bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head-to-head Comparison of Perfluorobutane-Contrast Enhanced US and Multiparametric-MRI for Breast Cancer: A prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Lang Manlin , Liang Ping , Shen Huiming , Li Hang , Yang Ning , Chen Bo , Chen Yixu , Ding Hong , Yang Weiping , Ji Xiaohui , Zhou Ping , Cui ligang , Wang Jiandong , Xu Wentong , Ye Xiuqin , Liu Zhixing , Yang Yu , Wei Tianci , Wang Hui , Yan Yuanyuan , Wu Changjun , Wu Yiyun , Shi Jingwen , Wang Yaxi , Fang Xiuxia , li Ran , Yu Jie
Published: November 2022

Background: Multiparametric - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MP-MRI) has high sensitivity for diagnosing breast cancers but cannot always be used as a routine diagnostic tool. To evaluate whether the diagnostic performance of Perfluorobutane (PFB)-contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is like MP-MRI in the breast cancer and if combining the two methods would enhance diagnostic efficiency.
Patients and Methods: This was a head-to-head, prospective, multicenter study. Patients with breast lesions diagnosed by US as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3, 4, and 5 categories underwent both PFB-CEUS and MP-MRI scans. On-site operators and three reviewers categorized the BI-RADS of all lesions on two images, respectively. Logistic-bootstrap 1000-sample analysis and cross-validation were used to construct PFB-CEUS, MP-MRI, and hybrid (PFB-CEUS + MP-MRI) models to distinguish breast lesions.
Results: In total, 179 women with 186 breast lesions were evaluated from 17 centers in China. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the PFB-CEUS model (0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 0.97) was like that of the MP-MRI model (0.89; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.97), whereas both were inferior to the hybrid model (0.92, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98). 90.3% false-positive and 66.7% false-negative results of PFB-CEUS radiologists, 90.5% false-positive and 42.8% false-negative results of MP-MRI radiologists could be corrected by Hybrid model, respectively. Dynamic nomograms of three models are accessible on websites.
Conclusions: PFB-CEUS can be used in differential diagnosis of breast cancer with the performance comparable to MP-MRI. Using PFB-CEUS and MP-MRI as joint diagnostics could further strengthen the diagnostic ability.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04657328. Registered 26 September 2020.
Retuning of hippocampal representations during sleep
Authors: Diba Kamran , Maboudi Kourosh , Giri Bapun , Miyawaki Hiroyuki , Kemere Caleb
Published: November 2022

Hippocampal representations that underlie spatial memory undergo continuous refinement following formation during exploration. Understanding the role of sleep in this process has been challenging because of the inaccessibility of place fields when animals are not actively exploring a maze. Here, we used a novel Bayesian learning approach based on the spike-triggered average decoded position in ensemble recordings to track dynamically the spatial tuning of individual neurons during offline states in freely moving rats. Measuring these dynamic tunings, we found spatial representations within hippocampal sharp-wave ripples that were stable for hours during sleep and were strongly aligned with place fields initially observed during maze exploration. These representations were explained by a combination of factors that included the pre-configured structure of firing rates in sleep before exposure to the environment, and representations that emerged during theta oscillations and awake sharp-wave ripples on the maze, revealing the contribution of these events in forming ensembles during sleep. Strikingly, the ripple representations during sleep predicted the future place fields of neurons during re-exposure to the maze, even when those fields deviated from previous place preferences. These observations demonstrate that ripples during sleep drives representational drift observed across maze exposures. In contrast, we observed tunings with poor alignment to maze place fields during other time periods, including in sleep and rest before maze exposure, during rapid eye movement sleep, and following the initial several hours in slow-wave sleep. In sum, the novel decoding approach described here allowed us to infer and characterize the retuning of place fields during offline periods, revealing the rapid emergence of representations following novel exploration and the active role of sleep in the representational dynamics of the hippocampus.
Nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) regulates renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and Gasdermin D-driven pyroptosis induced by high glucose in HK-2 cells via Caspase-1
Authors: Yang Yanli , Ruan Lin , Zhang Lihong , Niu Zheli , Li Wen
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have shown that tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) and pyroptosis are crucial in high-glucose (HG)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and thus contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Previous reports have shown that Nrf2 plays an important role in the occurrence of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, but it is unclear whether Nrf2 has a common point of action between TIF and pyroptosis. In this study, an immortalized human proximal tubular cell line (human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells) was used in all experiments. The protein levels of Nrf2, Caspase-1, Caspase-1-p10, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, TGF-β1, p-Smad3, α-SMA, and FN were measured using western blotting. The mRNA levels of Nrf2, Caspase-1, GSDMD, α-SMA, and FN were examined using RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect GSDMD, α-SMA, and Caspase-1 expression. ROS levels in cells and mitochondria were detected using fluorescent probe DCFH-DA staining and Mito Sox Red fluorescent probe staining, respectively. The data showed that in a HG environment, the expression of Caspase-1, Caspase-1-p10, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, α-SMA, and FN increased significantly, which was correlated with the expression of Nrf2. Further study showed that after adding the Nrf2 activator TBHQ and knocking down the Nrf2 gene, ROS increased, and the expression of the above proteins decreased and increased, respectively. In addition, the P38 MAPK or PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be involved in HG-induced Nrf2 activation. To verify the correlation between Caspase-1 and the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, the Caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 was added to significantly reduce the protein levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3. These results indicated that Nrf2 attenuates HG-induced TIF and pyroptosis in HK-2 cells by targeting Caspase-1.
Comparison of the effects of 6-week progressive bodyweight and barbell-back squat programs on lower limb muscle strength, muscle thickness, and body fat percentage among sedentary young women
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhu JingX , Ren Shuang , Jan YKuen , Zhang WuL , Su Ronghai , He Li
Published: November 2022

The study aimed to compare the effects of the progressive bodyweight and barbell-back squat training program (60–80% 1RM) on muscle strength, muscle thickness, and body fat percentage in sedentary young women. Thirteen sedentary young women (19.77 ± 0.83 years) were randomly divided into the progressive bodyweight (n = 6) or barbell squat (n = 7) group. Each program consisted of 2 weekly training sessions for 6 weeks. Muscle strength (isokinetic knee extensor and flexor muscle peak torque of each leg), muscle thickness (gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles), along with body fat percentage were measured objectively at baseline and post-testing. For the muscle strength, both groups showed a significant increase in isometric peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant be-tween-group differences in isometric peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor (p > 0.05), as well as the mean concentric peak torque of the knee H/Q ratio (p > 0.05). For the muscle thickness, significant increases were also found within the two groups (p < 0.05) and without significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The percentage of body fat significantly improved in the barbell (pre. 28.66 ± 4.58%. vs post. 24.96 ± 5.91%, p = 0.044), but not in the bodyweight group (pre. 24.18 ± 4.63% vs post. 24.02 ± 4.48%, p = 0.679). Although all of the groups increased maximum strength and muscle mass, our results suggest that the barbell back squat training may optimize the gains for decreasing the body fat percentage.
Characteristics of suicidal emergency room patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan
Authors: Otani Kyohei , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Naito Atsumi , Fukushima Haruko , Matsuishi Kunitaka
Published: November 2022

Background: Owing to the stress caused by the behavioral restrictions and lifestyle changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, suicide rates have increased in Japan, especially among young people. This study identified the differences in the characteristics of patients hospitalized for suicide attempts in the Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital’s emergency room, requiring inpatient care before and during the pandemic over two years.
Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis. Data were collected from 201 patients’ medical records. Patient interviews were conducted bedside or in an interview room in the emergency ward. Data collected from the electronic medical records included sex, age, COVID-19 infection status, admission to a ward with physical complications, psychiatric liaison team intervention, presence or absence of a previous department of psychiatry visit and diagnosis, prescription history of antipsychotic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic or sleeping medication, presence of physical complications, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score to compare the severity of comorbidities. A descriptive survey was conducted to examine changes in the pattern of suicide attempts during the COVID-19 outbreak. Two-sample independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test were used for data analysis.
Results: No significant differences were found in the number of patients hospitalized for suicide attempts, average age, or sex ratio between the pre- and post-pandemic periods. Acute drug intoxication and overmedication in patients increased significantly during the pandemic. The self-inflicted means of injury with high fatality rates were non-significantly different in the two periods. The rate of physical complications significantly increased during the pandemic, while the proportion of unemployed individuals significantly decreased.
Conclusion: Despite studies predicting an increase in suicides based on past statistics of young people and of women, no significant changes were observed. This may have been owing to the effect of suicide prevention measures and mental health measures implemented by the Japanese government after an increase in suicides and after past natural disasters as well as infectious disease pandemics such as the H1N1 influenza.
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells in young and aged individuals
Authors: Connors Jennifer , Joyner David , Mege Nathan , Cusimano Gina , Bell Matthew , Marcy Jennifer , Taramangalam Bhavani , Lin Paulo , Tam Ying , Lin Paulo , Weissman Drew , Kutzler Michele , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Haddad Elias
Published: November 2022

Despite the overwhelming success of mRNA-based vaccine in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reducing disease severity and hospitalization, little is known about the role lipid nanoparticles (LNP) play in initiating immune response. In this report we studied the adjuvantive impact of empty LNP with no mRNA cargo (eLNP) on anti-viral pathways and immune function of cells from young and aged individuals. We found that eLNP induced maturation of monocyte derived dendritic cells by measuring the expression of CD40, CD80, HLA-DR and production of cytokines including IFN-α,IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-21. Flow cytometry analysis of specific dendritic cell subsets showed that eLNP can induce CD40 expression and cytokine production in cDC1, cDC2 and monocytes. Empty LNP (eLNP) effects on dendritic cells and monocytes coincided with induction pIRF7 and pTBK1, which are both important in mitigating innate immune signaling. Interestingly our data show that in response to eLNP stimulus at 6 and 24 hrs, aged individuals have decreased CD40 expression and reduced IFN- γ output compared to young adults. Furthermore, we show that cDC1, cDC2, and CD14dim CD16+ monocytes from healthy aged individuals have dysregulated anti-viral signaling response to eLNP stimulation as measured by the defect in type I IFN production, phosphorylation of IRF7, TBK-1, and immune function like phagocytosis. These data showed a novel function of eLNP in eliciting DC maturation and innate immune signaling pathways and that some of these functions are impaired in older individuals providing some suggestion of why older individuals (> 65 yrs of age) respond display lower immune responses and adverse events to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines.
Multifunctional composite structures made of 3D-woven carbon fibre preforms
Authors: El-Dessouky Hassan M. , McHugh Chris
Published: November 2022

Three dimensional (3D) woven composites started to find applications in various industrial sectors, mainly in aerospace and with a potential in automotive. 3D-woven fabrics can be architected to form complex and near-net-shape preforms ready for automated composites manufacturing. The 3D-woven honeycomb fabric is designed to include additional functionality into finished composites, such as positive and negative Poisson's ratios. In this study, complex honeycomb architectures were created using various weave designs to demonstrate the effects of auxetic behaviours when manufactured into a composite structure. A Staubli 3D-weaving system equipped with Jacquard UNIVAL 100 and creel of 3072 6k carbon fibre tows were used to weave the designed honeycomb architecture. With the aid of hard polyester foam inserts, the 3D-woven fabrics were converted to honeycomb and auxetic preforms. These preforms were infused using epoxy resin to manufacture a set of honeycomb and auxetic composite structures. In comparison with the baseline honeycomb structure, it is proven that the developed auxetic composites exhibited negative Poisson’s ratio of -2.86 and − 0.12 in the case of tensile and compression tests respectively.
Assessing the Future Carbon Budget through the Lens of Policy-Driven Acidification and Temperature Targets
Authors: Avrutin Sandy , Goodwin Philip , Ezard Thomas H G
Published: November 2022

Basing a future carbon budget on warming targets is subject to uncertainty due to uncertainty in the relationship between carbon emissions and warming, and may not prevent dangerous change throughout the entire climate system. Here, we use a climate emulator to constrain a future carbon budget that is more representative by using a combination of both warming and ocean acidification targets. The warming targets considered are the Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 and 2°C; the acidification targets are -0.17 and -0.21 pH units informed by aragonite saturation states. Considering acidification targets in conjunction with warming targets is found to narrow the uncertainty in the future carbon budget, especially in situations where the acidification target is more stringent than, or of similar stringency to, the warming target. Considering a strict combination of the two more stringent targets (both targets of 1.5°C warming and -0.17 acidification must be met), the carbon budget ranges from -74.0 to 129.8PgC. This reduces uncertainty in the carbon budget from 286.2PgC to 203.8PgC (29%). Assuming an emissions rate held constant since 2021 (which is a conservative assumption), the budget towards both targets was either spent by 2019, or will be spent by 2026.
Genetics re-establish the utility of 2-methylhopanes as cyanobacterial biomarkers before 750 million years ago
Authors: Hoshino Yosuke , Nettersheim Benjamin , Gold David , Hallmann Christian , Vinnichenko Galina , Maldegem Lennart van , Bishop Caleb , Brocks Jochen , Gaucher Eric
Published: November 2022

Fossilized lipids offer one of only few windows into ancient ecosystems. The utility of such biomarkers is determined by the phylogenetic distribution of lipid biosynthetic capabilities in extant organisms and extrapolation of this information into the past. 2-Methylhopanes in sedimentary rocks were once used to infer the importance of Cyanobacteria as primary producers in the geological past. However, the discovery of the hopanoid C-2 methyltransferase (HpnP) in Alphaproteobacteria led to the downfall of this molecular proxy. In the present study, we re-examined the distribution of HpnP in a new phylogenetic framework including novel candidate phyla, and re-interpreted a revised geological record of 2-methylhopanes based on contamination-free samples. We show that HpnP was likely present in the last common ancestor of Cyanobacteria, while the gene appeared in Alphaproteobacteria only around 750 million years ago. A subsequent rise of sedimentary 2-methylhopanes around 600 Ma likely reflects the expansion of Alphaproteobacteria that coincided with the rise of eukaryotic algae — possibly connected by algal dependency on microbially-produced vitamin B12. Our findings re-establish 2-methylhopanes as cyanobacterial biomarkers prior to 750 Ma and thus as a potential tool to measure the importance of oxygenic Cyanobacteria as primary producers on the early Earth. Our study illustrates how genetics can improve the diagnostic value of biomarkers and refine the reconstruction of early ecosystems.
Candida bloodstream infection among children hospitalised in three public- sector hospitals in the Metro West region of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Gebremicael Mulugeta Naizgi , Nuttall James J.C. , Tootla Hafsah D. , Khumalo Amanda , Tooke Lloyd , Salie Shamiel , Muloiwa Rudzani , Rhoda Natasha , Basera Wisdom , Eley Brian S.
Published: November 2022

Background
Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) causes appreciable mortality in neonates and children. There are few studies describing the epidemiology of Candida BSI in children living in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at three public sector hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa. Demographic and clinical details, antifungal management and patient outcome data were obtained by medical record review. Candidaspecies distribution and antifungal susceptibility testing results were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service database.
Results
Of the 97 CandidaBSI episodes identified during the study period, 48/97 (49%) were Candida albicans (C. albicans), and 49/97 (51%) were non-C. albicans species. The overall incidence risk was 0.8 Candida BSI episodes per 1000 admissions at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. Of the 77/97 (79%) Candida BSI episodes with available clinical information, the median age (interquartile range) at the time of BSI was 7 (1-25) months, 36/77 (47%) were associated with moderate or severe underweight-for-age and vasopressor therapy was administered to 22/77 (29%) study participants. Most of the Candida BSI episodes were healthcare-associated infections, 63/77 (82%). Fluconazole resistance was documented among 17%, 0% and 0% of C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and C. albicans isolates respectively. All Candida isolates tested were susceptible to amphotericin B and the echinocandins. The mortality rate within 30 days of Candida BSI diagnosis was 13/75 (17%). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with mortality within 30 days of Candida BSI diagnosis included vasopressor therapy requirement during Candida BSI, adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) 53 (95% confidence interval 2-1029); hepatic dysfunction, aOR 13 (95% CI 1-146); and concomitant bacterial BSI, aOR 10 (95% CI 2-60).
Conclusion
The study adds to the limited number of studies describing paediatric Candida BSI in sub-Saharan Africa. Non-C. Albicans BSI episodes occurred more frequently than C. albicans episodes, and vasopressor therapy requirement, hepatic dysfunction and concomitant bacterial BSI were associated with an increase in 30-day mortality.
Nuclear DNA in chicken egg whites?
Authors: Zyrianova Irina M.
Published: November 2022

Poultry eggs contain high-quality proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals necessary for human nutrition as food and ingredients in the food industry. Egg whites have exceptional foaming, emulsifying, gelling, and heat setting properties, making them popular for use in baked goods. Intensive study of egg whites to date has now settled on a stable opinion that there are no cells, and no DNA, in them. However, this study demonstrates the possibility of DNA extraction from outer thin whites of chicken egg. Protein degradation of chicken egg white contents by trypsin has been used. The 18S ribosomal DNA based PCR test shows that the extracted from outer thin whites DNA contains nuclear DNA. Moreover, the Hoechst 33342 staining proves that outer thin whites contain nuclei. Therefore, this study demonstrates that chicken egg whites contain nuclear DNA and contain nuclei (i.e., and cells).
TRIM56 inhibits autophagy in esophageal cancer cells and its clinical significance
Authors: Gao Jie , Li Rizhu , Peng Hui , Luo Shiguan , Hua Haoming , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Fanlu , Wang Juping
Published: November 2022

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system. Comprehensive treatment measures are mainly taken with surgery as the primary supplement to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the overall effect is still unsatisfactory. The tripartite motif containing 56 (TRIM56) is a family of TRIM proteins, and it has been found to play an essential role in tumorigenesis and development. We investigated the expression of TRIM56 in esophageal cancer and explored the potential regulatory role of TRIM56 in autophagy in esophageal cancer cells Eca109.
Results: In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay, western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) were first used to detect the expression of TRIM56 in the Eca109 cells and esophageal cancer tissues. Gene chip analysis showed that the expression of autophagy-related genes LC3 and ATG12 was up-regulated, and regulated autophagy-related signal molecules
PIK3CB, AKT2, and FOXO4 expression up-regulation after TRIM56 was down-regulated.
Fluorescence immunoassay results showed that after TRIM56 was down-regulated, LC3BII aggregated in the cytoplasm.
Conclusion: This study reveals that TRIM56 might inhibit autophagy in the Eca109 esophageal carcinoma cell line.
Fecal Contamination of Urban Parks by Domestic Dogs: Another Tragedy of the Commons?
Authors: MORI Kensuke , ROCK Melanie , MCCORMACK Gavin , LICCIOLI Stefano , GIUNCHI Dimitri , MARCEAU Danielle , STEFANAKIS Emmanuel , MASSOLO Alessandro
Published: November 2022

Contamination of public parks by dogs is a potential source of conflict among park users, causing “tragedy of commons” problems. Besides the social conflict, feces can pose serious health risks to both dogs and humans. In this study we analyzed the extent and patterns of the distribution of dog feces in the urban parks of the City of Calgary. We collected dog feces from randomly selected locations in the urban parks. The average density of dog feces by the different dog leash policies of the parks and the distribution pattern of the fecal density within the parks were assessed, and the total contamination of the public parks for the entire city was estimated. We found off-leash parks to be significantly more contaminated than other types of parks. We estimated 127.23 g / ha of dog feces are left unpicked in city parks in total every week. Dog feces were found more often and in greater amount in off-leash parks, and near park entrances and parking lots, than in on-leash parks and away from the park entrances. These results suggest that public park visitors, especially those visiting off-leash parks, are likely to be exposed to large amounts of dog feces. Designation of parks as on-leash and educating dog-owners may be an effective approach for reducing the fecal contamination.
Control effects of foothill incubation environments on the distribution pattern of pipeline water damage hazard
Authors: Sun Zhizhong , Liu Xiaohui , Ren Haochen , Zhang Manyin
Published: November 2022

The distribution of pipeline water damage hazards and the control effect of the disaster-inducing environment are the theoretical basis of risk assessment and prevention decision-making. Based on the observation data of pipeline water damage hazard at the northern foot of Yumu mountain from 2015 to 2021, indexes of the point density and linear density were introduced to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution law of water damage hazard, and the control effect of disaster inducing environment factors was discussed, such as rainfall, slope, pluvial fan superimposition, and scarp. The results show that: in terms of time, the point density and linear density of water damage hazard show a downward trend along with the pipeline operation, and the decrease of density of river channel is higher than that of slope water damage hazard, but the local steep rise phenomenon is significant. In terms of space, the point density of water damage hazard is affected by both the slope water damage hazard and the river channel water damage hazard, the influence width of the former is greater than that of the latter, so the linear density of water damage hazard is controlled by the slope water damage hazard. The frequency and intensity of heavy rain have a significant impact on the density of water damage hazards, especially on the slope water damage hazard. The longitudinal slope of Piedmont is positively correlated with the linear density of water damage hazard. Water damage hazard is developed in the superimposition range of pluvial fan, and its impact on linear density is more significant than that on point density. Its impact on slope water damage hazard is more significant than that on river channel water damage hazard. The point density of the water damage hazard is negatively correlated with the distance between the pipeline and the scarp, and the linear density of the water damage hazard is positively correlated with the distance between the pipeline and the scarp. The crossing and accompanying of the pipeline and the scarp is the main control factor for the alternate development of the slope water damage hazard and the river channel water damage hazard.
Orographic amplification of El Niño teleconnections on winter precipitation across western North America
Authors: Stagge James , Torbenson Max , Sung Kyungmin , Phillips Benjamin , Kingston Daniel
Published: November 2022

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection pattern drives interannual changes in winter precipitation across western North America, but these effects are entangled with orographic effects, caused by mountainous terrain, and long-term climate trends. This study employs a novel, spatially distributed non-linear spline model to isolate ENSO impacts from these other factors. We find that topography exaggerates the underlying effect of ENSO, driving larger precipitation changes at high elevations along western slopes. Further, we detected a north-south precipitation dipole, which exhibited incremental ENSO effects in the southern region, but more binary effects in the north. Spatial extents for positive and negative ENSO phases also varied based on topography. Confirmation of precipitation lapse rates and multi-decadal precipitation trends provides greater confidence in disentangling the ENSO signal. Ultimately, these results provide greater nuance regarding ENSO effects on winter precipitation, which is critical for domestic water supplies, ecological flows, and agriculture.
Derivative of Reduced Cumulative Distribution Function and Applications
Authors: Maritato Kevin , Uryasev Stan
Published: November 2022

The Reduced Cumulative Distribution Function (rCDF) is the maximal lower bound for the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF). It is equivalent to the inverse of the Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR), or one minus the Buffered Probability of Exceedance (bPOE). This paper introduces the Reduced Probability Density Function (rPDF), the derivative of the rCDF. We first explore the relation between rCDF and other risk measures. Then we describe three means of calculating the rPDF for a distribution, depending on what is known about the distribution. For functions with a closed-form formula for bPOE, we derive closed-form formulae for rPDF. We also examine using these formulae for parameter estimation with the maximum likelihood method. Further, we describe formulas for rPDF based on a numerical bPOE when there is a closed-form formula for CVaR but no closed-form formula for bPOE. Finally, we give a method for numerically calculating rPDF for an empirical distribution, and compare the results with other methods for known distributions.
Molecular mechanism of Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens strain P9 in response to root exudates of peanut
Authors: Jiang Biao , Long Changmei , Xu Yu , Han Lizhen
Published: November 2022

Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens strain P9 is a rare actinomycete with plant growth-promoting properties and can improve the growth of peanut. We analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of P9 under the influence of peanut root exudates from RNA-sequencing data and analyzed the effects of root exudates and their organic acid and amino acid components on the growth and growth-promoting effects of this strain to explore the molecular mechanism of the P9 response. The results showed that peanut root exudates promoted the growth and growth-promoting activity of P9. Transcriptome analysis revealed 126 DEGs in P9, comprising 81 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. The DEGs were significantly enriched in 17 KEGG metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, butyric acid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and tryptophan metabolism. Peanut root exudates induced up-regulation of nutrient transport, carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, siderophore and IAA biosynthesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation, and down-regulation of arginine biosynthesis and the urea cycle in P9. Organic acids and amino acids are the major components of peanut root exudates. Glycine, proline, and alanine promoted the growth and IAA secretion of P9. Proline, alanine (40 mM), and oxalic acid significantly enhanced siderophore biosynthesis, whereas citric acid, oxalic acid, and malic acid significantly promoted biofilm formation of P9. This study clarifies the response of T. tyrosinosolvens P9 to peanut root exudates at the molecular level, examining the molecular basis of the relationship between P9 and peanut, and provides a theoretical foundation for improved exertion of the growth-promoting properties of P9.
Effect of necrostatin-1 on sciatic nerve crush injury in rat models
Authors: YU CHEN , Wang Xiao-Xu , Qin Jian
Published: November 2022

Objective
Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) is an inhibitor of the receptor interacting protein (RIP)1 kinase, which acts as an inhibitor of necroptosis, a special form of necrosis. In the present study, the effect of Nec-1 on peripheral nerve injury (PNI) was investigated.
Methods
The PNI model was established by inducing sciatic nerve injury. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining techniques were used to assess the extent of injury to nerve fibers and necrosis of Schwann cells (SCs). Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of necroptosis-related factors (RIP1 and RIP3). The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and he oxidative stress-related enzyme malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined to indicate the degree of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Results
Nec-1 could decrease the size of peripheral nerve lesions after PNI and protect SCs and axons by inhibiting necroptosis. Furthermore, Nec-1 could reduce necroptosis by inhibiting RIP1 and RIP3 recruitment and effectively reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species production at the early stage of PNI.
Conclusion
alleviation of necroptosis by Nec-1 may provide new insights into therapies for the early stages of peripheral nerve repair after PNI.
High magnetic field stability in a planar graphene-NbSe2 SQUID
Authors: Zalic Ayelet , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Gazit Snir , Steinberg Hadar
Published: November 2022

Thin NbSe2 retains superconductivity at high in-plane magnetic field up to 30 T. In this work we construct an atomically thin, all van der Waals SQUID, in which current flows between NbSe2 contacts through two parallel graphene weak links. This fully planar device remains uniquely stable at high in-plane field. This enables tracing the evolution of the critical current interference patterns as a function of the field up to 4.5 T, allowing nm-scale sensitivity to deviations from a perfect atomic plane. We present numerical methods to retrieve asymmetric current distributions J0(x) from measured interference maps, and suggest a new application of the dual junction geometry to probe the current density in the absence of phase information. The interference maps exhibit a striking field-driven transition, indicating a redistribution of supercurrents to narrow channels. Our results suggest the existence of a preferred conductance channel with an exceptional stability to in-plane magnetic field.
Three new families of large cyclic subspace codes via high-dimensional Sidon spaces
Authors: Zhang He , Tang Chunming , Hu Xing
Published: November 2022

k-dimensional subspace codes, also called as constant dimension codes, play a crucial role in error correction of random network coding for ten years. Especially, large cyclic constant dimension codes with the optimal minimum distance are possible candidates owing to efficient encoding and decoding algorithms. The seminal work of Ben-Sasson et al. was using the roots of subspace polynomials to construct cyclic subspace codes. Shortly after, Roth et al. introduced the definitions of max-span and min-span Sidon spaces and designed a kind of new cyclic subspace codes which contain multiple orbits from Sidon spaces. By exploring Roth's ideas, Niu et al. and Li et al. further investigated high-dimensional Sidon spaces employing the direct sum to extend the previous results. However, we find that they only constructed high-dimensional Sidon spaces and presented several examples of cyclic subspace codes from Sidon spaces with dimension k. Combining the orbit of Sidon spaces with dimension k or more than k respectively, we will provide three families of larger cyclic subspace codes. Additionally, our constructions of cyclic subspace codes can yet maintain their the optimality of minimum distance.
Common structural attributes of Tyrosinase variants are unlikely to determine differential retentions within Endoplasmic Reticulum: A modelling study with 45 variants
Authors: Ganguly Kausik , Dutta Tithi , Ganguli Sayak , Sengupta Mainak
Published: November 2022

Tyrosinase is the key enzyme (TYR) regulating melanin biosynthesis pathway and different TYR mutants had been shown to be retained within the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) in varying degrees, instead of being localized in the melanosome. Interestingly, a direct correlation could be ascertained between the enzyme activities of the mutants and their respective degrees of ER retentions (Moumita Chaki et al., 2011; Mondal, Sengupta, & Ray, 2016); but the molecular bases of such variations in retentions has largely been unknown. In the current study, for the very first time, we tried to check if structural constraints like – (i) position of an amino acid within TYR, whether buried or surface exposed (which is reflected by Accessible Surface Area value), (ii) change in nature of amino acid, (iii) changes in overall electrostatic potential (iv) changes in hydrogen bonding (v) steric hindrance (vi) change in overall stability due to non-synonymous amino acid substitutions have contributing effects upon differential retentions of the mutants within ER. To achieve our aim, we did homology models of 45 TYR variants that have previously been functionally characterized by Mondal, Sengupta, & Ray, 2016, with respect to their degrees of ER retentions, as well as their individual levels of enzyme activities. To our surprise, we did not get any correlations whatsoever between differential functional characteristics of mutant TYRs with differential structural attributes. This indicates towards the role of some hitherto unexplored mechanism of processing of mutant protein variants that contribute toward their differential functional outcomes.
Effects of curcumin, quercetin, and their combinationson neurodegeneration and motor impairment in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats
Authors: Lard Mehak , deol Shweta , Dhanawat Meenakshi , Mehta Dinesh , Das Rina , Gupta Sumeet , Morsy Mohamed A. , Nair Anroop B. , Matouk Asmaa. I. , Gupta Nidhi
Published: November 2022

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with motor and behavioral dysfunctions. Mitochondrial damage, increased oxidative stress, and the formation of Lewy bodies by misfolded proteins are major pathways for the development of PD. Using antioxidants could delay neurodegeneration in parkinsonism and improve the symptoms. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of quercetin, curcumin, and their combination on the rotenone-induced parkinsonism model.
Methods
PDwas induced by administration of rotenone 2mg/kg/day for 14 days in rats. Curcumin (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg), quercetin (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg),or their combination were given orally for 14 days concurrently with rotenone and for additional 14 days. On the 28th and 29th days, behavioral and histological studies were carried out.
Results
In the rotenone-induced parkinsonism model, curcumin and quercetin dose-dependently improved locomotor activity, motor coordination, and mobility. Also, they increased dopamine levels and mitigated the neural damage induced by rotenone.
Conclusion
Both curcumin and quercetin have neuroprotective effects against parkinsonism. The combination of curcumin and quercetin has more favorable effects than usingeither drug alone.
Efficacy of oral, topical and extended-release injectable formulations of moxidectin combined with doxycycline in Dirofilaria immitis-naturally infected dogs
Authors: Ciuca Lavinia , Vismarra Alice , Costanza Dario , Loria Antonio Di , Meomartino Leonardo , Ciaramella Paolo , Cringoli Giuseppe , Genchi Marco , Rinaldi Laura , Kramer Laura
Published: November 2022

Background
Several studies in both experimentally and naturally infected dogs have reported the adulticide effect of a combination of macrocyclic lactones and doxycycline against Dirofilaria immitis, showing that these protocols can be used as an alternative to melarsomine. The present study evaluated the efficacy of oral, topical and extended-release injectable formulations of moxidectin when combined with doxycycline in dogs naturally infected with D. immitisfrom a shelter located in southern Italy.
Methods
A total of 30 dogs with naturally acquired D. immitis infection were divided in three groups (G) and treated either with oral moxidectin (G1) once a month for 9 consecutive months, topical moxidectin (G2) once a month for 9 consecutive months or with an extended release moxidectin injectable (G3) at enrolment and again at 6 months (Day 180). All treatment groups received doxycycline for the first 30 days. Microfilarial concentration in 1 ml (mff/ml) of blood were determined monthly for 9 months, with the modified Knott’s test. A clinical scoring system was employed for each dog enrolled in the study based on thoracic radiography and cardiac ultrasound (CU) exams performed at Day -15 (before treatment) and at Day 180.
Results
Results from the present study suggest that the majority of dogs from all treatment groups became antigen negative, as evaluated at Day 270: 9/10 dogs (90.0%) from G1, 6/10 dogs (60.0%) from G2 and 8/10 dogs (80.0%) from G3. Improvement of radiographic alterations was observed in all treatment groups, and almost all dogs were cleared of pulmonary abnormalities by six months from the beginning of treatment (P = 0.000). Cardiac ultrasound examination showed a progressive improvement of cardiac function in a limited number of animals (4/30).
Conclusions
The combination of doxycycline and three different formulations of moxidectin leads to antigen negative status in naturally infected dogs.
Blood pressure control and its associated factors among patients with heart failure in Jordan
Authors: Jarab Anan , Hamam Hanan , Al-Qerem Walid , Heshmeh Shrouq Abu , Mukattash Tareq
Published: November 2022

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) has been associated with increases risk of cardiovascular events including heart failure (HF). This study aimed to explore the factors associated with poor BP control among patients with HF attending two major outpatient cardiology clinics in Jordan. Variables including socio-demographics, biomedical variables, in addition to disease and medication characteristics were collected using medical records and custom-designed questionnaire. The validated 4-item Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess medication adherence. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the significant and independent predictors of poor BP control among the study patients. Out of the 427 participants, 77% of were found to have hypertension as a comorbid condition. Regression analysis results revealed that being not satisfied with the prescribed medication (OR= 2.882; 95%CI 1.458-5.695; P<0.01), reporting moderate medication adherence (OR= 0.203; 95% CI: 0.048-0.863; P<0.05), not receiving digoxin (OR= 3.423; 95% CI 1.346-8.707; P<0.05), and not receiving aldosterone antagonist (OR= 2.044; 95% CI: 1.038-4.025; P<0.05) were associated with poor BP control. Future interventions should focus on increasing medication satisfaction and enhancing medication adherence, along with considering digoxin and aldosterone therapy in order to improve BP control among patients with HF.
Remote detection of electric current flowing in wires by laser speckle analysis
Authors: Nazari Elaheh , Rezaei Kosar , Asghari Mahsa , Rad Vahideh Farzam , Moradi Ali-Reza
Published: November 2022

Due to the massive growth in the use of electrical equipment and worldwide increase of the electrical distribution consumption, electrical current sensors have attracted intensive interest, particularly in the cases where there is an electrical fire (Class C) risk. Here, we introduce laser speckle analysis for remote detection and measurement of current flowing through wires. The laser scattering from the wire outer oversheath generates speckle patterns and from the follow-up statistical post-processing several numerical and graphical parameters are extracted which provide the detection task. To demonstrate the capability of the method we consider an individual wire with DC current. Therefore, the influence of cross-talk between adjacent current-carrying wires and the possible changes on the electromagnetic field are avoided. The change in the speckle patterns is attributed to the local heat generated by the flowing current. The methodology is easy-to-implement, can be used in extreme conditions, and provides quantitative assessment.
TREM1 as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltration in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pu Yaling , Cai Danyang , Jin Lingling , Xu Fenfen , Ye Enru , Wu Lina , Liu Suzhi , Guo Qunyi , Wu Gang
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aims to find immune-related hub gene as potential novel biomarker for KIRC.
Methods: We constructed a KIRC immune prognostic signature. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, survival curves, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were utilized to validate the signature. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of TRME1 in renal clear cell carcinoma tissues. The clinical characteristics, the status of the tumor microenvironment, and immune infiltration were analyzed through the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms for the hub gene, while the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and PPI analysis were performed to predict the function of the hub gene.
Results: In Immunohistochemical staining, we found that the expression of TREM1 was significantly upregulated with increasing tumor grade in renal clear cell carcinoma, and elevated TREM1 expression was associated with poor prognosis.The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms revealed that TREM1 was correlated with the infiltration of 12 types of immune cells. Therefore, it was determined that TREM1 was involved in numerous classical pathways in the immune response via GSEA analysis.
Conclusions: The results suggest that TREM1 may act as an implicit novel prognostic biomarker in KIRC that could be utilized to facilitate immunotherapeutic strategy.
Seismic performance evaluation of steel moment resisting frames with mid-span rigid rocking cores
Authors: Akbari Ali , Massumi Ali , Grigorian Mark
Published: November 2022

The combination of replaceable and repairable properties in structures has introduced new approach called “Low Damage Design Structures”. These structural systems are designed in such a way that through self-centering, primary members and specific connections neither suffer damage nor experience permanent deformations after being exposed to severe earthquakes. The purpose of this study is the seismic assessment of steel moment resisting frames with the aid of rigid rocking cores. To this end, three steel moment resisting frames of 4-, 8-, and 12-story buildings with and without rocking cores were developed. The nonlinear static analysis and incremental dynamic analysis were performed by considering the effects of the vertical and horizontal components of 16 strong ground motions, including far-fault and near-fault arrays. The results reveal that rocking systems benefit from better seismic performance and energy dissipation compared to moment resisting frames and thus structures experience a lower level of damage under higher intensity measures. The analyses show that the interstory drift in structures equipped with stiff rocking cores is more uniform in static and dynamic analyses. A uniform interstory drift distribution leads to a uniform distribution of the bending moment and a reduction in the structure’s total weight and future maintenance costs.
Intraoperative Real-time Near-infrared Image-guided Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Muto Jun , Mine Yutaka , Nishiyama Yuya , Murayama Kazuhiro , Hayakawa Motoharu , Hasegawa Mitsuhiro , Lee John K.Y. , Hirose Yuichi
Published: November 2022

Background: In endoscopic endonasal surgery of pituitary tumors, the intraoperative judgment and tissue identification depend largely on surgeons’ surgical experience.
Objective: To assess whether the delayed-window indocyanine green (ICG) (DWIG) technique can visualize and distinguish the normal pituitary gland and tumor under the endoscope in real-time during surgery.
Methods: Eight patients with pituitary adenoma who received 12.5 mg ICG were observed by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence during the surgery to identify the pituitary gland and tumors.
Results: The normal pituitary gland and pituitary adenoma were visualized by NIR fluorescence in all 8 patients. The relative ratio of the fluorescence emission of the normal gland to that of the tumor (signal-to-background ratio [SBR] normal gland/tumor) increased after 15 min, peaking at 5.8±4.9 at 90 min. It suggested that pituitary gland was more clearly visualized during that period. The tumor/blood (SBR tumor) and normal gland/ blood (SBR gland) NIR fluorescence was significantly positively correlated with each Ktrans on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, indicating blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability.
Conclusions: This study showed the utility of the DWIG technique for identifying a normal pituitary gland from a tumor in endoscopic endonasal surgery from 15 to 90 min following ICG administration, “negative tumor staining”. Permeability can contribute to gadolinium enhancement on MRI and to ICG retention and NIR fluorescence in a normal pituitary gland and tumor.