bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequent Calculi and Interpolation for Non-Normal Modal and Deontic Logics
Authors: Orlandelli Eugenio
Published: October 2020

G3-style sequent calculi for the logics in the cube of non-normal modal logics and for their deontic extensions are studied. For each calculus we prove that weakening and contraction are height-preserving admissible, and we give a syntactic proof of the admissibility of cut. This implies that the subformula property holds and that derivability can be decided by a terminating proof search whose complexity is in Pspace. These calculi are shown to be equivalent to the axiomatic ones and, therefore, they are sound and complete with respect to neighbourhood semantics. Finally, a Maehara-style proof of Craig’s interpolation theorem for most of the logics considered is given.
Polarization characteristic analysis of orthogonal reflectors with a side-scanning galvanometer in a laser communication terminal system
Authors: Zhang Liu , Lei Jingwen , Zhang Ruoxi , Zhang Fan , Zhang Guanyu , Zhu Yang
Published: October 2020

An alignment tolerance allocation and alignment method of orthogonal reflectors with high polarization-maintaining characteristics is presented. A geometric optics vector model of orthogonal reflectors is established to derive the propagation vector of the output beam, including pitch angle error of the first mirror, the side-scanning angle of the galvanometer, and rotation angle error of the secondary mirror. The polarization transmission matrix of the orthogonal reflectors is derived based on the 3D polarization ray-tracing algorithm to present the relationship between assembly errors and diattenuation or retardance of the orthogonal reflectors. A calculation example of certain polarization ellipticity error is given to quantitatively distribute the orthogonal mirror assembly error. The optimal side-sway angle selection method of the galvanometer side-sway angle in a laser communication system is presented; further, effective measures to minimize the polarization ellipticity error is put forward.
Retroreflective spatial-polarization interferometer
Authors: Sokolov A. L. , Murashkin V. V.
Published: October 2020

The interference of the beams reflected from a combination of two
deployed cube-corner reflectors with a special interference
phase-shifting coating is considered. It is shown that in this case a
beam with an axisymmetric polarization structure appears. Particular
attention is paid to the various optical vortices, which are formed if
polarization of light is circular. It is proposed to use this system
to create a retroreflective interferometer, in which the spatial
polarization structure sensitivity changes due to the path difference
between the beams, reflected from two different corner-cube
reflectors. It is installed such that the position of the plane of
vector

E

oscillations rotates with azimuth
variation in the transverse plane, while at different angular
distances from the beam axis this rotation can occur in opposite
directions, i.e., we observed a counter-twisted polarization structure, useful for
manipulating small particles.
Optical clearing agent increases effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in a mouse model of cutaneous melanoma: an analysis by Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Martinelli Letícia Palombo , Iermak Ievgeniia , Moriyama Lilian Tan , Requena Michelle Barreto , Pires Layla , Kurachi Cristina
Published: October 2020

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and a relevant health problem due to its poor treatment response with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study, aimed to investigate the tissue changes of an improved photodynamic therapy (PDT) response when combined with optical clearing agent (OCA) in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma in mice. Photodithazine (PDZ) was administered intraperitoneally and a solution of OCA was topically applied before PDT irradiation. Due to a resultant refractive index matching, OCA-treated tumors are more optically homogenous, improving the PDT response. Raman analysis revealed, when combined with OCA, the PDT response was more homogenous down to 725 µm-depth in thickness.
Dynamic 5G RAN slice adjustment and migration based on traffic prediction in WDM metro-aggregation networks
Authors: Yu Hao , Musumeci Francesco , Zhang Jiawei , Tornatore Massimo , Bai Lin , Ji Yuefeng
Published: October 2020

5G radio access network (RAN) slicing has recently been proposed to adapt service provision over substrate network resources to the diversified requirements of 5G services in terms of bandwidth, computation, latency, and reliability. 5G RAN slicing allows baseband processing functions, including centralized units and distributed units, to be deployed in the substrate network according to the different service requirements. Even though existing studies have shown how to perform 5G RAN slicing to flexibly provision service according to their initial requirements, a proper dynamic RAN slice adjustment and migration strategy is also required to accommodate the highly dynamic nature of mobile traffic while maintaining lower service blocking. In this paper, we provide a traffic-prediction-based strategy for dynamic 5G RAN slice adjustment and migration in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) metro-aggregation networks, which targets the minimization of (1) the slice degradation penalty, which accounts for both the degradation degree and slice priority, and (2) the migrated traffic during slice migration. Our numerical results show that the proposed strategy can effectively reduce the penalty and slice migration.
Optics in Africa: introduction
Authors: Forbes Andrew , Cherif Rim , Dudley Angela , Dikande Alain M.
Published: October 2020

Africa has a long history in optics, but decades of turmoil have seen optical science in Africa advance only slowly, punching far below its weight. But a younger generation of scientists hold promise for the brighter future, addressing continental issues with photonics. In this Feature Issue on Optics in Africa we capture some of the exciting optical research from across the continent in 51 research reports, covering both fundamental and applied topics. The issue is supplemented by invited review articles that offer authoritative perspectives on the historical development of key research fields, from early advances in lasers to present-day progress in photonic materials. To encourage the exploration of new research directions, the issue has several tutorial articles that lower the entry barrier for emerging researchers, while highlighting the scope of research on the continent and its international context.
On the phase fading effect in the dual-pulse heterodyne demodulated distributed acoustic sensing system
Authors: He Xiangge , Xu Xiaohu , Zhang Min , Xie Shangran , Liu Fei , Gu Lijuan , Zhang Yi , Yang Yuting , Lu Hailong
Published: October 2020

Understanding signal fading effect is essential for the application of Rayleigh-scattering-based distributed acoustic fibre sensors (DASs) due to the nature of coherent beam interference within the pulse length. Statistical properties for the intensity of the Rayleigh backscattered light (i.e. intensity fading) and its impact on the sensitivity of DAS systems have been intensely studied over the last decades. Here we for the first time establish an analytical model for the phase signal retrieved from the dual-pulse heterodyne demodulated DAS system, which can be exploited to investigate the phase fading effect in this system. The developed model reveals that the phase fading phenomenon mainly originates from the randomness in the phase retardant of the Rayleigh scatters. The quantitatively resolved statistical features of the phase fading is confirmed by experimental results. Based on the analytical model, a noise figure is defined to characterize the global fading-induced noise level via taking into account contributions from all channels along the sensing fiber. The model also reproduces the anti-correlation relation between the power spectrum density of retrieved phase at the heterodyne frequency and the phase fading noise level. Following the analysis and the definition of the noise figure, an optimized real-time weighted-channel stack algorithm is developed to efficiently suppress the fading noise. Experimental results show that the algorithm can achieve a maximum noise figure reduction of 15.8 dB without increasing the system complexity.
Discrimination of enantiomers through quantum interference and quantum Zeno effect
Authors: Wu Jin-Lei , Wang Yan , Su Shi-Lei , Xia Yan , Jiang Yongyuan , Song Jie
Published: October 2020

Quantum optical methods have great potential for highly efficient discrimination of chiral molecules. We propose quantum interference-based schemes of enantio-discrimination under microwave regime among molecular rotational states. The quantum interference between field-driven one- and two-photon transitions of two higher states is designed to be constructive for one enantiomer but destructive for the other, since a certain transition dipole moment can be set to change sign with enantiomers. Therefore, two enantiomers can evolve into entirely different states from the same ground state. Through strengthening the constructive interference, the quantum Zeno effect is found in one enantiomer and then its excitation is suppressed, which also enables the enantio-discrimination. We simulate the schemes for differentiating between S and R enantiomers of 1, 2-propanediol (C3H8O2) molecules. With the analysis of the phase sensitivity to microwave fields and the effect of energy relaxations, the highly efficient enantio-discrimination of the 1, 2-propanediol molecules may be achieved.
Subwavelength perforated absorbers for infrared detectors
Authors: Cetın Ramazan , Erturk Ozan
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a detailed analysis examining the absorption performance of a metal-dielectric slab with subwavelength size periodic perforations exploiting quarter-wave impedance matching (QWIM) technique within long wave infrared (LWIR) regime (8-12µm). Integration of perforations to a simple stack with various period sizes and perforated area ratios are examined through theory, simulation, and measurements that are in great agreement. Advantages of perforated absorbers for thermal detectors are discussed in maximizing optical absorption and reducing thermal-mass point of view. Introducing perforation in umbrella type absorbers is mainly employed for reducing the thermal-mass while maintaining the high absorption performance. Within the scope, it is experimentally shown that a perforation ratio (width/period) of 50% with square holes for the umbrella layer is possible without degrading the maximum LWIR absorption performance of 96% when the sheet resistance of Rs=400Ω/□ is employed for the absorbing metal layer, which is close to free space impedance of 377Ω/□. Nevertheless, this ratio can be increased up to 77% by depositing a thicker absorber metal with smaller sheet resistance, such as Rs=100Ω/□ while still maintaining an average absorption performance of 93%, which are all predicted numerically by simulations and physically explained through effective medium approach (EMA).
Long-reach underwater wireless optical communication with relaxed link alignment enabled by optical combination and arrayed sensitive receivers
Authors: Zhao Miaomiao , Li Xin , Chen Xiao , Tong Zhijian , Lyu Weichao , Zhang Zejun , Xu Jing
Published: October 2020

To extend the transmission distance and relax the strict alignment requirement of underwater wireless optical communication ((UWOC), we design and implement a UWOC system using a 3×1 fiber combiner and a high-sensitive multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC). The 50-m and 100-m transmission distances (corresponding to 24 attenuation lengths) are experimentally achieved with the data rates of 16.78 Mbps and 8.39 Mbps, respectively, in a 50-m standard swimming pool. Moreover, we also investigate and optimize the performance of misalignment tolerance of this system using two MPPCs as the detectors together with different diversity reception technologies. At the 50-m transmission distance, the maximum offset between the MPPC array and the light spot center can be extended to 9 m using the maximal ratio combining (MRC), while the maximum offset is 6 m when using single MPPC.
Dynamic tailoring of an optical skyrmion lattice in surface plasmon polaritons: reply
Authors: Bai Chunyan , Chen Jian , Zhang Dawei , Zhan Qiwen
Published: October 2020

This is a Reply to the Comment by Meiler, Frank, and Giessen directed to a recent paper “Dynamic tailoring of an optical skyrmion lattice in surface plasmon polaritons” [Opt. Express 28, 10320 (2020)10.1364/OE.384718] regarding to the existence of Bloch-type skyrmions in the magnetic field of surface plasmon polaritons.
Anomalous slowdown of pump light in Raman fiber lasers
Authors: Wang Wenchao , Xian Tianhao , Gao Lirun , Zhang Wenyan , Zhan Li
Published: October 2020

Usually, the pump light in lasers should perform fast light owing to operating in the absorption band. In this study, we observe and demonstrate anomalous slowdown of the pump light in a Raman fiber laser. Experiments show that the pump light can be slowed down to sub-nanoseconds at a repetition rate of 50–500 MHz. Theoretical analysis shows that the hole-burning effect is formed at the Raman gain spectrum in the saturation regime, which imposes on the pump light by normal dispersion. Consequently, the pump light experiences an unusual slow light effect rather than the fast light effect after absorption. We believe it has promising potentials in the improvement of ultrashort pulse generation, and may have significant influence on improving the conversion efficiency in pulse-pumped laser systems.
Fabrication of three-dimensional metal structures embedded in hydrogel by using femtosecond laser ablation and electroplating
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhao Pingping , Li Kaidi , Si Jinhai , Hu Jian , Gao Bo , Gao Yang , Hou Xun
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated a method of fabricating three-dimensional (3D) metal structures in hydrogels with good conductivity by using femtosecond laser ablation and electroplating. The hydrogel containing

A
g

+

was first ablated by a femtosecond laser to form microchannels with an entrance achieving surface and then sandwiched between the anode and cathode to operate electroplating. Silver structures were formed along the microchannel from the microchannel entrance close to the cathode due to reduction of

A
g

+

. The average resistivity of metal structures is measured to be about

4

×

10

−
7

Ω

m

. A tetrahedron metallic microstructure embedded in hydrogel by this method was demonstrated to show its ability of 3D micromachining.
Photonic integrated circuits based hybrid integration for wavelength beam combining
Authors: Zeng Siwei , Zhao Xiaolei , Sweatt Lance , Zhu Lin
Published: October 2020

In this Letter, we have demonstrated wavelength beam combining (WBC) through hybrid integration of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to significantly reduce the size, weight, and operation power of the laser combining system. The hybrid integration WBC includes III/V semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), which provide gain, and the silicon nitride PICs, which perform as the external cavity. We first show that the arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) -based hybrid laser defines the lasing wavelength through the AWG passband. We then demonstrate that the AWG successfully forms multiple channel lasers by combining SOAs in the hybrid platform.
THE EFFECT OF FRAME RATE AND CALIBRATION ON LUNG MONITORING WITH ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Koldova Kristyna , Slajfercik David
Published: October 2020

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive method that records changes in tissue impedance in the selected cross-section of the body and is mainly used to monitor patient lung ventilation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the set frame rate and how calibration of the EIT system effects final record when monitoring lungs using EIT system PulmoVista 500 (Dräger Medical, Germany). Ten healthy male volunteers were measured with frame rates 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Hz for analysis, followed by calibrated and uncalibrated measurements. The subjects were breathing spontaneously in horizontal supine position. In the frame rate analysis, data with the references 30 and 50 Hz were compared with others using a paired T-test. The same test was used for comparing data from a calibrated and uncalibrated records. This study shows that the effect of both frame rate and calibration is negligible at the significance level of 5%.
THE EFFECT OF SPEED ON GAIT ASYMMETRY IN SUBJECT WITH CONGENITAL TIBIAL DEFICIENCY: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Marencakova Jitka , Gryc Tomas , Zahalka Frantisek
Published: October 2020

In the case study, gait asymmetry changes in different speed of walking with ankle-foot prosthesis were identified for developmental tibial deficiency. Joint kinematic, spatial-temporal, and kinetic gait parameters were collected using 3D motion capture system and 3D treadmill simultaneously. Mean values, SD, and symmetry index were calculated for selected gait parameters and descriptively analysed. Results show gait asymmetry of all of the measured parameters. Kinematic joint angular ranges increase with increasing walking speed. Inverse dynamic results present changes in step length and duration which enhance changes in ground reaction force characteristics. The symmetry index shows gait asymmetry, which increases with faster gait speed. Further research is needed to verify this suspect gait asymmetry increasing tendency and to generalise results to ankle-foot prosthesis population with congenital tibial deficiency or transtibial amputation.
THE ADOPTION OF AUTOMATED FiO2 CONTROL INTO POLISH NICUS: 2012-2019
Authors: Bachman Thomas Edward , Wilinska Maria , Piwowarczyk Pawel , Skrzypek Michal
Published: October 2020

The introduction and adoption of new technology in medicine is a continuous ever present process but it is often not studied. Insights gained from documenting such experiences can not only guide local practices but also provide valuable quality benchmarks. Automated control of FiO2 based on continuous SpO2 (A-FiO2) not only reduces the challenging task of manual oxygen titration, but also has the potential to greatly improve the morbidity and mortality of extremely preterm infants. First approved for use in Europe in 2012, it is now available on most infant ventilators outside the USA. Poland was the first region in Europe to implement its clinical use. We report experience from 619 infants from 12 centers recorded in a web-based registry established in 2013 to document its use. We found the A‑FiO2 was primarily used in the first week of life in intubated infants. However it is also successfully applied in both noninvasively supported infants and in those who were difficult to wean from oxygen and who exhibited frequent desaturations. We also found the SpO2 target range and alarm setting are not different from normal manual titration, although wider settings are also used and promise some benefit. Finally we report our plan to gather data from a national data base and detailed surveys. The surveys will document subjective aspects of this experience from a core group of centers. Details of the surveys are included and cover: experience with training and acceptance, changes in practice associated with the years of experience and barriers to broader use.
METHODS FOR KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT IN MILITARY APPLICATIONS: A REVIEW OF CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE METHODS
Authors: Volf Petr , Kutilek Patrik , Hejda Jan , Viteckova Slavka , Smrcka Pavel , Hana Karel , Svoboda Zdenek , Krivanek Vaclav
Published: October 2020

Expansion of methods employed in the kinematic analysis of human movement for diagnosing of the physical and mental health of subjects can be traced back to the 1990`s when new information technologies and electronic recording systems started their development boom. Evaluation methods of body movement for the diagnostics of physical and mental health expanded significantly in clinical practice. This study presents an overview of these methods with the focus on how applicable the analysis of human movement can be in military practice, where they are currently marginally used. The aim of this study is to offer some recommendations on how particular methods could be utilized in an army context. This article also suggests the most appropriate methods of quantitative evaluation for posture and motion control in the course of standing, gait and other activities carried out in military training and active duty.
FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POLYMERIC NANOFIBERS USING PLATELETS FOR MELANOCYTE CULTURE
Authors: Vocetkova Karolina , Sovkova Vera , Buzgo Matej , Divin Radek , Amler Evzen , Filova Eva
Published: October 2020

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that uses a combination of cells, suitable biomaterials and bioactive molecules to engineer the desired tissue and restore lost function. These principles have quickly begun to spread to the therapy of multiple diseases, including depigmentation disorders. The most common depigmentation disorder is vitiligo, a disease with deep psychosocial implications. Thanks to their unique properties, electrospun polymeric nanofibers represent a material suitable for tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, they may be functionalized with platelets, cells that contain a wide spectrum of growth factors and chemokines. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the functionalization of polymeric nanofibers with platelets and their effects in melanocyte culture. The scaffolds were visualized using scanning electron microscopy, the metabolic activity and proliferation of melanocytes was determined using MTS assay and dsDNA quantification, respectively. Furthermore, the melanocytes were stained and visualized using confocal microscopy. The acquired data showed that poly-ε-caprolactone functionalized with platelets promoted the viability and proliferation of melanocytes. According to the results, such a functionalized scaffold combining nanofibers and platelets may be suitable for melanocyte culture.
MATERIALS SUITABLE TO SIMULATE SNOW DURING BREATHING EXPERIMENTS FOR AVALANCHE SURVIVAL RESEARCH
Authors: Roubík Karel , Walzel Simon , Horakova Lenka , Refalo Alicia , Sykora Karel , Ort Vaclav , Sieger Ladislav
Published: October 2020

Terrain experiments for avalanche survival research require appropriate snow conditions, which may not be available year round. To prepare these experiments and test the protocol, it might be advantageous to test them in a laboratory with a snow model. The aim of the study was to find a material that can be used to simulate avalanche snow for studying gas exchange of a person covered with avalanche snow. Three loose porous materials (perlite, wood shavings and polystyrene) were tested in two forms—dry and moisturized. Each volunteer underwent six phases of the experiment in random order (three materials each dry or moisturized) during experimental breathing into the tested materials. Physiological parameters and fractions of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the airways were recorded continuously. All the materials selected as possible models of the avalanche snow negatively affected gas exchange during the breathing of the volunteers in a very similar extent. The time courses of the recorded parameters were very similar and were bordered from one side by the wet perlite and from the other side by the dry perlite. Therefore, other tested materials may be substituted with perlite with and appropriate water content. From all the tested materials, perlite is the best to simulate avalanche snow because of its homogeneity, reproducibility and easy manipulation.
BCL-3 and Î²-catenin signaling and tumor staging in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Shanhong , Yin Changqing
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer (CBC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women in the world, as well as the second leading cause of death among the world's cancers. In this study, to identify the genes involved in the CRC clinical outcomes, the expression of B cell leukemia/lymphoma 3 (BCL-3) gene in patients with colorectal cancer was investigated along with serum level of Î²-catenin. In this study, samples of 23 patients with colorectal cancer were prepared. mRNA was extracted and then cDNA was prepared for evaluation of PCR. Then, with specific primers for the BCL3, a semi-quantitative RT-PCR test was performed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the serum level of Î²-catenin. In this study, 23 men with an average age of years were included. BCL-3 expression in tumor tissue was significantly higher than its level in healthy tissue (P=0.021). BCL-3 expression at stage 0 of the tumor was significantly lower than at all other stages (P<0.05), and the comparison between the rest of the CRC stages was not significant (P>0.05). The median of serum Î²-catenin levels in the patients was 32.83 (22.45, 46.09). There was no significant difference in the amount of serum Î²-catenin between all 5 stages of the disease and in terms of lymph node metastasis. There were no relationships between age, BMI, smoking history, familial CRC history, and BCL-3 or Î²-catenin serum levels (P>0.05). In this study, the expression of the BCL-3 gene in tumor specimens was high. It can be said that the BCL-3 gene can act as one of the genes involved in colorectal cancer, along with some genes such as Î²-catenin. While BCL-3 was associated with a higher stage of CRC, Î²-catenin didn't show such a relationship with CRC.
Guizhi Fuling pills inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of human cutaneous malignant melanoma cells by regulating the molecular axis of LncRNA TPT1-AS1 / miR-671-5p
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: October 2020

The current research was aimed to explore the effects of Guizhi Fuling Pills on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human cutaneous malignant melanoma cells and its regulation on the molecular axis of LncRNA TPT1-AS1 / miR-671-5p. Human cutaneous malignant melanoma cells A375 were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into Con group, Guizhi Fuling pills-L group, Guizhi Fuling pills-M group, Guizhi Fuling pills-H group, Guizhi Fuling pills-H + pcDNA group, Guizhi Poria pills-H + pcDNA-TPT1-AS1 group. MTT was used to detect cell proliferation. The Transwell cell test was used to detect cell migration and invasion. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of TPT1-AS1 and miR-671-5p. The dual-luciferase report experiment verified the targeting relationship of TPT1-AS1, miR-671-5p. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Ki-67, PCNA, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Compared with Con group, Guizhi Fuling Pills could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion (p<0.05), and also inhibit the expression of Ki-67, PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, TPT1-AS1 (p<0.05), promote the expression of miR-671-5p (p<0.05)., and the differences between the indexes of Guizhi Fuling Pill-L group, Guizhi Fuling Pill-M group and Guizhi Fuling Pill-H group were statistically significant (p<0.05). The dual-luciferase report experiment confirmed that TPT1-AS1 could target and bind to miR-671-5p and could regulate the expression and activity of miR-671-5p. Overexpression of TPT1-AS1 could reduce the inhibitory effect of Guizhi Fuling Pills on proliferation, migration and invasion of A375 cells. Guizhi Fuling Pill may reduce the proliferation, migration and invasion of human cutaneous malignant melanoma cells by down-regulating the expression of TPT1-AS1 and up-regulating the expression of miR-671-5p.
Effects of Floium ginkgo extract and tertram ethypyrazine sodium chloride injection on expression of inflammatory cytokines and cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhang Qingna , Yuan Chunhui , Liu Jingyan , Li Pengfei , Dong Zhuo
Published: October 2020

This experiment was carried out to observe and analyze the effect of floium ginkgo extract and tertram ethypyrazine sodium chloride injection in patients with cerebral infarction. A total of 200 patients diagnosed with cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into a research group and control group, each containing 100 patients. The control group was given routine treatment measures while the research group was given floium ginkgo extract and tertram ethypyrazine sodium chloride injection on the basis of routine treatment. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were observed and compared. After implementing different treatment schemes, the levels of MMP-9, SOD, CBV and CBF in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group, p<0.05. The research group was lower in hs-CRP, MDA, MTT, TTP and TNF-Î± as compared with the control group, p<0.05. In terms of the quality of life of the two groups after six months of treatment, the scores of various indicators in the research group were all significantly superior, p<0.05. Conclusion: The treatment of cerebral infarction patients with floium ginkgo extract and tertram ethypyrazine sodium chloride injection can significantly improve the therapeutic effect, which is a relatively ideal treatment.
MiRNA-214 promotes the pyroptosis and inhibits the proliferation of cervical cancer cells via regulating the expression of NLRP3
Authors: Yu Shunrui , Zhao Na , He Mengya , Zhang Kai , Bi Xuehui
Published: October 2020

Inflammasome mediates the maturation of interleukin-1Î² (IL-1Î²) and IL-18, triggers the pyroptosis and associates with multiple autoimmune diseases. In light of this, we hope to investigate the regulatory role of miRNA-214 in the inflammasome of cervical cancer. With the samples collected from 50 cervical cancer patients and 50 age-matched healthy subjects, real-time PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the mRNA and/or protein expression profiles of the NOD-like receptor protein family, including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, Caspase-1, IL-1Î², IL-18 and miR-214. Corresponding plasmids were used to transfect the Hela, HCC94, Siha or HUCEL normal cell lines to upregulate or downregulate the expression of targeted genes and to construct the cervical cancer models on rats. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blot were also considered to detect the expression of miR-214 and pyroptosis-related genes, while the pyroptosis of cells was evaluated by using the caspase-1 activity detection kit. Downregulation of miR-214 was found in the cervical cancer patients and the cervical cancer cell lines (** P <0.01), while overexpression of miR-214 could induce the pyroptosis of cervical cancer cell by targeting NLRP3. In cervical cancer patients, miR-214 and NLRP3 are downregulated, while upregulation of miR-214, by enhancing the expression of NLRP3, can advance the pyroptosis of cervical cancer cells. In addition, we, for the first time, clarify the correlation of cervical cancer with the miR-214 and NLRP3.
Exploration and analysis of the value of tumor-marker joint detection in the pathological type of lung cancer
Authors: Gao Shuhui , Zhang Guibin , Lian Yufei , Yan Li , Gao Haixiang
Published: October 2020

Lung cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in lung tissue. If left untreated, cell growth can spread beyond the lungs to a process called metastasis and reach surrounding tissues or other organs. This experiment was set up to discuss and analyze the research value of joint detection of tumor markers including carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA21-1) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the diagnosis and pathological type of lung cancer. From November 2016 to February 2018, 378 cases of patients with lung cancer treated in our hospital and 200 cases of people with healthy physical examinations were collected. The electrochemical immunoluminescence method was adopted to detect the CEA, CYFRA21-1 and NSE. The detected positive rate and the concentration of CEA, CYFRA21-1 and NSE of lung cancer group were higher than that of the healthy physical examination group. The differences were of statistical significance (P<0.05); the detected positive rate of CEA and CYFRA21-1 and the concentration of CEA, CYFRA21-1 and NSE of squamous carcinoma group were higher than that of the adenocarcinoma group. The differences were of statistical significance (P<0.05). The CEA, CYFRA21-1 and NSE are related to the pathological type of lung cancer and can be regarded as related indicators to diagnose lung cancer.
Calcium based siRNA coating: a novel approach for knockdown of HER2 gene in MCF-7 cells using gold nanoparticles
Authors: Sami Abdul , Naqvi S.M. Saqalan , Qayyum Mazhar , Raza Rao Abida , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Yerzhan , Ahmad M. Sheeraz
Published: October 2020

Surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) for therapeutic siRNA delivery into cancer cells has gained interest. The present study was designed for surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for efficient siRNA delivery and knockdown in cancer cells. In order to achieve this objective, AuNPs were coated with HER2-siRNA in the presence of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA), calcium chloride (CaCl2) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) in alternate charge bearing successive layers. MCF-7 cells were cultured and transfected with fabricated assembly of AuNPs. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the formulation was 45.35 nM  . Total RNA was isolated from transfected cells, reverse transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed. The RT-PCR based delta-delta Ct analysis in treated cells revealed a significant 18.94 times decrease (p<0.001) in the expression of HER2 gene standardized with ACTB housekeeping gene as compared to untreated cells, which makes this formulation a potent approach for siRNA delivery and  gene knockout.
Serum miR-885-5p can be used as a marker for efficacy prediction and prognosis of advanced liver cancer
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: October 2020

This study set out to observe the value of miR-885-5p in the prognosis evaluation of liver cancer patients after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Sixty liver cancer patients treated in Zhuji City People's Hospital between January 2019 and September 2019 were enrolled. The patients were categorized into survival (SG) and death groups (DG) according to prognosis. Sixty-five healthy individuals were included as a control. The expression of miR-885-5p and miR-21were measured by the qRT-PCR and predictive value of diagnostic efficiency was determined by the ROC curve. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to explore independent risk factors. Results showed that levels of miR-885-5p in the serum of liver cancer patients were obviously lower than that of the control group; however, levels of miR-21 in the serum of liver cancer patients were higher than that of healthy individuals. Patients with miR-885-5p low expression and miR-21 high expression had poor differentiation, stages III+IV, and their incidence of lymphatic invasion and distal metastasis was higher (P<0.05). AUC values of miR-885-5p and miR-21 single diagnosis were both > 0.8. The relative level of miR-885-5p in the serum of the SG was dramatically higher than that of the DG, and its relative level of miR-21 in serum was significantly decreased compared with DG. ROC curves in diagnosing the prognosis of liver cancer patients were drawn, AUC values of serum miR-885-5p and miR-21 in diagnosing their prognosis were both > 0.8. Cox regression analysis was carried out on independent factors affecting their prognosis. The results revealed that the TNM stage, lymphatic invasion, distal metastasis and miR-885-5p were independent prognostic factors affecting their 5-year survival. It was concluded that miR-885-5p exhibited the potential to be a serum biomarker to evaluate the efficacy of advanced liver cancer.
β-Adrenergic Receptors/Epac Signaling Increases the Size of the Readily Releasable Pool of Synaptic Vesicles Required for Parallel Fiber LTP
Authors: Martín Ricardo , García-Font Nuria , Suárez-Pinilla Alberto Samuel , Bartolomé-Martín David , Ferrero José Javier , Luján Rafael , Torres Magdalena , Sánchez-Prieto José
Published: October 2020

The second messenger cAMP is an important determinant of synaptic plasticity that is associated with enhanced neurotransmitter release. Long-term potentiation (LTP) at parallel fiber (PF)–Purkinje cell (PC) synapses depends on a Ca2+-induced increase in presynaptic cAMP that is mediated by Ca2+-sensitive adenylyl cyclases. However, the upstream signaling and the downstream targets of cAMP involved in these events remain poorly understood. It is unclear whether cAMP generated by β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) is required for PF–PC LTP, although noradrenergic varicosities are apposed in PF–PC contacts. Guanine nucleotide exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP [Epac proteins (Epac 1-2)] are alternative cAMP targets to protein kinase A (PKA) and Epac2 is abundant in the cerebellum. However, whether Epac proteins participate in PF–PC LTP is not known. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that βARs are expressed in PF boutons. Moreover, activation of these receptors through their agonist isoproterenol potentiated synaptic transmission in cerebellar slices from mice of either sex, an effect that was insensitive to the PKA inhibitors (H-89, KT270) but that was blocked by the Epac inhibitor ESI 05. Interestingly, prior activation of these βARs occluded PF–PC LTP, while the β1AR antagonist metoprolol blocked PF–PC LTP, which was also absent inEpac2−/−mice. PF–PC LTP is associated with an increase in the size of the readily releasable pool (RRP) of synaptic vesicles, consistent with the isoproterenol-induced increase in vesicle docking in cerebellar slices. Thus, the βAR-mediated modulation of the release machinery and the subsequent increase in the size of the RRP contributes to PF–PC LTP.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTG-protein-coupled receptors modulate the release machinery, causing long-lasting changes in synaptic transmission that influence synaptic plasticity. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying synaptic responses to β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) activation remain poorly understood. An increase in the number of synaptic vesicles primed for exocytosis accounts for the potentiation of neurotransmitter release driven by βARs. This effect is not mediated by the canonical protein kinase A pathway but rather, through direct activation of the guanine nucleotide exchange protein Epac by cAMP. Interestingly, this βAR signaling via Epac is involved in long term potentiation at cerebellar granule cell-to-Purkinje cell synapses. Thus, the pharmacological activation of βARs modulates synaptic plasticity and opens therapeutic opportunities to control this phenomenon.
4E-BP1 Protects Neurons from Misfolded Protein Stress and Parkinson's Disease Toxicity by Inducing the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Dastidar Somasish Ghosh , Pham Michael T. , Mitchell Matthew B. , Yeom Steven G. , Jordan Sarah , Chang Angela , Sopher Bryce L. , La Spada Albert R.
Published: October 2020

Decline of protein quality control in neurons contributes to age-related neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded proteins. 4E-BP1 is a key node in the regulation of protein synthesis, as activated 4E-BP1 represses global protein translation. Overexpression of 4E-BP1 mediates the benefits of dietary restriction and can counter metabolic stress, and 4E-BP1 disinhibition on mTORC1 repression may be neuroprotective; however, whether 4E-BP1 overexpression is neuroprotective in mammalian neurons is yet to be fully explored. To address this question, we generated 4E-BP1-overexpressing transgenic mice and confirmed marked reductions in protein translation in 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons. After documenting that 4E-BP1-overexpressing neurons are resistant to proteotoxic stress elicited by brefeldin A treatment, we exposed primary neurons to three different Parkinson's disease (PD)-linked toxins (rotenone, maneb, or paraquat) and documented significant protection in neurons from newborn male and female4E-BP1-OEtransgenic mice. We observed 4E-BP1-dependent upregulation of genes encoding proteins that comprise the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and noted 4E-BP1 overexpression required activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response for neuroprotection against rotenone toxicity. We also tested whether 4E-BP1 could prevent α-synuclein neurotoxicity by treating 4E-BP1-overexpressing primary neurons with α-synuclein preformed fibrils, and we observed marked reductions in α-synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity, thus validating that 4E-BP1 is a powerful suppressor of PD-linked pathogenic insults. Our results indicate that increasing 4E-BP1 expression or enhancing 4E-BP1 activation can robustly induce the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and thus could be an appealing strategy for treating a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including especially PD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn neurodegenerative disease, misfolded proteins accumulate and overwhelm normal systems of homeostasis and quality control. One mechanism for improving protein quality control is to reduce protein translation. Here we investigated whether neuronal overexpression of 4E-BP1, a key repressor of protein translation, can protect against misfolded protein stress and toxicities linked to Parkinson's disease, and found that 4E-BP1 overexpression prevented cell death in neurons treated with brefeldin A, rotenone, maneb, paraquat, or preformed fibrils of α-synuclein. When we sought the basis for 4E-BP1 neuroprotection, we discovered that 4E-BP1 activation promoted the mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Our findings highlight 4E-BP1 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disease and underscore the importance of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in neuroprotection against various insults.
Dopamine-Dependent QR2 Pathway Activation in CA1 Interneurons Enhances Novel Memory Formation
Authors: Gould Nathaniel L. , Sharma Vijendra , Hleihil Mohammad , Kolatt Chandran Sailendrakumar , David Orit , Edry Efrat , Rosenblum Kobi
Published: October 2020

The formation of memory for a novel experience is a critical cognitive capacity. The ability to form novel memories is sensitive to age-related pathologies and disease, to which prolonged metabolic stress is a major contributing factor. Presently, we describe a dopamine-dependent redox modulation pathway within the hippocampus of male mice that promotes memory consolidation. Namely, following novel information acquisition, quinone reductase 2 (QR2) is suppressed by miRNA-182 (miR-182) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus via dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) activation, a process largely facilitated by locus coeruleus activity. This pathway activation reduces ROS generated by QR2 enzymatic activity, a process that alters the intrinsic properties of CA1 interneurons 3 h following learning, in a form of oxidative eustress. Interestingly, novel experience decreases QR2 expression predominately in inhibitory interneurons. Additionally, we find that in aged animals this newly described QR2 pathway is chronically under activated, resulting in miR-182 underexpression and QR2 overexpression. This leads to accumulative oxidative stress, which can be seen in CA1 via increased levels of oxidized, inactivated potassium channel Kv2.1, which undergoes disulfide bridge oligomerization. This newly described interneuron-specific molecular pathway lies alongside the known mRNA translation-dependent processes necessary for long-term memory formation, entrained by dopamine in CA1. It is a process crucial for the distinguishing features of novel memory, and points to a promising new target for memory enhancement in aging and age-dependent diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOne way in which evolution dictates which sensory information will stabilize as an internal representation, relies on information novelty. Dopamine is a central neuromodulator involved in this process in the mammalian hippocampus. Here, we describe for the first time a dopamine D1 receptor-dependent quinone reductase 2 pathway in interneurons. This is a targeted redox event necessary to delineate a novel experience to a robust long-term internal representation. Activation of this pathway alone can explain the effect novelty has on “flashbulb” memories, and it can become dysfunctional with age and diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Inactivation of the GATA Cofactor ZFPM1 Results in Abnormal Development of Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neuron Subtypes and Increased Anxiety-Like Behavior
Authors: Tikker Laura , Casarotto Plinio , Singh Parul , Biojone Caroline , Piepponen T. Petteri , Estartús Nuri , Seelbach Anna , Sridharan Ravindran , Laukkanen Liina , Castrén Eero , Partanen Juha
Published: October 2020

Serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe (DR) nucleus are associated with several psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety disorders, which often have a neurodevelopmental component. During embryonic development, GATA transcription factors GATA2 and GATA3 operate as serotonergic neuron fate selectors and regulate the differentiation of serotonergic neuron subtypes of DR. Here, we analyzed the requirement of GATA cofactor ZFPM1 in the development of serotonergic neurons usingZfpm1conditional mouse mutants. Our results demonstrated that, unlike the GATA factors, ZFPM1 is not essential for the early differentiation of serotonergic precursors in the embryonic rhombomere 1. In contrast, in perinatal and adult male and femaleZfpm1mutants, a lateral subpopulation of DR neurons (ventrolateral part of the DR) was lost, whereas the number of serotonergic neurons in a medial subpopulation (dorsal region of the medial DR) had increased. Additionally, adult male and femaleZfpm1mutants had reduced serotonin concentration in rostral brain areas and displayed increased anxiety-like behavior. Interestingly, femaleZfpm1mutant mice showed elevated contextual fear memory that was abolished with chronic fluoxetine treatment. Altogether, these results demonstrate the importance of ZFPM1 for the development of DR serotonergic neuron subtypes involved in mood regulation. It also suggests that the neuronal fate selector function of GATAs is modulated by their cofactors to refine the differentiation of neuronal subtypes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPredisposition to anxiety disorders has both a neurodevelopmental and a genetic basis. One of the brainstem nuclei involved in the regulation of anxiety is the dorsal raphe, which contains different subtypes of serotonergic neurons. We show that inactivation of a transcriptional cofactor ZFPM1 in mice results in a developmental failure of laterally located dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons and changes in serotonergic innervation of rostral brain regions. This leads to elevated anxiety-like behavior and contextual fear memory, alleviated by chronic fluoxetine treatment. Our work contributes to understanding the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that may be disturbed in the anxiety disorder.
PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC TESTING: Clinical experience of preimplantation genetic testing
Authors: De Rycke Martine , Berckmoes Veerle , De Vos Anick , Van De Voorde Stefanie , Verdyck Pieter , Verpoest Willem , Keymolen Kathelijn
Published: October 2020

Thirty years of rapid technological advances in the field of genetic testing and assisted reproduction have reshaped the procedure of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). The development of whole genome amplification and genome-wide testing tools together with the implementation of optimal hormonal stimulation protocols and more efficient cryopreservation methods have led to more accurate diagnoses and improved clinical outcomes. In addition, the shift towards embryo biopsy at day 5/6 has changed the timeline of a typical PGT clinical procedure. In this paper, we present an up-to-date overview of the different steps in PGT from patient referral to baby follow-up.