bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mono and Dinuclear Palladium Pincer Complexes of NNSe Ligand as a Catalyst for Decarboxylative Direct C−H Heteroarylation of (Hetero)arenes
Authors: Singh Sohan , Shinde Vikki N. , Kumar Sunil , Meena Neha , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Rangan Krishnan , Kumar Anil , Joshi Hemant
Published: August 2023

This report describes the synthesis of a new NNSe pincer ligand and its mono‐ and dinuclear palladium(II) pincer complexes. In the absence of a base, a dinuclear palladium pincer complex (C1) was isolated, while in the presence of Et3N base a mononuclear palladium pincer complex (C2) was obtained. The new ligand and complexes were characterized using techniques like 1H, 13C{1H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Visible), and cyclic voltammetry. Both the complexes showed pincer coordination mode with a distorted square planar geometry. The complex C1 has two pincer ligands attached through a Pd−Pd bond in a dinuclear pincer fashion. The air and moisture‐insensitive, thermally robust palladium pincer complexes were used as the catalyst for decarboxylative direct C−H heteroarylation of (hetero)arenes. Among the complexes, dinuclear pincer complex C1 showed better catalytic activity. A variety of (hetero)arenes were successfully activated (43–87 % yield) using only 2.5 mol % of catalyst loading under mild reaction conditions. The PPh3 and Hg poisoning experiments suggested a homogeneous nature of catalysis. A plausible reaction pathway was proposed for the dinuclear palladium pincer complex catalyzed decarboxylative C−H bond activation reaction of (hetero)arenes.
Numerische Simulation von Drucksondierungen mithilfe der Particle Finite Element Method
Authors: Hauser Laurin , Schweiger Helmut F.
Published: August 2023

In‐situ‐Erkundungsmethoden wie die Drucksondierung werden als bewährte sowie kosten‐ und zeiteffiziente Verfahren zur Untergrundcharakterisierung eingesetzt. Die zur Interpretation herangezogenen Methoden werden laufend weiterentwickelt, um Einflussgrößen wie Teildrainage während der Versuchsdurchführung oder mikrostrukturelle Bindungen im Korngerüst berücksichtigen zu können. Diese beiden Effekte werden im vorliegenden Beitrag basierend auf der numerischen Simulation von Drucksondierungen mithilfe der Anwendung G‐PFEM, welche große Verformungen, Boden‐Struktur‐Interaktion und nichtlineares Materialverhalten berücksichtigt, untersucht. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen den Einfluss von Teildrainage und Mikrostruktur auf den gemessenen Spitzendruck und Porenwasserdruck, wobei unterschiedliche Tendenzen festgestellt wurden. Zudem konnte eine in situ durchgeführte Drucksondierung in postglazialen, feinkörnigen Sedimenten realistisch nachgebildet werden. Dies eröffnet einen möglichen Ansatz zur Kalibrierung nichtlinearer Materialmodelle, welche vielfach in der numerischen Analyse geotechnischer Randwertprobleme zum Einsatz kommen.
Mycophenolate mofetil exposure on embryonic and fetal ear development in rats during pregnancy
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhang Yang , Luo Youqi , Li Gaofeng
Published: August 2023

Background

To explore the pathogenesis of microtia, in this study, the different concentrations of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) exposure on the development of rat embryonic and fetal ears, in order to establish a drug‐induced microtia model, and provide a basis for further exploring the pathogenesis of microtia.

Methods

The pregnant rat model was established in this study, 56 pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group and MMF (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) group. Solutions were administered to the rats by oral gavage at gestation day (GD) 9 and GD 10 8:00 a.m, once a day. On GD 10.5 and GD 14.5, embryos were evaluated for neural crest development. On GD 20.5, fetuses were evaluated for overall survival and development with particular focus on ear development via morphologic, skeletal, and histologic investigation. Some animals were allowed to deliver their litters and offspring were evaluated on postnatal day 18 for ear development.

Results

A total of 56 pregnant rats, 14 in each group, were included in the study. As a result, depending on MMF dose increase, in experimental groups, it was determined that the statistically significant the development of the first and second branchial arches and derived tissues of the embryo, overall survival, ear development, and length and weight of fetuses. Imaging of MMF groups revealed statistically significant differences in the development of the skull and auditory vesicles of MMF treated fetuses. Histologically, MMF affected the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and the expression of type II collagen.

Conclusions

Mycophenolate mofetil can lead to the hypoplasia of rat embryos, fetuses, and auricle in a dose‐dependent. MMF may affect the migration and proliferation of cranial neural crest cells, and then lead to microtia. MMF may induce the establishment of an animal model of microtia.
Protective effect of quercetin on fetal development and congenital skeletal anomalies against exposure of pregnant Wistar rats to crude oil vapor
Authors: Hussein Haifa Ali , Khazaeel Kaveh , Ranjbar Reza , Tabandeh Mohammad Reza , Alahmed Jala Amir Salman
Published: August 2023

Background

Epidemiological evidence indicates a relationship between maternal exposure to crude oil vapors (COV) during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Quercetin (QUE) is a plant flavonoid with purported antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, which has been shown to prevent birth defects. This study was aimed to investigate the protective role of QUE on fetal development and congenital skeletal anomalies caused by exposure of pregnant rats to COV.

Methods

Twenty‐four pregnant Wistar rats were randomly categorized into four groups of control, COV, COV + QUE, and QUE (50 mg/kg). The inhalation method was used to expose pregnant rats to COV from day 0 to 20 of pregnancy, and QUE was administered orally during this period. On day 20 of gestation, the animals were anesthetized and a laparotomy was performed, and then the weight and crown rump length (CRL) of the fetuses were determined. Skeletal stereomicroscopic evaluations of fetuses were performed using Alcian blue/Alizarin red staining method, and the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes (Runx2 and BMP‐4) was evaluated using qPCR.

Results

This study showed that prenatal exposure to COV significantly reduced fetal weight and CRL, and expression of Runx2 and BMP‐4 genes. Moreover, COV significantly increased the incidence of congenital skeletal anomalies such as cleft palate, spina bifida and non‐ossification of the fetal bones. However, administration of QUE with exposure to COV improved fetal bone development and reduced congenital skeletal anomalies.

Conclusion

QUE can ameliorate the teratogenic effects of prenatal exposure to COV by increasing the expression of osteogenesis‐related genes.
Preliminary findings on long‐term effects of fMRI neurofeedback training on functional networks involved in sustained attention
Authors: Pamplona Gustavo Santo Pedro , Heldner Jennifer , Langner Robert , Koush Yury , Michels Lars , Ionta Silvio , Salmon Carlos Ernesto Garrido , Scharnowski Frank
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Neurofeedback based on functional magnetic resonance imaging allows for learning voluntary control over one's own brain activity, aiming to enhance cognition and clinical symptoms. We previously reported improved sustained attention temporarily by training healthy participants to up‐regulate the differential activity of the sustained attention network minus the default mode network (DMN). However, the long‐term brain and behavioral effects of this training have not yet been studied. In general, despite their relevance, long‐term learning effects of neurofeedback training remain under‐explored.

Methods

Here, we complement our previously reported results by evaluating the neurofeedback training effects on functional networks involved in sustained attention and by assessing behavioral and brain measures before, after, and 2 months after training. The behavioral measures include task as well as questionnaire scores, and the brain measures include activity and connectivity during self‐regulation runs without feedback (i.e., transfer runs) and during resting‐state runs from 15 healthy individuals.

Results

Neurally, we found that participants maintained their ability to control the differential activity during follow‐up sessions. Further, exploratory analyses showed that the training increased the functional connectivity between the DMN and the occipital gyrus, which was maintained during follow‐up transfer runs but not during follow‐up resting‐state runs. Behaviorally, we found that enhanced sustained attention right after training returned to baseline level during follow‐up.

Conclusion

The discrepancy between lasting regulation‐related brain changes but transient behavioral and resting‐state effects raises the question of how neural changes induced by neurofeedback training translate to potential behavioral improvements. Since neurofeedback directly targets brain measures to indirectly improve behavior in the long term, a better understanding of the brain–behavior associations during and after neurofeedback training is needed to develop its full potential as a promising scientific and clinical tool.
Enhancing community development management and the management of social and environmental impacts to get social license to operate in the mining industry: A Peruvian case study
Authors: Saenz Cesar
Published: August 2023

This research aims to determine the type of strategy used by mining companies according to the degree of community development management and social and environmental impact management. For this purpose, a qualitative study has been carried out using the methodology of case studies of mining companies in Peru, for which written and virtual reports and audiovisual material have been analyzed. The results show a framework whose main axes are community development management and social and environmental impact management. In addition, it is shown four types of community relations strategies: shared value strategy, compensatory strategy, business‐oriented strategy, and compliance strategy.
Do fast fashion sustainable business strategies influence attitude, awareness and behaviours of female consumers?
Authors: Hageman Eva , Kumar Vikas , Duong Linh , Kumari Archana , McAuliffe Eileen
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the fashion and textile industries have come under pressure to manage customer expectations. Previous research has shown that female consumers tend to buy more clothing than male consumers and are understood to care more about fashion. However, existing studies that have focused on understanding consumer attitudes toward sustainable fast fashion consumption have not been particularly explored from the female consumer's perspective. Neither have they attempted to explore the impact of sustainable business strategies on purchasing behaviour. This study attempts to bridge this gap and focuses on exploring the attitude and purchasing behaviour of female consumers driven by sustainable business strategies of fast fashion firms. The research findings are based on responses from 155 female consumers, followed by interviews to triangulate the findings. The results show that female consumers are sustainably conscious and aware of the sustainable initiatives of fast fashion companies. Furthermore, the study indicates that female consumers' attitudes and purchasing behaviour are both (unconsciously) influenced by the sustainable initiatives of fast fashion companies. Therefore, fast fashion companies should investigate how their sustainable initiatives and strategies influence the female consumer in terms of attitude and purchasing behaviour. This study thus adds to the limited empirical studies investigating female consumers' attitudes, awareness and purchasing behaviours.
Role of human dural fibroblasts in the angiogenic responses of human endothelial cells: An in vitro dural model and the application of lab‐on‐a‐chip for EDAS
Authors: Kwon Woo‐Keun , Yoo Chang‐Min , Kim Jang Hun , Kim Tae‐Won , Kim An‐Gi , Hwang Min‐Ho , Choi Hyuk
Published: August 2023

Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), an indirect anastomosis procedure, is widely accepted as a primary treatment for moyamoya disease (MMD) to improve collateral blood flow. During surgical intervention, dural fibroblasts (DuF) are thought to produce various proteins that create an angiogenic microenvironment. However, the biophysiological evidence supporting the angiogenic properties of this surgical technique has not been thoroughly elucidated. The purpose of these studies was to determine whether DuF releases pro‐angiogenic factors and chemokines and promotes angiogenic properties in human endothelial cells (ECs) under IL‐1β‐mediated wound conditions, which are expected to occur during the process of neo‐vascularization within the dura mater. Furthermore, a microfluidic chemotaxis platform was implemented to investigate the angiogenic activity of ECs in response to a reconstituted dura model. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that IL‐1β stimulation on DuF induced a significant upregulation of various pro‐angiogenic genes, including IL‐6, IL‐8, CCL‐2, CCL‐5, SMOC‐1, and SCG‐2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to ECs cultured in naïve media or naïve DuF media, those exposed to IL‐1β‐DuF conditioned media expressed higher mRNA and protein levels of these pro‐angiogenic factors (p < 0.001). ECs co‐cultured with IL‐1β‐DuF also exhibited considerable migration on the microfluidic chemotaxis platform. Furthermore, the chemotactic effects on the ECs were reduced upon neutralization of IL‐8 or inhibition of NF‐κB signaling. Our findings demonstrate that IL‐1β‐DuFs release factors that activate and enhance the angiogenic properties of ECs. These results suggest a potential interaction between DuF and ECs following EDAS for MMD, and these components could be targeted for the development of therapeutic biomarkers.
‘I just know I am upset, and thats it!’: The role of adolescents’ attachment, emotions, and relationship with caregivers in residential care
Authors: Babo Francisca , Pinheiro Mota Catarina , Santos Beatriz , Mena Matos Paula , Carvalho Helena
Published: August 2023

According to the attachment theory, the establishment of emotional bonds with significant figures is an important process in human development throughout life. The quality of the relationships between adolescents and their caregivers in residential care (RC) may act as a protective factor for internal reorganisation and the development of emotional regulation skills. The present study aims to analyse the effect of insecure attachment orientation and the quality of relationships developed with caregivers in RC settings and adolescent emotion regulation. It also aims to assess the mediating role of emotion regulation in the association between attachment and the quality of the relationship with caregivers. The sample consisted of 249 adolescents, aged between 12 and 18 years old, living in RC facilities in Porto (Portugal). The results suggest that perceived insecurity of attachment to significant figures has a negative effect on emotional regulation and on the quality of the relationship with caregivers. We also found a negative mediating effect of the differentiating emotions dimension on the association between attachment and the quality of the relationship with caregivers. It is relevant to highlight the importance of close affective relationships in developing adolescents' ability to regulate their emotions and particularly the impact of caregivers and their work in residential care.
Angle based hand gesture recognition using graph convolutional network
Authors: Aiman Umme , Ahmad Tanvir
Published: August 2023

Hand gesture recognition has attracted huge interest in the areas of autonomous driving, human computer systems, gaming and many others. Skeleton based techniques along with graph convolutional networks (GCNs) are being popularly used in this field due to the easy estimation of joint coordinates and better representation capability of graphs. Simple hand skeleton graphs are unable to capture the finer details and complex spatial features of hand gestures. To address these challenges, this work proposes an “angle‐based hand gesture graph convolutional network” (AHG‐GCN). This model introduces two additional types of novel edges in the graph to connect the wrist with each fingertip and finger's base, explicitly capturing their relationship, which plays an important role in differentiating gestures. Besides, novel features for each skeleton joint are designed using the angles formed with fingertip/finger‐base joints and the distance among them to extract semantic correlation and tackle the overfitting problem. Thus, an enhanced set of 25 features for each joint is obtained using these novel techniques. The proposed model achieves 90% and 88% accuracy for 14 and 28 gesture configurations for the DHG 14/28 dataset and, 94.05% and 89.4% accuracy for 14 and 28 gesture configurations for the SHREC 2017 dataset, respectively.
A Comparative GC/MS Analysis of Citrus Essential Oils: Unveiling the Potential Benefits of Herb‐Drug Interactions in Preventing Paracetamol‐Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Shalaby Aya S. , Eid Hanaa H. , El‐Shiekh Riham A. , Youssef Fadia S. , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Farag Nahla A. , Sleem Amany A. , Morsy Fatma Adly , Ibrahim Khaled M. , Tadros Soad H.
Published: August 2023

Our study aimed to test the potential of Citrus oils in protecting against paracetamol (PAR)‐induced hepatotoxicity. The essential oils of Pineapple sweet orange (OO), Murcott mandarin (MO), Red grapefruit (GO), and Oval kumquat (KO) were investigated using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty‐seven compounds were identified, with monoterpene hydrocarbons being abundant class. d‐Limonene had the highest percentage (92.98 %, 92.82 %, 89.75 %, and 94.46 % in OO, MO, GO, and KO, respectively). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that octanal, linalool, germacrene D, and d‐limonene were the principal discriminatory metabolites that segregated the samples into three distinct clusters. In vitro antioxidant capacities were ranged from 1.2–12.27, 1.79–5.91, and 235.05–585.28 μM Trolox eq/mg oil for 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic (ABTS), ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), respectively. In vivo, citrus oils exhibited a significant reduction in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, there was an increase in glutathione reductase (GSH), and the liver architecture was nearly normal. Molecular docking revealed that d‐limonene exhibited a good inhibitory interaction with cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms 1A2, 3A4, and 2E1, with binding energies of −6.17, −4.51, and −5.61 kcal/mol, respectively.
Engineering an O‐methyltransferase for the Regioselective Biosynthesis of Hesperetin Dihydrochalcone
Authors: Kunzendorf Andreas , Zirpel Bastian , Milke Lars , Ley Jakob P. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: August 2023

Directed evolution of the O‐methyltransferase ZgOMT from Zooshikella ganghwensis focusing on active site residues resulted in highly regioselective biocatalysts (regioisomeric ratios up to 99 : 1) for the preparation of the taste active hesperetin dihydrochalcone and related compounds. These newly constructed enzyme variants provide an attractive synthesis route for para‐methylation of catechol scaffolds, which is challenging to perform with high regioselectivity utilizing wild‐type O‐methyltransferases.
One‐Step Synthesis of Pseudo‐Boehmite by Carbonation in a Microchannel Reactor
Authors: Zhang Xing , Chen Jiayu , Jiang Tao , Fu Jianmin , Wu Xuantao , Wang Hui , Sun Yuhan
Published: August 2023

Pseudo‐boehmite with a high specific surface area and large pore volume was continuously synthesized in a microchannel reactor using the carbonation method. The effects of the microchannel on the prepared pseudo‐boehmite, strongly present in gas‐liquid mixing efficiency, were studied. In time scale, the crystallinity of pseudo‐boehmite in the microchannel, without the aging process of high‐temperature stirring, reaches the standard of industrial products. Besides, the fluid and mass transfer effect of the gas‐liquid mixing process in the microreactor was simulated under experimental conditions in computational fluid dynamics. The result illustrated the base‐liquid surround by the acid‐gas model in the microreactor, which is significantly different from the batch reactor.
Structure and Flexibility of Copper‐Modified DNA G‐Quadruplexes Investigated by 19F ENDOR Experiments at 34 GHz**
Authors: Schumann Simon L. , Kotnig Simon , Kutin Yury , Drosou Maria , Stratmann Lukas M. , Streltsova Yana , Schnegg Alexander , Pantazis Dimitrios A. , Clever Guido H. , Kasanmascheff Müge
Published: August 2023

DNA G‐quadruplexes (GQs) are of great interest due to their involvement in crucial biological processes such as telomerase maintenance and gene expression. Furthermore, they are reported as catalytically active DNAzymes and building blocks in bio‐nanotechnology. GQs exhibit remarkable structural diversity and conformational heterogeneity, necessitating precise and reliable tools to unravel their structure‐function relationships. Here, we present insights into the structure and conformational flexibility of a unimolecular GQ with high spatial resolution via electron‐nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) experiments combined with Cu(II) and fluorine labeling. These findings showcase the successful application of the 19F‐ENDOR methodology at 34 GHz, overcoming the limitations posed by the complexity and scarcity of higher‐frequency spectrometers. Importantly, our approach retains both sensitivity and orientational resolution. This integrated study not only enhances our understanding of GQs but also expands the methodological toolbox for studying other macromolecules.
Factors associated with participation in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Liu Jingyu , Fang Haiyan , Wang Xiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is effective in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the participation rate is low and its influencing factors vary. Our study aimed to systematically review the literature and investigate the participation rates and influencing factors of CR in patients with AMI.

Methods

We searched 10 databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and so forth. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted on the studies on the factors affecting CR participation in AMI. The Q tests and the I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between studies. The combined effect size and odds ratio (OR) and their respective 95% confidence interval (CI) for CR participation rate and its influences are expressed, respectively. Stata 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

We included 14 studies with 114 542 participants. Current evidence indicates a CR participation rate of 34% (95% CI: 21%–46%) in patients with AMI. The pooled OR values and CI of each influencing factor are as follows: over 60 years old (OR = 0.865; 95% CI: 0.772–0.969), male (OR = 1.690; 95% CI: 1.276–2.239), college education or above (OR = 2.526; 95% CI: 1.117–5.711), ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR = 4.257; 95% CI: 2.004–9.045), decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 0.918; 95% CI: 0.868–0.971), higher economic level (OR = 1.282; 95% CI: 1.108–1.483), history of coronary heart disease(OR = 0.667; 95% CI: 0.509–0.875), smoking (OR = 0.665; 95% CI: 0.550–0.805), combined hypertension (OR = 0.638; 95% CI: 0.562–0.723), and combined hyperlipidemia (OR = 0.577; 95% CI: 0.512–0.651).

Conclusions

The overall participation rate of CR in AMI patients is low, and various factors affect the participation rate. Specialist medical staff are needed to further promote CR rehabilitation concepts and scientific knowledge, and take appropriate measures to address the influencing factors to increase CR utilization and improve patient prognosis.
pH‐Controlled Transition from Disaggregation to Reaggregation of Bis‐indolyl(phenyl)methane−β‐CD Conjugate Appended with Multi‐logic Operations
Authors: Paul Provakar , Samanta Saikat , Mondal Bibhas , Saha Swadhin Kumar , Roy Ujjal Kanti , Mallick Arabinda , Majumdar Tapas
Published: August 2023

A multifunctional molecular logic system is designed based on the pH‐responsive emission properties of bis‐indolyl(phenyl)methane (BIPM)−β‐CD conjugates in aqueous medium. In our previous studies, BIPM molecules in water were found to form large molecular self‐aggregates that disaggregated in presence of β‐CD molecules through inclusion complexation. In the present study, transition from the disaggregated to reaggregated form of bis‐indolyl(phenyl)methane−β‐CD conjugate was followed through alteration of the local pH from 7 to 13.2. The BIPM molecules are expected to reaggregate at high alkaline medium due to the expulsion of probes from the nano‐cages of β‐CD. The pH dependent emission spectroscopic changes are harvested to design a multi‐functional molecular logic system that can mimic the functions of several fundamental logic gates and an ‘erase‐read‐write‐read’ memory unit. A macro‐molecular security system with three chemical inputs is also presented that can authenticate all‐active‐all‐possible (33) three‐character passwords with their respective unique fluorescence trajectories. Designing of molecular logic system based on the pH‐responsive emission properties of the aggregated and disaggregated forms of an organic probe is rather uncommon and the multifunctional logic, memory and security applications of the present system will carry significant importance in the molecular logic research.
Complementary analysis of proteome‐wide proteomics reveals changes in RNA binding protein‐profiles during prostate cancer progression
Authors: Aikio Erika , Koivukoski Sonja , Kallio Elina , Sadeesh Nithin , Niskanen Einari A. , Latonen Leena
Published: August 2023

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates importance of RNA regulation in cancer. This includes events such as splicing, translation, and regulation of noncoding RNAs, functions which are governed by RNA binding proteins (RBPs).

Aims

To find which RBPs could be relevant for prostate cancer, we performed systematic screening of RBP expression in clinical prostate cancer.

Methods and Results

We interrogated four proteome‐wide proteomics datasets including tumor samples of primary, castration resistant, and metastatic prostate cancer. We found that, while the majority of RBPs are expressed but not significantly altered during prostate cancer development and progression, expression of several RBPs increases in advanced disease. Interestingly, most of the differentially expressed RBPs are not targets of differential posttranscriptional phosphorylation during disease progression. The RBPs undergoing expression changes have functions in, especially, poly(A)‐RNA binding, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cellular stress responses, suggesting that these may play a role in formation of castration resistance. Pathway analyzes indicate that increased ribosome production and chromatin‐related functions of RBPs are also linked to castration resistant and metastatic prostate cancers. We selected a group of differentially expressed RBPs and studied their role in cultured prostate cancer cells. With siRNA screens, several of these were indicated in survival (DDX6, EIF4A3, PABPN1), growth (e.g., EIF5A, HNRNPH2, LRRC47, and NVL), and migration (e.g., NOL3 and SLTM) of prostate cancer cells. Our analyzes further show that RRP9, a U3 small nucleolar protein essential for ribosome formation, undergoes changes at protein level during metastasis in prostate cancer.

Conclusion

In this work, we recognized significant molecular alterations in RBP profiles during development and evolution of prostate cancer. Our study further indicates several functionally significant RBPs warranting further investigation for their functions and possible targetability in prostate cancer.
Organic Molecule Bifunctionalized Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Ba Guiming , Hu Huilin , Chen Xin , Hu Shan , Ye Jinhua , Wang Defa
Published: August 2023

Modifying the polymeric carbon nitride (CN) with organic molecules is a promising strategy to enhance the photocatalytic activity. However, most previously reported works show that interchain embedding and edge grafting of the organic molecule can hardly be achieved simultaneously. Herein, we successfully synthesized organic molecule bifunctionalized CN (MBCN) through copolymerization of melon and sulfanilamide at a purposely elevated temperature of 550 °C. In MBCN, the edge grafted and interchain embedded benzene rings act as the electron‐donating group and charge‐transfer channel, respectively, rendering efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production. The optimal MBCN exhibits a significantly improved non‐sacrificial photocatalytic H2O2 generation rate (54.0 μmol g−1 h−1) from pure water, which is 10.4 times that of pristine CN. Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results reveal that the enhanced H2O2 production activity of MBCN is mainly attributed to the improved photogenerated charge separation/transfer and decreased formation energy barrier (▵G) from O2− to the intermediate 1,4‐endoperoxide (⋅OOH). This work suggests that simultaneous formation of electron donating group and charge transfer channel via organic molecule bifunctionalization is a feasible strategy for boosting the photocatalytic activity of CN.
An optimal linear and elliptical antenna array design using black widow optimisation for 5G communication
Authors: Saha Rajrup , Das Avishek , Mandal Durbadal , Kar Rajib
Published: August 2023

This research illustrates a precise linear and elliptical antenna array design for synthesising the optimal far‐field radiation pattern in the fifth‐generation (5G) communication spectrum using a meta‐heuristic optimisation technique known as black widow optimisation (BWO). 5G communication is an emerging technology with revolutionary changes in the wireless communication system with ultra‐high data rate, enhanced capacity, low latency and good quality of service. An accurate antenna array design for an ideal far‐field radiation pattern synthesis with a suppressed side lobe level (SLL) value and half power beam width (HPBW) is the most crucial aspect of 5G communications. A suppressed SLL is necessary to reduce interference in the entire side lobe region, whereas a low HPBW is required for long‐distance communication. Here, the BWO is employed to find the optimal feeding current to each array element to lower the SLL and the HPBW value. The BWO algorithm sustains impeccable equity between the exploration and exploitation stages to impact different potential regions of the search space and generate new solutions to attain the global optima by evading the trap of local optima. The design examples of the linear antenna array (LAA) and elliptical antenna array (EAA) are illustrated in this article by applying the optimal feeding currents to each array element. Compared to the uniform antenna array and methodologies described in the recently published literature, the results obtained utilising the BWO algorithm for designing the LAAs and EAAs demonstrate a substantial development in the reduction of SLL and HPBW.
Vicarious facilitation of facial responses to pain
Authors: Göller Peter J. , Reicherts Philipp , Lautenbacher Stefan , Kunz Miriam
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Observing facial expressions of pain has been shown to lead to increased subjective, neural and autonomic pain responses. Surprisingly, these vicarious facilitation effects on its corresponding response channel, namely facial responses to pain have mostly been neglected. We aim to examine whether the prior exposure to facial expressions of pain leads to a facilitation of facial responses to experimental pain; and whether this facilitation is linked to the valence (pain vs. neutral expression) or also linked to specific motor‐features of the facial pain expressions (different facial muscle movements).

Method

Subjective (intensity and unpleasantness ratings) and facial responses (Facial Action Coding System) of 64 participants (34 female) to painful and non‐painful heat stimuli were assessed. Before each heat stimulus, video clips of computer‐generated facial expressions (three different pain expressions and a neutral expression) were presented.

Results

The prior exposure to facial expressions of pain led to increased subjective and facial responses to pain. Further, vicarious pain facilitation of facial responses was significantly correlated with facilitation of unpleasantness ratings. We also found evidence that this vicarious facilitation of facial responses was not only linked to the presentation of pain versus neutral expressions but also to specific motor‐features of the pain cue (increase in congruent facial muscle movements).

Discussion

Vicarious pain facilitation was found for subjective and facial responses to pain. The results are discussed with reference to the motivational priming hypothesis as well as with reference to motor priming.

Significance

Our study uncovers evidence that facial pain responses are not only influenced by motivational priming (similar to other types of pain responses), but also by motor‐priming. These findings shed light on the complexity ‐ ranging from social, affective and motor mechanisms ‐ underling vicarious facilitation of pain.
Optimization of rAAV capture step purification using SO3 monolith chromatography
Authors: Bažec Kaja , Krašna Mirjam , Mihevc Andrej , Leskovec Maja , Štrancar Aleš , Tajnik Sbaizero Mojca
Published: August 2023

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors are crucial tools for gene therapy applications. As AAVs are administered in vivo, stringent purity requirements must be met, necessitating the development of various downstream processing strategies in accordance with regulatory guidelines. In this context, we focus on the non‐affinity serotype‐independent recombinant AAV (rAAV) capture step, which involves the use of Convective Interaction Media (CIM) cation‐exchange SO3 monoliths. We analyzed differentially pretreated viral samples obtained from the Sf9 cell line and applied these samples to the capture SO3 chromatography step. We conducted screening experiments using CIM SO3 0.05 mL monolithic 96‐well plates with buffers of varying pH, sodium chloride concentrations, and the inclusion of poloxamer 188, aiming to select the optimal binding mobile phase. Dynamic binding capacity was defined for different pretreatments and the optimal conditions were subsequently retested using the industrial purification CIMmultus line. The results demonstrated a high overall vector recovery (51%) and a significant reduction in impurities (99.98% for protein reduction and 99.25% for DNA reduction) using the selected capture step parameters, thereby confirming the successful optimization of the rAAV capture step in the downstream process using monoliths.
Tandem catalysts CuSe/AuX for increasing local *CO concentration to promote the photocatalytic CO2 reduction to C2H4
Authors: Yan Yifan , Wang Hongzhi , Bi Xinze , Zhao Yuezhu , Wang Wenhang , Wu Mingbo
Published: August 2023

It is highly desired yet challenging to strategically steer CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) toward ethylene (C2H4) with high activity under visible light irradiation. The key to achieving this goal is increasing the local *CO concentration on the catalyst surface and promoting the C‐C coupling progress. Here, we prepare tandem catalysts of CuSe/AuX to realize the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2H4 with high activity. Under light irradiation, the loaded Au NPs are used to activate and transfer CO2 to *CO. The generated *CO intermediate could migrate to the surface of CuSe and cause the C‐C coupling process. Moreover, the theoretical calculation results show that the transport process of *CO from Au NPs to CuSe is spontaneous, which plays a critical role in guaranteeing the high concentration of *CO intermediate on the surface of CuSe. This work not only reveals the effect of tandem catalysis on CO2RR to C2 products but also explores the most suitable tandem catalyst to produce C2H4 with high activity by adjusting the loading amounts of Au NPs. Thus, it provides a way to adjust the Cu‐based catalyst used in the production of C2 products by photocatalytic CO2RR, which may attract extensive attention in the field.
Long‐term seizure outcome and mobility after surgical treatment for Rasmussen encephalitis in children: A single‐center experience
Authors: Nava Brenda Cristina , Costa Ursula Thome , Hamad Ana Paula Andrade , Garcia Camila Araujo Bernardino , Sakamoto Americo Ceiki , Aragon Davi Casale , Machado Helio Rubens , Santos Marcelo Volpon
Published: August 2023

Objective

Rasmussen Encephalitis (RE) is a rare inflammatory neurodegenerative disease associated with refractory seizures, hemiparesis, and cognitive deterioration, due to lateralized cortical atrophy. Hemispheric surgery (hemispherotomy) is the mainstay of treatment, but its unavoidable motor deficits and lack of long‐term data regarding seizure outcomes can make patients and families apprehensive to undergo this procedure. The present study aimed at analyzing the results of surgical treatment for RE from a motor and epilepsy standpoint, and mitigate such concerns.

Methods

Clinical and operative data were retrospectively collected from medical records of pharmacoresistant patients treated with functional hemispherectomy at a tertiary reference center for epilepsy surgery, during a 24‐year period (1996–2020). Variables such as age of epilepsy onset, seizure semiology, seizure frequency, immunomodulatory therapy, age at surgery, duration of epilepsy, surgical procedures and complications, number of medications used preoperatively and postoperatively were described and statistically analyzed.

Results

Forty‐three (43) patients were included in this study. Mean age of epilepsy onset was 6.14 years, the average interval between epilepsy onset and hemispherotomy was 2.21 years. and the mean age at surgery was 8.28 years. Thirty patients (69.7%) were Engel I at their last follow‐up, of whom 23 (56.4%) were Engel Ia, within a mean follow‐up of 11.3 years. Duration of epilepsy, seizure frequency, and age at surgery, among others, did not correlate with seizure outcome, except the use of immunotherapy which led to worse outcomes (p < .05). Also, after surgery, motor functionality was significantly recovered (i.e., most patients returned to their previous status) with time.

Significance

This study tackled some issues regarding the surgical treatment of this disease, particularly showing that hemispherotomy is safe and leads to potentially recoverable disability of motor functions while providing high rates of effective and long‐lasting seizure control; therefore, early surgical indication should be warranted once medical refractoriness has been established.
Deep‐learning predicted PET can be subtracted from the true clinical fluorodeoxyglucose PET co‐registered to MRI to identify the epileptogenic zone in focal epilepsy
Authors: Flaus Anthime , Jung Julien , Ostrowky‐Coste Karine , Rheims Sylvain , Guénot Marc , Bouvard Sandrine , Janier Marc , Yaakub Siti N. , Lartizien Carole , Costes Nicolas , Hammers Alexander
Published: August 2023

Objective

Normal interictal [18F]FDG‐PET can be predicted from the corresponding T1w MRI with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). A technique we call SIPCOM (Subtraction Interictal PET Co‐registered to MRI) can then be used to compare epilepsy patients' predicted and clinical PET. We assessed the ability of SIPCOM to identify the Resection Zone (RZ) in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) with reference to visual and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis.

Methods

Patients with complete presurgical work‐up and subsequent SEEG and cortectomy were included. RZ localisation, the reference region, was assigned to one of eighteen anatomical brain regions. SIPCOM was implemented using healthy controls to train a GAN. To compare, the clinical PET coregistered to MRI was visually assessed by two trained readers, and a standard SPM analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty patients aged 17‐50 (32 ± 7.8) years were included, 14 (70%) with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Eight (40%) were MRI‐negative. After surgery, 14 patients (70%) had a good outcome (Engel I‐II). RZ localisation rate was 60% with SIPCOM vs 35% using SPM (P = 0.015) and vs 85% using visual analysis (P = 0.54). Results were similar for Engel I‐II patients, the RZ localisation rate was 64% with SIPCOM vs 36% with SPM. With SIPCOM localisation was correct in 67% in MRI‐positive vs 50% in MRI‐negative patients, and 64% in TLE vs 43% in extra‐TLE. The average number of false‐positive clusters was 2.2 ± 1.3 using SIPCOM vs 2.3 ± 3.1 using SPM. All RZs localized with SPM were correctly localized with SIPCOM. In one case, PET and MRI were visually reported as negative, but both SIPCOM and SPM localized the RZ.

Significance

SIPCOM performed better than the reference computer‐assisted method (SPM) for RZ detection in a group of operated DRE patients. SIPCOM's impact on epilepsy management needs to be prospectively validated.
Optimized configuration with economic evaluation for shrouded vertical axis wind turbines applicable for urban structures
Authors: Rafiei Behnam , Gharali Kobra , Soltani M.
Published: August 2023

In recent urban buildings, there is an interest in using wind turbines inside the buildings. Thus, the rotors of wind turbines are shrouded by the walls of the buildings. A design for using wind turbines in urban areas is to use shrouded turbines on the roof of a building. Since vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) with low environmental impacts are recommended for energy supply in urban areas, here, the interaction of two shrouded VAWTs has been studied numerically. Based on the effects of different shroud parts, the diffuser‐shrouded turbines are selected. The arrangement of diffuser‐shrouded VAWTs has been optimized using the response surface method optimization with the Kriging model. The optimization samples are chosen by the design of experiment method to reduce the number of simulations and increase optimization accuracy. The total power coefficient of the optimized cluster is 46.2% higher than the sum of the same individual diffuser‐shrouded turbines and 149.6% higher than the sum of individual bare VAWTs. The economic assessment shows that the levelized cost of energy of the optimized cluster of two diffuser‐shrouded VAWTs is reduced by about 40% compared to two bare VAWTs.
Effect of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv extract on a model of atopic dermatitis in HaCaT cells and mice
Authors: Bak Seon Gyeong , Lim Hyung Jin , Won Yeong‐Seon , Park Eun Jae , Kim Young Hee , Lee Seung Woong , Oh Je Hun , Kim Ji Eun , Lee Min Jee , Lee Soyoung , Lee Seung Jae , Rho Mun Chual
Published: August 2023

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. has been used for a long time as a folk remedy. According to studies, it possesses anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. However, its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD) are poorly studied. Thus, we investigated the therapeutic effect of A. brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. extract (ABE‐M) on 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)‐induced AD. For in vitro analysis, keratinocytes cell lines (HaCaT cells) were used. To evaluate the gene and protein expression levels of cytokines and chemokines, TNF‐α/IFN‐γ‐stimulated HaCaT cells were treated with ABE‐M. The cells and the supernatant were collected, then gene and protein levels were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis. For in vivo analysis, BALB/c mice (6 weeks) were randomly separated into five groups (n = 5). The mice were applied DNCB and phosphate‐buffered saline, dexamethasone (DX) or ABE‐M (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was orally administrated for 28 days. At the end, ear tissues and blood were collected for histological analysis and evaluation of cytokines and chemokines. In keratinocytes, ABE‐M inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of chemokines, and cytokines exposed by TNF‐α/IFN‐γ. Similarly, the expression of chemokines was suppressed by ABE‐M in AD animal model induced by DNCB and the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Our research indicates that ABE‐M could be a candidate material that can be used to improve skin immunity enhancement, health, and beauty.
Asprosin contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through regulating lipid accumulation and inflammatory response via AMPK signaling
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lu Jinger , Jiang Yuhua , Feng Yan
Published: August 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a primary contributor to liver‐related morbidity and mortality. Asprosin has been reported to be implicated in NAFLD.

Aims

This work is to illuminate the effects of Asprosin on NAFLD and the possible downstream mechanism.

Materials & Methods

The weight of NAFLD mice induced by a high‐fat diet was detected. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) examined serum Asprosin expression. RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis examined Asprosin expression in mice liver tissues. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were implemented. Biochemical kits tested liver enzyme levels in mice serum and liver tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated liver histology. Liver weight was also tested and oil red O staining estimated lipid accumulation. RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis analyzed the expression of gluconeogenesis‐, fatty acid biosynthesis‐, fatty acid oxidation‐, and inflammation‐associated factors. Besides, western blot analysis examined the expression of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/p38 signaling‐associated factors. In palmitic acid (PA)‐treated mice hepatocytes, RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis examined Asprosin expression. Lipid accumulation, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, and inflammation were appraised again.

Results

Asprosin was overexpressed in the serum and liver tissues of NAFLD mice and PA‐treated mice hepatocytes. Asprosin interference reduced mice body and liver weight, improved glucose tolerance and diminished liver injury in vivo. Asprosin knockdown alleviated lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, Asprosin absence activated AMPK/p38 signaling and AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the impacts of Asprosin on lipid accumulation and inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Collectively, Asprosin inhibition suppressed lipid accumulation and inflammation to obstruct NAFLD through AMPK/p38 signaling.