bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repression of miR-764-5p by enhancing IGF1R and cochaperone CHIP expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) regulates cardioprotective effects in Aging-Spontaneously Hypertensive rats model
Authors: Huang Chih-Yang , Barik Parthasarathi , Kuo Wei-Wen , Kuo Chia-Hua , Hsieh Dennis , Day Cecilia , Daddam Jayasimharayalu , Chen Michael , Padma V. Vijaya , Shibu Marthandam
Published: November 2023

Age-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression is marked by increased misfolded proteins and reduced growth factor receptor activity. Evidence links the co-chaperone CHIP and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) to stem cell dynamics and function through miR-764-5p in rat adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) remains largely unknown. We observed that short-term hypoxia (6 h) downregulated miR-764-5p in rADSCs, while normoxia conditions led to miR-764-5p upregulation, targeting the 3' UTR region of IGF1R and STUB1/CHIP. qRT-PCR confirmed altered mRNA expression. Overexpression of anti-miR-764-5p enhanced rADSC survival via CHIP and IGF1R upregulation, while miR-764-5p mimic increased ROS generation and apoptosis. HIF1α transcription factor downregulated miR-764-5p under short-term hypoxia. Administering rADSCsanti−miR−764−5p in aging-spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) via tail-vein injection demonstrated cardioprotective effects, reducing cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis and it could be the potential to act as a regenerative medicine. In conclusion, suppressing miR-764-5p enhances IGF1R expression and CHIP activity in rADSCs, mitigating cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in the aging-SHR model.
Gut microbiota-dependent increase in phenylacetic acid induces endothelial cell senescence during aging
Authors: Beer Jürg , Saravi Seyed Soheil Saeedi , Pugin Benoit , Constancias Florentin , Thomas Aurélien , Gludic Sylvain Le , Allemann Meret , Karsai Gergely , Lee Pratintip , Menni Cristina , Attaye Ilias
Published: November 2023

Endothelial cell (EC) senescence plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases in aging population. Gut microbiota alterations are emerging as significant factors present in cellular senescence associated with aging. However, little is known about how aging-related changes in gut microbiota are causally implicated in EC senescence. Here we show that gut microbiota-dependent phenylacetic acid (PAA) and its derivative, phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), are elevated in a human aging cohort (TwinsUK, n=7,303) and in aged mice. Metagenomic analyses revealed a marked increase in the abundance of PAA-producing microbial pathways (PPFOR and VOR), which were positively associated with the abundance of Clostridium sp. ASF356, higher circulating PAA concentrations, and endothelial dysfunction in old mice. We found that PAA potently induces EC senescence and attenuates angiogenesis. Mechanistically, PAA increases mitochondrial H2O2 generation, which aggravates IL6-mediated HDAC4 translocation and thereby upregulates VCAM1. In contrast, exogenous acetate, which was reduced in old mice, rescues the PAA-induced EC senescence and restores angiogenic capacity through markedly alleviating the SASP and epigenetic alteration. Our studies provide direct evidence of PAA-mediated crosstalk between aging gut microbiota and EC senescence and suggest a microbiota-based therapy for promoting healthy aging.
Microstructure of the Silk Fibroin-based Hydrogel Scaffolds Derived from the Orb-web Spider Trichonephila clavata
Authors: Sun Yan , KU Bon-jin , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: November 2023

Due to the unique properties of the silk fibroin (SF) from silkworm the SF-based hydrogels recently received significant attention for various biomedical applications. However, researches regarding the SF-based hydrogels isolated from spider silks have been comparatively restricted due to shortage of collection and preparation of naïve silk materials. Therefore, this study focused on the microstructural characteristics of hydrogel scaffolds derived from two types of woven silk glands – major ampullate gland (MAG) and tubuliform gland (TG) - in the orb-web spider Trichonephila clavata and compared them with those of silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel scaffold extracted from the cocoon of the insect silkworm Bombyx mori. Our FESEM analysis revealed that the SF hydrogel has high porosity, translucency, and a loose upper structure, with attached SF fibers providing stability. The MAG hydrogel displayed even higher porosity, elongated fibrous structures, and improved mechanical properties, while TG hydrogel showed increased porosity, ridge-like or wall-like structures, and stable biocapacity is formed by physical cross-linking. The distinct microstructural characteristics of MAG and TG hydrogels are expected to provide advantages in the selection of tailored substrates to support specific cell types for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Acquired amphotericin B resistance and fitness trade-off compensation in Candida auris
Authors: Carolus Hans , Sofras Dimitrios , Boccarella Giorgio , Sephton-Clark Poppy , Romero Celia Lobo , Vergauwen Rudy , Yazdani Saleh , Pierson Siebe , Jacobs Stef , Vandecruys Paul , Wijnants Stefanie , Meis Jacques , Berg Pieter van den , Rybak Jeffrey , Cuomo Christina , Dijck Patrick Van
Published: November 2023

Candida auris is an emergent human fungal pathogen of growing concern due to common drug resistance to all major antifungal drug classes. Although resistance to amphotericin B (AMB) has been detected in 30 to 60% of clinical isolates of C. auris, mechanisms of AMB resistance remain poorly characterized. Here we present a large-scale investigation of how AMB resistance can be acquired through genetic adaptation. We typed 441 in vitro and in vivo evolved C. auris lineages from four AMB-susceptible clinical strains of different clades. We show a great diversity of acquired resistance responses with resistance magnitude- and strain-dependent fitness trade-offs. Genotyping and membrane sterol analyses of selected lineages show four major types of membrane sterol alterations. Using a novel, plasmid-based CRISPR-Cas9 allele editing method and Cas9-RNP meditated gene deletions, we show that AMB resistance can be acquired through variation in several sterol biosynthesis regulators including ERG6, NCP1, ERG11, ERG3, HMG1, ERG10 and ERG12. Additionally, we show how aneuploidies in chromosomes 4 and 6 emerge during AMB resistance evolution. By leveraging fitness trade-off phenotyping and mathematical modelling of the in vivo environment during treatment, we evaluated the potential of different mechanisms to establish resistant infections and discover a mechanism of fitness trade-off compensation. Variation in CDC25 substantially enhanced the capacity to establish a resistant infection and may have played a role in facilitating the sole documented clinical case of acquired AMB resistance during treatment in C. auris. In summary, our findings show that fitness trade-off compensation along with several sterol modulating mechanisms of acquired AMB resistance represent a potential risk for AMB treatment failure in the clinic.
Spatial Phenotyping of Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma and T-cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: NATKUNAM YASODHA , Younes Sheren , Subramanian Ajay , Khan Anum , Zhao Shuchun , Binkley Michael
Published: November 2023

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma with sparse tumor B-cells and a favorable prognosis. Variant growth patterns of NLPHL, however, show advanced stage, progression to T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) and a worse prognosis. We studied the spatial configuration of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of NLPHL and THRLBCL using highplex imaging to capture single-cell parameters including spatial localization in 20 patient samples of NLPHL and THRLBCL. Our findings show distinct spatial configurations and TME composition that differ among typical and variant NLPHL, and THRLBCL. Tumor B-cell size and content was lowest in typical NLPHL, followed by variant NLPHL, and highest in THRLBCL, whereas an opposite trend characterized TME B-cells. Typical NLPHL showed abundant helper T-cell subsets, while THRLBCL showed abundant cytotoxic T-cells and monocytes. Spatial analysis further revealed specific interactions typical of NLPHL patterns and THRLBCL. CD4/CD8 double-positive T-cells were detected in all NLPHL but not in the majority of THRLBCL, and were found to be spatially distant from tumor B-cells and TFH-rosettes. We conclude that our results provide valuable insights into immunoarchitectural configurations that inform differences in biologic behavior and could aid in the development of future therapeutics for patients affected by this spectrum of lymphomas.
Aspect and root trench effect of Eucalyptus globulus boundary plantation on barley yield and soil physicochemical properties in the Gumer district, Central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Ameha Neway , Asfaw Zebene
Published: November 2023

The expansion of Eucalyptus globules boundary plantation (EGBP) along farm boundaries considered to have effects on yield of underneath crops. Tree root pruning or trench is a potential tool for managing belowground competition. We evaluated aspect and trench distance effect of EGBP on barley yield and soil physicochemical properties in Gummer woreda, central Ethiopia. Two months before sowing, on one side of each aspect of EGBP trenches were prepared at distances of 0.5m, 1m and 1.5m using split-split plot design with three replications. At 1.5m trench distance, the North faced field showed 20.4%to 31.2% additional yield variation respectto South, East and West faced fields. Also 15.2% to 43% additional yield was observed as the field distance from EGBP increased from 3m to 12m. Relative to un-trenched field, trenched fields showed 31.9% to 73.4%additional yield variations. Regarding to soil physicochemical properties, aspect of EGBP had no significant effect. However, except for texture, pH and extractable potassium, trench showed a significant difference on soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available Phosphors and CEC status. Relative to un-trenched fields of 6m and 9m, 1.5 m trenched field of 3m field distance showed 48 % and 15% additional yield variations. That means root trench minimized on average 24% of the field distance effect of EGBP on barley yield. Therefore, root pruning at 1.5m distance from EGBP using 0.5m x 0.5 m trench is an applicable and advisable method that will help farmers to maximize barley yield with higher land-use efficiency.
WITHDRAWN: Microbial Image Deciphering: Navigating Challenges with Machine and Deep Learning
Authors: Ghosh Hritwik , Rahat Irfan Sadiq , Mohanty Sachi Nandan , Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata Naga
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to microorganism classification through the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), demonstrating the potent capabilities of deep learning in the realm of microscopic image analysis. Utilizing a rich dataset of microorganism imagery, captured with a Canon EOS 250d Camera and meticulously categorized into eight distinct classes, we have trained a sequential CNN model that effectively distinguishes between various microorganisms with high precision. The dataset, comprising images in JPEG format, was sourced from the controlled environment of Pathantula Tea Garden's laboratory settings, ensuring consistency and quality in data acquisition. The CNN architecture, designed with layers of convolution, max pooling, and dense operations, further refined with dropout and batch normalization, has been optimized with several optimizers including SGD, RMSprop, Adam, and Nadam, all set at a learning rate of 0.001. Notably, the Adam optimizer emerged superior, propelling the model to achieve an impressive 97% accuracy. This research not only underscores the efficacy of CNNs in classifying microorganisms but also paves the way for future advancements in automated microscopic image classification.
Overexpression of LncRNA ILF3-AS1 restrained NSCLC development through miR-185-5p/ING4 axis
Authors: Li Zuowei , Song Yelin , Fang Qiong
Published: November 2023

LncRNA ILF3-AS1 was abnormally expressed in several cancers. However, the relationship of ILF3-AS1 and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still unknown. Now, our research endeavored to characterize the expression and function of ILF3-AS1 in NSCLC, so as to study its related mechanism. The differential level of ILF3-AS1 in NSCLC were detected. The relation of miR-185-5p with ILF3-AS1 and ING4 was predicted by bioinformatics online tool and further verified. The influence of ILF3-AS1 and miR-185-5p inhibitor on cell biological function were detected by a series of tests. The changes of tumor volume and weight intervened by ILF3-AS1 up-regulation and miR-185-5p depletion were monitored in mice. ILF3-AS1 was abnormally down-expressed not only in NSCLC tissues, but also in NSCLC cells. ILF3-AS1 overexpression can inhibit the viability of NSCLC cells, reduce the number of migrating and invading cells, and enhance the apoptosis, which was reversed by miR-185-5p mimics. There were direct interactions between miR-185-5p, ILF3-AS1, and ING4. Tumor inhibition was observed in mice transplanted with H1299 transfected by pcDNA3.1-ILF3-AS1 and miR-185-5p inhibitor. ILF3-AS1 modulated NSCLC progress through targeting miR-185-5p/ING4 axis.
Smallholder Farmers' Vulnerability to Climate Change and Variability: Evidence from Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia
Authors: ABELIENEH ASSEFA , Ayele Zewdu B. , Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Melese Tadele , Fenta Abeje B. , E. Koyachew E. Koyachew
Published: November 2023

Climate change has resulted in significant agricultural losses and hardships, causing insecurity in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and contributing to poverty in Ethiopia. This study investigates the vulnerabilities of three agroecologies in Ethiopia. The vulnerability assessment, conducted through a cross-sectional survey and spatial-temporal trend analysis using GIS, included 646 households. An overall vulnerability index was developed using a balanced weighted average method. Data from various sources were collected and analyzed employing the vulnerability index, ArcGIS 10.8, and ERDA's IMAGINE 2015. Utilizing the LVI-IPCC scale, the study identified immediate vulnerability to climate change across highland, midland, and lowland agroecological zones. The results indicated that households in different agroecological zones were susceptible to climate change impacts, with highland areas being the most sensitive and exposed, while, in terms of overall vulnerabilities, lowland households were the most vulnerable. The study highlighted insufficient health facilities, food, and water supplies in highland and lowland agroecologies. The study also found the shift from communal grazing land to private cultivation and plantations, especially eucalyptus, signaled a dynamic change in land use practices and aggravated the ecosystem's sensitivity to climate shocks. The study recommends implementing sustainable land use practices, afforestation, and climate-smart agriculture to address these changes. It emphasizes the importance of considering policy and interventions for conserving and rehabilitating shrubland, grazing land, and natural areas to ensure long-term socio-economic and ecosystem resilience.
Severe coagulopathy and inflammation occurred after resection of giant right ventricular intimal sarcoma with cardiopulmonary bypass: a case report
Authors: Liu Menghan , Li Xuejie , Zhou Ronghua
Published: November 2023

Background: Primary malignant cardiac tumors are rare in clinic, and surgical resection under cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) is the main treatment. The non-physiological perfusion process of CPB leads to contact activation, and the resulting coagulation dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are common complications. However, it is difficult to predict the impact of foreign tumor fragments on this pathophysiological process once they enter the bloodstream, making this phenomenon more complex and challenging.
Case Presentation: We report a case of cardiac intimal sarcoma who developed severe coagulopathy and inflammation after excision of massive right ventricular tumor and replacement of tricuspid valve under median sternotomy under CPB. Although the procedure was expected to cause tumor cell necrosis and precautions were taken, uncontrolled massive postoperative bleeding, persistent fever and abnormal elevated inflammatory markers, and repeated malignant arrhythmias occurred after surgery. In addition to common factors, the most possible underlying mechanism is contact activation triggered following surgical procedure for intimal sarcoma with CPB.
Conclusion: Patients with intracardiac malignant tumors are at a high risk for serious contact activation during CPB. Preventive application of comprehensive anti-inflammatory measures such as drugs and adsorptive CPB technology, as well as point-of-care (POC) monitoring of coagulation status will be helpful for individualized guidance and optimization of CPB management, and improvement of patient prognosis.
Electrochemical Magnetorheological Finishing for Hard-to-Machine Functional Materials with Nanometer-Scaled Surface Roughness
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Han Lianhuan , Lin Xiaoting , Luo Shiyi , Feng Huiming , Peng Yunfeng , Zhan Dongping
Published: November 2023

Tungsten carbide (WC) is a widely employed mold material in micro/nano-manufacture industry due to its exceptional attributes, including excellent chemical stability, high temperature resistance, and substantial stiffness. Nevertheless, its formidable hardness and wear resistance pose significant machining challenges. To realize high-quality and high-efficiency polishing, we introduce electrochemical magnetorheological finishing (ECMRF), which combins magnetorheological finishing (MRF) and electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP). Because the WC workpiece surface becomes loose rapidly due to the formation of an oxide layer through surface electrooxidation, ECMRF exhibits remarkable material removal rates (MRR) of up to 92.0 nm/min, nearly five times higher than that of conventional MRF (16.7 nm/min). Moreover, ECMRF accelerates the convergence rate of surface roughness (Sa) by a factor of 17 when compared to MRF. More importantly, chemical composition analysis reveals no surface or subsurface chemical damage after an simple additional MRF process, maintaining the pristine state of the WC workpiece. The final Sa is significantly reduced from 87.2 nm to 2.1 nm. This pioneering research underscores the prospect in polishing challenging materials and presents an innovative route to achieve highly efficient surface polishing with nanoscale roughness.
Increased specificity of Fasciola excretory-secretory antigens combining negative selection on hydroxyapatite and salt precipitation. A proteomic study of the isolated fractions
Authors: Ubeira Florencio M. , González-Warleta Marta , Martínez-Sernández Victoria , Castro-Hermida José Antonio , Paniagua Esperanza , Romaris Fernanda , Mezo Mercedes
Published: November 2023

A single and rapid method to obtain an antigenic fraction of excretory-secretory antigens (ESAs) from Fasciola hepatica ESAs suitable for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis is reported. The procedure consists in the negative selection of F. hepatica ESAs by hydroxyapatite (HA) chromatography (HAC; fraction HAC-NR) followed by antigen precipitation with 50% ammonium sulphate (AS) and subsequent recovery by means of a Millex-GV or equivalent filter (Fi-SOLE fraction). Tested in indirect ELISA, the Fi-SOLE antigens detected natural infections by F. hepatica with 100% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity in sheep, and 97.7% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity in cattle, as determined by ROC analysis. The SDS-PAGE and proteomic nano-UHPLC-Tims-QTOF MS/MS analysis of fractions showed that the relative abundance of L-cathepsins and fragments thereof was 57% in fraction HAC-NR and 93.8% in fraction Fi-SOLE. The second most abundant proteins in fraction HAC-NR were fatty-acid binding proteins (11.9%). In contrast, free heme, and heme:MF6p/FhHDM-1 complexes remained strongly bond to the HA particles during HAC. Interestingly, phosphorylcholine (PC)-bearing antigens, which are a frequent source of cross-reactivity, were detected with an anti-PC mAb (BH8) in ESAs and fraction HAC-NR but were almost absent in fraction Fi-SOLE.
Physics-Informed Multi-Stage Deep Learning Framework Development for State-Based Reactor Power Prediction
Authors: Alam Syed Bahauddin , Daniell James , Alajo Ayodeji , Chakraborty Souvik , Kobayashi Kazuma
Published: November 2023

Deep Learning using Neural Networks (DNNs) has emerged as a viable alternative to standard physical modeling in nuclear systems and engineering. This paper seeks to develop a multi-stage predictive model consisting of 2 feed-forward DNNs to determine the final steady state power of a reactor transient in the real research reactor facility (Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor (MSTR)). Physical information is collected from the initial and final steady states of the transient to create a single trial. A dataset is generated by using the generalized prompt jump equation to expand upon the data collected from MSTR. Noise is added to the simulated data to reduce the likelihood of memorization. 6 classifier models are developed, tested, and compared for the first stage of the model, with an output representing a large band power output resolution. 4 regression models are developed and tested with input from the first stage model to predict a single value representing the reactor power output. The combined model yields 96% classification accuracy for the first stage and 92% absolute prediction accuracy for the second stage. The development procedure is discussed so that the method can be applied generally to similar systems.
An Overview of Unveiling the Essence of Digital Hydraulic Technology: A Comprehensive Exploration and Classification
Authors: Ali Ahmed Refaie , Jan Ahmed Zubair , Kedzia Krzysztof , Majeed Afraz Hussain , Machado José Mendes , Habib Muhammad Irfan
Published: November 2023

The advent of digital hydraulic technology has heralded noteworthy advancements across a spectrum of domains, encompassing aspects such as intelligence augmentation, seamless integration, and the imperative curtailment of energy consumption, among other facets. Over the course of several decades, the continued investment in research and development has culminated in a substantial surge of interest and attention in the industrial and scientific communities. However, the varying interpretations and elucidations of digital fluid technology put forth by diverse researchers throughout the years have yielded a conspicuous absence of a universally endorsed and accepted definition. This definitional diversity has, to a certain extent, engendered ramifications on the trajectory of its evolution. Consequently, the present paper undertakes the task of furnishing a precise and comprehensive explication of digital hydraulic technology. In doing so, we deliberate upon several salient facets, including an in-depth exploration of digital hydraulic technology, a systematic classification thereof, an exhaustive examination of digital hydraulic valves, and a comprehensive analysis of digital hydraulic pumps.
A comprehensive prognostic and immune analysis of SFXN1 in Pan-cancer
Authors: Zhang Liming , Li Wenhui , Wang Shaoqiang , Wang Lina
Published: November 2023

Background
Sideroflexin1 (SFXN1), one of the primary sideroflexin (SFXN) proteins, can transport serine to mitochondria and take part in one-carbon metabolism there, with impact on cell proliferation, differentiation and other activities. Numerous evidence suggested that SFXN1 was intimately associated with lung cancer, glioma, and other cancers, its specific function in other malignancies is unknown.
Methods
Based on TCGA, HPA, GEPIA, and UALCAN databases, SFXN1 expression, prognostic value, and its correlation with immune cell infiltration were explored. The biological function of SFXN1 was conducted in LUAD cells.
Results
SFXN1 is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and related to clinicopathological features and prognosis. SFXN1 correlated with T cells and B cells by immune infiltration analysis. Moreover, SFXN1 positively correlated with immune checkpoint genes in many tumors. Loss-of-function assay showed SFXN1 silencing could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhance apoptosis in LUAD cells.
Conclusion
The high expression of SFXN1 is associated with tumor prognosis and can serve as a novel biomarker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a potential therapeutic target for immunotherapy against cancers.
A Novel Fuzzy Logic Based Approach for Task Allocation at Virtual Machines in Hierarchical Fog IoT Environment
Authors: Elshahed Eman M. , Al-Tabbakh Shahinaz M. , Shaaban Eman , Elzahed Hayam M. , Abdelmoneem Randa M.
Published: November 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Constraints on the parameters of modified Chaplygin-Jacobi and modified Chaplygin-Abel gases in f(T) gravity
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshu , Debnath Ujjal , Roy Tanusree , Maity Sayani , Mustafa G , Arora Monika
Published: November 2023

In this work, we explore the parameter constraints of two dark energy models, namely the Modified Chaplygin-Jacobi gas (MCJG) and Modified Chaplygin-Abel gas (MCAG), within the context of $f(T)$ gravity model in a non-flat Friedmann-Lema\^itre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) Universe. Our investigation involves comparing the equation of state for the MCJG and MCAG dark energy models with the equation of state derived from the $f(T)$ gravity model. To derive constraints for the dark energy and $f(T)$ gravity models, we use recent astronomical datasets, including $H(z)$ data, type Ia supernovae observations, Gamma Ray Bursts data, quasar data, and Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) measurements. We present the reduced Hubble parameter in terms of observable parameters such as $\Omega_{r0}$ (density parameter of radiation), $\Omega_{m0}$ (density parameter of dark matter), $\Omega_{k0}$ (density parameter associated with spatial curvature), $\Omega_{CJ0}$ (density parameter of Modified Chaplygin-Jacobi gas), $\Omega_{CA0}$ (density parameter of Modified Chaplygin-Abel gas), and $H_0$ (present value of the Hubble parameter). We explore the cosmological evolution through various cosmic diagnostic parameters, including the deceleration parameter, $Om(z)$ diagnostic, and statefinder diagnostic pair $\{r,s\}$. These diagnostic parameters offer valuable insights into the expansion dynamics and the nature of dark energy in the Universe. We have also assessed the viability of the models using the information criteria. Our aim is to shed light on the nature of dark energy and its connection to the $f(T)$ gravity model, and ultimately gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving the accelerated expansion of our Universe.
Comprehensive analysis of Mendelian randomization and single-cell sequencing reveals the causal relationship between intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and chronotype-related genes
Authors: Liu Dandan , Li Rong , Li Shunle , Li Hua , Liu Na , Huang Lanxuan , Lu Hongwei , Xu Meng
Published: November 2023

Background
The tumor development is related to disruption of circadian rhythms. However, the causal relationship between chronotype and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and molecular mechanism of chronotype-related genes (CRGs) are vague.
Methods
Genetic summary statistics were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) OpenGWAS and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Catalog. Univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and sensitivity analysis were then performed. Subsequently, the CRGs were obtained based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of chronotype for differential expression analysis between disease and control groups based on University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Xena database, and the identification of hub genes via STRING database and immune infiltration analysis. Finally, the single-cell transcriptome dataset GSE138709 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to analyze the relationship between hub genes and annotated cell types. The functional enrichment analysis, pseudotime analysis and cell communication analysis were also explored.
Results
The MR results revealed that chronotype was a protective factor causally related to ICC, and the reliability was illustrated by the sensitivity analysis. A total of 180 differentially expressed CRGs were acquired, including 101 up-regulated and 79 down-regulated in ICC. Of which, four genes were marked as hub genes based on protein-protein interaction network, namely IDH1, PEX13, DECR2 and PEX12. Moreover, a total of ten cell types were annotated in GSE138709, including T cells, malignant cells, macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, B cells, endothelial cells, cholangiocytes, hepatocytes and fibroblasts. Thereinto, NK cells and hepatocytes as key cells were remarkably discrepant between ICC and control samples. The expression of DECR2 and IDH1 in hepatocytes was higher in control group than in ICC group. Furthermore, hepatocytes might transform into cholangiocytes and malignant cells, and both hepatocytes and NK cells interacted strongly with macrophages.
Conclusion
Our study supported a causal relationship between chronotype and ICC, and provided the theoretical basis and reference value for research on MR.
Efficient Hardware Accelerators for k-Nearest Neighbors Classification using Most Significant Digit First Arithmetic
Authors: Gorgin Saeid , Gholamrezaei MohamadHossein , Lee Jeong-A
Published: November 2023

k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) is one of the most widely used classification algorithms in real-world machine learning applications such as computer vision, speech recognition, and data mining. Massive high-dimensional datasets, reasonable accuracy of results, and adequate response time are regarded as the most challenging aspects of the k-NN implementation, which are exacerbated by the exponential increase in dataset size and the feature dimension of each data point. In this paper, we leverage the parallelism and digit-level pipelining opportunities offered by FPGA devices and Online arithmetic to address such issues for k-NN classification based on two different distance metrics: Manhattan and Euclidean. In these designs, all the necessary operations for measuring distances and sorting are performed on serially arriving data at no or minimal hardware cost. Due to serial computation, the size of the classifier instance and its memory footprint are reduced, leading to more parallel instances for our target devices. Furthermore, we dynamically terminate unnecessary computations upon detection to reduce power consumption, which is possible in more than half of cases on average. The proposed k-NN implementations are the first hardware accelerator designs using Online arithmetic on FPGA effectively. Based on implementation results, our proposed k-NN implementation based on Manhattan (Euclidean) distance provides 1.72x to 2.23x (1.06x to 2.76x) Speedup compared to state-of-the-art designs, while these improvements are 270.79x to 739.51x (167.0x to 725.8x) when compared to implementation on a single core of the ARM Cortex-A9 CPU.
Non-chromatographic method for the purification of high purity paclitaxel from Taxus chinensis using tandem cavitation fractional precipitation
Authors: Kang Da-Yeon , Kim Jin-Hyun
Published: November 2023

In this study, a non-chromatographic method using tandem cavitation fractional precipitation was developed for the purification of high-purity paclitaxel. Paclitaxel was purified with a purity of 98.8% and an overall yield of 91.1% through a three-step fractional precipitation using acetone/pentane (1:9, v/v), methanol/water (61.5:38.5, v/v), and acetone/water (1:2, v/v) systems. In addition, the precipitation characteristics and step-by-step impurity removal behaviors were observed using RP-HPLC, and the structure of the paclitaxel purified by tandem cavitation fractional precipitation was identified using FT-IR spectroscopy.
Effect of different organic manures on growth, yield, and quality of late season radish (Raphanus sativus) in Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Netra Prasad , Gurung Pradip , Kharel Ganesh Prasad , Parajuli Anita , Khanal Shovit
Published: November 2023

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a major root vegetable crop in Nepal. Organic manures are an indispensable substitute for the highly toxic inorganic fertilizers. A research experiment was conducted at the horticulture farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa campus, Rupandehi, Nepal to investigate the effect of different organic manures on the growth, yield, and quality of Tokinashi variety of late-season radish. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The seven different treatments were farm yard manure (FYM) (30 t ha-1), poultry manure (20 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + poultry manure (10 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1), vermicompost (5 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + Bone meal (5 t ha-1), and control (without use of organic manures). Poultry manure was observed significant effect on the growth and yield attributes of radish. The effect of poultry manure over other treatments, viz. plant height (31.17 cm), number of leaves (20.53), shoot length (29.68 cm), crown spread (51.4 cm), root length (28.6 cm), root diameter (10.81 cm), average root weight (130.2 gm), average shoot weight (71 gm), root dry weight (125.33 gm), harvest index (64.85%), shoot yield per hectare (16.22 t ha-1), biological yield per hectare (50.3 t ha-1), root yield per hectare (23.87 t ha-1), and total soluble solid (1.13 0Brix) were recorded maximum at harvest (77 days after sowing). The ascorbic acid was recorded maximum (0.181 mg ml-1) in vermicompost. It can be concluded that poultry manure can be used for higher yield for late-season radish cultivation under Rupandehi, Terai condition of Nepal.
Drivers of teenage pregnancy among school dropouts during the COVID-19 school closure in Wakiso District, Uganda, 2020–2021
Authors: Tayebwa Rogers , Auma Irene , Nsubuga Edirisa Juniour , Komakech Allan
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Teenage pregnancy remains a major problem in Uganda. During 2020–2021, many schools were closed to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which might have led to teenage pregnancies. We assessed drivers of teenage pregnancies among school dropouts during the COVID-19 school closure in Wakiso District, Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study during September–December 2022 using in-depth interviews among teenage school dropouts aged 13–19 years who became pregnant during the COVID-19 school closure (2020–2021). We also conducted key informant interviews with key leaders in the district. Questions focused on socio-demographic, behavioral, and health services drivers to teenage pregnancy. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and themes/sub-themes were generated.
Results
We interviewed 15 teenage girls and seven key informants. Mean age of the teenage girls was 15.6 ± 2.6 years. Three themes (socio-economic drivers, behavioral drivers, and health services drivers) and eight sub-themes emerged as drivers of teenage pregnancy for this population. The two sub-themes under socio-economic drivers included lost family income and living in risky neighborhoods. Under the behavioral drivers, we identified increased peer influence, indulgence in alcohol, and lack of recreational activities as our sub-themes. For the health services drivers, three sub-themes that could have led to teenage pregnancy included inaccessibility to sexual and reproductive health services, poor attitude of health workers, and shortage of health workers.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the multifaceted nature of drivers of teenage pregnancy as a result of COVID-19 school closures. We recommend comprehensive appropriate counseling for teenagers during future situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technology in Music Education
Authors: Maharaj Adita , Gill Akini
Published: November 2023

This study examined the use of music software as a pedagogical tool for the delivery of specific content in a music education course offered to Certificate and Bachelor of Education Program students at a Caribbean university. The existing course uses a traditional approach, and thus, the study is significant as the results would propel a shift toward transformational teaching. Twenty-four university students were chosen for the study which adopted a mixed methods approach. Over one semester, participants used a free, open-source music software program to learn simple time signatures. Students produced an assignment as well as completed a questionnaire. Ninety percent of students were able to compose eight bars of music according to a simple time signature using the software. Most participants intimated they felt comfortable and motivated using the software, they understood concepts taught, and they suggested its continued use. The majority of participants also stated that they required more training. Some participants even said that they would adopt this methodology on their teaching practicum. Based on the results, recommendations include the adoption of this and other technological teaching tools within the music program, a teaching practicum assessment, and a progressive training component for both students and staff.
TPACK and Teachers’ Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joshi Suresh
Published: November 2023

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) studies have surged over the past few years, however, there is a lack of studies that have comprehensively reviewed and synthesized data on teachers’ TPACK self-efficacy. The present review aimed to provide data on research methods, study samples, subject domains, and evaluation approaches used in the TPACK studies to date. The review also aimed to analyze teachers’ TPACK self-efficacy, self-efficacy beliefs, computer self-efficacy, and technology support concerning professional development. Five best bets (most searched databases) were selected on the Electronic Business Source Complete (EBSCO) host platform. An abstract level screening was conducted for 136 peer-reviewed articles, and 75 articles were selected for the detailed screening. The analyses were focused on year-wide appearance of TPACK studies, research methods, study samples, subject domains, and evaluation approaches used. The growth and development of TPACK self-efficacy was examined using the narrative approach. Results indicated that professional development interventions were effective in improving teachers’ TPACK self-efficacy. Also, TPACK-based argumentation practices helped participants strengthen their perceptions toward the integration of technology in classrooms. The implications of the findings for teacher preparation programs and other professional development activities were presented.
Ground state topology of a four-terminal superconducting double quantum dot
Authors: Teshler Lev , Weisbrich Hannes , Sturm Jonathan , Klees Raffael L. , Rastelli Gianluca , Belzig Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

In recent years, various classes of systems were proposed to realize topological states of matter. One of them are multiterminal Josephson junctions where topological Andreev bound states are constructed in the synthetic space of superconducting phases. Crucially, the topology in these systems results in a quantized transconductance between two of its terminals comparable to the quantum Hall effect. In this work, we study a double quantum dot with four superconducting terminals and show that it has an experimentally accessible topological regime in which the non-trivial topology can be measured. We also include Coulomb repulsion between electrons which is usually present in experiments and show how the topological region can be maximized in parameter space.
Topological defect lines in two dimensional fermionic CFTs
Authors: Chang Chi-Ming , Chen Jin , Xu Fengjun
Published: November 2023

We consider topological defect lines (TDLs) in two-dimensional fermionic conformal field theories (CFTs). Besides inheriting all the properties of TDLs in bosonic CFTs, TDLs in fermionic CFTs could host fermionic defect operators at their endpoints and junctions. Furthermore, there is a new type of TDLs, called q-type TDLs, that have no analog in bosonic CFTs. Their distinguishing feature is an extra one-dimensional Majorana fermion living on the worldline of the TDLs. The properties of TDLs in fermionic CFTs are captured in the mathematical language of the super fusion category. We propose a classification of the rank-2 super fusion categories generalizing the \mathbb{Z}_8ℤ8 classification for the anomalies of \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 symmetries. We explicitly solve the F-moves for all the nontrivial categories, and derive the corresponding spin selection rules that constrain the spectrum of the defect operators. We find the full set of TDLs in the standard fermionic minimal models and a partial set of TDLs in the two exceptional models, which give CFT realizations to the rank-2 super fusion categories. Finally, we discuss a constraint on the renormalization group flow that preserves a q-type TDL.
Does brassinosteroid mitigate salt stress in sorghum?
Authors: Benício Maurílio Rosa , Morais Yago César Rodrigues , Ferreira Eliane Aparecida Silveira , Carvalho Letícia Silva e , Matos Fábio Santos
Published: November 2023

The objective of the present study was to assess the mitigating effect of brassinosteroid regulator plant on damages caused by salt stress in sorghum. The experiment was carried out in pots containing 5 kg of substrate, on benches in a greenhouse covered with transparent plastic film and with a 50% shade screen on the sides. A completely randomized design with four replications was used, in a 2×5 factorial arrangement consisted of application and non-application of brassinosteroids at concentration of 0.1 mg L-1 applied at the 30, 37, and 45 days after emergence (DAE) and five salinity levels of the irrigation water (electrical conductivities of 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 dS m-1). The plants were irrigated with water from the public supplying system up to 45 DAE and, then, with brackish water up to 60 (DAE), when they were evaluated. Our results indicate that Brassinosteroids mitigated damages caused by salt stress by increasing the Ca to Na ratio. Sorghum is moderately resistant to salt stress by presenting a sodium extrusion mechanism activated by calcium. Further studies with longer exposure time to salt stress are recommended for a more thorough understanding and recommendation of the use of brackish water in sorghum crops
How agrometeorological and water deficit variations influence the growth and yield of sugarcane
Authors: Casaroli Derblai , Sanches Ieda Del’Arco , Quirino Dayanna Teodoro , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pêgo , Júnior José Alves , Flores Rilner Alves , Mesquita Marcio , Battisti Rafael
Published: November 2023

Edaphoclimatic variables play a crucial role in shaping both the growth and yield of sugarcane. This study aimed to evaluate the intricate relationships among plant variables, agrometeorological factors, and water stress conditions in three successive crop cycles of sugarcane (cane plant, ratoon 1, and ratoon 2). The investigated plant variables included stem height, stalk diameter, number of tillers, leaf area, leaf area index, and stalk fresh yield, alongside growth rates (growth/time). Concurrently, climate variables, such as air temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, solar and net radiation, reference evapotranspiration, and degree-days, were monitored. Additionally, water stress parameters, including water deficit and water surplus, were quantified. Statistical models were skillfully fitted (r2 > 0.90) to the biometric data, employing thermal time as a critical determinant. Surprisingly, no adverse agrometeorological or soil moisture conditions, as indicated in the literature, were detected when growth rates started to decline. This suggests that other unmeasured stress factors may have influenced the plants during that period. The analysis of the ratio between actual and maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETa/ETc) revealed the most pronounced sensitivity to water deficit during the vegetative growth phase (phase III). Moreover, the study identified that growth achieved satisfactory levels when at least 60% of the maximum crop evapotranspiration was met during the initial phases. A comprehensive cluster analysis encompassing height, leaf area, leaf area index, relative air humidity, soil moisture, and actual evapotranspiration rates provided valuable insights into the interrelated dynamics of these variables. Furthermore, a significant exponential reduction in yield was observed as the number of harvests increased. This decline in yield was attributed to the combined effects of 50% of biometric variables, 63% of agrometeorological variables, and 50% of water stress variables, all of which exhibited negative correlations with yield. Approximately 82%, 63%, and 71% of the correlations among biometric, agrometeorological, and water stress variables, respectively, were strong or very strong (r ≥ 0.70). As a result, this study highlights that: i) estimating sugarcane growth and tracking its developmental stages can be accomplished by employing appropriate models based on thermal time; ii) most biometric measurements exhibit correlations of r < 0.70 with agrometeorological variables; iii) an integrated understanding of biometric, agrometeorological, and water stress variables can effectively explain the observed reductions in sugarcane yield
Scientific Article Writing Mentoring for the English Subject Teacher Association in Palangka Raya
Authors: Erliana Santi , Pratika Dellis , Sulistiyana Levika Egita
Published: November 2023

This community service aimed to address the professional development needs of teachers to enhance their career prospects. Teachers must compile portfolios to accumulate credit points for career advancement, thus necessitating their proficiency as teacher-writers. Hence, this sustainable community service sought to assist English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in secondary high schools throughout Palangka Raya in comprehending the fundamentals of scientific writing, producing scientific articles, conducting research, and drafting research reports. The Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, which focuses on community empowerment, was employed for this endeavor. The activities were carried out over 12 workshop sessions involving 30 EFL teachers from the English Subject Teachers Association (MGMP) for junior and senior high schools in Palangka Raya. Before and after the workshops, KWL worksheets and WhatsApp Group discussions were utilized to facilitate the teachers' learning process. The results demonstrated that: (1) mentoring activities were executed effectively, with 80% of the planned materials successfully delivered to the participants; (2) participants expressed a positive perception of the activities, including satisfaction, relevance to their needs, comprehension, and overall significance.