bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrate Reservoir Stimulation and Sand Control by Liquid-Solid Phase Change Proppant Filled in Radial Well
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Han Zhongxi , Yu Lu , Wei Wei , Lu Hailong , Sun Ying
Published: March 2023

The depressurization method for natural gas hydrate exploitation encounters the difficulties of low productivity and sand production. Enhancing hydrate production efficiency and reducing massive sand production are the key issues to be solved in hydrate development. This paper proposes a new approach to hydrate reservoir stimulation and sand control by liquid-solid phase change proppant (LSP) filled in radial well (SCRP). A multicomponent flow model of sand-water-gas-hydrate is established and applied to evaluate the effect of SCRP on hydrate development. The results obtained show that the application of SCRP realizes an integrative effect of both reservoir stimulation and sand control. Radial wells increase the sweep area of pressure drop and promote hydrate decomposition. Solid particles, which are formed by LSP, not only fill and support radial wells but also act as sand control medium, preventing sand from flowing into the production well. It is found that reducing the production pressure difference can effectively reduce sand production. To achieve a large-scale stimulated reservoir volume, it is necessary to increase the length of a single radial well, the number of radial wells in the same layer, and the number of radial well layers. The spiral layout of radial wells has a better effect on improving gas production. A single radial well achieves good sand control effect with the application of the LSP system, but an increase in radial well number leads to an increase in sand production, resulting in massive amounts of sand gathered in the production well. As a result, in the case of multiple radial wells, other sand control technologies, such as mechanical sand screening, should be used along with SCRP to further reduce sand production.
WITHDRAWN: Availability, Reliability, Maintainability and Capability based Effectiveness Measure of Power System Radial Networks
Authors: Hazarika Kalpana , Bhadoria Vikas Singh , Khemariya Manish
Published: March 2023

Reliability of the Power System dictates system adequacy and security. Generally, power system networks reliability is estimated based on its service availability from the customer's viewpoint of satisfaction. Parameters in this analysis interpret the service uptime and downtime frequencies, duration and count of affected customers, etc. Corresponding to these indices expected losses in terms of service, load, and revenues are estimated. But to work upon very fundamental issues for overall improvement of power system networks performance, assessment of systems effectiveness remains a rarely studied area. For example, although it is understood that a radial network configuration has low reliability, still major primary distribution structures and rural power distribution networks of (5KV -35KV) are mostly configured in radial structure only. Because it remarkably reduces the cost involved in network duplication especially the cost incurred for vital equipment. For this significant analysis, authors have extended the concept of Barringer for analysis of Dual generator fed radial power system networks Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Capability based Effectiveness (RAMCE) measure. This paper demonstrates here the technique for analysis of a Dual Generator set feeding to 5-load bus radial systems is considered here.
Evaluation of Vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphism and serum free and bioavailable levels among tuberculosis patients: A cross sectional study
Authors: Acen Ester Lilian , Joloba Moses L. , Akintola Ashraf , Nabi Rizwana Begum Syed , Biraro Irene Andia , Worodria William , Okeng Alfred , Bbuye Mudarshiru , Hwang Ui Wook , Kateete David Patrick
Published: March 2023

Background
Genetic variants influence the distribution of vitamin D in circulation leading to vitamin D deficiency. The two extensively studied non-synonymous DBP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs7041 and rs4588 are found in different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency distribution of DBPgene polymorphism andcompare the free and bioavailable vitamin D levels among active tuberculosis patients, latent tuberculosis infection individuals,and those without tuberculosis infection. This was across-sectional study with 53 active tuberculosis patients,23 latent tuberculosis individuals, and27 individuals without tuberculosis infection.Free and bioavailable vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA method.DNA extraction and PCR were performed and a product of 498 bp was obtained. We genotyped the DBP gene by Sanger sequencing and the single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified using the BioEdit tool.
Results
The study frequency distributions of the DBP genotypes were reported as97% Gc1F, 2% Gc2 and 1% Gc1S.Significantly low vitamin D levels were found among the TB patients, p=,0.001.The median (IQR) vitamin D levels of the predominant genotype, Gc1F were 3.8(1.1–10.5) ng/ml,Gc1S individuals, 2.2ng/ml, and Gc2 individuals were 1.9 ng/ml. A non significant association was found between the vitamin D binding protein genes and free and bioavailable vitamin D levels, p = > 0.05.
Conclusion
The Gc1F genotype was predominantly found in the study population with the minor alleles associated with active and latent TB states. Significantly low free and bioavailable vitamin D levels were found among TB patients compared to other TB states. However a non- significant association was found between the DBP gene polymorphismsand the free and bioavailable vitamin D levels.
The challenges of urban family physician program over the past decade in Iran: A scoping review and qualitative study with policy-makers
Authors: Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Honarvar Behnam , Shahabi Saeed , Zarei Fatemeh , Hedayati Maryam , Fardid Mojgan , Rafiei Fatemeh , Nejad Soheila Rafiei
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Despite all the advantages of urban family physician program (UFPP), there is still a gap between UFPP and what is actually achieved by the community after its implementation in Iran. In response, this study attempted to review published studies related to the barriers to the implementation of the UFPP in Iran as well as potential solutions to improve it. Further, a qualitative study was conducted to learn the perspectives of experts at the national level and in the Fars province in order to better understand the program's challenges. Methods This study was conducted in two phases. First, a scoping review was done, aiming to identify the common barriers and potential solutions to implementing UFPP in Iran. Second, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted to investigate the views of decision- and policy-makers regarding barriers to and solutions for implementing the UFPP in the Fars province over the last decade. The findings were classified using the five control knobs framework (Organization, financing, payment, regulation, and behavior). Results The most common barriers to UFPP were: 1) organization (ununited stewardship function of the Ministry of Health, weak management and planning, inadequate training of human resources, and a weak referral system); 2) financing (fragmented insurance funds, insufficient financial resources, and instability of financial resources); 3) payment (inappropriate payment mechanisms and delay in payments); 4) regulation (cumbersome laws and unclear laws); and 5) behavior (cultural problems and conflict of interests). On the other hand, several solutions were identified to improve the implementation of UFPP, including: enhancing the role of government; improving the referral system; providing comprehensive training for UFPP providers; considering sustainable financial resources; moving towards mixed-payment mechanisms; employing appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks; enhancing community awareness; and elevating incentive mechanisms. Conclusion Our research found that, despite the UFPP having been in place for a decade in Iran, there are still significant challenges in all five components. Therefore, the promotion of this program requires solving the existing implementation challenges in order to achieve the predetermined goals. The ideas in this study can be used to improve the current program in Fars Province and bring it to other cities in Iran.
SLAMR, a synaptically targeted lncRNA, facilitates the consolidation of contextual fear memory
Authors: Espadas Isabel , Wingfield Jenna , Brinman Eddie , Ghosh Ilika , Chanda Kaushik , Nakahata Yoshihisa , Bauer Karl , Raveendra Bindu , Kiebler Michael , Yasuda Ryohei , Rangaraju Vidhya , Puthanveettil Sathyanarayanan
Published: March 2023

LncRNAs are involved in critical processes for cell homeostasis and function. However, it remains largely unknown whether and how the transcriptional regulation of long noncoding RNAs results in activity-dependent changes at the synapse and facilitate formation of long-term memories. Here, we report the identification of a novel lncRNA, SLAMR, that becomes enriched in CA1- but not in CA3-hippocampal neurons upon contextual fear conditioning. SLAMR is transported to dendrites via the molecular motor KIF5C and recruited to the synapse in response to stimulation. Loss of function of SLAMR reduced dendritic complexity and impaired activity-dependent changes in spine structural plasticity. Interestingly, the gain of function of SLAMR enhanced dendritic complexity, and spine density through enhanced translation. Analyses of the SLAMR interactome revealed its association with CaMKIIα protein through a 220-nucleotide element and its modulation of CaMKIIα phosphorylation. Furthermore, loss-of-function of SLAMR in CA1 selectively impairs consolidation without altering acquisition, recall, and extinction of fear memory or spatial memory. Together, these results establish a new mechanism for activity dependent changes at the synapse and consolidation of contextual fear memory.
A model predicting postoperative survival less than the natural lifespan of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study evaluating surgery necessity.
Authors: Hu Feng , Li Yuan-Cheng , Yin Xiu-Bi , Fan Hai-Ning , Zhang Leida , Liu Xing-Chao , Li Liangshan , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Chen Zhi-Yu
Published: March 2023

Background For patients suffering from hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), it would be no sense if radical surgery didn’t result in better survival than natural lifespan. Therefore, establishing a model predicting postoperative survival less than natural lifespan may assist in surgery decision-making. Methods HCCA patients receiving radical surgery from three centers were enrolled retrospectively. Twelve months was designated the natural lifespan of HCCA, and patients were divided into long-term survival (LTS) and short-term survival (STS) groups by this cutoff value. A nomogram was established from a randomly selected training cohort comprised of 70% of patients and verified on the validation cohort comprised of the remaining 30%. The model was internally validated using 5-fold cross-validation. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and calibration curve were also used to assess the model. In-hospital costs of both groups were compared. Results Out of 245 patients, 67 (27%) had STS, with a mean survival time of 5.67 months, while 178 (73%) had LTS, with a mean survival time of 33.03 months. Among the STS group, 17 died of complications, and the others died of recurrence. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that risk factors for STS were age (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11), malnutrition (OR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.12–8.07), CA125 (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), vascular invasion (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.33–9.21), poor differentiation (OR: 8.51, 95% CI: 2.38–30.44) and lymph node metastasis (OR: 5.04, 95% CI: 1.73–14.66). The C-index of nomogram was 0.834. DCA convinced the power of our model. The in-hospital cost of the STS group was higher than that of the LTS group (mean, 169250.8 and 138118.0, respectively,P = 0.006). Conclusions A model predicting poor prognosis could avoid unnecessary surgery and provide postoperative treatment references.
Ultrahigh mobility semiconducting epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide
Authors: Zhao Jian , Ji Peixuan , Li Yaqi , Lo Rui , Zhang Kaimin , Tian Hao , Yu Kaichen , Hao Luzhen , Bian Boyue , Xiao Xue , Moro Ramiro , Ma Lei , de Heer Walt
Published: March 2023

Epigraphene, which is graphene that is epitaxially grown on a single crystal silicon carbide (SiC) substrate, was proposed as a path to extend Moore’s roadmap beyond silicon at the beginning of the millennium. Despite considerable progress, the lack of a bandgap in graphene and steps on the substrate continued to be roadblocks. Here we show a new method to produce millimeter scale step-free terraces covered with a graphene-like interface that is bonded to the SiC surface. This so-called buffer layer is found to be two-dimensional semiconducting epigraphene (SEG) with a 0.6 eV bandgap and a room temperature mobility exceeding 4000 cm2V-1s-1, which surpasses all current 2D single layer semiconductors by a factor of 10. A top-gated SEG field-effect transistor demonstrates an on-to-off ratio of 104 which is suitable for digital electronics. In addition, we also find that hydrogen intercalation converts SEG into a high-mobility semi-metallic epigraphene monolayer that can be seamlessly integrated with SEG. Centimeter scale mean free paths are observed in the epigraphene edge state of this quasi-freestanding monolayer, which is by a factor of 1000, the largest room temperature electronic mean free path observed in any material.
MerlinS13 phosphorylation controls meningioma Wnt signaling and magnetic resonance imaging features
Authors: Eaton Charlotte , Avalos Lauro , Liu S. John , Casey-clyde Tim , Bisignano Paola , Lucas Calixto-Hope , Stevenson Erica , Choudhury Abrar , Vasudevan Harish , Magill Stephen , Krogan Nevan , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Swaney Danielle , Raleigh David
Published: March 2023

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and are associated with inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2/Merlin, but one-third of meningiomas retain Merlin expression and typically have favorable clinical outcomes. Biochemical mechanisms underlying Merlin-intact meningioma growth are incompletely understood, and non-invasive biomarkers that predict meningioma outcomes and could be used to guide treatment de-escalation or imaging surveillance of Merlin-intact meningiomas are lacking. Here we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing, proximity-labeling proteomic mass spectrometry, mechanistic and functional approaches, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across meningioma cells, xenografts, and human patients to define biochemical mechanisms and an imaging biomarker that distinguish Merlin-intact meningiomas with favorable clinical outcomes from meningiomas with unfavorable clinical outcomes. We find Merlin drives meningioma Wnt signaling and tumor growth through a feed-forward mechanism that requires Merlin dephosphorylation on serine 13 (S13) to attenuate inhibitory interactions with β-catenin and activate the Wnt pathway. Meningioma MRI analyses of xenografts and human patients show Merlin-intact meningiomas with S13 phosphorylation and favorable clinical outcomes are associated with high apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted imaging. In sum, our results shed light on Merlin posttranslational modifications that regulate meningioma Wnt signaling and tumor growth in tumors without NF2/Merlin inactivation. To translate these findings to clinical practice, we establish a non-invasive imaging biomarker that could be used to guide treatment de-escalation or imaging surveillance for patients with favorable meningiomas.
Efficient identification of parameter space structure with Modified Metropolis-Hastings algorithm
Authors: Dawes Adriana , Kravtsova Natalia , Chamberlin Helen
Published: March 2023

Mathematical models of natural processes rely on parameter values to produce scientifically meaningful simulation behaviour such as bistability or oscillations. Frequently, the parameter values cannot be estimated from experimental data and have to be randomly selected and then evaluated whether they satisfy system constraints. Evaluating these constraints for a randomly chosen vector of parameter values can be computationally very costly, preventing efficient learning of the model parameter space. We propose a novel application of a Markov chain methodology to generate a large number of parameter vectors for high-dimensional models with potentially complicated parameter space structures. The method is based on a modification of the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm which learns the parameter space as the chain progresses, reducing unnecessary evaluations of model constraints and resulting in many working parameter vectors that generate a desired model behaviour. We show that the method outperforms commonly used parameter generating schemes in terms of speed and accuracy of parameter space learning. Further, we demonstrate how the learned parameter space can be used to identify bistability mechanisms in a model of protein phosphorylation. The method can be applied to any mathematical or computational models for efficient parameter generation and discovery of underlying parameter space structure.
Aging with My Family: A Grounded Theory on the Role of Family when Aging as Foreign-born
Authors: Zhou Anna , Hellström Ingrid , Roos Susanne , Ranada Åsa Larsson
Published: March 2023

Background
Research indicates that it is the quality of the closest relationships in the mixture of social relations that matters most for older adults. For older foreign-born, especially those who migrate late in life, the family is often the only socioeconomical resource they can lean on. This study aims to explore how older foreign-born perceive the role of family as they age.
Methods
The study design is grounded theory. Data consist of individual open-ended interviews with 15 foreign-born informants aged between 60 and 85 years old who migrated to Sweden as adults from different parts of the world.
Results
The findings demonstrate that family was an essential part of the informants’ lives as they lived for their families and their families lived for them. Family solidarity was described as a cultural heritage they took over from their original families and a cultural heritage they wished to pass on to their future generations. They found that this was what separated them as foreign-born from native-born. Memories of their parents reminded them of their biological, social, and cultural heritages. The intimate relationship with their spouses in a life course had served as a source of validation of their individual identities and promoted personal growth and self-esteem. The role as a loving and caring parent entailed a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction for the life lived. And now as grandparents, the role as a link between the family’s historical heritage and the future generation entailed not only a sense of coherence as they aged but also hope and meaning beyond their own lives.
Conclusions
The informants experienced life satisfaction as they aged with their families, which had been an indispensable part of their social identity. The family was where they found the roles that had defined them and their deepest human needs of self-esteem and sense of belonging. The findings suggest that older foreign-born should be regarded more as resourceful individuals with familial and generational perspectives rather than merely a vulnerable target group in statistics for social and economic interventions.
Water jet guided high-power laser energy transmission loss analysis
Authors: Zhen Zhao , Zhang Guanghui , Huang Yuxing , Zhou Jia , Shi Tielin , Lin Ze , Yang Xiaoqing , Jiao Hui , Long Yuhong
Published: March 2023

Water jet-guided laser is a new type of processing technology. With the continuous emergence of high hardness, high strength materials and the demand for high-efficiency processing, water jet coupled high power laser has become an inevitable trend in the development of the water-guided laser, and high-power laser energy and water jet coupling transmission and processing process will bring a series of problems such as transmission loss, these will become one of the key issues limiting the development of this technology. Therefore, studying the transmission loss of high-power laser energy guided by water jets is necessary. In this paper, we address this problem by numerically solving Maxwell's set of equations using the finite element (FEM) method and performing wave optical simulations of high-power laser transmission in a water jet to obtain the electric field distribution of the laser beam in the water jet, and explore the relationship between laser wavelength, laser spot diameter, water jet diameter and length, and laser energy loss. Finally, laser energy transfer efficiency measurement experiments were conducted to verify the model's validity by comparing it with simulation data. The study's results will provide some implications for regulating the transmission efficiency of high-power lasers in water jets.
Evaluation of the special ocular surface characteristics in Asian blepharokeratoconjunctivitis related Meibomian gland dysfunction patients
Authors: Wei Jing , Zhang Ji , Zhang Yue , Xu Ting , Song E
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To evaluate special ocular surface characteristics in Asian meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) of blepharokeratoconjunctivitis(BKC) patients.
Method
Seventy-eight consecutive patients with MGD related BKC and 78 age- and sex-matched simple MGD subjects were enrolled. Medical history, Meibum quality, Meibomian gland expressiblity, Meibomian gland dropout and morphology changes, lid margin and ocular surface characteristics were evaluated under slit-lamp illumination.
Results
All clinical parameters were worse in the MGD related BKC group than in the MGD group (all P < 0.001). Meibomian gland dropout was higher in the MGD related MGD group (P < 0.001), and the dropout was not associated with age. The main changes of Meibomian gland changes were that the length of gland became shorter and optical density became lower in MGD related group than in the MGD group (all P < 0.001).
Conclusion
MGD related BKC was a special severe MGD, mixed characters of MGD with associated ocular surface damage and MGD related evaporative dry eye. Recurrent chalazia history, severe Meibomian gland dropout, Marx line antedisplacement and worse lip wiper epitheliopathy were useful characteristics contributing to diagnose MGD related BKC.
PTEN acts as a metabolic checkpoint molecule in mature B cells to suppress TLR9-mediated inflammation
Authors: Tsai Pei-Ju , Hsu Wei-Chan , Chen Ming-Yu , Chan Po-Chiang , Kao Cheng-Yuan , Lin Wen-Jye , Chuang Tsung-Hsien , Lin Su-Fang , Yu Guann-Yi , Su Yu-Wen
Published: March 2023

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a negative regulator for PI3K signaling essential for B cell development. To explore the physiological effects of PTEN mutation on peripheral B cells, we generated CD23/cre-PTENFlox/Flox (CD23-cKO) mice in this study to avoid the developmental arrest. The mutant mice develop systemic inflammation associated with B cell expansion in the early phase followed with a severe immune cell-infiltration in multiple vital organs. PTEN deficiency leads to an accumulation of PI(3)P, an increase of lysosomal recruitment of TLR9/p38 complex, and an aberrant activation of TLR9/IL-6 axis in B cells. Interestingly, cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is upregulated in mutant cells upon TLR9 engagement. A blockade of cholesterol biosynthesis by targeting SQLE greatly reduces the level of PI(3)P and the interaction between TLR9 and p38, which lowers the level of TLR9-induced IL-6. Thus, PTEN represents a critical metabolic checkpoint that fine-tunes lipid and cholesterol homeostasis to control TLR9-driven inflammation.
Small Molecule Regulators of microRNAs Identified by High-Throughput Screen Coupled with High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Krichevsky Anna , Nguyen Lien , Wei Zhiyun , Silva M. , Barberán-Soler Sergio , Rabinovsky Rosalia , Muratore Christina , Stricker Jonathan , Hortman Colin , Young-Pearse Tracy , Haggarty Stephen
Published: March 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate fundamental biological processes by silencing mRNA targets and are dysregulated in many diseases. Therefore, miRNA replacement or inhibition can be harnessed as potential therapeutics. However, existing strategies for miRNA modulation using oligonucleotides and gene therapies are challenging, especially for neurological diseases, and none have yet gained clinical approval. We explore a different approach by screening a biodiverse library of small molecule compounds for their ability to modulate hundreds of miRNAs in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We demonstrate the utility of the screen by identifying cardiac glycosides as potent inducers of miR-132, a key miRNA downregulated in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Coordinately, cardiac glycosides downregulate known miR-132 targets, including Tau, and protect rodent and human neurons against various toxic insults. More generally, our dataset of 1370 drug-like compounds and their effects on the miRNome provide a valuable resource for further miRNA-based drug discovery.
Sending love or risking trouble: Exploring sexting behaviors among university students.
Authors: Manu Adom , Anaba Emmanuel Anongeba , Ahiataku Doreenda Enyonam
Published: March 2023

Background:
Young people involved in sexting are predisposed to risky sexual behaviours, poor psychological well-being, and cyberbullying. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexting and associated factors among undergraduate students in Ghana.
Method:
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 652 undergraduate students at the University of Ghana.
Results:
The prevalence of sexting was 48% for sending, 69% for receiving and 35% for two-way sexting. Participants aged 20–24 years (AOR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.95) had a lower likelihood of sending sexually suggestive pictures compared with those aged 17–19 years. Females (AOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.32–0.70) were 52% less likely to send sexually suggestive pictures compared with males. Also, second year (Level 200) students (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.25–0.94) had lower odds of sending sexually suggestive pictures compared with first year (Level 100) students.
Conclusion:
Therefore, effective interventions are crucial to help promote the sexual health and well-being of undergraduate students.
Helicobacter pylori and hypertension: a cross-sectional study based on a healthy population
Authors: YANG Ping , Shi Wei , Liu Hai , Wang Chi , Wang shuai , Wang Bin , Huang Rong , huang guanhua
Published: March 2023

In this study, we aimed to clarify whether H. pylori infection is associated with the prevalence of hypertension in the Inner Mongolia crowds and whether gender and age affect the relationship between helicobacter pylori and hypertension. We collected physical examination data from 10,517 people in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College from January to December in 2020. The study population was divided into three layers according to blood pressure and H. pylori infection status. We found the patients that infected with H. pylori were associated with blood pressure. And the infection rate of H. pylori in patients with hypertension is higher than that in non-hypertensive individuals. Otherwise, Gender and age influence the relationship between helicobacter pylori and hypertension. In the hypertensive population, H. pylori infection rates are higher in males than in females. In additional, the hypertensive with H. pylori-infected population, the degree of H. pylori infection was lower in young adults than in middle-aged adultsand the elderly.People with established hypertension, men are more likely to be infected with H. pylori and to have more severe infections. In contrast, the degree of H. pylori infection is lower in young peoplethan in other people in people with hypertension and infected with H. pylori.
A complex RCO locus regulates lobed leaf formation in Brassica juncea
Authors: Chang Lichun , Liang Jianli , Zhang Li , Cai Xu , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu
Published: March 2023

In Brassicaceae, RCO regulates lobed leaves, an important agronomic trait. RCO evolved through duplication, regulatory diversification, and loss. However, how RCO evolved and diversified in different lineages of Brassicaceae is unclear. The RCO locus in B. juncea had been reported to be responsible for lobed leaf formation, but its complexity has largely remained unknown. In this study, we identified 54 RCO homologues in 16 species of Brassicaceae through syntenic analysis. Based on the phylogenetic relationship, we classified these homologues into two types, LMI1-type and RCO-type. Further, we proposed two independent lineage-specific evolution routes for RCO after the divergence from Aethionema arabicum. In Brassiceae species, we revealed that the RCO loci regulating lobed leaf formation were located on the LF subgenomes. In the case of B. juncea (T84-66), we found that the complex RCO locus was formed through the duplication of a large DNA segment comprising Exostosin- LMI1- RCO (E-R-L), resulting in the tandem presence of four RCO homologues on chromosome A10. As further evidence, we mapped the complex RCO locus regulating lobed leaf formation to chromosome A10 using a B. juncea F2 population, which was consistent with the evolutionary analysis results. We further clarified that BjRCO.1 and BjRCO.2 were functional in regulating lobed leaf formation by transcriptome analysis. This study provides valuable information on the control of leaf morphology in the breeding of Brassiceae crops.
Dynamin1 long- and short-tail isoforms exploit distinct recruitment and spatial patterns to form endocytic nanoclusters
Authors: Jiang Anmin , Gormal Rachel , Wallis Tristan , Robinson Phillip , Johnson Margaret , Joensuu Merja , Meunier Frederic
Published: March 2023

Endocytosis requires a coordinated framework of molecular interactions that ultimately lead to the fission of nascent endosomes. How cytosolic proteins, such as dynamin, timely concentrate at discrete sites that are sparsely distributed across the plasma membrane remains poorly understood. Two dynamin 1 (Dyn1) major splice variants differ by the length of their C-terminal proline-rich region (short-tail and long-tail). Using sptPALM in PC12 cells, neurons and MEF cells, we demonstrate that short-tail Dyn1 isoforms Dyn1ab and Dyn1bb display an activity-dependent recruitment to the membrane, promptly followed by concentration into nanoclusters. These nanoclusters were sensitive to both Calcineurin and Dyn1 GTPase inhibitors, and were larger, denser, and more numerous than that of long-tail isoform Dyn1aa. Spatiotemporal modelling confirmed that Dyn1 isoforms perform distinct search patterns and undergo dimensional reduction to generate endocytic nanoclusters, with short-tail isoforms more robustly exploiting lateral trapping in the generation of nanoclusters compared to long-tail isoform Dyn1aa.
Experimental generation of fulgurite under realistic lightning discharge conditions
Authors: Çalışkanoğlu A. Zeynep , Camara Alessandra S. B. , Cimarelli Corrado , Dingwell Donald B. , Hess Kai-Uwe
Published: March 2023

Fulgurites have been documented in geological deposits from throughout Earth's history. They have also been assigned a potential role in prebiotic chemistry as a source of reactants. Fulgurites are generated in nature by cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. The unpredictability in space and time of the occurrence of lightning events has limited the investigation of both the mechanisms by, and the conditions under, which fulgurites form. A laboratory-based approach can ameliorate this. Here, we describe experimentally generated fulgurites generated from Laacher See volcanic ash. We employ a DC source with a trigger-pulse setup in a high voltage laboratory, whose capabilities enable experimental conditions that correspond closely to the electrical characteristics of natural lightning strikes. The experimentally generated fulgurites closely resemble naturally-occurring fulgurites in both state and texture. These experimental investigations yield a high reproducibility of the characteristic of fulgurites generated under well-constrained conditions, enabling some inferences to be made regarding the processes involved in the generation of fulgurites in nature. This work provides a basis for a systematic characterization of experimental fulgurites and the characteristic of lightning discharges.
WITHDRAWN: The Relationship of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Professional Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey
Authors: GÖRGÜN Ceren TÜRKDOĞAN , ALDOĞAN Ece UĞURLUOĞLU
Published: March 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the mental health status of healthcare workers (HCWs) and to examine the relationships between depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and professional quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.
Method: The research was a descriptive and cross-sectional, quantitative questionnaire survey study: 450 HCWs were sampled in a tertiary health institution declared as a pandemic hospital in Giresun, Turkey between 1 June and 30 August 2021. They completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Short Form Scale (DASS-21), PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (PCL-5), and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-V) self-report measures. For the analyses, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using the SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 21.0 programs.
Results: Appreciable percentages of the HCWs reported mild or greater levels of depression (64%), anxiety (59%), stress (48%), PTSD (49%), together with elevated levels of burnout (83%), and secondary traumatic stress (STS 44%). Being a woman, young, nurse, less experienced, lower educated, lost any relative or friend, consider resigning in the COVID-19 pandemic and afraid of infecting their family were risk factors for mental health of HCWs. PTSD scores were associated with depression, anxiety and stress; burnout was associated with depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD; STS was associated with PTSD. Continued monitoring and psychological support for HCWs' mental health post-COVID is desirable.
Palmitoyl transferase ZDHHC20 promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis
Authors: Tomić Goran , Sheridan Clare , Refermat Alice , Baggelaar Marc , Sipthorp James , Sudarshan Bhuvana , Ocasio Cory , Suarez-Bonnet Alejandro , Priestnall Simon , Herbert Eleanor , Tate Edward , Downward Julian
Published: March 2023

Metastasis is one of the defining features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that contributes to poor prognosis. In this study, the palmitoyl transferase ZDHHC20 was identified in an in vivo shRNA screen as critical for metastatic outgrowth, with no effect on proliferation and migration in vitro, or primary PDAC growth in mice. This phenotype is abrogated in immunocompromised animals, and in animals with depleted natural killer (NK) cells, indicating that ZDHHC20 affects the interaction of tumour cells and the innate immune system. Using a chemical genetics platform for ZDHHC20-specific substrate profiling, a number of novel substrates of this enzyme were identified. These results describe a role for palmitoylation in enabling distant metastasis that could not have been detected using in vitro screening approaches and identify potential effectors through which ZDHHC20 promotes metastasis of PDAC.
Genetic Gains Underpinning a Strawberry Green Revolution
Authors: Knapp Steven , Feldmann Mitchell , Pincot Dominique , Cole Glenn
Published: March 2023

The Green Revolutions in fruits and vegetables have been less well documented but collectively as important to global food security and human well-being as the Green Revolutions in wheat, rice, and other cereals. Using an unparalleled collection of breeding records, an equally unparalleled collection of clonally preserved and genotyped individuals tracing to the beginning of strawberry domestication, phenotypes of early and modern hybrids observed in coastal California environments, and single-step pedigree-genomic prediction of breeding values, we show that phenomenal genetic gains from breeding drove a 2,755% increase in yield and a billion kg increase in annual production over the last 60 years in the US, principally through expansion in California. One of the catalysts for this Green Revolution was the introduction of a single gene from a wild ancestor that more than doubled yields by eliminating photoperiod sensitivity and enabling year-round production in coastal California and beyond.
WITHDRAWN: Gene identifications in three bivalve genomes further gain insights into evolutionary mechanism of Family I84 protease inhibitors
Authors: Mao Jinxia , Lu Jiali , Liu Sheng , Liu Youli , Lin Zhihua , Xue Qinggang
Published: March 2023

The family I84 serine protease inhibitors are believed to be mollusk specific immune effectors involved in host defense. However, there have few reports systematically describing its distribution and evolution origin. In this study, we performed genome-wide identiﬁcation of family I84 protease inhibitor genes were analyzed in three bivalves Crassostrea gigas, C. virginica and Tegillarca granosa. A total of 66 Family I84 members were identified, including 22 in C. gigas, 28 in C. virginicaand 16 in T. granosa. The Family I84 genes were unevenly distributed on four, five and five chromosomes in C. gigas, C. virginica and T. granosa, respectively, and some genes were tandem duplicated. Most Family I84 genes contained 3 exons, while 1 gene (TgSi11) contained 2 exons and 12 genes contained 4 exons. The physiological and biochemical parameters of the Family I84 were similar, while TgSi11 and CgSi17 were failed to predict for signal peptides. Four conserved motifs were detected in 66 mature proteins. The phylogenetic results showed that the genes of the two oysters clustered with each other, members in some species are closely clustered, suggesting that they may be expanded by tandem duplication. Expression profile of both C. gigas and T. granosa in development stages, different tissues and co-expression diversified. Gene identifications in three bivalve genomes further indicate molecular and evolutionary diversities of Family I84 protease inhibitors, these results provide comprehensive understanding of the function of such unique protease inhibitor.
Molecular Detection of Epstein-Barr virus among Sudanese Patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Hamad Marowa N. , Mohamed Fuodat I. , Osman Mayada M. , Jadid Ahlam A. , Abdalrhman Ibtihal K. , Yousif Alaa M. , Alabid Tyseer , Edris Ali Mahmoud Mohammed , Mohamed Nouh S. , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman
Published: March 2023

Objectives:Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The exact mechanism initiating the development of HT is not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HT and the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a Sudanese population.Results:EBV-LMP1 was detected in 11.1% of HT cases, which is consistent with previous studies. Studies have reported a wide range of frequencies indicating the presence of EBV in HT, and patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have increased titers of anti-EBV antibodies in their sera compared to healthy subjects. Intrathyroidal EBV-infected B cells may be responsible for the increased risk of development of B-cell lymphoma in the thyroid gland in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Our study suggests that regular follow-up is necessary for patients diagnosed with HT and are positive for EBV, as antiviral therapy is not applicable due to the risk of thyroid dysfunction. The study suggests an association between EBV and HT, but causation cannot be determined. The study also highlights the need for further research to determine the viral role and correlate it with the severity and progression of HT.
A metagenomic analysis of the phase 2 Anopheles gambiae 1000 genomes dataset reveals a wide diversity of cobionts associated with field collected mosquitoes
Authors: Pastusiak Andrzej , Reddy Michael , Chen Xiaoji , Hoyer Isaiah , Dorman Jack , Gebhardt Mary , Carpi Giovanna , Norris Douglas , Pipas James , Jackson Ethan
Published: March 2023

The Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes (Ag1000G) Consortium utilized deep sequencing methods to catalogue genetic diversity across African Anopheles gambiae populations. We analyzed the complete datasets of 1,142 individually sequenced mosquitoes through Microsoft Premonition’s Bayesian mixture model based(BMM) metagenomics pipeline. All samples were confirmed as either An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) or An. coluzzii with a high degree of confidence (>98% identity to reference). Homo sapiens DNA was identified in all specimens indicating contamination may have occurred either at the time of sample collection, preparation and/or sequencing. We found evidence of vertebrate hosts in 162 specimens. 59 specimens contained validated Plasmodium falciparumreads. Non-mosquito borne, human hepatitis B and primate erythroparvovirus-1 viral sequences were identified in fifteen and three specimens, respectively. 478 of the 1,142 specimens were found to contain bacterial reads and bacteriophage-related contigs were detected in 27 samples. This analysis demonstrates the capacity of metagenomic approaches to elucidate important vector-host-pathogen interactions of epidemiological significance.
Manufacturing and characterization of particleboard as partition material made of corn husk bonded using water soluble chitosan adhesive
Authors: Prasetiyo Kurnia Wiji , Hermawan Dede , Hadi Yusuf Sudo , Subyakto Subyakto , Amanda Putri , Astari Lilik , Kusumaningrum Wida Banar
Published: March 2023

Partition materials based on wood particles and inorganic materials bonded with synthetic adhesives have a negative impact. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the manufacturing and characterization of particleboard as partition material using corn husk to substituted wood-based particles and water soluble chitosan (WSC) as adhesive to replaced synthetic-based adhesive. The WSC content was varied of 6%, 8% and 10% wt. The particleboards were manufactured under the pressure temperature variations of 160, 180 and 200 oC for 15 min, press pressure of 2.5 MPa and target density of 0.8 g/cm3. The physical and mechanical properties of particleboards improved in line with increasing WSC content up to 8% and pressure temperature above 160 oC. The value of MOR and MOE from boards bonded with WSC 8% and pressure temperature of 180 oC fulfilled the requirement of JIS A 5908 (2003). The sound absorption coefficient of particleboard bonded using WSC 6% was better than other boards. The particleboards absorbed sound at middle to high frequency (> 1000 Hz) and reflected sound at low frequency (80 to 630 Hz). FTIR spectrum shows that the absorption area around 3400 cm− 1 wavelengths is a little decrease in intensity due to with the increase of pressure temperature. Corn husk particleboard not yet classified as a heat insulator panel. This study suggest that corn husk is feasible to use for particleboard bonded using WSC adhesive as partition material.
Early Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-derived Cardiac Strain as a Predictor of Adverse Events and Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Reperfused STEMI: A Two-center Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Zuoyi , Lu Yuan , Wang Zhi , Yang Fan , Fang Shu , Qiu Lin , Qiu Jianxing , Gong Yanjun , Huo Yong
Published: March 2023

Purpose
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived strains for post-infarction left ventricular adverse remodeling (LVAR) and clinical events in an East Asian patient cohort of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods
Patients diagnosed with STEMI and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) comprising stent implantation at Chinese two centers were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. All participants underwent CMR imaging early after stenting. Feature tracking was used to assess left ventricular (LV) strains. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and LVAR (defined as 15% increase in LV end-diastolic volume) in 6-month follow up.
Results
Among the 76 patients included (age 55.5 ± 10.7 years; 88% male), 18 (23.7%) experienced a MACE event. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) revealed by FT-CMR was confirmed to be the independent predictor of MACE (OR = 1.21 (1.07–1.36); P = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.763. The best cutoff value of GLS for predicting MACE was − 14.6%, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 72.2% and a diagnostic specificity of 74.2%. LVAR was found in 7 patients (29.2%) among the 24 patients underwent CMR imaging at 6-month follow-up time. GLS was an independent predictor of LVAR (OR = 2.06 (1.14–3.73); P = 0.017).
Conclusion
In STEMI patients treated with primary PCI, GLS determined on early CMR could be an independent predictor of MACE and LVAR.
The genetic architecture of pain intensity in a sample of 598,339 U.S. veterans
Authors: Kranzler Henry , Toikumo Sylvanus , Vickers-Smith Rachel , Jinwala Zeal , Xu Heng , Saini Divya , Hartwell Emily , Pavicic Mirko , Sullivan Kyle , Xu Ke , Jacobson Daniel , Gelernter Joel , Rentscsh Christopher , Stahl Eli , Cheatle Martin , Zhou Hang , Waxman Stephen , Justice Amy , Kember Rachel
Published: March 2023

Chronic pain is a common problem, with more than one-fifth of adult Americans reporting pain daily or on most days. It adversely affects quality of life and imposes substantial personal and economic costs. Efforts to treat chronic pain using opioids played a central role in precipitating the opioid crisis. Despite an estimated heritability of 25–50%, the genetic architecture of chronic pain is not well characterized, in part because studies have largely been limited to samples of European ancestry. To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross-ancestry meta-analysis of pain intensity in 598,339 participants in the Million Veteran Program, which identified 125 independent genetic loci, 82 of which are novel. Pain intensity was genetically correlated with other pain phenotypes, level of substance use and substance use disorders, other psychiatric traits, education level, and cognitive traits. Integration of the GWAS findings with functional genomics data shows enrichment for putatively causal genes (n = 142) and proteins (n = 14) expressed in brain tissues, specifically in GABAergic neurons. Drug repurposing analysis identified anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers, among other drug groups, as having potential analgesic effects. Our results provide insights into key molecular contributors to the experience of pain and highlight attractive drug targets.
A Simple Model on Social Connections, Wages, and Welfare
Authors: Wang Ying , Woodward Richard
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we develop a model of social connections to explore how, in the presence of social connections, an increase in an exogenous wage of one of the players does not necessarily lead to a Pareto improvement. Players are required to share resources to establish social connections. In this basic model, we show that the non-cooperative equilibrium is not Pareto efficient by introducing a compensation mechanism and showing that a Pareto improving trade could be made. We then show that if a wage increase for one player leads to a reduction in social connections, under some circumstances a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached in which the player foregoes the wage increase in exchange for a cash transfer. The model provides insights into why increases in income does not always translate into greater happiness.