bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of highly-retrievable atom–photon entanglement with a millisecond lifetime via a spatially-multiplexed cavity
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Minjie , wang Shengzhi , Ma Tengfei , li ya , xie yan , jiao haole , liu hailong , Li Shujing
Published: June 2022

Qubit memory that is entangled with photonic qubit is the building block for quantum repeaters. Realizing ensemble-based repeaters requires qubit simultaneously featuring high retrieval efficiencies and long lifetimes. So far, the longest memory time at 50% retrieval efficiency for entanglement storage reaches ~40 μs. Here, by coupling cold atoms to two spatially-distinctive modes of a polarization-interferometer-based cavity, we achieve cavity-perfectly-enhanced and long-lived atom-photon entanglement. A write-laser beam is applied onto cold atoms, we then create a magnetic-field-insensitive spin-wave qubit that is entangled with the photonic qubit encoded onto two arms of the interferometer. By applying a read beam, the spin-wave qubit is converted to a photonic qubit, whose two modes are resonant with the cavity. Our experimental data shows that zero-delay intrinsic retrieval efficiency is up to 77% and 1/e lifetime 1ms. At 50% efficiency, the storage time reaches 540μs , which is 13.5 times longer than the best reported result.
Complicated nonlinear oscillations caused by maneuvering of a flexible spacecraft equipped with hinged solar arrays
Authors: He Guiqin , Cao Dengqing , Heijden G.H.M. van der
Published: June 2022

We present a general methodology for the nonlinear dynamical modeling of a three-axis stabilized spacecraft equipped with flexible solar arrays. The large-span multi-panel solar arrays are modeled as flexible thin plates that are connected to the rigid central body of the spacecraft by means of nonlinear flexible hinges. We construct a low-dimensional yet accurate dynamical model by using a Galerkin expansion in terms of global modes of the system that we compute first by using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The hinged connections between the rigid and flexible parts of the system are imposed by means of Lagrange multipliers. We use the model to study the spacecraft response triggered by various maneuvering scenarios. We in particular focus on the coupling between vibrations of the flexible components and the rigid motion of the spacecraft induced by hinge nonlinearities during these orbital and attitude maneuvering operations. In all cases considered we find that four global modes are sufficient to accurately compute the system’s response. We also observe other complicated nonlinear dynamical phenomena such as hysteresis and superharmonic resonance that may be of concern in spacecraft design. Our modeling approach can straightforwardly be applied to other multibody systems.
ADAR1 promotes miR-3144-3p editing to simultaneously induce oncogenic MSI2 and suppress tumor suppressor SLC38A4 in liver cancer
Authors: Kim Hyung Seok , Na Min Jeong , Son Keun hong , Yang Hee Doo , Kim Sang Yean , Shin Eunbi , Ha Jin Woong , Jeon Soyoung , Kang Keunsoo , Moon Kiho , Park Won Sang , Nam Suk Woo
Published: June 2022

Background: Aberrant adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on double-stranded RNA (ADAR), is implicated in various cancers, but the mechanisms by which microRNA (miRNA) editing contributes to cancer development are currently largely unknown.Method: Our multi-step hepatocellular carcinogenesis transcriptome data analyses, together with publicly available data, indicated that ADAR1 is the most dysregulated gene among the RNA editing enzyme families in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Targeted inactivation of ADAR1 inhibits in vitro tumorigenesis of HCC cells. Integrative computational analyses of RNA editing hotspots and the editing frequency of miRNAs suggested miR-3144-3p a potential mRNA edited by ADAR1 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.Result: Through direct sequencing of ADAR1-knocked-down or -overexpressing cells, we demonstrated that ADAR1 promoted A-to-I editing of the canonical miR-3144-3p to change position 3 adenosine in the seed region to guanine (ED_miR-3144-3p(3_A<G)) in HCC cells. We then demonstrated that Musashi RNA-binding protein 2 (MSI2) is a specific target of miR-3144-3p, and that MSI2 overexpression is due to ADAR1-dependent over-editing of the canonical miR-3144-3p in HCC cells. Notably miR-3144-3p treatments showed similar to in vitro anti-tumor activities of ADAR1-specifc siRNA in HCC. In addition, target prediction analyses and validation experiments identified solute carrier family 38 member 4 (SLC38A4) as specific target gene for ED_miR-3144-3p(3_A<G). We also demonstrated that ectopic expressions of both ADAR1 and ED_miR-3144-3p(3_A<G) mimics enhanced mitotic activities and that ADAR1 suppressed SLC38A4 in HCC cells. Treatments with mouse-specific ADAR1-, MSI2-siRNA or SLC38A4-expressing plasmids suppressed tumor incidence and growth in a spontaneous mouse HCC model. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that aberrant regulation of ADAR1 augments oncogenic MSI2 via overediting the canonical miR-3144-3p, and the resultant ED_miR-3144-3p(3_A<G) simultaneously suppresses tumor suppressor SLC38A4, thereby contributing to hepatocellular carcinogenesis.
The effect and tolerability of second-line chemotherapy are associated with disease control of nivolumab chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Matsuoka Hiroshi , Mizuno Tomohiro , Sakai Minami , Suzuki Kazumitsu , Serizawa Michiko , Nakauchi Masaya , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Shibasaki Susumu , Hayashi Takahiro , Suda Koichi
Published: June 2022

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are associated with the efficacy of nivolumab. However, whether the tolerability of second-line chemotherapy is associated with the efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy (third-line chemotherapy) remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate whether the results of second-line treatment were associated with the efficacy of nivolumab in patients with gastric cancer.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We enrolled Japanese patients aged ≥ 20 years with gastric cancer who were treated with nivolumab as a third-line chemotherapy at Fujita Health University Hospital from October 2017 to September 2021.Patients with the evaluations of complete response, partial response, and stable disease after third-line chemotherapy were included in the disease control (DC) group, while others were included in the progressive disease (PD) group.Results: A total of 126 patients were enrolled. The population of patients aged over 65 years in the DC group was significantly higher than that in the PD group (p = 0.017). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in the PD group was higher than that in the DC group (p = 0.081). The number of patients continuing second-line chemotherapy for >7 months was significantly higher in the DC than in the PD group (p = 0.021). Age over 65 years (odds ratio [ OR ] =2.67, p = 0.040), duration of second-line chemotherapy over 7 months (OR = 3.10, p = 0.031), and the occurrence of irAEs (OR = 3.60, p = 0.006) were detected as the factors associated with disease control after nivolumab chemotherapy.Conclusions: The effect and the tolerability of second-line chemotherapy, and age over 65 years are the factors of DC after nivolumab chemotherapy. The control of tumour inflammatory status might be important for improvements in treatment outcomes.
MiR-130a Regulates FUNDC1-Mediated Mitophagy by Targeting GJA1 in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yan Yan , Tian Liu-yang , Jia Qian , Han Yang , Chen Hui-ning , Cui Sai-jia , Yao Yong-Ming , Zhao Xiao-jing
Published: June 2022

To understand the complex pathogenesis in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI) is the urgent problem solved in clinical trials. Increasing evidences have suggested that miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of heart diseases by regulating the mitochondria-related genes expression. Mitochondria have been acknowledged as the key triggers of cardiac I/R injury. However, the potential impact of miR-130a on mitochondria remains unclear in myocardial IRI. Exploring the regulatory mechanism of miR-130a on mitochondria may provide a new target for IRI therapy. In the present study, we found that miR-130a was significantly increased in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and myocardial I/R rats. Over-expression of miR-130a resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, evidenced by decreases in mitochondrial ATP production rate as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, suppression of miR-130a could protect mitochondrial damage, showing elevation of mitochondrial ATP production rate and MMP, and reduction of ROS production. We further explored the effect of miR-130a on mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system by determining mitochondrial-protein-specific proteases, and mitochondrial morphology was analyzed by fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy, respectively. It was noted that miR-130a could obviously suppress mitochondrial fusion and FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy to accelerate myocardial IRI. Moreover, we investigated the potential miR-130a targetd mitochondria-related genes to understand the regulatory mechanism of miR-130a in the setting of myocardial IRI. It was revealed that miR-130a evidently targeted GJA1, and GJA1 rescued IRI through protecting MMP and activating mitophagy. In addition, knockdown of miR-130a significantly activated FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy, while knockdown of GJA1 reversed the relevant response. Collectively, our findings suggest that miR-130a regulates FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy by targeting GJA1 in myocardial IRI.
Characterization of Extracellular Free Water Pathologies in Schizophrenia Using Multi-Site Diffusion MRI Harmonization
Authors: Cetin-Karayumak Suheyla , Lyall Amanda , Biase Maria Di , Seitz-Holland Johanna , Zhang Fan , Kelly Sinead , Elad Doron , Pearlson Godfrey , Tamminga Carol , Sweeney John , Clementz Brett , Schretlen David , Stegmayer Katharina , Walther Sebastian , Lee Jungsun , Crow Timothy , James Anthony , Voineskos Aristotle , Buchanan Robert , Szeszko Philip , Malhotra Anil , Keshavan Matcheri , Shenton Martha , Rathi Yogesh , Pasternak Ofer , Kubicki Marek
Published: June 2022

Studies applying Free Water Imaging have consistently reported significant global increases in extracellular FW in populations of individuals with early psychosis. However, these published studies focused on homogenous clinical participant groups (e.g., only first episode or chronic), thereby limiting our understanding of the time course of free water (FW) elevations across illness stages. Moreover, the relationship between FW and duration of illness has yet to be directly tested. Leveraging our multi-site diffusion magnetic resonance imaging(dMRI) harmonization approach, we analyzed dMRI scans collected by 12 international sites from 441 healthy controls and 434 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders who represent different illness stages and ages (15–58 years). We characterized the pattern of age-related FW changes by assessing whole brain white matter in individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Quadratic and non-parametric curves were used to model between-group FW differences in averaged whole brain white matter. In individuals with schizophrenia, whole brain FW was higher than in controls across all ages, with the greatest FW values observed from 15 to 23 years of age (effect size range= [0.70-0.87]). Following this peak, FW exhibited a monotonic decrease until reaching a minima at the age of 39 years. After 39 years of age, an attenuated monotonic increase in FW was observed, but with markedly lower effect sizes when compared to younger patients (effect size range = [0.32-0.43]). Importantly, FW was found to be negatively associated with duration of illness in schizophrenia (p=0.006), independent of the effects of age. In summary, our study finds in a large, age-diverse sample that participants with schizophrenia with a shorter duration of illness showed higher FW values compared to participants with more prolonged illness. Our findings indicate that FW might be a reliable imaging marker of acute, extracellular processes which appear to occur predominantly in the early stages of schizophrenia.
Re_Trans: Combined Retrieval and transformer model for Source Code Summarization
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Zhou Qinglei , Qiao Meng , Tang Ke , Xu Lianqiu , Liu Fudong
Published: June 2022

Source code summarization (SCS) refers to the natural language description on what a source code is performing. It can help developers understand programs and maintain software efficiently. Retrieval methods (RM) generate SCS reorganize terms selected from source code or use SCS of similar code snippets. Generative methods (GM) generate SCS via attentional encoder-decoder architecture. However, a GM can generate SCS for any code, but sometime the accuracy is still far from expectation (due to the lack of numerous high-quality training set). A RM is considered with a higher accuracy, but usually fail to generate SCS for a source code in the absence of a similar candidate in the database. In order to effectively combine the advantages of RM and GM, we propose a new method Re_Trans. For a given code, we first utilize RM to get the most similar code w.r.t sematic and its SCS (S_RM). Then, we input the given code and similar code into the trained discriminator. If the discriminator outputs 1, we take S_RM as the result, otherwise, we utilize the GM, transformer, to generate the given code’ SCS. Particularly, we use AST-augmented and code sequence-augmented information to make the source code semantic extraction more fully. Furthermore, we build a new SCS retrieval library through the public dataset. We evaluate our method on a data set of 2.1 million Java code-comment pairs, and experimental results show improvement over the state-of-the-art (SOTA) benchmarks, which demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of our method.
Efficacy of two lines of pupa defence in highly specialised Darwin wasp parasitoids associated with spider hosts (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Korenko Stanislav , Sýkora Jakub , Kostro-Ambroziak Agata , Pekár Stano
Published: June 2022

Insects in the pupal stage are vulnerable to various predators because the pupa is immobile. The pupae of parasitoid Darwin wasps associated with spider hosts have evolved two lines of defence against predators, namely a cocoon spun by the parasitoid larva and a web provided by the spider host. The web is derived from a normal or modified spider web built by the spider under manipulation by the penultimate instar of the parasitoid wasp. In laboratory experiments, we tested the efficacy of these two defensive lines using six potential predators with two different types of mouthparts coming from three foraging guilds. The cocoon significantly reduced predation. Scavengers with chewing mouthparts, e.g., cockroaches and crickets, attacked and consumed pupae within both sparse and strong cocoon walls. Scavengers with piercing mouthparts were able to attack pupae in cocoons with a sparse wall, but not with a strong wall. Collectors and true predators showed no interest in cocoons. The presence of a web increased pupa protection up to 80% when the web was on the ground and up to 95% when the web was in the air. Only scavengers with chewing mouthparts were able to reach and consume the pupae sheltered by the web. We provide the first evidence of how the two lines of defence contribute to parasitoid defence during the pupal stage.
Feasibility of Serial Neurocognitive Assessment Using Cogstate During and After Therapy for Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Cole Peter D. , Kim Soo Young , Li Yuelin , Schembri Adrian , Kelly Kara M , Sulis Maria-Luisa , Vrooman Lynda M. , Welch Jennifer J.G. , Ramjan Sameera , Silverman Lewis B. , Sands Stephen A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Neurocognitive impairment is frequently observed among survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) within the domains of attention, working memory, processing speed, executive functioning and learning and memory. However, few studies have characterized the trajectory of treatment-induced changes in neurocognitive function beginning in the first months of treatment, to test whether early changes predict impairment among survivors. If correct, we hypothesize that those children who are most susceptible to early impairment would be ideal subjects for clinical trials testing interventions designed to protect against treatment-related neurocognitive decline. Methods: In this pilot study, we prospectively assessed neurocognitive functioning (attention, working memory, executive function, visual learning, and processing speed), using the Cogstate computerized battery at six time points during the 2 years of chemotherapy and 1 year post treatment enrolled on or as per Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium protocol 11-001; NCT01574274. Results: 43 patients with ALL consented to serial neurocognitive testing. Of the 31 participants who remained on study through the final time point, one year after completion of chemotherapy, 28 (90%) completed at least five of six planned Cogstate testing timepoints. Performance and completion checks indicated a high tolerability (≥88%) for all subtests. One year after completion of treatment, 10 of 29 patients (34%) exhibited neurocognitive function more than 2 sd below age-matched norms on one or more Cogstate subtests. Conclusions: Serial collection of neurocognitive data (within a month of diagnosis with ALL, during therapy and one year post treatment) is feasible and informative for evaluating treatment-related neurocognitive impairment.
Comprehensive analysis of candidate signatures of long non-coding RNA LINC01116 and related protein-coding genes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiang-Kun , Luo Kai , Yu Long , Wang Hong-Lei , Zhang Xu-Dong , Li Ren-Feng
Published: June 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a long-term malignancy that causes high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Notably, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified as candidate targets for malignancy treatments.
Methods
LncRNA LINC01116 and its Pearson-correlated genes (PCGs) were identified and analyzed in HCC patients. The diagnostic and prognostic value of the lncRNA was evaluated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Further, we explored the target drugs of LINC01116 for clinical application. Relationships between immune infiltration and PCGs, methylation and PCGs were explored. The diagnostic potentials were then validated by real time-PCR and Oncomine cohorts.
Results
LINC01116 and the PCG OLFML2B are differentially and highly expressed in tumor tissues (both P ≤ 0.050). We found that LINC01116, TMSB15A, PLAU, OLFML2B, and MRC2 have diagnostic potentials (all AUC ≥ 0.700, all P ≤ 0.050) while LINC01116 and TMSB15A have prognostic significance (both adjusted P ≤ 0.050). LINC01116 was enriched in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor signaling pathway, mesenchyme morphogenesis, etc.. After that, candidate target drugs with potential clinical significance were identified: Thiamine, Cromolyn, Rilmenidine, Chlorhexidine, Sulindac_sulfone, Chloropyrazine, and Meprylcaine. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed that MRC2, OLFML2B, PLAU, and TMSB15A are negatively associated with the purity but positively associated with the specific cell types (all P < 0.050). Analysis of promoter methylation demonstrated that MRC2, OLFML2B, and PLAU have differential and high methylation levels in primary tumors (all P < 0.050). Validation results of the differential expressions and diagnostic potential of LINC01116 (RT-PCR) and OLFML2B (RT-PCR and Oncomine) were consistent with those obtained in the TCGA cohort (all P < 0.050, all AUC > 0.700).
Conclusions
Differentially expressed LINC01116 could be a candidate diagnostic and an independent prognostic signature in HCC. Besides, its target drugs may work for HCC therapy via the VEGF receptor signaling pathway. Differentially expressed OLFML2B could be a diagnostic signature involved in HCC via immune infiltrates.
Exosomal circRNA-miRNA Expression profile from plasma in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients by Bioinformatics and Integrative Analysis
Authors: Besli Nail , Sarikamis Bahar , Cakmak Rabia Kalkan , Kilic Ulkan
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative ailment globally. Compelling evidence suggests the function of exosomal non-coding RNAs has been associated with the progression of AD but whose exosomal-linked non-coding RNAs mediated regulatory mechanisms are broadly unlit. This study, therefore, set out with the aim of exploring the exosomal circRNA-miRNA networks in the plasma of AD patients. Data of 3 samples from each group (healthy, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD) were fetched from ArrayExpress. The MCI and AD groups were compared with the healthy group by screening for differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and circRNAs (DEcircRs) in plasma exosomes. Subsequently, common DEmiRs and DEcircRs for both MCI and AD groups were evaluated to identify gene ontologies, pathways, and networks. Lastly, the analysis of the PPI (protein–protein interaction) network and hub genes selection were performed. A total of common 19 (7 upregulated and 12 downregulated) DEmiRs and 24 DEcircRs were identified. It was predicted 4559 target genes for upregulated DemiRs, while 6504 target genes for downregulated DEmiRs and most of the target genes were associated with the PI3K-Akt pathway and that they were mostly regulated by hsa-mir-615-3p, hsa-mir-196a-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-let-205-5p, hsa-mir-185-3p, hsa-mir-185-5p, hsa-mir-374a-5p, hsa-mir-374a-3p. Also, 9 hub genes (CCNE2, CCND1, CDK6, ACTB, MAPK1, AKT1, GSK3B, IGF1R, HSP90AA) were uncovered as the genes most associated with AD by a PPI network using Cytoscape plug-in cytohubba. Our outcomes exhibit a new outlook on a possible exosomal-linked miRNA-circRNA network in the pathogenesis of AD.
Designing of peptide based multi-epitope vaccine construct against gallbladder cancer using immunoinformatics and computational approaches
Authors: Dar Mukhtar Ahmad , Kumar Pawan , Kumar Prakash , Shrivastava Ashish , Dar Muneer Ahmad , Singh Ashutosh , Chauhan Richa , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Dhingra Sameer
Published: June 2022

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive and difficult to treat biliary tract carcinoma characterised by late presentation, poor prognosis, and a survival rate of <1 year. GBC is difficult to treat and the current treatments have yielded dismal outcomes. The aim of this study was to design a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against GBC using reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics tools. Epitopes from three antigenic proteins (NT5E, ANPEP and MME) were used for designing the epitope vaccine. CTL, HTL and B-cell epitopes were predicted and screened on the basis of immunogenicity, antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity and IFN-γ inducing properties. The selected epitopes were connected using linkers and suitable adjuvant for designing final vaccine construct. The physicochemical properties were analysed followed by 2D and 3D structure generation, refinement and validation. The binding affinity of vaccine construct with immune receptors (TLR2, 3 and 4) was assessed through molecular docking. The stability of the docked vaccine-receptor complexes were evaluated using 100ns MD simulations. The epitope vaccine showed an adequate antibody and cell mediated immune responses through in-silco immune simulation. Our vaccine construct demonstrated good solubility, stability, antigenicity, non-allergenicity and non-toxicity with potential to elicit strong immune responses. However, further experimental research is needed to validate the safety and efficacy of the designed vaccine.
Presence of schistosome eggs in lymph nodes predict unfavorable prognosis in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Pan Weiyu , Guo Jiaojiao , Li Jiali , Su Jieakesu , Zhang Xiaolei , Liu Jia , Xu Chen , Hou Yingyong
Published: June 2022

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of schistosome eggs location in schistosomal colorectal cancer (SCRC). Methods: Two hundred and one cases of SCRC were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, clinicopathological parameters and survival rates were analyzed.Results: There were 120 males and 81 females, the median age was 71 years (range, 44-91). All patients were followed, and the median time was 3.85 years (range, 0.08-6.30). The 5-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 60.3% and 70.7% respectively. There were 104 patients with PS1 (presence site 1, eggs deposited in the mucosa) and 97 patients with PS2 (presence site 2, eggs deposited in the muscularis propria or throughout the full thickness of the intestinal wall), 184 patients presented with eggs in cutting edges and 98 patients in lymph nodes (LNs). Hepatic schistosomiasis was found in 28.9% of patients by imaging modalities and correlated to patients with PS2 (P < 0.001) and LNs’ eggs (P < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that eggs in LNs associated with worse DFS (P = 0.001) or marginal worse OS (P = 0.067) in stage III-IV SCRC, not in stage I-II SCRC. Multivariate analysis revealed perineural invasion was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS (P < 0.001, 0.027, respectively), histology grade was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Schistosome eggs’ presence in LNs could predict poor prognosis in advanced SCRC. Deeper egg deposition, and LNs’ eggs, are associated with hepatic schistosomiasis.
Long noncoding RNA ASH1L-AS1 promotes glycolysis and cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells via its regulation on EZH2-mediated CNRIP1 methylation
Authors: Sun Xiao-Fei , Wang Yu , Yin Li-Li , Song Gui-Yu , Yang Qing
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
An investigation of the effects of PVP stabilizing agent on ZnO nanoparticles morphology, crystalline growth, and optical properties
Authors: Seoudi Roshdi , Al-Salem Lulua , Said Doaa
Published: June 2022

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was successfully used as a capping reagent in an aqueous solution to prepare zinc oxide semiconductor nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to determine the effects of PVP concentrations on the morphology, crystallinity, and spectroscopic properties of (ZnONPs). TEM results showed ZnONPs in various shapes (spherical, cubic, hexagonal) and sizes (40 nm-70 nm). PVP concentrations had a significant effect on crystal sizes, full width at half maximum, and X-ray diffraction results of ZnONPs. As confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, a chemical group of C=O in PVP is electrostatically bound to ZnONPs. A UV-vis spectroscopy experiment was performed in the range of wavelengths (300 nm - 800nm), an energy gap study was conducted based on Tauc's relation, and an Urbach energy calculation was conducted. In addition to improving morphology and crystalline growth, PVP concentrations contributed to improvements in optical properties, which are beneficial for the practical application of ZnONPs.
Mitochondria respiratory complexes and supercomplexes co-exist simultaneously in mammalian cells
Authors: Enriquez Jose , Martín-García Elena , Cabrera Jose Luis , Benica Cristiane , Cantarero Verónica Labrador , Herrero Diego , Diaz Francisca , Andilla Jordi , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Moraes Carlos , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Caiolfa Valeria R.
Published: June 2022

The mitochondrial electron transport chain was understood as four respiratory complexes (RCs) independently moving in the mitochondrial inner membrane and electrons transferred between them by CoQ and cytochrome c1,2. The disruption of the mitochondrial membranes with mild detergents followed by blue native electrophoresis (BNGE), allowed visualization of RCs as independent entities, but also associated forming a variety of supercomplexes (SCs)1,3. This led to the proposal that RCs are not moving free entities but instead they super-assembly into structures, called supercomplexes (SCs) or respirasomes3. The use of detergents raised concerns on the existence of either free RCs or SCs in the cellular context4, and does not allow determining the relevance of additional SCs. To address this controversy, it was proposed the plasticity model that considered that both RCs and SCs co-existed in a dynamic organization1,5,6. Over the last 20 years the reality of respiratory supercomplexes was confirmed by functional3,6–8, genetic6,9 and structural10–15 studies. However, the co-existence of free RCs and SCs is still unanswered. We applied multi-color Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy in whole cells in a panel of cell lines: mtDNA depleted cells (p0), complex III (CYTbM) or complex IV (COX10KO) depleted cell lines and their isogenic controls. We demonstrate the co-existence of RCs and SCs in large cell areas. Our observations support the plasticity organization model of the mitochondrial respiratory chain were RCs and SCs co-exist and reveal an unexpected heterogeneous distribution of RCs and SCs within mitochondria in-situ.
A GIS-based Simulation and Visualization Tool for the Assessment of Gully Erosion Processes
Authors: Omran Adel , Schröder Dietrich , Sommer Christian , Hochschild Volker , Maerker Michael
Published: June 2022

Gully erosion is known to affect soil productivity, limit land use, and to pose threats on infrastructure in many parts of the world. Gully erosion has been largely neglected because it is difficult to model and visualize its effects. Many gullies grow rapidly to large sizes, making effective control technically difficult and often too expensive. To assess the susceptibility of soils and substrates to gully erosion, the triggering factors must be identified and analyzed. For this study, a simulation of gully development over time was implemented in Python based on the topographic characteristics of the test watershed, soil properties, and measured runoff. The full simulation GIS was tested on a gully in the KwaThunzi region, South Africa. The results are very promising and allow a 2D/3D visualization of the time series of gully evolution.
Goreisan alleviates cerebral oedema by inhibiting aquaporin 4 function: In vivo study using an established mouse model of cerebral oedema
Authors: Shimizu Tomofumi , Matsumoto Chinami , Kido Toshitaka , Murakami Kazuhito , Isohama Yoichiro
Published: June 2022

BackgroundLow atmospheric pressure triggers weather-related illnesses, such as headaches. Although many individuals are affected by weather-related illnesses, only a few therapeutic drugs are available. In Japan, goreisan (GRS) is traditionally used to relieve headaches; however, its mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of action of GRS against headaches, focusing on water dynamics.MethodsWe used a well-established mouse model of cerebral oedema to evaluate the effects of GRS on related symptoms and brain water content. The mouse model was subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 17O-labelled water (H217O) to assess water dynamics in the brain. The effect of GRS on water permeability through aquaporin 4 (AQP4) was examined in vitro to elucidate its mechanism of action.ResultsGRS inhibited the loss of righting reflex and survival in the mouse model by ameliorating the increase in brain water content. In the same mouse model, MRI evaluation of water dynamics using H217O-derived signal changes showed that GRS reduced the maximum signal intensity change in the cortex and the areas under the curve in the cortex and lateral ventricle. Evaluation of water permeability in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing AQP4 showed that GRS inhibited water permeability by suppressing AQP4 function. ConclusionsGRS inhibits cerebral oedema and related symptoms partly by inhibiting AQP4 water permeability. These findings provide insights into the alleviating effects of GRS on headaches caused by cerebral oedema. This study could serve as a basis to develop novel therapeutic agents for treating weather-related illnesses.
Dairy intake in relation to metabolic health status in overweight and obese adolescents
Authors: Tirani Shahnaz Amani , Mirzaei Saeideh , Asadi Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Saneei Parvane
Published: June 2022

There was a lack of evidence on the association between dairy intake and metabolic health status in overweight/obese adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dairy intake and metabolic health status in overweight/obese Iranian adolescents. Overweight/obese adolescents (n= 203; 101 boys and 102 girls) (aged 12-18 years) selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method have participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were measured. Participants were categorized to metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and a combination of IDF with Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) criteria. The frequency of MUO based on IDF, and IDF/HOMA-IR definitions was 38.9% and 33.0%, respectively. In fully-adjusted model, participants in the highest tertile of dairy intake had 61% lower odds of MUO based on IDF criteria (OR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.15-0.99). Higher dairy intake was associated with a non-significant lower risk of MUO according to IDF/HOMA-IR definition in the maximally-adjusted model (OR: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.17-1.16). Stratifies analysis by sex and body mass index revealed that the association was stronger in girls and overweight subjects. However, in boys and obese adolescents, the association was insignificant. This community-based cross-sectional study revealed that higher intake of dairy was associated with a significant lower odd of MUO among Iranian adolescents, especially in girls and overweight subjects. Further large-scale prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.
IGF2BP3 Mediates the mRNA Degradation of NF1 to Promote Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progress via an m6A-Dependent Manner
Authors: Ding Qiang , Zhang Xu , Shi Liang , Sun Handong , Wang Zi-Wen , Xu Feng , wei Ji-Fu
Published: June 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant reversible modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Emerging evidence has supported that m6A plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. As a crucial reader, IGF2BP3 usually mediates the stabilization of mRNAs in an m6A-dependent manner. However, the functions and m6A mechanism of IGF2BP3 have not been reported in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here we showed that IGF2BP3 was highly expressed in TNBC tissues and cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis. TET3-mediated IGF2BP3 promoter hypomethylation leads to upregulation of IGF2BP3 expression in TNBC. Knocking down IGF2BP3 markedly inhibited the proliferation and increased the apoptosis of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. Intersection co-assays revealed that IGF2BP3 decreased NF1 stabilization in an m6A-dependent manner. NF1 expression was negatively correlated with IGF2BP3, and knockdown of NF1 could rescue the phenotypes of IGF2BP3 knockdown cells partially in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, m6A reader IGF2BP3 promoted proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of TNBC by destabilizing NF1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. TET3-mediated IGF2BP3 promoter hypomethylation leads to upregulation of IGF2BP3 expression in TNBC. It suggested that IGF2BP3 has the potential to be the target for TNBC treatment.
Magnetic compression technique for ureterovesical anastomosis: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: An Yingfeng , Zhang Miaomiao , Xu Shuqin , Deng Bo , Shi Aihua , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of the magnetic compression technique (MCT) for ureterovesical anastomosis in a rabbit model with ureteral obstruction. The distal ureteral obstruction model using female New Zealand rabbits was induced by ligating the distal end of the right ureter with silk thread for four weeks. A pair of cylindrical NdFeB magnets (daughter magnet and parent magnet) with a hole in the center was used for the ureterovesical anastomosis. The daughter magnet and the parent magnet were respectively placed close to the obstruction site through the dilated proximal ureter and urethra, and then the daughter-parent magnets pair was attracted together automatically. Postoperative X-rays were taken to confirm the position of the magnets. The anastomotic stoma specimens were obtained two weeks postoperatively, and the anastomotic stoma formation was observed by the naked eye and histological staining. The operation time and the anastomotic burst pressure were measured. The ureter was significantly dilated in the fourth week after ligation, which satisfied the placement of the daughter magnet. The ureterovesical magnet placements were successfully performed in ten experimental rabbits, with an operation time of 36.5 ± 6.09 min. The parent and daughter magnets attracted each other well and were subsequently removed through the urethra two weeks postoperatively, resulting in the establishment of ureterovesical anastomosis. The anastomotic burst pressure was 147.5 ± 14.59 mmHg. Gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomotic stoma showed that the anastomotic stoma healed well. MCT is feasible and simple for ureterovesical anastomosis.
Testing inter-observer error under a collaborative research framework for studying lithic shape variability
Authors: Timbrell Lucy , Scott Christopher , Habte Behailu , Tefera Yosef , Monod Hélène , Qazzih Mouna , Marais Benjamin , Black Wendy , Maroma Christine , Ndiema Emmanuel , Henderson Struan , Elmes Katherine , Plomp Kimberly , Grove Matt
Published: June 2022

Evaluating error that arises through the aggregation of data recorded by multiple observers is a key consideration in many metric and geometric morphometric analyses of stone tool shape. One of the most common approaches involves the convergence of observers for repeat trails on the same set of artefacts, however this is logistically and financially challenging when collaborating internationally and/or at a large-scale. We present and evaluate a unique alternative for testing inter-observer error, involving the development of 3D printed copies of a lithic reference collection for distribution among observers. With the aim of reducing error, clear protocols were developed for photographing and measuring the replicas, and inter-observer variability was assessed on the replicas in comparison with a corresponding data set recorded by a single observer. Our results demonstrate that, when the photography procedure is standardized and dimensions are clearly defined, the resulting metric and geometric morphometric data are minimally affected by inter-observer error, supporting this method as an effective solution for assessing error under collaborative research frameworks. Collaboration is becoming increasingly important within archaeological and anthropological sciences in order to increase the accessibility of samples, encourage dual-project development between foreign and local researchers, and reduce the carbon-footprint of collection-based research. This study offers a promising validation of a collaborative research design whereby researchers remotely work together to produce comparable data capturing lithic shape variability.
Exponential Decay for a Klein-Gordon-Schrödinger System with locally Distributed Damping
Authors: Poulou M. , Filippakis M. , Zanchetta J.
Published: June 2022

The following coupled damped Klein-Gordon-Schrödinger equations are considered iψt + κψxx + iαb(x)ψ = φψχ(ω), φtt − φxx + φ + λ(x)φt = −Reψxχ(ω), where Ω is a bounded domain of R, with smooth boundary Γ and ω is a neighbourhood of ∂Ω satisfying the geometric control condition. The aim of the paper is to prove the existence, uniqueness and uniform decay for the solutions following the ideas presented in the works of [1] and [2]. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 35B40, 35B45, 35Q55.
Experimental Velocity Fields Evaluation under the Rotor/Propeller Interactions for High Speed Helicopters for Different Propeller Positions
Authors: LEFEVRE Lauriane , NOWINSKI Vianney , DELVA Jerome , DAZIN Antoine
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on the experimental evaluation of the rotor/propeller interactions for hybrid compound configurations. Experiments are conducted in the ONERA L2 large size-low speed wind tunnel with a 1/7.7 Dauphin 365N model and a four-bladed small-scale propeller. PIV measurements are performed to visualize the velocity fields around the helicopter. Different flight conditions (wind speeds, and propeller position) are tested. In hover, the propeller is completely immersed in the rotor wake for all the configurations, and the thrust is therefore maximal. At low speed, the propeller is partially immersed and the flow on the propeller disk is highly asymmetrical. In this flight configuration, moving the propeller towards the tail of the device increases the interactions and thus the performances of the propeller. No direct interactions of the two rotating parts are measured at high speed for all the configurations tested.
Multi-cohort analysis of depression-associated gut microbiota sheds insight on bacterial biomarkers across populations
Authors: Liang Suisha , Sin Zhen Ye , Yu Juelei , Zhao Shilin , Xi Zhang , Bruzzone Roberto , Tun Hein
Published: June 2022

Gut microbes are associated with the development of depression based on extensive evidence. However, previous studies have led to conflicting reports on this association, posing challenges to the application of the gut microbiota in the diagnostics and treatment of depression. To minimize heterogenicity in data analysis, the present meta-analysis adopted a standardized bioinformatic and statistical pipeline to analyze 16s rRNA sequences of 1827 samples from 8 different cohorts. Although changes in the overall microbial community were identified by our meta-analysis, depressive-correlated changes in alpha-diversity were absent. Enrichment of Bacteroidetes, Parabacteroides, Barnesiella, Bacteroides, Alistipes inops, Bacteroides massiliensis, along with depletion in Firmicutes, Dialister and Bacteroides plebeius were observed in depressive-associated microbiota. By contrast, elevated L-glutamine degradation and reduced L-glutamate production and L-isoleucine biosynthesis were identified in depressive-associated microbiome. After systemically reviewing the data of these collected cohorts, we have established a microbial classifier to identify depressive symptoms with AUC > 78%. Moreover, a low-risk microbial cluster for depressive symptoms was identified, which presented by a lower abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, and a higher abundance of Faecalibacterium, Oscillospiraceae UCG 002, Ruminococcus and Christensenellaceae R.7 group.
Identification and validation of a hypoxia-immune related prognostic signature for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Qinhong Xu , Ganghua yang , Fandi Meng , Yong Wan , Zhengyang Lu , Xuqi Li
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with poor prognosis. Immune and hypoxia are critical characteristics of tumor microenvironment, and are closely associated with cancer prognosis. Present study aimed to identify a novel hypoxia-immune related gene signature for prediction of prognosis in pancreatic cancer. The status of hypoxia or immune was identified with NMF method with the data from TCGA database. Total 27 differentially expressed genes related with hypoxia or immune was screened out. A 6-gene prognostic signature (GALR2, AGT, MAPT, PRKCG, CAMK2B and PKP1) related with hypoxia-immune was further identified by LASSO regression. The survival analysis showed that the overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is inversely associated with prognosis signature. ROC curve indicated the excellent performance of the prognostic signature with AUC of 0.713. The similar prognosis value of the prognostic signature was further validated in 2 GEO independent cohort. In addition, the nomogram was constructed with the prognosis signature and clinical factors including gender, age and histology grade, and the performance of nomogram was accessed by calibration plots and decision curve analysis. Therefore, our study identified a hypoxia-immune related prognostic signature and established a nomogram, which may be helpful for survival prediction in patents with pancreatic cancer.
Antispasmodic activity of novel 2,4-dichloroanilinium perchlorate hybrid material (I): X-ray crystallography, DFT studies, and molecular docking approach
Authors: Jaziri Emna , Louis Hitler , Gharbi Chaima , Unimuke Tomsmith O. , Agwamba Ernest C. , Mathias Gideon E. , Fugita Wataru , Nasr Chérif Ben , Khedhiri Lamia
Published: June 2022

The intriguing properties of organic-inorganic hybrid materials has resulted in the recent upsurge for more effective hybrid materials with diverse activity, harnessing the advantage of the flexibility and structural diversity imposed by these materials. In line with these, the synthesis, crystallography and structural characterization of a novel perchlorate (2,4-dichloroanilinium perchlorate) organic-inorganic hybrid material is reported. The synthesized structure was characterized by FTIR and NMR techniques. Appropriate computational methods were utilized to correlate the experimentally observed spectroscopic properties as well as other molecular electronic properties. The computational studies were achieved at the DFT/M06-2X/6-311++G(2df,2dp) and aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. For benchmarking purposes, the PWPB95 functional with D3BJ dispersion correction was utilized. Molecular electronic properties such as the frontier molecular orbitals, Natural bond orbital analysis, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and visual study of weak interaction via non-covalent interaction were considered to understand the molecular diversity of the perchlorate cluster. Hybrid materials often pose diverse bio-activities and as such the anti-spasmodic activity of the studied compound is considered by molecular docking approach.
Process, structural and outcome quality indicators to support perioperative opioid stewardship for patients with bowel cancer; a rapid review
Authors: Thomas Caroline , Ayres Michael , Pye Kate , Yassin Dina , Howell Simon J , Alderson Sarah
Published: June 2022

Opioids are effective analgesics but can cause harm. Opioid stewardship is key to ensuring that opioids are used effectively and safely. There is no agreed set of quality indicators relating to the use of opioids perioperatively. This work is part of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Bowel Cancer Quality Improvement programme and aims to develop useful quality indicators for the improvement of care and patient outcomes at all stages of the perioperative journey. A rapid review was performed to identify original research and reviews in which quality indicators for perioperative opioid use are described. A data tool was developed to enable reliable and reproducible extraction of opioid quality indicators. A review of 628 abstracts and 118 full-text publications was undertaken. Opioid quality indicators were identified from 47 full-text publications. In total, 128 structure, process and outcome quality indicators were extracted. Duplicates were merged, with the final extraction of 24 discrete indicators. These indicators are based on five topics; patient education, clinician education, pre-operative optimisation, procedure and patient specific prescribing and de-prescribing and opioid-related adverse drug events. The quality indicators are presented as a toolkit to contribute to practical opioid stewardship. Process indicators were most commonly identified and contribute most to quality improvement. Fewer quality indicators relating to intraoperative and immediate recovery stages of the patient journey were identified. An expert clinician panel will be convened to agree which of the quality indicators identified will be most valuable in our region for the management of patients undergoing surgery for bowel cancer.