bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ablation of PDIA3 attenuates rheumatoid arthritis by restraining Th1 and Th17 polarization program
Authors: Wang Cong-Yi , Wang Faxi , Yang Chunliang , Luo Jiahui , Rong Shanjie , Zhou Hai-Feng , Lu Wan-Ying , Chen Qi-Jie , Wang Ting , Song Dan-Ni , Liu Jing , Mo Qian , Chen Yu , Liu Yan-Jun , Yan Tong , Gu Wei-Kuan , Zhang Shu , Xiong Fei , Yu Qilin , Zhang Zi-Yun , Eizirik Decio , Dong Lingli , Sun Fei
Published: October 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the chronic synovial inflammation and bone destruction, which eventually cause joint deformity along with physical disability. Aberrant autoimmune T cell activation underpins RA pathogenesis, but the molecular cues that boost autoimmune T cell program remain elusive. Herein, we report that protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) serves as a critical intrinsic regulator to orchestrate Th1 and Th17 differentiation in RA setting. PDIA3 was remarkably upregulated in CD4 T cells in arthritic mice and positively correlated with key clinic parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP) and Disease Activity Scores 28 (DAS28) in RA patients. Depletion of Pdia3 in CD4 T cells protected mice against RA induction, while CD4 T cells deficient in Pdia3 were featured by the attenuated Th1 and Th17 polarization. Mechanistically, synovial fibroblasts (SFs) derived Wnt5a acts on CD4 T cells to enhance NFAT activity; then, NFAT directly binds to the Pdia3 promoter to facilitate its transcription. Intriguingly, PDIA3 did not exert its function in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of CD4 T cells, rather bolstered Th1 and Th17 program mainly through forming a complex with either STAT1 or PKM2 in the nucleus, by which it acted as a transcription coactivator. In accordance, pharmacological inhibition of PDIA3 attenuated collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Collectively, our data unveiled a positive feedback loop in the synovial niche where highly expressed PDIA3 promotes pathogenic CD4 T cell polarization during RA pathogenesis, and targeting PDIA3 to block the crosstalk between SFs and CD4 T cells could be a viable strategy against RA.
Integrative cross-omics and cross-context analysis elucidates molecular links underlying genetic effects on complex traits
Authors: Lu Yihao , Oliva Meritxell , Pierce Brandon , Liu Jin , Chen Lin
Published: October 2022

The proliferation of association results from large-scale genetic and genomic studies provides opportunities and challenges to elucidate the disease/trait mechanisms and their operating cellular contexts. Motivated by a multi-tissue multi-omics analysis using genetics, methylome and transcriptome data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, we propose a method, X-ING (Cross-INtegrative Genomics), for cross-omics and cross-context integrative analysis of summary-level data. X-ING takes as input the statistic matrices from multiple omics studies, each with multivariate contexts. It models the latent binary association status of each statistic, and captures the omics-shared and context-shared major patterns in a hierarchical Bayesian model. Via the modeling of latent binary status, X-ING enables the cross-feature integration of effects from different effect distributions. The analysis of cis-genetic effects on methylome and transcriptome from GTEx characterizes the tissue- and omics-effect sharing patterns. The analysis of trans-genetic effects demonstrates enrichment of trans-associations in many disease/trait-relevant tissues. Many associations identified by X-ING are replicated using external data, with higher replication rates for multi-tissue or multi-omics effects.
A Systematic Survey of Technology Driven Diagnosis for ASD
Authors: Singh Uday , Shukla Shailendra , Gore Manoj Madhava
Published: October 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes deficits of social interaction and social communication with the presence of restricted/repetitive behaviors. Due to communication deficits, ASD children have difficulties in joint attention and social reciprocity. Genetic disorders and/or environmental aspects are the leading causes of ASD. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 1 among 44children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD. As per World Health Organization, ASD affects 14 out of every 10,000 children in Asian countries, which is approximately 23 children per 10,000 children in India. The Reported work shows that the early detection and intervention of ASD improve the language and communication deficiency of ASD children. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various approaches to monitoring and detecting ASD children. Some monitoring and detection approaches covered in the study are clinical-based detection, MachineLearning -based ASD detection, Internet of Things (IoT)-based ASDdetection, Affective state detection, and Self Injurious Behaviour (SIB)detection of autistic children. This review also lists the several unaddressed challenges of early ASD detection. The purpose of this article is to enhance the understanding, provide guidelines for the domain, and provide insight into developing more practical and close-to-market products.
Accurate intraoperative real-time blood flow assessment of the remnant stomach during robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and da Vinci Firefly technology
Authors: Saito Kenta , Mamoru Morimoto , Denda Yuki , Nonoyama Keisuke , Murase Hiromichi , Kato Tomokatsu , Hayashi Yuichi , Imafuji Hiroyuki , Ogawa Ryo , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: October 2022

Background: Ischemic gastropathy is one of the unique postoperative complications associated with distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate blood flow to the stomach following a resection; however, no intraoperative procedures have been established to assess this issue. Herein we describe two cases in which intraoperative evaluation of real-time blood flow in the residual stomach was performed using indocyanine green fluorescence and da Vinci Firefly technology during a robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection.
Methods: Robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection was performed using a da Vinci Xi surgical system on two patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer and suspected invasion of the celiac artery. ICG (0.5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously after resection to evaluate real-time blood flow of the stomach using a da Vinci Firefly system. Blood flow of the stomach was evaluated 60 seconds after the intravenous injection of ICG.
Results: Case 1 was confirmed that there was sufficient blood flow in the residual stomach. Therefore, reconstruction of the left gastric artery was not performed, and the surgery was completed with preservation of the entire stomach. Case 2 was performed a proximal gastrectomy at first because the tumor directly involved the gastric lesser curvature and the left gastric artery. Next, ICG was injected intravenously, and after confirming good blood flow in the residual stomach and stomach stump, an esophageal residual gastric anastomosis was performed. Good postoperative outcomes were achieved and there was no evidence of ischemic gastropathy and delayed gastric emptying in both two cases.
Conclusions: This method is very useful in determining whether or not to perform reconstruction of the left gastric artery and/or additional resection of the remnant stomach during a robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection.
Machine Learning Spectroscopy Based on Group Contribution and Molecule Contribution Methods
Authors: Fan Jinming , Qian Chao , Zhou Shaodong
Published: October 2022

A group contribution (GC) – molecule contribution (MC) – machine learning (ML) protocol for accurate prediction of absorption spectra is presented. Upon combination of ML with revised GC methods, both the maximum absorption wavelengths and the full spectra of various sorts of dyes are afforded accurately and efficiently – by using only a small data set for training. Further, by employing a MC method designed specifically for revGC and based on MC-interpretated mixing rule by, the spectra for mixtures are obtained with high accuracy. Considering that the revGC-MC-ML protocol combines chemical principles and data-driven tools, most likely, it will be proven efficient to solve molecular-property mattered problems in wider fields.
Tracing the timing and spatial extent of carbon transfer from Picea abies to ectomycorrhizal fungi under elevated CO2
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Keel Sonja G. , Klein Tamir , Rog Ido , Saurer Matthias , Siegwolf Rolf , Routhier Michael R. , Körner Christian
Published: October 2022

Background. The spatial extent and timing of carbon fluxes from mature trees to ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with different hosts is challenging to assess in natural forests but could provide insights into carbon dynamics of fungi differing in exploration capabilities.
Methods. We analyzed carbon movement into ectomycorrhizal sporocarps at the Swiss Forest Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site in 2010 and 2011 during continuous labeling of five mature Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. with 13C-depleted CO2. Sporocarps were collected 0-6 m, 6-12 m, 12-18 m, and > 18 m from 13C-labeled trees. We then used stepwise regressions on patterns of 13C:12C ratios (δ13C) in ectomycorrhizal sporocarps as a function of distance (zone), solar radiation, fungal genus, and association type.
Results. 18%, 10%, 40%, and 32% of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps were associated with conifers, broad-leaved trees, both, or of unknown association, respectively. Conifer-associated sporocarps derived 58 ± 7%, 41 ± 10%, and 20 ± 7% of their carbon from labeled trees in the 0-6 m, 6-12 m and 12-18 m zones, respectively, whereas other sporocarps in the 0-6 m zone only derived 34 ± 4% of their carbon from labeled trees. Sporocarp δ13C correlated positively with solar radiation for the 16-19 days prior to sporocarp harvest.
Conclusions. These patterns indicated that (1) carbon spread further through conifer-associated mycorrhizal networks than through other fungal networks, and (2) carbon accumulation, storage, and transfer dynamics for sporocarp formation can take several weeks. Mature conifers supplied carbon to mycorrhizal fungi up to ~15 m from host trees.
The implementation of quality improvement facilitators in primary care settings in Quebec: a case study
Authors: Laberge Maude , Than Victoria , Tanguay France , Roch Geneviève
Published: October 2022

Background
Quality improvement (QI) facilitators were integrated into Quebec’s university affiliated primary care practices. After an evaluation demonstrated the QI facilitators’ key role in implementing a QI culture, the Ministry of Health and Social Services decided to test the intervention in non-academic primary care practices with a one-year pilot project in one regional health organization. This study aims to understand the role and implementation of QI facilitators in non-academic primary care practices, as well as to highlight levers and barriers to their contribution.
Methodology
A single embedded case study was used to understand the implementation of QI facilitators. Led as an organization participatory research, the conduct of this study involved knowledge users. The Conceptual Framework for Implementation Research was used for the development of the interview guide and data analysis. We used two sources of data: 1) with the support of knowledge users, we obtained relevant documents about the QI facilitators’ role, the governance and planned implementation strategies (n = 17); 2) we conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with QI facilitators (n = 6), managers (n = 7) and physicians (n = 6) that were involved in the implementation of the pilot. Directed content analysis, triangulated writing analytics memos from documentation, was used to understand the QI facilitators’ role enactment and contribution, as well as their integration in the COVID-19 context.
Results
All participants had a positive perception of the QI facilitators’ role on bringing a QI culture and on the implementation of primary care projects. Three explanatory factors could explain the barriers and levers to the implementation of QI facilitators. Being decentralized was considered as enabling a more personalized approach, in which QI facilitators could better respond to their respective territory’s needs. QI facilitators worked under a co-management structure that included the clinics’ medical directors and the territorial managers. This structure was seen as an enabler to the QI facilitators’ integration and to their contributions in coordinating projects meeting provincial guidelines in the COVID-19 context.
Conclusion
The implementation of QI facilitators was positive for non-academic primary care practices. This study suggests elements for public institutions and managers to consider in the implementation of such QI facilitators in primary care practices.
Long Noncoding RNA-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Atherosclerosis: Regulate VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Shali , Chen Ting , Tan Yao , Qin Jianning , Han Yang , Fan Wenjing , qu shunlin
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease promoted by damage to the morphology and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). AS is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction and peripheral vascular diseases, and has been reported to cause higher mortality and morbidity worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are two highly regarded non-coding RNAs with multiple biological functions in humans and animals. LncRNA are critical regulators in AS development, and miRNA are reported to exert their roles in the pathophysiology of AS. Recently, a large body of evidence shows that LncRNAs are involved in the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of VSMCs, and interact with miRNAs. Specifically, lncRNAs can function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which can compete with miRNAs, thereby regulating the expression of their downstream target genes. However, the mechanism of lncRNA as ceRNA in atherosclerotic VSMCs is still unclear. This paper reviews the research progress of lncRNAs sponging miRNAs to affect AS via controlling VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
Surface morphology and drilled hole accuracy of conductive ceramic composites Si 3 N 4 -TiN and MoSi 2 -SiC on EDMed surfaces
Authors: Selvarajan L. , Venkataramanan K
Published: October 2022

By using electro-discharge machining (EDM), conductive ceramic composites made of Silicon Nitride and Titanium Nitride (Si3N4-TiN) and intermetallic ceramic composite (MoSi2-SiC) were machined while performance metrics of crucial importance to the EDM process were measured. The two conductive ceramic composites are thoroughly examined using machining parameters including current, spark on time, spark off time, and dielectric pressure. For multiple responses of geometrical errors, such as circularity, cylindricity, and perpendicularity, as well as performance metrics like metal removal rate (MRR), electrode wear rate (EWR), wear ratio, and surface integrity on the machined surface of the workpiece and electrode. Taguchi’s based L9 Orthogonal array (OA) based onthe design of experiments(DOE) is used to carry out the experimental runs to identify the optimum parameters of Si3N4–TiN and MoSi2–SiC ceramic composite. By analyzing the performance of conductive ceramic composites, the optimized results achieved from these approaches are suggested to improve themetal removal rate and lower the tool wear ratio, surface roughness and geometrical tolerances. An elaborated investigation of material removal mechanism and the surface topographyas examined by the SEM instrument with EDAX report in the machined surface for both composites. By analysing the machined surface on the best hole with the best electrode and the worst hole with the worst electrode the surface textures from nine holes and electrodes for ceramic composites are studied. Thus, simultaneously analysed and established EDM process appears to be a promising method for producing excellent surfacesin anelectrically conductive Si3N4–TiN and MoSi2–SiC composite under slow process parameters condition of conductive ceramic composites.
Combined with network pharmacology to study the effect and mechanism of Sanhuang ointment on MRSA infection in the skin and soft tissue
Authors: Wang Tianming , Pan Haibang , Che Ying , Fu Qi , Chen Qian , Li Xiaoli , Cui Yan , Chen Quanxin , Wu Zhihang , Li Richen , Liu Mei , Yi Jianfeng , Wang Bo
Published: October 2022

Overview. Skin and soft tissue infection（SSTI）is a frequent clinical disease. Sanhuang ointment is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat SSTI. However, the pharmacological effect and mechanism of Sanhuang ointment on SSTI remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of Sanhuang ointment on MRSA in the skin and soft tissue infections by network pharmacological analysis, followed by in vivo experimental validation.
Methods.Using network pharmacology, the active ingredients and disease targets of Sanhuang ointment were screened and intersected for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. A rat model of skin and soft tissue infection was established and the pathological features were observed. Sanhuang ointment large, medium and small dose groups (1g, 0.5g, and 0.25g/animal, with the total amount of Vaseline, dispensed 1g/animal) and Mupirocin Ointment positive control group (0.5g/animal, with the total amount of Vaseline, dispensed 1g/animal) were used, respectively. The expression of key proteins of the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors were analyzed by histomorphological observation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting.
Results. Network pharmacology analysis confirmed that 119 active components and 275 target genes of Sanhuang ointment were identified and intersected with MRSA infection-related genes, and 34 target genes of Sanhuang ointment were found to be used for skin and soft tissue infection with MRSA. Sanhuang ointment (1g/mouse) could effectively ameliorate histopathological changes and significantly inhibit the expression of key proteins of the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors (p < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion This study suggests that Sanhuang ointment protects against MRSA infection and inhibits inflammation by inhibiting IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway. This is important for the secondary development and new drug development of Sanhuang ointment.
Conclusion. Sanhuang ointment has a protective effect on MRSA infection and inhibits inflammation by inhibiting IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway. This is important for the secondary development and new drug development of Sanhuang ointment.
Managing delayed or missed pregabalin doses in patients with focal epilepsy: A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Xie Helin , Zheng You , Huang Weikun , Wang Chenyu , Song Shiwei , Dai Yihai , Huang Xian , Liu Maobai , Wu Xuemei
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Medication adherence is essential for effective seizure control. However, delayed or missed doses are inevitable in epilepsy pharmacotherapy. The current remedial measures recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for missed or delayed pregabalin doses are generic and lack supporting clinical evidence. The present study used a Monte Carlo simulation to explore remedial strategies for delayed or missed pregabalin doses in patients with epilepsy.
Methods
A Monte Carlo simulation was performed using a published population pharmacokinetic (pop PK) model. The applicability of the FDA recommendations compared to five proposed remedial regimens (Strategies A–E) was assessed based on the total deviation time outside the on-therapy range.
Results
All proposed remedial strategies were associated with renal function and the duration of dosing delay. The total deviation times for Strategies C–E were shorter than those for Strategy A (skip the dose and take the next regular dose as scheduled) when pregabalin was taken near the next scheduled time. An alternative recommendation is to take 1.2-, 1.3-, or 1.5-fold the regular dose at the next scheduled time if a single dose is missed. In the case of two missed doses, it is advisable to administer 1.2-, 1.3-, or 1.7-fold the regular dose.
Conclusion
Model-based simulations provided quantitative evidence for the effectiveness and feasibility of remedial strategies for missed or delayed pregabalin doses. The proposed remedial strategies can help in supplementing or correcting FDA instructions and mitigating the risk of out-of-range treatment.
Dach1 attenuates airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by activating Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Huang Qian , Gu Yiya , Wu Jixing , Zhan Yuan , Deng Zhesong , Chen Shanshan , Peng Maocuo , Yang Ruonan , Chen Jinkun , Xie Jungang
Published: October 2022

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is a small airway chronic inflammatory disease with impaired lung function primarily induced by cigarette smoke (CS). Reduced Dach1 expression has a vicious role in numerous disorders. but its role in COPD is rarely known. This study aims to elucidate the role and underlying mechanism of Dach1 in airway inflammation of COPD.
Methods:Dach1 expression in lung tissues of COPD patients has been calculated. Small airway epithelium-specific Dach1 knockdown mice and AAV-transfected Dach1 overexpressed mice were used to explore its role and potential for therapeutic targeting in experimental COPD induced by CS. Furtherly, we uncovered the promising mechanism of Dach1 in inflammation induced by cigarette smoke extract simulation (CSE) in vitro.
Results:The expression of Dach1 decreased in COPD patients compared to non-smokers and smoker without COPD, especially in small airway epithelium. Small airway epithelium-specific Dach1 knockdown aggravated mice airway inflammation and lung function decline caused by CS, while Dach1 overexpression protected mice from airway inflammation and lung function decline. In 16 HBE cells, Dach1 knockdown and overexpression promoted and inhibited the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 after simulation of CSE, respectively. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was identified as novel downstream target of Dach1, which directly binds to its promoter. Induction of Dach1 alleviated inflammation by activating Nrf2 signaling.
Conclusions: Dach1 is decreased in COPD patients. Dach1 has protective effects against inflammation induced by CS by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Targeting Dach1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.
Heterogeneity on the steatosis related hepatic injuries of patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease between Han Chinese and Caucasian
Authors: Lin Limin , Ye Junzhao , Dong Zhiyong , Feng Shiting , Liao Bing , Zhuang Xiaodong , Zhong Bihui
Published: October 2022

Background & Aims: Despite the increasing prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) worldwide, the ethnic differences between Han Chinese and Caucasian inclinical features remainunknown.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study comparing Han Chinese MAFLD patients from 2 University-affiliated Medical Centers of fatty liver in south China from January 2015 to January 2022 and Caucasian MAFLD patients from UK Biobank database. Liver fat content was defined using the magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF).
Results: Han Chinese MAFLD patients(n=588) had higher proportions of moderate and severe grades of steatosis than that of Caucasian MAFLD patients (n=829) (25.7% vs 16.4%, P<0.001). There was a linear positive correlation between serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and the average liver fat content（LFC）in Han Chinese MAFLD patients but not in Caucasian. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that such positive correlations between ALT levels and LFC remained (β' =0.192, P<0.001 in male patients; β'=0.229, P<0.001 in female patients), and patients with liver biopsies further confirmed that Han Chinese patients presenting more liver histological severity as LFC increased (median 14.97% vs. 23.14% vs. 25.99%, P=0.001).
Conclusions: Compared with Caucasians, Han Chinese MAFLD patients with higher LFC tended to suffer from higher risk of liver injury.
Can Frailty in Conjunction with FRAX Identify Additional Women at Risk of Fracture - a Longitudinal Cohort Study of Community Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Bartosch Patrik , Malmgren Linnea
Published: October 2022

Background

Fracture risk assessment is still far from perfect within the geriatric population. The overall aim of this study is to better identify elderly women that are at risk for fractures, using a quantitative measure of frailty in conjunction with FRAX.

Methods

This study was performed in the OPRA cohort of n=1023, 75-year old women followed for 10-years. A frailty index (FI) of ‘deficits in health’ was created, and 10-year probability for major osteoporotic and hip fractures using FRAX was calculated and bone mineral density measured. Incident fractures were continuously registered for 10-years. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare FI, FRAX and the combination FI+FRAX as instruments for risk prediction of fractures. Discriminative ability was estimated by comparing area under the curve (AUC). In addition, using guidelines from the Swedish Osteoporosis Foundation, a category of low risk women who would not have would have been recommended for pharmacological treatment (non-treatment group) was identified, categorized by frailty status and their fracture risk determined using Cox proportional hazard regressions.

Results

For hip fracture, FRAX and frailty performed almost equally (HIP AUC 10y: 0.566 vs. 0.567, p=0.015 and p=0.013). Next, FI was used in conjunction with FRAX; proving marginally better than either score alone (AUC 10y: 0.584, p=0.002). Comparable results were observed for osteoporotic fracture.
In the non-treatment group (564 women), being frail was associated with a higher 10y risk of hip fracture (HR 2.01 (1.13-3.57)), although failing to reach statistical significance for osteoporotic fracture (HR 1.40 (0.97-2.01).
The utility of measuring frailty was also demonstrated when using T-score to define fracture risk. Among n=678 non-osteoporotic women, frailty added to the 10-year risk of fracture (Hip; HR 2.22 (1.35-3.71); Osteoporotic fracture; HR 1.57 (1.15-2.14))
Conclusions
While the addition of frailty to FRAX marginally improved fracture prediction, applying a frailty measurement to a group of ‘low risk’ women, identified a set of individuals with high actual hip fracture risk that would not be prioritized for pharmacological treatment. Further cost-benefit analysis studies will be needed to formally test the potential benefit.
Effects of Acetone O-(2-naphtylsulphonyl)oxime Pre-application on Maize Seedlings Under Cadmium Stress
Authors: YETİŞSİN Fuat , AHNEAK Esin
Published: October 2022

We aimed to elucidate the role of O-(2-naphthylsulfonyl)oxime (ANSO) in maize under cadmium stress. The control will be kept in distilled water for 18 hours, the second group will be kept in ANSO (0.3 mM) for 6 hours and then in distilled water for 12 hours, the third group will be in distilled water for 6 hours and then in cadmium solution (100 μM) for 12 hours, fourth group ANSO (0.3 mM) for 6 hours, followed by 12 hours of cadmium solution (100 µM). When ANSO+Cd application is compared to Cd, the cadmium content increased 7.8 times, while the ABA content decreased. RWC, which was reduced by Cd stress, was not changed by ANSO pre-treatment. Chlorophyll content, which decreased with Cd treatment, increased with ANSO+Cd treatment. While the carotenoid content increased with Cd application, it increased much with ANSO+Cd application. The H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation increased in the plant with Cd stress and decreased with ANSO pre-treatment. With ANSO+Cd, GPX activity decreased compared to Cd treatment, but CAT and APX values increased. ANSO pre-treatment did not significantly change SOD activity. Cd application increased proline content compared to control, but proline content decreased compared to Cd with ANSO pre-treatment. In ANSO+CD, ascorbic acid, cinnamic acid and catechol values increased compared to the values in plants treated with Cd, but the trans-coumaric acid value decreased. It can be said that ANSO application to maize under Cd stress provides the preservation of the ion balance of the cells by chelating Cd+2.
Study on the degradation of the compression strength of spacers made of high-density pressboard used in power transformers under the influence of thermal ageing
Authors: Oria C. , Méndez C. , Carrascal I. , Ferreño D. , Ortiz A.
Published: October 2022

The structural components inside power transformers are commonly made of high-density pressboard, due to its suitable mechanical and dielectric properties. One of these essential components are the spacers used in the windings of transformers, which are subjected to compressive loading during operation. The spacers are immersed in dielectric liquid and subjected to high temperatures and chemical reactions during the lifespan of the transformer, which result in the degradation of their dielectric and mechanical properties. The performance and reliability of the power transformer greatly depends on its mechanical integrity, so it is necessary to understand how the ageing degrades the mechanical response of the high-density pressboard. In this study, spacers made of high-density pressboard were immersed in uninhibited naphthenic oil and aged at 150 ºC for different periods of time. The evolution caused by the thermal ageing over some chemical parameters (acidity and moisture content) and dielectric properties (AC breakdown voltage, dielectric dissipation factor, resistivity and degree of polymerisation) of the oil and the high-density pressboard was studied experimentally. Compressive mechanical tests were performed on samples of the aged high-density pressboard, and the compressive stiffness during the ageing process was related with other chemical and dielectric parameters.
Some properties of habituation of siphon withdrawal in the slimy clam (Ruditapes decussatus)
Authors: Rubio Pablo , Loy Ignacio , Pellón Ricardo
Published: October 2022

Over the last decades the comparative study of the intelligence of invertebrate animals has shown the psychological complexity of these species. Although significant research has been carried out on the phyla of mollusks in gastropods and cephalopods, there has been little research concerning bivalves. Some studies have demonstrated the habituation phenomenon with a dishabituation test in clams. However, no further studies in this line of research have been developed in order to study the cognitive processes of clams and similar species. The aim of the present research was to develop a habituation procedure in the slimy clam Ruditapes decussatus by measuring the percentage of siphon withdrawal when they were exposed to a white light. In Experiment 1 a habituation-dishabituation procedure was used to study the stimulus intensity effect. A group was exposed to a 350-lm and a different group to 806-lm. Clams exposed to 350-lm showed a higher habituation than those exposed to 806-lm. Experiment 2 studied the effect of stimulus and intertrial interval (ITI) duration using a 2x2 design. Trials lasted 20 or 180 seconds, and the ITI lasted 5 or 10 minutes. A combined effect of these two parameters was obtained. Habituation was higher in clams exposed to 180-sec. trials with a 5-min, ITI. Altogether, this series of experiments constitutes a first systematic demonstration of habituation in bivalves.
A new visual quality metric for evaluating the performance of multidimensional projections
Authors: Ibrahim Maniru , Vieira Thales
Published: October 2022

Multidimensional projections (MP) are among the most essential approaches in the visual analysis of multidimensional data. It transforms multidimensional data into two-dimensional representations that may be shown as scatter plots while preserving their similarity with the original data. Human visual perception is frequently used to evaluate the quality of MP. In this work, we propose to study and improve on a well-known map called Local Affine Multidimensional Projection (LAMP), which takes a multidimensional instance and embeds it in Cartesian space via moving least squares deformation. We propose a new visual quality metric based on human perception. The new metric combines three previously used metrics: silhouette coefficient, neighborhood preservation, and silhouette ratio. We show that the proposed metric produces more precise results in analyzing the quality of MP than other previously used metrics. Finally, we describe an algorithm that attempts to overcome a limitation of the LAMP method which requires a similar scale for control points and their counterparts in the Cartesian space
An Integrative Biology Approach to Quantify the Biodistribution of Azidohomoalanine in Vivo
Authors: Saleh Aya M. , VanDyk Tyler , Jacobson Kathryn R. , Khan Shaheryar A. , Calve Sarah , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L.
Published: October 2022

Background
Identification and quantitation of newly synthesized proteins (NSPs) are critical to understanding protein dynamics in development and disease. Probing the nascent proteome can be achieved using non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) to selectively label the NSPs utilizing endogenous translation machinery, which can then be quantitated with mass spectrometry. Since its conception, ncAA labeling has been applied to study many in vitro systems and, more recently, the in vivo proteomes of complex organisms such as rodents. We have previously demonstrated that labeling the murine proteome is feasible via injection of azidohomoalanine (Aha), an ncAA and methionine (Met) analog, without the need for Met depletion. With the ability to isolate NSPs without applying stress from dietary changes, Aha labeling can address biological questions wherein temporal protein dynamics are significant. However, accessing this temporal resolution requires a more complete understanding of Aha distribution kinetics in tissues. Furthermore, studies of physiological effects of ncAA administration have been limited to gross observation of animal appearance and behavior.
Results
To address these gaps, we created a deterministic, compartmental model of the -kinetic transport and incorporation of Aha in mice. Parameters were informed from literature and experimentally. Model results demonstrate the ability to predict Aha distribution and labeling under a variety of dosing paradigms and confirm the use of the model as a tool for design of future studies. To establish the suitability of the method for in vivo studies, we investigated the impact of Aha administration on normal physiology by analyzing plasma and liver metabolomes following various Aha dosing regimens. We show that Aha administration induces metabolic alterations in mice. However, these changes are minimal as reflected by the small percentage of metabolites that are differentially abundant between non-injected controls and Aha treatment groups.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that we can reproducibly predict protein labeling and that the administration of this analog does not significantly alter in vivo physiology over the course of our experimental study. We expect this model to be a useful tool to guide future experiments utilizing this technique to study proteomic responses to stimuli.
Multi-band camouflage design with thermal management
Authors: Huang Lehong , Ma Caiwen , Zhang Chunmin
Published: October 2022

Space vehicles need to be able to hide themselves effectively in some specific scenarios; however, existing camouflage designs do not fully realize the "stealth" of a variety of existing detectors, and a large distance is required to meet the needs of all-round applications. We propose a \(\text{G}\text{e}/\text{Y}\text{b}{\text{F}}_{3}\) multilayer wavelength-selective emitter that covers more wavelengths with better camouflage effect and radiation cooling than previous developments. In addition, our emitter substantially reduces the implementation difficulty and cost of detection instruments while greatly improving the stealth effect and survivability of space vehicles in different environments. Simulations and experiments are used to demonstrate that the emitter performs visible and dual-band mid-infrared camouflage with thermal control management in two different application scenarios. First, the application to aircraft skin enables simultaneous infrared camouflage in two bands (low emissivity in atmospheric windows, \({\stackrel{-}{\epsilon }}_{3-5\mu m}=0.06\) and \({\stackrel{-}{\epsilon }}_{8-14\mu m}=0.01\)) and radiative cooling (high emissivity in non-atmospheric window, \({\stackrel{-}{\epsilon }}_{5-8\mu m}=0.68\)) as well as visual camouflage (low average reflectance of 0.21 in visible band). This selective infrared emission characteristic is preserved for incidence angles of radiated light ranging from 0° to 60°. Second, we combine the wavelength-selective emitter with insulating silica aerogel for application to the converging nozzle of aircraft, obtaining a reduction in the apparent temperature of the object from 873 K to approximately 313 K in detection ranges of 3–5 and 8–14 µm with and without earthshine. This in turn reduces the target detectable lock-on range by approximately 79% and provides an excellent infrared stealth effect. Moreover, the emitter has a simple structure and scalability, and provides convenience for mass production.
Back acupoint location method based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Ying-Bin , Qin Jian-Hua , Zeng Gui-Fen
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the problem of automatic and accurate positioning of back acupuncture points and evaluation of the positioning accuracy of massage robots or automatic cupping machines, the human back data set is expanded through Deep Convolution Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGAN), marking the back acupoints with the method of bone grading, and then use the Keypoint region-based convolutional neural network (Keypoint RCNN) to train the back acupoint location model. Because the size and area of the acupuncture points are difficult to measure, there is no clear Based on the evaluation index of acupoint positioning, and finally combined with the method proposed in the literature and the experience of back acupoint searching, a back acupoint positioning evaluation method was established. According to this method, the average accuracy rate of the back acupoint positioning model reached 86.33%, which can locate the back acupoints automatically and accurately, therefore it is beneficial to the application of back acupoints in treatment and health care.
Interplay of crystal symmetries and light topology in high harmonic spectroscopy
Authors: García-Cabrera Ana , Boyero-García Roberto , Zurrón-Cifuentes Óscar , Serrano Javier , Roman Julio San , Plaja Luis , Hernańdez-García Carlos
Published: October 2022

Structured ultrafast laser beams offer unique opportunities to explore the interplay of the angular momentum of light with matter at the femtosecond scale. Linearly polarized vector beams are paradigmatic examples of structured beams whose topology is characterized by a well-defined Poincaré index. It has been demonstrated that the Poincaré index is a topological invariant during high-order harmonic generation from isotropic targets, such as noble gases. As a result, harmonics are produced as extreme-ultraviolet vector beams with the same topology as the driver. In this work we demonstrate that high-order harmonic generation driven by vector beams from anisotropic crystalline targets, such as single-layer graphene, splits the harmonic field into a multibeam structure: a central vector beam that preserves the driver's topology, surrounded by a topological cluster of unitary vortices, where this symmetry is broken.
We identify the target's non-linear anisotropic response as the vehicle of coupling the crystal symmetries with the driving field's topology. Our work opens the route towards using the topological analysis of the high-order harmonic field as a novel spectroscopic tool to reveal the role of symmetries in the non-linear response of matter.
A surgical method for complete interhemispheric corpus callosotomy combined with extended frontoparietal craniotomy in mouse
Authors: Jelisejevs Ilja , Upīte Jolanta , Kalnins Shivan , Jansone Baiba
Published: October 2022

Callosotomy is an invasive method that is used preclinically to study the role of interhemispheric functional connectivity in the brain. In small animals, it is technically challenging to perform. To date, there exists two main approaches for transecting the corpus callosum in rodents: trephine hole(s) or unilateral craniotomy. Both of these approaches will cause damage to other brain structures, mainly the cerebral cortex, or injury of large vessels, such as the superior sinus, that may lead to intracranial hemorrhage and animal death. In this study, we present a novel approach for complete corpus callosotomy in adult mice using an interhemispheric approach combined with bilateral and extended craniotomy across the midline. This study demonstrated that bilateral and extended craniotomy provided the visual space required for hemisphere and sinus retraction, thus keeping large blood vessels and surrounding brain structures intact during transection of the corpus callosum under surgical microscope using fine, standardized surgical instruments. We also emphasized the importance of good post-operative care leading to optimal recovery, increasing overall animal survival, and reducing the number of animals used in the experiments, which are crucial in conducting long-term studies. Taken together, this approach can provide higher reproducibility and smaller variability of study results among animals, including long-term behavioral studies in mice. This novel interhemispheric approach to complete callosotomy will facilitate further studies, helping to extend knowledge of the corpus callosum in interhemispheric transfer and its role in various neurological and psychiatric pathologies.
No evidence that earthworms increase soil greenhouse gas emissions (CO 2 and N 2 O) in the presence of plants and soil moisture fluctuations
Authors: Ganault Pierre , Nahmani Johanne , Capowiez Yvan , Fromin Nathalie , Shihan Ammar , Bertrand Isabelle , Buatois Bruno , Milcu Alexandru
Published: October 2022

Earthworms can stimulate plant productivity, but their impact on soil greenhouse gases (GHG) is still debated. Methodological challenges of measuring GHG in experiments with plants are presumably contributing to the status quo, with the majority of studies being conducted without plants. Here we report the effect of earthworms (without, anecic, endogeic and their combination) and plants (with and without) on GHG (CO2 and N2O) emissions in an experiment. N2O emissions were also 34.6 and 44.8% lower when both earthworm species and only endogeic species were present, respectively, while plants reduced the cumulative N2O emissions by 19.8%. No effects on CO2 were found. Estimates of soil macroporosity measured by X-ray tomography show that the GHG emissions were mediated by their burrowing activity affecting the soil aeration and water status. Both GHG emissions decreased with the macropore volume in the top soil, presumably due to reduced moisture and microbial activity. N2O emissions also decreased with macropore volume in the deepest layer, likely caused by a reduction in anaerobic microsites. Our results indicate that, under experimental conditions allowing for plant and earthworm engineering effects on soil moisture, earthworms do not increase GHG emissions and that endogeic earthworms may even reduce N2O emissions.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from juniper tree extracts
Authors: Jabini Sara , Kartoolinejad Davoud , Bahrami Zohreh , Naghdi Reza , Sadeghipour Ahmad , Minaeian Sara
Published: October 2022

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized via a green and inexpensive method, from leaf and twig extract of Juniperus excelsa as a reducing agent for reduction of Ag+ to Agº. The first sign of the production of Ag nanoparticles was the color change from yellow to brown. The effective synthesis parameters such as concentration of silver nitrate, extract volume, pH, reaction time and temperature were investigated and controlled by UV-visible spectroscopy. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized under the optimal conditions of 2 mM silver nitrates, 10 ml extract volume, pH = 12, temperature = 70 ˚C and reaction time of 3h. This sample was characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The findings revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles had spherical morphology and an average size of 40 nm. Evaluation of antibacterial activity by the disc-diffusion assay shown that Ag nanoparticles effectively inhibited the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The MICs against E. coli and S. aureus was 6.25 and 25 µg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles had stronger antibacterial activity against E. coli.
Immigration and Psychosis in the Population of Qatar: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yehya Arij , Al-fakhri Nora , Ghuloum Suhaila , Hammoudeh Samer , Ajmal Nighat , Lawati Hawra Al , Becetti Imen , Shehata Mena , Ghabrash Hany , Iram Huma , Hani Yahya , Hamdi Yasmin , Al-Amin Hassen
Published: October 2022

Objective:Qatar is a developing Arab country where most of the population consists of immigrants. This study assessed the associations between immigration and psychosis in Qatar and the factors contributing to the new diagnosis of psychosis.
Methods:Data was collected retrospectively for all patients with psychotic disorders over two years. The patients’ records were retrieved from the Mental Health Services in Doha, Qatar.
Results:The percentage of international immigrants presenting with a diagnosis suggestive of the first onset of psychosis was higher than that of Qataris and Arabs. The latter two groups had more chronic forms of psychosis, mainly schizophrenia. International immigrants received the lowest dosage of antipsychotics. There were minor differences in the psychotic and treatment profiles.
Conclusion: Language, family structure, and other social-cultural factors might contribute to this new onset of psychosis among international immigrants in Qatar.
Conditioning of Matrix Functions at Triangular Matrices
Authors: Al-Mohy Awad
Published: October 2022

The area of matrix functions has received growing interest for a long period of time due to their growing applications. Having a numerical algorithm, the ideal situation is to have an estimate or bound for the error returned alongside the solution.Condition numbers serve this purpose; they measure the first order sensitivity of matrix functions to perturbations in the input data.We have observed that the existing crude condition number leads most of time to inferior bounds of relative forward errors for matrix functions with triangular inputs. We \emph{redefine} the condition number of matrix functions at triangular matrices and derive one algorithm for exact computation of the new condition number and another one for its estimation. Our analysis reveals that the computational cost of the new condition number is lower that the existing general one. Finally, our numerical experiment shows that the new condition number captures the behavior of the numerical algorithms and provides reasonable sharp bounds for the errors.