bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Course of Spontaneous In Vitro Sperm Acrosome Reaction
Authors: CENTOLA G. M. , WEISENSEL S. P. , LEWIS V. , ANDOLINA E. G. , HERKO R. C.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The acrosome reaction (AR) is an exocytotic process essential for sperm penetration of the zona pellucida and binding to the oocyte (DeJonge, 1994). Evaluation of in vitro AR can suggest fertility potential. The purpose of this study was to determine AR as a function of time after removal of sperm from the seminal fluid using a novel test, the Acrobeads test (Fertility Technologies, Natick, Massachusetts), which uses paramagnetic beads coated with MH61, a monoclonal antibody that binds to acrosome‐reacted sperm. Specimens were acquired from known fertile donors (n = 9) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients (n = 8) with no apparent male factor on the day of the IVF and processed by a minipercoll wash at 30 minutes after ejaculation. An aliquot of washed sperm was then divided into two portions. The first was placed with the Acrobeads (according to the manufacturer's instructions) and assessed for bead binding after 6 and 24 hours with the beads. The second aliquot of washed sperm was held at room temperature for 24 hours, then exposed to the beads, with bead binding assessed at 6 and 24 hours later (30 and 48 hours after washing). The Acrobeads score was determined by assessing the binding of MH61 beads in each of four replicates with a resulting score of 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest). The mean (±SD) motility was 62.0% (7.5) at 6 hours, 52.3% (6.4) at 24 hours, 55.9% (10.4) at 30 hours, and 54.7% (8.4) at 48 hours after removal from the seminal fluid. At 6 hours after washing and exposure to the beads, the score was 0.077 (0.27) with a range of 0–1; one donor specimen gave a score of 1, while all others had a score of 0. At 24 hours postremoval from the semen, donor and patient sperm were positive for the test, with a mean score of 3.6 (0.65). The mean fertilization rate for the IVF patients was 64.4% (range 33–90). When sperm were held for 24 hours prior to the test, there was little or no bead binding 6 hours later (score of 0.46 ± 0.77) and at 24 hours later (48 hours after washing) (mean score of 0.25 ± 0.45). These data suggest that completion of the acrosome reaction occurs by 24 hours after removal of the sperm from the seminal fluid. Since the MH61 beads bind to specific residues on the inner acrosomal membrane, these data also suggest that following the acrosome reaction at 24 hours with removal of the outer acrosomal contents and acrosomal matrix, the inner acrosomal membrane may be modified in some way that does not allow MH61 beads to bind to the sperm.
Haptoglobin Is a Sertoli Cell Product in the Rat Seminiferous Epithelium: Its Purification and Regulation
Authors: O'BRYAN MOIRA K. , GRIMA JOSEPHINE , MRUK DOLORES , CHENG C. YAN
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Using multiple HPLC steps, a protein of 67 kDa (estimated by gel permeation HPLC) was purified from Sertoli cell‐enriched culture medium that consisted of two dissimilar subunits of 9 (α chain) and 24 (β chain) kDa on SDS‐polyacrylamide under reducing conditions. Direct protein sequence analysis of the 9‐kDa subunit revealed a sequence of NH2—VELGNDATDIEXD, which is identical to the a subunit of the rat haptoglobin (Hp). Hp is a 67‐kDa tetrameric serum acute‐phase protein consisting of two α and two β subunits (α2β2) of 8.5 kDa and 24.5 kDa, respectively. Using a 351‐bp cDNA coding for Hp for northerns and two Hp primers for RT‐PCR, we have demonstrated the expression of Hp in Sertoli and Leydig cells, germ cells, and the testis, but not in the epididymis. In contrast to the hepatic haptoglobin, an acute‐phase protein whose steady‐state mRNA level increased by as much as fivefold during induced inflammation, the testicular homolog reduced by fourfold within 24 hours following induced inflammation, suggesting that this gene is regulated differently in the testis and in the liver. Moreover, the testicular steady‐state Hp mRNA level increased steadily after birth during maturation, suggesting its involvement in spermatogenesis. Using primary Sertoli cell cultures in vitro, it was found that the Sertoli cell Hp expression was not regulated by either FSH, testosterone, estradiol, dexamethasone, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, interferon‐γ (INF‐γ), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), lymphocyte inhibitory factor (LIF), or germ‐cell‐conditioned medium (GCCM). Since transferrin secreted by Sertoli cells is an important molecule in maintaining the crucial iron level necessary for spermatogenesis, the identification of haptoglobin as a Sertoli and germ cell product adds a new member to the growing family of metal transporters in the testis that are likely to play an important role in iron metabolism in the testis.
Testosterone Decreases 3β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase‐Isomerase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Cultured Mouse Leydig Cells by a Strain‐Specific Mechanism
Authors: HEGGLAND SARA J. , SIGNS STEVEN A. , STALVEY JOHN R. D.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We previously reported a strain‐related difference in basal 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐isomerase (3βHSD) activity in response to testosterone in cultured Leydig cells. The data suggested that the response to testosterone was androgen receptor mediated and that testosterone was acting via a trans‐acting factor distal to the androgen receptor to regulate Leydig cell basal 3βHSD activity. This study was designed to determine whether the previous reported strain‐related difference in basal 3βHSD activity in response to testosterone was due to a difference at the 3βHSD protein and/or at the mRNA level. In C57BL/6J Leydig cells, 2.0 μM testosterone significantly decreased basal 3βHSD immunoreactive mass by day 6 in culture. Treatment with 2.0 μM testosterone and 2.0 μM hydroxyflutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, negated the inhibitory effect of testosterone on C57BL/6J 3βHSD immunoreactive mass. Treatment with 2.0 μM testosterone also significantly decreased 3βHSD mRNA content in C57BL/6J Leydig cells, which was detectable on day 3 in culture. In contrast to Leydig cells from C57BL/6J mice, Leydig cells from C3H/HeJ mice were not susceptible to the inhibitory effect of testosterone on 3βHSD. Treatment with 2.0 μM testosterone had no detectable effect on C3H/HeJ 3βHSD immunoreactive mass or mRNA content at any time point in culture. These data indicate that the testosterone‐induced loss of basal 3βHSD activity in C57BL/6J Leydig cells can be accounted for by the loss of 3βHSD immunoreactive mass, which is preceded by the loss of 3βHSD mRNA, and that the strain‐related difference in the regulation of 3βHSD is present at all three levels. Thus, the putative trans‐acting factor involved in the mechanism whereby testosterone decreases basal 3βHSD is likely to regulate the amount of 3βHSD mRNA.
Long‐Term Trends in Sperm Counts of Dairy Bulls
Authors: VAN OS JAN L. , DE VRIES MEINT J. , DEN DAAS NANKE H. , LANSBERGEN LUCIA M. KAAL
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A possible decline in sperm counts in men and its potential relation to exposure to environmental contaminants are subjects of a broad discussion. Whereas data for human research in this area are limited, records over prolonged periods on sperm counts in dairy bulls are amply available and provide useful information. Therefore, 75,238 ejaculates collected between 1977 and 1996 from 2,314 bulls at Noordwest, a center for artificial insemination (AI) in the Netherlands, were used to evaluate long‐term trends in sperm output. Data were adjusted for known effects, of which age was the most important, followed by interval between semen collections, breed and season of collection. Mean sperm output per year of collection from 1978 through 1996 varied between 6.2 × 109 and 9.5 × 109 without any long‐term decline. Mean sperm output per year of birth from 1970 through 1995 showed less variation, between 6.7 × 109 and 9.0 × 109, also without any long‐term decline. Earlier published data of 22,120 ejaculates of 3,030 bulls of the same region, tested between 1962 and 1977, showed a corresponding sperm output, confirming the absence of any decline. The unaffected sperm output in bulls in the Netherlands during the last decades in spite of exposure to pesticides and other polychlorinated organic compounds, the type of environmental contaminants under discussion, is a positive signal, although a complete extrapolation to the human situation remains difficult.
LncRNA BRCAT54 is downregulated and inhibits cancer cell proliferation by downregulating miR‐130b‐3p through methylation in prostate cancer
Authors: Liang Haote , Lu Yongyong , Huang Xixi , Ye Tingyu
Published: October 2023

BRCAT54 and miR‐130b‐3p are two recently characterized critical players in cancer biology, while their functions in prostate cancer (PC) are unknown. From preliminary sequencing analysis, we observed altered expression of BRCAT54 and miR‐130b‐3p in PC and an inverse correlation between them. This study was conducted to explore their involvement in PC. A total of 64 PC patients were enrolled to collect paired PC and nontumor tissues. The expression of BRCAT54 and miR‐130b‐3p were determined by RT‐qPCR. Overexpression of BRCAT54 and miR‐130b‐3p was achieved in PC cells to explore their roles in regulating the expression of each other. Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) was conducted to explore the role of BRCAT54 in regulating promoter methylation of miR‐130b‐3p. BrdU assay was used to evaluate the role of BRCAT54 and miR‐130b‐3p in regulating PC cell proliferation. The results showed that PC tissues exhibited downregulation of BRCAT54 and upreglation of miR‐130b‐3p compared to that in nontumor tissues. They were inversely correlated across PC tissue samples. Overexpression of BRCAT54 decreased RNA accumulation of miR‐130b‐3p in PC cells. In addition, overexpression of BRCAT54 increased promoter methylation of miR‐130b‐3p. Moreover, BRCAT54 suppressed the role of miR‐130b‐3p in promoting PC cell proliferation. In conclusion, BRCAT54 is downregulated in PC and it may inhibit cancer cell proliferation by downregulating miR‐130b‐3p through methylation.
Icariin alleviates high‐fat diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via up‐regulating miR‐206 to mediate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Zhao Hang , Tian Hongyang
Published: October 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an abnormal lipid accumulation disease in hepatocytes. The existing drugs for NAFLD have some side effects, so new therapeutic agents are required to be explored. In this study, the effect and mechanism of icariin (ICA) on high‐fat diet‐induced NAFLD were investigated. Firstly, a high‐fat diet was used to construct a NAFLD rat model and HepG2 cells were treated with 1 mM free fatty acid (FFA). After ICA treatment, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured; liver injury and lipid deposition were observed by H&E and Oil Red O staining; interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐12, and IL‐6 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, qRT‐PCR and western blot were performed to detect miR‐206 expression and NF‐κB/MAPK pathway‐related protein expression in liver tissues and cells. After a variety of trials, we discovered that compared with the NAFLD group, ICA significantly reduced ALT, AST, TBil, TG, TC, and LDL‐C levels and increased HDL‐C levels, and improved liver tissue injury and lipid deposition. Moreover, ICA reduced IL‐1β, IL‐12, and IL‐6 levels in liver tissues and cells as well as inhibited MAPK and NF‐κB‐related protein expression in the liver tissues. Notably, ICA could significantly increase miR‐206 expression in liver tissues and cells. Further experiments confirmed that inhibition of miR‐206 was able to reverse the effect of ICA on NAFLD. In conclusion, ICA can alleviate NAFLD by upregulating miR‐206 to mediate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways.
Chatbots and mental health: Insights into the safety of generativeAI
Authors: De Freitas Julian , Uğuralp Ahmet Kaan , Oğuz‐Uğuralp Zeliha , Puntoni Stefano
Published: October 2023

Chatbots are now able to engage in sophisticated conversations with consumers. Due to the “black box” nature of the algorithms, it is impossible to predict in advance how these conversations will unfold. Behavioral research provides little insight into potential safety issues emerging from the current rapid deployment of this technology at scale. We begin to address this urgent question by focusing on the context of mental health and “companion AI”: Applications designed to provide consumers with synthetic interaction partners. Studies 1a and 1b present field evidence: Actual consumer interactions with two different companion AIs. Study 2 reports an extensive performance test of several commercially available companion AIs. Study 3 is an experiment testing consumer reaction to risky and unhelpful chatbot responses. The findings show that (1) mental health crises are apparent in a nonnegligible minority of conversations with users; (2) companion AIs are often unable to recognize, and respond appropriately to, signs of distress; and (3) consumers display negative reactions to unhelpful and risky chatbot responses, highlighting emerging reputational risks for generative AI companies.
Is it raining PFAS in France? An analysis of 52 PFAS at nanogram per liter levels in French rainwaters during autumn season
Authors: Berthou Margaux , Gérard Violaine , Pélingre Matthieu , Bagard Alexandra , Batteux Thibault Le , Losfeld Guillaume
Published: October 2023

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their pervasive nature, high persistence, and their impacts on human health and the environment. Many studies have attempted to assess the presence of PFAS along the water cycle, but few have analyzed rainwater PFAS content and its contribution to water contamination. The present study aims to improve knowledge by providing the first analysis of PFAS rainwater samples from France. A total of 52 PFAS were analyzed at nanogram per liter levels in rainwater samples collected in 14 locations in France using a cutting‐edge liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for multiresidue determination. Depending on the quantity of rainwater collected, the PFAS concentrations were analyzed either by direct injection or after solid‐phase extraction (SPE), allowing to quantify 20 PFAS with a limit of quantification (LOQ) ≤ 100 ng/L and 52 PFAS with a LOQ ≤ 1 ng/L, respectively. For the five locations for which the collected samples were analyzed by direct injection, no PFAS could be detected (i.e., their concentrations in the samples were below the LOQs of the method). The samples from four locations out of the nine analyzed by SPE‐LC/MS/MS show results above the method's LOQs for up to 10 PFAS. Among the quantified PFAS, three compounds (perfluorononanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, and perfluorohexanoic acid) have been found to be of most significance. These results bring out the presence of PFAS in rainwater samples in France, highlighting the need for PFAS environmental surveillance and risk assessment and the necessity of continuous improvement of existing analysis methods.
Culture conditions greatly impact the levels of vesicular and extravesicular Ago2 and RNA in extracellular vesicle preparations
Authors: Jimenez Lizandra , Barman Bahnisikha , Jung Youn Jae , Cocozza Lauren , Krystofiak Evan , Saffold Cherie , Vickers Kasey C. , Wilson John T. , Dawson T. Renee , Weaver Alissa M.
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicle (EV)‐carried miRNAs can influence gene expression and functional phenotypes in recipient cells. Argonaute 2 (Ago2) is a key miRNA‐binding protein that has been identified in EVs and could influence RNA silencing. However, Ago2 is in a non‐vesicular form in serum and can be an EV contaminant. In addition, RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), including Ago2, and RNAs are often minor EV components whose sorting into EVs may be regulated by cell signaling state. To determine the conditions that influence detection of RBPs and RNAs in EVs, we evaluated the effect of growth factors, oncogene signaling, serum, and cell density on the vesicular and nonvesicular content of Ago2, other RBPs, and RNA in small EV (SEV) preparations. Media components affected both the intravesicular and extravesicular levels of RBPs and miRNAs in EVs, with serum contributing strongly to extravesicular miRNA contamination. Furthermore, isolation of EVs from hollow fiber bioreactors revealed complex preparations, with multiple EV‐containing peaks and a large amount of extravesicular Ago2/RBPs. Finally, KRAS mutation impacts the detection of intra‐ and extra‐vesicular Ago2. These data indicate that multiple cell culture conditions and cell states impact the presence of RBPs in EV preparations, some of which can be attributed to serum contamination.
Effects of Breathing Patterns on Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Kidney: A Preliminary Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Tumors
Authors: Wang X. , Cao Y. Y. , Jiang Y. , Jia M. , Tian G. , Bu C. Q. , Zhao N. , Yue X. Z. , Shen Z. W. , Ji Y. , Han Y. D.
Published: October 2023

Background

The amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent breath‐hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D‐APTw imaging.

Study Type

Healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively.

Population

58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo.

Assessment

3D‐APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5‐point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values.

Statistical Analysis

The measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one‐way analysis of variance, and t test.

Results

50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D‐APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D‐APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Oscillating Gradient Diffusion‐Weighted MRI for Risk Stratification of Uterine Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ejima Fumitaka , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Kamimura Kiyohisa , Nakajo Masatoyo , Ayukawa Takuro , Kanzaki Fumiko , Yanazume Shintaro , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Kitazono Ikumi , Imai Hiroshi , Feiweier Thorsten , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: October 2023

Background

Oscillating gradient diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) enables elucidation of microstructural characteristics in cancers; however, there are limited data to evaluate its utility in patients with endometrial cancer.

Purpose

To investigate the utility of oscillating gradient DWI for risk stratification in patients with uterine endometrial cancer compared with conventional pulsed gradient DWI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Sixty‐three women (mean age: 58 [range: 32–85] years) with endometrial cancer.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T MRI including DWI using oscillating gradient spin‐echo (OGSE) and pulsed gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) research sequences.

Assessment

Mean value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for OGSE (ADCOGSE) and PGSE (ADCPGSE) as well as the ADC ratio (ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE) within endometrial cancer were measured using regions of interest. Prognostic factors (histological grade, deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stage, and prognostic risk classification) were tabulated.

Statistical Tests

Interobserver agreement was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient. The associations of ADCOGSE, ADCPGSE, and ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE with prognostic factors were examined using the Kendall rank correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A P value of <0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

Compared with ADCOGSE and ADCPGSE, ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE was significantly and strongly correlated with histological grade (observer 1, τ = 0.563; observer 2, τ = 0.456), FIGO stage (observer 1, τ = 0.354; observer 2, τ = 0.324), and prognostic risk classification (observer 1, τ = 0.456; observer 2, τ = 0.385). The area under the ROC curves of ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE for histological grade (observer 1, 0.92, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.83–0.98; observer 2, 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.92) and prognostic risk (observer 1, 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68–0.89; observer 2, 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.86) were significantly higher than that of ADCOGSE and ADCPGSE.

Data Conclusion

The ADC ratio obtained via oscillating gradient and pulsed gradient DWIs might be useful imaging biomarkers for risk stratification in patients with endometrial cancer.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Effects of a stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice on clinical, immunomodulatory, and microbial outcomes in a human experimental gingivitis model
Authors: Fine Noah , Barbour Abdelahhad , Kaura Kamini , Kerns Kristopher A. , Chen Dandan , Trivedi Harsh M. , Gomez Juliana , Sabharwal Amarpreet , McLean Jeffrey S. , Darveau Richard P. , Glogauer Michael
Published: October 2023

Background

Stannous fluoride dentifrice is well established for its beneficial clinical effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of stannous fluoride on inflammation and oral microbiome.

Methods

In this randomized, parallel‐arm, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial, we compared clinical resolution of experimental gingivitis by evaluating bleeding on probing, gingival index, and plaque index between stannous fluoride stabilized with zinc phosphate (test) and sodium fluoride (control) dentifrices. Further, these groups were compared for oral neutrophil counts, systemic priming of neutrophils, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) expression of inflammatory markers, and the oral microbiome.

Results

We found significant reduction in bleeding on probing in the test group compared to the control group in experimental gingivitis when participants used the test dentifrice prior to induction of experimental gingivitis. The test group also showed significant reductions in GCF levels of inflammatory markers (matrix metalloproteinase 8 [MMP8], receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand [RANKL]), oral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts, and systemic neutrophil priming (CD11b expression) during experimental gingivitis. Further, significant reductions in the gram‐negative generaPorphyromonas, Tannerella, andTreponemawere noted in the test group.

Conclusion

The stannous fluoride stabilized with zinc phosphate dentifrice formulation demonstrated clinical reduction in gingival inflammation and a beneficial effect on microbiome and immune markers. This intervention should be explored as a preventive aid in the progression of plaque‐induced gingivitis to periodontitis.
Effect of synergism of sucrose ester and xanthan gum on the stability of walnut milk
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wu Qingzhi , Zhang Jian , Mao Xiaoying
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Single emulsifiers have an effect on the stability of plant protein drinks, giving some improvement. Emulsifiers are more effective in maintaining emulsion stability when combined with polysaccharides such as xanthan gum. In this paper, we studied the food‐grade emulsifier sucrose ester and measured the average particle size, polydispersity value, zeta potential, microrheological properties, microstructure and creaming index related to walnut protein emulsion by constructing a walnut protein emulsion simulation system. SDS‐PAGE and low‐field NMR were used to analyze the relative molecular masses of emulsions and the water distribution of emulsions, respectively, to further investigate the synergistic effects of sucrose esters and xanthan gum on the ease of emulsification and intrinsic mechanisms of different molecular weight proteins of walnut protein emulsions.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the synergistic effect of sucrose esters and xanthan gum was to stabilize emulsions better than single emulsifiers. Xanthan gum and protein may form protein–polysaccharide complexes, as well as the hydrophobic interaction between sucrose ester and xanthan gum. The properties of xanthan gum can improve the stability of the emulsion by affecting the mechanical properties of walnut protein emulsion, and the combination of sucrose ester and xanthan gum can better stabilize large protein molecules.

CONCLUSION

The results not only provide a theoretical basis for the stability of plant protein emulsion systems, but also provide technical support for the production and processing of large‐molecule plant proteins into emulsions in this field for improving their stability, and also provide more possibilities for other types of emulsions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immobilization of invertase on porous membranes made from modified polysulfone
Authors: Artelt Ulrike , Staude Eberhard
Published: October 2023

The activity of invertase that was immobilized within asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes was determined as a function of the immobilization mode such as adsorption, ionic interaction and covalent bonding. For these different bonding possibilities adequate membranes were prepared from chemically modified polysulfone fitted out with the corresponding substituents. The amount of enzyme was lowest for adsorption and highest for chemical fixation. In the latter case spacers were useful because substituents adjacent to the polymer backbone caused a relatively large loss of activity which can stem either from chemical reaction or from the hampered development of the appropriate conformational structure. Compared to the activity of the native invertase the fixation yielded a remarkable reduction of activity which was compensated for by the very extended stability of the bonded enzyme.
Wideband signal combining circuit based on multichannel different‐/same‐frequency power combiner
Authors: Song Kaijun , Li Qian , Zhu Lijuan , Yan Yuchen , Fan Yong
Published: October 2023

A wideband signal combining circuit with continuous bandwidth based on multichannel different‐/same‐frequency power combiner is presented. Two‐way signals with the same frequency can be combined to a higher power signal. Two‐way signals with different frequencies can be combined into a broadband signal. A stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is used as a multimode resonator. The wider bandwidth is got by SIR. And the selectivity of the two filtering channels is improved by the introduction of SIR stubs, which generate four transmission zeros on both sides of the passbands. The high 3‐dB point of the low‐frequency channel overlaps with the low 3‐dB point of the high‐frequency channel. Therefore, the output passband is continuous. The measured frequency ranges of two channels are 1.34–2.21 GHz/2.21‐2.87 GHz, respectively, and from 1.46 to 2.74 GHz, the input reflection coefficient is such that the return loss is higher than 15.5 dB. The insertion loss of the two channels is 0.71/1.18 dB, and the measured isolation is higher than 15.4 dB. The measured bandwidth of the combining signal is 1.5 GHz (1.34–2.84 GHz).
Automated benchmarking of combined protein structure and ligand conformation prediction
Authors: Leemann Michèle , Sagasta Ander , Eberhardt Jerome , Schwede Torsten , Robin Xavier , Durairaj Janani
Published: October 2023

The prediction of protein‐ligand complexes (PLC), using both experimental and predicted structures, is an active and important area of research, underscored by the inclusion of the Protein‐Ligand Interaction category in the latest round of the Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction experiment CASP15. The prediction task in CASP15 consisted of predicting both the three‐dimensional structure of the receptor protein as well as the position and conformation of the ligand. This paper addresses the challenges and proposed solutions for devising automated benchmarking techniques for PLC prediction. The reliability of experimentally solved PLC as ground truth reference structures is assessed using various validation criteria. Similarity of PLC to previously released complexes are employed to judge PLC diversity and the difficulty of a PLC as a prediction target. We show that the commonly used PDBBind time‐split test‐set is inappropriate for comprehensive PLC evaluation, with state‐of‐the‐art tools showing conflicting results on a more representative and high quality dataset constructed for benchmarking purposes. We also show that redocking on crystal structures is a much simpler task than docking into predicted protein models, demonstrated by the two PLC‐prediction‐specific scoring metrics created. Finally, we introduce a fully automated pipeline that predicts PLC and evaluates the accuracy of the protein structure, ligand pose, and protein–ligand interactions.
Multi‐Party Quantum Key Distribution Using Variational Quantum Eigensolvers
Authors: Sihare Shyam R.
Published: October 2023

The research paper introduces a novel approach to multi‐party quantum key distribution using variational quantum eigensolvers (VQEs). The protocol aims to establish secure communication among multiple parties in a quantum network. The paper outlines a comprehensive framework incorporating quantum state preparation, VQE‐based key generation, error correction, and privacy amplification circuits. Mathematical formulations guide the design of quantum gates, variational parameters, and error correction codes. The protocol utilizes quantum entanglement, VQE optimization, and classical operations for error correction and secure key extraction. The paper's experimental focus involves implementing the proposed protocol on a quantum computer, analyzing security metrics such as mutual information and min‐entropy, and simulating circuit outcomes.
Novel NASICON‐Type Na‐V‐Mn‐Ni‐Containing Cathodes for High‐Rate and Long‐Life SIBs
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Zhang Xinyu , Li Dongdong , Li Yilin , Li Shilin , Butenko Denys S. , Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Li Guangshe , Zatovsky Igor V. , Han Wei
Published: October 2023

Partial substitution of V by other transition metals in Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) can improve the electrochemical performance of NVP as a cathode for sodium–ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, phosphate Na–V–Mn–Ni–containing composites based on NASICON (Natrium Super Ionic Conductor)–type structure have been fabricated by sol–gel method. The synchrotron–based X–ray study, X–ray diffraction (XRD), and X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies show that manganese/nickel combinations successfully substitute the vanadium in its site within certain limits. Among the received samples, composite based on Na3.83V1.17Mn0.58Ni0.25(PO4)3 (VMN–0.5, 108.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C) shows the highest electrochemical ability. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, in situ XRD, ex situ XPS, and bond valence site energy calculations exhibit the kinetic properties and the sodium storage mechanism of VMN–0.5. Moreover, VMN–0.5 electrode also exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in quasi–solid–state sodium metal batteries with PVDF–HFP quasi‐solid electrolyte membranes. The presented work analyzes the advantages of VMN–0.5 and the nature of the substituted metal in relation to the electrochemical properties of the NASICON–type structure, which will facilitate further commercialization of SIBs.
Chirality Supramolecular Systems: Helical Assemblies, Structure Designs, and Functions
Authors: Jia Shengzhe , Tao Tiantian , Xie Yujiang , Yu Liuyang , Kang Xiang , Zhang Yuan , Tang Weiwei , Gong Junbo
Published: October 2023

Chirality, as one of the most striking characteristics, exists at various scales in nature. Originating from the interactions of host and guest molecules, supramolecular chirality possesses huge potential in the design of functional materials. Here, an overview of the recent progress in structure designs and functions of chiral supramolecular materials is present. First, three design routes of the chiral supramolecular structure are summarized. Compared with the template‐induced and chemical synthesis strategies that depend on accurate molecular identification, the twisted‐assembly technique creates chiral materials through the ordered stacking of the nanowire or films. Next, chirality inversion and amplification are reviewed to explain the chirality transfer from the molecular level to the macroscopic scale, where the available external stimuli on the chirality inversion are also given. Lastly, owing to the optical activity and the characteristics of the layer‐by‐layer stacking structure, the supramolecular chirality materials display various excellent performances, including smart response, shape‐memorization, superior mechanical performance, and applications in biomedical fields. To sum up, this work provides a systematic review of the helical assemblies, structure design, and applications of supramolecular chirality systems.
The single‐cell evolution trajectory presented different hypoxia heterogeneity to reveal the carcinogenesis of genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: Based on multiple omics and real experimental verification
Authors: Ma Baoluo , Qin Linghui , Sun Zhou , Wang Jingyu , Tran Lisa Jia , Zhang Jing , Ye Fangdie , Liu Yan , Chen Min
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma, originating from renal tubular epithelial cells in the kidney. Hypoxia proves to be a feature commonly observed in solid tumors, leading to increased resistance to treatment and tumor progression.

Methods

scRNA‐seq data were procured from GSE159115 data set. We utilized UMAP and NMF algorithm for clustering and dimensionality reduction. The FindAllMarkers function was used to compare various groups and identify potential hypoxia marker genes. A series of in vitro experiments, including CFA, flow cytometry targeting cell cycle, CCK‐8, and EDU, was applied to investigate how ANGPTL4 regulated the ccRCC progression. Two cell lines of ccRCC cells, 786‐O and Caki, were used for si‐ANGPTL4 transfection.

Results

We annotated a total of a total of 6 cell clusters, namely ccRCC malignant cells, T cells, endothelial cells, myeloid cells, smooth muscle cells, and B cells. We observed higher levels of hypoxia‐score in the ccRCC malignant cells, while lowest hypoxia‐score in T and B cells. We detected multiple hypoxia‐related subclusters of TME cells in ccRCC, among which S100A4 CD8+ T cells and nonhypoxia CD8+ T cells were found with a marked elevation of T cell inhibitory gene score. We identified that ANGPTL4+ endothelial cells might function as an integrative role in tumor angiogenesis. Multiple TME subclusters showed high potency in stratification of the prognosis of ccRCC patients. Moreover, by a series of in vitro experiment, we found ANGPTL4 regulated the ccRCC cell proliferation, probably through ERK/P38 pathway.

Conclusion

We discerned multiple hypoxia‐related subclusters of TME cells in ccRCC, which displayed distinct functional features and great potency in predicting prognosis of ccRCC patients. We identified the role of ANGPTL4 in regulating ccRCC proliferation via ERK/p38 pathway.
Disclosures 7: Parents who initiate request for disclosure, part 1
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: October 2023

A few years back, a registrar posed the following situation on scr‐l: The technology department at his institution told the registrar they had received an “interesting call” from a mother requesting the phone records for her child. She wanted to know (1) who her student was calling and (2) who was calling her student. She also wanted to know the dates and times connected to each call. According to the mother, the student had a large phone bill, and she wanted to know why. The registrar said the college sends the phone bills to students (which prompted the mother's call when her student asked her to pay the bill). The registrar also wasn’t sure if “phone records” were education records that fell under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Taxogenomic placement of Rasporella oleae and Rasporella dianae gen. and spp. nov., two insect associated yeast species
Authors: Čadež Neža , Boundy‐Mills Kyria , Botha Alfred , Kachalkin Aleksey , Dlauchy Dénes , Péter Gábor
Published: October 2023

During the course of independent studies in Europe, North America, and Africa, seven yeast strains were isolated from insect frass, decaying wood, tree flux, and olive oil sediment. Phylogenetic analysis of two barcoding DNA regions (internal transcribed spacer and the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene) revealed that they belong to two closely related undescribed species distinct from all genera in the family Debaryomycetaceae. For reliable taxonomic placement the genomes of four strains of the two novel species and six type strains of closely related species were sequenced. Orthologous genes from 54 genomes of representatives of the Pichiomycetes and 23 outgroup taxa were concatenated to construct a fully supported phylogenetic tree. Consistent with the assumptions, we found that the two new species belong to a novel genus. In addition, the delimitation of the novel species was supported by genetic distance calculations from average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA:DNA hybridization (dDDH) values. The physiological characterization of the novel species was generally consistent with their genomic content. All strains had two alleles encoding secretory lipase in either two or three copies depending on the species. However, lipolytic activity was detected only in strains with three copies of the secretory lipase gene. Nevertheless, lipolytic activity might be related to their association with the insect gut. Based on these results, formal descriptions of the new genus Rasporella gen. nov. and of two new species Rasporella dianae sp. nov. (holotype UCDFST 68‐643T, MycoBank no.: 850238) and Rasporella oleae sp. nov. (holotype ZIM 2471T, MycoBank no.: 850126) are provided.
Anlage des Forschungsprojektes
Authors: Wittfeld Meike
Published: October 2023

Für diese Studie wurden ein exploratives Vorgehen und ein qualitativ-rekonstruktiver Ansatz gewählt, „um dem Untersuchungsfeld in seiner Komplexität und der ihm eigenen Struktur möglichst offen zu begegnen“ (Zeitler/Heller/Asbrand 2012: 49). Im Folgenden sollen zunächst die methodologischen und methodischen Bezugspunkte der Forschungsarbeit expliziert werden (3.1).
Anlässe der Thematisierung sexueller Gewalt durch pädagogische Fachkräfte – eine Einleitung
Authors: Wittfeld Meike
Published: October 2023

Das vorangegangene Kapitel hat gezeigt, dass die pädagogischen Fachkräfte sich zunächst von der Gewalttat distanzieren müssen, um im Weiteren über sexuelle Gewalt als Thema sprechen zu können. Dieses Kapitel rekonstruiert nun Anlässe der Thematisierung. Die Beschreibungen und Erzählungen, dass das Thema in der Handlungspraxis relevant ist, sind in den Gruppendiskussionen in vielfältiger Form zu finden. In der Kontrastierung lassen sich über die Anlässe starke Gemeinsamkeiten und auch einige Differenzen zwischen den Teams herausarbeiten.
Institutionelle Bedingungen als Anlass der Thematisierung von sexueller Gewalt in Institutionen: „aber in anderen gruppen, wird anders gearbeitet, da sind andere konzepte“
Authors: Wittfeld Meike
Published: October 2023

Bereits im vorangegangenen Kapitel wurde deutlich, dass es zwischen den Teams große Unterschiede in den Orientierungen hinsichtlich des organisationalen Umgangs mit der medialen Berichterstattung gibt. Weitere Anlässe der Thematisierung sexueller Gewalt werden in den Bedingungen der Institution selbst verortet. Dabei geht es einerseits um organisationale und pädagogische Bedingungen, die sich auf die stationäre Kinder- und Jugendhilfe im Allgemeinen beziehen lassen und andererseits um solche Bedingungen, die für spezifische organisationale Konstellationen gelten. Alle Bedingungen werden von den Teams als Bedingungen für das Entstehen von sexueller Gewalt und/oder der Möglichkeit, unter falschen Verdacht zu geraten, thematisiert. Dabei wird sowohl darauf eingegangen, dass einige Bedingungen Schutz, andere Risiken bergen und manche auch ambivalent sind und sowohl schützen als auch riskant sind.
New Physics in CP violating and flavour changing quark dipole transitions
Authors: Fajfer Svjetlana , Kamenik Jernej F. , Košnik Nejc , Smolkovič Aleks , Tammaro Michele
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We explore CP-violating (CPV) effects of heavy New Physics in flavour-changing quark dipole transitions, within the framework of Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). First, we establish the relevant dimension six operators and consider the Renormalisation Group (RG) evolution of the appropriate Wilson coefficients. We investigate RG-induced correlations between different flavour-violating processes and electric dipole moments (EDMs) within the Minimal Flavour Violating and U(2)3 quark flavour models. At low energies, we set bounds on the Wilson coefficients of the dipole operators using CPV induced contributions to observables in non-leptonic and radiative B, D and K decays as well as the neutron and electron EDMs. This enables us to connect observable CPV effects at low energies and general NP appearing at high scales. We present bounds on the Wilson coefficients of the relevant SMEFT operators at the high scale Λ = 5 TeV, and discuss most sensitive CPV observables for future experimental searches.
Microstrata
Authors: Ganchev Bogdan , Giusto Stefano , Houppe Anthony , Russo Rodolfo , Warner Nicholas P.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Microstrata are the non-extremal analogues of superstrata: they are smooth, non-extremal (non-BPS) solitonic solutions to IIB supergravity whose deep-throat limits approximate black holes. Using perturbation theory and numerical methods, we construct families of solutions using a consistent truncation to three-dimensional supergravity. The most general families presented here involve two continuous parameters, or amplitudes, and four quantized parameters that set the angular momenta and energy levels. Our solutions are asymptotic to the vacuum of the D1-D5 system: AdS3×S3× 𝕋4. Using holography, we show that the they are dual to multi-particle states in the D1-D5 CFT involving a large number of mutually non-BPS supergravitons and we determine the anomalous dimensions of these states from the binding energies in supergravity. These binding energies are uniformly negative and depend non-linearly on the amplitudes of the states. In one family of solutions, smoothness restricts some of the fields to lie on a special locus of the parameter space. Using precision holography we show that this special locus can be identified with the multi-particle states constructed via the standard OPE of the single-particle constituents. Our numerical analysis shows that microstrata are robust at large amplitudes and the solutions can be obtained to very high precision.
Linking within- and between-host scales for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of quantitative antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Mann-Manyombe Martin L. , Mendy Abdoulaye , Seydi Ousmane , Djidjou-Demasse Ramsès
Published: October 2023

Understanding both the epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern. In this paper, we propose a nested model, explicitly linking the within- and between-host scales, in which the level of resistance of the bacterial population is viewed as a continuous quantitative trait. The within-host dynamics is based on integro-differential equations structured by the resistance level, while the between-host scale is additionally structured by the time since infection. This model simultaneously captures the dynamics of the bacteria population, the evolutionary transient dynamics which lead to the emergence of resistance, and the epidemic dynamics of the host population. Moreover, we precisely analyze the model proposed by particularly performing the uniform persistence and global asymptotic results. Finally, we discuss the impact of the treatment rate of the host population in controlling both the epidemic outbreak and the average level of resistance, either if the within-host scale therapy is a success or failure. We also explore how transitions between infected populations (treated and untreated) can impact the average level of resistance, particularly in a scenario where the treatment is successful at the within-host scale.
Unravelling the pre-eruptive conditions of the rhyolitic Šumovit Greben lava dome from clinopyroxene-dominant glomeroporphyritic clots
Authors: Molnár Kata , Lahitte Pierre , Döncző Boglárka , Arató Róbert , Szepesi János , Benkó Zsolt , Nomade Sebastien , Gätjen Jochen , Dibacto Stéphane , Temovski Marjan
Published: October 2023

Detailed analyses of mineral composition and whole-rock geochemical data helped to unravel the volcanic plumbing system beneath the rhyolitic Šumovit Greben lava dome, the westernmost member of the Kožuf-Voras volcanic system (N. Macedonia). It is characterized by high SiO2 content (> 70 wt%) coupled with low MgO (< 1 wt%) and Sr (< 500 ppm) suggesting fractionation of clinopyroxene and plagioclase at depth forming a crystal mush and a crystal-poor rhyolitic lens by fractional crystallization and melt extraction on top of it. The crystal mush is composed of mainly clinopyroxene, biotite and plagioclase, whereas sanidine and plagioclase are the most abundant phenocrysts of the rhyolitic lens. The main dome forming event occurred at ca. 2.9 Ma, which sampled the crystal-poor rhyolitic lens. After a short quiescence time, an explosive eruption occurred depositing a massive lapilli tuff layer northwest of the lava dome, and an extrusion of a small-volume lava flow on the northern side of the lava dome at ca. 2.8 Ma. This latter sampled also the crystal mush, as it contains abundant glomeroporphyritic clots of clinopyroxene ± plagioclase ± biotite. The clinopyroxene phenocrysts are chemically homogeneous, their crystallization temperature is ca. 900 °C representing the crystal mush, whereas the plagioclase and the sanidine crystallized at a lower temperature (ca. 790 °C) representing the rhyolitic lens. Noble gas isotopic composition of the clinopyroxene indicate no mantle-derived fluids (< 0.5%) having an R/Ra of ca. 0.04 Ra. The rejuvenation of the system probably occurred due to implementation of mafic magma at depth leading to a heat transfer and partial melting of the cumulate. This led to crystallization of Ba-rich rims of the sanidine and An- and Sr-rich rims of the plagioclase. The crystal mush zone beneath Šumovit Greben might be connected to the nearby, more mafic volcanic centers, and the eruption of Šumovit Greben could have been the start of the last cycle in the lifetime of the Kožuf-Voras volcanic system.