bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome of Acorus deciphers insights into early monocot evolution
Authors: Guo Xing , Wang Fang , Fang Dongming , Lin Qiongqiong , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Luo Liuming , Li Jiani , Chen Yewen , Dong Shanshan , Chen Sisi , Liu Yang , Luo Shixiao , Guo Yalong , Liu Huan
Published: June 2023

Acorales is the sister lineage to all the other extant monocot plants. Genomic resource enhancement of this genus can help to reveal early monocot genomic architecture and evolution. Here, we assemble the genome of Acorus gramineus and reveal that it has ~45% fewer genes than the majority of monocots, although they have similar genome size. Phylogenetic analyses based on both chloroplast and nuclear genes consistently support that A. gramineus is the sister to the remaining monocots. In addition, we assemble a 2.2 Mb mitochondrial genome and observe many genes exhibit higher mutation rates than that of most angiosperms, which could be the reason leading to the controversies of nuclear genes- and mitochondrial genes-based phylogenetic trees existing in the literature. Further, Acorales did not experience tau (τ) whole-genome duplication, unlike majority of monocot clades, and no large-scale gene expansion is observed. Moreover, we identify gene contractions and expansions likely linking to plant architecture, stress resistance, light harvesting, and essential oil metabolism. These findings shed light on the evolution of early monocots and genomic footprints of wetland plant adaptations.
Leveraging football accelerometer data to quantify associations between repetitive head impacts and chronic traumatic encephalopathy in males
Authors: Daneshvar Daniel H. , Nair Evan S. , Baucom Zachary H. , Rasch Abigail , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Uretsky Madeline , Saltiel Nicole , Shah Arsal , Jarnagin Johnny , Baugh Christine M. , Martin Brett M. , Palmisano Joseph N. , Cherry Jonathan D. , Alvarez Victor E. , Huber Bertrand R. , Weuve Jennifer , Nowinski Christopher J. , Cantu Robert C. , Zafonte Ross D. , Dwyer Brigid , Crary John F. , Goldstein Lee E. , Kowall Neil W. , Katz Douglas I. , Stern Robert A. , Tripodis Yorghos , Stein Thor D. , McClean Michael D. , Alosco Michael L. , McKee Ann C. , Mez Jesse
Published: June 2023

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative tauopathy associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI), but the components of RHI exposure underlying this relationship are unclear. We create a position exposure matrix (PEM), composed of American football helmet sensor data, summarized from literature review by player position and level of play. Using this PEM, we estimate measures of lifetime RHI exposure for a separate cohort of 631 football playing brain donors. Separate models examine the relationship between CTE pathology and players’ concussion count, athletic positions, years of football, and PEM-derived measures, including estimated cumulative head impacts, linear accelerations, and rotational accelerations. Only duration of play and PEM-derived measures are significantly associated with CTE pathology. Models incorporating cumulative linear or rotational acceleration have better model fit and are better predictors of CTE pathology than duration of play or cumulative head impacts alone. These findings implicate cumulative head impact intensity in CTE pathogenesis.
A platform trial of neoadjuvant and adjuvant antitumor vaccination alone or in combination with PD-1 antagonist and CD137 agonist antibodies in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Heumann Thatcher , Judkins Carol , Li Keyu , Lim Su Jin , Hoare Jessica , Parkinson Rose , Cao Haihui , Zhang Tengyi , Gai Jessica , Celiker Betul , Zhu Qingfeng , McPhaul Thomas , Durham Jennifer , Purtell Katrina , Klein Rachel , Laheru Daniel , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Le Dung T. , Narang Amol , Anders Robert , Burkhart Richard , Burns William , Soares Kevin , Wolfgang Christopher , Thompson Elizabeth , Jaffee Elizabeth , Wang Hao , He Jin , Zheng Lei
Published: June 2023

A neoadjuvant immunotherapy platform clinical trial allows for rapid evaluation of treatment-related changes in tumors and identifying targets to optimize treatment responses. We enrolled patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma into such a platform trial (NCT02451982) to receive pancreatic cancer GVAX vaccine with low-dose cyclophosphamide alone (Arm A; n = 16), with anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab (Arm B; n = 14), and with both nivolumab and anti-CD137 agonist antibody urelumab (Arm C; n = 10), respectively. The primary endpoint for Arms A/B - treatment-related change in IL17A expression in vaccine-induced lymphoid aggregates - was previously published. Here, we report the primary endpoint for Arms B/C: treatment-related change in intratumoral CD8+ CD137+ cells and the secondary outcomes including safety, disease-free and overall survivals for all Arms. Treatment with GVAX+nivolumab+urelumab meets the primary endpoint by significantly increasing intratumoral CD8+ CD137+ cells (p = 0.003) compared to GVAX+Nivolumab. All treatments are well-tolerated. Median disease-free and overall survivals, respectively, are 13.90/14.98/33.51 and 23.59/27.01/35.55 months for Arms A/B/C. GVAX+nivolumab+urelumab demonstrates numerically-improved disease-free survival (HR = 0.55, p = 0.242; HR = 0.51, p = 0.173) and overall survival (HR = 0.59, p = 0.377; HR = 0.53, p = 0.279) compared to GVAX and GVAX+nivolumab, respectively, although not statistically significant due to small sample size. Therefore, neoadjuvant and adjuvant GVAX with PD-1 blockade and CD137 agonist antibody therapy is safe, increases intratumoral activated, cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrates a potentially promising efficacy signal in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma that warrants further study.
Voltage-driven control of single-molecule keto-enol equilibrium in a two-terminal junction system
Authors: Tang Chun , Stuyver Thijs , Lu Taige , Liu Junyang , Ye Yiling , Gao Tengyang , Lin Luchun , Zheng Jueting , Liu Wenqing , Shi Jia , Shaik Sason , Xia Haiping , Hong Wenjing
Published: June 2023

Keto-enol tautomerism, describing an equilibrium involving two tautomers with distinctive structures, provides a promising platform for modulating nanoscale charge transport. However, such equilibria are generally dominated by the keto form, while a high isomerization barrier limits the transformation to the enol form, suggesting a considerable challenge to control the tautomerism. Here, we achieve single-molecule control of a keto-enol equilibrium at room temperature by using a strategy that combines redox control and electric field modulation. Based on the control of charge injection in the single-molecule junction, we could access charged potential energy surfaces with opposite thermodynamic driving forces, i.e., exhibiting a preference for the conducting enol form, while the isomerization barrier is also significantly reduced. Thus, we could selectively obtain desired and stable tautomers, which leads to significant modulation of the single-molecule conductance. This work highlights the concept of single-molecule control of chemical reactions on more than one potential energy surface.
Substantially enhanced homogeneous plastic flow in hierarchically nanodomained amorphous alloys
Authors: Wu Ge , Liu Sida , Wang Qing , Rao Jing , Xia Wenzhen , Yan Yong-Qiang , Eckert Jürgen , Liu Chang , Ma En , Shan Zhi-Wei
Published: June 2023

To alleviate the mechanical instability of major shear bands in metallic glasses at room temperature, topologically heterogeneous structures were introduced to encourage the multiplication of mild shear bands. Different from the former attention on topological structures, here we present a compositional design approach to build nanoscale chemical heterogeneity to enhance homogeneous plastic flow upon both compression and tension. The idea is realized in a Ti-Zr-Nb-Si-XX/Mg-Zn-Ca-YY hierarchically nanodomained amorphous alloy, where XX and YY denote other elements. The alloy shows ~2% elastic strain and undergoes highly homogeneous plastic flow of ~40% strain (with strain hardening) in compression, surpassing those of mono- and hetero-structured metallic glasses. Furthermore, dynamic atomic intermixing occurs between the nanodomains during plastic flow, preventing possible interface failure. Our design of chemically distinct nanodomains and the dynamic atomic intermixing at the interface opens up an avenue for the development of amorphous materials with ultrahigh strength and large plasticity.
Selective binding of retrotransposons by ZFP352 facilitates the timely dissolution of totipotency network
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Xu Haiyan , Li Jiaqun , Xu Xiao , Wang Junjiao , Wu Danya , Zhang Jiateng , Liu Juan , Xue Ziwei , Zhan Guankai , Tan Bobby Cheng Peow , Chen Di , Chan Yun-Shen , Ng Huck Hui , Liu Wanlu , Hsu Chih-Hung , Zhang Dan , Shen Yang , Liang Hongqing
Published: June 2023

Acquisition of new stem cell fates relies on the dissolution of the prior regulatory network sustaining the existing cell fates. Currently, extensive insights have been revealed for the totipotency regulatory network around the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) period. However, how the dissolution of the totipotency network is triggered to ensure the timely embryonic development following ZGA is largely unknown. In this study, we identify the unexpected role of a highly expressed 2-cell (2C) embryo specific transcription factor, ZFP352, in facilitating the dissolution of the totipotency network. We find that ZFP352 has selective binding towards two different retrotransposon sub-families. ZFP352 coordinates with DUX to bind the 2C specific MT2_Mm sub-family. On the other hand, without DUX, ZFP352 switches affinity to bind extensively onto SINE_B1/Alu sub-family. This leads to the activation of later developmental programs like ubiquitination pathways, to facilitate the dissolution of the 2C state. Correspondingly, depleting ZFP352 in mouse embryos delays the 2C to morula transition process. Thus, through a shift of binding from MT2_Mm to SINE_B1/Alu, ZFP352 can trigger spontaneous dissolution of the totipotency network. Our study highlights the importance of different retrotransposons sub-families in facilitating the timely and programmed cell fates transition during early embryogenesis.
Seasonal specialization drives divergent population dynamics in two closely related butterflies
Authors: von Schmalensee Loke , Caillault Pauline , Gunnarsdóttir Katrín Hulda , Gotthard Karl , Lehmann Philipp
Published: June 2023

Seasons impose different selection pressures on organisms through contrasting environmental conditions. How such seasonal evolutionary conflict is resolved in organisms whose lives span across seasons remains underexplored. Through field experiments, laboratory work, and citizen science data analyses, we investigate this question using two closely related butterflies (Pieris rapaeandP. napi). Superficially, the two butterflies appear highly ecologically similar. Yet, the citizen science data reveal that their fitness is partitioned differently across seasons.Pieris rapaehave higher population growth during the summer season but lower overwintering success than doP. napi. We show that these differences correspond to the physiology and behavior of the butterflies.Pieris rapaeoutperformP. napiat high temperatures in several growth season traits, reflected in microclimate choice by ovipositing wild females. Instead,P. rapaehave higher winter mortality than doP. napi. We conclude that the difference in population dynamics between the two butterflies is driven by seasonal specialization, manifested as strategies that maximize gains during growth seasons and minimize harm during adverse seasons, respectively.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting FcRH5 provide robust tumour-specific responses in murine xenograft models of multiple myeloma
Authors: Jiang Dongpeng , Huang Haiwen , Qin Huimin , Tang Koukou , Shi Xiangru , Zhu Tingting , Gao Yuqing , Zhang Ying , Tian Xiaopeng , Fu Jianhong , Qu Weiwei , Cai Weilan , Xu Yang , Wu Depei , Chu Jianhong
Published: June 2023

BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy demonstrates impressive clinical response in multiple myeloma (MM). However, some patients with BCMA-deficient tumours cannot benefit from this therapy, and others can experience BCMA antigen loss leading to relapse, thus necessitating the identification of additional CAR-T targets. Here, we show that FcRH5 is expressed on multiple myeloma cells and can be targeted with CAR-T cells. FcRH5 CAR-T cells elicited antigen-specific activation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity against MM cells. Moreover, FcRH5 CAR-T cells exhibited robust tumoricidal efficacy in murine xenograft models, including one deficient in BCMA expression. We also show that different forms of soluble FcRH5 can interfere with the efficacy of FcRH5 CAR-T cells. Lastly, FcRH5/BCMA-bispecific CAR-T cells efficiently recognized MM cells expressing FcRH5 and/or BCMA and displayed improved efficacy, compared with mono-specific CAR-T cells in vivo. These findings suggest that targeting FcRH5 with CAR-T cells may represent a promising therapeutic avenue for MM.
Tnpo3 controls splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding the canonical TCR α chain of iNKT cells
Authors: Iwanami Norimasa , Richter Andreas S. , Sikora Katarzyna , Boehm Thomas
Published: June 2023

Unconventional T cells, such as innate natural killer T cells (iNKT) cells, are an important part of vertebrate immune defences. iNKT recognise glycolipids through a T cell receptor (TCR) that is composed of a semi-invariant TCR α chain, paired with a restricted set of TCR β chains. Here, we show that splicing of the cognate Trav11-Traj18-Trac pre-mRNA encoding the characteristic Vα14Jα18 variable region of this semi-invariant TCR depends on the presence of Tnpo3. The Tnpo3 gene encodes a nuclear transporter of the β-karyopherin family whose cargo includes various splice regulators. The block of iNKT cell development in the absence of Tnpo3 can be overcome by transgenic provision of a rearranged Trav11-Traj18-Trac cDNA, indicating that Tnpo3 deficiency does not interfere with the development of iNKT cells per se. Our study thus identifies a role for Tnpo3 in regulating the splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding the cognate TCRα chain of iNKT cells.
UBAP2 plays a role in bone homeostasis through the regulation of osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Kim Jeonghyun , Kim Bo-Young , Lee Jeong-Soo , Jeong Yun-Mi , Cho Hyun-Ju , Park Eunkuk , Kim Dowan , Kim Sung-Soo , Kim Bom-Taeck , Choi Yong Jun , Won Ye-Yeon , Jin Hyun-Seok , Chung Yoon-Sok , Jeong Seon-Yong
Published: June 2023

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced bone strength, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Here, to identify novel risk variants for susceptibility to osteoporosis-related traits, an exome-wide association study is performed with 6,485 exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2,666 women of two Korean study cohorts. The rs2781 SNP in UBAP2 gene is suggestively associated with osteoporosis and BMD with p-values of 6.1 × 10−7 (odds ratio = 1.72) and 1.1 × 10−7 in the case-control and quantitative analyzes, respectively. Knockdown of Ubap2 in mouse cells decreases osteoblastogenesis and increases osteoclastogenesis, and knockdown of ubap2 in zebrafish reveals abnormal bone formation. Ubap2 expression is associated with E-cadherin (Cdh1) and Fra1 (Fosl1) expression in the osteclastogenesis-induced monocytes. UBAP2 mRNA levels are significantly reduced in bone marrow, but increased in peripheral blood, from women with osteoporosis compared to controls. UBAP2 protein level is correlated with the blood plasma level of the representative osteoporosis biomarker osteocalcin. These results suggest that UBAP2 has a critical role in bone homeostasis through the regulation of bone remodeling.
EMBED: Essential MicroBiomE Dynamics, a dimensionality reduction approach for longitudinal microbiome studies
Authors: Shahin Mayar , Ji Brian , Dixit Purushottam D.
Published: June 2023

Dimensionality reduction offers unique insights into high-dimensional microbiome dynamics by leveraging collective abundance fluctuations of multiple bacteria driven by similar ecological perturbations. However, methods providing lower-dimensional representations of microbiome dynamics both at the community and individual taxa levels are not currently available. To that end, we present EMBED: Essential MicroBiomE Dynamics, a probabilistic nonlinear tensor factorization approach. Like normal mode analysis in structural biophysics, EMBED infers ecological normal modes (ECNs), which represent the unique orthogonal modes capturing the collective behavior of microbial communities. Using multiple real and synthetic datasets, we show that a very small number of ECNs can accurately approximate microbiome dynamics. Inferred ECNs reflect specific ecological behaviors, providing natural templates along which the dynamics of individual bacteria may be partitioned. Moreover, the multi-subject treatment in EMBED systematically identifies subject-specific and universal abundance dynamics that are not detected by traditional approaches. Collectively, these results highlight the utility of EMBED as a versatile dimensionality reduction tool for studies of microbiome dynamics.
Transcriptomic and in vivo approaches introduced human iPSC-derived microvesicles for skin rejuvenation
Authors: Bakhshandeh Behnaz , Jahanafrooz Zohreh , Allahdadi Shiva , Daryani Shiva , Dehghani Zahra , Sadeghi Mahya , Pedram Mir Sepehr , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi
Published: June 2023

The skin undergoes the formation of fine lines and wrinkles through the aging process; also, burns, trauma, and other similar circumstances give rise to various forms of skin ulcers. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become promising candidates for skin healing and rejuvenation due to not stimulating inflammatory responses, low probability of immune rejection, high metabolic activity, good large-scale production capacity and potentials for personalized medicine. iPSCs can secrete microvesicles (MVs) containing RNA and proteins responsible for the normal repairing process of the skin. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility, safety and effectiveness of applying iPSCs-derived MVs for skin tissue engineering and rejuvenation applications. The possibility was assessed using the evaluation of the mRNA content of iPSC-derived MVs and the behavior of fibroblasts after MV treatment. Investigating the effect of microvesicle on stemness potential of mesenchymal stem cells was performed for safety concerns. In vivo evaluation of MVs was done in order to investigate related immune response, re-epithelialization and blood vessel formation to measure effectiveness. Shedding MVs were round in shape distributed in the range from 100 to 1000 nm in diameter and positive for AQP3, COL2A, FGF2, ITGB, and SEPTIN4 mRNAs. After treating dermal fibroblasts with iPSC-derived MVs, the expressions of collagens Iα1 and III transcripts (as the main fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins) were upregulated. Meanwhile, the survival and proliferation of MV treated fibroblasts did not change significantly. Evaluation of stemness markers in MV treated MSCs showed negligible alteration. In line with in vitro results, histomorphometry and histopathology findings also confirmed the helpful effect of MVs in skin regeneration in the rat burn wound models. Conducting more investigations on hiPSCs-derived MVs may lead to produce more efficient and safer biopharmaceutics for skin regeneration in the pharmaceutical market.
Methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an effective additive in electrolyte to improve cathode electrolyte interlayer performance of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 electrode
Authors: Chen Bo-Xun , Brahma Sanjaya , Chen Yu-Qi , Huang Po-Chia , Chang Chia-Chin , Huang Jow-Lay
Published: June 2023

We investigated the effectiveness of using methylboronic acid MIDA ester (ADM) as an additive in an electrolyte to enhance the overall electrochemical and material properties of an LNCAO (LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2) cathode. The cyclic stability of the cathode material measured at 40 °C (@ 0.2 C) showed an enhanced capacity of 144.28 mAh g−1 (@ 100 cycles), a capacity retention of 80%, and a high coulombic efficiency (99.5%), in contrast to these same properties without the electrolyte additive (37.5 mAh g−1, ~ 20%, and 90.4%), thus confirming the effectiveness of the additive. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis distinctly showed that the ADM additive suppressed the EC-Li+ ion coordination (1197 cm−1 and 728 cm−1) in the electrolyte, thereby improving the cyclic performance of the LNCAO cathode. The cathode after 100 charge/discharge cycles revealed that the ADM-containing system exhibited better surface stability of the grains in the LNCAO cathode, whereas distinct cracks were observed in the system without the ADM in the electrolyte. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the presence of a thin, uniform and dense cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) film on the surface of LNCAO cathode. An operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) test identified the high structural reversibility of the LNCAO cathode with a CEI layer formed by the ADM, which effectively maintained the structural stability of the layered material. The additive effectively inhibited the decomposition of electrolyte compositions, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Metal oxide nanoparticles embedded in porous carbon for sulfur absorption under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Xiang Hang , Baudouin David , Vogel Frédéric
Published: June 2023

MOx (M = Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ce) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in porous C with uniform diameter and dispersion were synthesized, with potential application as S-absorbents to protect catalysts from S-poisoning in catalytic hydrothermal gasification (cHTG) of biomass. S-absorption performance of MOx/C was evaluated by reacting the materials with diethyl disulfide at HTG conditions (450 °C, 30 MPa, 15 min). Their S-absorption capacity followed the order CuOx/C > CeOx/C ≈ ZnO/C > MnOx/C > FeOx/C. S was absorbed in the first four through the formation of Cu1.8S, Ce2S3, ZnS, and MnS, respectively, with a capacity of 0.17, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.09 molS molM−1. The structure of MOx/C (M = Zn, Cu, Mn) evolved significantly during S-absorption reaction, with the formation of larger agglomerates and separation of MOx particles from porous C. The formation of ZnS NPs and their aggregation in place of hexagonal ZnO crystals indicate a dissolution/precipitation mechanism. Note that aggregated ZnS NPs barely sinter under these conditions. Cu(0) showed a preferential sulfidation over Cu2O, the sulfidation of the latter seemingly following the same mechanism as for ZnO. In contrast, FeOx/C and CeOx/C showed remarkable structural stability with their NPs well-dispersed within the C matrix after reaction. MOx dissolution in water (from liquid to supercritical state) was modeled and a correlation between solubility and particle growth was found, comforting the hypothesis of the importance of an Ostwald ripening mechanism. CeOx/C with high structural stability and promising S-absorption capacity was suggested as a promising bulk absorbent for sulfides in cHTG of biomass.
Differential expression of Dusp1 and immediate early response genes in the hippocampus of rats, subjected to forced swim test
Authors: Vlasov Ivan , Filatova Elena , Slominsky Petr , Shadrina Maria
Published: June 2023

The forced swim test (FST) is widely used to screen for potential antidepressant drugs and treatments. Despite this, the nature of stillness during FST and whether it resembles “depressive-like behavior” are widely debated issues. Furthermore, despite being widely used as a behavioral assay, the effects of the FST on the brain transcriptome are rarely investigated. Therefore, in this study we have investigated changes in the transcriptome of the rat hippocampus 20 min and 24 h after FST exposure. RNA-Seq is performed on the hippocampus tissues of rats 20 min and 24 h after an FST. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using limma and used to construct gene interaction networks. Fourteen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified only in the 20-m group. No DEGs were identified 24 h after the FST. These genes were used for Gene Ontology term enrichment and gene-network construction. Based on the constructed gene-interaction networks, we identified a group of DEGs (Dusp1, Fos, Klf2, Ccn1, and Zfp36) that appeared significant based on multiple methods of downstream analysis. Dusp1 appears especially important, as its role in the pathogenesis of depression has been demonstrated both in various animal models of depression and in patients with depressive disorders.
A validated model for individualized prediction of pregnancy outcome in woman after fresh cycle of Day 5 single blastocyst transfer
Authors: Chen Lei , Jiang Ruyu , Jiang Yiqun , Su Yuting , Wang Shanshan
Published: June 2023

The association between the embryo quality, clinical characteristics, miRNAs (secreted by blastocysts in the culture medium) and pregnancy outcomes has been well-established. Studies on prediction models for pregnancy outcome, using clinical characteristics and miRNA expression, are limited. We aimed to establish the prediction model for prediction of pregnancy outcome of woman after a fresh cycle of Day 5 single blastocyst transfer (Day 5 SBT) based on clinical data and miRNA expression. A total of 86 women, 50 with successful pregnancy and 36 with pregnancy failure after fresh cycle of Day 5 SBT, were enrolled in this study. All samples were divided into training set and test set (3:1). Based on clinical index statistics of enrolled population and miRNA expression, the prediction model was constructed, followed by validation of the prediction model. Four clinical indicators, female age, sperm DNA fragmentation index, anti-mullerian hormone, estradiol, can be used as independent predictors of pregnancy failure after fresh cycle of Day 5 SBT. Three miRNAs (hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-199a-5p and hsa-miR-99a-5p) had a potential diagnostic value for pregnancy failure after Day 5 SBT. The predictive effect of model combining 4 clinical indicators and 3 miRNAs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC = 0.853) was better than models combining single 4 clinical indicators (AUC = 0.755) or 3 miRNAs (AUC = 0.713). Based on 4 clinical indicators and 3 miRNAs, a novel model to predict pregnancy outcome in woman after fresh cycle of Day 5 SBT has been developed and validated. The predictive model may be valuable for clinicians to make the optimal clinical decision and patient selection.
Inhibitory effect of β-escin on Zika virus infection through the interruption of viral binding, replication, and stability
Authors: Lai Zheng-Zong , Shen Hsin-Hsuen , Lee Yen-Mei
Published: June 2023

β-Escin is a mixture of triterpenoid saponins extracted from horse chestnut seeds that have diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-edematous, venotonic, and antiviral effects. In the clinical setting, β-escin is primarily used to treat venous insufficiency and blunt trauma injuries. The anti-Zika virus (ZIKV) activity of β-escin has not been explored. This study investigated the antiviral efficacy of β-escin on ZIKV and dengue virus (DENV) in vitro and then elucidated the underlying mechanism. The inhibitory effects of β-escin on viral RNA synthesis, protein levels, and infection ability were determined using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. To further characterize how β-escin interferes with the viral life cycle, the time-of-addition experiment was performed. An inactivation assay was performed to determine whether β-escin affects ZIKV virion stability. To broaden these findings, the antiviral effects of β-escin on different DENV serotypes were assessed using dose-inhibition and time-of-addition assays. The results showed that β-escin exhibits anti-ZIKV activity by decreasing viral RNA levels, protein expression, progeny yield, and virion stability. β-Escin inhibited ZIKV infection by disrupting viral binding and replication. Furthermore, β-escin demonstrated antiviral activities against four DENV serotypes in a Vero cell model and prophylactic protection against ZIKV and DENV infections.
Characterization and outlook of climatic hazards in an agricultural area of Pakistan
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Tousif , Anwar Arif A. , Hussain Kashif
Published: June 2023

Many dimensions of human life and the environment are vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change and the hazards associated with it. There are several indices and metrics to quantify climate hazards that can inform preparedness and planning at different levels e.g., global, regional, national, and local. This study uses biased corrected climate projections of temperature and precipitation to compute characteristics of potential climate hazards that are pronounced in the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area (GZDCA)— an irrigated agricultural area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The results answer the question of what the future holds in the GZDCA regarding climate hazards of heatwaves, heavy precipitation, and agricultural drought. The results of heatwaves and agricultural drought present an alarming future and call for immediate actions for preparedness and adaptation. The magnitude of drought indices for the future is correlated with the crop yield response based on AquaCrop model simulations with observed climate data being used as input. This correlation provides insight into the suitability of various drought indices for agricultural drought characterization. The results elaborate on how the yield of wheat crop grown in a typical setting common in the South Asian region respond to the magnitude of drought indices. The findings of this study inform the planning process for changing climate and expected climate hazards in the GZDCA. Analyzing climate hazards for the future at the local level (administrative districts or contiguous agricultural areas) might be a more efficient approach for climate resilience due to its specificity and enhanced focus on the context.
A novel specific aptamer targets cerebrovascular endothelial cells after ischemic stroke
Authors: Hu Heng , Wu Silin , Lee Tae Jin , Gusdon Aaron M. , Liu Yuxin , Choi Huimahn A. , Ren Xuefang Sophie
Published: June 2023

Cell specific-targeted therapy (CSTT) for acute ischemic stroke remains underdeveloped. Cerebrovascular endothelial cells (CECs) are key components of the blood–brain barrier and are the first brain cells affected by ischemic stroke. After stroke, CEC injury causes insufficient energy supply to neurons and leads to cytotoxic and vasogenic brain edema. Aptamers are short single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules that can bind to specific ligands for cell specific delivery. The expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is increased on CECs after stroke. Herein, we report that an RNA-based VCAM-1-aptamer can specifically target CECs in stroke brains following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Our data demonstrate the potential of an RNA-based aptamer as an effective delivery platform to target CECs after stroke. We believe this method will allow for the development of CSTT for treatment of patients with stroke.
Quantum neural network cost function concentration dependency on the parametrization expressivity
Authors: Friedrich Lucas , Maziero Jonas
Published: June 2023

Although we are currently in the era of noisy intermediate scale quantum devices, several studies are being conducted with the aim of bringing machine learning to the quantum domain. Currently, quantum variational circuits are one of the main strategies used to build such models. However, despite its widespread use, we still do not know what are the minimum resources needed to create a quantum machine learning model. In this article, we analyze how the expressiveness of the parametrization affects the cost function. We analytically show that the more expressive the parametrization is, the more the cost function will tend to concentrate around a value that depends both on the chosen observable and on the number of qubits used. For this, we initially obtain a relationship between the expressiveness of the parametrization and the mean value of the cost function. Afterwards, we relate the expressivity of the parametrization with the variance of the cost function. Finally, we show some numerical simulation results that confirm our theoretical-analytical predictions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these two important aspects of quantum neural networks are explicitly connected.
Ce(III) and La(III) ions adsorption using Amberlite XAD-7 resin impregnated with DEHPA extractant: response surface methodology, isotherm and kinetic study
Authors: Yarahmadi Azadeh , Khani Mohammad Hassan , Nasiri Zarandi Masoud , amini Younes , Yadollahi Ali
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the removal efficiency of Cerium (Ce(ΙΙΙ)) and lanthanum (La(ΙΙΙ)) ions from aqueous solution using Amberlite XAD-7 resin impregnated with DEHPA(XAD7-DEHPA) was studied in the batch system. The adsorbent ( XAD7–DEHPA) was characterized by SEM–EDX, FTIR and BET analysis Techniques. The response surface methodology based on the central composite design was applied to model and optimize the removal process and evaluate operating parameters like adsorbent dose (0.05–0.065), initial pH (2–6) and temperature (15–55). Variance analysis showed that the adsorbent dose, pH and temperature were the most effective parameters in the adsorption of Ce(ΙIΙ)and La(IΙI) respectively. The results showed that the optimum adsorption condition was achieved at pH = 6, the optimum amount of absorbent and the equilibrium time equal to 0.6 gr and 180 min, respectively. According to the results, the adsorption percentage of Ce(ΙIΙ) and La(ΙΙΙ) ions onto the aforementioned resin were 99.99% and 78.76% respectively. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and sips isotherm models were applied to describe the equilibrium data. From the results, Langmuir isotherm (R2 (Ce) = 0.999, R2 (La) = 0.998) was found to better correlate the experimental rate data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent ( XAD7–DEHPA) for both Ce(IΙI) and La(III) was found to be 8.28 and 5.52 mg g−1 respectively. The kinetic data were fitted to pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Intra particle diffusion models. Based on the results, the pseudo-first-order model and Intra particle diffusion model described the experimental data as well. In general, the results showed that ( XAD7–DEHPA) resin is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Ce(IΙI) and La(III) ions from aqueous solutions due to its high ability to selectively remove these metals as well as its reusability.
Individual variability in subcortical neural encoding shapes phonetic cue weighting
Authors: Ou Jinghua , Xiang Ming , Yu Alan C. L.
Published: June 2023

Recent studies have revealed great individual variability in cue weighting, and such variation is shown to be systematic across individuals and linked to differences in some general cognitive mechanism. The present study investigated the role of subcortical encoding as a source of individual variability in cue weighting by focusing on English listeners’ frequency following responses to the tense/lax English vowel contrast varying in spectral and durational cues. Listeners differed in early auditory encoding with some encoding the spectral cue more veridically than the durational one, while others exhibited the reverse pattern. These differences in cue encoding further correlate with behavioral variability in cue weighting, suggesting that specificity in cue encoding across individuals modulates how cues are weighted in downstream processes.
Effects of horizontal compared to vertical-based plyometric jump training on semi-professional soccer player's performance
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Vali Norodin , Silva Ana Filipa , van den Hoek Daniel , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 27.783; p < 0.001 ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 21.635; p < 0.001),), 10-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 28.576; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 28.969, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 26.143; p < 0.001). Similarly, the VJ-group also imposed significant changes on 5-0-5 time, 10-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 25.787; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 24.333, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ($${x}^{2}$$

x

2

 = 22.919; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the assessment moments. HJ and VJ plyometric jump training are effective for improving the change-of-direction and a linear sprint of semi-professional players with no difference between types of intervention.
Momentum transfer on impact damping by liquid crystalline elastomers
Authors: Guo Hongye , Terentjev Andrew , Saed Mohand O. , Terentjev Eugene M.
Published: June 2023

The effect of elastomeric damping pads, softening the collision of hard objects, is investigated comparing the reference silicone elastomer and the polydomain nematic liquid crystalline elastomer, which has a far superior internal dissipation mechanism. We specifically focus not just on the energy dissipation, but also on the momentum conservation and transfer during the collision, because the latter determines the force exerted on the target and/or the impactor—and it is the force that does the damage during the short time of an impact, while the energy might be dissipated on a much longer time scale. To better assess the momentum transfer, we compare the collision with a very heavy object and the collision with a comparable mass, when some of the impact momentum is retained in the target receding away from the collision. We also propose a method to estimate the optimal thickness of an elastomer damping pad for minimising the energy in impactor rebound. It has been found that thicker pads introduce a large elastic rebound and the optimal thickness is therefore the thinnest possible pad that does not suffer from mechanical failure. We find good agreement between our estimate of the minimal thickness of the elastomer before the puncture through occurs and the experimental observations.
A PETase enzyme synthesised in the chloroplast of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is active against post-consumer plastics
Authors: Di Rocco Giulia , Taunt Henry N. , Berto Marcello , Jackson Harry O. , Piccinini Daniele , Carletti Alan , Scurani Giulia , Braidi Niccolò , Purton Saul
Published: June 2023

Polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases (PETases) are a newly discovered and industrially important class of enzymes that catalyze the enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephatalate (PET), one of the most abundant plastics in the world. The greater enzymatic efficiencies of PETases compared to close relatives from the cutinase and lipase families have resulted in increasing research interest. Despite this, further characterization of PETases is essential, particularly regarding their possible activity against other kinds of plastic. In this study, we exploited for the first time the use of the microalgal chloroplast for more sustainable synthesis of a PETase enzyme. A photosynthetic-restoration strategy was used to generate a marker-free transformant line of the green microalgaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiin which the PETase fromIdeonella sakaiensiswas constitutively expressed in the chloroplast. Subsequently, the activity of the PETase against both PET and post-consumer plastics was investigated via atomic force microscopy, revealing evidence of degradation of the plastics.
Calculation of magnetocaloric effect with regard for dependence of heat capacity on magnetic field
Authors: Kosogor Anna , L’vov Victor A.
Published: June 2023

A specific heat of the magnetic solid exhibiting AFM–FM phase transition is computed using the Landau-type theory of phase transitions. The experimentally observed dependence of the specific heat value on the external magnetic field is modelled. It is shown, that this dependence has strong influence on the giant magnetocaloric effect (MCE), which is inherent to the solids exhibiting the phase transitions accompanied by the strong change of magnetization value: the disregard of this dependence leads to the noticeable overestimation of adiabatic temperature change, which is the practically important characteristic of MCE. The temperature change characterizing the giant MCE observed in Fe–Rh alloys is computed. The reasonable agreement between the available experimental data and obtained theoretical results is demonstrated.
Blood-brain barrier disruption defines the extracellular metabolome of live human high-grade gliomas
Authors: Riviere-Cazaux Cecile , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Rajani Karishma , Munoz-Casabella Amanda , Rahman Masum , Gharibi-Loron Ali , Brown Desmond A. , Miller Kai J. , White Jaclyn J. , Himes Benjamin T. , Jusue-Torres Ignacio , Ikram Samar , Ransom Seth C. , Hirte Renee , Oh Ju-Hee , Elmquist William F. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Vaubel Rachael A. , Rodriguez Moses , Warrington Arthur E. , Kizilbash Sani H. , Burns Terry C.
Published: June 2023

The extracellular microenvironment modulates glioma behaviour. It remains unknown if blood-brain barrier disruption merely reflects or functionally supports glioma aggressiveness. We utilised intra-operative microdialysis to sample the extracellular metabolome of radiographically diverse regions of gliomas and evaluated the global extracellular metabolome via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Among 162 named metabolites, guanidinoacetate (GAA) was 126.32x higher in enhancing tumour than in adjacent brain. 48 additional metabolites were 2.05–10.18x more abundant in enhancing tumour than brain. With exception of GAA, and 2-hydroxyglutarate in IDH-mutant gliomas, differences between non-enhancing tumour and brain microdialysate were modest and less consistent. The enhancing, but not the non-enhancing glioma metabolome, was significantly enriched for plasma-associated metabolites largely comprising amino acids and carnitines. Our findings suggest that metabolite diffusion through a disrupted blood-brain barrier may largely define the enhancing extracellular glioma metabolome. Future studies will determine how the altered extracellular metabolome impacts glioma behaviour.
Counteranion-induced structural isomerization of phosphine-protected PdAu8 and PtAu8 clusters
Authors: Fujiki Yu , Matsuyama Tomoki , Kikkawa Soichi , Hirayama Jun , Takaya Hikaru , Nakatani Naoki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Nitta Kiyofumi , Negishi Yuichi , Yamazoe Seiji
Published: June 2023

Controlling the geometric structures of metal clusters through structural isomerization allows for tuning of their electronic state. In this study, we successfully synthesized butterfly-motif [PdAu8(PPh3)8]2+ (PdAu8-B, B means butterfly-motif) and [PtAu8(PPh3)8]2+ (PtAu8-B) by the structural isomerization from crown-motif [PdAu8(PPh3)8]2+ (PdAu8-C, C means crown-motif) and [PtAu8(PPh3)8]2+ (PtAu8-C), induced by association with anionic polyoxometalate, [Mo6O19]2– (Mo6) respectively, whereas their structural isomerization was suppressed by the use of [NO3]– and [PMo12O40]3– as counter anions. DR-UV-vis-NIR and XAFS analyses and density functional theory calculations revealed that the synthesized [PdAu8(PPh3)8][Mo6O19] (PdAu8-Mo6) and [PtAu8(PPh3)8][Mo6O19] (PtAu8-Mo6) had PdAu8-B and PtAu8-B respectively because PdAu8-Mo6 and PtAu8-Mo6 had bands in optical absorption at the longer wavelength region and different structural parameters characteristic of the butterfly-motif structure obtained by XAFS analysis. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that PdAu8-B and PtAu8-B were surrounded by six Mo6 with rock salt-type packing, which stabilizes the semi-stable butterfly-motif structure to overcome high activation energy for structural isomerization.
Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport
Authors: Lenders Vincent , Koutsoumpou Xanthippi , Phan Philana , Soenen Stefaan J. , Allegaert Karel , de Vleeschouwer Steven , Toelen Jaan , Zhao Zongmin , Manshian Bella B.
Published: June 2023

This review discusses the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across barriers of organs and highlights key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.
One-dimensional nanomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnosis
Authors: Shin Jinwoo , Kang Nayeon , Kim Byungkook , Hong Hyunsik , Yu Le , Kim Jungryun , Kang Heemin , Kim Jong Seung
Published: June 2023

This review summarizes a novel perspective on emerging 1-D nanomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnosis, highlighting the unique shape-dependent properties, recent advancements, and unexplored nanomaterial types and therapeutic applications.
A highly sensitive room temperature liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor with fast response based on a titanium dioxide (TiO2)–reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) composite
Authors: Chaurasiya Navin , Singh Ajeet , Kumar Kuldeep , Yadav Bal Chandra , Yadawa Pramod Kumar , Singh Sandip Kumar , Dey Kajal Kumar
Published: June 2023

The LPG sensing performance of TiO2–rGO composite is augmented due to the presence of a p–n junction with enhanced barrier width.
Phosphoproteome analysis of cerebrospinal fluid extracellular vesicles in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Deng Yuanyuan , Li Qing , Sun Jie , Ma Leyao , Ding Yajie , Cai Yuhan , Iliuk Anton , Chen Bobin , Xie Zhuoying , Tao W. Andy
Published: June 2023

Robust EV isolation from CSF by EVTRAP and downstream in-depth phosphoproteome analysis in PCNSL were performed, demonstrating its potential applications.
Rapid microwave fabrication of red-carbon quantum dots as fluorescent on–off–on probes for the sequential determination of Fe(iii) ion and ascorbic acid in authentic samples
Authors: Huang Shan , Li Bo , Ning Gan , Zhang Wenqian , Mu Pingping , Chen Sijing , Xiao Qi
Published: June 2023

Fluorescent R-CQDs with an ultrahigh fluorescence QY of 45% were rapidly synthesized by one-step microwave-assisted hydrothermal approach and were used as fluorescent om-off-on probes for the sequential determination of Fe(iii) ion and ascorbic acid.
SHS-GC-MS applied in Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora blend assessment
Authors: Vieira Lyrio Marcos Valério , Pereira da Cunha Pedro Henrique , Debona Danieli Grancieri , Agnoletti Bárbara Zani , Araújo Bruno Quirino , Frinhani Roberta Quintino , Filgueiras Paulo Roberto , Pereira Lucas Louzada , Ribeiro de Castro Eustáquio Vinicius
Published: June 2023

The present study proposes a new approach for blend assessment based on the volatile composition extracted and analyzed by SHS-GC-MS associated with multivariate and univariate methods for a qualitative (identification) and quantitative evaluation.
One-pot synthesis of dynamically cross-linked polymers for serum-resistant nucleic acid delivery
Authors: Sun Zhisong , Ren Mengyao , Shan Bingchen , Yang Qiang , Zhao Ziyin , Liu Xun , Yin Lichen
Published: June 2023

In this study, dynamically cross-linked ternary polymers are synthesized via facile green chemistry to achieve efficient and serum-resistant plasmid DNA and mRNA delivery.