bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on Magma Properties at Fragmentation During the 2011 Sub‐Plinian Eruptions of Kirishima Shinmoe‐dake Volcano, Japan
Authors: Kozono Tomofumi , Okumura Satoshi
Published: November 2022

We investigated essential factors controlling magma fragmentation during the 2011 sub‐Plinian eruptions of Kirishima Shinmoe‐dake volcano, Japan, based on observational data and the analysis of the conduit flow system. Key observational data of the Shinmoe‐dake eruptions are geophysically estimated magma discharge rate and petrologically measured crystallinity and porosity at the time of fragmentation. Using formulations of fragmentation criterion and conduit flow model, we derived analytical expressions describing the relationship among magmatic and geological parameters at the time of strain rate‐induced or stress fragmentation. The combination of the observational data and the analytical expressions revealed the relationship among weakly constrained parameters at the fragmentation, such as pressure, gas permeability in the magma, conduit radius, and maximum packing fraction of crystals, β*. From this relationship, we found that a smaller β*, less than approximately 0.5, is necessary for the fragmentation to occur for a wide range of the conduit radii under realistic pressure and gas permeability values. This reflects that in the case of the sub‐Plinian eruption with a moderate magma discharge rate, a drastic increase in magma viscosity induced by the smaller β* plays a crucial role in the occurrence of fragmentation. The strong dependence of the fragmentation process on β* indicates that the suspension rheology of crystal‐bearing magma is an essential factor controlling the magma ascent process during the moderate explosive eruption.
Mapping of Active Frazil and Sea Ice Production in the Northern Hemisphere, With Comparison to the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Nakata K. , Ohshima K. I.
Published: November 2022

Frazil ice in the coastal polynyas has been increasingly recognized as important for efficient sea ice production, associated dense water formation, transport of particulate matter and consequent biological production. However, it has not been well understood where and to what degree active‐frazil areas occur in the Northern Hemisphere polynyas. We presented the first mapping of active frazil in the Northern Hemisphere, using sea ice data during September–May for 2002/2003–2010/2011, created from an Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System thin ice algorithm that can detect active frazil areas. The North Water, Northeast Water, Anadyr, and St. Lawrence Island polynyas were found to have a relatively high occurrence rate of active frazil compared with other polynyas. We improved the estimation of sea ice production by discriminating between active frazil and thin solid ice and found that previous algorithms tended to overestimate sea ice production, particularly for polynyas dominated by thin solid ice such as the Okhotsk Northwestern polynya. We also made the first global comparison of polynya characteristics for all the major coastal polynyas. The annual ice production rate is 3–4 m yr−1 in the Northern Hemisphere polynyas and 6–9 m yr−1 in the Antarctic coastal polynyas. This large difference is mainly explained by the less frequent occurrence of active frazil and thin ice areas in the Northern Hemisphere polynyas owing to a lower occurrence of strong wind events.
Simple Hybrid Sea Ice Nudging Method for Improving Control Over Partitioning of Sea Ice Concentration and Thickness
Authors: Audette Alexandre , Kushner Paul J.
Published: November 2022

To assess the effect of ocean‐atmosphere coupling in the climate response to forced sea ice loss, the Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project protocol includes centennial coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model simulations with imposed sea ice loss. The protocol, which specifies sea ice concentration and thickness distribution targets, does not prescribe a method for achieving them. Although different methods for imposing sea ice loss (or growth) in models have been documented, testing of the method‐dependence of the resulting climate responses has been limited. Achieving the targeted sea ice state has proven to be challenging using the so‐called ghost‐flux nudging method, which induces ice melt from below, as this method does not constrain the partitioning between thickness and concentration. We propose, describe and test a simple method that combines the advantages of direct sea ice nudging and ghost‐flux nudging. The hybrid nudging method better captures the partitioning between thickness and concentration while conserving total water content. We document how this novel sea ice constraining method reaches specific targets, enhances surface turbulent heat flux responses to sea ice loss, and induces tropospheric warming for both polar regions.
Insights Into Episodic Exhumation of the Western Tibetan Plateau Since the Late Cretaceous From Low‐Temperature Thermochronology
Authors: Xu S. Y. , Dai J. G. , Li H. A. , Liu B. R. , Han X. , Wang C. S.
Published: November 2022

The western Tibetan Plateau (TP) is characterized by low relief with high elevation separated by deep river valleys. When and how this characteristic topography developed remains ambiguous. Here, we present apatite (U‐Th)/He and fission‐track ages from three groups of samples with different geomorphic and geological settings. Thermal histories and exhumation rates were extracted from the thermochronological data. An early stage of exhumation (ca. 0.1 km/Ma) during 70–40 Ma was recorded by all samples, followed by slow exhumation (0.03–0.06 km/Ma) since the Eocene for the sample farthest away from faults and incised valley. The second stage of faster exhumation (ca. 0.13–0.15 km/Ma) during 30–23 Ma was revealed by samples from the hanging wall of thrust faults, whereas the third stage of exhumation during 15–12 Ma (ca. 0.1 km/Ma) was identified from samples in the Dingzi Zangbo valley. Combined with the regional geological setting, we propose that (a) the Late Cretaceous‐Early Eocene exhumation in the western TP was related to regional thrust‐induced crustal thickening and led to the formation of the proto‐TP; (b) the proto‐TP was modified by local structures and river incision. The Oligocene exhumation might be caused by local thrust activity, whereas the Miocene exhumation might be related to the transition from internal to external drainage. The continuous activity of the Karakoram fault resulted in another reorganization of drainage which led to the slow exhumation since 9 Ma. Our results highlight that tectonic and drainage network reorganization play an important role in shaping the geomorphology of the western TP.
Management of hypertensive crisis: British and Irish Hypertension Society Position document
Authors: Kulkarni Spoorthy , Glover Mark , Kapil Vikas , Abrams S. M. L. , Partridge Sarah , McCormack Terry , Sever Peter , Delles Christian , Wilkinson Ian B.
Published: November 2022

Patients with hypertensive emergencies, malignant hypertension and acute severe hypertension are managed heterogeneously in clinical practice. Initiating anti-hypertensive therapy and setting BP goal in acute settings requires important considerations which differ slightly across various diagnoses and clinical contexts. This position paper by British and Irish Hypertension Society, aims to provide clinicians a framework for diagnosing, evaluating, and managing patients with hypertensive crisis, based on the critical appraisal of available evidence and expert opinion.
Light People: Professor Stefan Hell
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: November 2022

Editorial

“When all those around me are drunk, I alone am sober,” lamented an ancient Chinese poet on fighting a lone and helpless cause. In the world of science a few decades ago, there was also a lone researcher who pursued the field of optical resolution despite suspicions and derisions. Unlike those who made their names young, this scientist only succeeded thanks to his own perseverance. He developed the 4Pi microscope and successfully increased the vertical resolution of traditional optical microscopes by 3–7 times. Once he sold the patent to a company, he invested the little personal money gained from the patent in breaking the Abbe diffraction limit. Despite all his hard work, his papers kept getting rejected by respected journals, and his work was subjected to mistrust and even criticism. This scientist is Stefan Hell, someone who is never afraid of difficulties and ever determined to forge ahead.

Hell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 for being the first to propose and demonstrate that the optical diffraction limit can be broken, and for successfully developing the STED super-resolution fluorescence microscope. Later Hell and his colleagues proposed and commercialized MINFLUX, which brought optical microscopy technology to the three-dimensional single-nanometer scale, opening the “post-superresolution era”.

Frank and sincere, persistent and humble, boldly innovative and resolute, Hell is a scientist, an entrepreneur, a mentor, and an everyday man who enjoys life.

In this interview, we will reacquaint ourselves with the Nobel laureate, Stefan Hell.
Parental concern for clinically vulnerable child during first 18 months of the COVID pandemic
Authors: Driessens Corine , Mills Lynne , Culliford David , Patel Ravin , Lee Emma , Gbesemete Diane , Chappell Harry , Shaunak Meera , Faust Saul N. , de Graaf Hans ,   On behalf of the ImmunoCOVID19 study group (Appendix A)
Published: November 2022

Background

The uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with increased parental concern. The aim of this study is to explore if this increased level of concern is associated with certain individual/household characteristics or if parents adapted to the ever-changing realities of the COVID-19 pandemic over time.

Methods

This prospective study explored COVID-19 concern trajectories and associated family characteristics of 765 UK parents caring for an immunosuppressed child during the first 18 months of the pandemic using growth mixture modelling. Qualitative analysis was performed to examine in more detail the source of concern.

Results

Four different trajectories of parental COVID-19 concern were identified. Ongoing very high concern was associated with caring for children with nephrotic or respiratory disease; having a child on an organ transplant waiting list; residency in the North of England; or parental vocational inactivity. Explicit concerns voiced by the parents generally followed national trends, but vulnerable status specific concerns were also reported.

Conclusion

Diagnosis and prescribed medication of the immunosuppressed child, geographical location, household composition, and employment status of parent were associated with the different concern trajectories. This information can be helpful in targeting psychological family care where it is most needed.

Impact

Many British parents caring for a clinically vulnerable child during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic showed high levels of concern with little sign of psychological adaptation.

Consistent with findings from non-vulnerable populations, parents mentioned the impact of shielding and repeated isolation on their child’s education, social life, and mental health.

Unique to the clinically vulnerable population, parents were worried about child’s health status, impact of delayed healthcare, and were confused by the contradictory information received from government, doctors, and media.

Psychological family care can be targeted to those parents at greater risk for high levels of concern.
Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in health and disease
Authors: Chen Liyun , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: November 2022

As an essential micronutrient, copper is required for a wide range of physiological processes in virtually all cell types. Because the accumulation of intracellular copper can induce oxidative stress and perturbing cellular function, copper homeostasis is tightly regulated. Recent studies identified a novel copper-dependent form of cell death called cuproptosis, which is distinct from all other known pathways underlying cell death. Cuproptosis occurs via copper binding to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, which leads to subsequent protein aggregation, proteotoxic stress, and ultimately cell death. Here, we summarize our current knowledge regarding copper metabolism, copper-related disease, the characteristics of cuproptosis, and the mechanisms that regulate cuproptosis. In addition, we discuss the implications of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of various disease conditions, including Wilson’s disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer, and we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cuproptosis.
E2F1-initiated transcription of PRSS22 promotes breast cancer metastasis by cleaving ANXA1 and activating FPR2/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Song Lin , Li Hui , Ma Ran-Ran , Liu Sen , Zhang Guo-Hao , Guo Xiang-Yu , Zhao Rui-Nan , Wu Xiao-Juan , Zhang Kai , Gao Peng
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. Metastasis is the main cause of BC-related death. The specific mechanism underlying BC metastasis remains obscure. Recently, PRSS22 was discovered to be involved in tumor development, however, its detailed biological function and regulatory mechanism in BC are unclear. Here, we characterized that PRSS22 expression is upregulated in BC tissues compared with non-tumorous breast tissues. Dual luciferase assays, bioinformatics analyses and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays indicated that transcription factor E2F1 directly binds to the PRSS22 promoter region and activates its transcription. Functionally, upregulation of PRSS22 promoted invasion and metastasis of BC cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas knockdown of PRSS22 inhibited its function. Mechanistically, the combination of PRSS22 and ANXA1 protein in BC cells was first screened by protein mass spectrometry analysis, and then confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and western blot assays. Co-overexpression of PRSS22 and ANXA1 could promote BC cell migration and invasion. We further demonstrated that PRSS22 promotes the cleavage of ANXA1 and in turn generates an N-terminal peptide, which initiates the FPR2/ERK signaling axis to increase BC aggressiveness.
BTN3A1 promotes tumor progression and radiation resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating ULK1-mediated autophagy
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Cheng Bo , Chen Pengxiang , Sun Xiaozheng , Wen Zhihua , Cheng Yufeng
Published: November 2022

Radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, radioresistance is a clinical problem that must urgently be solved. Here, we found that butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A1 (BTN3A1) is upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues compared with nontumor tissues. We also evaluated BTN3A1 expression in patients with ESCC receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. The results demonstrated that BTN3A1 upregulation predicts a poor prognosis for ESCC patients. BTN3A1 overexpression promotes ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, BTN3A1 knockdown sensitized ESCC cells to radiation. We further explored the mode of death involved in BTN3A1-mediated radioresistance. Previous studies have shown that apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, pyroptosis and ferroptosis are important for the survival of ESCC cells. We performed an RT-PCR array and western blotting (WB) to identify the mode of death and revealed for the first time that BTN3A1 promotes cell radioresistance by activating autophagy. In addition, by performing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses, we found that BTN3A1 regulated the expression of UNC-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1(ULK1) and promoted its phosphorylation to subsequently initiate autophagy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay results indicated that BTN3A1 is a novel direct target of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). HIF-1α, a transcription factor, promotes BTN3A1 transcription upon irradiation. Overall, the present study is the first to show that BTN3A1 plays a key role in radioresistance and that targeting BTN3A1 might be a promising strategy to improve radiotherapy efficacy in patients with ESCC.
Alveolar cell fate selection and lifelong maintenance of AT2 cells by FGF signaling
Authors: Brownfield Douglas G. , de Arce Alex Diaz , Ghelfi Elisa , Gillich Astrid , Desai Tushar J. , Krasnow Mark A.
Published: November 2022

The lung’s gas exchange surface is comprised of alveolar AT1 and AT2 cells that are corrupted in several common and deadly diseases. They arise from a bipotent progenitor whose differentiation is thought to be dictated by differential mechanical forces. Here we show the critical determinant is FGF signaling. Fgfr2 is expressed in the developing progenitors in mouse then restricts to nascent AT2 cells and remains on throughout life. Its ligands are expressed in surrounding mesenchyme and can, in the absence of exogenous mechanical cues, induce progenitors to form alveolospheres with intermingled AT2 and AT1 cells. FGF signaling directly and cell autonomously specifies AT2 fate; progenitors lacking Fgfr2 in vitro and in vivo exclusively acquire AT1 fate. Fgfr2 loss in AT2 cells perinatally results in reprogramming to AT1 identity, whereas loss or inhibition later in life triggers AT2 apoptosis and compensatory regeneration. We propose that Fgfr2 signaling selects AT2 fate during development, induces a cell non-autonomous AT1 differentiation signal, then continuously maintains AT2 identity and survival throughout life.
Impact of hydronium ions on the Pd-catalyzed furfural hydrogenation
Authors: Yu Iris K. M. , Deng Fuli , Chen Xi , Cheng Guanhua , Liu Yue , Zhang Wei , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: November 2022

In aqueous mediums, the chemical environment for catalytic reactions is not only comprised of water molecules but also of corresponding ionized species, i.e., hydronium ions, which can impact the mechanism and kinetics of a reaction. Here we show that in aqueous-phase hydrogenation of furfural on Pd/C, increasing the hydronium ion activities by five orders of magnitude (from pH 7 to pH 1.6) leads to an increase of less than one order of magnitude in the reaction rate. Instead of a proton-coupled electron transfer pathway, our results show that a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism describes the rate-limiting hydrogen addition step, where hydrogen atom adsorbed on Pd is transferred to the carbonyl C atom of the reactant. As such, the strength of hydrogen binding on Pd, which decreases with increasing hydronium ion concentration (i.e., 2 kJ molH2−1 per unit pH), is a decisive factor in hydrogenation kinetics (rate constant +270%). In comparison, furfural adsorption on Pd is pH-independent, maintaining a tilted geometry that favors hydrogen attack at the carbonyl group over the furan ring.
Long noncoding RNA DIO3OS induces glycolytic-dominant metabolic reprogramming to promote aromatase inhibitor resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Xueman , Luo Rong , Zhang Yunmei , Ye Shuying , Zeng Xin , Liu Jiang , Huang Di , Liu Yujie , Liu Qiang , Luo Man-Li , Song Erwei
Published: November 2022

Aromatase inhibition is an efficient endocrine therapy to block ectopic estrogen production for postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients, but many develop resistance. Here, we show that aromatase inhibitor (AI)-resistant breast tumors display features of enhanced aerobic glycolysis with upregulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DIO3OS, which correlates with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients on AI therapies. Long-term estrogen deprivation induces DIO3OS expression in ER-positive breast tumor cells, which further enhances aerobic glycolysis and promotes estrogen-independent cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DIO3OS interacts with polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and stabilizes the mRNA of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) by protecting the integrity of its 3’UTR, and subsequently upregulates LDHA expression and activates glycolytic metabolism in AI-resistant breast cancer cells. Our findings highlight the role of lncRNA in regulating the key enzyme of glycolytic metabolism in response to endocrine therapies and the potential of targeting DIO3OS to reverse AI resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
SENP1 prevents steatohepatitis by suppressing RIPK1-driven apoptosis and inflammation
Authors: Yan Lingjie , Zhang Tao , Wang Kai , Chen Zezhao , Yang Yuanxin , Shan Bing , Sun Qi , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Yichi , Zhong Yedan , Liu Nan , Gu Jinyang , Xu Daichao
Published: November 2022

Activation of RIPK1-driven cell death and inflammation play important roles in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the mechanism underlying RIPK1 activation in NASH remains unclear. Here we identified SENP1, a SUMO-specific protease, as a key endogenous inhibitor of RIPK1. SENP1 is progressively reduced in proportion to NASH severity in patients. Hepatocyte-specific SENP1-knockout mice develop spontaneous NASH-related phenotypes in a RIPK1 kinase-dependent manner. We demonstrate that SENP1 deficiency sensitizes cells to RIPK1 kinase-dependent apoptosis by promoting RIPK1 activation following TNFα stimulation. Mechanistically, SENP1 deSUMOylates RIPK1 in TNF-R1 signaling complex (TNF-RSC), keeping RIPK1 in check. Loss of SENP1 leads to SUMOylation of RIPK1, which re-orchestrates TNF-RSC and modulates the ubiquitination patterns and activity of RIPK1. Notably, genetic inhibition of RIPK1 effectively reverses disease progression in hepatocyte-specific SENP1-knockout male mice with high-fat-diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver. We propose that deSUMOylation of RIPK1 by SENP1 provides a pathophysiologically relevant cell death-restricting checkpoint that modulates RIPK1 activation in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy benefit using deep learning from stromal histology in breast cancer
Authors: Li Fengling , Yang Yongquan , Wei Yani , Zhao Yuanyuan , Fu Jing , Xiao Xiuli , Zheng Zhongxi , Bu Hong
Published: November 2022

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard treatment option for locally advanced breast cancer. However, not all patients benefit from NAC; some even obtain worse outcomes after therapy. Hence, predictors of treatment benefit are crucial for guiding clinical decision-making. Here, we investigated the predictive potential of breast cancer stromal histology via a deep learning (DL)-based approach and proposed the tumor-associated stroma score (TS-score) for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) to NAC with a multicenter dataset. The TS-score was demonstrated to be an independent predictor of pCR, and it not only outperformed the baseline variables and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) but also significantly improved the prediction performance of the baseline variable-based model. Furthermore, we discovered that unlike lymphocytes, collagen and fibroblasts in the stroma were likely associated with a poor response to NAC. The TS-score has the potential to better stratify breast cancer patients in NAC settings.
Designing high-TC superconductors with BCS-inspired screening, density functional theory, and deep-learning
Authors: Choudhary Kamal , Garrity Kevin
Published: November 2022

We develop a multi-step workflow for the discovery of conventional superconductors, starting with a Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer inspired pre-screening of 1736 materials with high Debye temperature and electronic density of states. Next, we perform electron-phonon coupling calculations for 1058 of them to establish a large and systematic database of BCS superconducting properties. Using the McMillan-Allen-Dynes formula, we identify 105 dynamically stable materials with transition temperatures,TC ≥ 5 K. Additionally, we analyze trends in our dataset and individual materials including MoN, VC, VTe, KB6, Ru3NbC, V3Pt, ScN, LaN2, RuO2, and TaC. We demonstrate that deep-learning(DL) models can predict superconductor properties faster than direct first-principles computations. Notably, we find that by predicting the Eliashberg function as an intermediate quantity, we can improve model performance versus a direct DL prediction ofTC. We apply the trained models on the crystallographic open database and pre-screen candidates for further DFT calculations.
Computational modeling of complex bioenergetic mechanisms that modulate CD4+ T cell effector and regulatory functions
Authors: Baker Ryan , Hontecillas Raquel , Tubau-Juni Nuria , Leber Andrew J. , Kale Shiv , Bassaganya-Riera Josep
Published: November 2022

We built a computational model of complex mechanisms at the intersection of immunity and metabolism that regulate CD4+ T cell effector and regulatory functions by using coupled ordinary differential equations. The model provides an improved understanding of how CD4+ T cells are shaping the immune response during Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), and how they may be targeted pharmacologically to produce a more robust regulatory (Treg) response, which is associated with improved disease outcomes during CDI and other diseases. LANCL2 activation during CDI decreased the effector response, increased regulatory response, and elicited metabolic changes that favored Treg. Interestingly, LANCL2 activation provided greater immune and metabolic modulation compared to the addition of exogenous IL-2. Additionally, we identified gluconeogenesis via PEPCK-M as potentially responsible for increased immunosuppressive behavior in Treg cells. The model can perturb immune signaling and metabolism within a CD4+ T cell and obtain clinically relevant outcomes that help identify novel drug targets for infectious, autoimmune, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Long-range connections are crucial for synchronization transition in a computational model of Drosophila brain dynamics
Authors: Qiu Shuihan , Sun Kaijia , Di Zengru
Published: November 2022

The synchronization transition type has been the focus of attention in recent years because it is associated with many functional characteristics of the brain. In this paper, the synchronization transition in neural networks with sleep-related biological drives in Drosophila is investigated. An electrical synaptic neural network is established to research the difference between the synchronization transition of the network during sleep and wake, in which neurons regularly spike during sleep and chaotically spike during wake. The synchronization transition curves are calculated mainly using the global instantaneous order parametersS. The underlying mechanisms and types of synchronization transition during sleep are different from those during wake. During sleep, regardless of the network structure, a frustrated (discontinuous) transition can be observed. Moreover, the phenomenon of quasi periodic partial synchronization is observed in ring-shaped regular network with and without random long-range connections. As the network becomes dense, the synchronization of the network only needs to slightly increase the coupling strengthg. While during wake, the synchronization transition of the neural network is very dependent on the network structure, and three mechanisms of synchronization transition have emerged: discontinuous synchronization (explosive synchronization and frustrated synchronization), and continuous synchronization. The random long-range connections is the main topological factor that plays an important role in the resulting synchronization transition. Furthermore, similarities and differences are found by comparing synchronization transition research for the Hodgkin-Huxley neural network in the beta-band and gammma-band, which can further improve the synchronization phase transition research of biologically motivated neural networks. A complete research framework can also be used to study coupled nervous systems, which can be extended to general coupled dynamic systems.
Co-administration of FVIII with IVIG reduces immune response to FVIII in hemophilia A mice
Authors: Afraz Sajjad , Stevic Ivan , Matino Davide , Wen Jianping , Atkinson Helen , Chan Anthony K. C. , Hortelano Gonzalo
Published: November 2022

Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive congenital bleeding disorder. Exogenous infusion of FVIII is the treatment of choice, and the development of immunoglobulins against FVIII (inhibitors) remains the major challenge in clinical management of the disease. Here, we investigated the effect of co-administration of FVIII with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on the development of inhibitors in previously untreated hemophilia A mice. A group of hemophilia A mice (C57BL/6FVIII−/−) received weekly injections of recombinant human FVIII (rFVIII) for twelve consecutive weeks while a second group received co-injections of rFVIII + IVIG. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was designed to detect antibodies to rFVIII. Every mouse in the first group developed antibodies to rFVIII. In contrast, mice treated with rFVIII + IVIG showed significantly lower antibody titers. Interestingly, when co-administration of IVIG was discontinued after 12 weeks in some mice (rFVIII continued), these mice experienced an increase in antibody titer. In contrast, mice that continued to receive rFVIII + IVIG retained significantly lower titers. In conclusion, prophylactic rFVIII co-administration with IVIG modulated the immune response to FVIII and resulted in decreased anti-FVIII antibody titer. These findings suggest that co-injection therapy with IVIG could potentially be effective in the management of hemophilia A patients at risk of inhibitor development.
Synthesis and characterization of Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles for potent antifungal activity against dry rot of ginger (Fusarium oxysporum)
Authors: Sharma Sushma , Kumari Poonam , Thakur Priyanka , Brar Gaganpreet Singh , Bouqellah Nahla A. , Hesham Abd El-Latif
Published: November 2022

Current study signifies the use of nanoparticles as alternative in plant disease management to avoid harmful effect of pesticide and fungicide residue. Synthesis of nanoparticles (Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4) by hydrothermal method and studied their X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectra, and UV spectra and further successfully evaluated for antifungal activity against a soil and seed borne pathogenic fungus (Fusarium oxysporum).Among various pests, fungal pathogens are the main cause of crop destruction and we developed nanoparticles (Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4) which is successfully evaluated for antimycotic activity against dry rot (F. oxysporum) of ginger which causes 50–70% losses in the ginger plant. In vitro and in vivo analysis designated that the nanoparticles (Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4) has shown an excellent antifungal activity against F. oxysporum at 0.5 mg/ml concentration. Similarly, no disease incidence was recorded when Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles used at 0.5 mg/ml concentration under in vivo conditions. In plants various environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic) leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing progressive oxidative damage and ultimately leads to cell death. The role of ROS in nanoparticles (Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4) represents by reduction in the growth inhibition of F. oxysporum. We speculated in light of these results that the cytotoxic effect of Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles on F. oxysporum may be mediated through ROS. We can suggest the role of nanoparticles (Ni0.5Al0.5Fe2O4) gives a promising result as a fungicidal activity and could be a novel family of future new generation fungicide.
Results of the performance test for quality assessment of personal radiation dosimetry services including the influence of the dosimeter readout frequency
Authors: Feng Chen-Ju , Wu Chin-Hui , Huang Yi-Hui , Chu Chien-Hau , Lien Ke-Yu , Wang Yu-Chieh , Lee Shen-Hao , Hsu Shih-Ming
Published: November 2022

This study was to determine the significance of factors considered for the measurement accuracy of personal dosimeter in dosimetry services such as dosimetry service, irradiation category, years of use and readout frequency. The investigation included management information questionnaire, on-site visit and blind test. The blind test with random selected personal badge was used in inter-comparison of eight dosimetry services, and the test results followed ANSI/HPS N13.11 criteria. This study also analyzed the measurement deviations if they felt in the criteria of ICRP 75 or not. One-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the significant difference of the measurement deviations in different dosimetry services, irradiation categories, and years of use. Simple linear-regression test was performed for the significance of the prediction model between measurement deviations and readout frequencies. All visited dosimetry services followed the proper statue of basic management and passed the performance check of the tolerance level. The average deviations corresponding to category I, category II deep dose, and category II shallow dose were 6.08%, 9.49%, and 10.41% respectively. There had significant differences of measurement deviation in different dosimetry services (p < 0.0001) and irradiation categories (p = 0.016) but no significant difference in years of use (p = 0.498). There was no significance in the linear-regression model between measurement deviation and badge readout frequencies. Based on the regular calibration of the personal dosimeter, the deviation of the measured value is mainly affected by different dosimetry services and irradiation categories; and there shows no significant influence by years of use and readout frequency.
First theoretical framework for highly efficient photovoltaic parameters by structural modification with benzothiophene-incorporated acceptors in dithiophene based chromophores
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Ahmed Rameez , shafiq Iqra , Arshad Muhammad , Asghar Muhammad Adnan , Munawar Khurram Shahzad , Imran Muhammad , Braga Ataualpa A. C.
Published: November 2022

Now a days, researchers are constantly doing efforts to upgrade the performance of solar based devices with the aim of increasing the role of photovoltaic materials in modern hi-tech optoelectronic applications. Realizing the recent energy conditions across the globe, research is diverted from fullerene to non-fullerene electron acceptor moieties in this era, considering their remarkable contribution in organic solar cells (OSCs). Therefore, we designed seven novel non-fullerene fused ring electron acceptor chromophores (MD2–MD8) from DOC2C6-2F by structural tailoring with different acceptors at end-capped units. DFT study was performed at B3LYP functional to discover the opto-electronic characteristics of the newly tailored chromophores. Various analysis such as frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), transition density matrix (TDM), density of states (DOS), binding energy (Eb), reorganization energy, open circuit voltage (Voc) was carried out to comprehend the photovoltaic response of MD2–MD8. Decrease in band gaps (1.940–1.571 eV) with wider absorption spectrum (725.690–939.844 nm in chloroform) along with greater charge transfer rate from HOMO towards LUMO were examined in derivatives as compared to MR1 (Egap = 1.976 eV, λmax = 738.221 nm) except MD7. Further, in all derivatives, smaller values of Eb (0.252–0.279 eV) were examined than that of reference (0.296 eV). These lower binding energy values of MD2–MD8 indicated the higher rate of excitation dissociation with lager charger transfer rate than MR1, which further supported by DOS and TDM analyses. Additionally, least reorganization energy in the aforesaid compounds for hole with electron was also inspected. Moreover, Voc a good photovoltaic response was noted for all studied compounds which indicated that these compounds are suitable to synthesize OSCs in future.
Identification of potential microRNA diagnostic panels and uncovering regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Sharifi Zahra , Talkhabi Mahmood , Taleahmad Sara
Published: November 2022

Early diagnosis of breast cancer (BC), as the most common cancer among women, increases the survival rate and effectiveness of treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control various cell behaviors, and their dysregulation is widely involved in pathophysiological processes such as BC development and progress. In this study, we aimed to identify potential miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis of BC. We also proposed a consensus-based strategy to analyze the miRNA expression data to gain a deeper insight into the regulatory roles of miRNAs in BC initiation. Two microarray datasets (GSE106817 and GSE113486) were analyzed to explore the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in serum of BC patients and healthy controls. Utilizing multiple bioinformatics tools, six serum-based miRNA biomarkers (miR-92a-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-590-5p and miR-190a-5p) were identified for BC diagnosis. We applied our consensus and integration approach to construct a comprehensive BC-specific miRNA-TF co-regulatory network. Using different combination of these miRNA biomarkers, two novel diagnostic models, consisting of miR-92a-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-191-5p (model 1) and miR-92a-3p, miR-23b-3p, miR-141-3p, and miR-590-5p (model 2), were obtained from bioinformatics analysis. Validation analysis was carried out for the considered models on two microarray datasets (GSE73002 and GSE41922). The model based on similar network topology features, comprising miR-92a-3p, miR-23b-3p and miR-191-5p was the most promising model in the diagnosis of BC patients from healthy controls with 0.89 sensitivity, 0.96 specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98. These findings elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying BC and represent novel biomarkers for early BC diagnosis.
Associations of suffering with facets of health and well-being among working adults: longitudinal evidence from two samples
Authors: Cowden Richard G. , Seidman Andrew J. , Duffee Charlotte , Węziak-Białowolska Dorota , McNeely Eileen , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: November 2022

Suffering is an experiential state that every person encounters at one time or another, yet little is known about suffering and its consequences for the health and well-being of nonclinical adult populations. In a pair of longitudinal studies, we used two waves of data from garment factory workers (Study 1 [T1: 2017, T2: 2019]: n = 344) and flight attendants (Study 2 [T1: 2017/2018, T2: 2020]: n = 1402) to examine the prospective associations of suffering with 16 outcomes across different domains of health and well-being: physical health, health behavior, mental health, psychological well-being, character strengths, and social well-being. The primary analysis involved a series of regression analyses in which each T2 outcome was regressed on overall suffering assessed at T1, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics and the baseline value (or close proxy) of the outcome assessed at T1. In Study 1, associations of overall suffering with worse subsequent health and well-being were limited to a single outcome on each of the domains of physical health and mental health. Overall suffering was more consistently related to worse subsequent health and well-being in Study 2, with associations emerging for all but two outcomes. The pattern of findings for each study was largely similar when aspects of suffering were modeled individually, although associations for some aspects of suffering differed from those that emerged for overall suffering. Our findings suggest that suffering may have important implications for the health and well-being of worker populations.
Incidence of unplanned intensive care unit admission following surgery and associated factors in Amhara regional state hospitals
Authors: Yetneberk Tikuneh , Firde Meseret , Tiruneh Abebe , Fentie Yewlsew , Tariku Mequanent , Mihret Gashaw , Moore Jolene
Published: November 2022

Unplanned postoperative critical care admission poses a potential risk to patients and places unanticipated pressure on clinical services and it has become an important parameter to assess patient safety in perioperative services. This study was aimed to determine the incidence of unplanned intensive care unit admission following surgery and the associated factors. A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on postoperative patients admitted to the ICU of three hospitals located in the Amhara region. Data were collected via a structured survey tool and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software with binary logistic regression analysis. The statistical significance to identify patient, anesthetic and surgical related factors in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period was < 0.05 for multivariable regression with a 95% confidence interval. Predominantly patients were admitted to the ICU in an unplanned manner. ASA status, preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) level, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and adverse events occurring in the operating room were significantly associated with intensive care unit admission following surgery. Patients who had a low preoperative Hgb value were 35.1 times more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit in an unplanned manner compared with their counterparts [(Adjust odds ratio (AOR) 35.16; CI 12.82, 96.44)]. Patients with ASA II and III were 19.4 and 16.2 times more likely to be admitted to ICU in an unplanned way compared to patients who had ASA I physical status [(AOR 51.79; CI 8.28, 323.94) (AOR 67.8 CI 14.68, 313.53)]. Unplanned ICU admission after surgery was high in this study, suggesting poor perioperative planning, risk stratification, and optimization of patients.
Factor mobility, transportation network and green economic growth of the urban agglomeration
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Lu Xiangyi , Chen Jun , Li Na
Published: November 2022

Understanding the externalities of transportation networks in the process of the agglomeration and diffusion of production factors has theoretical and practical significance for the coordinated development of China's economic growth in urban agglomerations. Therefore, the social network analysis method is introduced in this paper with the case of the Pan Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration to analyze the characteristics of the traffic connection network of the production factor flow within this urban agglomeration, and subsequently, an econometric panel model is adopted to quantitatively analyze the effect of the connection network on the economic growth of the urban agglomeration. The results show that (1) the traffic connection of the Pan Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration has network characteristics typical of a “small world”. Although the connections between cities are gradually strengthening, the regional differences are obvious, showing a core–edge pattern of eastern agglomeration and western sparseness. (2) Among the network nodes, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other cities have obvious agglomeration and diffusion effects, stabilizing economic growth while driving the development of surrounding cities. The "polarization effect" in Chongqing and Chengdu has significantly increased, and the accumulation of factors mainly meets their own economic development but has not yet spread. (3) The Pan Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration's transportation network influences the region’s economic growth through the structural effect, as it strengthens the economic ties between cities, and through the action of resource factors, as the network represents the aggregation and diffusion path of factor flow. (4) Due to the different traffic connections and industrial structures across the Pan Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration, the factor flow of each suburban agglomeration has a differentiated impact on the regional economic growth under the traffic connection network. Therefore, to realize the coordinated economic development of the Pan Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration, it is necessary to "adjust measures to local conditions" and formulate accurate and precise policies.
Survival outcomes after breast-conserving surgery plus radiotherapy compared with mastectomy in breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion
Authors: Xia Lin-Yu , Xu Wei-Yun , Hu Qing-Lin
Published: November 2022

Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) is a subtype of breast cancer with a good prognosis, for which both breast conserving surgery plus radiotherapy (BCS + RT) and mastectomy are feasible surgical methods, but no clear conclusion has been made on the choice of these treatments. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database to extract 5432 DCIS-MI patients. Participants were divided into the BCS + RT group and the mastectomy group. We compared the overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) of the two groups using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regressions before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Before PSM, both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that BCS + RT group had significantly higher OS and BCSS compared with patients in the mastectomy group (P < 0.001). After PSM, the multivariate analysis showed that compared with mastectomy, the BCS + RT showed significantly higher OS and BCSS (HR = 0.676, 95% CI = 0.540–0.847, P < 0.001; HR = 0.565,95% CI = 0.354–0.903, P = 0.017). In addition, the subgroup analysis showed that BCS + RT is at least equivalent to mastectomy with respect to OS and BCSS in any subgroup. For patients with DCIS-MI, the prognosis of BCS + RT was superior to mastectomy.
Utilizing artificial intelligence to solving time – cost – quality trade-off problem
Authors: Son Pham Vu Hong , Khoi Luu Ngoc Quynh
Published: November 2022

This study presents the Slime Mold Algorithm (SMA) to solve the time—cost—quality trade-off problem in a construction project. The proposed SMA is a flexible and efficient algorithm in exploration and exploitation to reach the best optimal solution to process the input model’s data. This paper aims to discuss and solve the optimization problem and compare the evaluation with other algorithms such as Opposition-based Multiple Objective Differential Evolution, Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm, Multiple objective particle swarm optimization, Multiple objective differential evolution and Chaotic initialized multiple objective differential evolution (CAMODE) to verify the efficiency and potential of the proposed algorithm. According to the analysis results, the SMA model generated a diversification measure for case studies, producing superior outcomes to those of previous algorithms.
Anti-reflecting metasurface for broadband polarization independent absorption at Ku band frequencies
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Fida Aliza , Rashid Aamir , Siddiqui Omar , Tahir Farooq A.
Published: November 2022

An impedance matched metasurface can efficiently channel the electromagnetic fields for maximum power transfer. The thin film based impedance matching techniques often utilize highly dissipative materials and destructive interference of reflection components from multiple subwavelength layers. Here, we propose a novel method to achieve anti reflection characteristics through destructive interference of antiparallel electromagnetic scattering emerging from chiral metasurface. The supercell structure of metasurface consists of four adjacent multi split-rings on FR-4 substrate. The split-rings are arranged to induce anti-parallel surface currents leading to destructive interference for scattered fields. The antireflection characteristics results in near perfect broadband absorption at dual frequency bands. A broadband absorption of 983 MHz is achieved between 12.687 and 13.669 GHz. Similarly, a narrow band absorption of 108 MHz is achieved in frequency range of 15.307–15.415 GHz. The impedance matched with unique symmetric design of supercell results in identical absorption for both x- and y-polarized incident fields. The numerical and experimental results verify broadband absorption characteristics at Ku band frequencies. The proposed metasurface absorber can be used for microwave energy harvesting applications.