bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-proxy bioarchaeological approach reveals new trends in Bronze Age diet in Italy
Authors: Varalli Alessandra , Moggi-Cecchi Jacopo , Goude Gwenaëlle
Published: July 2022

This study investigates changes in dietary practices and subsistence strategies in Bronze Age Italy integrating isotopic analyses with archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data. By investigating food habits, we contribute to reconstructing human lifestyles and highlighting possible links with the economic/social organization when the rise of stratified societies and new economic activities affected subsistence practices. Stable isotopes analyses in humans and animals were performed on 6 Italian sites dating from 2300 to 900 cal. BC, followed by a complete review of additional 19 sites, which forms the basis of a diachronic and geographic comparison for Bronze Age Italy. The geographic analysis shows a more varied diet in northern and central Italy, compared to the south. The diachronic analysis highlights the homogeneity of food habits during the Early Bronze Age, contrary to the later phases when an increase in dietary variability and a higher animal protein consumption are revealed. The Middle Bronze Age appears as a pivotal moment in protohistoric societies, a phase of transition. The consumption of different foodstuffs highlights the importance of cultural exchanges, resulting in a sort of “food globalization”, although environmental and climatic fluctuations could also have affected dietary patterns, favoring some crops over others.
Human recreation impacts seasonal activity and occupancy of American black bears (Ursus americanus) across the anthropogenic-wildland interface
Authors: Hubbard Tru , Cove Michael V. , Lafferty Diana J. R.
Published: July 2022

Protected areas serve an important role in wildlife conservation, yet most wildlife occur outside these areas, subject to varying degrees of human disturbance. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, American black bears (Ursus americanus), a highly mobile, opportunistic species, are common despite an extensive outdoor recreation industry with the potential to affect black bear spatial and temporal activity. We investigated how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence black bear occupancy, detection, and diel activity patterns across the anthropogenic–wildland interface before and after hibernation. Using 30 camera traps deployed across a rural–wildland interface, we captured black bears at 23 camera sites (~ 77%), which exhibited co-occurrence with humans at 10 sites (~ 33%), revealing that human presence and human population density exert negative effects on black bear seasonal occupancy. Bears were more nocturnal during the hunting season, before hibernation. Human recreational activity increased ~ 38% after hibernation, but bear diurnal activity also increased ~ 36%, except when cubs were present. Our results suggest bears prioritize avoiding humans spatially, rather than temporally, except during the hunting season and when cubs are present. Understanding black bear responses to human recreation patterns and environmental variation is essential for minimizing human-mediated disturbance, and fueling conservation efforts of large, charismatic carnivores.
A homogeneous bioluminescent immunoassay for parallel characterization of binding between a panel of antibodies and a family of Fcγ receptors
Authors: Nath Nidhi , Godat Becky , Flemming Rod , Urh Marjeta
Published: July 2022

Fc engineering efforts are increasingly being employed to modulate interaction of antibodies with variety of Fc receptors in an effort to improve the efficacy and safety of the therapeutic antibodies. Among the various Fc receptors, Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) present on variety of immune cells are especially relevant since they can activate multiple effector functions including antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). Depending on the desired mechanism of action (MOA) of the antibody, interactions between Fc domain of the antibody and FcγR (denoted as Fc/FcγR) may need to be enhanced or abolished. Therefore, during the antibody discovery process, biochemical methods are routinely used to measure the affinities of Fc/FcγR interactions. To enable such screening, we developed a plate based, simple to use, homogeneous immunoassays for six FcγRs by leveraging a luminescent protein complementation technology (NanoBiT). An added advantage of the NanoBiT immunoassays is their solution-based format, which minimizes well known surface related artifacts associated with traditional biosensor platforms (e.g., surface plasmon resonance and biolayer interferometry). With NanoBiT FcγRs assays, we demonstrate that assays are specific, report IgG subclass specific affinities and detect modulation in Fc/FcγR interactions in response to the changes in the Fc domain. We subsequently screen a panel of therapeutic antibodies including seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and four polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) products and highlight the advantages of parallel screening method for developing new antibody therapies.
Hepatitis C virus NS3/4A inhibitors and other drug-like compounds as covalent binders of SARS-CoV-2 main protease
Authors: Andi Babak , Kumaran Desigan , Kreitler Dale F. , Soares Alexei S. , Keereetaweep Jantana , Jakoncic Jean , Lazo Edwin O. , Shi Wuxian , Fuchs Martin R. , Sweet Robert M. , Shanklin John , Adams Paul D. , Schmidt Jurgen G. , Head Martha S. , McSweeney Sean
Published: July 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), threatens global public health. The world needs rapid development of new antivirals and vaccines to control the current pandemic and to control the spread of the variants. Among the proteins synthesized by the SARS-CoV-2 genome, main protease (Mproalso known as 3CLpro) is a primary drug target, due to its essential role in maturation of the viral polyproteins. In this study, we provide crystallographic evidence, along with some binding assay data, that three clinically approved anti hepatitis C virus drugs and two other drug-like compounds covalently bind to the MproCys145 catalytic residue in the active site. Also, molecular docking studies can provide additional insight for the design of new antiviral inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 using these drugs as lead compounds. One might consider derivatives of these lead compounds with higher affinity to the Mproas potential COVID-19 therapeutics for further testing and possibly clinical trials.
Electrostatic interactions between single arginine and phospholipids modulate physiological properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
Authors: Yamasaki Kazuo , Daiho Takashi , Yasuda Satoshi , Danko Stefania , Kawabe Jun-ichi , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Arg324 of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase forms electrostatic interactions with the phosphate moiety of phospholipids in most reaction states, and a hydrogen bond with Tyr122 in other states. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we explored the functional roles of Arg324 interactions, especially those with lipids, which at first glance might seem too weak to modulate the function of such a large membrane protein. The hydrogen bond forms transiently and facilitates Ca2+ binding from the cytoplasmic side. The contributions of the electrostatic interactions to the reaction steps were quantified using a rate vs activity coefficient plot. We found that the interaction between Arg324 and lipids decreases the affinity for luminal Ca2+. The transformation rate of the phosphoenzyme intermediate is facilitated by the electrostatic interactions, and the function of these interactions depends not only on the type but also on the composition of the phospholipids. The properties observed in microsomes could not be reproduced with any single phospholipid, but with a mixture of phospholipids that mimics the native membrane. These results suggest the importance of swapping of the lipid partners of different headgroups in the reaction step. This study shows that Arg324 plays a role in the reaction cycle via complex intra-protein and protein-lipid interactions.
A human tissue-based assay identifies a novel carrion blowfly strain for maggot debridement therapy
Authors: Yoshida Takuma , Aonuma Hiroka , Otsuka Saori , Ichimura Hidetoshi , Saiki Erisha , Hashimoto Kosei , Ote Manabu , Matsumoto Sari , Iwadate Kimiharu , Miyawaki Takeshi , Kanuka Hirotaka
Published: July 2022

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is a form of therapeutic wound treatment in which live fly larvae are used intentionally to debride necrotic tissues. MDT has been widely used to treat chronic wounds in humans or animals, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Larvae of a carrion blowfly, Lucilia sericata (green bottle fly), debride wounds by consuming necrotic tissue and removing pathogenic bacteria, promoting effective wound healing. Most medical L. sericata strains were initially collected from natural environments using animal meat as bait and reared on artificial protein-rich media or ground meat. It remains to be examined which strain would be more appropriate for MDT, whereas any method for evaluating the fly’s therapeutic potential in humans has not been available. A feeding assay was developed using minced human tissues obtained from surgical waste. To establish L. sericata strains highly eligible for MDT, carrion fly larvae were collected from 45 corpses subjected to forensic autopsy (such as decomposed bodies). Four corpse-derived L. sericata strains were obtained and evaluated using the feeding assay. One strain showed that its feeding activity was 1.4 times higher than the control strain used in conventional MDT. The body length of the adult fly of the corpse-derived strain was longer than the control, which was consistent with the observation that its cell size was enlarged. The human tissue-based assay developed in this study accurately evaluated the ability of fly larvae to debride necrotic wounds. The L. sericata strain newly established from human corpses harboring high feeding activity may offer a clinically significant improvement in MDT.
Dynamic response and failure characteristics of combined rocks under confining pressure
Authors: Ma Cong , Zhu Chuanjie , Zhou Jingxuan , Ren Jie , Yu Qi
Published: July 2022

Gas explosions or coal and gas outbursts can cause transient destruction of combined coal–rock, and the dynamic mechanical response of combined coal–rock masses plays a key role in accident failure, but we now know little about the dynamic mechanical responses of combined coal–rock. In this article, we selected three rocks (limestone, shale, sandstone) and two coals (bituminous coal and anthracite coal) to form combined coal–rock, and analyze their dynamic mechanical properties by using the SHPB system. We find that the dynamic compressive strength and elastic modulus of combined rock–coal are lower than the average value of single rock and coal, while the ultimate strain and strain rate of combined coal–rock are higher than the average values of single rock and coal. Compressive strength and elastic modulus of the combined body increase gradually with increasing confining pressure, and the strain decreases accordingly. The dynamic stress–strain curve demonstrates an obvious double-peak at high strain rate (85.55 s−1 and above in the present work), while there is no obvious double-peak of the curve at low strain rate. Dynamic compressive strength of combined coal–rock body increases significantly with increasing confining pressure at low strain rate, but it increases more smoothly at higher strain rate. The elastic modulus also increases with increasing confining pressure, and it seems to be stable as confining pressure increases at low strain rate. The ultimate strain decreases gradually with increasing confining pressure but more gently compared with that at low strain rate. Besides, longitudinal fractures of combined coal–rock bodies include penetrating fractures, partially penetrating fractures, and interrupted fractures stopped at the coal–rock interface. The dynamic mechanical response of combined coal–rock is of guiding significance for maintaining the stability of the roadway and formulating the support measures for the roadway.
Metabolite, protein, and tissue dysfunction associated with COVID-19 disease severity
Authors: Rahnavard Ali , Mann Brendan , Giri Abhigya , Chatterjee Ranojoy , Crandall Keith A.
Published: July 2022

Proteins are direct products of the genome and metabolites are functional products of interactions between the host and other factors such as environment, disease state, clinical information, etc. Omics data, including proteins and metabolites, are useful in characterizing biological processes underlying COVID-19 along with patient data and clinical information, yet few methods are available to effectively analyze such diverse and unstructured data. Using an integrated approach that combines proteomics and metabolomics data, we investigated the changes in metabolites and proteins in relation to patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, and health outcome) and clinical information (e.g., metabolic panel and complete blood count test results). We found significant enrichment of biological indicators of lung, liver, and gastrointestinal dysfunction associated with disease severity using publicly available metabolite and protein profiles. Our analyses specifically identified enriched proteins that play a critical role in responses to injury or infection within these anatomical sites, but may contribute to excessive systemic inflammation within the context of COVID-19. Furthermore, we have used this information in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to predict the health status of patients presenting symptoms of COVID-19. This work provides a roadmap for understanding the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms that drive disease severity, progression, and treatment of COVID-19.
Validation of Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) among Polish athletes and the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation in sport
Authors: Tomczak Maciej , Kleka Paweł , Walczak Aleksandra , Bojkowski Łukasz , Gracz Jacek , Walczak Małgorzata
Published: July 2022

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2, as well as to determine the relationship between anxiety and goal orientation among high-performance and recreational athletes. A total of 519 athletes aged M = 22.83 (SD = 4.92) participated in the study, including 266 males and 253 females. 242 athletes trained professionally and 277 recreationally. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) was used to assess anxiety levels, while the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) and the Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ) enabled to assess athletes’ goal orientation. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit of the model to the data for the Polish version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (CFI = 0.945, RMSEA = 0.072). The models obtained during analysis of high-performance and recreational athletes, women and men, also presented a satisfactory fit to the data (CFI 0.932–0.946). The configural, metric, scalar and strict measurement invariances were demonstrated for high-performance and recreational athletes as well as among women and men. High internal consistency coefficients (alpha 0.81–0.91) and a high test–retest reliability indexes were reported (ICC 0.74–0.87). Women presented higher level of competitive anxiety than men. A positive relationship between competitive anxiety and athletes’ ego orientation was also presented. This relationship concerned particularly women practicing sport recreationally.
Parameter optimization of PID controller for water and fertilizer control system based on partial attraction adaptive firefly algorithm
Authors: Huang Mingqi , Tian Min , Liu Yang , Zhang Yao , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2022

Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control is the main control method in the process of agricultural water and fertilizer regulation, and its parameter setting directly affects the control effect of water and fertilizer regulation. However, the traditional PID parameters are adjusted manually such as using the critical proportionality method, which is time-consuming and difficult to achieve optimal control effects. To solve the optimal combination of PID control parameters and improve the control effect of water and fertilizer regulation, a partial attraction adaptive firefly algorithm (PAAFA) is proposed in this paper. Specifically, a partial attraction strategy is designed to speed up the convergence of the PAAFA and reduce the oscillation problem at the late stage of the algorithm. In addition, an adaptive inertia weight operator is proposed to balance the global search capability and local search capability of PAAFA and avoid the algorithm from trapping in the local optimum. Subsequently, to test the performance of PAAFA, the algorithm is subjected to a series of simulation experiments and bench tests with the latest methods, i.e., genetic algorithm (GA), Adaptive genetic algorithm (AGA), and firefly algorithm (FA) applied to PID parameter optimization problems. The simulation results demonstrate that the regulation times of the response curve of PAAFA-based PID control are reduced by 22.75%,10.10%and 20.61%, respectively, compared with GA, AGA, and FA. The bench test results show that the PAAFA-based PID control has the smallest relative error, and best control accuracy compared to GA, AGA, and FA, with an average relative error reduction of 3.99, 2.42, and 3.50 percentage points respectively.
Younger adults tolerate more relational risks in everyday life as revealed by the general risk-taking questionnaire
Authors: Law Wai Him Crystal , Yoshino Shinya , Fong Chun Yuen , Koike Shinsuke
Published: July 2022

A range of self-report questionnaires were developed to quantify one’s risk-taking (RT) tendency. Exploring people’s perceived risk level associated with negative risk behaviors is essential to develop a better understanding and intervention policies for RT. In the present study, we proposed a 2 × 10-item scale, namely, the general risk-taking questionnaire (GRTQ), to evaluate RT tendency and risk attitude among the general population by measuring people’s engagement in and perceptions toward 10 commonly known risky behaviors. A total of 2984 adults residing in 10 prefectures in Japan (age range = 20–59, 53.12% female) provided valid responses to an online survey. Apart from the factor analysis procedures, multivariate negative binomial regression models have been applied to investigate the relationship between RT engagement and perception. We obtained two identical factors, namely, personal risk and relational risk, for both scales of the GRTQ. Increased levels of RT engagement were found in younger, male, nonmarried, nonparent and urban respondents. Despite an overall negative correlation between RT engagement and perception, our model revealed a weaker linkage in the younger population for relational risk behaviors. Overall, we showed evidence that the GRTQ is an easy-to-administer, valid and reliable measure of RT for future clinical research.
Ambiguous handedness and visuospatial pseudoneglect in schizotypy in physical and computer-generated virtual environments
Authors: Kállai János , Páll Tamás , Herold Róbert , Tényi Tamás , Zsidó András Norbert
Published: July 2022

Virtual reality (VR) technology has increased clinical attention in the health care of schizophrenia spectrum disorders in both diagnoses of the symptoms and assessment of schizotypal traits. However, the exact nature of VR-induced positive treatment effect in schizotypy is still unknown. In this study, VR technology was used as a non-invasive neurocognitive trigger to test the asymmetric visuospatial representational instability found in individuals with high schizotypy. The study aimed to reveal the brain functional hemispheric laterality in physical and virtual realities in individuals with schizotypal traits. Fifty-one healthy, right-handed participants (24 males and 27 females) were enrolled through public advertisements. Hemispheric functional asymmetry was measured by the Line Bisection Task (LBT). The results revealed that (a) LBT bias in the physical reality showed a handedness-related leftward pseudoneglect, however, similar handedness-related pseudoneglect in VR has not been found. (b) Comparing LBT bias in physically real and VR environments showed rightward drift in VR environments independently to the degree of handedness. (c) The schizotypy has no association with handedness, however, the cognitive schizotypy is related to the LBT bias. Higher cognitive schizotypy in VR associated with left hemispatial pseudoneglect. In conclusion, schizotypy is associated with ambiguous behavioral and cognitive functional laterality. In individuals with high cognitive schizotypy, the VR environment enhanced the representational articulation of the left hemispace. This effect may be originated from the enhancement of the right hemisphere overactivation and is followed by a lower mental control of the overt behavior.
Removing anonymity protection and utilization review decisions: a real-world case under a single-payer health system
Authors: Wang Chih-Kuang , Chien Shih-Jung , Lee Po-Chang , Cheng Shou-Hsia
Published: July 2022

The effects of anonymity on utilization review has never been examined in the real world. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of removing anonymity protection for claims reviewers on their review decisions. Using a single-blinded repeated measures design, we randomly selected 1457 claims cases (with 12,237 orders) that had been anonymously reviewed and reimbursed in 2016 and had them re-reviewed in a signed review program in 2017 under the Taiwanese National Health Insurance scheme. The signed review policy significantly decreased the likelihood of a deduction decision at the case and the order level (P < 0.001). Furthermore, signed reviewers tended to make more “too lenient” decisions, and were less likely to make “too harsh” decisions. Removing anonymity protection dramatically reduced the deduction rate and overturned the tendency of decisions from “too harsh” to “too lenient”. However, whether to maintain the anonymity of utilization reviews is a challenge for health authorities around the globe.
Rapid testing on the effect of cracks on solar cells output power performance and thermal operation
Authors: Dhimish Mahmoud , Hu Yihua
Published: July 2022

This work investigates the impact of cracks and fractural defects in solar cells and their cause for output power losses and the development of hotspots. First, an electroluminescence (EL) imaging setup was utilized to test ten solar cells samples with differing crack sizes, varying from 1 to 58%. Our results confirm that minor cracks have no considerable effect upon solar cell output, and they develop no hotspots. However, larger cracks can lead to drastic decreases in the output power, close to − 60%. Furthermore, as the crack area increased, there was a further increase in the cell's temperature under standard test conditions. On the contrary, no hotspots were found for the solar cells affected by significant creak areas (crack percentage > 46%) because there were insufficient areas to develop a hotspot. Last, a comparative analysis with solar cells affected by potential induced degradation (PID) was made. We found a strong relationship in the output power losses, and the PID test critically impacted the cells by developing localized hotspots at a temperature level close to 50 °C.
Deep null fixing on optimal compromise among sum and difference patterns of thinned arrays through the Schelkunoff unit circle representation
Authors: Raíndo-Vázquez Mateo , Rodríguez-González Juan Antonio , López-Martín María Elena , Ares-Pena Francisco José
Published: July 2022

Difference far-field patterns represent a way for pin-pointing a target in both azimuth and elevation, extremely useful in radar applications. At the present work, an innovative method for synthesizing good compromise solutions among sum and difference patterns providing low complexity of the antenna feeding network for uniform thinned arrays is addressed. This procedure uses a hybrid version of the Simulated Annealing algorithm (hybrid SA) to optimize a cost function of radiation characteristics for both sum and difference patterns as peak directivity and side lobe level (SLL) while fixing deep nulls. In this framework, examples of half-wavelength spaced linear arrays from 40 to 120 elements were analyzed, as well as an extension to planar arrays by means of separable distributions was developed. The performance of the method is analyzed with different examples and its potential outlined, showing the ability of fixing deep nulls in both sum and difference patterns which share the same uniform excitation relative amplitudes.
Identification and validation of a novel 16-gene prognostic signature for patients with breast cancer
Authors: Zhong Zhenhua , Jiang Wenqiang , Zhang Jing , Li Zhanwen , Fan Fengfeng
Published: July 2022

Despite increased early diagnosis and improved treatment in breast cancer (BRCA) patients, prognosis prediction is still a challenging task due to the disease heterogeneity. This study was to identify a novel gene signature that can accurately evaluate BRCA patient survival. The gene expression and clinical data of BRCA patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of BRCA International Consortium (METABRIC) databases. Genes associated with prognosis were determined by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A prognostic 16-gene score was established with linear combination of 16 genes. The prognostic value of the signature was validated in the METABRIC and GSE202203 datasets. Gene expression analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic values of 16 genes. The 16-gene score was associated with shortened overall survival in BRCA patients independently of clinicopathological characteristics. The signalling pathways of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, RNA degradation, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation and DNA replication were the top five most enriched pathways in the high 16-gene score group. The 16-gene nomogram incorporating the survival‐related clinical factors showed improved prediction accuracies for 1-year, 3-year and 5‐year survival (area under curve [AUC] = 0.91, 0.79 and 0.77 respectively). MORN3, IGJ, DERL1 exhibited high accuracy in differentiating BRCA tissues from normal breast tissues (AUC > 0.80 for all cases). The 16-gene profile provides novel insights into the identification of BRCA with a high risk of death, which eventually guides treatment decision making.
Reduced dynamic loads due to hip dislocation induce acetabular cartilage degeneration by IL-6 and MMP3 via the STAT3/periostin/NF-κB axis
Authors: Nakamura Yutaka , Saitou Mitsuru , Komura Shingo , Matsumoto Kazu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Miyagawa Takaki , Saitou Takashi , Imamura Takeshi , Imai Yuuki , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: July 2022

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is characterized by anatomical abnormalities of the hip joint, ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia to hip subluxation and eventually dislocation. The mechanism underlying the cartilage degeneration of the hip joints exposed to reduced dynamic loads due to hip dislocation remains unknown. We established a rodent hip dislocation (disarticulation; DA) model of DDH (DA-DDH rats and mice) by swaddling. Expression levels of periostin (Postn) and catabolic factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (Mmp3), increased and those of chondrogenic markers decreased in the acetabular cartilage of the DA-DDH models. Postn inducedIL-6andMmp3expression in chondrocytes through integrin αVβ3, focal adhesion kinase, Src, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. The microgravity environment created by a random positioning machine induced Postn expression in chondrocytes through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. IL-6 stimulated Postn expression via STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, cartilage degeneration was suppressed in the acetabulum ofPostn−/−DA-DDH mice compared with that in the acetabulum of wild type DA-DDH mice. In summary, reduced dynamic loads due to hip dislocation induced acetabular cartilage degeneration via IL-6 and MMP3 through STAT3/periostin/NF-κB signaling in the rodent DA-DDH models.
SIRT4 functions as a tumor suppressor during prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting glutamine metabolism
Authors: Cai Guohao , Ge Zhuhui , Xu Yunqiu , Cai Liangliang , Sun Pingliang , Huang Guoyu
Published: July 2022

Localized in the mitochondria, SIRT4 is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) -dependent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) -ribosyltransferase and is one of the least characterized members of the sirtuin family. Although it is well known that it shows deacetylase activity for energy metabolism, little is understood about its function in tumorigenesis. Recent research suggests that SIRT4 may work as both a tumor suppressor gene and an oncogene. However, the clinical significance of SIRT4 in prostate cancer remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated SIRT4 protein levels in cancerous prostate tissue and corresponding non-tumor prostate tissue via immunohistochemical staining on a tissue microarray including tissues from 89 prostate cancer patients. The association between SIRT4 expression and Gleason score was also determined. Further, shSIRT4 or stable prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1) overexpressing SIRT4 were constructed via lentiviral infection. Using Cell-Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, migration, and invasion and apoptosis assays, the effects of SIRT4 on the migration, invasion ability, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells were investigated. We also determined the effect of SIRT4 on glutamine metabolism in 22RV1 cells. We found the protein levels of SIRT4 in prostate cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in their non-neoplastic tissue counterparts (P < 0.01); a lower SIRT4 level was also significantly associated with a higher Gleason score (P < 0.01). SIRT4 suppressed the migration, invasion capabilities, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induced cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, the invasion and migration of 22RV1 cells were mechanistically inhibited by SIRT4 via glutamine metabolism inhibition. In conclusion, the present study’s findings showed that SIRT4 protein levels are significantly associated with the Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer, and SIRT4 exerts a tumor-suppressive effect on prostate cancer cells by inhibiting glutamine metabolism. Thus, SIRT4 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Mass transfer intensification for carbon quantum dot nanofluid drops under pulsed electric fields
Authors: Jafari Farnaz , Saien Javad , Rashidi Alimorad
Published: July 2022

Simultaneous use of carbon quantum dot (CQD) nanofluids and pulsed electric fields exhibits amazing mass transfer intensification in liquid–liquid extraction of circulating drops. Here, the chemical system of kerosene–acetic acid–water with mass transfer resistance in the organic phase was used in which organic nanofluid drops contained CQD or modified CQD-Fe. These products with extremely small sizes of 7.2 and 13.4 nm were synthesized and characterized by DLS, Zeta potential, XRD, EDS and SEM techniques. To find optimum conditions, CQD concentrations within (0.0005–0.003) wt%, electric field frequencies within (50–550) Hz and electric field strengths to 16 V/cm were examined. From hydrodynamic point of view, the flow pattern of drops was in circulating mode, and that terminal velocity of drops correctly followed the Grace model. The substantial effect of pulsed electric field on the CQD and CQD-Fe nanofluids, brought about mass transfer enhancements to 263.5 and 291.6%. This can be attributed to the electro-induced motion of global CQDs with pulsed electric fields. For the aim of modelling, the adapted Kumar and Hartland equation with a developed correlation of the enhancement factor versus involved dimensionless variables were satisfactory to reproduce the mass transfer coefficient data.
Seizure control in mono- and combination therapy in a cohort of patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Pipek Leonardo Zumerkorn , Pipek Henrique Zumerkorn , Castro Luiz Henrique Martins
Published: July 2022

Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE) patients may not achieve optimal seizure control with monotherapy. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy in a retrospective series of IGE patients receiving different antiseizure medication (ASM) regimens. We retrospectively identified all patients with adolescence onset IGE with typical clinical and EEG features from a single epilepsy specialist clinic from 2009 to 2020. We evaluated long-term seizure control, for VPA, LEV, LTG mono and combination therapy. We studied 59 patients. VPA was more commonly used in men (84%) than in women (44%) (p < 0.05). VPA was the initial drug of choice in 39% of patients, followed by LEV (22%) and LTG (14.9%). Thirty-nine patients (66.1%) achieved complete seizure control for at least one year. Fifty patients (84.7)% had partial control, without GTC occurrence, for at least one year. VPA was superior to LTG for complete seizure control (p = 0.03), but not for minor seizure control or pseudoresistance (p > 0.05). Combination therapy was superior to LEV and LTG monotherapy for complete control (p = 0.03), without differences for minor seizures and pseudoresistance outcomes (p > 0.05). Combination therapy not including VPA was also non-inferior to VPA monotherapy in all settings. Combination therapy was superior to LTG and LEV monotherapy in IGE, and may be equally effective including or not VPA. Combination therapy including LTG, LEV, and/or VPA is an effective treatment option after monotherapy failure with one of these ASM in IGE. Dual therapy with LEV–LTG should be considered in monotheraphy failure, to avoid fetal effects of in utero VPA exposure.
A randomized controlled trial enhancing viral hepatitis testing in primary care via digital crowdsourced intervention
Authors: Wong William C. W. , Marley Gifty , Li Jingjing , Yan Weihui , Chan Po-lin , Tucker Joseph D. , Tang Weiming , Ni Yuxin , Cheng Dan Dan , Cong Lou , Seto Wai-Kay
Published: July 2022

Despite the availability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in primary care, testing rates in China remain low. Social media is an inexpensive means of disseminating information and could facilitate hepatitis testing promotion. We evaluated the capacity of digitally crowdsourced materials to promote HBV/HCV testing uptake via a randomized controlled trial (identifier: ChiCTR1900025771), which enrolled 750 Chinese primary care patients. We randomized patients (1:1) to receive crowdsourced HBV/HCV promotion materials through social media or facility-based care without promotional materials for four weeks. Exposure to all intervention materials was associated with increased odds of HBV (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.09–3.00) and HCV (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.29–2.99) testing compared to facility-based care. There was a significant reduction in hepatitis stigma among intervention group participants (HBV slope: −0.15, p < 0.05; and HCV slope: −0.13, p < 0.05). Digitally crowdsourced promotion messages could enhance hepatitis testing uptake and should be considered in hepatitis reduction strategies.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025771) on September 9, 2019. Available from: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42788
Towards a comprehensive evaluation of dimension reduction methods for transcriptomic data visualization
Authors: Huang Haiyang , Wang Yingfan , Rudin Cynthia , Browne Edward P.
Published: July 2022

Dimension reduction (DR) algorithms project data from high dimensions to lower dimensions to enable visualization of interesting high-dimensional structure. DR algorithms are widely used for analysis of single-cell transcriptomic data. Despite widespread use of DR algorithms such as t-SNE and UMAP, these algorithms have characteristics that lead to lack of trust: they do not preserve important aspects of high-dimensional structure and are sensitive to arbitrary user choices. Given the importance of gaining insights from DR, DR methods should be evaluated carefully before trusting their results. In this paper, we introduce and perform a systematic evaluation of popular DR methods, including t-SNE, art-SNE, UMAP, PaCMAP, TriMap and ForceAtlas2. Our evaluation considers five components: preservation of local structure, preservation of global structure, sensitivity to parameter choices, sensitivity to preprocessing choices, and computational efficiency. This evaluation can help us to choose DR tools that align with the scientific goals of the user.
Photoinduced, copper-catalysed direct perfluoroalkylation of heteroarenes
Authors: Baguia Hajar , Beaudelot Jérôme , Moucheron Cécile , Evano Gwilherm
Published: July 2022

An efficient and general process is reported for the room temperature photoinduced, copper-catalysed direct perfluoroalkylation of a broad range of heteroarenes with commercially available perfluoroalkyl iodides.
Temperature-driven phase transition of Ti2CN from first-principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Jin , Dong Huafeng , Li Xinfeng , Wang Zhenhai , Xiao Dong
Published: July 2022

First-principles evolutionary simulations are used to predict the stable compound of Ti2CN.
Controllable Schottky barriers and contact types of BN intercalation layers in graphene/MoSi2As4vdW heterostructuresviaapplying an external electrical field
Authors: Guo Yuan , Dong Yujing , Cai Xiaolin , Liu Liangliang , Jia Yu
Published: July 2022

The graphene/MoSi2As4vdW heterostructure with high carrier mobility and strong optical absorption intensity can be applied to high-speed FET. Moreover, the opening band gap can be achieved in the graphene/BN/MoSi2As4heterostructure.
Facile supramolecular strategy to construct solid fluorophore@metal–organic framework composites
Authors: Trifoi Lavinia A. , Hodgson Gregory K. , Dogantzis Nicholas P. , Soha Sumaiya A. , Dayam Roya M. , Antonescu Costin N. , Botelho Roberto J. , Wylie R. Stephen , Impellizzeri Stefania
Published: July 2022

The synthesis of a zeolitic imidazolate framework in the presence of a fluorophore enables the capture of the guest dye within the MOF and yields a material with high solid-state emission, enhanced fluorescence lifetime and increased photostability.
Preparing a dual-function BiVO4/NiFe-LDH composite photoanode for enhanced photoelectrocatalytic wastewater treatment and simultaneous hydrogen evolution
Authors: Cong Sumin , Yu Jiuheng , Liu Baojun , Teng Wei , Tang Yubin
Published: July 2022

The proposed PEC degradation over the BiVO4/NiFe-LDH photoelectrode under visible light irradiation and simultaneous hydrogen evolution at the cathode.
A new boron cluster anion pillared metal organic framework with ligand inclusion and its selective acetylene capture properties
Authors: Sun Wanqi , Jin Yujie , Wu Yilian , Lou Wushuang , Yuan Yanbin , Duttwyler Simon , Wang Lingyao , Zhang Yuanbin
Published: July 2022

A novel microporous boron cluster pillared metal–organic framework BSF-10 was synthesized with ligand inclusion for efficient C2H2/CO2and C2H2/C2H4adsorption separation.
Chemical design of high performance SPR biosensor based on a dielectric nanoparticle assembly supported onto a gold thin film
Authors: Berling Pier , Dolci Mathias , Zafeiratos Spyridon , Gehin Thomas , Leuvrey Cédric , Kiefer Céline , Wagner Déborah , Boulmedais Fouzia , Pichon Benoit P.
Published: July 2022

The SPR system is a very efficient tool to investigate original and highly efficient biosensors and to study molecular recognition mechanisms.
A simple and effective host for sodium metal anode: a 3D-printed high pyrrolic-N doped graphene microlattice aerogel
Authors: Yang Haoyuan , Wang Hui , Li Weidong , Tian Bofang , Xu Tingting , Kong Dezhi , Huang Shaozhuan , Liu Kaikai , Li Xinjian , Yang Hui Ying , Wang Ye
Published: July 2022

A N-doped graphene microlattice aerogel fabricated by a 3D printing technology followed by N2plasma treatment is employed as Na metal host. Experimental and calculation results show the sodiophilic site is mainly originated from pyrrolic-N defects.
A user cache management and cooperative transmission mechanism based on edge community computing in opportunistic social networks
Authors: Xiong Wangping , Chen Hao , Jiao Ying , Yang Ming , Zhou Xian , Wu Jia
Published: July 2022

With the advent of the 5G era, people's demand for information and bandwidth is increasing. The signal source will mainly be high‐frequency radio waves with high bandwidth. However, the coverage of high‐frequency radio waves is very limited, which leads to the emergence of micro base stations. Opportunistic social networks are just suitable for this new transmission method, it is easy for users to simultaneously request content with high popularity in a short time, which will cause a heavy load on the micro base station and a high transmission delay. This paper establishes the community mechanism and proposes a user cache management and cooperative transmission mechanism (CMCT) based on edge community computing by using the predictability of users' requests for popular content. The free user equipment space is used to manage cache distribution through the edge community computing to perform cooperative transmission, thereby reducing the content delivery delay and the load of the micro base station. Simulation experiments show that the CMCT algorithm can reduce end‐to‐end delay and overhead, and improve data transmission efficiency.
Non‐destructive thermal ageing evaluation of P(VDF‐HFP) film based on broadband dielectric response
Authors: Wang Qian , Wu Chao , Gao Yanfeng , Liu Shuming , Liu Shuqi , Zuo Zhou , Liang Xidong
Published: July 2022

Capacitors and sensors based on polymer dielectric materials are key components in electrical systems and electronic devices. Considering the temperature rise during operation, an effective evaluation method for the thermal ageing of polymer matrix is urgently needed. P(VDF‐HFP) film with a thickness of 20 μm is manufactured by solution casting and a thermal ageing experiment up to 1000 h is conducted. Dielectric responses of wide ranges of temperatures and frequencies are measured for samples with different ageing durations. The universal relaxation law and Dissado–Hill dielectric response model are applied to further investigate the results. The characteristics of individual processes are obtained, which demonstrate that the main chain relaxation following the Vogel−Fulcher−Tammann equation and side chain relaxation following the Arrhenius equation both remain unchanged after thermal ageing. However, the activation energies of those two processes change significantly during the process and show different variation trends. The activation energy of the side chain relaxation gets larger monotonically due to the influence of annealing and the breaking of crystalline region. As a result, a non‐destructive evaluation method for the thermal ageing of P(VDF‐HFP) is proposed accordingly.
Bandwidth bounds for wide-field-of-view dispersion-engineered achromatic metalenses
Authors: Shastri Kunal , Monticone Francesco
Published: July 2022

Optical systems with wide field-of-views (FOV) are crucial for many applications such as high performance imaging, optical projection, augmented/virtual reality, and miniaturized medical imaging tools. Typically, aberration-free imaging with a wide FOV is achieved by stacking multiple refractive lenses (as in a “fisheye” lens), adding to the size and weight of the optical system. Single metalenses designed to have a wide FOV have the potential to replace these bulky imaging systems and, moreover, they may be dispersion engineered for spectrally broadband operation. In this paper, we derive a fundamental bound on the spectral bandwidth of dispersion-engineered wide-FOV achromatic metalenses. We show that for metalenses with a relatively large numerical aperture (NA), there is a tradeoff between the maximum achievable bandwidth and the FOV; interestingly, however, the bandwidth reduction saturates beyond a certain FOV that depends on the NA of the metalens. These findings may provide important information and insights for the design of future wide-FOV achromatic flat lenses.
Kinetic study of control of alloy elements during electroslag remelting of Incoloy825
Authors: Ju Jiantao , Li Qidi , Zhu Zhihong , Yang Kangshuai , Gu Yue
Published: July 2022

The present study was motivated to reveal the oxidation mechanism of Al, Ti and Si elements during electroslag remelting (ESR) and propose methods to control them. Three small-scale ESR experiments were carried out with Incoloy 825 alloy as consumable electrode and three groups of slags with different TiO2 contents as raw materials. A kinetic model of slag-steel reaction was established based on ions and molecules coexistence theory (IMCT), film theory and penetration theory. The results show that Al and Si contents increase compared to that of the electrode but Ti content decreases. The increase of Al and the loss of Ti decrease with the increase of TiO2 in slag. The calculated values of the model are in good agreement with the experimental values. In the early stage of ESR process, FeO content increases apparently, so it is more effective to control oxidation in order to obtain uniform ingot. The restricted link of the reaction in the mass transfer of Al + Al2O3, Si + SiO2 and Ti + TiO2 is on the metal side, on the slag side and both sides, respectively. When TiO2 content in slag is lower than 12%, TiO2 addition is more effective. When TiO2 content is higher, adding Al deoxidizer is more effective to control Al and Ti contents.
Bewegung ins Leben bringen – Sport und Depression
Authors: Herbsleb Marco
Published: July 2022

Depressive Menschen sind im Vergleich zur Allgemeinbevölkerung noch häufiger körperlich inaktiv und leiden oft unter Herz- und Stoffwechselerkrankungen oder chronischen Entzündungen. Um die erhöhte Komorbidität und Mortalität zu senken, eignen sich sporttherapeutische Maßnahmen, welche die körperliche Aktivität und kardiorespiratorische Fitness fördern. Ziel ist die nachhaltige Verhaltensänderung im Sinne eines aktiven Lebensstils.
Jedes Kind reift individuell – Sensomotorische Entwicklung
Authors: Sinai Alexandra
Published: July 2022

Die sensomotorische Entwicklung von Kindern verläuft sehr variabel. Allerdings: Bestimmte Grenzsteine muss ein Kind erreichen, sonst sollte unbedingt eine weitere Abklärung erfolgen. Voraussetzungen und Variabilitäten rund um die regelrechte motorische Entwicklung zeigt Alexandra Sinai. Und vor allem, wie wichtig Aufklärung und Zusammenarbeit mit den Eltern ist.