bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking polymer architecture to bubble shape in LDPE film blowing through multistage modeling
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Gong Yanan , Larson Ronald G.
Published: November 2023

To meet the challenge of efficient modeling of film blowing with realistic constitutive equations for commercial thermoplastic melts, we present a multistage optimization modeling framework that integrates polymerization reaction modeling, rheology modeling, and bubble-shape prediction. A direct link is thereby created between the polymer architecture and the bubble shape of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) through a three-stage modeling protocol. Stage 1 aims to get complete polymer structure information from a limited set of linear and nonlinear rheological data and the measured averaged molecular weight. An optimization loop uses the Tobita algorithm for polymer reaction and the BoB model for rheology to minimize the deviation between experimental data and model predictions. Stage 2 is designed to obtain a representative reduced ensemble of LDPE in the Rolie-double-poly (RDP) model to reduce the computational cost of rheology calculations during processing. The parameters of the reduced molecular components are obtained by fitting the RDP model to a wide range of rheology data predicted by the BoB model applied to the full ensemble of polymer architectures obtained in stage 1. In stage 3, the reduced-ensemble RDP model is coupled to measured temperature profiles using time–temperature superposition, and the bubble shape and strain rate history of a fluid particle in the bubble are obtained by minimizing error in the momentum balance equations. We show that each stage of the process yields successful fitting, and at the end, we obtain an a priori prediction of height-dependent bubble radius and velocity in agreement with experiment. With this multistage optimization strategy, we link the polymer compositions to the bubble properties during the film blowing of LDPE.
Connecting the multiple dimensions of global soil fungal diversity
Authors: Mikryukov Vladimir , Dulya Olesya , Zizka Alexander , Bahram Mohammad , Hagh-Doust Niloufar , Anslan Sten , Prylutskyi Oleh , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Nilsson Henrik , Pärn Jaan , Öpik Maarja , Moora Mari , Zobel Martin , Espenberg Mikk , Mander Ülo , Khalid Abdul Nasir , Corrales Adriana , Agan Ahto , Vasco-Palacios Aída-M. , Saitta Alessandro , Rinaldi Andrea , Verbeken Annemieke , Sulistyo Bobby , Tamgnoue Boris , Furneaux Brendan , Duarte Ritter Camila , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Sharp Cathy , Marín César , Gohar Daniyal , Klavina Darta , Sharmah Dipon , Dai Dong-Qin , Nouhra Eduardo , Biersma Elisabeth Machteld , Rähn Elisabeth , Cameron Erin , De Crop Eske , Otsing Eveli , Davydov Evgeny , Albornoz Felipe , Brearley Francis , Buegger Franz , Zahn Geoffrey , Bonito Gregory , Hiiesalu Inga , Barrio Isabel , Heilmann-Clausen Jacob , Ankuda Jelena , Doležal Jiri , Kupagme John , Maciá-Vicente Jose , Djeugap Fovo Joseph , Geml József , Alatalo Juha , Alvarez-Manjarrez Julieta , Põldmaa Kadri , Runnel Kadri , Adamson Kalev , Bråthen Kari-Anne , Pritsch Karin , Tchan Issifou Kassim , Armolaitis Kęstutis , Hyde Kevin , Newsham Kevin K. , Panksep Kristel , Lateef Adebola Azeez , Hansson Linda , Lamit Louis , Saba Malka , Tuomi Maria , Gryzenhout Marieka , Bauters Marijn , Piepenbring Meike , Wijayawardene Nalin N. , Yorou Nourou , Kurina Olavi , Mortimer Peter , Meidl Peter , Kohout Petr , Puusepp Rasmus , Drenkhan Rein , Garibay-Orijel Roberto , Godoy Roberto , Alkahtani Saad , Rahimlou Saleh , Dudov Sergey , Põlme Sergei , Ghosh Soumya , Mundra Sunil , Ahmed Talaat , Netherway Tarquin , Henkel Terry , Roslin Tomas , Nteziryayo Vincent , Fedosov Vladimir , Onipchenko Vladimir , Yasanthika Weeragalle Arachchillage Erandi , Lim Young , Van Nuland Michael , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda , Antonelli Alexandre , Kõljalg Urmas , Abarenkov Kessy , Tedersoo Leho
Published: November 2023

How the multiple facets of soil fungal diversity vary worldwide remains virtually unknown, hindering the management of this essential species-rich group. By sequencing high-resolution DNA markers in over 4000 topsoil samples from natural and human-altered ecosystems across all continents, we illustrate the distributions and drivers of different levels of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of fungi and their ecological groups. We show the impact of precipitation and temperature interactions on local fungal species richness (alpha diversity) across different climates. Our findings reveal how temperature drives fungal compositional turnover (beta diversity) and phylogenetic diversity, linking them with regional species richness (gamma diversity). We integrate fungi into the principles of global biodiversity distribution and present detailed maps for biodiversity conservation and modeling of global ecological processes.
Resident microbes shape the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape
Authors: Agarwal Kavita , Choudhury Biswa , Robinson Lloyd S. , Morrill Sydney R. , Bouchibiti Yasmine , Chilin-Fuentes Daisy , Rosenthal Sara B. , Fisch Kathleen M. , Peipert Jeffrey F. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Allsworth Jenifer E. , Lewis Amanda L. , Lewis Warren G.
Published: November 2023

Epithelial cells are covered in carbohydrates (glycans). This glycan coat or “glycocalyx” interfaces directly with microbes, providing a protective barrier against potential pathogens. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition associated with adverse health outcomes in which bacteria reside in direct proximity to the vaginal epithelium. Some of these bacteria, includingGardnerella, produce glycosyl hydrolase enzymes. However, glycans of the human vaginal epithelial surface have not been studied in detail. Here, we elucidate key characteristics of the “normal” vaginal epithelial glycan landscape and analyze the impact of resident microbes on the surface glycocalyx. In human BV, glycocalyx staining was visibly diminished in electron micrographs compared to controls. Biochemical and mass spectrometric analysis showed that, compared to normal vaginal epithelial cells, BV cells were depleted of sialylatedN- andO-glycans, with underlying galactose residues exposed on the surface. Treatment of primary epithelial cells from BV-negative women with recombinantGardnerellasialidases generated BV-like glycan phenotypes. Exposure of cultured VK2 vaginal epithelial cells to recombinantGardnerellasialidase led to desialylation of glycans and induction of pathways regulating cell death, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. These data provide evidence that vaginal epithelial cells exhibit an altered glycan landscape in BV and suggest that BV-associated glycosidic enzymes may lead to changes in epithelial gene transcription that promote cell turnover and regulate responses toward the resident microbiome.
Draft genome sequence of
Sphingomonas paucimobilis
strain Sph5, isolated from tap water filtration membrane
Authors: Koroli Sara , Buss Kristina , Blain Joy M. , Nakka Gautam Sai , Hong Mina , McLean Robert JC , Plugge Caroline M. , Yang Jiseon
Published: December 2023

Sphingomonadaceae are common membrane colonizers and biofilm formers. As part of our studies on long-term genetic changes in drinking water biofilm species, we report the draft genome sequence of
Sphingomonas
strain Sph5, isolated from a tap water filtration membrane. The isolate was determined as
Sphingomonas paucimobilis
through whole genome sequencing and
de novo
assembly.
Twelve new metagenome-assembled genomes from non-axenic culture of
Griffithsia monilis
(Rhodophyta)
Authors: Rizzieri Yanã C. , Lipari August , Gunn Laura , Li Fay-Wei
Published: December 2023

We report 12 metagenome-assembled genomes from a non-axenic culture of the red alga
Griffithsia monilis
Harvey, some of which are distantly related to publicly available genomes.
Draft genome sequences of three
Carnobacterium maltaromaticum
isolates from two low pH bogs in Denmark
Authors: Tang Taya , Leisner Jørgen J.
Published: December 2023

Carnobacterium maltaromaticum
is a lactic acid bacterium that is widely distributed in the environment, including freshwater. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three
C. maltaromaticum
isolates from low pH Danish bogs, using the Illumina MiSeq platform.
The effects of host ecology and phylogeny on gut microbiota (non)parallelism across birds and mammals
Authors: Härer Andreas , Rennison Diana J.
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the biological function of their hosts since bacteria provide nutrient processing, protection against pathogens, and modulation of the immune system. Thus, as organisms adapt to different ecological niches, their gut microbial communities are thought to change in response to novel environmental conditions. Quantifying the direction and magnitude of gut microbiota changes associated with ecological niche offers valuable insights into the predictability of gut microbial community change accompanying shifts in host ecology. We used multivariate vector analysis to assess the (non)parallelism of gut microbiota community composition associated with host occupancy of a similar niche. We studied gut microbiota (non)parallelism across an extensive data set of 53 mammalian and 50 avian host species. Our results suggest that parallel shifts in host trophic ecology are associated with greater gut microbiota parallelism, whereas we could not find evidence for a clear effect of host phylogeny. Furthermore, parallelism was generally stronger when estimated from inferred metagenome function compared with gut microbiota taxonomic composition, suggesting that functional redundancy among bacterial lineages might obscure the signature of adaptive gut microbiota changes. Notably, a substantial proportion of the variation in gut microbiota (non)parallelism was not explained by host trophic ecology or phylogeny. Thus, we encourage future microbiota studies to use quantitative analyses along with additional ecological and host-associated data to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping the direction and magnitude of gut microbiota changes associated with ecological divergence.

IMPORTANCE

What are the roles of determinism and contingency in evolution? The paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen J. Gould raised this question in his famous thought experiment of “replaying life’s tape.” Settings where independent lineages have repeatedly adapted to similar ecological niches (i.e., parallel evolution) are well suited to address this question. Here, we quantified whether repeated ecological shifts across 53 mammalian and 50 avian host species are associated with parallel gut microbiota changes. Our results indicate that parallel shifts in host diet are associated with greater gut microbiota parallelism (i.e., more deterministic). While further research will be necessary to obtain a comprehensive picture of the circumstances under which deterministic gut microbiota changes might be expected, our study can be instrumental in motivating the use of more quantitative methods in microbiota research. This, in turn, can help us better understand microbiota dynamics during adaptive evolution of their hosts.
The ER-Golgi transport of influenza virus through NS1-Sec13 association during virus replication
Authors: Chua Sonja C. J. H. , Cui Jianzhou , Sachaphibulkij Karishma , Tan Isabelle Siang Ling , Tan Hui Qing , Lim Hong Meng , Engelberg David , Lim Lina H. K.
Published: December 2023

Influenza A virus is a respiratory virus that can cause complications such as acute bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. Drug therapies and vaccines are available against influenza, albeit limited by drug resistance and the non-universal vaccine administration. Hence there is a need for host-targeted therapies against influenza to provide an effective alternative therapeutic target. Sec13 was identified as a novel host interactor of influenza. As Sec13 is a member of the nuclear pore complex and coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles, localization of both Sec13 and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), COPII vesicles (ER-to-Golgi transport), and Golgi was studied during infection. Sec13 is associated with ER, COPII, and Golgi in infected lung epithelial cells and not the nucleus during PR8 infection. This observation would imply the functional role of Sec13 in the COPII vesicles (ER-to-Golgi transport). Moreover, the colocalization of NS1 and Sec13 were correlated at several time points of infection, indicating the function of Sec13 during influenza infection. Inhibiting the ER-to-Golgi transport and silencing Sec13 decreased viral titers, whereas overexpressing Sec13 increased viral titers. Hence, we propose that the ER-to-Golgi transport is an important pathway of viral replication and viral export, and specifically, Sec13 has a functional role in influenza replication and virulence.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A virus is a respiratory virus that can cause complications such as acute bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. Drug therapies and vaccines are available against influenza, albeit limited by drug resistance and the non-universal vaccine administration. Hence there is a need for host-targeted therapies against influenza to provide an effective alternative therapeutic target. Sec13 was identified as a novel host interactor of influenza. Endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport is an important pathway of influenza virus replication and viral export. Specifically, Sec13 has a functional role in influenza replication and virulence.
Cenozoic dextral transpressional tectonics in the northwestern Qaidam Basin, northern Tibet: Evidence from paleomagnetic and kinematic analysis of the arcuate belts
Authors: Peng Luying , Yu Xiangjiang , Huang Baochun , Cheng Feng , Yang Yizhou , Wu Jiawei , Yi Kexin , Guo Zhaojie
Published: November 2023

The mechanisms by which complex intracontinental deformation in the northern Tibetan Plateau was accommodated since the India-Asia collision remain debated. Characterization of the formation of arcuate structures in northern Tibet provides important constraints on this debate. We conducted a new paleomagnetic study on the mid- to late Miocene strata along the curved Lenghu-Nanbaxian and Eboliang-Hulushan belts of the Qaidam Basin, northern Tibet. Our results revealed that there is nonsignificant relative rotation within localities along these arcuate belts, which yielded a common mean direction of declination (D) = 3.6°, inclination (I) = 35.7° (α95 = 2.4°) after tilt correction, suggesting negligible Neogene vertical-axis rotation along the arcuate belts in the Qaidam Basin. Outcropped fault striations and the positive flower structures indicate dextral strike-slip–dominated motion along the faults since the mid- to late Miocene. By integrating the paleomagnetic results with the kinematics of these associated faults, we ruled out the possibility that these curved belts formed due to the frictional drag of the Altyn Tagh fault or due to differential shortening across the Qaidam Basin. Instead, we attribute the formation of these nonrotational arcuate belts to dextral transpressional deformation occurring within the basin since the mid- to late Miocene. Different from the orogenic belts in the northern Tibetan Plateau that absorbed postcollisional convergence through block rotation, crustal shortening, and lateral extrusion, the Qaidam Basin has also accommodated significant intracontinental deformation in the northern Tibetan Plateau through transpressional deformation within the basin. This inference underscores the importance of recognizing crustal extrusion within rigid blocks as a record of intracontinental deformation in the northern Tibetan Plateau.
Transgender identity in young people and adults recorded in UK primary care electronic patient records: retrospective, dynamic, cohort study
Authors: McKechnie Douglas Gordon John , O'Nions Elizabeth , Bailey Julia , Hobbs Lorna , Gillespie Frank , Petersen Irene
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To quantify the change in proportion of young people and adults identified as transgender in UK primary care records and to explore whether rates differ by age and socioeconomic deprivation.

Design

Retrospective, dynamic, cohort study.

Setting

IQVIA Medical Research Data, a database of electronic primary care records capturing data from 649 primary care practices in the UK between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2018.

Participants

7 064 829 individuals aged 10-99 years, in all four UK countries.

Main outcome measures

Diagnostic codes indicative of transgender identity were used. Sex assigned at birth was estimated by use of masculinising or feminising medication and procedural/diagnostic codes.

Results

2462 (0.03%) individuals had a record code indicating a transgender identity. Direction of transition could be estimated for 1340 (54%) people, of which 923 were assigned male at birth, and 417 were assigned female at birth. Rates of recording in age groups diverged substantially after 2010. Rates of the first recording of codes were highest in ages 16-17 years (between 2010 and 2018: 24.51/100 000 person years (95% confidence interval 20.95 to 28.50)). Transgender codes were associated with deprivation: the rate of the first recording was 1.59 (95% confidence interval 1.31 to 1.92) in the most deprived group in comparison with the least deprived group. Additionally, the rate ratio of the proportion of people who identified as transgender was 2.45 (95% confidence interval 2.28 to 2.65) in the most deprived group compared with the least deprived group. Substantial increases were noted in newly recorded transgender codes over time in all age groups (1.45/100 000 person years in 2000 (95% confidence interval 0.96 to 2.10) to 7.81/100 000 person years in 2018 (6.57 to 9.22)). In 2018, the proportion of people with transgender identity codes was highest in the age groups 16-17 years (16.23 per 10 000 (95% confidence interval 12.60 to 20.57)) and 18-29 years (12.42 per 10 000 (11.06 to 13.90)).

Conclusion

The rate of transgender identity recorded in primary care records has increased fivefold from 2000 to 2018 and is highest in the 16-17 and 18-29 age groups. Transgender diagnostic coding is associated with socioeconomic deprivation and further work should investigate this association. Primary and specialist care should be commissioned accordingly to provide for the gender specific and general health needs of transgender people.
Symptoms and signs in patients with heart failure: association with 3-month hospitalisation and mortality
Authors: Ali Mohammad Rizwan , Lam Carolyn S P , Strömberg Anna , Hand Simon P P , Booth Sarah , Zaccardi Francesco , Squire Iain , McCann Gerry P , Khunti Kamlesh , Lawson Claire Alexandra
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To determine the association between symptoms and signs reported in primary care consultations following a new diagnosis of heart failure (HF), and 3-month hospitalisation and mortality.

Design

Nested case–control study with density-based sampling.

Setting

Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked to hospitalisation and mortality (1998–2020).

Participants

Database cohort of 86 882 patients with a new HF diagnosis. In two separate analyses for (1) first hospitalisation and (2) death, we compared the 3-month history of symptoms and signs in cases (patients with HF with the event), with their respective controls (patients with HF without the respective event, matched on diagnosis date (±1 month) and follow-up time). Controls could be included more than once and later become a case.

Main outcome measures

All-cause, HF and non-cardiovascular disease (non-CVD) hospitalisation and mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.22 years (IQR: 0.59–8.18), 56 677 (65%) experienced first hospitalisation and 48 146 (55%) died. These cases were matched to 356 714 and 316 810 HF controls, respectively. For HF hospitalisation, the strongest adjusted associations were for symptoms and signs of fluid overload: pulmonary oedema (adjusted OR 3.08; 95% CI 2.52, 3.64), shortness of breath (2.94; 2.77, 3.11) and peripheral oedema (2.16; 2.00, 2.32). Generic symptoms also showed significant associations: depression (1.50; 1.18, 1.82), anxiety (1.35; 1.06, 1.64) and pain (1.19; 1.10, 1.28). Non-CVD hospitalisation had the strongest associations with chest pain (2.93; 2.77, 3.09), fatigue (1.87; 1.73, 2.01), general pain (1.87; 1.81, 1.93) and depression (1.59; 1.44, 1.74).

Conclusions

In the primary care HF population, routinely recorded cardiac and non-specific symptoms showed differential risk associations with hospitalisation and mortality.
Targeting integrin α5 in fibroblasts potentiates colorectal cancer response to PD-L1 blockade by affecting extracellular-matrix deposition
Authors: Lu Ling , Gao Yaohui , Huang Dengfeng , Liu Hu , Yin Dingzi , Li Man , Zheng Jiayi , Wang Shufei , Wu Weijun , Zhao Li , Bi Dexi , Zhang Youhua , Song Feifei , Xie Ruting , Wang Jifeng , Qin Huanlong , Wei Qing
Published: December 2023

Background

One reason patients with cancer cannot benefit from immunotherapy is the lack of immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are emerging as central players in immune regulation that shapes tumor microenvironment (TME). Earlier we reported that integrin α5 was enriched in CAFs in colorectal cancer (CRC), however, its role in TME and cancer immunotherapy remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the role for integrin α5 in fibroblasts in modulating antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy combined with checkpoint blockade in CRC.

Methods

We analyzed the CRC single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) database to define the expression ofITGA5in CRC tumor stroma. Experimentally, we carried out in vivo mouse tumor xenograft models to confirm the targeting efficacy of combined α5β1 inhibition and anti-Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade and in vitro cell-co-culture assay to investigate the role of α5 in fibroblasts in affecting T-cell activity. Clinically, we analyzed the association between α5 expression and infiltrating T cells and evaluated their correlation with patient survival and immunotherapy prognosis in CRC.

Results

We revealed thatITGA5was enriched inFAP-CAFs. BothITGA5knockout fibroblasts and therapeutic targeting of α5 improved response to anti-PD-L1 treatment in mouse subcutaneous tumor models. Mechanistically, these treatments led to increased tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells. Furthermore, we found that α5 in fibroblasts correlated with extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes and affected ECM deposition in CRC tumor stroma. Both in vivo analysis and in vitro culture and cell killing experiment showed that ECM proteins and α5 expression in fibroblasts influence T-cell infiltration and activity. Clinically, we confirmed that high α5 expression was associated with fewer CD3+T and CD8+T cells, and tissues with low α5 and high CD3+T levels correlated with better patient survival and immunotherapy response in a CRC cohort with 29 patients.

Conclusions

Our study identified a role for integrin α5 in fibroblasts in modulating antitumor immunity by affecting ECM deposition and showed therapeutic efficacy for combined α5β1 inhibition and PD-L1 blockade in CRC.
Tolerability of low to moderate biomechanical stress during leisure sport activity in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Fagni Filippo , Mutlu Melek Yalcin , Temiz Selahattin Alp , Minopoulou Ioanna , Krieter Manuel , Schett Georg , Kleyer Arnd , Simon David , Hueber Axel J
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the impact of low to moderate biomechanical stress on entheses in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective interventional study on a cohort of psoriasis and PsA patients who underwent a 60 min badminton training session. Pain assessment by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), physical examination of 29 entheses (SPARCC, LEI, MASES) and bilateral ultrasound at the lateral humeral epicondyle, inferior patellar pole and Achilles tendon were performed before and after training. Ultrasound changes were assessed using the OMERACT scoring system. A follow-up assessment of pain and adverse events was performed at 1 week.

Results

Sixteen patients were included (n=7 PsA; n=9 psoriasis) and 196 entheseal ultrasound scans were acquired. At baseline, median VAS pain (IQR) was 0.5 cm (0–2.3) and the total number of tender entheses was 12/464. Mean (min; max) Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis was 6.1 (0.8; 19) and 5/7 PsA patients had an Minimal Disease Activity status. After training, no significant change in VAS pain (0.0 cm (0.0–2.0)) nor in tender entheses (13/464) emerged. Four patients (n=2 PsA, n=2 psoriasis) developed a grade-1 power Doppler-signal at six entheses, which, however, remained non-tender. At 1 week, median VAS pain remained stable (0.0 cm (0.0–3.0); p>0.05) and only one participant with active PsA at baseline reported increased arthralgias in three joints.

Conclusions

Low to moderate physical strain, as in the context of leisure sport activity, seems well tolerated in psoriatic patients without increases in tenderness, pain and ultrasound-proven inflammation. Evidence-based recommendations for physical activity in PsA are direly needed and larger controlled studies should be conducted to define safe exercise thresholds.
Experimental approach for assessing dissipated excess pore pressure-induced settlement
Authors: Bayoumi Aya , Chekired Mohamed , Karray Mourad
Published: November 2023

Upon dynamic loading, saturated soils lose their strengths and undergo deformations resulting in volumetric-induced settlements that vary according to the excess pore pressure generation and dissipation variations. Traditionally, these settlements have been evaluated using standard charts based on one soil type and its relative density (RD). To assess these settlements, this study established a unique experimental methodology based on two laboratory testings: triaxial simple shear and piezoelectric ring actuator technique. Fifty-seven tests were performed on Ottawa F65 sand under strain-controlled cyclic and post-cyclic conditions. A chart was generated, revealing a relationship between the dissipated energy from cyclic loading and volumetric strain ( εv), based on the shear wave velocity as a controlling factor. This study was compared with previous studies to verify the compatibility of the proposed approach. Another novelty was revealed by studying εvvariation with the dissipated pressure. This variation is presented in a post-seismic chart in which deformations are tracked based on the initial soil state and maximum excess pore pressure generation ratio ( Rumax) at the end of the loading phase. For each RD, the soil is divided between liquefied and non-liquefied states according to a specific Rumax( Rumax-trigger point). The calculation of the volume compressibility coefficient is proven to serve as a liquefaction-triggering criterion identifying the liquefied state.
Running Safety Assessment of a High-Speed Train on Bridges During Braking Under Near-Fault Ground Motions
Authors: Ma Hongkai , Xie Xiaonan , Zhao Han , Yin Binbin , Xiang Ping
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of near-fault ground motions on the long-term development of high-speed railways. In this paper, the ground motions are analyzed based on the Train–Track–Bridge Coupling Braking System (TTBCBS) which has been validated during earthquakes. The effects of earthquakes on the whole system are discussed in depth, focusing on the random nature of earthquakes, the impulsive character of near-fault earthquakes and the effects of different initial speeds on the system behavior. The results show that under random earthquakes, the probability of train derailment gradually increases with the increase of peak ground acceleration (PGA) of earthquakes. When the PGA exceeds 0.2[Formula: see text]g, the train is highly susceptible to derailment and the bridge itself may incur damage. When analyzing the nature of pulses of near-fault ground motions, it was found that the responses induced by class B and class C pulses are significantly similar. Meanwhile, the calculated values of derailment coefficients are basically the same when the PGA of class A pulse wave is at 0[Formula: see text]g and 0.1[Formula: see text]g. This suggests that train braking somewhat mitigates the response induced by near-fault ground motions. Furthermore, the value of improved spectral intensity (SI) for the running safety during earthquakes indicates that the increase in seismic intensity is detrimental to the system. In terms of the effect of train initial speeds on the system during earthquakes, it is observed that the system response reaches the lowest point when the train speed is 250[Formula: see text]km/h, which is more favorable to the smooth deceleration of the train. When the train speed is 400[Formula: see text]km/h, the system response reaches its maximum value. These research findings provide crucial insights and guidance for seismic safety design and management of high-speed railways.
The Impact of Titanium Nanotubes (TNTs) Incorporated into a Sodium Alginate-Based Nanocomposite Membrane on the Adsorption of Cationic Dye from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Arla Sai Kumar , Godlaveeti Sreenivasa Kumar , Sana Siva Sankar , M. Aljuwayid Ahmed , Konidena Naga Sathya Sai , Boya Vijaya Kumar Naidu
Published: November 2023

In this study, we synthesized a composite membrane of molecularly imprinted TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) embedded in a Sodium Alginate (SA) supporting matrix. The TNTs were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal technique, resulting in an average length of 20 nm. To improve their recyclability and photoactivity, these nanotubes were immobilized within the SA membrane. The casting solution was applied onto a glass plate using a glass rod to control the film thickness. Subsequently, the TNTs/SA nanocomposite membrane was obtained by drying at room temperature and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde and HCl to improve mechanical strength, chemical resistance and stability of the membrane. The as-prepared TNTs and composite films were characterized using various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous nature of the prepared TNTs/SA composite membrane. Further, these composite membranes were utilized for the adsorption of the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. A 50 mg TNTs/SA nanocomposite membrane achieved an approximate degradation ratio of 85% for a 10 ppm MB concentration under room conditions within 180 min. Additionally, the effects of adsorbent dosage, dye concentration, and temperature were also investigated.
Temperature-Dependent Efficiency Droop in GaN-Based Blue Micro Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Islam Abu Bashar Mohammad Hamidul , Kim Tae Kyoung , Cha Yu-Jung , Shin Dong-Soo , Shim Jong-In , Kwak Joon Seop
Published: November 2023

This work investigates the size-dependent decrease in external quantum efficiency (EQE) of various InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well flip-chip blue micro light-emitting diodes (μ-LEDs) of sizes from 10 × 10 μm2 to 250 × 250 μm2 and proposes that the temperature-dependent efficiency droop is the main mechanism for decrease in EQE with reducing dimensions for well-passivated μ-LEDs. Experimental results show that the EQE increases with reducing μ-LED sizes to 50 × 50 μm2. However, the EQE decreases as the μ-LED size is further reduced to 10 × 10 μm2. The measured current-voltage characteristics, the minimum ideality factor, the light-emission patterns by the photon-emission microscope, and the transmission-electron-microscopy images consistently reveal that the decreased EQE of the smallest sized μ-LED is not due to the sidewall leakage: the decreased EQE is rather caused by the temperature-dependent efficiency droop (T-droop), which is systematically found by investigating the blueshift in peak emission wavelength and calculating the thermal resistance (Rth) that increases with the reduced mesa area. The decrease in peak EQE at 440 K compared to 300 K is also presented, which demonstrates that the reduction in peak EQE increases with reducing μ-LED sizes. It is pointed out that the small-sized μ-LEDs suffer from higher junction temperature due to lower heat dissipation caused by higher Rth compared to large-sized μ-LEDs.
Abdominal Aortic Occlusion and the Inflammatory Effects in Heart and Brain
Authors: Xu Jun , Li Sijie , Wehbe Alexandra , Ji Xunming , Yang Yong , Yang Yu , Qin Linhui , Liu Feng-Yong , Ding Yuchuan , Ren Changhong
Published: November 2023

Background. Abdominal aortic occlusion (AAO) occurs frequently and causes ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury to distant organs. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether AAO induced I/R injury and subsequent damage in cardiac and neurologic tissue. We also aimed to investigate the how length of ischemic time in AAO influences reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammatory marker levels in the heart, brain, and serum. Methods. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. The mice were randomly divided into either sham group or AAO group. The AAO group was further subdivided into 1–4 hr groups of aortic occlusion times. The infrarenal abdominal aorta was clamped for 1–4 hr depending on the AAO group and was then reperfused for 24 hr after clamp removal. Serum, hippocampus, and left ventricle tissue samples were then subjected to biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results. AAO-induced I/R injury had no effect on cell necrosis, cell apoptosis, or ROS production. However, serum and hippocampus levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased in AAO groups when compared to sham group. Superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity decreased in the serum, hippocampus, and left ventricle. In the serum, AAO increased the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (such as arginase-1), transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). In the hippocampus, AAO increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-4, and IL-6, and decreased the level of TGF-β1. In the left ventricle, AAO increased the level of iNOS and decreased the levels of TGF-β1, IL-4, and IL-10. Conclusions. AAO did not induce cell necrosis or apoptosis in cardiac or neurologic tissue, but it can cause inflammation in the serum, brain, and heart.
Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Bioactive Substances for Food Applications: Carriers, Techniques, and Biosafety
Authors: Shavronskaya Darya O. , Noskova Alina O. , Skvortsova Natalia N. , Adadi Parise , Nazarova Elena A.
Published: November 2023

Biologically active substances (BASs) are used as novel ingredients to design functional foods. These functional foods are alternate approaches to treat or cure chronic diseases. However, the application of BASs is limited due to their hydrophobic nature, low bioavailability, sensitivity to gastric acid, and environmental conditions (i.e., high temperatures, radiation, pH, and oxygen). Thus, research has been channeled to find ways of curbing these limitations. This review provides an overview of the modern methods for BAS encapsulation, carrier classifications, benefits, and drawbacks as well as the biosafety of encapsulated BASs. Encapsulation of BASs into organic/inorganic carriers or composites overcomes the limitations mentioned above. In addition, encapsulation enables the controlled release of active compounds to target cells. The market for encapsulated foods has grown globally at a significant pace due to their various applications as functional foods, dietary supplements, and other products. It is estimated that by 2027, the market worth of encapsulated foods will be valued at $17 billion.
Association of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERV) with Multiple Sclerosis in Northwest of Iran
Authors: Mafi Sara , Savadi Oskoee Dariush , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein , Azadi Arezou , Ahangar Oskouee Mahin
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the nervous system that leads to demyelination of the nerves and is more common in young adults, especially women. Environmental factors that trigger MS pathogeneses are genetic susceptibility and viral infections. The viral infections are considered to be of particular relevance. Along with viruses belonging to the Herpesviridae family such as varicella zoster virus (VZV), human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), and particularly Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), the expression of the env gene of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-W) like MSRV is expected to be one of the risk factors for bringing up MS and disease progression. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between EBV infection and HERV-W env in a case group (MS patients) and a control group (healthy individuals). Materials and Methods. 130 subjects were enrolled in a case-control study at two tertiary university hospitals from Tabriz (Imam and Razi), Iran. Of these, 65 subjects were MS patients serving as the case group, and 65 subjects were healthy individuals serving as the control group. After DNA extraction from all samples, the EBER region of EBV genome was used as the primer for the detection of EBV. RNA was extracted from PBMCs, and cDNA synthesis was performed by using Sina Gene kit. Subsequently, each sample was analysed by RT-PCR with two sets of primers to detect specifically multiple sclerosis retroviruses (MSRV) env, and RT-PCR was repeated for each HERV-W env. Positive sample was used in order to confirm the result. Results. In the case group, 19 (29.2%) patients were male and 46 (70.8%) patients were female. Nevertheless, in the control group, 21 (32.3%) subjects were male and 44 (67.7%) subjects were female. No significant difference was found between groups in gender (p = 0.70). The mean range in control and case groups was 33/38 ± 9/85 and 33.18 ± 8.65, respectively. No significant difference was found between groups in age (p = 0.902). 4 (6.2%) patients in case groups were found to be positive for EBV DNA (p = 0.119). Expression of the env gene of HERVs was observed in 10 (15.38%) and two (3.07%) specimens in the case and control groups (p = 0.030), separately. A comparison of the prevalence of the HERV ENV genome between the two study groups showed a significant difference (p = 0.005). Conclusion. The results of this study failed to show any difference between MS patients and healthy controls in the rate of EBV infection. It can be concluded that the expression of HERV-W/env genes may be involved in the development of MS in these patients.
Figure 5 from The Next-Generation Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader Camizestrant (AZD9833) Suppresses ER+ Breast Cancer Growth and Overcomes Endocrine and CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Lawson Mandy , Cureton Natalie , Ros Susana , Cheraghchi-Bashi Azadeh , Urosevic Jelena , D'Arcy Sophie , Delpuech Oona , DuPont Michelle , Fisher David I. , Gangl Eric T. , Lewis Hilary , Trueman Dawn , Wali Neha , Williamson Stuart C. , Moss Jennifer , Montaudon Elodie , Derrien Heloise , Marangoni Elisabetta , Miragaia Ricardo J. , Gagrica Sladjana , Morentin-Gutierrez Pablo , Moss Thomas A. , Maglennon Gareth , Sutton Daniel , Polanski Radoslaw , Rosen Alan , Cairns Jonathan , Zhang Pei , Sánchez-Guixé Mònica , Serra Violeta , Critchlow Susan E. , Scott James S. , Lindemann Justin P.O. , Barry Simon T. , Klinowska Teresa , Morrow Christopher J. , S Carnevalli Larissa
Published: December 2023

Enhanced efficacy of camizestrant in combination with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors as doublets in CDK4/6-sensitive and -resistant models (1). A–D, Combination of camizestrant with PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib (A), mTOR inhibitor everolimus (B), AKT inhibitor capivasertib (C), or CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (D) delivers enhanced efficacy compared with monotherapy in D538G ESR1m PDX CTC-174. Statistical analysis was performed by one-tailed, unequal variance t test versus log (change in tumor volume) compared with vehicle control at the final day of treatment. E, Relative tumor volume plots of ST3632 PDX model treated with oral camizestrant at 10 mg/kg daily, oral palbociclib at 50 mg/kg daily, and oral abemaciclib 50 mg/kg daily, and with camizestrant + abemaciclib and camizestrant + palbociclib. Statistical analysis was performed by one-tailed, unequal variance t test versus log (change in tumor volume) at the final day of treatment. F,In vivo combination of camizestrant at 10 mg/kg daily with palbociclib 50 mg/kg, abemaciclib 50 mg/kg, and capivasertib 130 mg/kg in PDX ST1799 dosed for 40 days (gray area). For clarity, the graph is divided into four subgraphs due to the large number of treatment arms; where they appear, the vehicle, camizestrant, and palbociclib arms are the same in each subgraph. CDK, cyclin-dependent kinase. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001; ns, not significant.
Figure 3 from The Next-Generation Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader Camizestrant (AZD9833) Suppresses ER+ Breast Cancer Growth and Overcomes Endocrine and CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Lawson Mandy , Cureton Natalie , Ros Susana , Cheraghchi-Bashi Azadeh , Urosevic Jelena , D'Arcy Sophie , Delpuech Oona , DuPont Michelle , Fisher David I. , Gangl Eric T. , Lewis Hilary , Trueman Dawn , Wali Neha , Williamson Stuart C. , Moss Jennifer , Montaudon Elodie , Derrien Heloise , Marangoni Elisabetta , Miragaia Ricardo J. , Gagrica Sladjana , Morentin-Gutierrez Pablo , Moss Thomas A. , Maglennon Gareth , Sutton Daniel , Polanski Radoslaw , Rosen Alan , Cairns Jonathan , Zhang Pei , Sánchez-Guixé Mònica , Serra Violeta , Critchlow Susan E. , Scott James S. , Lindemann Justin P.O. , Barry Simon T. , Klinowska Teresa , Morrow Christopher J. , Carnevalli Larissa S.
Published: December 2023

Camizestrant has superior in vivo activity to fulvestrant in ESR1wt and ESR1m PDX models (1). A, Waterfall plot representing the growth of 28 of ER+ breast cancer PDX treated with camizestrant 10 mg/kg daily; bars are colored according to ESR1 mutational status and other genomic characteristics annotated at the top. The percentage change calculated from the initial volume at day of treatment is shown. Data represent mean ± SE of the mean. B, Waterfall plot representing the growth of 25 PDX treated with fulvestrant 5 mg/kg weekly. N/A denotes models where the head-to-head arm was not available. The percentage of change calculated from the initial volume at day of treatment is shown. Data represent mean ± SE of the mean. C, Pie chart indicates the proportions of PDX models sensitive or insensitive to camizestrant and/or fulvestrant. The antitumor response of camizestrant versus fulvestrant monotherapy is represented as the percentage of tumor change compared with the initial tumor volume, benchmarked to vehicle changes. D, Correlation of fulvestrant PDX antitumor response (y-axis) versus camizestrant (x-axis) in 25 PDX, represented as the percentage of tumor volume change compared with the initial tumor volume. Data represent mean. The boxes indicate the percentage change from baseline ≤100%; the percentage of models sensitive only to fulvestrant or camizestrant, or sensitive to both is represented in each box.
Figure 1 from The Next-Generation Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader Camizestrant (AZD9833) Suppresses ER+ Breast Cancer Growth and Overcomes Endocrine and CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Lawson Mandy , Cureton Natalie , Ros Susana , Cheraghchi-Bashi Azadeh , Urosevic Jelena , D'Arcy Sophie , Delpuech Oona , DuPont Michelle , Fisher David I. , Gangl Eric T. , Lewis Hilary , Trueman Dawn , Wali Neha , Williamson Stuart C. , Moss Jennifer , Montaudon Elodie , Derrien Heloise , Marangoni Elisabetta , Miragaia Ricardo J. , Gagrica Sladjana , Morentin-Gutierrez Pablo , Moss Thomas A. , Maglennon Gareth , Sutton Daniel , Polanski Radoslaw , Rosen Alan , Cairns Jonathan , Zhang Pei , Sánchez-Guixé Mònica , Serra Violeta , Critchlow Susan E. , Scott James S. , Lindemann Justin P.O. , Barry Simon T. , Klinowska Teresa , Morrow Christopher J. , Carnevalli Larissa S.
Published: December 2023

Camizestrant (AZD9833) is a selective ER degrader and pure antagonist. A, Chemical structure of camizestrant. B, The indicated cell lines were treated with 100 nmol/L of the indicated compound for 48 hours. Levels of ERα were assessed by Western blotting and normalized to an untreated control and fulvestrant. Each point represents an independent experiment. C, MCF7 or CAMA-1 cells were treated with DMSO, 1 nmol/L estradiol, or 100 nmol/L of the indicated compound + 1 nmol/L estradiol for 24 hours. RNA expression was assessed by RNA sequencing. Data represent z-scores of normalized gene expression for genes in an ER activity signature. D, MCF7 and CAMA-1 cells were treated with the indicated concentration of the indicated compound for 7 days. Cell number was estimated with a Sytox Green assay normalized to an untreated control on the day of treatment (0.0) and an untreated control on day 7 after treatment (1.0). Data points represent the mean from three independent experiments performed in triplicate ± SD. E, Ishikawa cells were treated with the indicated concentration of fulvestrant or camizestrant, or 100 nmol/L AZD9496 for 24 hours, and ERα and PgR expressions were determined by Western blot. DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide; PR, progesterone receptor.
La prosocialidad: estrategia de educación integral frente a la violencia
Authors: Marín-Escobar Juan Carlos , Marín-Benítez Andrea Carolina , Maury-Mena Sara Concepción , Guerrero Carlos Mario , Maury Antolín
Published: November 2023

(analytical)In Colombia there are no consolidated studies that evidence the existence of prosocial behavior. There are very few indicators that measure how these behaviors can help reduce levels of aggression and violence. What is known from previous studies is that altruistic behaviors seem incompatible with aggression. This article summarizes the results of an investigation that describes the prosocial behaviors of children in the Colombian context. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 587 children between 9 and 12 years of age. The results show high levels of prosocial behavior among girls and significant differences among members of this gender group in almost all of the dimensions thatwere evaluated. Based on these results, it can be inferred that prosocial behavior represents a very important asset that helps prevent acts of aggression in schools.