bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Por uma Outra Relação Entre Administração Pública e Desenvolvimento: Retomando Espaço e Território Contra as Mazelas da Globalização
Authors: Brulon Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Objetivo da pesquisa: No presente ensaio teórico, temos por objetivo discutir de que forma a administração pública, ao se aproximar das concepções de espaço e território, pode ter avanços mais substantivos em direção ao desenvolvimento, superando ou mitigando as mazelas da globalização.
Enquadramento teórico: A administração pública toma para si a missão de levar as nações ao desenvolvimento, mas enfrenta obstáculos, que se aprofundam com o advento da globalização. Milton Santos (2008a) denuncia as contradições da globalização, revelando a existência de duas realidades antagônicas. Como fábula ou perversidade, a globalização espelha suas contradições nas vertentes de desenvolvimento. Na dialética entre global e local, o Estado se enfraquece. A administração pública tem no espaço geográfico sua principal arma para frear as perversidades da globalização (Santos, 2008a).
Resultados: Mostramos, por meio de cinco proposições, de que forma essas espaço e território podem contribuir para que a administração pública obtenha avanços no alcance do desenvolvimento.
Originalidade: O artigo aproxima a administração pública das concepções de espaço e território, relação esta que há muito se perdeu, e traz uma problematização do histórico da relação entre administração pública e desenvolvimento, à luz do fenômeno da globalização.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: O artigo traz as contribuições da geografia para pensar como a administração pública pode reassumir seu papel frente ao desenvolvimento, ajudando a repensar o papel do Estado nesse processo.
Prediction of protein pathways by correlation of spatial lipidomic and proteomics : towards the concept of dry proteomics applied to human Glioblastoma for patient prognosis
Authors: Lagache Laurine , Zirem Yanis , Rhun Emilie Le , Fournier Isabelle , Salzet Michel
Published: April 2024

Prediction of protein pathways directly from lipid analyses by MALDI MSI without spatial lipidomic and proteomics is an unmet need. We introduced "dry proteomics," using MALDI MSI to validate spatial localization of identified clusters in lipid or protein imaging. Consistent cluster appearance across omics images suggests association with specific lipid and protein pathways identified, forming the basis of dry proteomics. The methodology was refined using rat brain tissue as a model, and then applied to glioblastoma, a highly heterogeneous cancer. Sequential tissue sections were subjected to lipid, protein, and peptide MALDI-MSI analysis. Unsupervised clustering in MATLAB differentiated lipid and protein clusters, with distinct spatial locations irrespectively of the molecules analyzed. Further characterization through spatial omics analysis facilitated the creation of a predictive computer model capable of identifying clusters in any tissue based on unique lipid signatures and predicting associated protein pathways. Application to rat brain slices revealed diverse tissue subpopulations, including successfully predicted cerebellum areas. Similar analysis on 50 glioblastoma patients confirmed the association of specific lipids with proteins from Lipids MALDI MSI images, correlating with patient prognosis.
Preference for Experiential or Material Purchases?The Impact of Message Framing
Authors: Li Bin , Rui Jianxi , Li Ou , Lei Li
Published: April 2024

A body of study has been dedicated to examining the influence of various types of purchases, namely experiential and material, on consumers' attitudes and behaviors over the past two decades. However, little attention has been given to understanding the underlying reasons for why consumers make differential purchasing decisions. In order to address this gap, three studies were conducted to explore the impact of message framing on consumers’ product preferences for experiential or material. The findings indicate that consumers prefer experiential over material purchases under situation of a gain-framed message, but prefer material purchases over experiential purchases under situation of a loss-framed message. Moreover, the effect is continuously mediated by both processing fluency and anticipated regret. Participants exhibit higher processing fluency when they were presented with the gain-framed (vs. loss-framed) messages in the context of experiential (vs. material) purchase. Processing fluency increased consumers’ anticipated regret of not purchasing, resulting in greater purchase intention. These findings indicate when and why consumers would prefer material or experiential purchases based on the types of message framing presented.
Asking the right questions: How PMS question phrasing impacts responses in an English speaking, online sample
Authors: Kountourides Gabriella S , Alvergne Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The discourse around menstrual cycles is often pathologized, potentially reinforcing negative perceptions of menstruation. The extent to which individuals have internalized the idea that bodily and social experiences before menstruation are the manifestation of ill-health, thereby biasing reports of premenstrual experiences towards negative emotions, remains unclear.
Methods
Using an online experimental design, we investigate whether phrasing the premenstrual experience as having both negative and positive dimensions would enable individuals to report more diverse and positive experiences than are reported in the absence of specific emotional prompts. Participants were recruited using a period tracker app and randomly allocated to one of three conditions: control (describe your premenstrual experience); treatment 1 (describe your positive and negative premenstrual experience); treatment 2 (describe your negative and positive premenstrual experience). Sentiment analysis was used to derive polarity scores, and a two-part Bayesian model assessed the impact of phrasing order.
Results
Among 2,637 participants, responses skewed negatively (mean -0.25). Compared to the control, treatments conditions 1 and 2 reported premenstrual experiences 64% and 62 % less negative, respectively. Positive themes, notably ‘sex, libido, and energy’ emerged. The absence of positive prompts in questioning led to more negative and less diverse reports.
Conclusions
These findings support existing literature on the predominance of negative premenstrual phases and underline the need to broaden measurements to encompass positive symptoms. The study also pioneer the use of text analysis for investigating premenstrual symptoms.
Security-Aware Resource Allocation in Fog Computing Environments
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra
Published: April 2024

Fog computing, an innovative approach building upon cloud technology, taps into local user resources to enhance services. It boasts cost-effectiveness, improved security, and reduced network delays, making it a popular choice for real-time applications. However, due to the heterogeneity of fog devices, resource allocation and scheduling pose challenges. This paper introduces a novel solution using a crow-inspired search mechanism and a multi-objective evolutionary approach for fog computing environments. The primary objectives are to optimize security and success rates simultaneously. A local search method enhances the performance of the crow search algorithm (CSA). The proposed method utilizes evolutionary techniques to allocate and schedule resources effectively. We compared our hybrid CSA with the original CSA and Genetic Algorithm (GA) across seven scenarios with varying parameters. Our hybrid CSA consistently outperformed existing methods, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving the desired objectives.
Theoretical Study on Copper Adsorption on ZnO Surfaces
Authors: Salmi Mustafa Al , Alshammari Ali
Published: April 2024

The study of Cu on ZnO surfaces is a topic of ongoing research due to the im-portance of Cu as a promoter in the low-temperature synthesis of methanol, the water-gas shift process, and methanol steam reforming. The role of ZnO in supporting the stabilization of the Cu atoms and promoting the CO2 hydrogenation reaction is multifaceted and involves a range of physical and chemical factors. In this work, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the Cu adsorption on ZnO surfaces on different sites. Bader charge analysis, adsorp-tion energy, and phonon inelastic neutron scattering (INS) associated with most stable systems were calculated and compared with previous theoretical and experimental results. We found that atomic Cu adsorption on hollow site of ZnO(111) is the most stable site and most favorable site for Cu adsorption comparing to other ZnO surfaces. This is due to the strong metal-oxygen interac-tion between Cu and the ZnO surface. We concluded that further studies are needed to investigate the catalytic activity of this catalyst under realistic reaction conditions with realistic models of Cu supported on ZnO.
Multiple techniques confirm endogenous collagen in Edmontosaurus fossil bone
Authors: Tuinstra Lucien , Thomas Brian , Robinson Steven , Pawlak Krzysztof , Elezi Gazmend , Faull Kym Francis , Taylor Stephen
Published: April 2024

Reports of proteins in fossilized bones have ignited an on-going debate because previously it was generally assumed that fossilization results in destruction of all organic components. We combine Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, cross-polarized light microscopy (XPol), and two variations of Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), to detect and verify endogenous collagen protein in fossilized bone. Data from an Edmontosaurus dinosaur excavated from Upper Cretaceous strata of the South Dakota Hell Creek Formation were compared with that from thermally decayed modern turkey (Meleagris) bone. The four methods show different evidence for collagen presence in the fossilized bone. ATR-FTIR spectra show a signal for carbonyl (C=O) groups, a repeat moiety in protein amino acid sequences. XPol shows the birefringence of collagen within Meleagris, as well as Edmontosaurus. LC-MS bottom-up proteomics showed m/z agreement between multiple ions from trypsin-digested samples and identified peptide sequences thus far only identified in a hadrosaur. Tandem LC-MS unambiguously identified hydroxyproline, a unique collagen-indicator amino acid, in acid-digested samples from the same.
Integrated analyses of the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome in NingXiang piglets
Authors: Hu Zhenguo , Yao Yuezhou , Chen Feiyue , Feng Luya , Yuan Zian , Deng Junhao , Huang Lang , Yin Yulong , Tang Xiongzhuo
Published: April 2024

NingXiang (NX) pig has been recognized as one of the most famous Chinese indigenous breeds due to its characteristics in high fertility and stress resistance. However, the global intestinal gene expression profiling and the feature of gut microorganisms in NX piglets have not been studied. Here, we compared the intestinal microbiome and transcriptome between NX and Duroc × Landrace × Large white (DLY) piglets and found the high enrichment of several colonic Bacteroides, Prevotella and Clostridium species in NX piglets than DLY piglets. Further functional analyses of these microbes revealed their predominant function in methane, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis metabolism. Our mRNA-sequencing data unraveled the distinct colonic gene expression between these two pig breeds. In particular, NX piglets exhibited improved intestinal barrier function and cellulose digestibility, as well as varied immune features than DLY piglets. Finally, by integrating metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses, we further showed that the improved intestinal function in NX piglets may be determined by intestinal genes through modulating the composition of the gut microbes. Together, our study revealed the intestinal characteristics of NX piglets, providing their potential application in improving breeding strategies and developing dietary interventions.
Data-driven Network Connectivity Analysis: An Underestimated Metric
Authors: Xu Junxiang , Nair Divya Jayakumar
Published: April 2024

In network structure analysis, metrics such as Isolated Node Ratio (INR), Network Efficiency (NE), Network Clustering Coefficient (NCC), Betweenness Centrality (BC), and Closeness Centrality (CC) are used as quantitative tools to measure network connectivity. However, there is another metric that is often easily overlooked and underestimated, i.e., the Relative Size of Largest Connected Component (RSLCC), we do not find any literature that analyzed RSLCC in a separate study. However, through the research in this paper, we not only prove that this metric is underestimated, but also design 7 methods to predict the value of this metric, with a Deep Neural Network (DNN) prediction accuracy of more than 99%. This research results can be applied to any network, and in a disaster scenario, whether it is a physical entity network or a virtual abstract network, the approximate network connectivity value can be predicted simply by knowing the number of connected edges in the pre-disaster network and the number of connected edges in the post-disaster network.
Uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils is suppressed by inflammation and induces an aberrant phenotype in human microglia
Authors: Niskanen Jonna , Peltonen Sanni , Ohtonen Sohvi , Fazaludeen Mohammad Feroze , Luk Kelvin C. , Giudice Luca , Koistinaho Jari , Malm Tarja , Goldsteins Gundars , Albert Katrina , Lehtonen Šárka
Published: April 2024

Microglia are brain resident immune cells that maintain proteostasis and cellular homeostasis. Recent findings suggest that microglia dysfunction could contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. One of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease is the aggregation and accumulation of alpha-synuclein into Lewy bodies inside nerve cells. Microglia may worsen the neuronal microenvironment by persistent inflammation, resulting in deficient clearing of aggregated alpha-synuclein. To model microglial behavior in Parkinson’s disease, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate functionally active microglia. We studied the microglial uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) and the effect of pro-inflammatory stimulation by interferon gamma. We demonstrate that combined exposure disrupts the phagosome maturation pathway while inflammatory stimuli suppress chaperone mediated autophagy and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, inflammatory stimulation impairs PFF uptake in microglia and increases cytokine production. Moreover, excessive PFF uptake by microglia results in induction of iNOS. Taken together, we demonstrate that this model is valuable for investigating the behavior of microglia in Parkinson’s disease and provide new insights on how human microglia process aggregated alpha-synuclein.
Bringing Together Synthesis and Simulations: Advancing Intercalation Strategies in Layered Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Payne Julia , Yang Linjie , Xuan Wenye , Henda Sara , Wang Shaoyang , Rajendran Sai Kiran , Cordes David , Miller David , Slawin Alexandra , Jagadamma Lethy Krishnan , Ohadi Hamid , Chen Hsin-Yi Tiffany , Dyer Matthew
Published: April 2024

Finding new, innovative ways to modify the electronic structure of halide perovskites is desireable as they have applications in a variety of devices, from photovoltaics to LEDs. Additionally, designing new, functional materials can be facilitated through the use of computation. Here, we have used a combination of synthesis and computation to screen for new, intercalated, layered hybrid perovskites. 54 compositions were screened and five compounds containing intercalated halogens were prepared as single crystals. A further compound, which was not screened and contained IBr, was prepared. We computationally identified an intercalated layered hybrid perovskite with a low bandgap and prepared it as a thin-film. Through examination of single crystal X-ray diffraction data, we provide some design guidelines for intercalation. The conformational flexibility in the organic ammonium cation allows rotations in the carbon backbone which change upon intercalation. Optoelectronic properties were studied using photoluminescence spectroscopy and preliminary photovoltaic device testing.
Evaluation and optimization of electrocoagulation process parameters for the treatment of oil industry drilling site wastewater
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Nawaz Tabish , Singh Swatantra P.
Published: April 2024

The effluent from the oil drilling site is a complex mixture of hazardous chemicals that causes environmental impacts on its disposal. The treatment of oil drill-site wastewater has not been explored much and requires understanding its characteristics and optimizing the treatment process. In the present study, we have optimized the electrocoagulation process with aluminum electrodes for drill-site wastewater treatment. A multi-level factorial center composite design using response surface methodology (RSM) is applied to optimize the effect of current density, pH, and inter-electrode distance (IED) on COD removal. The increasing current density shows a significant increase in COD removal, and a similar trend was observed with a decrease in pH. It was found that with current density and inter-electrode distance, the maximum COD removal achieved was 70% at the CD of 19.04 mA cm-2 and IED 2.6 cm. By varying pH and current density, the COD removal reached up to 90% at pH 6 and CD 19.04 mA cm-2. The study shows that the current density is the dominant factor for the process's energy consumption and operating cost, followed by pH. This study's findings could be effectively used for developing large-scale treatment processes through the electrocoagulation process.
Novel anthraquinone amino derivatives as anticancer agents targeting the human serine/threonine kinase PAK4
Authors: Hasan Hamad M. , Koua Faisal H. M. , Beit Hajer A. , Ebrahim Reem M. A. , Ismail Amar Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Recently, anthraquinone scaffolds have attracted increasing amounts of attention as sources for effective drug synthesis for the treatment of various diseases. Here, we demonstrate the potential of nine anthraquinone amino-derivatives (AADs) as anticancer agents. We synthesized nine Schiff bases (1-9) using an anthraquinone scaffold and amino acids. We applied in silico analysis by performing molecular docking against the anticancer drug target human serine/threonine p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and compared them with the recently developed PAK4 inhibitor PF-3758309. Compounds 5and 8 showed docking properties comparable to that of PF-3758309 at two binding sites located in the C-terminal domain of PAK4. Compound 5, a tryptophan-based anthraquinone derivative, had docking scores of -9.3 and -8.7 kcal/mol at two different identified cavities, cav-1 and cav-4, respectively, exceeding that of the control PF-3758309 for both cavities. Additional optimization of the indole moiety of 5gave rise to 5b, resulting in high drug likeness (0.74) and comparable binding properties to cav-1 (-8.6 kcal/mol) and the highest achievable binding affinity to cav-4, with an average of -9.7 kcal/mol, indicating a potential allosteric inhibitory effect via cav-4. Our molecular dynamics simulation analysis of the top hits and the control compound provides important insights into the mechanism of action of these drug candidates. Additionally, all the compounds exhibited promising pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties, as revealed by the ADMET profiles, urging the need for comprehensive in vitro and in vivo antitumor characterization. Our results also indicate that cav-4 may serve as a target for designing specific allosteric inhibitors against PAK4-overexpressing cancer cells, suggesting its potential application in adjuvant cancer treatment.
Investigating the effect of TIG welding process variables on the mechanical properties of stainless steel-304 pipe welded joints
Authors: Yeshanew Dessalegn Ahmed , Yeshanew Dessalegn Ahmed , Mana Labena Manza
Published: April 2024

Stainless steel weld joint quality optimization research has become necessary due to the rise in sudden welded pipe joint failure. The mechanical characteristics and weld quality are greatly influenced by the combined effect of controllable process parameters. This study sought to determine the ideal parameters and examine how tungsten inert gas welding process factors affected the mechanical characteristics of the stainless pipe weld joint. Welded features such as bead shape, size, and mechanical properties were studied related to the weld controllable factors in order to achieve the desired weld quality. Austenitic stainless-steel samples (AISI 304) having 90mm outer diameter and 5mm thick pipe was used for the study. Data were studied using analysis of variance to evaluate the effect of each factor and validated the model's suitability. The results show that the rate of gas flow had the greatest impact on the tensile strength and hardness, whereas the welding current had the main influential factor on the bending strength. Weld parameters were optimized by applying response surface methodology technic and validated using laboratory tests. According to the experiment, optimum weld parameters were 121.30amp, 14 Lit/min, and 2mm for current, gas flow, and root gap respectively. As a result of these parameters combination, optimized mechanical properties were determined including tensile strength of 1402.601N/mm2, hardness of 61.372HRA, and bending strength of 826.022Nm. The optimized parameters evolved from this research can be utilized in the fabrication process of TIG welding at the industries.
Alterations in genes associated with cytosolic RNA sensing in whole blood are associated with coronary microvascular disease in SLE
Authors: Huo Lihong , Montano Erica , Tumurkhuu Gantseg , Bose Moumita , Berman Daniel S. , Wallace Daniel , Wei Janet , Ishimori Mariko , Merz C. Noel Bairey , Jefferies Caroline
Published: April 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are 90% women and over three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than women in the general population. Chest pain with no obstructive cardiac disease is associated with coronary microvascular disease (CMD), where narrowing of the small blood vessels can lead to ischemia, and frequently reported by SLE patients. Using whole blood RNA samples, we asked whether gene signatures discriminate SLE patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) on cardiac MRI (n=4) from those without (n=7) and whether any signaling pathway is linked to the underlying pathobiology of SLE CMD. RNA-seq analysis revealed 143 differentially expressed (DE) genes between the SLE and healthy control (HC) groups, with virus defense and interferon (IFN) signaling being the key pathways identified as enriched in SLE as expected. We next conducted a comparative analysis of genes differentially expressed in SLE-CMD and SLE-non-CMD relative to HC samples. Our analysis highlighted differences in IFN signaling, RNA sensing and ADP-ribosylation pathways between SLE-CMD and SLE-non-CMD. This is the first study to investigate possible gene signatures associating with CMD in SLE, and our data strongly suggests that distinct molecular mechanisms underly vascular changes in CMD and non-CMD involvement in SLE.
Influence of electrodeposition parameters on the fabrication of Ni-Co/SiC+TiN composite films through pulse current electrodeposition
Authors: Cui Tianqi , Cao Mengyu
Published: April 2024

In this investigation, pulsed current electro-deposition (PCE) was used to prefabricate Ni-Co/SiC + TiN composite films (NCSTCFs) on mild steel surfaces. The research focused on the influence of two electrodeposition parameters, pulse frequency (PF) and duty cycle (DC), on NCSTCF features including microscopic surface morphology, crystal orientation, grain size, microhardness, SiC and TiN nanoparticles (NPs), deposition quantity, and corrosion resistance properties. The results indicated that NCSTCFs produced under a 10% DC showed minimal SiC and TiN contents with a percent volume of just 5.6 v/v% and 5.4 v/v% respectively under the fixed condition of 60 Hz PF. However, the three-dimensional surface diagram indicated that the Ni-Co/SiC + TiN composite film deposited at 50% DC and 10 Hz PF displayed the highest SiC and TiN contents (11.6 v/v% and 11.7 v/v%) among all the films. Furthermore, NCSTCFs deposited under 50% DC and 10 Hz PF had peak microhardness at 667.4 kg/mm2, while the composite film achieved a microhardness of 514.1 kg/mm2 when prepared using 10% DC and 60 Hz PF. Moreover, when the DC and PF were at 50% and 10 Hz respectively, the Ni-Co/SiC + TiN composite film presented the maximum charge transfer resistance (4915.7-4927.2 Ω·cm2), indicating an excellent corrosion resistance.
GFPT2 controls immune evasion in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Jiali , Ao Luyao , Jia Wenjing , Gong Qixing , Cui Jiawen , Wang Jun , Yu Ying , Fu Chenghao , Li Haobin , Wei Jia , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Feiyi , Shang Xin , Li Yantong , Fang Shencun , Wang Guangji , Zhou Fang
Published: April 2024

In the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy, EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a significant obstacle due to its inherent resistance to conventional treatments. The development of an effective strategy to overcome this resistance remains a challenge. Here we have identified glutamine fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 2 (GFPT2) as a prime architect in the immune evasion phenotype induced by EGFR mutations. Mechanistically, in the presence of EGFR mutations, the expression of GFPT2, typically low in normal tissues, is significantly upregulated via the EGFR/IRE1α/Xbp1s signaling pathway. This results in a significant increase in intracellular UDP-GlcNAc levels, altering N-glycosylation profiles extensively. GFPT2 escalates the expression and glycosylation of PD-L1, PVR and CD276, bolstering their interactions with CD8+T cells, and also amplifies CD73 glycosylation to intensify adenosine-mediated suppression of CD8+T cells. These actions collectively reduce tumor cell vulnerability to CD8+T cell-mediated death. Moreover, GFPT2 also hinders the infiltration of CD8+T cells into tumors by regulating EGFR glycosylation and subsequent secretion of CXCL10 and VEGF. The validation of this GFPT2-mediated immune evasion phenotype is substantiated by compelling clinical evidence. We further identified a GFPT2 isoform-specific inhibitor that can enhance the efficacy of PD-1 blockade therapy beyond current strategies, as evidenced by results in xenograft models and patient-derived organoids. Taken together, our results highlight the potential of GFPT2 as a metabolic checkpoint in controlling immune escape in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, offering an innovative and druggable target to bolster immunotherapy outcomes in NSCLC with EGFR mutations.
Rapid and accurate prediction of protein homo-oligomer symmetry with Seq2Symm
Authors: Kshirsagar Meghana , Meller Artur , Humphreys Ian , Sledzieski Samuel , Xu Yixi , Dodhia Rahul , Horvitz Eric , Berger Bonnie , Bowman Gregory , Ferres Juan Lavista , Baker David , Baek Minkyung
Published: April 2024

The majority of proteins must form higher-order assemblies to perform their biological functions. Despite the importance of protein quaternary structure, there are few machine learning models that can accurately and rapidly predict the symmetry of assemblies involving multiple copies of the same protein chain. Here, we address this gap by training several classes of protein foundation models, including ESM-MSA, ESM2, and RoseTTAFold2, to predict homo-oligomer symmetry. Our best model named Seq2Symm, which utilizes ESM2, outperforms existing template-based and deep learning methods. It achieves an average PR-AUC of 0.48 and 0.44 across homo-oligomer symmetries on two different held-out test sets compared to 0.32 and 0.23 for the template-based method. Because Seq2Symm can rapidly predict homo-oligomer symmetries using a single sequence as input (~ 80,000 proteins/hour), we have applied it to 5 entire proteomes and ~ 3.5 million unlabeled protein sequences to identify patterns in protein assembly complexity across biological kingdoms and species.
Gipc3 Mutation Might Cause Sensorineural Hearing Loss by Inhibiting Mitophagy in Inner Ear Hair Cells
Authors: Li Xinxin , Wang Jing , Shi Lin , Wang Liang
Published: April 2024

Sensory hearing loss (SNHL) has a high degree of genetic heterogeneity, and there are many mutated genes that cause deafness. GIPC3 gene is one of the mutated genes that can cause congenital hearing loss found in recent years, but the mechanism of its cause is still unclear. Mitophagy is the process of selectively encapsulating and lysing damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria in order to prevent accumulation of damaged mitochondria from damaging the cells and is of great importance in the maintenance of homeostasis in the inner ear. The aim of this paper is to observe the effect of Gipc3 expression on mitochondrial metabolism and autophagy in inner ear hair cells, and to explore the possible mechanism of sensorineural hearing loss caused by Gipc3 mutations. In this study, The House Ear Institute Organ of Corti 1(HEI-OC1) cells and cochlear explants were cultured to change the expression level of Gipc3 by transfection, and the knockdown efficiency was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western Blot. Knockdown of Gipc3 inhibited cell viability and its proliferation ability. When t-BHP was used to induce oxidative stress injury and knockdown of Gipc3, inner ear hair cells had weakened ability to resist oxidative stress injury, mitochondrial metabolism was altered, and there was accumulation of reactive oxygen species and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Immunofluorescence and Western Blot techniques revealed that the mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins, LC3B and P62, showed autophagy disorders. A PH domain, leucine zipper motif 1(APPL1) mediates early endosome-dependent mitophagy, and deletion of APPL1 impairs mitochondrial autophagy. We found that fluorescence co-localization exists between Gipc3 and APPL1, and that they interact with each other, with positive correlation in their trends. In summary, Gipc3 mutation may lead to decreased mitochondrial function by inhibiting the APPL1-mediated mitochondrial autophagy process, out of which impaired oxidative metabolism in hair cells may occur, which is a possible mechanism for the inhibition of mitochondrial autophagy by Gipc3 mutation.
Bexarotene promotes neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells differentiation to mature neurons with decreased proliferation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Gao Kai , Zhang Junjiao , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye , Jiang Yuwu , Wu Congying
Published: April 2024

Bexarotene is an retinoid X receptor (RXR) pharmacological agonist that has been demonstrated to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and promising therapeutic potential for neurological diseases. But it still remains unclear whether bexarotene participates in regulation of neuroblastoma. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were used as a model to investigate the neuronal differentiation impact of bexarotene. Bexarotene-cultured SH-SY5Y cells showed changes in cell morphology, adopting pyramidal shapes and extending neurites, increased expression of neuronal marker β-tubulin III and mature neurons marker Neurofilament M and upregulation of neuronal differentiation markers including growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) and synaptophysin (SYP). SH-SY5Y cells induced by bexarotene increased the mRNA expression of glutamatergic marker glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), GABAergic marker glutamate decarboxylase (GAD1) and dopaminergic marker TH, but not cholinergic marker solute carrier family 18 member 1 (SLC18A1). Functional enrichment analysis of RNAseq data revealed that the PI3K-AKT axis is the dominant signaling pathway promoting the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into mature and functional neurons in response to bexarotene. Additionally, we observed that SH-SY5Y cells show reduced proliferation rates accompanied by decreased expression of cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) and increased expression of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) following 7-day exposure to bexarotene, suggesting bexarotene induces a quiescent state in SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells can be induced to mature neurons with decreased proliferation induced by bexarotene via PI3K-AKT axis. It indicates bexarotene has the potential to treat neuroblastoma.
Extended Postoperative Ciprofloxacin Prophylaxis for Post-Phacoemulsification Endophthalmitis
Authors: Ciftci Suleyman
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the efficacy of extended oral ciprofloxacin prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.
Setting: Single-center study conducted at a tertiary health facility.
Design: This was a retrospective observational study.
Methods: This study was conducted on patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery. Two cohorts were analyzed: one receiving oral ciprofloxacin twice daily for one week post-surgery and another not receiving ciprofloxacin. The patients who did not receive ciprofloxacin were operated on between June 2013 and October 2019, while the others underwent surgery between June 2011 and April 2021. Endophthalmitis incidence, patient demographics, and surgical variables were assessed between the two groups. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan‒Meier estimates.
Results: Out of 1172 eyes (1015 patients), 548 received ciprofloxacin, and 624 did not. The ciprofloxacin group reported a 0% incidence of endophthalmitis compared to 0.8% in the non ciprofloxacin group. While the chi-square test revealed significant differences (p=0.036), Fisher’s exact test did not reach significance at values less than <0.05. The efficacy of oral ciprofloxacin in preventing endophthalmitis was 100%. The odds ratios for sex, age, and unilateral/bilateral surgery were not significant. Challenges in achieving statistical significance, attributable to zero events in the ciprofloxacin group, were acknowledged.
Conclusion: Oral administration of two 750 mg tablets of ciprofloxacin per day for one week after phacoemulsification surgery is superior to a single intracameral antibiotic injection as an additional treatment.
DRCTdb: Disease-related cell type analysis to decode cell type effect and underlying regulatory mechanisms
Authors: qin sheng , Kong Yunhui , Jiang Junyao , Kong Weikang
Published: April 2024

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic diseases is challenging due to the involvement of both environmental and genetic factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic loci, but their functional implications remain largely unknown. Single-cell multiomics sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool to study disease-specific cell types and their relationship with genetic variants. However, there is a lack of comprehensive databases for exploring genetic disease-related cell types and their mechanisms across different human tissues. In this study, we present the disease-related cell type database (DRCTdb), a database that integrates GWAS data and single-cell multiomics data to identify disease-related cell types and elucidate their regulatory mechanisms. DRCTdb contains well-processed single-cell multiomics data in 16 studies, encompassing transcriptome and epigenetic information overall 4 million cells within 28 tissues. Through DRCTdb, user can easily browse relationships and regulatory mechanisms between SNPs of 42 genetic disease and cell type in different human tissue based on GWAS and single cell multiomics data. Moreover, DRCTdb also provides data download, which allowing users to download well-processed single-cell multiomics data and analysis result from DRCTdb. DRCTdb is available at https://singlecellatlas.top/DRCTDB
Water level variations and flood zones in Lake Tanganyika and Nyangara marsh: Impact analysis and innovative solutions to prevent future damage
Authors: Ndabaga Mashauri , Nelson Ahimidiwe Bagi , Pascal Masilya Mulungula
Published: April 2024

The water level of Lake Tanganyika has constantly fluctuated over time, flooding certain areas variably during periods of high water, causing immeasurable material and human damage. To prevent such damage, it is necessary to determine exactly which areas are always subject to flooding. This study, based on documentation, field surveys and satellite image processing using remote sensing techniques, aimed to identify the variation in water levels in the Nyangara marsh and Lake Tanganyika over the decade 2011–2021, to map the flood-prone areas in its northern and northeastern parts and to document the impact of these floods on riparian populations, in order to propose possible solutions to avoid damage in future years. Our results show that 2014, 2016 and 2019 were the years with the lowest water levels (especially for the Nyangara marsh), while 2017 and 2021 were the years of heavy flooding with serious negative impacts on riparian populations, namely the loss of inhabited and arable land, the disruption of socio-economic activities and environmental degradation. The survey revealed that the relocation of riverside populations, the creation of a buffer zone between the lake/marsh and dwellings, reforestation and the application of the law relating to the respect of 50m of shoreline are the priority solutions for mitigating the consequences of these floods. In this work, we discuss these proposals from the respondents and highlight more practical flood mitigation strategies adapted to this environment.
Research on Dynamic Characteristics of Shearer Cable Based on Multiphysics Field Coupling
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Lin Guocong , Xie Bo , Bai Zhongjian , Wang Tianxiang , Wang Yadong , Liu Hongmei , Liu Zifeng
Published: April 2024

Utilizing MCP0.66-1.14 (3*95+1*35) and control wire core cross-sectional areas of 4 mm2 , 6 mm2 , and 10 mm2 as the specifications for shearer cables, a three-dimensional model of the cable is developed using theta and trajpar functions. A four-field coupling simulation model for the electric, magnetic, and thermal structure of shearer cables is established based on the fundamental principles of electric and magnetic fields, temperature fields, and structural mechanics. At a traction speed of for the shearer, linear section simulation experiments were conducted on the cable. With an increase in the cross-sectional area of the control wire core conductor, the cable's equivalent stress, temperature of the cable conductor, magnetic flux density mode, current density mode, and volume loss density exhibit specific changes. This study focuses on cables of identical specifications and explores the impact of cable section to diameter ratios (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) on the dynamic characteristics of the cables. The findings indicate that as the cable section to diameter ratio rises, the equivalent force increases, while the temperature decreases, with slight decreases observed in the magnetic flux density mode, current density mode, and volume loss density. An orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate the electromagnetic loss characteristics of cable control cores under various influencing factors. The results suggest that among the three factors of cable section diameter ratio, cross-sectional area, and current carrying capacity, the cross-sectional area significantly affects the magnetic flux density mode, current density mode, and volume loss density of the control wire cores. The experimental results demonstrate that the overall characteristics of the cable are favorable.
Large Language Models in Randomized Controlled Trials Design
Authors: Liu Nan , Jin Liyuan , Ong Jasmine Chiat Ling , Kabilan Elangovan , Ke Yuhe , Pyle Alexandra , Ting Daniel
Published: April 2024

We investigate the potential of large language models (LLMs) in enhancing the design of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to address challenges related to generalizability, recruitment diversity, and failure rates. We selected 20 RCTs for analysis, including both completed and ongoing studies, with a focus on their design aspects such as eligibility criteria, recruitment strategies, interventions, and outcomes measurement. Our evaluation revealed that LLMs can design RCT with 72% overall accuracy. Qualitative assessments indicated that LLM-generated designs were clinically aligned, scoring above 2 on a Likert scale across safety, accuracy, objectivity, pragmatism, inclusivity, and diversity domains. The results highlight LLM's capability to avoid critical safety and ethical issues, suggesting its potential as an assistive tool in RCT design to improve generalizability and reduce failure rates. However, expert oversight and regulatory measures are emphasized as essential to ensure patient safety and ethical conduct in clinical research.
Improving Mechanical Properties of Recycled Aggregate Pervious Concrete Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Hemeda Eslam S. , Bashandy Alaa A. , Nasser Amal A.
Published: April 2024

The construction demolishing is non-degradable. Recycled aggregates were utilized to create sustainable products in pervious concrete manufacture. Adding fiber enhances pervious concrete mechanical properties. High absorption of RA and polyethylene-glycol are used to ensure internal curing. The purpose of this study was to statistically improve mechanical properties of pervious concrete using an experimental investigation. Taguchi method was employed to present DOE (Design of Experiment). Five factors in four levels designed by Taguchi provide sixteen mixes (L16 array). The factors were replacement of coarse aggregates by recycle aggregates, W/C ratio, synthetic macro-fiber, steel fiber and polyethylene-glycol.Designed mixes were prepared. Taguchi analysis concluded; macro-fiber addition has no impact on mechanical properties. 10% recycle aggregates replacement was the optimum ratio. Taguchi analysis allowed prediction of non-experimented results and evaluating mechanical properties values. Prediction of optimum mixes were experimented though confirmation mixes. Confirmation test results were the predicted values within ±10%.
The interplay between multifractal characteristics and seasonal fluctuations within the LNG spot freight rates
Authors: Chen Feier , Yin Shuo , Zhang Jiahang
Published: April 2024

This research delves into the complex dynamics of liquefied natural gas (LNG) spot freight rates, exploring the interplay between multifractal characteristics and seasonal fluctuations within the market. By examining the time series data of LNG spot freight rates for vessels with a capacity of 160,000 cubic meters over a period from December 17, 2010, to December 17, 2023, the study employs multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) and multifractal detrending moving average (MF-DMA) techniques to quantify the multifractal dimensions and assess the impact of seasonality on market behavior. The findings reveal a nuanced relationship between the market's inherent complexities and its response to external factors such as geopolitical events and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable insights for stakeholders in the LNG industry and beyond.
Exploring the impact of nature connectedness on well-being among urban youth from 25 mostpopulated cities in India
Authors: Chhajer Raina , Bapat Sudeep
Published: April 2024

In contemporary urban settings, enhancing the well-being of youth is a challenge. The proliferation of screen time, particularlypost-pandemic, has contributed to an alarming disconnection with nature. This study investigates the impact of natureconnectedness on the well-being of urban youth residing in the 25 most populated cities in India. 2283 urban youth respondedto an online survey questionnaire that aimed to assess participants’ exposure to and interaction with nature. Respondentsself-reported their proximity to green and blue spaces near their residences, the frequency of recreational visits to theseareas, time spent in indoor environments, nature connectedness (NIS), and well-being (WHO-5). Multivariate regressionanalysis results show that urban youth with access to both green and blue spaces within 1-kilometer or between 1-3 kilometersradius, along with frequent recreational visits to these spaces, reported a significant positive association with well-being.Additionally, spending less than 8 hours in indoor environments and a high nature connectedness score had a significantpositive association with well-being. Moreover, logistic regression analysis shows that urban youth with WHO-5 scores lessthan 13, considered mentally distressed, who have access to both green and blue spaces within 1 kilometer or access to greenspaces between 1-3 kilometers, along with frequent recreational visits to these spaces, and a high nature connectednessscore, increases their log-odds of well-being significantly. This study conducted in the 25 most populated cities, representsa comprehensive exploration of the impact of nature connectedness on well-being in India. The implications of the studyextend to policy recommendations, advocating for the development of more parks in close proximity to residential areas. Suchinitiatives aim to encourage urban youth to actively engage with and experience nature, fostering improved well-being andreduced distress levels.
WITHDRAWN: Suicide or self-preservation：C2H2 Zinc Finger Protein ZNF775 inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell migration by downregulating Wnt5a
Authors: Zhu Xin , Gong Wei , Zhang Wenwu , Song Xiaoyu , Hu Junjie , Xu Weihua , Ma Zhichao , Xiao Bin , Li Linhai , Chen Xinping
Published: April 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
A non-inferiority trial comparing the accuracy of classifying urinary gram-stain findings between an artificial intelligence smartphone-based application and microbiology specialists
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Ohji Goh , Miyatsuka Isao , Furui-Ebisawa Kei , Moriya Ataru , Maeta Shogo , Nomoto Hidetoshi , Kurokawa Masami , Ohnuma Kenichiro , Kusuki Mari , Uemura Yukari , Ohmagari Norio
Published: April 2024

Background
Gram staining results interpreted by microbiology specialists (MS) were compared to a developed computer-aided diagnosis system (CAD) using artificial intelligence for interpretation.
Methods
Using a non-inferiority study, CAD-predicted Gram stain results, generated from images of an iPhone camera in two hospitals, were compared to those of MS, between 1 April and 31 December 2022. The prediction accuracies, classified as Class 1 based on the bacterial morphology, were the primary endpoint. The datasets were created according to the separate hospitals; 10 MS interpreted 153 images from each hospital. CAD predicted 306 images overall.
Results
The accuracies (95% confidence intervals) of MS and CAD predictions were 83.0% (81.6–84.3) and 87.9% (83.7–91.3), respectively; with a difference of –4.93% (–8.43 to –0.62), indicating non-inferiority of CAD.
Conclusions
Non-inferiority of CAD to MS predictions was demonstrated; therefore, CAD urine Gram staining can be used to select empirical antibiotics in facilities without MS.