bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HitSim: An Efficient Algorithm for Single-Source and Top-k SimRank Computation
Authors: Bai Jing , Zhou Junfeng , Chen Shuotong , Du Ming , Chen Ziyang , Min Mengtao
Published: July 2023

SimRank is a widely-used metric for evaluating vertex similarity based on graph topology, with diverse applications such as large-scale graph mining and natural language processing. The objective of the single-source and top-k SimRank query problem is to retrieve the k vertices with the largest SimRank to the source vertex. However, existing algorithms suffer from inefficiency as they require computing SimRank for all vertices to retrieve the top-k results. To address this issue, we propose an algorithm named HitSim that utilizes a branch and bound strategy for the single-source and top-k query. HitSim initially partitions vertices into distinct sets based on their shortest-meeting lengths to the source vertex. Subsequently, it computes the upper bound of SimRank for each set. If the upper bound of a set is no larger than the minimum value of the current top-k results, HitSim efficiently batch prunes the unpromising vertices within the set. However, in scenarios where the graph becomes dense, certain sets with large upper bounds may contain numerous vertices with small SimRank, leading to redundant overhead when processing these vertices. To address this issue, we propose an optimized algorithm named HitSim-OPT that computes the upper bound of SimRank for each vertex instead of each set, resulting in a fine-grained and efficient pruning process. The experimental results conducted on six real-world datasets demonstrate the performance of our algorithms in efficiently addressing the single-source and top-k query problem.
Efficacy of adjuvant Photobiomodulation with Acyclovir in herpes simplex virus type 1 recurrence ulcers treatment, a single-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Seyyedi Seyyed Amir , Gobaran Zahra Mirzaei , yekani Sepideh , Taram Saman
Published: July 2023

Objective
This study aimed to determine the effect of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), one of the most common herpes simplex virus type 1 infections.
Material and Methods
In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, Twenty-four symptomatic patients with RHL were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into the case (received 1% acyclovir cream with PBM 5 times a day for 5 days and control groups who received acyclovir cream similar to the regimen of the treatment group without PBM. The size of the lesions, and pain intensity (based on a visual analogue scale) were considered as the outcome.
Results
Our findings suggested that, pain intensity 48 hours and 72 hours after treatment in case group were significantly p < 0.001). The lesion’s size was significantly reduced on the 7th and 10th days in the case group (p < 0.05). Patients in the treatment group were significantly more satisfied with their treatment process = group (p = 0.008).
Conclusion
The results of the present study showed that LLLP in addition with acyclovir cream could be more efficient in treating pain intensity, lesion size, and recovery time in patients treated with recurrent herpes labialis infection.
Clinical Relevance:
Low laser therapy can be used as an adjuvant therapeutic tool in combination with Acyclovir in patients with Recurrent Herpes Labialis
Gamma-ray Induced Putative Mutants derived from Trichoderma atroviride (T-14) Stimulating Plant Growth through Enhanced Siderophore production, Phosphate solubilisation, ACCd activity and IAA production
Authors: Sahu Sandhya , Mahilang Amit , Agrawal Toshy , IRRI U S Singh , Kotasthane Anil S. , Zaidi Najam Waris
Published: July 2023

Filamentous fungi Trichoderma are well known for its opportunistic lifestyle that displays a remarkable range of interactions with plants, ability to antagonize plant-pathogenic fungi, stimulate plant growth and defence responses. Gamma-ray induced genetic diversity which also results in mutant progenies and therefore forms the basis for strain improvement for traits imparting antagonistic effect as well as plant growth promoting activity. One hundred and seventy putative variants were derived from Gamma-ray irradiation of wildtype Trichoderma atroviride (T-14). Putative T. atroviride (T-14) derived variants displayed variation in cultural characteristics and through biochemical screens we were able to identify mutants which were superior siderophore and chitinase producers, phosphate solubilizers, and with improved ACC deaminase activities. Identification of superior T. atroviride (T-14) derived putative variants with chitinases, phosphatases, cellulases, ACCd, siderophore producing ability suggest the possibilities of strain improvement of T. atroviride (T-14) through gamma irradiation. Identified superior putative variants of (T-14) were also able to significantly stimulate the plant growth and can be exploited as for commercial production useful for farmers.
Intermittent hypoxia training effectively protects against cognitive decline caused by acute hypoxia exposure
Authors: Zhang Guangbo , Yang Guochun , Zhou Yanzhao , Cao Zhengtao , Yin Ming , Ma Lin , Fan Ming , Zhao Yong-Qi , Zhu Lingling
Published: July 2023

Intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) is a promising approach that has been used to induce acclimatization to hypoxia and subsequently lower the risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS). However, the effects of IHT on cognitive and cerebrovascular function after acute hypoxia exposure have not been characterized. In the present study, we first confirmed that the simplified IHT paradigm was effective at relieving AMS at 4300 m. Second, we found that IHT improved participants’ cognitive and neural alterations when they were exposed to hypoxia. Specifically, impaired working memory performance, decreased conflict control function, impaired cognitive control and aggravated mental fatigue induced by acute hypoxia exposure were significantly alleviated in the IHT group. Furthermore, a reversal of brain swelling induced by acute hypoxia exposure was visualized in the IHT group using magnetic resonance imaging. An increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) was observed in multiple brain regions of the IHT group after hypoxia exposure as compared with the control group. Based on these findings, the simplified IHT paradigm might facilitate hypoxia acclimatization, alleviate AMS symptoms, and increase CBF in multiple brain regions, thus ameliorating brain swelling and cognitive dysfunction.
Event-related potential (ERP) evidence for early visual processing differences in children and adults with Cystinosis (CTNS gene mutations)
Authors: Horsthuis Douwe John , Molholm Sophie , Foxe John J. , Francisco Ana A.
Published: July 2023

Background
Cystinosis, a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, is characterized by cystine crystallization and accumulation within multiple tissues, including kidney and brain. Its impact on neural function appears mild relative to its effects on other organs during early disease, but since therapeutic advances have led to substantially increased life expectancy, neurological implications are of increasing interest, necessitating deeper understanding of the impact of cystinosis on neurocognitive function. Behavioral difficulties have been reported in cystinosis in the visual domain. Very little is known, however, about how the brains of people living with cystinosis process visual information. This is especially interesting given that cystine accumulation in the cornea and posterior ocular structures is a hallmark of cystinosis.
Methods
Here, high-density scalp electrophysiology was recorded to visual stimuli (during a Go/No-Go task) to investigate early visual processing in individuals with cystinosis, compared to age-matched controls. Analyses focused on early stages of cortical visual processing.
Results
The groups differed in their initial cortical response, with individuals with cystinosis exhibiting a significantly larger visual evoked potential (VEP) in the 130-150 ms time window. The groups also differed in the associations between neural responses and verbal abilities: While controls with higher IQ scores presented larger neural responses, that relationship was not observed in cystinosis.
Conclusions
The enlarged VEP in cystinosis could be the result of cortical hyperexcitability and/or differences in attentional engagement and explain, at least partially, the visual and visual-spatial difficulties described in this population.
Damage assessment of High Strength Reinforced Concrete Frames subjected to Cyclic Displacement-controlled Loading Condition using Applied Element Method
Authors: Karaka Hemanth Kumar , Tripathi Rajesh Kumar
Published: July 2023

When building structures are subjected to extreme loads, such as earthquakes, explosions, crane loads, natural calamities, etc., both the structural and non-structural components suffer significant damage. It is necessary to determine the magnitude of these damages and required to improve upcoming designs and take additional action for the damaged structures. High Strength Concrete (HSC) frames generally have smaller cross-sections of members with high strength and stiffness than Normal Strength Concrete (NSC), with non-structural components like masonry walls playing a crucial part. Masonry walls significantly further increase the stiffness and strength of these slender structures. But because of their brittle nature, structural and non-structural elements abruptly fail under heavy loading circumstances, causing further casualties. Numerous computational techniques, including FEM, XFEM, and DEM, were used better to understand the crack location of RC-framed infill masonry walls. However, these techniques could not identify adistinct damage pattern under extreme operating conditions. The Applied Element Method (AEM) has recently become a powerful numerical tool with acceptable accuracy and processing time for monitoring the development of structural cracks. This study uses AEM to analyse the damage patterns based on displacement-controlled in-plane cyclic loads on single- and multi-storey reinforced concrete frames with and without infill walls. The investigation concluded that the infilled frame has better in-plane lateral load resistance than the bare frame. The multi-storey soft-storey frame resisted a higher load than the multi-storey infilled frame because the slender HSC frames with strong infill induced rapid shear failure at the beam-column connection of the first floor. HSC structures are constantly challenged by the need for a robust infill wall to increase the stiffness of the frames. The AEM results showed that it provided a trustworthy endorsement of the experimental and theoretical findings.
Hybrid Structure-based SPR Sensor for Chemical Sensing with Enhanced Sensitivity
Authors: PASWAN MOHAN KUMAR , Basu Rikmantra
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we have proposed a new multilayer structure and investigated its performance as a chemical sensor utilizing surface Plasmon resonance. Our proposed design consists of a Black phosphorus layer sandwiched between a metal layer and a Graphene layer, and Blue Phosphorene/MoS2 heterostructure layers placed over it, and the sensing layer containing the analyte placed on top. A CaF2 prism in the Kretschmann configuration is employed to excite SPR, and the angle interrogation method is used for analysis. Sellmeier equations calculate the reflectivity and other parameters of the multilayer design. We also study the effect of the combination of BP and metal interlayer. Analysis of the proposed design shows significantly improved sensitivity compared to recent SPR based sensors. In this paper, the sensitivity of 466o/RIU is obtained with silver metal, BP, graphene and BlueP/MoS2 Layers SPR sensor.
Characterization of Translation Elongation Factor Methyltransferase 7 (EFM7) Gene Reveals Genetic Variations and Post-Translational Modifications in Sordaria fimicola
Authors: Ilyas Maimoona , Louis Edward J. , Farzand Robeena , Saleem Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Background Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in modulating protein structure and function. Stressed ecological conditions induce genetic variations at the microscale level and gradually help them to change their genetic makeup. This study aimed to identify and characterize the translation elongation factor methyltransferase 7 (EFM7) gene in six strains of Sordaria fimicola.
Methods Molecular, genetic and in silico analysis of the EFM7 gene of S. fimicola collected from different north and south slopes of Evolution Canyon valley.
Results Analysis of genetic variations revealed 54 sites with differences, resulting in amino acid changes at 16 sites across 9 positions in the protein sequence compared to the consensus sequence. An active domain associated with Sadenosyl-L-methionine methylations and a putative active receptor site for poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase were identified. We predicted 70 potential sites for important PTMs within the EFM7 domain that could enhance its catalytic activity. Acetylation was predicted at 10 sites and methylation was predictedat 13 sites in the south-facing slope (SFS) and north-facing slope (NFS) strains of S. fimicola, respectively. Furthermore, phosphorylation was noticed at 22 sites (including 7 shared sites), O-glycosylation at 21 sites and N-glycosylation at 3 sites in both SFS and NFS strains.
Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the application of molecular and proteomic approaches in unraveling the genetic and post-translational complexity of the EFM7 gene in S. fimicola. Despite the conservation of the EFM7 domain sequence, the observed heterogeneity among strains indicates a potential gradual evolutionary process driven by these variations and modifications.
Pyroptosis-related gene signature in neutrophils for predicting the prognosis of sepsis
Authors: Xie Jian , Wang Ling , Guo Yu , Zhou Wang
Published: July 2023

Background
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by pathogen infection, which is associated with pyroptosis. Previous studies have shown that neutrophil pyroptosis may play an important role in sepsis; however, the potential prognostic and diagnostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in sepsis remains undefined.
Methods
The RNA-seq data and clinical data of sepsis were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, neutrophil-related pyroptosis genes (NRPGs) were filtered by overlapping neutrophil-related genes obtained from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between sepsis and healthy samples and pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) retrieved from prior reviews. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed, and the correlation between the NRPGs and clinical traits was assessed. Furthermore, independent prognostic indicators were screened using Cox regression analyses, and independent prognostic genes were defined as biomarkers. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the potential biological pathway related to biomarkers. Correlation between prognostic indicators and immune cell infiltration were investigated. Eventually, the potential therapeutic drugs targeting biomarkers were predicted from ZINC15 database.
Results
A total of 6 NRPGs were filtered by overlapping 3109 neutrophil-related module genes, 4078 DEGs, and 33 PRGs. Meanwhile, 5 NRPGs (CASP6, GSDMB, CASP4, ELANE, and NLRP3) were related to the survival of sepsis. The correlation analysis results indicated that CASP6, GSDMB, CASP4, ELANE, and NLRP3 were significantly correlated with endotype class. In addition, the age, endotype class, and ELANE were regarded as independent prognostic indicators, and ELANE could be used as a biomarker. GSEA suggested that ELANE was markedly related to endocytosis, bacterial infection, autophagy, cell cycle and TNF signaling pathway. Additionally, NK cell, myeloid dendritic cell, and neutrophil were different in ELANE expression groups, and NK cells and neutrophil had a strongly negative correlation with ELANE. Ultimately, molecular docking results showed ZINC000164760756 had the lowest docking energy, which might be used to treat sepsis by targeting ELANE.
Conclusion
ELANE may be used as a biomarker for sepsis, which may provide a theoretical basis for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of sepsis.
Effects of Biochar and Nps Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.) in North Ari, South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Hantalo Simon Koroto , Metaferia Bantayehu Muluneh , Andualem Muluhabt Birhanu , Nesherdaki Engida Micho
Published: July 2023

Swiss chard is widely cultivated and one of the most nutritious vegetable in the world. It is highly appreciated in many parts of the world for its year-round availability, low-cost and wide use in many traditional dishes as well as more robust and easier to grow. In Ethiopia, it ranked fourth among cool-season leaf-vegetables based on area coverage and production in quintals next to Ethiopian cabbage, head cabbage and lettuce. However, little research effort was made before to enhance its productivity. The crop is neglected in relation to research. Furthermore, the information on the use and application of biochar and mineral NPS fertilizer rate for Swiss chard is lacking in the study area. Hence, this study was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of biochar and NPS fertilizer on growth and yield of Swiss chard and soil properties in North Ari, Southern Ethiopia. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 in North Ari District to assess the effects of biochar (10,20 and 30 t/ha) and NPS fertilizer rate (0, 50, 100,150 and 200 kg N ha-1 ) on growth and yield components of Swiss chard. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of factorial arrangement with three replications where, Ford Hook Giant variety of Swiss chard was used as a test crop. Results indicated that biochar and NPS fertilizer significantly (P < 0.05) influenced days to first harvest of Swiss chard in their main effects. The interaction effects of biochar and NPS fertilizer influenced plant height, leaf number, and leaf fresh weight of Swiss chard highly significantly (P < 0.01). Accordingly, the highest leaf number per plant (14.83), total number of leaves harvested per plant (12.00) and average leaf fresh weight (93.37g) of Swiss chard plant were recorded in response to the application of 200 kg N ha-1 and 30 t/ha biochar. The highest leaf length per plant (67.30 cm), marketable (36.54 t ha-1 ) and total leaf fresh yields (37.31t ha-1 ) of Swiss chard were recorded by application of 30 t/ha biochar with 100 kg NPS ha-1. As the results were limited to one location and season, repetition of the study in multi-location and season is also recommended.
Realisation of Automation for Vehicle to Grid Charging and its impact on grid
Authors: B Soundhar , K Rathnakannan
Published: July 2023

This paper presents and emphasis E-vehicle charging process automation based on optimization between the grid and vehicle by considering the real time constraints in charging and discharging process. Due to increase in E- vehicle and more demand for electricity, the vehicle battery charging process must be automated to reduce the impact on the grid. The real time parameters such as charging cost, Load demand on the grid, distance from the grid to vehicle and demand of the vehicles are primarily considered in this study. Actor-critic algorithm is used for the automation of Electric Vehicle charging and it is correlated with the vehicle data such as cost of charging, vehicle demand and grid demand for assessing the switching response and for improving the accuracy in results. The load variations of real and reactive power on various types of configurations such as domestic, industrial and vehicle connecting to the grid throughout the day has been done using IEEE 33 standard bus system. Frequency analysis of vehicle charging, grid stability analysis, sag and swell voltage conditions during the faulty conditions have been analysed using IEEE 33 standard bus system using MATLAB. Based on the outcome of the simulation study an embedded hardware proto type model was developed for implementing E- vehicle charging automation concept proposed in this paper.
Performance of Post-Stroke Patient's Balance on a Game Platform "Game Balance" and its Correlation with Functional Tests: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Júlia Ferreira Rodrigues , Souza João Victor de Araújo , Barreto Rodrigo Lopes , Cacho Enio Walker Azevedo
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Commercial platforms are widely used in research to assess and treat balance deficits in post-stroke patients. However, they do not provide the necessary specificity for the limitations and/or compensations that these patients may present. It is also difficult to extract the captured data, and there are concerns about the accuracy of this capture.
Objective:To validate a low-cost game platform called "Game Balance" for the analysis and training of balance in post-stroke patients.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Eight (8) post-stroke patients of both genders were recruited from the Physiotherapy Clinic of FACISA (Santa Cruz/RN). This sample was evaluated using the following clinical scales: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC), The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale. The statistical analysis was performed using means or medians and standard deviation or quartiles, followed by correlation analysis using the Pearson coefficient based on the identification of data normality or non-normality using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0, with a significance level of 5%.
Results: We had an n = 8, with a majority of males (62.5%), a mean age of 60.88 ± 11.67 years, and a majority of patients with ischemic stroke (62.5%) and left hemiparesis (75%) for a duration of 6.75 ± 4.33 years. Significant correlations were found between age and scores on "Game Balance" (Pearson's ρ = -0.743; p-value = 0.035), as well as between scores and activity time on the platform (Pearson's ρ = -0.738; p-value = 0.037), and between limb balance on the platform and the Rankin scale (Pearson's ρ = -0.745; p-value = 0.034).
Conclusions:The platform achieved the proposed objective, with some relationships between the variables of the device and the physical conditions of the selected population. The results of this research serve as a basis for future studies aiming to establish the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach in the rehabilitation of post-stroke sequelae.
Partial diallel in Physalis ixocarpa Brot. to improve fruit production
Authors: Tejeda Jonathan Said , Silva Luiz Cláudio Costa , Passos Adriana Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Tomate de cáscara (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) has great potential to generate hybrids and cultivars that present high yields. The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters using the REML/BLUP methodology and investigate selection strategies for F1 populations from a partial diallel, to increase fruit production. The crosses were carried out in 2020 and the evaluation of the parents and hybrids were carried out in 2021, using a randomized block design with three replications, and an experimental plot of 10 plants. Combining ability, heterosis, phenotypic correlations, correlation networks, path analysis, and selection indexes were estimated. Genetic variability was found for the descriptors fruit production, number of fruits per plant, fruit transverse axis, and soluble solids. Additive effects were predominant over non-additive ones. The 92V and 173V parents were recommended to increase fruit production and the number of fruits per plant, due to their general combining ability values. PI02 and PI05 were the hybrids with the highest heterosis estimates for fruit production and number of fruits per plant. The negative correlation between fruit production and soluble solids stood out in the correlation study and trail analysis, assisting in the strategy regarding the selection direction. The selection indexes selected the progenies: PI02, PI04, PI05, 92V and 173V.
Influence of APTES modified HNTs on properties of NR/EPDM nanocomposites
Authors: G Sundaravadivel , Venkataraman  , S Vishvanathperumal , V Navaneethakrishnan
Published: July 2023

The use of amino silane (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) to modify the surface of natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was researched. Natural rubber (NR)/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites' cure features, tensile properties, hardness, rebound resilience, and compression set qualities were all examined in relation to the impact of APTES modified halloysite nanotubes (APTES-HNTs). Measurements of swelling and cross-link density, an analysis of abrasion resistance, and examination of fracture morphology under a FESEM were also used to validate the experimental results. Several attributes, including tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation, abrasion resistance, hardness, tear strength, and curing characteristics, were improved by using APTES-HNTs as filler. Compared to base vulcanizates, the produced nanocomposites displayed superior wear characteristics. The increased contact surface area between the filler and rubber matrix led to improvements in mechanical characteristics and swelling resistance. Comparing base vulcanizates and the nanocomposite with 10 phr nanofiller, abrasion loss is reduced by 30%. According to the research, 8 phr of nanofiller might increase tensile strength and tear strength by roughly 112% and 49%, respectively.
Study on an analytical model of asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank rolling
Authors: Wang Ji , Hu Xianlei , Feng Xue
Published: July 2023

A new model suitable for both asymmetrical and symmetrical tailor rolled blank (TRB) rolling is proposed by the slab method. In the transition of TRB, the work roll moves up or down during the rolling process to carry out variable gauge rolling (VGR). The difference between the rolling pressure in the VGR and that in the conventional rolling is analyzed. The results show that the rolling pressure, rolling force and torques in the downwards rolling are larger than those in the conventional rolling, and those in upwards rolling are less than those in the conventional rolling. The difference between the VGR and the conventional rolling is related to the transition zone shape factor and roll radius, the larger transition zone shape factor, the larger difference between the VGR and the conventional rolling. The effect of the roll speed ratio on the mechanical parameters in the VGR is almost the same as that in the conventional rolling. With the increase of the roll speed ratio, the thickness ratio of the TRB increases. The VGR force calculated by the proposed model agrees well with the experimental value, the maximum error is 9.7%.
Counting Temporal Path
Authors: Enright Jessica , Meeks Kitty , Molter Hendrik
Published: July 2023

The betweenness centrality of a vertex v is an important centrality measure that quantifies how many optimal paths between pairs of other vertices visit v. Computing betweenness centrality in a temporal graph, in which the edge set may change over discrete timesteps, requires us to count temporal paths that are optimal with respect to some criterion. For several natural notions of optimality, including foremost or fastest temporal paths, this counting problem reduces to #Temporal Path, the problem of counting all temporal paths between a fixed pair of vertices; like the problems of counting foremost and fastest temporal paths, #Temporal Path is #P-hard in general. Motivated by the many applications of this intractable problem, we initiate a systematic study of the parameterised and approximation complexity of #Temporal Path. We show that the problem presumably does not admit an FPT-algorithm for the feedback vertex number of the static underlying graph, and that it is hard to approximate in general. On the positive side, we prove several exact and approximate FPT-algorithms for special cases.
The TP53-activated E3 ligase RNF144B is a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability
Authors: Abad Etna , Sandoz Jeremy , Romero Gerard , Urgel-Solas Julia , Borredat Pablo , Kourtis Savvas , Ortet Laura , Martínez Carlos , Sdelci Sara , Janic Ana
Published: July 2023

The tumor suppressor protein TP53 regulates a vast transcriptional program that serves protective mechanisms against cancer development. However, the complexity of this program makes it difficult to unravel the role of each of its targets in TP53-mediated tumour suppression. ​​Knockdown of RNF144B, a E3-ubiquitin ligase transcriptionally regulated by TP53, enhanced the rate of tumour development and severity of malignant disease in the context of murine c-MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. Here we asked whether RNF144B has an impact on tumor suppression beyond the hematopoietic compartment. Integrative transcriptomics, proteomics, genomics and functional analysis of human and mouse oncogene-expressing cells with TP53 wild-type revealed a role for RNF144B in coordinating cellular proliferation and transformation, DNA repair and genome stability. Moreover, we show that in the context of lung adenocarcinomas, RNF144B deficiency leads to resistance to cytotoxic drugs that induce DNA damage and chromosomal instability, and that patients have a worse disease-survival overall. Supported by clinical data, our study suggests that RNF144B governs genomic stability during transformation suppression, which could explain its inactivation in human cancers.
Eigenstate polyaniline deposited on carbon cloth with optimized electrochemical performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Hui , Ma Ji , Zhu Yuanqiang , Jiang Xudong , Chen Yong
Published: July 2023

In this paper, conductive carbon cloth (CC) is applied as substrate, polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized on the surface of CC (CC/PANI) by cyclic voltammetric polymerization, and then fully soaked in ammonia to obtain eigenstate polyaniline (EB) hybrid electrode material (CC/EB), Meanwhile, the electrochemical properties of CC/EB in acidic electrolyte and acidic electrolyte containing Mn2+ were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in three-electrode system. The results indicated that compared with protonic acid electrochemically doped EB, Mn2+ doping can effectively improve the pseudo-capacitance of EB. in acid electrolyte (1 M H2SO4) containing 0.3 M MnSO4, the specific capacitance of CC/EB reaches 942.9 mF/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2, significantly higher than CC/EB (638.3 mF/cm2) and CC/PANI (440.0 mF/cm2) in 1 M H2SO4. CC/EB also exhibits good cycling stability in H2SO4 electrolyte containing 0.3 M MnSO4, retaining 73.6% at a current density of 5mA/cm2 of the initial capacitance after 3000 cycles. Furthermore, a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASCs) based on EB/CC and active carbon (AC) with the optimized gel electrolyte（PVA-H2SO4（0.3 M Mn2+）is assembled, and the system delivers an energy density of 2.57 mWh/cm3 at a power density of 18.3 mW/cm3 at 1 mA/cm2, showing good application potential.
Influence Blocking Maximization Under Refutation
Authors: Luo Qi , Yu Dongxiao , Wang Dongbiao , Zhang Yafei , Zheng Yanwei , Cai Zhipeng
Published: July 2023

In social networks, a phenomenon termed the refutation mechanism arises when certain users spontaneously counter negative information based on their knowledge and experience. To the best of our knowledge, this paper focuses on the influence blocking maximization under the refutation mechanism for the first time. Specifically, incorporating the refutation mechanism with the Competitive Independent Cascade (CIC) model, we introduce the Refutation Competitive Independent Cascade (RCIC) model, while also considering real-time delay. Under the proposed model, we study the Joint Influence Blocking Maximization (JIBM) problem. The objective of JIBM is to maximize the expected number of nonnegatives by finding a set of positive seeds in a network. We show that the problem is NP-hard. We present a scalable approximation algorithm, named RR-JIBM, by making a non-trivial adaptation of the generation process of reverse reachable sets. We prove that the given algorithms achieve (1 − 1/e − ε)-approximation for any ε > 0 for JIBM problem. An improved algorithm named RR-JIBM+ is also proposed to improve the efficiency of RR-JIBM in reality. Experiments on real-world social networks show that our algorithms outperform other intuitive baselines in reducing the number of nodes influenced by negative seed nodes. Meanwhile, the RR-JIBM+ algorithm has a higher efficiency advantage than RR-JIBM on different datasets.
Study of hygroscopic properties of the mixture of porous and non-porous materials by using optical techniques
Authors: Sepúlveda Ruth D. Mojica , Herrera Luis J. Mendoza , Muñoz Mercedes , Grumel Eduardo E. , Tebaldi Myrian
Published: July 2023

The hygroscopicity of Urea/Diatom compounds was investigated using the dynamic speckle technique, alongside the study of textural properties through nitrogen sorption. The results obtained by using optical methods provided insights into the hygroscopic behavior of the sample, in particular when high urea contents were present, which fall outside the range of applicability for the nitrogen sorption technique. The dynamic speckle technique served as a valuable complement to the conventional technique.
The Anchoring Role of Social Safety Nets and Coping Strategies: A Study on the Rural Households of Manipur in North-East India
Authors: De Utpal Kumar , Solomon S.
Published: July 2023

Empirical research on the effects of social safety nets in developing countries is becoming increasingly important in order to create a comprehensive programme that may assist the targeted groups to minimise their vulnerability to poverty. This paper examines the impact of social safety nets in the rural areas of Manipur, India and its role in increasing the choices of coping strategies ex-post shocks. Based on primary data collected in 2021-22, we estimate the vulnerability to poverty score of the households using three Stage Feasible Generalized Least Square (3S FGLS) and categorised them into different poverty status. We used simultaneous endogenous switching regression to estimate the impact of social safety nets and further employed propensity score matching to check the robustness of the result.
Results reveal that household’s vulnerability to poverty reduced by 14.2 percent for the participants in social safety nets. We also evaluate the existing coping strategies that households deploy post shocks and analyse the impact of social safety nets in affecting the choices of decision in coping strategies using a multivariate probit model. The results indicate that choice of coping strategies depend on economic endowment and stability of household income sources. Households facing economic shock are more likely to work intensively for consumption smoothing, while households that are well-endowed are less likely to adopt ex-post coping strategies as they have sufficient resources to tide over the shocks.
JEL Classifications: C21 C34, D04, I32, I38
TEMPO Oxidation for High Cellulose Content Biomass: A Study on Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch Fibers
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez Andrea P. , Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Baldovino-Medrano Víctor G. , Blanco-Tirado Cristian , Combariza Marianny Y.
Published: July 2023

Palm oil milling in Colombia generates abundant residual biomass. With a yearly production of over one million tons, empty fruit bunches (EFB) from palm oil extraction can be a valuable source of biopolymers due to their high cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents. We investigate the impact of reaction time, primary oxidizing agent, and a pretreatment process on the physicochemical properties of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) derived from palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers. Conductometric titrations (CT) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the total carboxylate contents of nanocellulose and examine the influence of experimental parameters on the EFB-TOCN surface chemistry. Statistical analysis indicates a positive and significant influence of reaction time and primary oxidizing agent on EBF-TOCN degree of oxidation and surface charge density. Partial EFB delignification increased EFB-TOCN oxidation and reaction yield compared to EFB without pretreatment. We also found that only time significantly influences EFB-TOCN hydrodynamic radii, with a reaction length of over 120 minutes required to obtain nanocellulose below 100 nm in size. EFB-TOCN hydrodynamic radii, reaction yield, and oxidation are directly linked to reaction time, primary oxidizing agent amount, and biomass pretreatment process.
Renoprotective impact of Dapagliflozin and Mulberry extracts toward Fr-STZ induced diabetic nephropathy in rats: Biochemical and Molecular aspects
Authors: Gad Emad M. , Abdel-Rahman Haidy G. , Abd-El-Fattah Mohy Eldin , Kamal Merna M. , Eltahan Ahmed Shaker , Dessouki Amina A.
Published: July 2023

Among the most typical reasons of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is also rated as a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. The existent study looked at the impact of dapagliflozin, mulberry fruit and leaves extracts and their combination on the kidney of diabetic rats. To induce diabetic nephropathy, experimental rats were supplied with 10% fructose (Fr) in drinking water for the first two weeks. Each Fr-fed animal received an intraperitoneal injection of a low single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg) after being fasted for the whole night. Sixty albino rats were separated into six equivalent groups. Group I control rats, group II untreated diabetic rats, group III–VI are diabetic groups; received dapagliflozin for 4 weeks, mulberry fruit extract, mulberry leaves extract and combination of DAPA, MFE and MLE, respectively for 6 weeks. Untreated diabetic rats exhibited considerable rise in serum glucose, urea, creatinine, KIM-1, β2-MG, TNF-α, and TGβ1 levels compared to control rats, while treated diabetic ones manifested significant decrease in these measures in contrast to the untreated diabetic rats. Also, renal tissue IL-6, NF-κB and NADPH oxidase manifested significant increase in untreated diabetic rats, while treated groups revealed significant decline in comparison to the untreated one. DAPA and mulberry fruit and leaves extracts optimized IL-10 and renin expression in renal tissue. Histopathological picture of kidney, revealed significant improvement in rats received DAPA and mulberry extracts compared to untreated diabetic rats. It could be concluded that, DAPA, mulberry fruits and leaves extracts alleviated diabetic nephropathy complications. Therefore, combining these ingredients in a supplement may be promising for modulating diabetic nephropathy.
NRG1 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis and afatinib treatment efficiency is enhanced by NRG1 inhibition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hou Guiqin , Niu Tengda , Jia Ang , Zhang Yingying , Chen Xunan , Wei Huiyun , Jia Yilin , Xu Yichao , Li Yan , Wang Pengju , Chatterjee Aniruddha
Published: July 2023

Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by significant heterogeneity in incidence and outcomes. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) plays a crucial role in the growth and development of multiple organ systems. While dysregulation of NRG1 is involved in the progression of multiple cancers, its specific role and contribution to the aggressiveness of ESCC remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the functions and molecular mechanisms of NRG1 in ESCC, as well as explore potential treatment strategies for ESCC cases with NRG1 overexpression.
Methods
We examined the expression levels of NRG1 in esophageal cancer and analyzed its correlation with gene copy number amplification and DNA methylation regulation. Various cellular and molecular assays were conducted to elucidate the functional role of NRG1 in ESCC. Additionally, the signaling pathways associated with NRG1 were investigated. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of afatinib in ESCC with NRG1 overexpression, as well as the combined approach of NRG1 down-regulation and afatinib treatment.
Results
Our findings revealed that NRG1 was upregulated in esophageal cancer, showing a correlation with gene copy number amplification but not DNA methylation regulation. NRG1 was found to promote cell proliferation, migration, inhibit apoptosis, and accelerate tumorigenesis and metastasis in ESCC. Moreover, we discovered that NRG1 activated the NF-κB/MMP9 signaling pathway via the HER3-HER2/MAPK/PI3K pathway, contributing to the metastatic phenotype observed in ESCC. Finally, we demonstrated that afatinib effectively inhibited ESCC with NRG1 overexpression, and the combination of NRG1 down-regulation and afatinib treatment exhibited a more efficient strategy.
Conclusions
Our data strongly support the conclusion that NRG1 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC, suggesting its potential as a novel biomarker for ESCC treatment.
Y chromosome haplogroups are associated with birth size in Japanese men
Authors: Sato Youichi
Published: July 2023

Background
The Y chromosome is classified into haplogroups (A-T) based on a combination of multiple DNA polymorphisms. Japanese men are mainly classified into haplogroups C, D, and O, which were further subdivided. Based on the phylogenetic age and global frequency distribution, haplogroups C and D are assumed to be of Jomon origin, and O of Yayoi origin. The physical characteristics of the Jomon and Yayoi lineages differ. I assumed that Y chromosome haplogroups may be associated with birth height and/or weight.
Methods and results
The Y chromosome haplogroups related to weight and height at birth in 288 Japanese men were analyzed. Men belonging to haplogroup O1b2 were significantly associated with short stature at birth (beta = − 1.88, standard error (SE) = 0.55, P = 0.00076), and those belonging to D1a2a-12f2b were significantly associated with increased birth weight (beta = 174, SE = 64, P = 0.0069).
Conclusions
Y chromosome haplogroups are associated with physical birth characteristics in modern Japanese men.
Unveiling the Hub Genes Associated with Manganese-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Yang Bing , Hu Zhongze , Wang Shujuan , Shi Xiaoli , Li Xiaofeng
Published: July 2023

Excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) can cause severe toxicity in human and animal organs, particularly the liver. However, the specific mechanisms of Mn-induced hepatotoxicity remain unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the key genes associated with hepatotoxicity caused by Mn administration. We obtained the gene expression data set GSE59923 from the Gene Expression Omnibus, which included liver samples treated with manganese chloride (MnCl2) as well as control samples. Through our analysis, we identified 222, 351, and 494 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the livers treated with MnCl2 at 700 mg/kg on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th day, respectively. Notably, we found a total of 27 overlapping DEGs in the liver samples. Biological process analysis revealed that these common DEGs were associated with the response to xenobiotic stimulus, cellular calcium ion homeostasis, and ion transmembrane transport. Pathway analysis further indicated the involvement of cAMP, p53, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and AMPK signaling pathways in Mn-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, we identified several important genes, including CCR2, CDKN1A, CELSR2, LCN2, and PER2, which appeared to play a role in Mn-induced hepatotoxicity. Taken together, this study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying Mn-induced hepatotoxicity, contributing to our overall understanding of this condition.
High degree simplification and tunable absorption features of terahertz metamaterial absorber
Authors: Anwar Shahzad , Ali Ghafar , Khan Qasim , Khan Maaz
Published: July 2023

This work demonstrated to attain quad-band absorption in the terahertz frequency region with simple structure of single sized resonator. The design model composed of an H type resonator placed above on a middle layer (dielectric medium) and a metallic layer at the bottom. The single sized resonator strongly interacts with incident electromagnetic wave resulting four near perfect absorption peaks. The proposed design has the advantage to achieve not only quad-band absorption but also has high degree of simplification which is different from the previous work reported. Moreover, actively adjustable absorption properties could be further noticed by interpolate vanadium dioxide (VO2) with conductivity flexibility into the design structure due to which the quad-band absorption spectra showing a switchable function by variation in the state phase of VO2 from insulator to metallic phase. The adjustment property of VO2 from insulated to metal phase is the essential aspect to acquire the adjustment of absorption properties. Therefore, the design structure could have wide range of potential THz technology related field applications.
Ternary complex microparticles assembled from vanillin, γ-cyclodextrin, and dextran: Fabrication, structure, and controlled release characteristics
Authors: Liu Yikun , Liao Li , McClements David Julian , Chen Xing , Cao Mengmeng , Liang Ruihong , Zou Liqiang , Liu Wei
Published: July 2023

Vanilla is one of the most widely used flavors in the food and beverage industry, however, it is thermally unstable and volatile. In this study, microparticles consisting of ternary complexes of vanillin/γ-cyclodextrin/dextran (V/C/D) were prepared, in which vanillin served as a crosslink between the γ-cyclodextrin and dextran. One end of vanillin was inserted into the interior of γ-cyclodextrin through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, while the other end was bound to dextran through hydrogen bonding. The encapsulation efficiency of vanillin in the microparticles increased from around 59–92% when the mass ratio of dextran in the complexes increased (V/C/D ratio ranging from 1:9:0 to 1:5:4). Moreover, the crystallization peak of vanillin disappeared in complexes with higher dextran contents. The dispersibility of vanillin in cold water (4 ℃) increased as the dextran content in the complexes increased, with the highest value being 15 mg/mL. Encapsulation of vanillin within the microparticles protected it from volatilization during storage, with more than 90% being retained after holding at 60 ℃ for a month, as well as increasing its resistance thermal processing. The release of vanillin during baking (200 ℃, 30 minutes) could be controlled by altering the composition of the microparticles. Our findings provide a novel strategy for improving the stability and controlling the release of aromas.