobe T. , Kahlbow J. , Kalantar-Nayestanaki N. , Kim D. , Kim S. , Kobayashi T. , Kondo Y. , Körper D. , Koseoglou P. , Kubota Y. , Kuti I. , Li P. J. , Lehr C. , Lindberg S. , Liu Y. , Marqués F. M. , Masuoka S. , Matsumoto M. , Mayer J. , Miki K. , Monteagudo B. , Nakamura T. , Nilsson T. , Obertelli A. , Orr N. A. , Otsu H. , Park S. Y. , Parlog M. , Potlog P. M. , Reichert S. , Revel A. , Saito A. T. , Sasano M. , Scheit H. , Schindler F. , Shimoura S. , Simon H. , Stuhl L. , Suzuki H. , Symochko D. , Takeda H. , Tanaka J. , Togano Y. , Tomai T. , Törnqvist H. T. , Tscheuschner J. , Uesaka T. , Wagner V. , Yamada H. , Yang B. , Yang L. , Yang Z. H. , Yasuda M. , Yoneda K. , Zanetti L. , Zenihiro J. , Zhukov M. V.
Published: June 2022

A long-standing question in nuclear physics is whether chargeless nuclear systems can exist. To our knowledge, only neutron stars represent near-pure neutron systems, where neutrons are squeezed together by the gravitational force to very high densities. The experimental search for isolated multi-neutron systems has been an ongoing quest for several decades1, with a particular focus on the four-neutron system called the tetraneutron, resulting in only a few indications of its existence so far2–4, leaving the tetraneutron an elusive nuclear system for six decades. Here we report on the observation of a resonance-like structure near threshold in the four-neutron system that is consistent with a quasi-bound tetraneutron state existing for a very short time. The measured energy and width of this state provide a key benchmark for our understanding of the nuclear force. The use of an experimental approach based on a knockout reaction at large momentum transfer with a radioactive high-energy 8He beam was key.
Organic bipolar transistors
Authors: Wang Shu-Jen , Sawatzki Michael , Darbandy Ghader , Talnack Felix , Vahland Jörn , Malfois Marc , Kloes Alexander , Mannsfeld Stefan , Kleemann Hans , Leo Karl
Published: June 2022

Devices made using thin-film semiconductors have attracted much interest recently owing to new application possibilities. Among materials systems suitable for thin-film electronics, organic semiconductors are of particular interest; their low cost, biocompatible carbon-based materials and deposition by simple techniques such as evaporation or printing enable organic semiconductor devices to be used for ubiquitous electronics, such as those used on or in the human body or on clothing and packages1–3. The potential of organic electronics can be leveraged only if the performance of organic transistors is improved markedly. Here we present organic bipolar transistors with outstanding device performance: a previously undescribed vertical architecture and highly crystalline organic rubrene thin films yield devices with high differential amplification (more than 100) and superior high-frequency performance over conventional devices. These bipolar transistors also give insight into the minority carrier diffusion length—a key parameter in organic semiconductors. Our results open the door to new device concepts of high-performance organic electronics with ever faster switching speeds.
Cryo-EM structure of a type IV secretion system
Authors: Macé Kévin , Vadakkepat Abhinav K. , Redzej Adam , Lukoyanova Natalya , Oomen Clasien , Braun Nathalie , Ukleja Marta , Lu Fang , Costa Tiago R. D. , Orlova Elena V. , Baker David , Cong Qian , Waksman Gabriel
Published: June 2022

Bacterial conjugation is the fundamental process of unidirectional transfer of DNAs, often plasmid DNAs, from a donor cell to a recipient cell1. It is the primary means by which antibiotic resistance genes spread among bacterial populations2,3. In Gram-negative bacteria, conjugation is mediated by a large transport apparatus—the conjugative type IV secretion system (T4SS)—produced by the donor cell and embedded in both its outer and inner membranes. The T4SS also elaborates a long extracellular filament—the conjugative pilus—that is essential for DNA transfer4,5. Here we present a high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a 2.8 megadalton T4SS complex composed of 92 polypeptides representing 8 of the 10 essential T4SS components involved in pilus biogenesis. We added the two remaining components to the structural model using co-evolution analysis of protein interfaces, to enable the reconstitution of the entire system including the pilus. This structure describes the exceptionally large protein–protein interaction network required to assemble the many components that constitute a T4SS and provides insights on the unique mechanism by which they elaborate pili.
PIEZO1 transduces mechanical itch in mice
Authors: Hill Rose Z. , Loud Meaghan C. , Dubin Adrienne E. , Peet Brooke , Patapoutian Ardem
Published: June 2022

Itch triggers scratching, a behavioural defence mechanism that aids in the removal of harmful irritants and parasites1. Chemical itch is triggered by many endogenous and exogenous cues, such as pro-inflammatory histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction1. Mechanical itch can be triggered by light sensations such as wool fibres or a crawling insect2. In contrast to chemical itch pathways, which have been extensively studied, the mechanisms that underlie the transduction of mechanical itch are largely unknown. Here we show that the mechanically activated ion channel PIEZO1 (ref. 3) is selectively expressed by itch-specific sensory neurons and is required for their mechanically activated currents. Loss of PIEZO1 function in peripheral neurons greatly reduces mechanically evoked scratching behaviours and both acute and chronic itch-evoked sensitization. Finally, mice expressing a gain-of-function Piezo1 allele4 exhibit enhanced mechanical itch behaviours. Our studies reveal the polymodal nature of itch sensory neurons and identify a role for PIEZO1 in the sensation of itch.
Biosynthetic potential of the global ocean microbiome
Authors: Paoli Lucas , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Forneris Clarissa C. , Hubrich Florian , Kautsar Satria , Bhushan Agneya , Lotti Alessandro , Clayssen Quentin , Salazar Guillem , Milanese Alessio , Carlström Charlotte I. , Papadopoulou Chrysa , Gehrig Daniel , Karasikov Mikhail , Mustafa Harun , Larralde Martin , Carroll Laura M. , Sánchez Pablo , Zayed Ahmed A. , Cronin Dylan R. , Acinas Silvia G. , Bork Peer , Bowler Chris , Delmont Tom O. , Gasol Josep M. , Gossert Alvar D. , Kahles André , Sullivan Matthew B. , Wincker Patrick , Zeller Georg , Robinson Serina L. , Piel Jörn , Sunagawa Shinichi
Published: June 2022

Natural microbial communities are phylogenetically and metabolically diverse. In addition to underexplored organismal groups1, this diversity encompasses a rich discovery potential for ecologically and biotechnologically relevant enzymes and biochemical compounds2,3. However, studying this diversity to identify genomic pathways for the synthesis of such compounds4and assigning them to their respective hosts remains challenging. The biosynthetic potential of microorganisms in the open ocean remains largely uncharted owing to limitations in the analysis of genome-resolved data at the global scale. Here we investigated the diversity and novelty of biosynthetic gene clusters in the ocean by integrating around 10,000 microbial genomes from cultivated and single cells with more than 25,000 newly reconstructed draft genomes from more than 1,000 seawater samples. These efforts revealed approximately 40,000 putative mostly new biosynthetic gene clusters, several of which were found in previously unsuspected phylogenetic groups. Among these groups, we identified a lineage rich in biosynthetic gene clusters (‘CandidatusEudoremicrobiaceae’) that belongs to an uncultivated bacterial phylum and includes some of the most biosynthetically diverse microorganisms in this environment. From these, we characterized the phospeptin and pythonamide pathways, revealing cases of unusual bioactive compound structure and enzymology, respectively. Together, this research demonstrates how microbiomics-driven strategies can enable the investigation of previously undescribed enzymes and natural products in underexplored microbial groups and environments.
Characteristics of recent HIV infection among individuals newly diagnosed as HIV-positive in South Korea (2008–2015)
Authors: Yoo Myeongsu , Wang Jin-Sook , Park Su-Jin , Cha Jeong-ok , Jung Yoonhee , Chung Yoon-Seok , Han Myung Guk , Choi Byeong-Sun , Kim Sung-Soon , Kee Mee-Kyung
Published: June 2022

Most HIV-positive individuals diagnosed in Korea are infected through sexual contact, with the time of HIV infection therefore often being unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of diagnosed patients near the time of HIV seroconversion to establish useful HIV intervention strategies. Cross-sectional study. Newly diagnosed HIV cases based on the national HIV surveillance system in South Korea, 2008–2015. To distinguish recent from long-standing HIV infection among 5898 nationwide HIV-positive specimens, limiting antigen avidity assays (Sedia HIV-1 LAg-Avidity EIA, cut-off = 1.5) were performed. Data on CD4+ T cell count at HIV diagnosis and death from AIDS within one year after first HIV diagnosis were used to distinguish recent HIV infections. Acute HIV infection is characterized by detectable HIV RNA or HIV p24 antigen levels, along with a negative or indeterminate antibody western blot result, but with the subject subsequently testing positive after a predetermined period. We analyzed the characteristics of recent and acute HIV infections by sex, age, nationality, HIV testing site, region, and reason for HIV testing. Recent and acute HIV infections were described as the proportion of recent and acute HIV infections among newly-diagnosed cases in a given year. Recent and acute HIV infections over the 8-year study period were 20.5% (1210/5898) and 9.5% (562/5898), respectively. Both infections were generally higher in the following groups: males, younger age, Koreans, individuals who were tested due to disease, residents of smaller city or rural area, and individuals diagnosed in recent calendar years. Acute infections were significantly higher among individuals tested in hospitals and due to suspected HIV infection. The recent and acute HIV infection in younger age groups (< 30 years) has been increasing in a given year. There was an increase in the proportion of young individuals with recent HIV infection, and we identified risk groups more at risk of HIV infection recently in Korea. Therefore, our results could prove useful for the development and assessment of national HIV prevention strategies in Korea and provide valuable data for further HIV research.
Product quality evaluation by confidence intervals of process yield index
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Hsu Chang-Hsien , Chiou Kuo-Ching
Published: June 2022

Statistical techniques have a beneficial effect on measuring process variability, analyzing the variability concerning product requirements, and eliminating the variability in product manufacturing. Process capability indices (PCIs) are not only easy to understand but also able to be directly employed by the manufacturing industry. The process yield index offers accurate measurement of the process yield, and it is a function of two unilateral six sigma quality indices. This paper initiates to develop the confidence intervals of the process yield index by using joint confidence regions of two unilateral six sigma quality indices for all quality characteristics of a product. Then integrate these joint confidence regions to find the confidence intervals of the product yield index. All manufacturing industries can use these confidence intervals to make statistical inferences to assess whether the process capability of the product and all quality characteristics has reached the required level, and to grasp the opportunities for improvement. An illustrated example on driver integrated circuit of micro hard disk is provided.
Pharmacological and metabolomic profiles of Musa acuminata wastes as a new potential source of anti-ulcerative colitis agents
Authors: Mohammed Mona A. , Ibrahim Bassant M. M. , Abdel-Latif Yasmin , Hassan Azza H. , El Raey Mohamed A. , Hassan Emad M. , El-Gengaihi Souad E.
Published: June 2022

Musa acuminata(MA) is a popular fruit peels in the world. Non-food parts of the plant have been investigated for their antioxidant and anti-ulcerative colitis activity. Metabolomic approaches were found to be informative as a screening tool. It discovered different metabolites depending on statistical analysis. The antioxidant activity content was measured by colorimetric method. Seventy six investigated metabolites were observed. The identities of some of these markers were confirmed based on their MS2fragmentation and NMR spectroscopy. These include: cinnamic acid and its dimer 2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-phenalen-1-one beside; gallic acid and flavonoids; quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. GC/MS analysis of MA peels essential oil led to identification of 37 compounds. The leaves, pseudostem and fruit peels extracts were tested for their safety and their anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy in rats. Rats were classified into: normal, positive, prednisolone reference group, MA extracts pretreated groups (250–500 mg/kg) for 2 weeks followed by induction of ulcerative colitis by per-rectal infusion of 8% acetic acid. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were done. Inflammatory markers (ANCA, CRP and Ilβ6) were measured in sera. The butanol extracts showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as they ameliorated macroscopic and microscopic signs of ulcerative colitis and lowered the inflammatory markers compared to untreated group. MA wastes can be a potential source of bioactive metabolites for industrial use and future employment as promising anti-ulcerative colitis food supplements.
Effect of volatile compounds produced by endophytic bacteria on virulence traits of grapevine crown gall pathogen, Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Etminani Faegheh , Harighi Behrouz , Mozafari Ali Akbar
Published: June 2022

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by endophytic bacteria have a significant role in the control of phytopathogens. In this research, the VOCs produced by endophytic bacteria including Serratia sp. Ba10, Pantoea sp. Sa14, Enterobacter sp. Ou80, Pseudomonas sp. Ou22, Pseudomonas sp. Sn48 and Pseudomonas sp. Ba35, which were previously isolated from healthy domesticated and wild-growing grapevine were evaluated in terms of their effects on the virulence traits of Agrobacterium tumefaciens Gh1, the causal agent of crown gall disease. Based on the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, 16, 15, 14, 7, 16, and 15 VOCs have been identified with high quality in strains of Ba10, Sa14, Ou80, Ou22, Sn48, and Ba35, respectively. All endophytic bacteria produced VOCs that significantly reduced crown gall symptoms and inhibited the populations of A. tumefaciens Gh1 at different levels. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed various morphological abnormalities in the A. tumefaciens cells exposed to the VOCs produced by Ba35, Ou80, and Sn48 strains. The VOCs significantly reduced swarming-, swimming-, twitching motility and biofilm formation by A. tumefaciens Gh1. Our results revealed that VOCs could reduce the attachment of A. tumefaciens Gh1 cells to root tissues of grapevine cultivars Rashe and Bidane sefid, as well as chemotaxis motility towards root extract of both cultivars. Based on our results, it was shown that the antibacterial VOCs produced by endophytic bacteria investigated in the current study can manage crown gall disease and increase our knowledge on the role of VOCs in microbial interactions.
Study on the mechanism of visual aging in cats’ primary visual cortex based on BDNF-TrkB signal pathway
Authors: Tong Chuanwang , Cao Senyang
Published: June 2022

To explore the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and specific receptor tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the primary visual cortex of young and old cats, especially to reveal the age-related differences in the mediating mechanism of BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in cats’ visual cortex and their possible effects on synaptic plasticity, Nissl staining was used to display neurons in each layer of cats’ primary visual cortex, and immunohistochemical ABC method was used to label BDNF and TrkB immunopositive cells in each layer of cats’ primary visual cortex. The BDNF and TrkB receptor immunoreactive neurons and non-neurons were observed and photographed. Their density and immunoreactive intensity were measured. Results showed that BDNF and TrkB were widely expressed in all layers of visual cortex in young and old cats. Compared with the young group, the density and intensity of BDNF and TrkB positive cells in each layer of primary visual cortex in the old group decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The findings indicate that the expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the primary visual cortex of cats decrease with age, suggesting that the change of BDNF-TrkB signal pathway caused by the weakening of brain-derived neurotrophic factor activity may be one of the important reasons for the decline of visual function.
An appraisal of genetic testing for prostate cancer susceptibility
Authors: Finch Amy , Clark Roderick , Vesprini Danny , Lorentz Justin , Kim Raymond H. , Thain Emily , Fleshner Neil , Akbari Mohammad R. , Cybulski Cezary , Narod Steven A.
Published: June 2022

Most criteria for genetic testing for prostate cancer susceptibility require a prior diagnosis of prostate cancer, in particular cases with metastatic disease are selected. Advances in the field are expected to improve outcomes through tailored treatments for men with advanced prostate cancer with germline pathogenic variants, although these are not currently offered in the curative setting. A better understanding of the value of genetic testing for prostate cancer susceptibility in screening, for early detection and prevention is necessary. We review and summarize the literature describing germline pathogenic variants in genes associated with increased prostate cancer risk and aggressivity. Important questions include: what is our ability to screen for and prevent prostate cancer in a man with a germline pathogenic variant and how does knowledge of a germline pathogenic variant influence treatment of men with nonmetastatic disease, with hormone-resistant disease and with metastatic disease? The frequency of germline pathogenic variants in prostate cancer is well described, according to personal and family history of cancer and by stage and grade of disease. The role of these genes in aggressive prostate cancer is also discussed. It is timely to consider whether or not genetic testing should be offered to all men with prostate cancer. The goals of testing are to facilitate screening for early cancers in unaffected high-risk men and to prevent advanced disease in men with cancer.
Activating Parkin-dependent mitophagy alleviates oxidative stress, apoptosis, and promotes random-pattern skin flaps survival
Authors: Chen Zhengtai , Wu Hongqiang , Yang Jianxin , Li Baolong , Ding Jian , Cheng Sheng , Bsoul Nageeb , Zhang Chenxi , li jiaorong , Liu Haixiao , Lin Damu , Gao Weiyang
Published: June 2022

The random-pattern skin flap is a crucial technique in reconstructive surgery and flap necrosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury is a major postoperative complication. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of mitophagy induced by Melatonin (ML) and its effect on the survival of skin flaps. Our results demonstrated that ML could activate mitophagy, ameliorate oxidative stress and alleviate apoptosis in Tert-Butyl hydroperoxide solution (TBHP)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Inhibiting ML-induced mitophagy considerably abolished its protective effects. Moreover, knockdown of Parkin by siRNA inhibited ML-induced mitophagy, and subsequently exacerbated oxidative stress and apoptosis. Further study demonstrated that inhibition of AMPK reversed these protective effects of ML and downregulated the expression of TFEB. In the vivo study, ML effectively promoted flap survival by activating mitophagy and subsequently ameliorating oxidative stress and mitigating apoptosis. These results established that ML is a potent agent capable for increasing random-pattern skin flap survival by activating Parkin-dependent mitophagy through the AMPK-TFEB signaling pathway.
Warm surface waters increase Antarctic ice shelf melt and delay dense water formation
Authors: Aoki Shigeru , Takahashi Tomoki , Yamazaki Kaihe , Hirano Daisuke , Ono Kazuya , Kusahara Kazuya , Tamura Takeshi , Williams Guy D.
Published: June 2022

Melting ice shelves around Antarctica control the massive input of freshwater into the ocean and play an intricate role in global heat redistribution. The Amery Ice Shelf regulates wintertime sea-ice growth and dense shelf water formation. We investigated the role of warm Antarctic Surface Water in ice shelf melting and its impact on dense shelf water. Here we show that the coastal ocean in summer 2016/17 was almost sea-ice free, leading to higher surface water temperatures. The glacial meltwater fraction in surface water was the highest on record, hypothesised to be attributable to anomalous ice shelf melting. The excess heat and freshwater in early 2017 delayed the seasonal evolution of dense shelf water. Focused on ice shelf melting at depth, the importance and impacts of warming surface waters has been overlooked. In a warming climate, increased surface water heating will reduce coastal sea-ice production and potentially Antarctic Bottom Water formation.
On the crystal forms of NDI-C6: annealing and deposition procedures to access elusive polymorphs
Authors: de Oliveira Martins Inês , Marin Francesco , Modena Enrico , Maini Lucia
Published: June 2022

Here we report the full thermal characterization of an n-type NDI derivative semiconductor, NDI-C6. It has five polymorphs, Form ε is only obtained in thin films.
Porphyrin derivative-based tandem response nanochannels triggered by Zn2+and NO
Authors: Liang Xiao-Cui , Cheng Shi-Qi , He Qiang , Zhou Zhong-Qiang , Zhao Yanxi , Sun Yue
Published: June 2022

We describe tandem response nanochannels tailored with a porphyrin derivative that showed Zn2+and NO gating with good stability and reversibility.
Building-block exchange synthesis of amino-based three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks for gas chromatographic separation of isomers
Authors: Qian Hai-Long , Wang Zi-Han , Yang Jing , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: June 2022

The first amino-based 3D COF and its covalently bonded capillary were prepared via building-block exchange for GC separation of isomers.
Giant N-heterocyclic carbene-containing macrocycles for cobalt-catalysed hydroboration of alkynes
Authors: Zhang Guoqi
Published: June 2022

Giant N-heterocyclic carbene-containing macrocycles larger than “Texas-sized” molecular boxes have been synthesized and applied to cobalt-catalysed syn-selective hydroboration of alkynes with good stereo- and regioselectivity.
Gold-catalysed rearrangement of unconventional cyclopropane-tethered 1,5-enynes
Authors: Vicente Rubén , Tudela Eva , Rodríguez Miguel A. , Suárez-Sobrino Ángel L. , Ballesteros Alfredo
Published: June 2022

The synthesis of particular cyclopropane-tethered 1,5-enynes, namely 6-alkynyl-4-alkylidenebicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-enes, enabled the discovery of unprecedented gold-catalyzed rearrangment to indenes.
Solvent-induced phase transformations of ZIF-L to ZIF-8 and their derivatives' gas-sensing properties
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , You Zifan , Ding Hao , Zhu Yuchao , Jia Xiao
Published: June 2022

The growth mechanism and corresponding phase transitions of ZIFs and derived oxide with different morphologies.
The impact of overpotential on the enthalpy of activation and pre-exponential factor of electrochemical redox reactions
Authors: Tripathi Anand Kumar , Priyadarshani Divya , Joy Miji E , Maurya Rajan , Neergat Manoj
Published: June 2022

The energetics of the electrochemical, electro-inhibiting and electrocatalytic reactions as a function of overpotential.
Interstellar hide and go seek: C3H4O. There and back (again)
Authors: Field-Theodore Terri E. , Taylor Peter R.
Published: June 2022

The molecular species C3H4O represents a striking example of an astrochemical conundrum.
Stochastic effective core potentials, improving efficiency using a spin-dependent core definition
Authors: Feldt Jonas , Bienvenu Antoine , Assaraf Roland
Published: June 2022

Numerically cheap single-core subsamplings are used in variational Monte Carlo as an exact effective core potential. We introduced a spin-dependent core definition which allows additionally to restrict the main dynamics to the valence region.
Carbon phosphide nanoribbons with spatial inversion symmetry: robust generators of pure spin current with a photogalvanic effect
Authors: Tao Xixi , Jiang Peng , Dong Yaojun , Yang Xifeng , Zheng Xiaohong , Liu Yushen
Published: June 2022

In this work, we intend to study the photogalvanic effect (PGE) in zigzag α-CPNRs terminated by P atoms which have spatial inversion symmetry to achieve pure spin current using density functional theory simulation.
A transferable prediction model of molecular adsorption on metals based on adsorbate and substrate properties
Authors: Restuccia Paolo , Ahmad Ehsan A. , Harrison Nicholas M.
Published: June 2022

We present a transferable model for predicting adsorption energies to metals, based on easily computed properties of substrates and adsorbates.
Three-photon-induced singlet excited-state absorption for tunable ultrafast optical-limiting in distyrylbenzene: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhang Danyang , Zhu Hongjuan , Wang Chunrui , Kang Shuying , Zhou Yong , Sheng Xiaowei
Published: June 2022

The present paper illustrates that distyrylbenzene is a promising ultrafast optical limiter for wavelengths around 775 nm, which can be well understood by three-photon induced excited state absorption.
Multistructural microiteration combined with QM/MM-ONIOM electrostatic embedding
Authors: Suzuki Kimichi , Maeda Satoshi
Published: June 2022

We propose the multistructural microiteration method with electrostatic embedding to take account of both electron density polarization in the reaction center and the surrounding structural transition in large molecular systems.
A spectroscopic, structural, and computational study of Ag–oxo interactions in Ag+/UO22+complexes
Authors: Brager Dominique M. , Marwitz Alexander C. , Cahill Christopher L.
Published: June 2022

The structural and spectroscopic properties of the uranyl cation is affected by close Ag–oxo interaction causing UO bond weakening.
Synthesis and structural properties of a 2D Zn(ii) dodecahydroxy-closo-dodecaborate coordination polymer
Authors: Ready Austin D. , Becwar Shona M. , Jung Dahee , Kallistova Anna , Schueller Emily , Anderson Kierstyn P. , Kubena Rebecca , Seshadri Ram , Chmelka Bradley F. , Spokoyny Alexander M.
Published: June 2022

We report the synthesis and characterization of a 2D coordination polymer composed of a dianionic perhydroxylated boron cluster, [B12(OH)122−], coordinated to Zn(ii)—the first example of a transition metal-coordinated [B12(OH)12]2− compound.
Di-, tri- and tetraphosphine-substituted Fe/Se carbonyls: synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Bai Shu-Fen , Du Xiu-Mei , Tian Wen-Jing , Xu Hang , Zhang Ru-Fen , Ma Chun-Lin , Wang Yan-Lan , Lü Shuang , Li Qian-Li , Li Yu-Long
Published: June 2022

A series of PR3-disubstituted 1Fe2Se carbonyls and PR3-disubstituted, tri-substituted and tetra-substituted 2Fe2Se model compounds were described.
Stereoselective synthesis of oxime containing Pd(ii) compounds: highly effective, selective and stereo-regulated cytotoxicity against carcinogenic PC-3 cells
Authors: de la Cueva-Alique Isabel , de la Torre-Rubio Elena , Muñoz-Moreno Laura , Calvo-Jareño Alicia , Pérez-Redondo Adrián , Gude Lourdes , Cuenca Tomás , Royo Eva
Published: June 2022

Configurationally stable amino oxime oximato Pd(ii) enantiomers 2a and 2a′ show stereo-dependent and selective cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells, with IC50 values up to 80 times better than that of cisplatin.
Heterobimetallic μ2-halocarbyne complexes
Authors: Burt Liam K. , Dewhurst Rian D. , Hill Anthony F. , Kong Richard Y. , Nahon Emily E. , Onn Chee S.
Published: June 2022

A range of heterobimetallic μ2-halocarbyne complexes arise from the reactions of terminal halocarbyne complexes with gold(i) and platinum(0) reagents.
Pushing steric limits in osmium(iv) tetraaryl complexes
Authors: Parr Joseph M. , Olivar Clarissa , Saal Thomas , Haiges Ralf , Inkpen Michael S.
Published: June 2022

Air-stable osmium(iv) tetraaryl complexes are obtained using the precursor (Oct4N)2[OsBr6] in yields of 5–73% that correlate with ligand steric bulk. Os(mesityl)4exhibits a particularly distorted geometry and an unusual 1+/2+ solution redox feature.
An electroactive microwell array device to realize simultaneous trapping of single cancer cells and clusters
Authors: Park Jongho , Park Chije , Sugitani Yoshinobu , Fujii Teruo , Kim Soo Hyeon
Published: June 2022

A microwell-on-electrode (MOE) device to realize simultaneous trapping of a single cell and clusters at the single cell/cluster level.
A non-linear two-dimensional float gate transistor as a lateral inhibitory synapse for retinal early visual processing
Authors: Hu Man , Yu Jun , Chen Yangyang , Wang Siqi , Dong Boyi , Wang Han , He Yuhui , Ma Ying , Zhuge Fuwei , Zhai Tianyou
Published: June 2022

A bidirectional rectifying transistor was presented based on MoS2/h-BN/graphene heterostructure, which in a two-dimensional array could emulate the key lateral inhibition function of horizontal cells in retina and enable early vision processing.
Recent developments in carbon dot-based green analytical methods: new opportunities in fluorescence assays of pesticides, drugs and biomolecules
Authors: Yusuf Vadia Foziya , Atulbhai Sadhu Vibhuti , Swapna Bhattu , Malek Naved I. , Kailasa Suresh Kumar
Published: June 2022

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) attract huge attention in analytical and bioanalytical applications due to their high selectivity towards target analytes, specificity, photostability, and quantum yield.
Multiple fingerprints and quantitative analysis for comprehensive quality evaluation of Citri reticulatae pericarpium within different storage years
Authors: Liu Miao , Li Xiang , Dai Tingting , Li Qian , Huang Yuqing , Guo Ping , Sun Guoxiang
Published: June 2022

The multi-wavelength fused HPLC fingerprint, and UV and DSC quantum fingerprints were used for quality evaluation of CRP by QRFM.
Effect of a locust bean gum based gel electrolyte with nanocomposite additives on the performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Johnson Mary Leeda Rani Abisharani , Gunasekeran Ahalya , Sundaramurthy Devikala , Sambandam Anandan
Published: June 2022

In this study, we proposed Mn3O4 and Mn3O4·CuS nanocomposites as novel inorganic additives in locust bean gum (LBG) gel electrolytes for application in an aqueous dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).
Facile synthesis and lithium storage performance of tiny oxygen vacancy-enriched zinc manganate nanoparticles anchored on a reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Zhong Ming , Lin Yasu , Yue Bin , Li Lingling , Han Yuqi , Fu Yongpeng , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: June 2022

Tiny ZnMn2O4 anchored on an rGO nanosheet composite with rich oxygen vacancies was synthesized and applied as a lithium ion battery anode.