bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Homoleptic Curcumin-Copper Single Crystal (ML2): A Long Awaited Cherry on the Cake in the Field of Curcumin Metal Complexes
Authors: Corona Antonino Arenaza , Mendoza Marco A. Obregón , Morales William Meza , Apan María Teresa Ramírez , Camacho Antonio Nieto , Toscano Rubén A. , González Leidys L. Pérez , Obregón Rubén Sánchez , Enríquez Raúl G.
Published: June 2023

The first single crystal structure of the homoleptic copper (II) ML2 complex (M=Cu (II), L=curcumin) was obtained and its structure was elucidated by X-ray diffraction showing a square planar geometry. The supramolecular arrangement is supported by C-H···O interactions and the solvent (MeOH) plays an important role in stabilizing the crystal packing. The cytotoxic activity of the complex against six cancer cell lines substantially surpasses that of curcumin itself, and it is particularly selective against leukemia (K562) and human glioblastoma (U251) cell lines with similar antioxidant activity to BHT. This constitutes the first crystal structure of pristine curcumin complexed with a metal ion.
Ultrasonic Velocity and Attenuation of Low Carbon Steel at High Temperatures
Authors: Tai Jan Lean , Sultan Mohamed Thariq Hameed , Łukaszewicz Andrzej , Shahar Farah Syazwani , Tarasiuk Wojciech , Napiórkowski Jerzy
Published: June 2023

On-stream inspections are the most appropriate method for routine inspections during plant operation without going through production downtime. Ultrasonic inspection, one of the on-stream inspection methods, faces challenges when performed at high temperatures exceeding the recommended 52°C. This study aims to determine the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation with the known material grade, thickness, and temperatures by comparing theory calculation versus experiment with temperatures ranging between 30°C to 250°C on low carbon steel covering most petrochemical equipment material and working conditions. The theoretical analysis was to obtain Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and longitudinal velocity at different temperatures. The experiments validated the predicted results of ultrasonic change due to temperature increase and showed a maximum error of 3%. The experimental data of velocity and decibel change from the temperature range provide a reference for the future when dealing with unknown materials information on site that require a quick corrosion status determination.
Identifying Visual Quality of Rural Road Landscape Character by Using Public Preference and Heat Map Analysis in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia
Authors: Gao Hangyu , Abu Bakar Shamsul , Maulan Suhardi , Mohd Yusof Mohd Johari , Mundher Riyadh , Zakariya Khalilah
Published: June 2023

The rural road landscape is crucial in forming rural areas' landscape character (LC). As a platform for portraying the rural landscape, the rural roads demonstrate the area's unique natural and cultural characteristics to the visitors. However, with the continuous development of rural areas, the rural LC has been severely impacted, thus impacting visitors' visual experience. In order to preserve and protect the rural landscape, this study aims to assess the visual quality of rural road landscapes based on public preference and heatmap analysis. The results indicated that most of the participants had a higher level of preference for rural landscapes with open horizontal views represented by agricultural areas such as paddy fields. It was also found that different paddy field characters based on their planting stages can also positively affect the visual quality of rural road landscapes. The study also revealed that rural LCs with roadside settlements, commercial structures, mixed agricultural crops, and vegetation received low preference ratings. These characters negatively impact the visual quality of the rural road landscape. These findings provide significant insight for planners and decision-makers regarding protecting and preserving the essential rural road landscapes for the rural tourism experience.
ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF SELF-COMPASSION SCALE-SHORT FORM FOR ADOLESCENT DRUG ABUSERS AT SOCIAL REHABILITATION FOUNDATIONS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Herdi Herdi , Mamesah Michiko
Published: June 2023

Self-compassion is one of the adaptive self-attitudes that can be used by adolescents who experience personal dissonance or facing difficult situations and implemented as a normal experience of adolescents who drugs abuse. However, studies on standardized instruments and self-compassion profiles of drug abusers in Indonesia are still limited. Therefore, an intensive study of standardized instruments is needed to measure the compassion of adolescent drug abusers. This study uses an adaptation of a instrument procedures. As many of 38 as teenage drug users of six Social Rehabilitation Foundations in Indonesia. Data is measured using Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form. Operationally, the data analysis used Rash Model 3.75. The results showed that SCS-SF has satisfactory psychometric properties. Further studies are required to examine the psychometric properties of the SCS-SF of various participant socio-demographic factors.
Development and metrological characterization of cement-based elements with self-sensing capabilities for structural health monitoring purposes
Authors: Cosoli Gloria , Mobili Alessandra , Blasi Elisa , Tittarelli Francesca , Martarelli Milena , Revel Gian Marco
Published: June 2023

Mortar specimens containing conductive additions (i.e., biochar and recycled carbon fibres – both alone and together, and graphene nanoplatelets) were characterized from a metrological point of view. Their piezoresistive capability was evaluated, exploiting the 4-electrode Wenner’s method to measure electrical impedance in alternating current (AC); in this way, both material and electrode-material polarization issues were avoided. The selected mix-design was used to manufacture scaled concrete beams serving as demonstrators. Additionally, FEM-based models were realized for a preliminary analysis of the modal parameters that will be investigated through impact tests conducted after different loading tests, simulating potential seismic effects. The results show that the combined use of recycled carbon fibers and biochar provide the best performance in terms of piezoresistivity (with a sensitivity of 0.109 (µm/m)-1 vs 0.003 (µm/m)-1 of reference mortar). Conductive additions improve the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and increase the material electrical conductivity, providing suitable tools to develop a distributed sensor network for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Such a monitoring system could be exploited to enhance the resilience of strategic structures and infrastructures towards natural hazards. A homogeneous distribution of conductive additions during casting is fundamental to enhance the measurement repeatability. In fact, both concrete intrinsic properties and curing effect (hydration phenomena, increasing electrical impedance) cause a high variability.
Experimental analysis on the exploding wire process for nanopowder production: Influence of initial energy and exploding atmosphere
Authors: Caposciutti Gianluca , Tellini Bernardo , Saccomandi Paola , Cigada Alfredo
Published: June 2023

Metallic nanopowder is employed in several applications for its flexibility of use, thus its production is growing over the years. Exploding wire technique can produce a wide range of nanoparticles from electrically conducting samples, and it has a potential for high efficiency and productivity, due to the strongly localized power dissipation. On the other hand, the phenomena involved during the explosion are complex, and phenomenological relationships are usually considered for controlling the output product characteristics. In this study, we investigated the effect of the input energy and the medium in which the explosion takes place on the final dimensional distribution of the nanopowder. Utilizing a proper power supply and an exploding system developed on purpose, we applied up to 10 GA/m2 to copper wire samples immersed in air or water. We collected the products for morphological analysis, we carried out a shape and dimensional characterization based on a statistical analysis of the obtained particles, and we compared and discussed the results concerning the adopted initial conditions and the most recent literature data.
Results of study of quantization and discretization error of digital tachometers with encoder
Authors: Kukharchuk Vasyl , Vasilevskyi Oleksandr , Holodiuk Volodymyr
Published: June 2023

The analysis of measuring channels of angular velocity with an encoder given by the authors made it possible for the first time to obtain an equation for estimating the quantization and sampling error for an exponential mathematical model describing the transient process of operation of electrical machines. The components of the mathematical model of this dynamic error are the sampling step and the derivative, which characterizes the rate of change of the measured value over time. It was found that the errors of quantization and sampling significantly depend on the value of the resolution z of the encoder. Moreover, an increase in z leads to a decrease in the sampling error, but the relative quantization error increases. To reconcile these components of errors, the laws of change in the distinguishing ability z of the encoder are adaptive to the dynamic properties of the change in angular velocity over time.
Proved  that to ensure the maximum speed of measuring the angular velocity during the transient process, it is advisable to implement the method of changing the distinguishing ability of the encoder on the internal timers of the microcontroller proposed adaptive to its dynamic properties, and the quantization of informative periods proportional to the measured angular velocity should be carried out in "adjoining intervals".
Predicting and monitoring blood glucose through nutritional factors in type 1 diabetes by artificial neural networks
Authors: Annuzzi Giovanni , Bozzetto Lutgarda , Cataldo Andrea , Criscuolo Sabatina , Pesola Marisa
Published: June 2023

The monitoring and management of Postprandial Glucose Response (PGR), by administering an insulin bolus before meals, is a crucial issue in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) patients. Artificial Pancreas (AP), which combines autonomous insulin delivery and blood glucose sensor, is a promising solution; nevertheless, it still requires input from patients about meal carbohydrate intake for bolus administration. This is due to the limited knowledge of the factors that influence PGR. Even though meal carbohydrates are regarded as the major factor influencing PGR, medical experience suggests that other nutritional should be considered. To address this issue, in this work, we propose a Machine Learning (ML)-based approach for a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of nutritional factors (i.e., carbohydrates, protein, lipids, fiber, and energy intake) on the blood glucose levels (BGLs). In particular, the proposed ML-model takes into account BGLs, insulin doses, and nutritional factors in T1D patients to predict BGLs in 60-minute time windows after a meal. A Feed-Forward Neural Network was fed with different combinations of BGLs, insulin, and nutritional factors, providing a predicted glycaemia curve as output. The validity of the proposed system was demonstrated through tests on public data and on self-produced data, adopting intra- and inter-subject approach. Results anticipate that patient-specific data about nutritional factors of a meal have a major role in the prediction of postprandial BGLs.
Baseline Complete Blood Count and Cell Population Data as Prognostic Markers for In-Hospital Mortality among COVID-19 Patients admitted at the Philippine General Hospital from March 2020 to January 2022
Authors: Kuizon Bien Angelo , Damian Karen , Villanueva III Emilio
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Complete blood count (CBC) and cell population data (CPD) are hematologic parameters used in several clinical scenarios including infection and neoplastic processes. In the setting of COVID-19 infection, there is relative paucity of data in their use as possible prognostic markers.
Objective. We aim to evaluate the utility of the baseline CBC and CPD as prognostic markers for in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients admitted in Philippine General Hospital from March 2020 to January 2022.
Methodology. This is a case-control study. Expired patients served as cases, and recovered patients served as controls. Data from eligible patients including age, sex, admitting COVID diagnosis with severity, final disposition, baseline CBC and CPD results were collected from the hospital medical records and hematology section of the Department of Laboratories. Statistical analyses were done to determine the prognostic value of these parameters for in-hospital mortality.
Results. Among the different CBC and CPD parameters, the study shows total white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute eosinophil count (AEC), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were statistically significant predictors for in-hospital mortality. For total WBC count, at a cut off 9.9 x 109/L, the sensitivity and specificity is 70.9% and 66.2%, respectively. For ANC, at a cut off of 7.3 x 109/L, the specificity is 76.4% and the specificity is 68.2%. At a cut off of 7.62, the NLR shows a sensitivity of 76.4% and specificity of 70.1%. For AEC, at a cut off of 0.006 x 109/L, the sensitivity is 53.3% and the specificity is 87.3%. AEC predicts towards the direction of survival rather than to the direction of in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion. The total WBC count, ANC, and NLR were statistically significant predictors for in-hospital mortality, while AEC predicts towards the direction of survival. The sensitivities and specificities of the cut off for these parameters were less than ideal. Correlation with clinical and other laboratory parameters is still recommended. For future studies, the authors recommend monitoring CBC and CPD parameters at different time points during the patients’ hospital course.
SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Ct Value and Laboratory Tests
Authors: Legaspi Carolyn Marie , Ong David Jerome , Remulla Jose Iñigo , Agbay Rose Lou Marie
Published: June 2023

Introduction. The role of the laboratory during the COVID-19 pandemic is not limited to just diagnosis of the disease, but also in clinical decision-making, by providing information on relevant laboratory biomarkers. Clinicians also use Ct value to guide patient management. There are limited studies available locally regarding the significance of Ct value and pertinent laboratory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to assess the aforementioned laboratory data, along with the clinicopathologic characteristics of affected patients, and determined if this information may be useful for robust clinical decision-making.  
Methodology. In this retrospective analytic study, we identified 325 out of 1,049 adult Filipino inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 and analyzed their Ct values and pertinent laboratory biomarkers such as neutrophil and lymphocyte count, platelet count, LDH, ferritin, procalcitonin, CRP, AST/SGOT, ALT/SGPT, PT/INR, and D-dimer, and correlated them with the severity of the disease.
Results. Two hundred twenty (67.7%) patients had non-severe disease, while 105 (32.3%) had severe disease. Lower Ct values of ORF1ab (median = 26.4) and N (median = 24.8) genes were seen in the severe group compared to the non-severe group and were found to be significant (p<0.001). Laboratory markers (neutrophil, platelet counts, LDH, ferritin, procalcitonin, CRP, AST, PT/INR, and D-dimer) were associated with severe COVID-19. On the other hand, ALT was not associated with severe disease.
Conclusion. The laboratory biomarkers together with Ct value and overall clinical picture may provide valuable information to physicians for more robust clinical decision-making.
Technology Focus: Cementing and Zonal Isolation (May 2023)
Authors: James Simon
Published: June 2023

In 2022, the topics of the cementing and zonal isolation papers published were generally similar to those presented in previous years. A noticeable departure from previous years, however, was that many of the authors emphasized that their work would result in a reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions. The approaches taken to reduce emissions can be broadly split into three categories: improving operational efficiency, increasing the reliability of zonal isolation (primary cementing, annulus leak repair, and plug sealing), and reducing the CO2 footprint of sealing materials.

Work to improve operational efficiency and increase the reliability of zonal isolation has been ongoing since the start of well construction as general good practice to improve safety and hydrocarbon recovery and reduce costs. The efficiency and reliability improvements, however, have not regularly been promoted as reducing the environmental impact, except for cases of leak repair.

Reduction of the CO2 footprint of sealing materials is a growing source of research and development activity and subsequent publication. During the past year, 13% of the cementing and zonal isolation papers published covered work on the development of geopolymer systems. Although work to develop geopolymer systems for zonal isolation has been ongoing for more than 15 years, no case histories have been published to date. The long development time is not surprising because any new system will have to be at least as reliable as the current Portland-cement-based systems; otherwise, the overall environmental impact may be worse, with more repairs or less-efficient processes offsetting the reduced CO2 footprint of the sealant.

Geopolymers are not the only option to replace Portland-cement-based systems for primary cementing, and the evaluation of alternate sealant systems is certainly not new (see paper SPE-508-G from 1956). Is it time to revisit previous work in light of new environmental constraints?

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

IPTC 22019 Enhancing Slurry Pumping Efficiency, Improving Cement Coverage, and Ensuring Zonal Isolation With Temperature-Triggered Antisettling Technology by Xiangyu Liu, ChampionX, et al.

SPE 210639 Thermodynamic Modeling on Wellbore Cement Integrity During Underground Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Gas Reservoirs by Lingping Zeng, Curtin University, et al.

OTC 31562 Cementing the First Australian Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage Appraisal Well by Ariel Lyons, SLB, et al.
Integrative genome-wide gene expression and DNA methylation analysis in brain tissue from medication-free suicide decedents and their controls
Authors: Brundin Lena , Sha Qiong , Fu Zhen , Galvis Martha Escobar , Madaj Zach , Underwood Mark , Steiner Jennifer , Dwork Andrew , Simpson Norman , Galfalvy Hanga , Rosoklija Gorazd , Achtyes Eric , Mann J. John
Published: June 2023

Suicide rates have increased steadily world-wide over the past two decades, constituting a serious public health crisis that creates a significant burden to affected families and the society as a whole. Suicidal behavior involves a multi-factorial etiology, including psychological, social and biological factors. Since the molecular neural mechanisms of suicide remain largely uncharacterized, we examined transcriptional- and methylation profiles of postmortem brain tissue from subjects who died from suicide as well as their neurotypical healthy controls. We analyzed temporal pole tissue from 61 subjects, free from antidepressant and antipsychotic medication, using whole genome RNA-sequencing and DNA-methylation profiling using an array that targets over 850,000 CpG sites. Expression of , a key regulator of inflammation and neuroprotection, was significantly downregulated in the suicide-decedent group. Moreover, we identified a total of 40 differentially methylated regions in the suicide decedent group, mapping to seven genes with inflammatory function. There was a significant association between DNA methylation and expression in the control group that was absent in the suicide decedent group, confirming its dysregulation. expression was significantly associated with the expression of multiple inflammatory factors in the brain tissue. Overall, gene sets and pathways closely linked to inflammation were significantly upregulated, while specific pathways linked to neuronal development were suppressed in the suicide decedent group. Excitotoxicity as well as suppressed oligodendrocyte function were also implicated in the suicide decedents. In summary, we have identified central nervous system inflammatory mechanisms that may be active during suicidal behavior, along with oligodendrocyte dysfunction and altered glutamate neurotransmission. In these processes, NPAS4 might be a master regulator, warranting further studies to validate its role as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in suicidality.
MultiPrime: A Reliable and Efficient Tool for Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yang Junbo
Published: June 2023

We present multiPrime, a novel tool that automatically designs minimal primer sets for target next generation sequencing. It enhances coverage by designing primers with mismatch tolerance, ensuring high compatibility and specificity. We compared the performance of multiPrime to that of conventional tools using a dataset of 43,016 sequences from eight viruses. Our results demonstrate that multiPrime outperformed the conventional tools and that the multiPrime-designed primer set successfully amplified the target amplicons. Furthermore, we expanded the application of multiPrime to include thirty viruses and validated the efficacy of multiPrime-designed primers in eighty clinical specimens. The results indicated a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 89%.
Do dogs display behavioral traits central to Williams-Beuren Syndrome? Transposons, behavior & training success in assistance dogs
Authors: Gnanadesikan Gitanjali E. , Tandon Dhriti , Bray Emily E. , Kennedy Brenda S. , Tennenbaum Stavi , MacLean Evan L. , vonHoldt Bridgett M.
Published: June 2023

Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in humans caused by a hemizygous deletion of 28–30 genes and characterized by hypersociability and cognitive deficits. In canines, the homologous chromosomal region shows a strong signature of selection in domestic dogs relative to gray wolves, and four structural variants derived from transposons have been associated with social behavior. To explore these genetic associations in more phenotypic detail—as well as their role in training success—we genotyped 1,001 assistance dogs from Canine Companions for Independence®, including both successful graduates and those released from the training program for behavioral problems. We collected phenotypes on each dog using puppy-raiser questionnaires, trainer questionnaires, and both cognitive and behavioral tests. Using Bayesian mixed models, we found strong associations between genotypes and certain behavioral measures, including separation-related problems, aggression when challenged or corrected, and reactivity to other dogs. Furthermore, we found moderate differences in the genotypes of dogs who graduated versus those who did not; insertions in GTF2I showed the strongest association (β = 0.23, CI95% = -0.04, 0.49), translating to an odds-ratio of 1.25 for one insertion. Our results provide insight into the role of each of these loci in canine sociability and may inform breeding and training practices for working dog organizations. Furthermore, the observed importance of GTF2I supports the emerging consensus that GTF2I genotypes, dosage, and expression are particularly important for the social behavior phenotypes seen in WBS.
EGFR signaling and pharmacology in oncology revealed with innovative BRET-based biosensors
Authors: Sabbagh Laurent , Gross Florence , Mancini Arturo , Breton Billy , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Gouill Christian Le , Bouvier Michel , Schann Stephan , Leroy Xavier
Published: June 2023

Dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is associated with the development of many cancers. Intrinsic and acquired mutations of RTKs modify receptor signaling contributing to drug resistance in clinical settings. We present enhanced bystander bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensors providing new insights into RTK biology and pharmacology critical for the development of more effective RTK-targeting drugs. The 12 distinct SH2-specific effector biosensors allow for real-time and spatiotemporal monitoring of signal transduction pathways engaged upon RTK activation. Using EGFR as a model system, we demonstrate the capacity of these biosensors to differentiate unique signaling signatures, at the plasma membrane or early endosome, with EGF and Epiregulin ligands displaying differences in efficacy, potency, and responses within different cellular compartments. We further demonstrate that EGFR single point mutations, found in Glioblastoma or non-small cell lung cancer, impact the constitutive activity of EGFR, its signaling profile and response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The BRET-based biosensors, are compatible with microscopy, allow extensive RTK signaling profiling in different cellular compartments and more importantly characterize the next generation of therapeutics directed against RTKs.
Investigations on a solar humidification dehumidification desalination system equipped with various packing materials and multi-stage bubble column dehumidifier
Authors: Shaikh Javed Sikandar , Ismail Saleel
Published: June 2023

This work presents the theoretical and experimental investigation of a solar-powered humidification dehumidification desalination (HDD) system with different humidifier packing materials and a two-stage bubble column dehumidifier (BCD). Naturally available coconut shells (CS) and coconut shells with drilled holes (CSH) on the surface to improve water permeability were used as packing materials in the humidifier, and their performance was compared with that of commercial-type pall ring (PR) and raschig ring (RR) packings. An in-house developed numerical model of the HDD system in conjunction with a flat plate solar water collector was used in this study. Steady-state experimental results showed that CSH packing exhibited the highest volumetric mass transfer coefficient (0.00852 kg/s), resulting in maximum humidifier efficiency (96%) and freshwater yield (2.16 kg/hr), followed by PR (0.00841 kg/s, 94%, and 2.137 kg/hr), CS (0.00831 kg/s, 90%, and 2.127 kg/hr), and RR (0.0081 kg/s, 81%, and 2.087 kg/hr) at feedwater mass flow rate of 1.5 kg/min and humidifier inlet temperature of 75\(℃\). Furthermore, transient outdoor test results showed that using a two-stage configuration in a BCD increased the daily average effectiveness to 0.93, as against 0.79 for a single-stage BCD. Employing CSH instead of PR and RR packings in the humidifier reduced freshwater costs by 6.2% and 7.6%, respectively.
Monolithic active-matrix full-color micro-LED micro-display using
InGaN/AlGaInP heterogeneous integration
Authors: QI Longheng , LI Peian , ZHANG Xu , WONG Ka Ming , Lau Kei
Published: June 2023

A prototype of active-matrix driven full-color micro-LED micro- display with a resolution of 200 × 80 is demonstrated using InGaN/AlGaInP heterogeneous integration. InGaN blue/green dual-color micro-LED arrays on a single MOCVD-grown GaN-on-Si epi-wafer and AlGaInP red micro-LED arrays were both monolithically fabricated, followed by the integration with a common CMOS backplane via flip-chip bonding technology to form a double-layer thin-film display structure. Full-color images with decent color gamut and brightness were successfully displayed by fine adjustment of the driving current densities of RGB subpixels. This integration method combines the benefits of the highly efficient InGaN blue/green emission with AlGaInP red light emission. The high pixel density demonstrated using the monolithic fabrication method shows the feasibility and promise for high brightness, good color performance and high-resolution micro-LED micro-displays towards future metaverse applications.
Induced alternative splicing: opportunity to study PCSK9 protein isoforms at physiologically relevant concentrations
Authors: Cale Jessica , Ham Kristin , Li Dunhui , McIntosh Craig , Watts Gerald F. , Wilton Steve , Aung-Htut May
Published: June 2023

Splice modulating antisense oligomers (AOs) are increasingly used to modulate RNA processing. While most are investigated for their use as therapeutics, AOs can also be used for basic research. This study examined their use to investigate internally and terminally truncated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein isoforms. Previous studies have used plasmid or viral-vector-mediated protein overexpression to study different PCSK9 protein isoforms, creating an artificial environment within the cell. Here we designed and tested AOs to remove specific exons that encode for PCSK9 protein domains and produced protein isoforms at more physiologically relevant levels. We evaluated the isoforms’ expression, secretion, and subsequent impact on the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and its activity in Huh-7 cells. We found that modifying the Cis-His-rich domain by targeting exons 10 or 11 negatively affected LDL receptor activity and hence did not enhance LDL uptake although the levels of LDL receptor were increased. On the other hand, removing the hinge region encoded by exon 8, or a portion of the prodomain encoded by exon 2, have the potential as therapeutics for hypercholesterolemia. Our findings expand the understanding of PCSK9 isoforms and their impact on the LDL receptor and its activity at physiologically relevant concentrations.
Coupled Nonlinear Schrodinger (CNLS) Equations for two interacting electrostatic wavepackets in a non-Maxwellian fluid plasma model
Authors: LAZARIDES NIKOLAOS , Kourakis Ioannis
Published: June 2023

The nonlinear dynamics of two co-propagating electrostatic wavepackets in a one-dimensional non-magnetized plasma fluid model is considered, from first principles. The coupled waves are characterized by different (carrier) wavenumbers and amplitudes. A plasma consisting of non-thermalized (κ−distributed) electrons evolving against a cold (stationary) ion background is considered. The original model is reduced, by means of a multiple-scale perturbation method, to a pair of coupled nonlinear Schr¨odinger (CNLS) equations for the dynamics of the wavepacket envelopes. For arbitrary wavenumbers, the resulting CNLS equations exhibit no known symmetry and thus intrinsically differ from the Manakov system, in general.
Exact analytical expressions have been derived for the dispersion, self-modulation (nonlinearity) and cross-modulation (coupling) coefficients involved in the CNLS equations, as functions of the wavenumbers (k1, k2) and of the spectral index κ characterizing the electron profile. An analytical investigation has thus been carried out of the modulational instability (MI) properties of this pair of wavepackets, focusing on the role of the intrinsic (variable) parameters. Modulational instability is shown to occur in most parts of the parameter space.
The instability window(s) and the corresponding growth rate are calculated numerically in a number of case studies. Two-wave interaction favors MI by extending its range of occurrence and by enhancing its growth rate. Growth rate patterns obtained for different κ index (values) suggest that deviation from thermal (Maxwellian) equilibrium, for low κ values, leads to enhances MI of the interacting wave pair.
Although we have focused on electrostatic wavepacket propagation in nonthermal (non-Maxwellian) plasma, the results of this study are generic and may be used as basis to model energy localization in nonlinear optics, in hydrodynamics or in dispersive media with Kerr-type nonlinearities where modulational instability is relevant.
Assessment of hybrid population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following breakthrough infections of distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Hartog Gerco den , Andeweg Stijn P. , Hoeve Christina , Smits Gaby , Voordouw Bettie , Eggink Dirk , Knol Mirjam J. , Binnendijk Robert S. van
Published: June 2023

Immunity induced by vaccination and infection, referred to as hybrid immunity, provides better protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to immunity induced by vaccinations alone. To assess the development of hybrid immunity we investigated the induction of Nucleoprotein-specific antibodies in PCR-confirmed infections by Delta or Omicron in vaccinated individuals (n = 520). Eighty-two percent of the participants with a breakthrough infection reached N-seropositivity. N-seropositivity was accompanied by Spike S1 antibody boosting, and independent of vaccination status or virus variant. Following the infection relatively more antibodies to the infecting virus variant were detected. In conclusion, these data show that hybrid immunity through breakthrough infections is hallmarked by Nucleoprotein antibodies and repertoire broadening of Spike antibodies. Exposure to future SARS-CoV-2 variants may therefore continue to maintain and broaden vaccine-induced population immunity.
Revivify Modulates Healthy Gut Microbiomes and Short Chain Fatty Acids Evaluated by An In Vitro Model of Gut Microbiome Study.
Authors: Ashraf A H M Zuberi , Pantho Ahmed F , Kamal Samee , Caba Alyssa , Afroze Syeda H , Kuehl Thomas J , Hossain Liaquat , Uddin M. Nasir
Published: June 2023

Background. The diverse microbial community in our gastrointestinal (GI) helps in the fermentation of metabolites of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), mainly acetate, propionate, butyrate, and small number of lactates. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate maintain colonic lining integrity and ideal colon activity. Butyrate is also known to be an energy source and assist in anti-inflammatory response. Maintaining an optimal ratio of these SCFAs reduce the risk of inflammation and promote a healthy colon. We evaluated the effect of Revivify Oral Liquid Gel (composition: US Patent 11 224 636) on gut microbiomes and SCFAs by an in vitro model of gut microbiome study. Gut microbes were cultured in 2 ml 96-well plates and treated with control, SOD, Prefibrotic fiber, Fruit juice, and Revivify gel for 48 hours followed by metaproteomic, chemical analysis (SCFA content), and microbiome profiling.
Results. We found that the amount of SCFAs increased by 2.5 folds, when treated with Revivify gel but the ratio of the SCFAs remain the same across all the treatment groups. Revivify gel promoted the growth of the Firmicutes spp., especially Lactobacillus, a probiotic organism.
Conclusions.Our study demonstrates that Revivify gel promotes a balanced increase of the SCFAs in a consistent manner, supporting a beneficial population of gut microbes for optimal gastrointestinal functionality.
Autophagy-related gene SQSTM1 predicts the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Zhiming , Xu Haijiong , Luo Lianxiang
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Studies have shown a clear correlation between autophagy-related genes and the development and progression of HCC. However, the mechanisms at work are not completely known. Our aim is to construct a prognostic model for HCC and to identify new molecular targets and develop effective therapies for HCC.
Methods: Using difference as well as prognostic analysis, a prognostic model was constructed based on lasso regression, and the hub gene SQSTM1 was selected based on PPI, and difference analysis, clinical analysis and drug sensitivity analysis were performed to determine whether SQSTM1 was the key gene for the induction of HCC.
Results: Finally, we built a prognostic model using 12 prognostic differential genes. We verified this model and discovered that the prediction was accurate and could be used as a standalone prognostic feature. We also discovered that SQSTM1, a crucial gene among these 12 genes, was inversely correlated with patient prognosis; this suggests that SQSTM1 may function as a separate prognostic factor. Additionally, we discovered that patients with HCC and high SQSTM1 expression are responsive to 17-AGG.
Conclusions：We developed a prognosis model based on 12 DEARGS that is predictive and may be applied to predict the prognostic mortality of HCC patients. By identifying the molecular and immunological components of our prognostic model, we were able to pinpoint potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment. SQSTM1 is also a crucial gene for HCC therapy and for predicting the prognosis of patients. In order to treat hepatocellular cancer, 17-AGG can inhibit SQSTM1's function.
First year STEM curriculum co-created with Indigenous scientists improves intellectual growth, psychosocial factors associated with retention, and academic achievement of students from racially minoritized groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
Authors: Sprowles Amy E. , Margell Steven , Malloy Kerri J. , Hillman Lisa , Hillman L. Chook Chook , Rich Angela , Smith Jessica , Shaughnessy Frank J. , Hurst Matthew P. , Manor Sonja , Mazzag Borbala , Oliver Dale , Siering Patricia , Cashman Eileen , O'Dowd Alison P. , Goley P. Dawn , Black Gillian , Goldenberg Katlin O. , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: June 2023

Only 40–50% of first-year collegiate science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) students complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Persistence and graduation rates of students from racially minoritized groups that historically have been underrepresented in STEM (URG) is significantly lower. Culturally responsive programming that incorporates the values, perspectives, cultures, and the empathy and equity matters of non-majority populations can empower students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. This paper describes the outcomes of first-year place-based learning community students who participated in a water quality laboratory that integrates the science, culture, values, and social justice concerns of the Indigenous people of the Klamath River Basin. The curriculum was designed by university faculty and Indigenous scientists from The Karuk Tribe of California. A combination of survey data and thematic analysis was used to evaluate the impact of our program on intellectual growth, gains in psychosocial factors associated with first year student success, and academic achievement. All student participants demonstrated intellectual growth and gains in psychosocial factors associated with STEM retention, but the effects were most pronounced for students who identified parallels between issues faced by Native American communities and their home community. The most significant gains in STEM retention and academic achievement occurred for URG students who learned about Native American culture through the water quality laboratory. The majority of all students expressed the importance of understanding the cultural, environmental, and/or social justice issues of Native American people to their future careers. We believe ours is one of the first studies that specifically examines the power of collaborating with contemporary Indigenous communities to create opportunities for first-year collegiate STEM students to participate in interdisciplinary, place-based curricular and co-curricular activities.
Deep Learning model-based malicious node detection system in wireless multimedia sensor Network
Authors: JOHN AROCKIA JAYADHAS SOOSAI , Roslin Emalda , Wilfred Florin
Published: June 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WMSNs) are becoming increasingly popular in many fields, from academia to transportation, environmental monitoring, wildlife preservation, and military espionage. Therefore, examining potential threats, power consumption, vulnerability recognition, and systemic vulnerability characteristics is essential to develop a reliable information security approach for WSNs. As a result, it is becoming increasingly crucial for the technical community to conduct intrusion recognition method evaluations. Since this is the case, using deep learning techniques in creating intrusion identification and mitigation systems for wireless multimedia sensor networks is essential. This article examines how well different machine learning and deep learning algorithms perform in attack identification systems. Testing the efficacy of different methods on the WMSN-DS database through experimentation is essential. In this work, we combine the power of a Convolutional Neural Network classifier with a Random forest. In order to accomplish this, a Convolutional Neural Network with a Random Forest Classifier is used. The intrusion detection system (IDS) is a crucial technique proposed in this study for WMSN. To address this issue, the current study proposal uses deep Learning with a Random Forest classifier to detect and prevent attacks and to promote efficient forwarding in WMSNs. Multiple WMSN assaults have been investigated, and the results of these investigations have been critically evaluated.
Activation of transsulfuration pathway to maintain cysteine is a thermogenic checkpoint for the conservation of energy
Authors: Dixit Vishwa , Lee Aileen , Sugiura Yuki , Youm Yun-Hee , Dlugos Tamara , Maeda Rae , Coman Daniel , Spadaro Olga , Sidorov Sviatoslav , Shcukina Irina , Andhey Prabhakar Sairam , Smith Steven , Ravussin Eric , Hyder Fahmeed , Artyomov Maxim
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Urinary protein changes during the short-term growth and development of rats
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Yang Minhui , Wang Haitong , Chen Yuzhen , Gao Youhe
Published: June 2023

Can the urine proteome reflect short-term changes in the growth and development of animals? Do short-term developmental effects on urinary protein need to be considered when performing urine marker studies using model animals with faster growing periods? In this study, urine samples were collected from 10 Wistar rats aged 6–8 weeks 3 and 6 days apart. The results showed that the urine proteome could sensitively reflect short-term growth and development in rats. For example, comparing the urine proteome of Day 0 and Day 6, 195 differential proteins were identified after screening (FC ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 0.67, P < 0.05), and verified by randomization, the average number of randomly generated differential proteins was 17.99. At least 90.77% of the differential proteins were not randomly generated. This finding demonstrates that the differential proteins identified in the samples collected at different time points were not randomly generated. A large number of biological processes and pathways related to growth and development were enriched, which shows that the urine proteome reflects the short-term growth and development of rats, and provides a means for in-depth and meticulous study of growth and development. Moreover, an interfering factor in animal experiments using 6- to 8-week-old rats to construct models was identified. The results of this study demonstrated that there were differences in the urinary proteome in rats aged 6–8 weeks only 3–6 days apart, which suggests that the sensitivity of urinary proteomics is high and shows the sensitive and precise response of the urinary proteome to body changes.
Electric properties of the magnetopause boundary layer
Authors: Gao Lai , Shen Chao , Ji Yong , Zhou Yufei
Published: June 2023

The magnetopause plays a pivotal role in the coupling between solar wind and the magnetosphere. By analysing magnetopause crossing events by Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, we reveal a local non-neutrality of electric charges and the associated electric field in the magnetopause boundary layer. There are two types of electric structures. In one group that typically occurs on the dusk-side, the electric field is directed towards the Earth. In the other structure that occurs on the whole dayside, the field is directed away from the Earth. The spatial extent of this electric non-neutrality spans approximately 600 km, which is at the scale of ion gyrational motion. These findings provide valuable insights into the fine structures of the magnetopause and the coupling between solar wind and the magnetosphere.
Machine learning identifies right index finger tenderness as key signal of DAS28- CRP based psoriatic arthritis activity
Authors: Rischke Samuel , Poor Sorwe Mojtahed , Gurke Robert , Hahnefeld Lisa , Köhm Michaela , Ultsch Alfred , Geisslinger Gerd , Behrens Frank , Lötsch Jörn
Published: June 2023

Background
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that is often categorized based on the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28 CRP). However, since DAS28-CRP was originally designed for rheumatoid arthritis, it may not perfectly reflect PsA, and periodic re-evaluation has been recommended.
Methods
A cohort of 80 PsA patients (44 women and 36 men, aged 56.3 ± 12 years) with a range of disease activity from remission to moderate was analyzed using unsupervised and supervised methods applied to the DAS28-CRP components.
Results
Machine learning-based permutation importance identified tenderness in the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right index finger as the most informative item for PsA activity staging. This symptom alone allowed a random forest classifier to identify PsA remission with 67% balanced accuracy in new cases. Projection of the DAS28-CRP data onto an emergent self-organizing map of artificial neurons identified outliers, who following enhancement of group sizes by generative artificial intelligence (AI) could be defined as subgroups particularly characterized by either joint tenderness or swelling.
Conclusions
AI-assisted re-evaluation of the DAS28-CRP for PsA has narrowed the score items to a most relevant symptom, and generative AI has been useful for identifying and characterizing small subgroups of patients whose symptom patterns differ from the majority. These findings represent an important step toward precision medicine that can address outliers.
The retinoblastoma-related gene RBL901 can trigger drought response actions in potato
Authors: Sołtys-Kalina Dorota , Macko-Podgórni Alicja , Plich Jarosław , Boguszewska-Mańkowska Dominika , Szajko Katarzyna , Smyda-Dajmund Paulina , Grzebelus Dariusz , Marczewski Waldemar
Published: June 2023

The cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops in the world. It is estimated that, globally, over the next few decades, drought will decrease potential potato yields and quality, which are the main determinants of potato tolerance to drought stress. Potato plants are sensitive to drought stress, although cultivar-dependent variability in the response to water deficiency has been observed (Nasir and Toth 2022). Photosynthesis in leaves provides the supplies needed for biomass accumulation, whereas potato tubers are strong sink organs. Understanding the biological basis of decreases in potato tuber yields and quality in response to water shortage, considering the responses of leaves, is a serious agronomic challenge (Boguszewska-Mańkowska et al. 2020).