bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of BAD-Ser99 phosphorylation synergizes with PARP inhibition to ablate PTEN-deficient endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xi , Huang Peng , Wang Liqiong , Chen Shu , Basappa Basappa , Zhu Tao , Lobie Peter E. , Pandey Vijay
Published: June 2022

Loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) impairs DNA double-strand repair and confers sensitivity to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis). However, PARPis also hyperactivate the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in PTEN-deficient endometrial carcinoma (EC), which allows the emergence of PARPi resistance. BCL-2–associated death promoter (BAD), integrates the common cell survival effects of the RAS/MEK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Herein, it was observed that increased BADSer99 (BADS99) phosphorylation in EC cells was significantly associated with PTEN-deficient status. Forced expression of phosphorylation deficient human BADS99A in PTEN-deficient EC cells significantly increased CASPASE 3/7 activity and decreased EC cell viability. Using NPB as a pharmacological inhibitor of pBADS99 phosphorylation, it was demonstrated that NPB synergized with PARPis (Olaparib, Rucaparib and Talazoparib) to enhance PARPi IC50 up to 60-fold and decreased survival, foci formation, and growth in 3D ex vivo culture of PTEN-deficient EC cells. Combined NPB-PARPi treatment of PTEN-deficient EC cells stimulated apoptosis and promoted DNA damage by impairment of homologous recombination. Using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 endonuclease system it was demonstrated that deletion of PTEN in PTEN replete EC cells enhanced the efficacy of combined NPB-PARPi treatment. Furthermore, combined inhibition of BADS99 phosphorylation and PARP ablated xenograft growth of PTEN-deficient EC cells. Similarly, a combination of NPB and PARPis significantly suppressed the growth of PTEN deficient patient-derived EC organoids. Hence, combined inhibition of BADS99 phosphorylation and PARP represents a rational and efficacious strategy to improve the prognosis of recurrent EC patients.
Optimal CD8+ T cell effector function requires costimulation-induced RNA-binding proteins that reprogram the transcript isoform landscape
Authors: Karginov Timofey A. , Ménoret Antoine , Vella Anthony T.
Published: June 2022

Boosting T cell activation through costimulation directs defense against cancer and viral infections. Despite multiple studies targeting costimulation in clinical trials, the increased potency and reprogramming of T cells endowed by costimulation is poorly understood. Canonical dogma states that transcription mediates T cell activation. Here, we show that the spliceosome, controlling post-transcriptional alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation, is the most enriched pathway in T cells after CD134/CD137 costimulation. Costimulation of CD8+ T cells significantly increases expression of 29 RNA-binding proteins while RNA-seq uncovers over 1000 differential alternative splicing and polyadenylation events. Using in vivo mouse and in vitro human models, we demonstrate that RNA-binding protein Tardbp is required for effector cytokine production, CD8+ T cell clonal expansion, and isoform regulation after costimulation. The prospect of immune response optimization through reprogramming of mRNA isoform production offered herein opens new avenues for experimentally and therapeutically tuning the activities of T cells.
Deep brain stimulation rectifies the noisy cortex and irresponsive subthalamus to improve parkinsonian locomotor activities
Authors: Lee Lan-Hsin Nancy , Huang Chen-Syuan , Wang Ren-Wei , Lai Hsing-Jung , Chung Chih-Ching , Yang Ya-Chin , Kuo Chung-Chin
Published: June 2022

The success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy indicates that Parkinson’s disease is a brain rhythm disorder. However, the manifestations of the erroneous rhythms corrected by DBS remain to be established. We found that augmentation of α rhythms and α coherence between the motor cortex (MC) and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is characteristically prokinetic and is decreased in parkinsonian rats. In multi-unit recordings, movement is normally associated with increased changes in spatiotemporal activities rather than overall spike rates in MC. In parkinsonian rats, MC shows higher spike rates at rest but less spatiotemporal activity changes upon movement, and STN burst discharges are more prevalent, longer lasting, and less responsive to MC inputs. DBS at STN rectifies the foregoing pathological MC-STN oscillations and consequently locomotor deficits, yet overstimulation may cause behavioral restlessness. These results indicate that delicate electrophysiological considerations at both cortical and subcortical levels should be exercised for optimal DBS therapy.
Functional DNA-based cytoskeletons for synthetic cells
Authors: Zhan Pengfei , Jahnke Kevin , Liu Na , Göpfrich Kerstin
Published: June 2022

The cytoskeleton is an essential component of a cell. It controls the cell shape, establishes the internal organization, and performs vital biological functions. Building synthetic cytoskeletons that mimic key features of their natural counterparts delineates a crucial step towards synthetic cells assembled from the bottom up. To this end, DNA nanotechnology represents one of the most promising routes, given the inherent sequence specificity, addressability and programmability of DNA. Here we demonstrate functional DNA-based cytoskeletons operating in microfluidic cell-sized compartments. The synthetic cytoskeletons consist of DNA tiles self-assembled into filament networks. These filaments can be rationally designed and controlled to imitate features of natural cytoskeletons, including reversible assembly and ATP-triggered polymerization, and we also explore their potential for guided vesicle transport in cell-sized confinement. Also, they possess engineerable characteristics, including assembly and disassembly powered by DNA hybridization or aptamer–target interactions and autonomous transport of gold nanoparticles. This work underpins DNA nanotechnology as a key player in building synthetic cells.
Characterization of inositol lipid metabolism in gut-associated Bacteroidetes
Authors: Heaver Stacey L. , Le Henry H. , Tang Peijun , Baslé Arnaud , Mirretta Barone Claudia , Vu Dai Long , Waters Jillian L. , Marles-Wright Jon , Johnson Elizabeth L. , Campopiano Dominic J. , Ley Ruth E.
Published: June 2022

Inositol lipids are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and have finely tuned roles in cellular signalling and membrane homoeostasis. In Bacteria, however, inositol lipid production is relatively rare. Recently, the prominent human gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT) was reported to produce inositol lipids and sphingolipids, but the pathways remain ambiguous and their prevalence unclear. Here, using genomic and biochemical approaches, we investigated the gene cluster for inositol lipid synthesis in BT using a previously undescribed strain with inducible control of sphingolipid synthesis. We characterized the biosynthetic pathway from myo-inositol-phosphate (MIP) synthesis to phosphoinositol dihydroceramide, determined the crystal structure of the recombinant BT MIP synthase enzyme and identified the phosphatase responsible for the conversion of bacterially-derived phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP-DAG) to phosphatidylinositol (PI-DAG). In vitro, loss of inositol lipid production altered BT capsule expression and antimicrobial peptide resistance. In vivo, loss of inositol lipids decreased bacterial fitness in a gnotobiotic mouse model. We identified a second putative, previously undescribed pathway for bacterial PI-DAG synthesis without a PIP-DAG intermediate, common in Prevotella. Our results indicate that inositol sphingolipid production is widespread in host-associated Bacteroidetes and has implications for symbiosis.
The diversity of quinoa morphological traits and seed metabolic composition
Authors: Tabatabaei Iman , Alseekh Saleh , Shahid Mohammad , Leniak Ewa , Wagner Mateusz , Mahmoudi Henda , Thushar Sumitha , Fernie Alisdair R. , Murphy Kevin M. , Schmöckel Sandra M. , Tester Mark , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Skirycz Aleksandra , Balazadeh Salma
Published: June 2022

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an herbaceous annual crop of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It is increasingly cultivated for its nutritious grains, which are rich in protein and essential amino acids, lipids, and minerals. Quinoa exhibits a high tolerance towards various abiotic stresses including drought and salinity, which supports its agricultural cultivation under climate change conditions. The use of quinoa grains is compromised by anti-nutritional saponins, a terpenoid class of secondary metabolites deposited in the seed coat; their removal before consumption requires extensive washing, an economically and environmentally unfavorable process; or their accumulation can be reduced through breeding. In this study, we analyzed the seed metabolomes, including amino acids, fatty acids, and saponins, from 471 quinoa cultivars, including two related species, by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry. Additionally, we determined a large number of agronomic traits including biomass, flowering time, and seed yield. The results revealed considerable diversity between genotypes and provide a knowledge base for future breeding or genome editing of quinoa.
Adipose cells and tissues soften with lipid accumulation while in diabetes adipose tissue stiffens
Authors: Abuhattum Shada , Kotzbeck Petra , Schlüßler Raimund , Harger Alexandra , Ariza de Schellenberger Angela , Kim Kyoohyun , Escolano Joan-Carles , Müller Torsten , Braun Jürgen , Wabitsch Martin , Tschöp Matthias , Sack Ingolf , Brankatschk Marko , Guck Jochen , Stemmer Kerstin , Taubenberger Anna V.
Published: June 2022

Adipose tissue expansion involves both differentiation of new precursors and size increase of mature adipocytes. While the two processes are well balanced in healthy tissues, obesity and diabetes type II are associated with abnormally enlarged adipocytes and excess lipid accumulation. Previous studies suggested a link between cell stiffness, volume and stem cell differentiation, although in the context of preadipocytes, there have been contradictory results regarding stiffness changes with differentiation. Thus, we set out to quantitatively monitor adipocyte shape and size changes with differentiation and lipid accumulation. We quantified by optical diffraction tomography that differentiating preadipocytes increased their volumes drastically. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-indentation and -microrheology revealed that during the early phase of differentiation, human preadipocytes became more compliant and more fluid-like, concomitant with ROCK-mediated F-actin remodelling. Adipocytes that had accumulated large lipid droplets were more compliant, and further promoting lipid accumulation led to an even more compliant phenotype. In line with that, high fat diet-induced obesity was associated with more compliant adipose tissue compared to lean animals, both for drosophila fat bodies and murine gonadal adipose tissue. In contrast, adipose tissue of diabetic mice became significantly stiffer as shown not only by AFM but also magnetic resonance elastography. Altogether, we dissect relative contributions of the cytoskeleton and lipid droplets to cell and tissue mechanical changes across different functional states, such as differentiation, nutritional state and disease. Our work therefore sets the basis for future explorations on how tissue mechanical changes influence the behaviour of mechanosensitive tissue-resident cells in metabolic disorders.
Characteristics and stability of sensorimotor activity driven by isolated-muscle group activation in a human with tetraplegia
Authors: Nickl Robert W. , Anaya Manuel A. , Thomas Tessy M. , Fifer Matthew S. , Candrea Daniel N. , McMullen David P. , Thompson Margaret C. , Osborn Luke E. , Anderson William S. , Wester Brock A. , Tenore Francesco V. , Crone Nathan E. , Cantarero Gabriela L. , Celnik Pablo A.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the cortical representations of movements and their stability can shed light on improved brain-machine interface (BMI) approaches to decode these representations without frequent recalibration. Here, we characterize the spatial organization (somatotopy) and stability of the bilateral sensorimotor map of forearm muscles in an incomplete-high spinal-cord injury study participant implanted bilaterally in the primary motor and sensory cortices with Utah microelectrode arrays (MEAs). We built representation maps by recording bilateral multiunit activity (MUA) and surface electromyography (EMG) as the participant executed voluntary contractions of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), and attempted motions in the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), which was paralytic. To assess stability, we repeatedly mapped and compared left- and right-wrist-extensor-related activity throughout several sessions, comparing somatotopy of active electrodes, as well as neural signals both at the within-electrode (multiunit) and cross-electrode (network) levels. Wrist motions showed significant activation in motor and sensory cortical electrodes. Within electrodes, firing strength stability diminished as the time increased between consecutive measurements (hours within a session, or days across sessions), with higher stability observed in sensory cortex than in motor, and in the contralateral hemisphere than in the ipsilateral. However, we observed no differences at network level, and no evidence of decoding instabilities for wrist EMG, either across timespans of hours or days, or across recording area. While map stability differs between brain area and hemisphere at multiunit/electrode level, these differences are nullified at ensemble level.
Germline variants of ATG7 in familial cholangiocarcinoma alter autophagy and p62
Authors: Greer Stephanie U. , Chen Jiamin , Ogmundsdottir Margret H. , Ayala Carlos , Lau Billy T. , Delacruz Richard Glenn C. , Sandoval Imelda T. , Kristjansdottir Sigrun , Jones David A. , Haslem Derrick S. , Romero Robin , Fulde Gail , Bell John M. , Jonasson Jon G. , Steingrimsson Eirikur , Ji Hanlee P. , Nadauld Lincoln D.
Published: June 2022

Autophagy is a housekeeping mechanism tasked with eliminating misfolded proteins and damaged organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy deficiency results in increased oxidative stress, DNA damage and chronic cellular injury. Among the core genes in the autophagy machinery, ATG7 is required for autophagy initiation and autophagosome formation. Based on the analysis of an extended pedigree of familial cholangiocarcinoma, we determined that all affected family members had a novel germline mutation (c.2000C>T p.Arg659* (p.R659*)) in ATG7. Somatic deletions of ATG7 were identified in the tumors of affected individuals. We applied linked-read sequencing to one tumor sample and demonstrated that the ATG7 somatic deletion and germline mutation were located on distinct alleles, resulting in two hits to ATG7. From a parallel population genetic study, we identified a germline polymorphism of ATG7 (c.1591C>G p.Asp522Glu (p.D522E)) associated with increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. To characterize the impact of these germline ATG7 variants on autophagy activity, we developed an ATG7-null cell line derived from the human bile duct. The mutant p.R659* ATG7 protein lacked the ability to lipidate its LC3 substrate, leading to complete loss of autophagy and increased p62 levels. Our findings indicate that germline ATG7 variants have the potential to impact autophagy function with implications for cholangiocarcinoma development.
Discriminating the occurrence of inundation in tsunami early warning with one-dimensional convolutional neural networks
Authors: Núñez Jorge , Catalán Patricio A. , Valle Carlos , Zamora Natalia , Valderrama Alvaro
Published: June 2022

Tsunamis are natural phenomena that, although occasional, can have large impacts on coastal environments and settlements, especially in terms of loss of life. An accurate, detailed and timely assessment of the hazard is essential as input for mitigation strategies both in the long term and during emergencies. This goal is compounded by the high computational cost of simulating an adequate number of scenarios to make robust assessments. To reduce this handicap, alternative methods could be used. Here, an enhanced method for estimating tsunami time series using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network model (1D CNN) is considered. While the use of deep learning for this problem is not new, most of existing research has focused on assessing the capability of a network to reproduce inundation metrics extrema. However, for the context of Tsunami Early Warning, it is equally relevant to assess whether the networks can accurately predict whether inundation would occur or not, and its time series if it does. Hence, a set of 6776 scenarios with magnitudes in the range $$M_w$$

M
w

8.0–9.2 were used to design several 1D CNN models at two bays that have different hydrodynamic behavior, that would use as input inexpensive low-resolution numerical modeling of tsunami propagation to predict inundation time series at pinpoint locations. In addition, different configuration parameters were also analyzed to outline a methodology for model testing and design, that could be applied elsewhere. The results show that the network models are capable of reproducing inundation time series well, either for small or large flow depths, but also when no inundation was forecast, with minimal instances of false alarms or missed alarms. To further assess the performance, the model was tested with two past tsunamis and compared with actual inundation metrics. The results obtained are promising, and the proposed model could become a reliable alternative for the calculation of tsunami intensity measures in a faster than real time manner. This could complement existing early warning system, by means of an approximate and fast procedure that could allow simulating a larger number of scenarios within the always restricting time frame of tsunami emergencies.
Automated gathering of real-world data from online patient forums can complement pharmacovigilance for rare cancers
Authors: Dirkson Anne , Verberne Suzan , Kraaij Wessel , van Oortmerssen Gerard , Gelderblom Hans
Published: June 2022

Current methods of pharmacovigilance result in severe under-reporting of adverse drug events (ADEs). Patient forums have the potential to complement current pharmacovigilance practices by providing real-time uncensored and unsolicited information. We are the first to explore the value of patient forums for rare cancers. To this end, we conduct a case study on a patient forum for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor patients. We have developed machine learning algorithms to automatically extract and aggregate side effects from messages on open online discussion forums. We show that patient forum data can provide suggestions for which ADEs impact quality of life the most: For many side effects the relative reporting rate differs decidedly from that of the registration trials, including for example cognitive impairment and alopecia as side effects of avapritinib. We also show that our methods can provide real-world data for long-term ADEs, such as osteoporosis and tremors for imatinib, and novel ADEs not found in registration trials, such as dry eyes and muscle cramping for imatinib. We thus posit that automated pharmacovigilance from patient forums can provide real-world data for ADEs and should be employed as input for medical hypotheses for rare cancers.
Metabolism and antioxidant activity of SlGSTD1 in Spodoptera litura as a detoxification enzyme to pyrethroids
Authors: Li Dongzhi , Xu Li , Liu Hongyu , Chen Xiling , Zhou Lin
Published: June 2022

Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) are members of multifunction enzymes in organisms and mostly known for their roles in insecticide resistance by conjugation. Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a voracious agricultural pest widely distributed in the world with high resistance to various insecticides. The function of GSTs in the delta group of S. litura is still lacking. Significantly up-regulation of SlGSTd1 was reported in four pyrethroids-resistant populations and a chlorpyrifos-selected population. To further explore its role in pyrethroids and organophosphates resistance, the metabolism and peroxidase activity of SlGSTD1 were studied by heterologous expression, RNAi, and disk diffusion assay. The results showed that Km and Vmax for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) conjugating activity of SlGSTD1were 1.68 ± 0.11 mmol L−1 and 76.0 ± 2.7 nmol mg−1 min−1, respectively. Cyhalothrin, beta-cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos had an obvious inhibitory effect on SlGSTD1 activity, especially for fenvalerate, when using CDNB as substrate. Fenvalerate and cyhalothrin can be metabolized by SlGSTD1 in E. coli and in vitro. Also, silencing of SlGSTd1 significantly increased the toxicity of fenvalerate and cyhalothrin, but had no significant effect on the mortality of larvae treated by beta-cypermethrin or chlorpyrifos. SlGSTD1 possesses peroxidase activity using cumene hydroperoxide as a stress inducer. The comprehensive results indicate that SlGSTD1 is involved in fenvalerate and cyhalothrin resistance of S. litura by detoxication and antioxidant capacity.
Nonlinear dispersion relation in integrable turbulence
Authors: Tikan Alexey , Bonnefoy Félicien , Ducrozet Guillaume , Prabhudesai Gaurav , Michel Guillaume , Cazaubiel Annette , Falcon Éric , Copie Francois , Randoux Stéphane , Suret Pierre
Published: June 2022

We investigate numerically and experimentally the concept of nonlinear dispersion relation (NDR) in the context of partially coherent waves propagating in a one-dimensional water tank. The nonlinear random waves have a narrow-bandwidth Fourier spectrum and are described at leading order by the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The problem is considered in the framework of integrable turbulence in which solitons play a key role. By using a limited number of wave gauges, we accurately measure the NDR of the slowly varying envelope of the deep-water waves. This enables the precise characterization of the frequency shift and the broadening of the NDR while also revealing the presence of solitons. Moreover, our analysis shows that the shape and the broadening of the NDR provides signatures of the deviation from integrable turbulence that is induced by high order effects in experiments. We also compare our experimental observations with numerical simulations of Dysthe and of Euler equations.
Research on the visual image-based complexity perception method of autonomous navigation scenes for unmanned surface vehicles
Authors: Shi Binghua , Guo Jia , Wang Chen , Su Yixin , Di Yi , AbouOmar Mahmoud S.
Published: June 2022

To solve the long-tail problem and improve the testing efficiency for autonomous navigation systems of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), a visual image-based navigation scene complexity perception method is proposed. In this paper, we intend to accurately construct a mathematical model between navigation scene complexity and visual features from the analysis and processing of image textures. First, the typical complex elements are summarized, and the navigation scenes are divided into four levels according to whether they contain these typical elements. Second, the textural features are extracted using the gray level cogeneration matrix (GLCM) and Tamura coarseness, which are applied to construct the feature vectors of the navigation scenes. Furthermore, a novel paired bare bone particle swarm clustering (PBBPSC) method is proposed to classify the levels of complexity, and the exact value of the navigation scene complexity is calculated using the clustering result and an interval mapping method. By comparing different methods on the classical and self-collected datasets, the experimental results show that our proposed complexity perception method can not only better describe the level of complexity of navigation scenes but also obtain more accurate complexity values.
Magnified endoscopy with texture and color enhanced imaging with indigo carmine for superficial nonampullary duodenal tumor: a pilot study
Authors: Okimoto Kenichiro , Matsumura Tomoaki , Maruoka Daisuke , Kurosugi Akane , Shiratori Wataru , Nagashima Ariki , Ishikawa Tsubasa , Kaneko Tatsuya , Kanayama Kengo , Akizue Naoki , Ohta Yuki , Taida Takashi , Saito Keiko , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: June 2022

This pilot study aimed to investigate the utility of texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) with magnified endoscopy (ME) for the preoperative diagnosis of superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). We prospectively evaluated 12 SNADETs. The visibility for ME-TXI, ME with indigo carmine (ICME)—white-light imaging (WLI), ICME-TXI compared to ME-NBI (narrow-band imaging) was scored (+ 2 to − 2 ME-NBI was set as score 0) by 3 experts. Scores + 2 and + 1 were defined as improved visibility. The intra-observer and interobserver agreement for improved visibility of surface structure (SS) was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for Vienna Classification (VCL) C4/5 associated with the preoperative diagnosis of ICME-TXI were analyzed. The SS visibility score of ICME-TXI was significantly higher than that of ME-NBI, ME-TXI, and ICME-WLI (P < 0.001 respectively). The kappa coefficients of reliability for intra-observer and interobserver agreement for the SS visibility improvement with ICME-TXI were 0.96, 1.00, 1.00 and 0.70, 0.96, 0.96 respectively. All endoscopists preferred ICME-TXI for visualizing SS mostly for all lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV (%) of ICME-TXI for VCL C4/5 were 80, 66.7, and 63.2, respectively. ICME-TXI facilitates the visibility of the SS of SNADETs and may contribute to their preoperative diagnosis.
Incremental diagnostic value of 18F-Fluetemetamol PET in differential diagnoses of Alzheimer’s Disease-related neurodegenerative diseases from an unselected memory clinic cohort
Authors: Bao Yi-Wen , Shea Yat-Fung , Chiu Patrick Ka-Chun , Kwan Joseph S. K. , Chan Felix Hon-Wai , Mak Henry Ka-Fung
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the incremental diagnostic value of 18F-Flutemetamol PET following MRI measurements on an unselected prospective cohort collected from a memory clinic. A total of 84 participants was included in this study. A stepwise study design was performed including initial analysis (based on clinical assessments), interim analysis (revision of initial analysis post-MRI) and final analysis (revision of interim analysis post-18F-Flutemetamol PET). At each time of evaluation, every participant was categorized into SCD, MCI or dementia syndromal group and further into AD-related, non-AD related or non-specific type etiological subgroup. Post 18F-Flutemetamol PET, the significant changes were seen in the syndromal MCI group (57%, p < 0.001) involving the following etiological subgroups: AD-related MCI (57%, p < 0.01) and non-specific MCI (100%, p < 0.0001); and syndromal dementia group (61%, p < 0.0001) consisting of non-specific dementia subgroup (100%, p < 0.0001). In the binary regression model, amyloid status significantly influenced the diagnostic results of interim analysis (p < 0.01). 18F-Flutemetamol PET can have incremental value following MRI measurements, particularly reflected in the change of diagnosis of individuals with unclear etiology and AD-related-suspected patients due to the role in complementing AD-related pathological information.
An adjustment framework for mitigating the impact of rail transit construction on bus operations
Authors: An Qinhe , Ma Jie , Chen Jingxu , Li Wenhao , Wang Yiran
Published: June 2022

During the construction of rail transit, some road resources are occupied under construction and hence the capacity of affected road sections is reduced. Due to such temporary impact, the low operational efficiency of bus routes when passing these road sections is following suit, which is inevitably detrimental to the short-term traffic conditions and the urban environment. This paper proposes a three-step adjustment framework to actively mitigate the impact of rail transit construction on bus operations. In Step I, a criterion is developed for selecting bus routes significantly affected due to rail transit construction. In Step II, we design a stop-skipping strategy and truncation strategy, and check whether they are opportune to ameliorate the service of each affected bus route. Yet, these two strategies result in a loss of ridership since some previous stops are not served. In Step III, the feeder bus service is further designed to guarantee spatial coverage nearby the construction area. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed to determine the optimal configuration of the feeder bus service incorporating two strategies. Finally, a case study based on the Sioux-Falls network is carried out to demonstrate that the proposed adjustment framework is conducive to mitigating negative construction effects and reducing costs.
Appraisal of growth inhibitory, biochemical and genotoxic effects of Allyl Isothiocyanate on different developmental stages of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Singh Sumit , Diksha  , Mahajan Evani , Sohal Satwinder Kaur
Published: June 2022

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a glucosinolates’ hydrolytic product, was studied for its anti-insect potential against an economically important, destructive tephritid pest, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett). The first, second and third instar maggots of the pest were fed on artificial diets amended with varied concentrations of AITC viz. 5 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm with DMSO (0.5%) as control. Results revealed high larval mortality, alteration of larval period, prolongation of pupal and total developmental periods in all instars of the maggots treated with AITC as compared to controls. Percent pupation and percent adult emergence decreased in all larval instars. Growth indices viz. Larval Growth Index (LGI) and Total Growth Index (TGI) were negatively affected. Anti-nutritional/post ingestive toxicity of AITC was also revealed by the decrease in Food Assimilation (FA) and Mean Relative Growth rate (MRGR) values with respect to control. Profiles of PO (Phenol oxidase) and other detoxifying enzymes including SOD (Superoxide dismutases), CAT (Catalases), GST (Glutathione-S-transferases), EST (Esterases), AKP (Alkaline phosphatases) and ACP (Acid phosphatases) were also significantly influenced. The genotoxic effect of AITC was also evaluated by conducting comet assays at LC30 and LC50. Significant DNA damage in hemocytes was reflected by increase in Tail length (μm), Percent Tail DNA, Tail Moment (TM) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM) as compared to controls. The results indicated high potential of AITC as biopesticide for pest management.
Using random forest to identify longitudinal predictors of health in a 30-year cohort study
Authors: Loef Bette , Wong Albert , Janssen Nicole A. H. , Strak Maciek , Hoekstra Jurriaan , Picavet H. Susan J. , Boshuizen H. C. Hendriek , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Herber Gerrie-Cor M.
Published: June 2022

Due to the wealth of exposome data from longitudinal cohort studies that is currently available, the need for methods to adequately analyze these data is growing. We propose an approach in which machine learning is used to identify longitudinal exposome-related predictors of health, and illustrate its potential through an application. Our application involves studying the relation between exposome and self-perceived health based on the 30-year running Doetinchem Cohort Study. Random Forest (RF) was used to identify the strongest predictors due to its favorable prediction performance in prior research. The relation between predictors and outcome was visualized with partial dependence and accumulated local effects plots. To facilitate interpretation, exposures were summarized by expressing them as the average exposure and average trend over time. The RF model’s ability to discriminate poor from good self-perceived health was acceptable (Area-Under-the-Curve = 0.707). Nine exposures from different exposome-related domains were largely responsible for the model’s performance, while 87 exposures seemed to contribute little to the performance. Our approach demonstrates that ML can be interpreted more than widely believed, and can be applied to identify important longitudinal predictors of health over the life course in studies with repeated measures of exposure. The approach is context-independent and broadly applicable.
Photocatalytic activity of ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4 ternary nanocomposite for the degradation of naproxen: characterization and optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Zare Masoud Habibi , Mehrabani-Zeinabad Arjomand
Published: June 2022

In this study, ZrO2, TiO2, and Fe3O4components were synthesized by co-precipitation, sol–gel, and co-precipitation methods, respectively. In addition, solid-state dispersion method was used for synthesizing of ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4ternary nanocomposite. The ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4nanocomposite was characterized by different techniques including XRD, EDX, SEM, BET, FTIR, XPS, EELS, and Photoluminescence (PL). The FTIR analysis of ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4photocatalyst showed strong peaks in the range of 450 to 700 cm−1, which represent stretching vibrations of Zr–O, Ti–O, and Fe–O. The results of FTIR and XRD, XPS analyses and PL spectra confirmed that the solid-state dispersion method produced ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4nanocomposites. The EELS analysis confirmed the pure samples of Fe3O4, TiO2and ZrO2. The EDAX analysis showed that the Zr:Ti:Fe atomic ratio was 0.42:2.08:1.00. The specific surface area, pores volume and average pores size of the photocatalyst were obtained 280 m2/g, 0.92 cm3/g, and 42 nm respectively. Furthermore, the performance of ZrO2/TiO2/Fe3O4nanocomposite was evaluated for naproxen removal using the response surface method (RSM). The four parameters such as NPX concentration, time, pH and catalyst concentration was investigated. The point of zero charge of the photocatalyst was 6. The maximum and minimum degradation of naproxen using photocatalyst were 100% (under conditions: NPX concentration = 10 mg/L, time = 90 min, pH = 3 and catalyst concentration = 0.5 g/L) and 66.10% respectively. The stability experiment revealed that the ternary nanocatalyst demonstrates a relatively higher photocatalytic activity after 7 recycles.
Self-assembly of DNA nanogels with endogenous microRNA toehold self-regulating switches for targeted gene regulation therapy
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Zou Haixia , Zhou Wenhui , Yuan Xiaowan , Li Zhijun , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Chang , Wang Yonghui , Rosenholm Jessica M. , Cui Wenguo , Qu Xiangmeng , Zhang Hongbo
Published: June 2022

Here, cancer targeting hydrogel assembled by the miRNA-21 antisense strand was used to encapsulate mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This toehold mediated strand displacement targeting method can achieve specific drug release and miRNA-21 silencing.
Acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols to carboxylic acids by palladium nanoparticles supported on NiO: delving into metal–support cooperation in catalysis
Authors: Bordoloi Krisangi , Kalita Gauravjyoti D. , Das Pankaj
Published: June 2022

Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on NiO as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for acceptorless dehydrogenation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids with a low catalyst loading.
Perilla frutescens seed oil combined with Anredera cordifolia leaf powder attenuates age-related cognitive decline by reducing serum triglyceride and glucose levels in healthy elderly Japanese individuals: a possible supplement for brain health
Authors: Hashimoto Michio , Matsuzaki Kentaro , Maruyama Koji , Sumiyoshi Eri , Hossain Shahdat , Wakatsuki Harumi , Kato Setsushi , Ohno Miho , Tanabe Yoko , Kuroda Yoko , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Kajima Koji , Ohizumi Yasushi , Shido Osamu
Published: June 2022

Supplementation of PO + AC for 12-month improved cognitive function in healthy Japanese elderly, presumably by lowering serum triglyceride, blood glucose and N-(epsilon)-carboxymethyl-lysine.
Prediction of novel two-dimensional Dirac nodal line semimetals in Al2B2 and AlB4 monolayers
Authors: Abedi Saeid , Taghizadeh Sisakht Esmaeil , Hashemifar S. Javad , Ghafari Cherati Nima , Abdolhosseini Sarsari Ismaeil , Peeters Francois M.
Published: June 2022

Monolayers Al2B2 and AlB4 are proposed to possess several nodal lines with unique features. The coexistence of superconductivity and nontrivial band topology in AlB4 makes it a promising material to exhibit novel topological superconducting phases.
Dynamic lanthanide exchange between quadruple-stranded cages: the effect of ionic radius differences on kinetics and thermodynamics
Authors: Rancan Marzio , Rando Maria , Bosi Luigi , Carlotto Alice , Seraglia Roberta , Tessarolo Jacopo , Carlotto Silvia , Clever Guido H. , Armelao Lidia
Published: June 2022

[Ln2L4]2− helicates easily undergo transmetalation. The lanthanide ionic radius difference (ΔEIR) strongly affects the kinetics of the dynamic process while the thermodynamics is independent and mainly entropy driven.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative O-allylation of phenols with γ-methylidene-δ-valerolactones
Authors: Song Ran , Lian Zhendong , Feng Wei , Guan Tianyi , Si Wen , Yang Daoshan , Lv Jian
Published: June 2022

A novel palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative O-allylation of phenols was developed, in which a GMDV was found to be an efficient and selective allylation reagent, affording the target allyl phenyl ethers in up to 92% yields.
A predictive chemistry DFT study of N2O functionalization for the preparation of triazolopyridine and triazoloquinoline scaffolds
Authors: Monreal-Corona Roger , Besalú Emili , Pla-Quintana Anna , Poater Albert
Published: June 2022

The mechanism for the functionalizaton of 2-alkylpyridine and 2-alkylquinoline derivatives by nitrogen transfer from N2O is unveiled. The reaction is predicted to be feasible for other derivatives featuring N−, O−, and S− heterocycles.
An experimental and theoretical study on stereocontrolled glycosylations by a “one-pot” procedure
Authors: Zhong Xuemei , Zhao Xiaoya , Ao Jiaming , Huang Yan , Liu Yuhua , Zhou Siai , Li Bizhi , Ishiwata Akihiro , Fang Qianglin , Yang Chongguang , Cai Hui , Ding Feiqing
Published: June 2022

Herein we describe a “one-pot” strategy to install the stereoselectivity of both α- and β-glycosides by changing reaction conditions.
Copper-catalyzed fluoroamide-directed remote benzylic C–H olefination: facile access to internal alkenes
Authors: Zhong Long-Jin , Lv Gui-Fen , Ouyang Xuan-Hui , Li Yang , Li Jin-Heng
Published: June 2022

Site-selective copper-catalyzed fluorosulfonamide-directedremote benzylic C(sp3)–Holefination reactions for producingfunctionalized internal alkenes are depicted.
Ligand-dependent, palladium-catalyzed stereodivergent synthesis of chiral tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Er-Qing , Duan Zheng
Published: June 2022

An unprecedented ligand-dependent stereodivergent Pd-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of vinyl benzoxazinanone with α-aryliene succinimides was developed.
Ultrafine Sb nanoparticles in situ confined in covalent organic frameworks for high-performance sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Xie Minggang , Li Chunguang , Ren Siyuan , Ma Yue , Chen Xiaobo , Fan Xiaofeng , Han Yu , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua
Published: June 2022

Based on π-conjugated COFs, the in situ confinement method affords intimate electron interaction, thus facilitating fast charge transfer. Sb@NGA–CMP exhibits high performance even after 5000 long cycles.
Expansion force induced in situ formation of a 3D boron nitride network for light-weight, low-k, low-loss, and thermally conductive composites
Authors: Zhou Shiqing , Xu Yanting , Tang Jiayue , Qian Kaijing , Zhao Jun , Wang Jun , Gao Hongwen , Li Zhuo
Published: June 2022

The expansion of thermally expandable microspheres forces the conductive fillers to segregate and form a 3D network in situ without any external assistance.
Paradigm ink with a temporally controllable processing-window for perovskite modules
Authors: Liang Zihui , Hou Yuchen , Ming Yidong , Wei Zhaoyang , Priya Shashank , Wang Kai , Wu Congcong
Published: June 2022

A paradigm ink tunes the processing window to the range of 10 s to 100 s, filling the missing temporal gap existing in the state-of-the-art inks, and shows superiority in manufacturing high-quality perovskite films for large-area PVK modules.
Multifunctional silicon calcium phosphate composite scaffolds promote stem cell recruitment and bone regeneration
Authors: Zhang Rui , He Ye , Tao Bailong , Wu Jing , Hu Xinqiang , Li Xuan , Xia Zengzilu , Cai Kaiyong
Published: June 2022

In this work, silicon calcium phosphate composite scaffolds promote bone repair by recruiting endogenous mesenchymal stem cells and osteogenic differentiation.
Morphology and temperature dependence of a dual excitonic emissive 2D bromoplumbate hybrid perovskite: the key role of crystal edges
Authors: Hleli Feten , Mercier Nicolas , Ben Haj Salah Maroua , Allain Magali , Travers Theo , Gindre Denis , Zouari Nabil , Botta Chiara
Published: June 2022

Crystals of (C4-E)2PbBr4 exhibit a whitish emission due to excitonic emission of bulk (HE) and excitonic emission of crystal edges (LE), which is associated with a broad band (BB).
Binding partners regulate unfolding of myosin VI to activate the molecular motor
Authors: dos Santos Ália , Fili Natalia , Hari-Gupta Yukti , Gough Rosemarie E. , Wang Lin , Martin-Fernandez Marisa , Aaron Jesse , Wait Eric , Chew Teng-Leong , Toseland Christopher P.
Published: June 2022

Myosin VI is the only minus-end actin motor and it is coupled to various cellular processes ranging from endocytosis to transcription. This multi-potent nature is achieved through alternative isoform splicing and interactions with a network of binding partners. There is a complex interplay between isoforms and binding partners to regulate myosin VI. Here, we have compared the regulation of two myosin VI splice isoforms by two different binding partners. By combining biochemical and single-molecule approaches, we propose that myosin VI regulation follows a generic mechanism, independently of the spliced isoform and the binding partner involved. We describe how myosin VI adopts an autoinhibited backfolded state which is released by binding partners. This unfolding activates the motor, enhances actin binding and can subsequently trigger dimerization. We have further expanded our study by using single-molecule imaging to investigate the impact of binding partners upon myosin VI molecular organization and dynamics.
The properties of 0.11 keV–344 MeV ion spectra in the inner heliosheath using regularizedκ-distributions
Authors: Scherer K. , Dialynas K. , Fichtner H. , Galli A. , Roussos E.
Published: June 2022

Context.The shape of the ion energy spectra plays a critical role in determining the ion energetics, the acceleration mechanisms, and the possible sources of different plasma and suprathermal ion populations. The determination of the exact shape of the total particle spectrum provides the necessary means to address the inner heliosheath dynamics. Apart from various modelling efforts, a direct fit to the measured ion spectra for an extended energy range of ∼0.11–344 MeV has not been performed to date.

Aims.We use an extended set of combined 0.11–55 keV remotely sensed energetic neutral atoms (ENA) measurements from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX-Lo and IBEX-Hi) and the Cassini/Ion and Neutral Camera (INCA), converted to protons, together with ∼28 keV–344 MeV in situ ion measurements from the low-energy charged particle (LECP) and cosmic ray subsystem (CRS) experiments on Voyager 2, over the declining phase of solar cycle 23 (SC23) and the ascending phase of solar cycle 24 (SC24) to study the characteristics of the particle energy spectrum.

Methods.We fitted the 0.11 keV–344 MeV composite ion spectra with a set of regularized isotropicκ-distribution functions (RKDs), which allowed us to determine the macroscopic physical properties.

Results.We demonstrate that the 2009–2012 composite spectrum that corresponds to the declining phase of SC23 is well fitted by three different RKDs, while the 2013–2016 spectrum, associated with the rise of SC24, can only be approximated with six differentκ-distribution functions.

Conclusions.Our results are generally consistent with shock accelerated particles that undergo additional acceleration inside the inner heliosheath. We identify a low-energy transmitted population of particles, a suprathermal reflected population and a very-high-energy component that is modulated by galactic cosmic rays. The 2013–2016 time period is most likely associated with a mixture of particles from SC23 and SC24, which is reflected by the need to employ six RDKs.
Simultaneous X-ray and optical spectroscopy of V404 Cygni supports the multi-phase nature of X-ray binary accretion disc winds
Authors: Muñoz-Darias Teo , Ponti Gabriele
Published: June 2022

Observational signatures of accretion disc winds have been found in a significant number of low-mass X-ray binaries at either X-ray or optical wavelengths. The 2015 outburst of the black hole transient V404 Cygni provided a unique opportunity for studying both types of outflows in the same system. We used contemporaneous X-ray (Chandra Observatory) and optical (Gran Telescopio Canarias, GTC) spectroscopy, in addition to hard X-ray light curves (INTEGRAL). We show that the kinetic properties of the wind, as derived from P-Cyg profiles detected in the optical range at low hard X-ray fluxes and in a number of X-ray transitions during luminous flares, are remarkably similar. Furthermore, strictly simultaneous data taken at intermediate hard X-ray fluxes show consistent emission line properties between the optical and the X-ray emission lines, which most likely arise in the same accretion disc wind. We discuss several scenarios to explain the properties of the wind, favouring the presence of a dynamic, multi-phase outflow during the entire outburst of the system. This study, together with the growing number of wind detections with fairly similar characteristic velocities at different wavelengths, suggest that wind-type X-ray binary outflows might be predominantly multi-phase in nature.
Analysis of winter wheat varieties suitable for cultivation in conditions of flooding
Authors: Levakova O.V. , Zharkova E.D.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the research is to study the reaction of winter wheat varieties to artificially simulated flooding and to identify forms resistant to this factor in the field conditions. In a series of laboratory experiments to study the adaptation of winter wheat seeds to lack of oxygen (hypo- and anoxia) in 2019-2021 and field studies in 2017-2021, the objects of research were 10 varieties of winter wheat. The depressing effect of laboratory hypoxia is manifested in severe germination depression and a large number of defective seeds. The number of rotted seeds ranged from 49.8 to 79.9%, the number of non-normal germinated seeds ranged from 1.3 to 8.4%. The following varieties were characterized by a low degree of germination process inhibition: Angelina (43.7%), Anfisa (41.6%), Boyarka (31.5%). Moreover, the coefficient of variation (CV) of germinating seeds over the years in these varieties was the lowest – 15.3-26.4%. A high degree of conjugacy of the selected varieties with the HTCMin September was noted: plant germination in autumn (r=+0.864 ...+0.982), the number of preserved plants after overwintering (r=+0.229...+0.745), yield (r=+0.454 ...+0.622). The positive conjugacy of the HTCMof March on the number of preserved plants after overwintering was revealed (r=+0.601). Field studies have shown that the largest number of preserved plants in the field were formed by the varieties Anfisa (77.8%), Boyarka (72.8%), and Angelina (74.4%). These varieties can be recommended for conditions of lowlands, poorly permeable soils, and other places where the soil may be waterlogged in autumn or spring, including accumulation and stagnation of precipitation.