bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Thermal Spreading Resistance
Authors: Muzychka Yuri S. , Yovanovich M. Michael
Published: August 2023

Transient spreading resistance occurs during startup, and it is important in many microelectronic devices or applied heating applications. The spreading resistance may be defined with respect to the area-average temperature or with respect to a single point temperature such as the centroid temperature. In many solutions, we may only obtain the result in terms of the centroid value of temperature.
Inhibition of human adenovirus replication by TRIM35-mediated degradation of E1A
Authors: Sun Nan , Zhang Jikai , Zhang Chen , Xie Tan , Zhang Zeyu , Wang Xueyan , Li Wanjing , Zhang Yi , Chen Zhaokai , Zheng Junnian , Fang Lin , Wang Gang
Published: August 2023

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is ubiquitous in the human population, constituting a significant burden of global respiratory diseases. Children and individuals with low immunity are at risk of developing severe infections without approved antiviral treatment for HAdV. Our study demonstrated that TRIM35 inhibited HAdV-C5 early gene transcription, early protein expression, genome replication, and infectious virus progeny production. Furthermore, TRIM35 was found to inhibit HAdV replication by attenuating E1A expression. Mechanistically, TRIM35 interacts with and degrades E1A by promoting its K48-linked ubiquitination. Additionally, K253 and K285 are the key sites necessary for TRIM35 degradation. Moreover, an oncolytic adenovirus carrying shTRIM35 was constructed and observed to exhibit improved oncolysis
in vivo
, providing new ideas for clinical tumor treatment. Our results expand the broad antiviral activity of TRIM35 and mechanically support its application as a HAdV replication inhibitor.

IMPORTANCE

E1A is an essential human adenovirus (HAdV) protein responsible for the early replication of adenovirus while interacting with multiple host proteins. Understanding the interaction between HAdV E1A and TRIM35 helps identify effective antiviral therapeutic targets. The viral E1A protein is a crucial activator and regulator of viral transcription during the early infection stages. We first reported that TRIM35 interacts with E1A to resist adenovirus infection. Our study demonstrated that TRIM35 targets E1A to resist adenovirus, indicating the applicability of targeting virus-dependent host factors as a suitable antiviral strategy.
The atlastin ER morphogenic proteins promote formation of a membrane penetration site during non-enveloped virus entry
Authors: Pletan Madison , Liu Xiaofang , Cha Grace , Chen Yu-Jie , Knupp Jeffrey , Tsai Billy
Published: August 2023

During entry, non-enveloped viruses penetrate a host membrane to cause infection, although how this is accomplished remains enigmatic. Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are non-enveloped DNA viruses that penetrate the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane to reach the cytosol
en route
to the nucleus for infection. To penetrate the ER membrane, the prototype PyV simian virus 40 (SV40) induces formation of ER-escape sites, called foci, composed of repeating units of multi-tubular ER junctions where the virus is thought to exit. How SV40 triggers formation of the ER-foci harboring these multi-tubular ER junctions is unclear. Here, we show that the ER morphogenic atlastin 2 (ATL2) and ATL3 membrane proteins play critical roles in SV40 infection. Mechanistically, ATL3 mobilizes to the ER-foci where it deploys its GTPase-dependent membrane fusion activity to promote formation of multi-tubular ER junctions within the ER-foci. ATL3 also engages an SV40-containing membrane penetration complex. By contrast, ATL2 does not reorganize to the ER-foci. Instead, it supports the reticular ER morphology critical for the integrity of the ATL3-dependent membrane complex. Our findings illuminate how two host factors play distinct roles in the formation of an essential membrane penetration site for a non-enveloped virus.

IMPORTANCE

Membrane penetration by non-enveloped viruses, a critical infection step, remains enigmatic. The non-enveloped PyV simian virus 40 (SV40) penetrates the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane to reach the cytosol
en route
for infection. During ER-to-cytosol membrane penetration, SV40 triggers formation of ER-associated structures (called ER-foci) that function as the membrane penetration sites. Here, we discover a role of the ATL ER membrane proteins—known to shape the ER morphology—during SV40-induced ER-foci formation. These findings illuminate how a non-enveloped virus hijacks host components to construct a membrane penetration structure.
Nuclear proinflammatory cytokine S100A9 enhances expression of human papillomavirus oncogenes via transcription factor TEAD1
Authors: Mori Seiichiro , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Takeuchi Takamasa , Kukimoto Iwao
Published: August 2023

Transcription of the human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenes,
E6
and
E7
, is regulated by the long control region (LCR) of the viral genome. Although various transcription factors have been reported to bind to the LCR, little is known about the transcriptional cofactors that modulate HPV oncogene expression in association with these transcription factors. Here, we performed
in vitro
DNA-pulldown purification of nuclear proteins in cervical cancer cells, followed by proteomic analyses to identify transcriptional cofactors that bind to the HPV16 LCR via the transcription factor TEAD1. We detected the proinflammatory cytokine S100A9 that localized to the nucleus of cervical cancer cells and associated with the LCR via direct interaction with TEAD1. Nuclear S100A9 levels and its association with the LCR were increased in cervical cancer cells by treatment with a proinflammatory phorbol ester. Knockdown of S100A9 decreased HPV oncogene expression and reduced the growth of cervical cancer cells and their susceptibility to cisplatin, whereas forced nuclear expression of S100A9 using nuclear localization signals exerted opposite effects. Thus, we conclude that nuclear S100A9 binds to the HPV LCR via TEAD1 and enhances viral oncogene expression by acting as a transcriptional coactivator.

IMPORTANCE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and the viral oncogenes
E6
and
E7
play crucial roles in carcinogenesis. Although cervical inflammation contributes to the development of cervical cancer, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of these inflammatory responses in HPV carcinogenesis are not fully understood. Our study shows that S100A9, a proinflammatory cytokine, is induced in the nucleus of cervical cancer cells by inflammatory stimuli, and it enhances HPV oncogene expression by acting as a transcriptional coactivator of TEAD1. These findings provide new molecular insights into the relationship between inflammation and viral carcinogenesis.
The La Crosse virus class II fusion glycoprotein
ij
loop contributes to infectivity and replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
Authors: Thannickal Sara A. , Spector Sophie N. , Stapleford Kenneth A.
Published: August 2023

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging and evolving global public health threat, with limited antiviral treatments or vaccines available. La Crosse virus (LACV) from the
Bunyavirales
order is responsible for pediatric encephalitis cases in the United States, yet little is known about the infectivity of LACV. Given the structural similarities between class II fusion glycoproteins of LACV and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus from the
Togaviridae
family, we hypothesized that LACV would share similar entry mechanisms with CHIKV. To test this hypothesis, we performed cholesterol-depletion and repletion assays and used cholesterol-modulating compounds to study LACV entry and replication. We found that LACV entry was cholesterol dependent, while replication was less affected by cholesterol manipulation. In addition, we generated single-point mutants in the LACV Gc
ij
loop that corresponded to known CHIKV residues important for virus entry. We found that a conserved histidine and alanine residue in the Gc
ij
loop impaired virus infectivity and attenuated LACV replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Finally, we took an evolution-based approach to explore how the LACV glycoprotein evolves in mosquitoes and mice. We found multiple variants that cluster in the Gc glycoprotein head domain, providing evidence for the Gc glycoprotein as a contributor to LACV adaptation. Together, these results begin to characterize the mechanisms of LACV infectivity and how the LACV glycoprotein contributes to replication and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Vector-borne viruses are significant health threats that lead to devastating disease worldwide. The emergence of arboviruses, in addition to the lack of effective antivirals or vaccines, highlights the need to study how arboviruses replicate at the molecular level. One potential antiviral target is the class II fusion glycoprotein. Alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and bunyaviruses encode a class II fusion glycoprotein that contains strong structural similarities at the tip of domain II. Here, we show that the bunyavirus La Crosse virus uses a cholesterol-dependent entry pathway similar to the alphavirus chikungunya virus, and residues in the
ij
loop are important for virus infectivity
in vitro
and replication in mice. These studies show that genetically diverse viruses may use similar pathways through conserved structure domains, suggesting that these viruses may be targets for broad-spectrum antivirals in multiple arboviral families.
Structural evolution of SARS-CoV-2 omicron in human receptor recognition
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shi Ke , Geng Qibin , Herbst Morgan , Wang Michael , Huang Linfen , Bu Fan , Liu Bin , Aihara Hideki , Li Fang
Published: August 2023

Understanding the evolutionary strategies of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant is crucial for comprehending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future coronavirus pandemics. In this study, we determined the crystal structures of the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from currently circulating omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (also the emerging XBB.1.9.1), each complexed with human ACE2. We studied how individual RBD residues evolved structurally in omicron subvariants, specifically how they adapted to human ACE2. Our findings revealed that residues 493 and 496, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in pre-omicron variants, evolved to poor adaptation in early omicron subvariants (but with good adaption to mouse ACE2) and then reverted to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that non-human animals facilitated the evolution of early omicron subvariants. Additionally, residue 486, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in early omicron subvariants, evolved to poor adaptation in later omicron subvariants and then returned to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that immune evasion facilitated the evolution of later omicron subvariants. Thus, our study suggests that both non-human animals and immune evasion may have contributed to driving omicron evolution at different stages of the pandemic.

IMPORTANCE

The sudden emergence and continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant have left many mysteries unanswered, such as the origin of early omicron subvariants and the factors driving omicron evolution. To address these questions, we studied the crystal structures of human ACE2-bound receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (XBB.1.9.1). Our in-depth structural analysis sheds light on how specific RBD mutations adapt to either human or mouse ACE2 and suggests non-human animals and immune evasion may have influenced omicron evolution during different stages of the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying omicron evolution, deepen our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have significant implications for preventing future coronavirus pandemics.
Complete genome sequence of
Pediococcus acidilactici
A40, a bacterium with biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties
Authors: Vargas Christian , Bautista Daniel , Jimenez Hugo , Soto-Suarez Mauricio , Restrepo Silvia , Gonzalez Carolina , Zuluaga Paola
Published: August 2023

We report the complete genome assembly of
Pediococcus acidilactici
A40, a bacterium with biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties, obtained from Colombia.
Depression, parenting and the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: results from three nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Shields Margot , Tonmyr Lil , Gonzalez Andrea , Atkinson Leslie , Blair Dawn-Li , Hovdestad Wendy , MacMillan Harriet
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Depression is associated with problems in functioning in many aspects of life, including parenting. COVID-19 has increased risk factors for depression. We investigated the prevalence of depression among parents during the pandemic and the association with dysfunctional parenting.

Design

Canadian nationwide cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

The 2020 and 2021 Surveys on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH) and the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2015‒2019). Responding sample sizes for parents were 3121 for the 2020-SCMH; 1574 for the 2021-SCMH and 6076 for the CCHS.

Primary outcome measures

All three surveys collected information on symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). The SCMH measured harsh parenting.

Results

Based on data from the 2021-SCMH collected during wave 3 of COVID-19, 14.4% of fathers and 21.2% of mothers screened positive for MDD. These prevalence estimates were similar to those from the 2020-SCMH during wave 2, but at least two times higher than pre-COVID-19 estimates from the CCHS. Multivariate analyses revealed a linear association between MDD and harsh parenting. COVID-19-related stressors were associated with harsh parenting. Among mothers, feeling lonely or isolated because of COVID-19 was a risk factor for harsh parenting; among fathers, being a front-line worker was a risk factor. Meditation was a protective factor for mothers.

Conclusions

After years of stability, the prevalence of MDD increased substantially among Canadian parents during the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring is vital to determine if elevated levels of depression persist because chronic depression increases the likelihood of negative child outcomes. Programmes aimed at addressing depression and bolstering parenting skills are needed as families continue to face stressors associated with COVID-19.
Online training to improve evidence-based leadership competencies among nurse leaders in Finland and China: study protocols for two randomised feasibility trials
Authors: Välimäki Maritta Anneli , Kirsi Hipp , Yang Min , Lantta Tella , Varpula Jaakko , Liu Gaoming , Tang Yao , Chen Wenjun , Hu Shuang , Chen Jiarui , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Li Xianhong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study protocol describes two randomised feasibility trials that will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online training course to improve evidence-based leadership competences among nurse leaders working in hospitals in Finland and China.

Methods and analysis

Two randomised, parallel-group studies will be conducted separately: one in Finland (n=140) and one in China (n=160). Nurse leaders who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated (1:1) to participate in either the online evidence-based leadership training or conventional online training (reading material only). The primary outcomes will be acceptance of the online course (logging into the platform) and adherence in the online course (returned course tasks and drop-out rate of the participants). The secondary outcomes will be acceptance of the study regarding recruitment, feasibility of the eligibility criteria and outcome measures and potential effectiveness of the online course on leadership skills, evidence-based knowledge, attitudes, practice, self-efficacy, self-esteem and intention to leave. In addition, the feedback will be asked after the course.

Ethics and dissemination

Two separate trials have received ethical clearance from local ethics committees (12/2022 in Finland, E2021167 in China). Permission to conduct the study will be granted by hospital authorities. All participants will provide electronic informed consent before baseline data are collected. The trial results will be published locally, nationally and internationally in professional and peer-reviewed journals, and shared at national and international meetings and conferences.

Trial registration numbers

NCT05244512;NCT05244499.
Conflict of interest and funding in health communication on social media: a systematic review
Authors: Helou Vanessa , Mouzahem Fatima , Makarem Adham , Noureldine Hussein A , El-Khoury Rayane , Al Oweini Dana , Halak Razan , Hneiny Layal , Khabsa Joanne , Akl Elie A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To synthesise the available evidence on the reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) by individuals posting health messages on social media, and on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.

Data sources

MEDLINE (OVID) (2005–March 2022), Embase (2005–March 2022) and Google Scholar (2005–August 2022), supplemented with a review of reference lists and forward citation tracking.

Design

Reviewers selected eligible studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We summarised the results in both narrative and tabular formats. We followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting our study.

Results

Of a total of 16 645 retrieved citations, we included 17 eligible studies. The frequency of reporting of conflicts of interest varied between 0% and 60%, but it was mostly low. In addition, a significant proportion, ranging between 15% and 80%, of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry. However, three studies assessed the proportion of conflicts of interest of physicians identified through Open Payment Database but not reported by the authors. It was found that 98.7–100% of these relationships with industry are not reported when communicating health-related information. Also, two studies showed that there is evidence of a potential association between COI and the content of posting. No data was found on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.

Conclusions

While a significant proportion of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry, lack of reporting on COI and undisclosed COI are common. We did not find studies on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.

Trial registration

dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5jyl8jj4rg2w/v1.
Masses and magnetic moments of exotic fully heavy pentaquarks
Authors: Zhang Wen-Xuan , An Hong-Tao , Jia Duojie
Published: August 2023

Inspired by the observation of a resonant state X(6600) of fully charm tetraquark by the CMS experiment of LHCb Collaboration in double $$J/\psi $$

J
/
ψ

decay channel, we perform a systematical study of all configurations of fully heavy pentaquarks $$P_{Q_{1}Q_{2}Q_{3}Q_{{4}}\bar{Q_{5}}}$$

P

Q
1

Q
2

Q
3

Q
4

Q
5

¯

($$Q_{i}=c,b$$

Q
i

=
c
,
b

, $$i=1,2,3,4,5$$

i
=
1
,
2
,
3
,
4
,
5

) in their ground states in unified framework of MIT bag model. The color-spin wavefunctions of pentaquarks, classified via Young tableau and presented in terms of the Young–Yamanouchi bases, are used to compute masses and magnetic moments of fully heavy pentaquarks via numerical variational method, predicting a set of masses ranging from 8.229 GeV for the $$P_{cccc\bar{c}}$$

P

c
c
c
c

c

¯

to 24.770 GeV for the $$P_{bbbb\bar{b}}$$

P

b
b
b
b

b

¯

. Combining with computed masses of fully heavy mesons and baryons, we find that masses of fully heavy hadrons(mesons, baryons, tetraquarks and pentaquarks) with identical flavor rise almost linearly with the number of valence quarks in hadrons, being consistent with the heavy quark symmetry in the heavy-quark limit.
Recent trends and research opportunities in hybrid additive manufacturing
Authors: Kumari Soni , Gupta Rakesh , Krishna Gopal , Abhishek Kumar , Alla Naveenkrishna , Saxena Kuldeep Kr.
Published: August 2023

Over the past few decades, manufacturing and production have undergone rapid development, particularly through the combination of additive manufacturing (AM) and other digitally driven manufacturing machines, creating hybrid additive manufacturing (hybrid-AM). However, despite significant growth, hybrid-AM has not yet gained acceptance at an industrial level due to certain limitations. This article aims to provide the latest information and discuss recent research trends, opportunities, challenges, and indicators in the field of hybrid-AM. Specifically, it will review and analyze literature related to the development of hybrid additives and subtractive processes known as HASPs, and identify future research avenues. Additionally, the article will identify key traits and research work in HASP systems, as well as present the future of HASPs and other types of hybrid machine tools based on recent trends.
Using automation and machine learning to maximize tool use in turning centers for better surface finish
Authors: Pandya Akash D. , Patel Ajay M. , Hindocha Bhavesh R. , Kumar Manoj , Oza Ankit D. , Bhole Kiran S. , Kumar Manoj , Gupta Manish
Published: August 2023

In modern manufacturing industries, automated machining systems have become a necessity. However, optimizing resource utilization and achieving a good surface finish remain challenging tasks. Excessive tool usage and poor surface finish are common problems encountered in turning centers, which affect productivity and product quality. In this research, we propose an approach that leverages automation and machine learning techniques to maximize tool use and improve surface finish. Our objective is to investigate the relationship between tool life and surface roughness and to develop a method that can optimize cutting parameters for turning centers. We have conducted an experimental study to evaluate the proposed approach, which involves the automatic determination of cutting parameters based on machine learning algorithms, and concluded a cutting speed of 43.10[Formula: see text]m/min, the surface finish achieved for aluminum material was 1.98[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. In the case of mild steel material, the surface finish was 12[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m at a cutting speed of 25.13[Formula: see text]m/min. Similarly, for cast iron material, the surface finish was 8.45[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m at a cutting speed of 30.16[Formula: see text]m/min. Our results show that the proposed method outperforms the traditional manual method in terms of surface finish, tool usage, and machining time. Our approach can be applied to other machining systems, providing a practical and effective solution to improve the efficiency and quality of machining processes. This paper presents an experiment that explores the relationship between tool life and surface roughness. Furthermore, an automated approach is proposed for eliminating G code in machining, which can improve the efficiency of machine tools and result in a better surface finish. Objective: To maximize tool use and improve surface finish in turning centers by incorporating automation and machine learning. Idea: This research aims to explore the use of automation and machine learning in turning centers to optimize the cutting parameters and achieve a better surface finish. Description of the idea: The study was conducted by performing experiments on three different materials, i.e., aluminum, mild steel, and cast iron. The cutting parameters, including spindle speed, feed, and depth of cut, were controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) integrated with a tachometer and Vernier scale. The surface finish was measured using a surface roughness tester, and the data was analyzed using a supervised machine learning algorithm.
Region-Different Network Reconfiguration in Disjoint Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Agriculture Monitoring
Authors: Liu Xuxun , Zeng Xinyuan , Ren Junyu , Yin Song , Zhou Huan
Published: August 2023

Connectivity restoration is essential for ensuring continuous operation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, existing works lack enough network robustness when suffering from the secondary external damages. In this paper, we propose a novel connectivity restoration scheme to address this problem. This scheme comprises three connectivity mechanisms regarding relay segment selection in different regions. The first one is a data traffic decentralization mechanism, which establishes more transmission paths near the sink for reliability improvement and traffic load balancing. The second one is a segment shape selection mechanism, in which the segments with high-reliability preferably become the relay segments for greater network robustness. The third one is a traffic load transfer mechanism, in which data traffic is transferred from a high-load segment to a low-load segment for balancing energy depletion of the network. The distinctive characteristics of this work are twofold: different regions perform diverse connectivity restoration approaches according to the demand diversity of different regions, and traffic load can be balanced from upstream regions rather than only from downstream regions. Extensive simulation experiments validate the effectiveness and advantages of our proposed scheme in terms of connection cost, network robustness, load balance degree, and network longevity.
Dark Web Marketplaces: Data for Collaborative Threat Intelligence
Authors: Connolly Kate , Klempay Anna , McCann Mary , Brenner Paul
Published: August 2023

The dark web has become an increasingly important landscape for the sale of illicit cyber goods. Given the prevalence of malware and tools that are used to steal data from individuals on these markets, it is crucial that every company, governing body, and cyber professional be aware of what information is sold on these marketplaces. Knowing this information will allow these entities to protect themselves against cyber attacks and from information breaches. In this article, we announce the public release of a data set on dark web marketplaces’ cybersecurity-related listings. We spent multiple years seeking out websites that sold illicit digital goods and collected data on the available products. Due to the marketplaces’ varied and complex layers of security, we leveraged the flexible Selenium WebDriver with Python to navigate the web pages and collect data. We present analysis of categories of malicious cyber goods sold on marketplaces, prices, persistent vendors, ratings, and other basic information on marketplace storefronts. Additionally, we share the tools and techniques we’ve compiled, enabling others to scrape dark web marketplaces at a significantly lower risk. We invite professionals who opt to gather data from the dark web to contribute to the publicly shared threat intelligence resource.
Generalisable Dialogue-based Approach for Active Learning of Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Smith Ronnie , Dragone Mauro
Published: August 2023

While Human Activity Recognition systems may benefit from Active Learning by allowing users to self-annotate their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), many proposed methods for collecting such annotations are for short-term data collection campaigns for specific datasets. We present a reusable dialogue-based approach to user interaction for active learning in activity recognition systems, which utilises semantic similarity measures and a dataset of natural language descriptions of common activities (which we make publicly available). Our approach involves system-initiated dialogue, including follow-up questions to reduce ambiguity in user responses where appropriate. We apply this approach to two active learning scenarios: (i) using an existing CASAS dataset, demonstrating long-term usage; and (ii) using an online activity recognition system, which tackles the issue of online segmentation and labelling. We demonstrate our work in context, in which a natural language interface provides knowledge that can help interpret other multi-modal sensor data. We provide results highlighting the potential of our dialogue- and semantic similarity-based approach. We evaluate our work: (i) quantitatively, as an efficient way to seek users’ input for active learning of ADLs; and (ii) qualitatively, through a user study in which users were asked to compare our approach and an established method. Results show the potential of our approach as a hands-free interface for annotation of sensor data as part of an active learning system. We provide insights into the challenges of active learning for activity recognition under real-world conditions and identify potential ways to address them.
Study on Synthesis of Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Using Low Cost & High Impurity Industrial 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) for Application in High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: He Jinyi , Li Tianhui , Liu Yingying , Wang Ao , Jiang Wenxing , Deng Chengwei , Hou Junbo , Zhuang Xiaodong , Zhang Junliang , Ke Changchun
Published: August 2023

Poly[2,2-(m-phenylene)−5,5-bibenzimidazole] (m-PBI), the most studied PBI, is close to practical application, however, the high cost of m-PBI restricts its application for HT-PEMFCs. The cost can be reduced by 85% if the low cost & high impurity industrial DAB can be used to synthesize m-PBI after pre-treatment. Herein, we study the influence of impurities in industrial 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) on the synthesis of polybenzimidazole (PBI), and the possibility of the synthesis of m-PBI based on purified low cost & high impurity industrial DAB. It is shown that impurities would reduce the molecular weight and thermal stability of PBI, and mechanical strength and oxidation stability of the according PBI and H3PO4/PBI membranes. Using industrial DAB (94.40%) without any treatment as a reactant, the molecular weight of the obtained PBI is too low to prepare a membrane. A simple method of purifying low cost & high impurity industrial DAB is proposed, by dissolution and recrystallization using the absorption effect of carbon powder. It is proven that the performances of PBI synthesized using purified DAB are near to the PBI synthesized using high-purity DAB. The peak power density of HT-PEMFC based on PBI from purified industrial DAB reached 426 mW cm−2 at 180 °C.
Modeling Battery Formation: Boosted SEI Growth, Multi-Species Reactions, and Irreversible Expansion
Authors: Weng Andrew , Olide Everardo , Kovalchuk Iaroslav , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna
Published: August 2023

This work proposes a semi-empirical model for the SEI growth process during the early stages of lithium-ion battery formation cycling and aging. By combining a full-cell model which tracks half-cell equilibrium potentials, a zero-dimensional model of SEI growth kinetics, and a semi-empirical description of cell thickness expansion, the resulting model replicated experimental trends measured on a 2.5 Ah pouch cell, including the calculated first-cycle efficiency, measured cell thickness changes, and electrolyte reduction peaks during the first charge dQ/dV signal. This work also introduces an SEI growth boosting formalism that enables a unified description of SEI growth during both cycling and aging. This feature can enable future applications for modeling path-dependent aging over a cell’s life. The model further provides a homogenized representation of multiple SEI reactions enabling the study of both solvent and additive consumption during formation. This work bridges the gap between electrochemical descriptions of SEI growth and applications toward improving industrial battery manufacturing process control where battery formation is an essential but time-consuming final step. We envision that the formation model can be used to predict the impact of formation protocols and electrolyte systems on SEI passivation and resulting battery lifetime.
CircFOXN2 alleviates glucocorticoid- and tacrolimus-induced dyslipidemia by reducing FASN mRNA stability by binding to PTBP1 during liver transplantation
Authors: Chen Li-Jian , Xin Yang , Yuan Miao-Xian , Ji Chun-Yi , Peng Yu-Ming , Yin Qiang
Published: August 2023

Collectively, our experiments revealed for the first time that circFOXN2 alleviated the Dex- and TAC-induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism by regulating the PTBP1/FASN axis. These findings suggested that circFOXN2 and FASN might be candidate targets for the treatment of Dex- and TAC-induced metabolic disorders.
Early-Onset Aortic Dissection: Characterization of a New Pathogenic Splicing Variation in the MYH11 Gene with Several In-Frame Abnormal Transcripts
Authors: Arnaud Pauline , Cadenet Margaux , Mougin Zakaria , Le Goff Carine , Perbet Sébastien , Francois Mathilde , Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Boileau Catherine , Hanna Nadine
Published: August 2023

Rare pathogenic variants in the MYH11 gene are responsible for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. They are usually heterozygous missense variants or in-frame deletions of several amino acids without alteration of the reading frame and mainly affect the coiled-coil domain of the protein. Variants leading to a premature stop codon have been described in patients with another phenotype, megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, with an autosomal recessive inheritance. The physiopathological mechanisms arising from the different genetic alterations affecting the MYH11 gene are still poorly understood. Consequently, variants of unknown significance are relatively frequent in this gene. We have identified a variant affecting the consensus donor splice site of exon 29 in the MYH11 gene in a patient who suddenly died from an aortic type A dissection at the age of 23 years old. A transcript analysis on cultured fibroblasts has highlighted several abnormal transcripts including two in-frame transcripts. The first one is a deletion of the last 78 nucleotides of exon 29, corresponding to the use of a cryptic alternative donor splice site; the second one corresponds to an exon 29 skipping. Familial screening has revealed that this molecular event occurred de novo in the proband. Taken together, these experiments allowed us to classify this variant as pathogenic. This case underlines the challenging aspect of the discovery of variations in the MYH11 gene for which the consequences on splicing should be systematically studied in detail.
Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese: Dose-Response Correlation and the Effect Mediated by Sleep Time and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Wang Miyuan , Pan Liang , Peng Hongye , Song Bin , Zeng Yan , Qian Mingtao , Yang Qing , Xie Shanshan , Mai Gang , Wang Hui
Published: August 2023

Depression is a common psychosomatic disorder in clinical practice and may soon become the largest disease burden globally. Studies have focused on the association between obesity and depression but presented controversial results. This study is aimed at exploring the dose-response correlation between Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and depressive symptoms and the mediating effect of sleep time and life satisfaction in this relationship. We include 4149 individuals aged ≥45 years from wave 2011 and wave 2015 of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), using restricted cubic spline (RCS) to examine possible nonlinear correlation and serial multiple mediation model to examine the mediating effect of sleep time and life satisfaction. Results indicate that there is a significant negative linear correlation between CVAI and depressive symptoms, and each IQR increment in CVAI is associated with 11% lower risk of depressive symptoms. About 50.00% (indirect effect/total effect) of the significant association between CVAI and depressive symptoms is mediated by sleep time and life satisfaction, with life satisfaction playing a relatively major role. Properly visceral adiposity may be protective against depressive symptoms. It could be feasible to alleviate the depressive symptoms in people with too low visceral adiposity by improving their life satisfaction.
Fixed Point Results in Fuzzy Strong Controlled Metric Spaces with an Application to the Domain Words
Authors: Hussain Aftab , Ishtiaq Umar , Al Sulami Hamed
Published: August 2023

In this manuscript, we introduce the notions of fuzzy strong controlled metric spaces, fuzzy strong controlled quasi-metric spaces, and non-Archimedean fuzzy strong controlled quasi-metric spaces and generalize the famous Banach contraction principle. We prove several fixed point results in the context of non-Archimedean fuzzy strong controlled quasi-metric space. Furthermore, we use our main result to obtain the existence of a solution for a recurrence problem linked with the study of Quicksort algorithms.
Comparison of the Effect of Hydroalcholic Extract of Alhagi maurorum and Hydrochlorothiazide on Excretion of 4–10 mm Kidney and Ureteral Stones in Adults: A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Mehrabi Sadrollah , Beigi Parisa , Salehpour Zeinab
Published: August 2023

Objective. The prevalence of kidney stones and their complications is high. The review of the literature showed the therapeutic effects of Alhagi maurorum extract on urinary tract stones. This study reviewed the Alhagi plant’s hydroalcholic extract’s effect on eliminating kidney and ureteral stones compared to hydrochlorothiazide. Materials and Methods. In this randomized prospective study, from March 2019 to September 2021, 80 patients over 18 years of age with kidney stones in the upper ureter with a size of 4–10 mm were divided into two groups based on the block random allocation method. The first group received hydrochlorothiazide tablets (50 mg), and the second group received 1 gram/day of the hydroalcholic areal extract of Alhagi maurorum in a two-divided capsule. The mean size and number of stones, renal function tests, and side effects were checked and compared in both groups before and after the study. Results. Mean age, sex, serum urea level (

P
=
0.351

), serum creatinine (

P
=
0.393

), stone size (

P
=
0178

), and the number of stones (

P
=
0.052

) before intervention were similar. After intervention, the size and number of stones diminished, up to 70% in both groups. However, there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion. The study showed that Alhagi maurorum is as effective as hydrochlorothiazide in treatment of kidney and ureteral stones with no significant complications and is promising.
Change in Antimicrobial Therapy Based on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Data Improves Outcomes in ICU Patients with Suspected Pneumonia
Authors: Chogtu Bharti , Mariya Elenjickal Vrinda , Shetty Dharma U. , Asbin Mahsheeba , Guddattu Vasudeva , Magazine Rahul
Published: August 2023

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is often performed in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia. It is assumed that there will be an association with improved outcomes when bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) data lead to a change in antimicrobial therapy. Methods. This study included a retrospective cohort of intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent FB for a diagnosis of suspected pneumonia. The study compared the outcome of patients in whom antimicrobial modification was carried out based on BAL reports versus those in whom it was not carried out. Cases where the procedure could not be completed or had incomplete records were excluded. The FB reports were accessed from the register maintained in the Department of Respiratory Medicine. The demographic details, clinical symptoms, laboratory investigations, and microbiological and radiology reports were recorded. Data on the antmicrobial therapy that the patients received during treatment and the outcome of the treatment were obtained from the case records and noted in the data collection form. Results. Data from a total of 150 patients admitted to the ICU, who underwent FB, were analyzed. The outcomes in the group where antimicrobial modification based on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid reports was carried out versus the no‐change group were as follows: expired 23, improved 82, unchanged 8 versus expired 12, improved 18, and unchanged 7 (p = 0.018); total duration of ICU stay 13.12 ± 10.61 versus 19.43 ± 13.4 days (p = 0.012); and duration from FB to discharge from ICU 6.33 ± 3.76 days versus 8.46 ± 5.99 (p = 0.047). The median total duration of ICU stay and clinical outcomes were significantly better in the nonintubated patients in whom BAL‐directed antimicrobial modification was implemented. Distribution of microorganisms based on BAL reports was as follows: Acinetobacter baumanii 45 (30%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 37 (24.66%), Escherichia coli 9 (6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9 (6%). Conclusion. A change in antimicrobial therapy based on BAL data was associated with improved outcomes. The commonest bacterial isolate in the BAL fluid was Acinetobacter baumanii.
Mosaic TP53 Mutation on Tumour Development in Pigs: A Case Study
Authors: Thongkittidilok Chommanart , Hirata Maki , Lin Qingyi , Torigoe Nanaka , Liu Bin , Sato Yoko , Nagahara Megumi , Tanihara Fuminori , Otoi Takeshige
Published: August 2023

Pigs rarely develop cancer; however, tumour protein p53 (TP53)‐modified pigs may have an increased incidence of cancer. In this study, two pigs with mosaic mutations induced by gene editing were compared to determine the role of the wild‐type TP53 sequence in tumorigenesis and to speculate how amino acid changes in TP53 sequences are related to tumorigenesis. The pig without tumours had a wild‐type TP53 sequence and a 1‐bp deletion in the TP53 sequence that resulted in a premature stop codon. In contrast, the pig with nephroblastoma had 6‐ and 7‐bp deletions in the TP53 sequence, resulting in the absence of two amino acids and a premature stop codon, respectively. Our results indicated that TP53 mutations with truncated amino acids may be related to tumour formation.
Supplementary Table S4 from Integrated Multimodal Analyses of DNA Damage Response and Immune Markers as Predictors of Response in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in the TNT Trial (NCT00532727)
Authors: Tovey Holly , Sipos Orsolya , Parker Joel S. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Quist Jelmar , Kernaghan Sarah , Kilburn Lucy , Salgado Roberto , Loi Sherene , Kennedy Richard D. , Roxanis Ioannis , Gazinska Patrycja , Pinder Sarah E. , Bliss Judith , Perou Charles M. , Haider Syed , Grigoriadis Anita , Tutt Andrew , Cheang Maggie Chon U
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 4 - Representativeness of Study Participants
Data from Integrated Multimodal Analyses of DNA Damage Response and Immune Markers as Predictors of Response in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in the TNT Trial (NCT00532727)
Authors: Tovey Holly , Sipos Orsolya , Parker Joel S. , Hoadley Katherine A. , Quist Jelmar , Kernaghan Sarah , Kilburn Lucy , Salgado Roberto , Loi Sherene , Kennedy Richard D. , Roxanis Ioannis , Gazinska Patrycja , Pinder Sarah E. , Bliss Judith , Perou Charles M. , Haider Syed , Grigoriadis Anita , Tutt Andrew , Cheang Maggie Chon U.
Published: August 2023

AbstractPurpose:
The TNT trial (NCT00532727) showed no evidence of carboplatin superiority over docetaxel in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), but carboplatin benefit was observed in the germline BRCA1/2 mutation subgroup. Broader response-predictive biomarkers are needed. We explored the predictive ability of DNA damage response (DDR) and immune markers.
Experimental Design:
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were evaluated for 222 of 376 patients. Primary tumors (PT) from 186 TNT participants (13 matched recurrences) were profiled using total RNA sequencing. Four transcriptional DDR-related and 25 immune-related signatures were evaluated. We assessed their association with objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Conditional inference forest clustering was applied to integrate multimodal data. The biology of subgroups was characterized by 693 gene expression modules and other markers.
Results:
Transcriptional DDR-related biomarkers were not predictive of ORR to either treatment overall. Changes from PT to recurrence were demonstrated; in chemotherapy-naïve patients, transcriptional DDR markers separated carboplatin responders from nonresponders (P values = 0.017; 0.046). High immune infiltration was associated with docetaxel ORR (interaction P values < 0.05). Six subgroups were identified; the immune-enriched cluster had preferential docetaxel response [62.5% (D) vs. 29.4% (C); P = 0.016]. The immune-depleted cluster had preferential carboplatin response [8.0% (D) vs. 40.0% (C); P = 0.011]. DDR-related subgroups were too small to assess ORR.
Conclusions:
High immune features predict docetaxel response, and high DDR signature scores predict carboplatin response in treatment-naïve mTNBC. Integrating multimodal DDR and immune-related markers identifies subgroups with differential treatment sensitivity. Treatment options for patients with immune-low and DDR-proficient tumors remains an outstanding need. Caution is needed using PT-derived transcriptional signatures to direct treatment in mTNBC, particularly DDR-related markers following prior chemotherapy.
Data from Cancer Epidemiology in the Northeastern United States (2013–2017)
Authors: Rees Judy R. , Weiss Julie E. , Gunn Christine M. , Carlos Heather A. , Dragnev Nathalie C. , Supattapone Emma Y. , Tosteson Anna N.A. , Kraft Sally A. , Vahdat Linda T. , Peacock Janet L.
Published: August 2023

We tested the hypotheses that adult cancer incidence and mortality in the Northeast region and in Northern New England (NNE) were different than the rest of the United States, and described other related cancer metrics and risk factor prevalence. Using national, publicly available cancer registry data, we compared cancer incidence and mortality in the Northeast region with the United States and NNE with the United States overall and by race/ethnicity, using age-standardized cancer incidence and rate ratios (RR). Compared with the United States, age-adjusted cancer incidence in adults of all races combined was higher in the Northeast (RR, 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.08) and in NNE (RR 1.06; CI 1.05–1.07). However compared with the United States, mortality was lower in the Northeast (RR, 0.98; CI 0.98–0.98) but higher in NNE (RR, 1.05; CI 1.03–1.06). Mortality in NNE was higher than the United States for cancers of the brain (RR, 1.16; CI 1.07–1.26), uterus (RR, 1.32; CI 1.14–1.52), esophagus (RR, 1.36; CI 1.26–1.47), lung (RR, 1.12; CI 1.09–1.15), bladder (RR, 1.23; CI 1.14–1.33), and melanoma (RR, 1.13; CI 1.01–1.27). Significantly higher overall cancer incidence was seen in the Northeast than the United States in all race/ethnicity subgroups except Native American/Alaska Natives (RR, 0.68; CI 0.64–0.72).

In conclusion, NNE has higher cancer incidence and mortality than the United States, a pattern that contrasts with the Northeast region, which has lower cancer mortality overall than the United States despite higher incidence.
Significance:
These findings highlight the need to identify the causes of higher cancer incidence in the Northeast and the excess cancer mortality in NNE.