bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AaMYC3 bridges the regulation of glandular trichome density and artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Yuan Mingyuan , Sheng Yinguo , Bao Jingjing , Wu Wenkai , Nie Guibin , Wang Lingjian , Cao Junfeng
Published: August 2024

Artemisinin, the well‐known natural product for treating malaria, is biosynthesised and stored in the glandular‐secreting trichomes (GSTs) of Artemisia annua. While numerous efforts have clarified artemisinin metabolism and regulation, the molecular association between artemisinin biosynthesis and GST development remains elusive. Here, we identified AaMYC3, a bHLH transcription factor of A. annua, induced by jasmonic acid (JA), which simultaneously regulates GST density and artemisinin biosynthesis. Overexpressing AaMYC3 led to a substantial increase in GST density and artemisinin accumulation. Conversely, in the RNAi‐AaMYC3 lines, both GST density and artemisinin content were markedly reduced. Through RNA‐seq and analyses conducted both in vivo and in vitro, AaMYC3 not only directly activates AaHD1 transcription, initiating GST development, but also up‐regulates the expression of artemisinin biosynthetic genes, including CYP71AV1 and ALDH1, thereby promoting artemisinin production. Furthermore, AaMYC3 acts as a co‐activator, interacting with AabHLH1 and AabHLH113, to trigger the transcription of two crucial enzymes in the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway, ADS and DBR2, ultimately boosting yield. Our findings highlight a critical connection between GST initiation and artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua, providing a new target for molecular design breeding of traditional Chinese medicine.
Recent advances in artificial intelligent strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Gharibshahian Maliheh , Torkashvand Mohammad , Bavisi Mahya , Aldaghi Niloofar , Alizadeh Akram
Published: August 2024

Background

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) aim to repair or replace damaged or lost tissues or organs due to accidents, diseases, or aging, by applying different sciences. For this purpose, an essential part of TERM is the designing, manufacturing, and evaluating of scaffolds, cells, tissues, and organs. Artificial intelligence (AI) or the intelligence of machines or software can be effective in all areas where computers play a role.

Methods

The “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “tissue engineering,” “clinical evaluation,” and “scaffold” keywords used for searching in various databases and articles published from 2000 to 2024 were evaluated.

Results

The combination of tissue engineering and AI has created a new generation of technological advancement in the biomedical industry. Experience in TERM has been refined using advanced design and manufacturing techniques. Advances in AI, particularly deep learning, offer an opportunity to improve scientific understanding and clinical outcomes in TERM.

Conclusion

The findings of this research show the high potential of AI, machine learning, and robots in the selection, design, and fabrication of scaffolds, cells, tissues, or organs, and their analysis, characterization, and evaluation after their implantation. AI can be a tool to accelerate the introduction of tissue engineering products to the bedside.

Highlights

The capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in different ways in all the different stages of TERM and not only solve the existing limitations, but also accelerate the processes, increase efficiency and precision, reduce costs, and complications after transplantation.

ML predicts which technologies have the most efficient and easiest path to enter the market and clinic.

The use of AI along with these imaging techniques can lead to the improvement of diagnostic information, the reduction of operator errors when reading images, and the improvement of image analysis (such as classification, localization, regression, and segmentation).
AAO2 impairment enhances aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 in Arabidopsis leaves exposed to UV‐C or Rose‐Bengal
Authors: Nurbekova Zhadyrassyn , Srivastava Sudhakar , Nja Zai Du , Khatri Kusum , Patel Jaykumar , Choudhary Babita , Turečková Veronica , Strand Miroslav , Zdunek‐Zastocka Edyta , Omarov Rustem , Standing Dominic , Sagi Moshe
Published: August 2024

Among the three active aldehyde oxidases in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves (AAO1‐3), AAO3, which catalyzes the oxidation of abscisic‐aldehyde to abscisic‐acid, was shown recently to function as a reactive aldehyde detoxifier. Notably, aao2KO mutants exhibited less senescence symptoms and lower aldehyde accumulation, such as acrolein, benzaldehyde, and 4‐hydroxyl‐2‐nonenal (HNE) than in wild‐type leaves exposed to UV‐C or Rose‐Bengal. The effect of AAO2 expression absence on aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 and/or AAO1 was studied by comparing the response of wild‐type plants to the response of single‐functioning aao1 mutant (aao1S), aao2KO mutants, and single‐functioning aao3 mutants (aao3Ss). Notably, aao3Ss exhibited similar aldehyde accumulation and chlorophyll content to aao2KO treated with UV‐C or Rose‐Bengal. In contrast, wild‐type and aao1S exhibited higher aldehyde accumulation that resulted in lower remaining chlorophyll than in aao2KO leaves, indicating that the absence of active AAO2 enhanced AAO3 detoxification activity in aao2KO mutants. In support of this notion, employing abscisic‐aldehyde as a specific substrate marker for AAO3 activity revealed enhanced AAO3 activity in aao2KO and aao3Ss leaves compared to wild‐type treated with UV‐C or Rose‐Bengal. The similar abscisic‐acid level accumulated in leaves of unstressed or stressed genotypes indicates that aldehyde detoxification by AAO3 is the cause for better stress resistance in aao2KO mutants. Employing the sulfuration process (known to activate aldehyde oxidases) in wild‐type, aao2KO, and molybdenum‐cofactor sulfurase (aba3‐1) mutant plants revealed that the active AAO2 in WT employs sulfuration processes essential for AAO3 activity level, resulting in the lower AAO3 activity in WT than AAO3 activity in aao2KO.
Enterprise Credit Risk Assessment Based on Hybrid Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model
Authors: Li Tao , Ali Majid Khan Majahar , Wu Lili , Tian Ying
Published: August 2024

This article uses a hybrid fuzzy synthetic evaluation model to evaluate the credit risk of Shouguang vegetable enterprises, and designs four risk levels: impact degree, occurrence probability, risk manageability and government support level. The model uses average score technology to calculate the scores of secondary indicators, primary indicators and evaluation targets at each level, uses sorting technology to sort secondary indicators and primary indicators at each level, and uses fuzzy synthetic evaluation technology to construct Shouguang enterprise credit risk evaluation. The model uses the geometric mean method to calculate the comprehensive score, and summarizes the comprehensive score results to make decisions. Among them, the data in this article comes from a questionnaire, which was completed by a total of 41 professionals who have a better understanding of the credit risks of Shouguang vegetable companies Through calculation, the comprehensive credit risk score of Shouguang Vegetable Enterprise is 2.8585. The risk is medium risk. Banks can lend based on the operation of specific enterprises. The calculation results also show that the risk assessment results at different levels are not completely consistent. The main first-level risk indicators at the first three levels are "enterprise technological innovation" and "enterprise financial status", and the main first-level risk indicators at the last level are "Enterprise management level" and "enterprise development plan". Indicators related to corporate technological innovation and financial status are the main influencing indicators of the credit risk of Shouguang vegetable companies.
A Direct Method to Approximate Solution of the Space-fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Md Nasrudin Farah Suraya , Mahadi Shafaruniza , Abu Hassan Nurul Nadiya
Published: August 2024

A class of partial differential equations with fractional derivatives in the spatial variables are called space-fractional diffusion equations. They can be applied to simulate anomalous diffusion, in which the classical diffusion equation does not accurately describe how a plume of particles disperses. Analytically solving fractional diffusion equations can be problematic due to the typically complex structures of fractional derivative models. Hence, this study proposes the utilisation of a satisfier function in combination with the Ritz method to effectively address fractional diffusion equations in the Caputo sense. By employing this approach, the equations are transformed into an algebraic system, so facilitating their solution and providing a numerical result. This method can achieve a high level of accuracy in solving the Caputo fractional diffusion equations by utilising only a small number of terms from the shifted Legendre polynomials in two variables. The precision and effectiveness of our approach may be evaluated, as it yielded dependable approximations of the solutions.
Validation of Electronic Weighing Device for Vertical Ground Reaction Force and Centre of Pressure Measurement; and Clinical Metrics Derivation
Authors: Yeo Ying Heng , Razali Muhammad Fauzinizam , Mohd Ripin Zaidi , J. Nur-Akasyah , Ridzwan Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini , Tan Alexander Wai Teng , Tay Jia Yi
Published: August 2024

Custom force plates developed from digital bathroom scales are demonstrated to be an alternative to laboratory-grade force plates. Nevertheless, applying custom force plates are questionable as the measurement accuracy has not been thoroughly validated. This study evaluated the validity of a custom force plate constructed from a digital bathroom scale, which successfully measured vertical Ground Reaction Force (GRF), Centre of Pressure (CoP), and clinical assessment metrics derived from vertical GRF and CoP. The custom force plate data collected during quiet standing, sit-to-stand, gait initialisation, gait, quiet sitting, maximal trunk flexion and extension, and lateral bending were compared to a laboratory-grade force plate. In measuring vertical GRF, CoP, and clinical assessment metrics for all tasks, the validity of the custom force plate was demonstrated through high Pearson correlations, coefficient of determinations, and intraclass correlation coefficients (2, 1) of more than 0.95, 0.89, and 0.95, respectively. Moreover, the performance outcome of the custom force plate was comparable to the commercialised force plates reported in previous studies and successfully matched that of a laboratory-grade force plate. Hence, the custom force plate could be an alternative solution to measure vertical GRF, CoP, and clinical assessment metrics in the biomechanical, biomedical engineering, and clinical rehabilitation field.
“
Candidatus
Uabimicrobium helgolandensis”—a planctomycetal bacterium with phagocytosis-like prey cell engulfment, surface-dependent motility, and cell division
Authors: Wurzbacher Carmen E. , Hammer Jonathan , Haufschild Tom , Wiegand Sandra , Kallscheuer Nicolai , Jogler Christian
Published: August 2024

The unique cell biology presented by members of the phylum
Planctomycetota
has puzzled researchers ever since their discovery. Initially thought to have eukaryotic-like features, their traits are now recognized as exceptional but distinctly bacterial. However, recently discovered strains again added novel and stunning aspects to the planctomycetal cell biology—shapeshifting by members of the “
Saltatorellus
” clade to an extent that is unprecedented in any other bacterial phylum, and phagocytosis-like cell engulfment in the bacterium “
Candidatus
Uabimicrobium amorphum.” These recent additions to the phylum
Planctomycetota
indicate hitherto unexplored members with unique cell biology, which we aimed to make accessible for further investigations. Targeting bacteria with features like “
Ca.
U. amorphum”, we first studied both the morphology and behavior of this microorganism in more detail. While similar to eukaryotic amoeboid organisms at first sight, we found “
Ca.
U. amorphum” to be rather distinct in many regards. Presenting a detailed description of “
Ca.
U. amorphum,” we furthermore found this organism to divide in a fashion that has never been described in any other organism. Employing the obtained knowledge, we isolated a second “bacterium of prey” from the harbor of Heligoland Island (North Sea, Germany). Our isolate shares key features with “
Ca.
U. amorphum”: phagocytosis-like cell engulfment, surface-dependent motility, and the same novel mode of cell division. Being related to “
Ca.
U. amorphum” within genus thresholds, we propose the name “
Ca.
Uabimicrobium helgolandensis” for this strain.

IMPORTANCE

“
Candidatus
Uabimicrobium helgolandensis” HlEnr_7 adds to the explored bacterial biodiversity with its phagocytosis-like uptake of prey bacteria. Enrichment of this strain indicates that there might be “impossible” microbes out there, missed by metagenomic analyses. Such organisms have the potential to challenge our understanding of nature. For example, the origin of eukaryotes remains enigmatic, with a contentious debate surrounding both the mitochondrial host entity and the moment of uptake. Currently, favored models involve a proteobacterium as the mitochondrial progenitor and an Asgard archaeon as the fusion partner. Models in which a eukaryotic ancestor engulfed the mitochondrial ancestor via phagocytosis had been largely rejected due to bioenergetic constraints. Thus, the phagocytosis-like abilities of planctomycetal bacteria might influence the debate, demonstrating that prey engulfment is possible in a prokaryotic cellular framework.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants progressively adapt to human cells with altered host cell entry
Authors: Sakurai Yasuteru , Okada Sayaka , Ozeki Takehiro , Yoshikawa Rokusuke , Kinoshita Takaaki , Yasuda Jiro
Published: August 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant exhibits high transmissibility with a strong immune escape ability and causes frequent large-scale global infections by producing predominant subvariants. Here, using human upper/lower airway and intestinal cells, we examined the previously dominant BA.1–BA.5 and BA.2.75 subvariants, together with the recently emerged XBB/BQ lineages, in comparison to the former Delta variant. We observed a tendency for each virus to demonstrate higher growth capability than the previously dominant subvariants. Unlike human bronchial and intestinal cells, nasal epithelial cells accommodated the efficient entry of certain Omicron subvariants, similar to the Delta variant. In contrast to the Delta’s reliance on cell-surface transmembrane protease serine 2, all tested Omicron variants depended on endosomal cathepsin L. Moreover, S1/S2 cleavage of early Omicron spikes was less efficient, whereas recent viruses exhibit improved cleavage efficacy. Our results show that the Omicron variant progressively adapts to human cells through continuous endosome-mediated host cell entry.

IMPORTANCE

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019, has evolved into a number of variants/subvariants, which have generated multiple global waves of infection. In order to monitor/predict virological features of emerging variants and determine appropriate strategies for anti-viral development, understanding conserved or altered features of evolving SARS-CoV-2 is important. In this study, we addressed previously or recently predominant Omicron subvariants and demonstrated the gradual adaptation to human cells. The host cell entry route, which was altered from the former Delta variant, was conserved among all tested Omicron subvariants. Collectively, this study revealed both changing and maintained features of SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron variant evolution.
Functional investigation of the two ClpPs and three ClpXs in
Myxococcus xanthus
DK1622
Authors: Wan Tianyu , Cao Ying , Lai Ya-jun , Pan Zhuo , Li Yue-zhong , Zhuo Li
Published: August 2024

ClpXP is a protease complex that plays important roles in protein quality control and cell cycle regulation, but the functions of multiple ClpXs and multiple ClpPs in
M. xanthus
remain unknown. The genome of
Myxococcus xanthus
DK1622 contains two
clpP
s and three
clpX
s. The
clpP1
and
clpX1
genes are cotranscribed and are both essential, while the other copies are isolated in the genome and are deletable. The deletion of
clpX2
caused the mutant to be deficient in fruiting body development, while the
clpX3
gene is involved in resistance to thermal stress. Both ClpPs possess catalytic active sites, but only ClpP1 shows
in vitro
peptidase activity on the typical substrate Suc-LY-AMC. All of these
clpP
and
clpX
genes exhibit strong transcriptional upregulation in the stationary phase, and the transcription of the three
clpX
genes appears to be coordinated. Our results demonstrated that multiple ClpPs and multiple ClpXs are functionally divergent and may assist in the environmental adaptation and functional diversification of
M. xanthus
.

IMPORTANCE

ClpXP is an important protease complex of bacteria and is involved in various physiological processes.
Myxococcus xanthus
DK1622 possesses two ClpPs and three ClpXs with unclear functions. We investigated the functions of these genes and demonstrated the essential roles of
clpP1
and
clpX1
. Only ClpP1 has
in vitro
peptidase activity on Suc-LY-AMC, and the isolated
clpX
copies participate in distinct cellular processes. All of these genes exhibited significant transcriptional upregulation in the stationary phase. Divergent functions appear in multiple ClpPs and multiple ClpXs in
M. xanthus
DK1622.
A winged-helix DNA-binding protein is essential for self-fertility during sexual development of the homothallic fungus
Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Park Jiyeun , Jeon Hosung , Hwangbo Aram , Min Kyunghun , Ko Jaeho , Kim Jung-Eun , Kim Sieun , Shin Ji Young , Lee Yong-Hwan , Lee Yin-Won , Son Hokyoung
Published: August 2024

Sexual reproduction is crucial for increasing the genetic diversity of populations and providing overwintering structures, such as perithecia and associated tissue, in the destructive plant pathogenic fungus
Fusarium graminearum
. While mating-type genes serve as master regulators in fungal sexual reproduction, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Winged-helix DNA-binding proteins are key regulators of embryogenesis and cell differentiation in higher eukaryotes. These proteins are implicated in the morphogenesis and development of several fungal species. However, their involvement in sexual reproduction remains largely unexplored in
F. graminearum
. Here, we investigated the function of winged-helix DNA-binding proteins in vegetative growth, conidiation, and sexual reproduction, with a specific focus on the
FgWING27
, which is highly conserved among
Fusarium
species. Deletion of
FgWING27
resulted in an abnormal pattern characterized by a gradual increase in the expression of mating-type genes during sexual development, indicating its crucial role in the stage-specific genetic regulation of
MAT
genes in the late stages of sexual development. Furthermore, using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analysis, we identified
Fg17056
as a downstream gene of Fgwing27, which is essential for sexual reproduction. These findings underscore the significance of winged-helix DNA-binding proteins in fungal development and reproduction in
F. graminearum
, and highlight the pivotal role of Fgwing27 as a core genetic factor in the intricate genetic regulatory network governing sexual reproduction.

IMPORTANCE

Fusarium graminearum
is a devastating plant pathogenic fungus causing significant economic losses due to reduced crop yields. In Fusarium Head Blight epidemics, spores produced through sexual and asexual reproduction serve as inoculum, making it essential to understand the fungal reproduction process. Here, we focus on winged-helix DNA-binding proteins, which have been reported to play crucial roles in cell cycle regulation and differentiation, and address their requirement in the sexual reproduction of
F. graminearum
. Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved protein in
Fusarium
as a key factor in self-fertility, along with the discovery of its direct downstream genes. This provides crucial information for constructing the complex genetic regulatory network of sexual reproduction and significantly contribute to further research on sexual reproduction in
Fusarium
species.
Interspecies synergistic interactions mediated by cofactor exchange enhance stress tolerance by inducing biofilm formation
Authors: Wang Lvjing , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Hao , Wang Haixia , Lu Zhenmei
Published: August 2024

Metabolic exchange plays a crucial role in shaping microbial community interactions and functions, including the exchange of small molecules such as cofactors. Cofactors are fundamental to enzyme catalytic activities; however, the role of cofactors in microbial stress tolerance is unclear. Here, we constructed a synergistic consortium containing two strains that could efficiently mineralize di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate under hyperosmotic stress. Integration of transcriptomic analysis, metabolic profiling, and a genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) facilitated the discovery of the potential mechanism of microbial interactions. Multi-omics analysis revealed that the vitamin B
12
-dependent methionine-folate cycle could be a key pathway for enhancing the hyperosmotic stress tolerance of synergistic consortium. Further GEM simulations revealed interspecies exchange of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and riboflavin, cofactors needed for vitamin B
12
biosynthesis, which was confirmed by
in vitro
experiments. Overall, we proposed a new mechanism of bacterial hyperosmotic stress tolerance: bacteria might promote the production of vitamin B
12
to enhance biofilm formation, and the species collaborate with each other by exchanging cofactors to improve consortium hyperosmotic stress tolerance. These findings offer new insights into the role of cofactors in microbial interactions and stress tolerance and are potentially exploitable for environmental remediation.

IMPORTANCE

Metabolic interactions (also known as cross-feeding) are thought to be ubiquitous in microbial communities. Cross-feeding is the basis for many positive interactions (e.g., mutualism) and is a primary driver of microbial community assembly. In this study, a combination of multi-omics analysis and metabolic modeling simulation was used to reveal the metabolic interactions of a synthetic consortium under hyperosmotic stress. Interspecies cofactor exchange was found to promote biofilm formation under hyperosmotic stress. This provides a new perspective for understanding the role of metabolic interactions in microbial communities to enhance environmental adaptation, which is significant for improving the efficiency of production activities and environmental bioremediation.
Expression of the locus of enterocyte effacement genes during the invasion process of the atypical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
1711-4 strain of serotype O51:H40
Authors: Romão Fabiano T. , Santos Ana C. M. , Puño-Sarmiento Juan J. , Sperandio Vanessa , Hernandes Rodrigo T. , Gomes Tânia A. T.
Published: August 2024

Atypical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(aEPEC) is a significant cause of diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries. Certain aEPEC strains, including the Brazilian representative strain of serotype O51:H40 called aEPEC 1711-4, can use flagella to attach to, invade, and persist in T84 and Caco-2 intestinal cells. It can also translocate from the gut to extraintestinal sites in a rat model. Although various aspects of the virulence of this strain were studied and the requirement of a type III secretion system for the efficiency of the invasion process was demonstrated, the expression of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes during the invasion and intracellular persistence remains unclear. To address this question, the expression of flagella and the different LEE operons was evaluated during kinetic experiments of the interaction of aEPEC 1711-4 with enterocytes
in vitro
. The genome of the strain was also sequenced. The results showed that flagella expression remained unchanged, but the expression of
eae
and
escJ
increased during the early interaction and invasion of aEPEC 1711-4 into Caco-2 cells, and there was no change 24 h post-infection during the persistence period. The number of actin accumulation foci formed on HeLa cells also increased during the 6-h analysis. No known gene related to the invasion process was identified in the genome of aEPEC 1711-4, which was shown to belong to the global EPEC lineage 10. These findings suggest that the LEE components and the intimate adherence promoted by intimin are necessary for the invasion and persistence of aEPEC 1711-4, but the detailed mechanism needs further study.

IMPORTANCE

Atypical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(aEPEC) is a major cause of diarrhea, especially in low- and middle-income countries, like Brazil. However, due to the genome heterogeneity of each clonal group, it is difficult to comprehend the pathogenicity of this strain fully. Among aEPEC strains, 1711-4 can invade eukaryotic cells
in vitro
, cross the gut barrier, and reach extraintestinal sites in animal models. By studying how different known aEPEC virulence factors are expressed during the invasion process, we can gain insight into the commonalities of this phenotype among other aEPEC strains. This will help in developing preventive measures to control infections caused by invasive strains. No known virulence-encoding genes linked to the invasion process were found. Nevertheless, additional studies are still necessary to evaluate the role of other factors in this phenotype.
Supplemental Material: The timing and duration of large-scale carbon release in the Early Jurassic
Authors: Kemp David B , al. et
Published: August 2024

 Texts S1–S3 (full description of methods and details of the Sakuraguchi-dani section), Figures S1–S3, and Table S1.  
20 years of choices: a fight for increased funding for graduate students
Authors: Rohden Fabian , Bailey Thomas , Laframboise Sarah
Published: August 2024

After 20 years of stagnation, federal scholarships have finally been increased within the new budget of the Canadian government. Tuition fees, inflation, and costs of living kept rising, which has resulted a rising number of graduate students in the life sciences living below poverty line, despite working far more than 40 h a week on science research in Canada. This does not only negatively affect the students research projects and thus science and innovation in Canada, but also their downstream decisions on whether to continue a research career in Canada and what jobs and economic endeavors to pursue. Graduate students are not just a line item in the budgets of universities, but integral for science and innovation, as well as the future high-quality personnel of the country. This importance should be reflected in all stipends and salaries of graduate students, not just the ones with a government scholarship.
The shadows of quintessence non-singular black hole
Authors: Li Hui-Ling , Zhang Miao , Huang Yu-Meng
Published: August 2024

In 2022, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has reported the first observations of Sagittarius A*(SgrA*). Applying the EHT observational results, we find out constraints on non-singular Hayward parameter of regular dark energy black hole. Considering these constraints and different thin disk accretion, we present a detailed investigation into influence of different dark energy and Hayward parameters on shadows from non-singular Hayward black holes. In the first second-order attenuation function model, corresponding shadow radius and peak for observed intensity from direct image decrease with increasing dark energy parameter and Hayward parameter. However, for the lensing ring and photon ring, corresponding peak become bigger as dark energy parameter increase in case of fixed Hayward parameter. In the second third-order attenuation function model, significantly different from model 1, above two rings completely overlay on the direct image, resulting in two distinct peaks in the observed intensity. As increase of Hayward and dark energy parameters, the difference between the two peaks decreases, and shadows and observed intensity decrease. In the final inverse trigonometric function attenuation model, the result shows corresponding lensing ring as well as photon ring can be distinguished within the superposition region, and the superposition region becomes larger. With the increase of the dark energy parameter, the shadow radius exhibits a decreasing trend, while observed intensity increases. However, with the increase of the Hayward parameter, both decreases. Compared with the first two models, the shadow radius becomes smaller, but the observed intensity becomes larger, making the bright ring wider and brighter. Therefore, different accretion models and non-singular Hayward parameters can give rise to interesting and distinguish characteristic for the black hole shadow and rings.
FP-LMTO simulation of the physical properties of arsenic-based binary XAs(X = Sc, and Al) compounds
Authors: Betraoui Fatima , Rekab-Djabri Hamza , Baddari Kamel , Azzouz-Rached Ahmed , Husain Mudasser , Rahman Nasir
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a simulation of the structural and optoelectronic properties of Scandium Arsenide (ScAs) and Aluminum Arsenide (AlAs) compounds. Theoretical modeling was performed using ab initio first-principles calculations, specifically the density functional theory (DFT), and the Mindlab numerical software. The software used two methods: the full-potential muffin-tin orbital method (FP-LMTO) and the full-potential plane-wave method (FP-LAPW). These two methods are employed to solve the Schrödinger equation. The exchange correlation effects have been computed using two different approximations: the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the local density approximation (LDA). Our findings indicate that the zinc blende structure (B3) is the stable phase, while the Wurtzite phase (B4) is metastable for the AlAs compound. On the other hand, the ScAs compound crystallizes in the NaCl phase (B1). The AlAs compounds undergo three phase transitions: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In contrast, ScAs does not undergo any transition. The obtained results for equilibrium energies, lattice parameters and gap energies are in closer agreement with the experimental and theoretical data. The AlAs compound exhibits a semiconducting character, while ScAs exhibits a semi-metallic character. Additionally, the refractive index of these two compounds is similar to that of silicon, which is crucial for their application in photovoltaic cells.
Chiral effects on radiation and energy loss in quark–gluon plasma
Authors: Hansen Jeremy , Tuchin Kirill
Published: August 2024

The emergent axion excitations in the quark–gluon plasma are generated by the sphaleron transitions. Their interactions with the photon and gluon fields are governed by the axion electro- and chromodynamics, respectively. We discuss the effect of the emergent axion on the photon production and energy loss in the quark–gluon plasma. In particular, we review the Chiral Cherenkov effect, and the impact of the chiral anomaly on bremsstrahlung.
APPLIED LINGUISTICS WITH DEEP LEARNING-BASED DATA-DRIVEN TEXT-TO-SPEECH SYNTHESIZER FOR ARABIC CORPUS
Authors: ALSHAMMARI ALYA , ALOTAIBI SHOAYEE DLAIM , HASSAN ABDULKHALEQ Q. A. , ALRSLANI FAHEED A. F. , ALJOHANI NASSER , SULTAN HANAN AL , ALZAIDI MUHAMMAD SWAILEH A. , ALZUBAIDI ABDULAZIZ A.
Published: August 2024

The field of Applied Linguistics, which deals with language and its practical uses, connects with technology in interesting methods, especially in the advancement of text-to-speech (TTS) synthesizers. TTS synthesizers change written text into spoken words, deploying ethics from phonology, phonetics, and syntax to create natural-sounding speech. Within linguistics use, these methods are invaluable purposes such as increasing communication in fractal human–computer interactions (HCIs), language-learning tools, and providing accessibility solutions for visually impaired individuals. TTS purposes at synthesizing understandable and natural speech from text, and it has advanced quickly in recent times because of the progress of artificial intelligence (AI). During past years, deep learning (DL)-based TTS techniques have been established quickly, enabling the generation of natural speech with a high-quality narrator that matches human levels. Creating TTS methods at the quality of the human level has always been the aspiration of speech synthesis practitioners. Although current TTS techniques achieve impressive voice quality, there remains an evident gap in quality compared to human recordings. In this paper, we present an Applied Linguistics with Deep Learning-based Data-Driven Text-to-Speech Synthesizer (ALDL-DDTTS) technique for Arabic corpus. The ALDL-DDTTS technique mainly aims to detect the text and convert it into speech signals on Arabic corpora. In the ALDL-DDTTS technique, a multi-head attention bi-directional long short-term memory (MHA-BiLSTM) approach can be employed with fractal optimization methods to predict the diacritic and gemination signs. Additionally, the Buckwalter code has been deployed for capturing, storing, and displaying the Arabic texts. To boost the efficiency of the ALDL-DDTTS technique, the hyperparameter selection process uses the fractal ant lion optimization (ALO) algorithm. For examining the boost performance of the ALDL-DDTTS methodology, a wide range of simulations is involved. The experimental outcomes illustrated that the ALDL-DDTTS technique reaches better performance than other models.
Fisher-Based Inaccuracy Information Measure
Authors: Kharazmi Omid , Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: August 2024

We introduce a new inaccuracy measure in terms of Fisher information. The proposed information measure is referred to as Fisher-based inaccuracy information (FBII) measure. Next, we examine some properties of this information measure and specifically examine it for escort and equilibrium distributions. Further, we propose Bayes–Fisher-based inaccuracy information (BFBII) measure and examine its connection to Kullback–Leibler and chi-square divergence measures. Moreover, in three different optimization problems, we show that the harmonic-mixture distribution gives optimal information based on BFBII measure. Some examples of FBII measure and escort density related to skew-normal and Student-t distributions are also illustrated, and then are applied to fish condition factor time series.
Gorenstein flat-cotorsion modules over trivial ring extensions
Authors: Wang Zhanping , He Jianyuan , Jin Yuanhui
Published: August 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a trivial extension of a ring [Formula: see text] by an [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-bimodule [Formula: see text]. Sufficient and necessary conditions are established for Gorenstein flat-cotorsion modules over [Formula: see text]. More precisely, it is proved that under some assumptions [Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein flat-cotorsion left [Formula: see text]-module if and only if Coker[Formula: see text] is a Gorenstein flat-cotorsion left [Formula: see text]-module and the sequence [Formula: see text] is exact. As applications, it is characterized Gorenstein flat-cotorsion modules over Morita rings with zero bimodule homomorphisms.
Comparing the short-term leaching behaviour of cements containing supplementary cementitious materials in different leachants for low-level waste encapsulation
Authors: Kozlowski A. , Peshkur T. , Renshaw J. C. , Dobson K. J. , Taylor F.
Published: August 2024

Pulverized fly ash (PFA) is commonly used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement and is permitted for use in cements and grouts used for the encapsulation of low-level nuclear waste. However, with a global decrease in availability of PFA predicted in the near future, alternative SCMs are required. In nuclear encapsulation, a key parameter for a new SCM is that it does not change the leaching behaviour of the grout. We present promising initial leaching data from two SCMs: metakaolin and waste paper fly ash. These were tested for 24 h in two leachants, deionized water and an artificial groundwater, tracking the pH and leachability of a range of elements as the samples equilibrated with the leachants. The study suggests that for many elements, both metakaolin and waste paper fly ash show a very similar leaching behaviour to PFA grout formulations despite differences in the pH equilibration. In general, the tests suggest that the composition of the elute is dominated by leaching from the cementitious phases, and not the SCM. This suggests that further longer-term leaching studies are required as part of testing for SCM suitability for nuclear grouts in order to understand the connections between leaching and grout microstructure.
Multiscale Modeling of Respiratory Transport Phenomena and Intersubject Variability
Authors: Kassinos Stavros C. , Sznitman Josué
Published: August 2024

Our understanding of respiratory flow phenomena has been consolidated over decades with the exploration of in vitro and in silico canonical models that underscore the multiscale fluid mechanics spanning the vast airway complex. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the significant intersubject variability characterizing the human lung morphometry that modulates underlying canonical flows across subjects. Despite outstanding challenges in modeling and validation approaches, exemplified foremost in capturing chronic respiratory diseases, the field is swiftly moving toward hybrid in silico whole-lung simulations that combine various model classes to resolve airflow and aerosol transport spanning the entire respiratory tract over cumulative breathing cycles. In the years to come, the prospect of accessible, community-curated datasets, in conjunction with the use of machine learning tools, could pave the way for in silico population-based studies to uncover unrecognized trends at the population level and deliver new respiratory diagnostic and pulmonary drug delivery endpoints.
Successful Preoperative Radiotherapy for Neglected Shoulder Liposarcoma: A Retrospective Case Report
Authors: Linhart Camilla , MacLeod Craig
Published: August 2024

This study examines a unique case of a 61‐year‐old male with a 5‐year history of a progressively growing mass above his right shoulder, diagnosed as a dedifferentiated pleomorphic liposarcoma. Using computerized tomography‐guided core needle biopsy, the tumour was identified as intermediate to high grade. Surgical removal required preoperative radiotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour. Several unique characteristics set apart this particular case of liposarcoma: its substantial size, its unpredictable growth pattern, its absence of metastasis, and notably, its prolonged period of being untreated. This case report outlines the clinical background, diagnostic procedures, and treatment modalities employed in managing this condition, emphasizing a localized dual therapy approach combining radiotherapy and surgery. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing liposarcoma from lipoblastoma, a benign adipocyte tumour, to facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection. The positive result achieved in this case could provide valuable insights for the future treatment and management of similarly sized aggressive tumours.
Investigation on Foaming Ability of Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Composites Prepared Using Compression Molding
Authors: Liao Hua-yong , Gao Jing , Tao Guo-liang , Liu Chun-lin
Published: August 2024

An investigation was conducted on the foaming formula and production technique of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using orthogonal design analysis and Box–Behnken response surface analysis. PET was combined with polyolefin elastomer (POE) and filled with surface‐treated mica, quartz, and graphene oxide (GO). POE served as a carrier and modifier for the foaming agent, as well as a toughening agent. The addition of fillers can improve the thermal properties of PET foaming material. To do this, the blending process includes using a microsphere foaming agent on an open mill at a low temperature of 50°C for 5–6 min. After this, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and antioxidant are added for 1 min before the specimens are removed from the open mill and flattened. The next step involves placing the specimens in a plate vulcanizing machine at 265°C and 10 MPa for 10 min to initiate the foaming process. The PET foam obtained has a density of 0.4–0.5 g/cm3, a tensile strength of 5–6.8 MPa, an elongation at break of 64–276%, and a tear strength of 5.1–14.5 N/m. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal that the PET foam contains micron‐sized cells, with measurements ranging from about 107 to 273 μm. The tested samples showed that the PET foam with 50 phr of POE, 7 phr of foaming agent, and 5 phr of mica exhibited relatively good mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the thermal properties of PET foam are better than those of pure PET. The modified PET foam has many applications due to its low density and excellent properties. This study introduces a new and uncomplicated method for producing PET foam, which differs from the commonly used extrusion foaming process that involves supercritical carbon dioxide or other media.
Impact of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy on Tuberculosis Incidence and Predictors of Tuberculosis Among People Living With HIV/AIDS at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Nigussie Kedir , Gebeye Ejigu , Kifle Zemene Demelash , Tadesse Tesfaye Yimer , Birarra Mequanent Kassa
Published: August 2024

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) to decrease the effects of tuberculosis (TB) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. However, not enough research has been conducted to determine the impact of IPT on TB incidence and their predictors. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate how IPT affects the incidence of TB and identify factors that are predictive of TB among HIV/AIDS patients.

Methods: A total of 588 patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH) who had taken IPT between December 2009 and January 2016 participated in the current study, which then followed them for 3 years and compared them to patients who did not receive IPT during the study period. The data were gathered from patient registries and charts. IPT users’ and nonusers’ TB‐free survival curves were compared using log‐rank testing. Predictors were identified using bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: In this study, 1656 person‐years (PYs) follow‐ups on 588 patients found 82 additional TB cases, with an overall incidence rate (IR) of 4.95/100 PY. When compared to individuals who were not on IPT, the TB IR among patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) on IPT was significantly lower (1.94/100 PY vs. 8.32/100 PY). A baseline CD4 cell count < 200 cells/uL, history of TB, Hgb level < 10 g/dL, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, and not receiving IPT are independent predictors of TB among HIV/AIDS patients.

Conclusion: The frequency of TB was high among PLHIV patients who did not receive IPT. It was discovered that a low CD4 cell count at baseline, a history of TB, IPT status, Hgb level, and BMI independently predicted the presence of TB. Therefore, addressing the independent predictors that are connected to a higher risk of TB in PLHIV as well as isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis has a significant impact on reducing the incidence of TB.
Supplementary Figure S4 from ANGPTL4 Suppresses Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Inhibition of Lysosomal Acid Lipase
Authors: Jin Zeng , De Umasankar , Tithi Tanzia Islam , Kleberg Jeremy , Nataraj Akhila , Jolley Elena , Carelock Madison E. , Davies Brandon S. , Zhang Weizhou , Kolb Ryan
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure S4
Data from ANGPTL4 Suppresses Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma via Inhibition of Lysosomal Acid Lipase
Authors: Jin Zeng , De Umasankar , Tithi Tanzia Islam , Kleberg Jeremy , Nataraj Akhila , Jolley Elena , Carelock Madison E. , Davies Brandon S. , Zhang Weizhou , Kolb Ryan
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, is a heterogeneous disease with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) being the most prevalent and aggressive subtype. While most ccRCC tumors have elevated expression of angiopoietin-like4 (ANGPTL4), in our study we identified a significant subset of patients whose cancers show no increase in ANGPTL4 expression. These patients have a worse prognosis compared to the patients with high expression of ANGPTL4. These ANGPTL4-low cancers are characterized by the increased frequency of wild-type Von Hippel-Lindau(WT VHL), a gene that is commonly mutated in ccRCC, and an enrichment for genes associated with lipid metabolism. Using RCC tumor models with WT VHL, we demonstrate that ANGPTL4 behaves as a tumor suppressor. The loss of ANGPTL4 in ccRCC cell lines results in increased tumor growth and colony formation in a lysosomal acid lipase (LAL)-dependent manner, a phenotype rescued by the expression of N-terminus ANGPTL4. At the mechanistic level, the loss of ANGPTL4 increases LAL activity in ccRCC cells. These data suggest that ANGPTL4 enacts its tumor-suppressive effects in ccRCC by regulating LAL activity. Importantly, the identified patient cohort with low ANGPTL4 expression may exhibit increased reliance on lipid metabolism, which can be a point of target for future therapy.
Significance:
Our data indicate angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) acts as a tumor suppressor in clear cell renal cell carcinoma via regulating lipid metabolism and identifies a cohort of patients with lower expression of ANGPTL4 that are correlated with shorter survival.
First line symptomatic therapy for painful diabetic neuropathy: A tricyclic antidepressant or gabapentin?
Authors: Petroianu G. Georg , Schmitt A. Andrea
Published: August 2024

Diabetes is a high prevalence disease leading among others to painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) were considered as first line therapy for symptomatic pain therapy.
While their efficacy is reasonably well established, their adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile limits their
usefulness. Third generation antidepressants like venlafaxine could overcome these limitations but data
concerning their efficacy are limited. Among clinicians a new therapeutic trend is occurring: gabapentin,
a drug initially marketed as an antiepileptic, is becoming increasingly popular as the first line therapy for
PDN. Gabapentin is a ligand for the alpha2/delta modulatory subunit of calcium channels, thus
decreasing intracellular calcium availability. Initial data on the effectiveness of gabapentin in PDN
indicates an efficacy comparable with secondary amine TCAs. The reason for gabapentin’s popularity is
the benign ADR profile and the lack of relevant drug-drug or drug-food interactions.