bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physics informed deep learning to super-resolve and cross-calibrate solar magnetograms
Authors: Munoz-Jaramillo Andres , Jungbluth Anna , Gitiaux Xavier , Wright Paul , Shneider Carl , Maloney Shane , Baydin Atılım Güneş , Gal Yarin , Deudon Michel , Kalaitzis Freddie
Published: October 2021

Super-resolution techniques aim to increase the resolution of images by adding detail. Compared to upsampling techniques reliant on interpolation, deep learning-based approaches learn features and their relationships across the training data set to leverage prior knowledge on what low resolution patterns look like in higher resolution images.

As an added benefit, deep neural networks can learn the systematic properties of the target images (i.e.\ texture), combining super-resolution with instrument cross-calibration. While the successful use of super-resolution algorithms for natural images is rooted in creating perceptually convincing results, super-resolution applied to scientific data requires careful quantitative evaluation of performances.
In this work, we demonstrate that deep learning can increase the resolution and calibrate space- and ground-based imagers belonging to different instrumental generations. In addition, we establish a set of measurements to benchmark the performance of scientific applications of deep learning-based super-resolution and calibration.
We super-resolve and calibrate solar magnetic field images taken by the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI; resolution ~2"/pixel; science-grade, space-based) and the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG; resolution ~2.5"/pixel; space weather operations, ground-based) to the pixel resolution of images taken by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI; resolution ~0.5"/pixel; last generation, science-grade, space-based).
Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs and the Roles of LASTR in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Gongjun , Sun Libin , Wang Shasha , Guo Jing , Li Hui , Xiao Ruoxi , Li Wenqian , Lv Jing , Qiu Wensheng , Qi Weiwei
Published: October 2021

Background: Ferroptosis is a form of cell death involved in diverse physiological context. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a closely regulatory relationship between ferroptosis and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs).Method: RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data resource and ferroptosis-related genes from FerrDb (http://www.zhounan.org/ferrdb/) data resource were employed to select differentially expressed lncRNAs. We performed Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox analyses analysis on these differentially expressed lncRNAs to screen independent predictive factors. Subsequently, we established two signatures for predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Finally, experiments were conducted to verify the roles of LASTR in gastric cancer (GC).Results: We identified 12 differentially expressed lncRNAs linked with OS and 13 associated with PFS. Kaplan-Meier(K-M) analyses exhibited that the high-risk group was related to a poor prognosis of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). The AUCs of the OS, as well as PFS signatures of lncRNAs were 0.734 and 0.771, respectively, indicating their excellent efficacy in predicting STAD prognosis. Our experimental results illustrated that the inhibition of LASTR inhibited tumor proliferation and migration in GC.Conclusion: This comprehensive evaluation of the ferroptosis-related lncRNA landscape in STAD unearthed novel lncRNAs related to carcinogenesis. In addition, we also experimentally confirmed the effects of LASTR on proliferation, migration and ferroptosis. These results provide potential novel targets for tumor treatment and promote personalized medicine.
Electric double layer structure in aqueous electrolyte and its electrocatalytic importance
Authors: Shin Seung-Jae , Kim Dong Hyun , Bae Geunsu , Ringe Stefan , Choi Hansol , Lim Hyung-Kyu , Choi Chang Hyuck , Kim Hyungjun
Published: October 2021

To design electrochemical interfaces for efficient electric-chemical energy interconversion, it is critical to reveal the electric double layer (EDL) structure and relate it with electrochemical activity; nonetheless, this has been a long-standing challenge. Of particular, no molecular-level theories have fully explained the characteristic two peaks arising in the potential-dependence of the EDL capacitance, which is sensitively dependent on the EDL structure. We herein demonstrate that our first-principles-based molecular simulation reproduces the experimental capacitance peaks. The origin of two peaks emerging at anodic and cathodic potentials is unveiled to be an electrosorption of ions and an EDL structural phase transition, respectively. We further find a cation complexation gradually modifies the EDL structure and the field strength, which linearly scales the carbon dioxide reduction activity. This study deciphers the complex structural response of the EDL and highlights its catalytic importance, which bridges the mechanistic gap between the EDL structure and electrocatalysis.
Hiking and Livestock Favor Non-Native Plants in The High Andes
Authors: Alvarez María Alisa , Barros Ana Agustina , Vázquez Diego Pedro , Bonjour Lorena de Jesús , Lembrechts Jonas , Wedegärtner Ronja , Aschero Valeria
Published: October 2021

Hikers and livestock using mountain trails damage native vegetation and act as seed vectors, thus favouring the spread of non-native plants. We evaluated the effect of trails and livestock abundance on the success of non-native plants in the arid central Andes of Argentina. We surveyed six trails, covering elevations between 2400 m and 3570 m a.s.l. and recorded non-native and native vegetation using transects distributed along the elevational gradient and spanning distances up to 22 m from the trail. We assessed how non-native occurrence, richness and cover varied with distance from the trail, intensity of use by livestock, native plant community composition and elevation. We found that trails favoured non-native occurrence, but did not influence richness and cover, while livestock favoured non-native occurrence, richness and cover. Non-native richness and cover decreased with elevation and varied with native community composition. In addition, non-native richness was positively correlated with native shrub cover suggesting possible facilitative interactions. Our results show that despite strong environmental filtering that decreases non-native abundance with elevation, non-natives occur up to the upper limits of vegetation, and that trails and livestock favour their spread in the mountains.
Magnitude of Preterm Birth Admissions, Immediate Outcomes And Their Predictors In Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: Assefa Birtukan , Abate Abebe , Yirga Tadesse
Published: October 2021

Background: Each year 15 million preterm babies are born. Pre-term birth complications account for 35% of the estimated 3.1 million global neonatal deaths and are the second leading cause of death in children less than 5 years aged.Objective: we assessed the magnitude of preterm birth admissions, immediate outcomes and their predictors in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2019. Methodology: An institutional based retrospective cross- sectional study design was conducted. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done. Variables with p value <0.05 in multivariate analysis were declared as statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Out of 212 neonates involved in the study, 27.8% were preterm birth admissions. From this 36.3% of neonates was died before discharge. Hypertension during pregnancy was significantly associated with preterm admissions (P= 0.013, AOR= 4.464, 95% CI: (1.375, 14.498)) and being extreme low and very low birth weight (P= 0.005, AOR= 2.107, 95% CI: (0.023, 0.508)), and those preterm babies with low APGAR score (P= 0.016, AOR= 3.113, 95% CI: (0.019, 0.669)) were significantly associated with death before discharge. Conclusion: Preterm admissions accounted for a significant percentage of neonatal admissions with significant death outcomes. Maternal medical problems like hypertension during pregnancy was significantly associated with preterm admissions. Also, preterm babies with extreme low birth weight and very low birth weight, low APGAR score were significantly associated with death outcome. Therefore, strategies should be designed to prevent preterm birth and their complications.
Metataxonomic Review To Elucidate The Role of The Microbiome In Celiac Disease Across The Gastrointestinal Tract.
Authors: Arcila Juliana , Loria-Kohen Viviana , de Molina Ana Ramírez , Pau Enrique Carrillo de Santa , Zambrano Laura Judith Judith
Published: October 2021

Background: Dysbiosis of the microbiome has been related to the Celiac disease (CeD) progress, an autoimmune disease characterised by gluten intolerance developed in genetically susceptible individuals under certain environmental factors. The microbiome contributes to CeD pathophysiology modulating the immune response by the action of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), affecting gut barrier integrity allowing the entrance of gluten derived proteins, and degrading immunogenic peptides of gluten through endoprolyl peptidase enzymes. Results: We reviewed state of the art in taxonomic composition for CeD and compiled the larger dataset of 16S prokaryotic ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene high-throughput sequencing for consensus profiling. We present for the first time an integrative analysis of metataxonomic data from CeD patients, including samples from different body sites (saliva, pharynx, duodenum, and stool). We found the presence of coordinated changes through the gastrointestinal tract characterised by an increase in Actinobacteria species in the upper tract (pharynx and duodenum), and an increase in Proteobacteria in the lower tract (duodenum and stool), as well as site-specific changes evidencing a dysbiosis in CeD patients' microbiota. Moreover, we described the effect of adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) evidenced by an increase in beneficial bacteria and a decrease in some Betaproteobacteriales but not fully restoring CeD-related dysbiosis. Conclusions: We illustrate that the gut microbiota acts as an enhancer of immune response in CeD through the production of lipopolysaccharides and other bacterial components that activate the immune response and by decrease SCFA producers bacteria. Furthermore, microbial changes observed through the gastrointestinal tract of CeD patients may help manage the disease and follow-up GFD treatment.
Electrocatalysts derived from copper complexes transform CO into C2+ products effectively in a flow cell
Authors: Ren Shaoxuan , Zhang Zishuai , Lees Eric , Fink Arthur , Melo Luke , Hunt Camden , Dvorak David , Wu Wen Yu , Grant Edward , Berlinguette Curtis
Published: October 2021

The highest performance flow cells capable of electrolytically converting CO2 into higher value chemicals and fuels pass a concentrated hydroxide electrolyte across the cathode. A major problem for CO2 electrolysis is that this strongly alkaline medium converts the majority of CO2 into unreactive HCO3– and CO32– rather than CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) products. The electrolysis of CO (instead of CO2) does not suffer from this same problem because CO does not react with hydroxide. Moreover, CO can be more readily converted into products containing two or more carbon atoms (i.e., C2+ products). While several solid-state electrocatalysts have proven competent at converting CO into C2+ products, we demonstrate here that molecular electrocatalysts are also effective at mediating this transformation in a flow cell. Using a molecular copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) electrocatalyst, CO was electrolyzed into C2+ products at high rates of product formation (i.e., current densities J ≥200 mA/cm2), and at high Faradaic efficiencies for C2+ production (FEC2+; 72% at 200 mA/cm2). These findings present a new class of electrocatalysts for making carbon-neutral chemicals and fuels.
High Resolution Spatio-Temporal Variability of Heat Wave Impacts Quantified by Thermal Comfort Indices
Authors: NEETHU C , Ramesh KV
Published: October 2021

Heat waves are increasing in frequency and also exhibit high spatial variability in its distribution over India. There are limited studies focused on the weather related human thermal comfort over India due to non-availability of high resolution (HR) climate data. Here we develop dynamically downscaled HR (4x4 km) daily climate information for the months of April to June during 2001-2016 using a regional climate model called Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, which are validated with station observations. The thermal comfort and its spatio-temporal variability over India are quantified in terms of indices like Excessive Heat Factor (EHF), Heat Index (HI), Humidex, Apparent Temperature (AT) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). The daily surface air temperature and thermal comfort indices of HR WRF model simulations are in good agreement with station observations. The results show that there is an increasing trend in annual heat waves coverage (22240km2/year), annual frequency (0.07 days/year) and average intensity (0.04 °C/year) during 2001-2016. The distributions of indices have spatial and temporal variability. The days with severe discomfort are significantly increasing (99% significance level) over north India and it is quantified with increase of extreme category of indices at the rate of EHF (15.9%), HI (14.9%), Humidex (15.9%), AT (13.4%) and WBGT (13.8%). During heat waves, prolonged exposure or physical activity under sun will led to adverse health impacts and it is mostly observed over northwest and south eastern states. These findings stress the need for developing suitable mitigation strategies for a sustainable ecosystem
Spatial Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance Genes of the Zaohe-Weihe Rivers, China: Exerting a Bottleneck in the Hyporheic Zone
Authors: Shen Siqi , Yang Shengke , Zhang Dan , Jia Yang , Zhang Fanfan , Wang Yanhua , Wang Wenke
Published: October 2021

The hyporheic zone (HZ) is an active biogeochemical region where groundwater and surface water mix and a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this paper, the relative abundance and spatial distribution of ARGs in the HZ media was investigated, taking into consideration both the 5 speciation of 6 metals and the local characteristics. The samples of surface water, groundwater and sediment were collected from Zaohe-Weihe rivers of Xi’an City, which is representative cities with characteristics of the north-west region region of China. Of 271 ARGs associated with 9 antibiotics, 228 were detected, with a total detection rate of 84%. Sulfonamide and aminoglycoside ARGs were the dominant types of ARGs. The top 6 ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in terms of abundance were tnpA-04, cepA, sul1, aadA2-03, sul2 and intI1. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the distribution characteristics of ARGs were not associated with the sampling sites but with the environmental medias. Similarity in the water phases and significant differences in the water and sediment phases were found. The redundancy analysis (RDA) identified the key factors controlling ARG pollution, including dissolved oxygen (DO) in surface water, total nitrogen (TN) in groundwater and total organic carbon (TOC) in sediments. In terms of the speciation of heavy metals, we further revealed the promotion effect between ARGs and heavy metals, especially the residual fraction of Ni. In terms of horizontal transfer mechanism, ARGs were significantly correlated with tnpA-03 in water phase, and were significantly correlated with tnpA-04 in sediment. In the three media, intI1 and ARGs, all show a significant correlation. These findings showed that hyporheic zone exerted a bottleneck effect on the distribution and transfer of ARGs.
Refractive Astigmatism in Phaco-Canaloplasty vs Phaco-Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in 24-months Period, in a Randomized, Prospective Study.
Authors: Byszewska Anna , Rudowicz Jacek , Lewczuk Katarzyna , Jabłońska Joanna , Rękas Marek
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to assess refractive astigmatism, in Phaco-Canaloplasty (PC) vs Phaco-Non-Penetrating Deep sclerectomy (PDS) in a randomized, prospective study within 24 months.MethodsPatients were randomized pre-operatively, 37 underwent PC and 38 PDS. The following data was collected: BCVA, IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, refraction with autokeratorefractometry. The assessment of astigmatism was simple arithmetic and vector analysis included double angle plots and cumulative refractive astigmatism graphs.ResultsPre-operative mean BCVA in PC was 0.40±0.43 and was comparable to BCVA in PDS 0.30±0.32logMAR (P=0.314). In the sixth month follow-up, mean BCVA showed no difference (P=0.708) and was 0.07±0.13 and 0.05±0.11, respectively. However, two years after the intervention mean BCVA was better in PC 0.05±0.12 than in PDS 0.12±0.23 and it was statistically significant (P=0.039). Mean astigmatism in PC at baseline was 1.13±0.73Dcyl and 1.35±0.91 for PDS(P=0.544). At six months it was 1.09±0.61 and 1.24±0.86 respectively,(P=0.595). At two years 1.17±0.51 for PC and 1.24±0.82(P=0.917). The direction of mean astigmatism was against the rule throughout observation for both groups. Centroids pre-operatively were 0.79D@172˚±1.10Dcyl in PC and 0.28D@10˚±1.63D in PDS. At six months 0.75D@166˚±1.01 and 0.26D@11˚±1.5, respectively. At 24-months 0.64D@164˚±1.11 and 0.47D@20˚±1.43. The mean baseline IOP in PC was 19.4±5.8mmHg and 19.7±5.4mmHg in PDS(P=0.639). From the six-month IOP was lower in PC, at 24-months it was 13.8±3.3mmHg in PC and 15.1±2.9mmHg in PDS(P=0.048). In both groups preoperatively patients used median(Me) of 3 antiglaucoma medications(P=0.197), at 24-months in PC mean 0.5±0.9 Me=0.0 and 1.1±1.2 Me=1.0 in PDS(P=0.058). ConclusionsBoth surgeries in mid-term observation are safe and effective. They do not generate vision-threatening astigmatism and don’t even change the preoperative direction of mean astigmatism. Refractive astigmatism is stable throughout the observation.
Hurricane Driven Changes in Vegetation Structure and Ecosystem Services in Tropical Urban Yards: a Study Case in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Authors: Olivero-Lora Sofía , Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Melendez-Ackerman Elvia J , Orengo-Rolon Juan
Published: October 2021

Urban forests are valuable spaces for species conservation, protection of local biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services. However, they are also vulnerable to the impact of extreme climate events like hurricanes. Understanding how urban forests are responding to hurricane disturbances is crucial to improve their design, management, and resilience. Here we analyzed pre-and post-hurricane surveys in 52 residential yards in San Juan to assess urban forests responses after Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted Puerto Rico in 2017. We used these surveys to compare vegetation structure and composition (including species-specific mortality and damage rates) and to quantify changes in the ecosystem services provided by these yards. We found that hurricane disturbances significantly altered the structure but not the composition of yard vegetation. We detected a 27% reduction and 31% mortality of standing stems, and a significant reduction in plants health. Yard species composition was dominated by non-native species and this trend did not change with hurricane disturbance. Changes in vegetation structure translated into substantial reductions in ecosystem services. Food provision, an important service provided by a large proportion of yards before the hurricane, reported the highest reduction (41.9%) while carbon storage was the service that changed the least (9%). Our combined results emphasize the key role played by residential yards providing ecosystem services in tropical cities and call for further efforts to manage private and public urban forests in ways that may ensure their resilience to mitigate extreme climate events, provide multiple ecosystem services, and promote long-term urban sustainability.
Effect of the Tide On Flood Modeling and Mapping in Kota Tinggi, Johor Malaysia
Authors: Sa’adi Zulfaqar , Ismail Ahmad Zuhdi , Yusop Zulkifli , Yusof Zainab Mohamad
Published: October 2021

This study aimed at mapping the Kota Tinggi flood event in 2006/07 that had caused massive damages to properties and the environment. The flood was associated with unusually high intensity and continuous rainfall. Therefore, a reliable technique of floodplain mapping is crucial for the improvement of flood control strategies and for preparing an evacuation plan. The main objective of this study is to compare the effect of tide on flood modeling analysis. The inundated areas were mapped for various annual recurrent intervals using peak flow data from 1965 to 2010. The study used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data for flood modeling. HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and HEC-GeoRAS were used to develop the flood model. The results reaffirm that the GEV model is the best for fitting the annual flood. The HEC-HMS hydrologic model was calibrated and validated using observed hydrographs in Sep 2002 and Jan 2003, respectively. Upon successful calibration and validation, the model was used to simulate flood hydrograph in Jan 2007. The modeling took into account the tidal effect. When the tidal effect was not considered, the simulated flood depth was 43 % lower than the observed flood. However, the inclusion of the tidal effect has reduced the simulation error with an average similarity of 91.4%. The simulation results show that the river flow starts to over bank for ARIs exceeded 25 years.
In Vitro Investigation of the Cytotoxic Effects of Different Detergent-Containing Children's Toothpastes on Human Gingival Epithelial Cells
Authors: Birant Sinem , Duran Yazgul , Akkoc Tunc , Seymen Figen
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate possible cytotoxic effects to gingival epithelial cells exposed to children toothpastes containing different detergent. Methods: Tissues required fort he isolation of human gingival epithelial cells were obtained by biopsy during the extraction of the impacted third molar tooth. Toothpaste solutions of different concentrations were prepared from five different children’s toothpastes with different detergent contents. Isolated gingival epithelial cells were stimulated with experimental groups consisting of toothpaste solutions (Colgate, Sensodyne, Splat, Nenedent, Perlodent) at different concentrations and a control group consissting of complete Dulbocco’s modified eagle medium. After the experiments, cell viability was evaluated using flow cytometry. Data analysis were done using One Way ANOVA test and Tukey post-hoc test. Results: In all experimental groups, there was a decrease in live cell rates and an increase in dead cell rates due to increased concentration. The statistically highest live cell ratios were detected in Splat’s toothpaste solutions after the control group and the group with the lowest viability values was determined in Colgate group (p<0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of the study, it was observed that toothpastes containing SLS affected the viability of cells more negatively than toothpastes with other detergent contents.
lncRNA MALAT1 Mediates Osteogenic Differentiation and Apoptosis in Osteoporosis by Regulating the miR-485-5p/WNT7B Axis
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Xu Zhuo , Wang Yuanyi , Song Qiang , Yin Ruofeng
Published: October 2021

Background: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with the development of osteoporosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on osteogenic differentiation and cell apoptosis in osteoporosis. Methods: hindlimb unloading (HU) was performed to establish osteoporosis model in vivo. MicroCT was applied for pathological analysis. Microgravity (MG) was used to construct osteoporosis in vitro. The mRNA and miRNA expression was determined using RT-qPCR. Protein expression was determined using western blot. The binding sites between miR-485-5p and MALAT1/Wnt family member 7B (WNT7B) was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. Cellular functions were determined by ALP staining, Alizarin red staining, and flow cytometry assays. Results: MALAT1 expression was downregulated in HU mice and MG treated MC3T3-E1 cells. However, overexpression of MALAT1 upregulated the expression of Bmp4, Col1a1, Spp1, and enhanced ALP activity. Additionally, overexpression of MALAT1 inhibited apoptosis, decreased Bax and caspase-3 levels, and increased Bcl-2 level. Moreover, MALAT1 overexpression improved bone phenotype in vivo. MALAT1 functioned as a ceRNA to upregulate WNT7B. Overexpression of miR-485-5p rescued the promotion of osteogenic differentiation and the inhibition of apoptosis induced by MALAT1. Knockdown of WNT7B abolished the facilitation of osteogenic differentiation and the suppression of apoptosis induced by downregulation of miR-485-5p. Conclusion: In conclusion, MALAT1 promoted osteogenic differentiation and inhibited cell apoptosis through miR-485-5p/WNT7B axis, which suggested that MALAT1 is a potential target to alleviate osteoporosis.
Profiling of Exosomal MicroRNAs Expression in Umbilical Cord Blood from Normal and Preeclampsia Patients
Authors: Pan Hai-Tao , Shi Xiao-Liang , Fang Min , Sun Xiang-Mei , Chen Pan-Pan , Ding Jin-Long , Xia Gui-Yu , Yu Bin , Zhang Tao , Zhu Hong-Dan
Published: October 2021

Background: Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that preeclampsia has a negative impact on maternity and offspring health. Previous studies report that dysregulation in utero-environment increases risk for elderly disease such as cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are packaged in exosomes may regulate processes in offspring microvascular dysfunction.Methods: A comprehensive miRNA sequence-based approach to compare exosomes carry miRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) expression levels in umbilical serum between normal and preeclampsia patients was performed to explore mechanisms for development of cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring exposed to preeclampsia. by ExoQuick precipitations were used to isolate serum exosomes. Serum exosomes were then viewed under electron microscopy, and their characteristics determined by western blotting and nanoparticle-tracking analysis. Illumina platform was used to perform sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs in umbilical serum.Results: Based on sequence similarity, 1733 known miRNAs were retrieved. Furthermore, 157 mature miRNAs in serum exosomes were significantly differential expressed between PE and those control groups (P＜0.05, log2|FC|>1). Out, of the 157 miRNAs, 96 were upregulated miRNAs whereas 61 miRNAs were downregulated. The 157 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 51424 differentially expressed genes. Functional analysis through KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology results uncovered that target genes of miRNAs with differential expression were significantly linked to several pathways and biological processes.Conclusion: The findings of this study showed differential expression of umbilical serum Exo-miRNAs in normal compared with PE patients, implying that these Exo-miRNAs play an important function in offspring microvascular dysfunction of preeclampsia.
Condensin compacts DNA in 15 nm steps and requires FACT for extrusion on chromatin
Authors: Rueda David , Sudhakar Swathi , Fisher Gemma , Gutierrez-Escribano Pilar , Garcia-Luis Jonay , Cutts Erin , Cawood Christopher , Aragón Luís
Published: October 2021

Condensin plays a central role in the organisation of chromosomes by compacting chromatin into loops during mitosis. Condensin achieves this through a loop extrusion mechanism that remains poorly understood. To identify the molecular steps of yeast condensin during loop formation, we used optical tweezers with fluorescence detection. We find that single yeast condensin complexes use ATP to extrude DNA through distinct 15 nm steps, thus advancing ~45 base pairs (bp) per step. Under increasing load, the condensin step size remains constant while step-dwell times increase, and stalls at forces >1 pN. We also show that nucleosome arrays hinder processive condensin extrusion and demonstrate that the histone chaperone FACT is required for compaction of nucleosomal arrays by condensin. Importantly, FACT-assisted compaction on nucleosomes also occurs through distinct 15 nm steps. Finally, we show that FACT is required for correct condensin localisation in vivo. Our results establish that loop extrusion by yeast condensin involves a 45 bp stroke that requires FACT for condensin function on chromatin.
A Novel Approach On Decision Support System Based On Triangular Linguistic Cubic Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators
Authors: Qiyas Muhammad , Abdullah Saleem , Chinram Ronnason , . Muneeza
Published: October 2021

The triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy sets (TLCFSs) can express the fuzzy data easily, and also very useful in modeling of uncertain data in decision making (DM) problems. First of all, on the basis of Dombi t-norm and t-conorm (DTT), we propose novel operational rules of triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy numbers (TLCFNs). We propose some new aggregation operators of TLCFNs based on the newly-developed operations, i.e., triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi weighted averaging (TLCFDWA), triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi weighted geometric (TLCFDWG), triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi order weighted averaging (TLCFDOWA), triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi order weighted geometric (TLCFDOWG), triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi hybrid weighted averaging (TLCFDHWA), and triangular linguistic cubic fuzzy Dombi hybrid weighted geometric (TLCFDHWG) operators. Furthermore, a new method is proposed with the help of the proposed operators to solved the decision making problem. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the new method. Comparative analysis is used to demonstrate the proposed method's superiority.
Silicon Binding in Soil Humic Substances
Authors: kar sanjib
Published: October 2021

In the present study, an attempt has been made to probe the nature of silicon-humus bonding as it occurs in nature ('untreated') as compared to the samples wherefrom the metalloid ions have been removed ('treated'). Infrared (IR) spectroscopy revealed the role of carboxylic acid groups of Humic acid (HA) in metal complexation. Si-O absorption reduced considerably in treatment to remove metalloid ions, but it remained quite strong in the treated samples indicating a strong Si-O linkage with humus. In XRD analysis, treated samples showed stronger γ-bands. DTA analysis indicated structural strain on the humic molecule induced by complexation with metalloid ions. Treated HAs had higher acidity values compared to the untreated samples. Treatment for removal of metal ions caused an increase in cation exchange capacity while a reduction of E4/E6 ratio. Treated HAs also showed higher molecular weights (Mv) compared to the untreated samples. Removal of metals renders certain groups free which form intermolecular bonds. On the basis of analytical data, it was observed that there is still some silicon bonds within humic acid molecule, even after removal of silicon by forcing conditions. Association of silicon with humus in soils are quantitatively and qualitatively different from other metal ions and it is clear that humic acid molecule possess silicon-humus bond like pure organo-metallic compounds.
A Multi Omics Approach Unravels Metagenomic and Metabolic Alterations of a Probiotic and Synbiotic Additive in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss)
Authors: Rasmussen Jacob Agerbo , Villumsen Kasper Rømer , Ernst Madeleine , Hansen Martin , Forberg Torunn , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Gilbert M. Tom P. , Bojesen Anders Miki , Kristiansen Karsten , Limborg Morten Tønsberg
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAnimal protein production is increasingly looking towards microbiome associated services such as the design of new and better probiotic solutions to further improve gut health and production sustainability. Here, we investigate the functional effects of bacteria based pro- and synbiotic feed additives on microbiome associated functions in relation to growth performance in the commercially important rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We combine complementary insights from multiple omics datasets from gut content samples, including 16S bacterial profiling, whole metagenomes, and untargeted metabolomics, to investigate bacterial metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) and their molecular interactions with host metabolism.ResultsOur findings reveal, that (I) feed additives changed the microbiome and that rainbow trout reared with feed additives had a significantly reduced relative abundance of the salmonid related Candidatus Mycoplasma salmoninae in both the mid and distal gut content, (II) genome resolved metagenomics revealed that alterations of microbial arginine biosynthesis and terpenoid backbone synthesis pathways were directly associated with presence of Candidatus Mycoplasma salmoninae, (III) differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota among feed types were directly associated with significant changes of the metabolomic landscape, including lipids and lipid-like metabolites, amino acids, bile acids, and steroid-related metabolites.ConclusionOur results demonstrate how use of multi-omics to investigate complex host-microbiome interactions enable us to better evaluate the functional potential of probiotics compared to studies that only measure overall growth performance or that only characterise the microbial composition in intestinal environments.
Temperature Sensitivity Analysis of Dual Material Stack Gate Oxide Source Dielectric Pocket TFET
Authors: Nishad Dharmender , Nigam Kaushal , Kumar Satyendra
Published: October 2021

Temperature dependence performance variation is one of the major concerns in predicting the actual electrical characteristics of the device as the bandgap of semiconducting material varies with temperature. Therefore, in this article, for the first time the impact of temperature variations ranging from 300K to 450K on the DC, analog/ radio frequency, and linearity performance of dual material stack gate oxide-source dielectric pocket-tunnel- field-effect transistor (DMSGO-SDP-TFET) is investigated. In this regard, technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulator is used to analyze DC, and analog/radio frequency performance parameters such as carrier concentration, energy band variation, electric field variation, IDS - VGS characteristics, transconductance (gm), cut o frequency (f T ),gain-bandwidth product (GBP), maximum oscillating frequency (fmax), transconductance frequency product (TFP), and transit time considering the impact of temperature variations. Furthermore, linearity parameters such as third-order transconductance (gm3), third-order voltage intercept point (VIP3), third-order input-interception point (IIP3), and intermodulation distortion (IMD3) are also analyzed with temperature variations as these performance parameters are significant for linear and analog/radio frequency applications. Moreover, the performance of the proposed DMSGO- SDP-TFET is compared with the conventional dual-material stack gate oxide-tunnel- field-effect transistor (DMSGO-TFET). From the comparative analysis, in terms of % per kelvin, DMSGO-SDP-TFET demonstrates lesser sensitivity towards temperature variation. Hence, the proposed DMSGO-SDP-TFET can be a suitable candidate for low power switching and analog/radio frequency applications at elevated temperatures as compared to conventional DMSGO-TFET.
Evaluation of Different Types of Face Masks To Limit The Spread of SARS-CoV-2 – A Modeling Study
Authors: Gurbaxani Brian M. , Hill Andrew N. , Paul Prabasaj , Prasad Pragati V. , Slayton Rachel B.
Published: October 2021

We updated a published mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission with laboratory-derived source and wearer protection efficacy estimates for a variety of face masks to estimate their impact on COVID-19 incidence and related mortality in the United States. When used at 25 already-observed population rates of 80% for those ≥65 years and 60% for those <65 years, face masks are associated with 69% (cloth) to 78% (medical procedure mask) reductions in cumulative COVID-19 infections and 82% (cloth) to 87% (medical procedure mask) reductions in related deaths over a 6-month timeline in the model, assuming a basic reproductive number of 2.5. If cloth or medical procedure masks’ source control and wearer protection efficacies are boosted about 30% each to 84% and 60% by cloth over medical procedure masking, fitters, or braces, the COVID-19 basic reproductive number of 2.5 could be reduced to an effective reproductive number ≤ 1.0, and from 6.0 to 2.3 for a variant of concern similar to delta (B.1.617.2).
Integrated Analysis of Cecal Microbiome and Metabolome Revealed Different Inflammatory Reponses to Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis Between Reciprocal Crosses of Chicken
Authors: HU Geng , Miao Xiu-Xiu , Li Hui-Long , Liu Le-Wen , Dong Ya-Ning , Zhao Ya-Nan , Peng Ya-Nan , Liu Li-Ying , Li Xianyao
Published: October 2021

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) bacteria can colonize intestinal tract of chicken and transmit to humans, while the intestinal microbiota are resistant to their colonization. Our knowledge of the interplay between host, pathogen and microbiota is scarce, particularly in context of different genetic background of the host, such as the reciprocal cross.Results: Comprehensive analysis of microbiome and metabolome showed that 23.4% of genera and 11.6% of metabolites in the Cross, and 17.2% of genera and 25.1% of metabolites in the Reverse-cross were altered (P<0.05) in response to Salmonella infection. In comparison of the reciprocal crosses, all the co-differential genera and 73.1% of the co-differential metabolites were opposite in alteration trend. Phenylpropanoids and lipids were increased significantly in the Cross and in the Reverse-cross, respectively.Conclusions: A more extensive inflammatory response to S. Enteritidis might be triggered in the Reverse-cross than in the Cross, and the regulatory modes were different. The Reverse-cross upregulated pro- and anti-inflammatory factors simultaneously, while the Cross was aided with the phenylpropanoids produced by intestinal bacteria.
Formation, Phase Stability, and Characterization of Unstabilized Aluminum Titanate (Al2TiO5) Ceramics
Authors: Hassan A.M. , Naga Salma , Awaad Mohamed , Saleh Ahmed
Published: October 2021

In the present study, Al2TiO5 was prepared via the sol–gel technique then sintered at 1000°C to 1300°C for 1 h. The thermal stability of the formed ceramic bodies was explored. The densification parameters, microstructure, and phase composition of the sintered Al2TiO5 ceramic were examined, and the mechanical properties and thermal coefficient were characterized. The phase composition study revealed the presence of alumina and TiO2 residuals up to 1100°C. Phase stability was observed in Al2TiO5 bodies sintered up to 1300°C. The vitrification behavior of the bodies was improved by increasing the sintering temperature. The thermal expansion coefficient of the sintered samples sintered at 1300°C was enhanced by the formation of rod-like Al2TiO5 grains. Increases in the bending strength (from 22.40 to 28.90 MPa) and hardness (HV0.1; from 1467 to 1873) were observed when the treatment temperature was increased from 1000°C to 1300°C.
Chirality enhances oxygen reduction
Authors: Sang Yutao , Tassinari Francesco , Santra Kakali , Zhang Wenyan , Waldeck David , Fransson Jonas , Naaman Ron
Published: October 2021

Controlled reduction of oxygen is important for developing clean energy technologies, such as fuel cells, and is vital to the existence of aerobic organisms. The process starts with oxygen in a triplet ground state and ends with products that are all in singlet states. Hence, spin constraints in the oxygen reduction must be considered. Here we show that electron transfer from chiral electrodes to oxygen (oxygen reduction reaction) is enhanced over that from achiral electrodes. We demonstrate lower overpotentials and higher current densities for chiral catalysts versus achiral ones. This finding holds even for electrodes composed of heavy metals with large spin orbit coupling. The effect results from the spin selectivity conferred on the electron current by the chiral assemblies, the chiral induced spin selectivity effect.
SARS-CoV-2 hijacks neutralizing dimeric IgA for enhanced nasal infection and injury
Authors: Zhou Biao , Zhou Runhong , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Zeng Jianwei , Zhang Qi , Yuan Shuofeng , Liu Li , Robinot Rémy , Shan Sisi , Ge Jiwan , Kwong Hugo Yat-Hei , Zhou Dongyan , Xu Haoran , Chan Chris , Poon Vincent , Chu Hin , Yue Ming , Kwan Ka-Yi , Chan Chun Yin , Liu Na , Chan Chris Chun-Yiu , Chik Kenn Ka-Heng , Du Zhenglong , Au Ka-Kit , Huang Haode , Man Hiu-On , Cao Jianli , Li Cun , Wang Ziyi , Zhou Jie , Song Youqiang , Yeung Man Lung , To Kelvin , Ho David , Chakrabarti Lisa A. , Wang Xinquan , Zhang Linqi , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chen Zhiwei
Published: October 2021

Robust severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in nasal turbinate (NT) accounts for high viral transmissibility, yet whether neutralizing IgA antibodies can control it remains unknown. Here, we evaluated receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific monomeric B8-mIgA1 and B8-mIgA2, and dimeric B8-dIgA1 and B8-dIgA2 against intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenge in Syrian hamsters. These antibodies exhibited comparably potent neutralization against authentic virus by competing with human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor for RBD binding. While reducing viruses in lungs, pre-exposure intranasal B8-dIgA1 or B8-dIgA2 led to 81-fold more infectious viruses and severer damage in NT than placebo. Virus-bound B8-dIgA1 and B8-dIgA2 could engage CD209 as an alternative receptor for entry into ACE2-negative cells and allowed viral cell-to-cell transmission. Cryo-EM revealed B8 as a class II neutralizing antibody binding trimeric RBDs in 3-up or 2-up/1-down conformation. Therefore, RBD-specific neutralizing dIgA engages an unexpected action for enhanced SARS-CoV-2 nasal infection and injury in Syrian hamsters.
Supercritical Fluids-Assisted Processing Using CO2 Foaming to Enhance the Dispersion of Nanofillers In Poly(Butylene Succinate)-Based Nanocomposites and the Conductivity
Authors: Huang An , Song Xincheng , Liu Fan , Wang Haokun , Geng Lihong , Wang Hankun , Yi Qizhong , Peng Xiangfang
Published: October 2021

With the rapid development of electronic information technology, traditional metal conductive materials can no longer satisfy the needs of a wider industry. Poly(butylene succinate)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PBS/CNT) conductive polymer nanocomposites with varied CNT content were prepared by a HAAKE torque rheometer. The addition of CNT significantly improved the crystallization, viscoelasticity, and mechanical properties as well as thermal and electrical conductivity. Conductivity of the PBS/CNT nanocomposite with 5 wt.% CNT increased from 8.23×10− 15 S·m− 1 of pure PBS to 33.3 S·m− 1, an increase of 16 orders of magnitude. Moreover, the electrical percolation threshold φc of the PBS/CNT nanocomposites was 2.8 wt.% and the critical index was 1.56, showing that the conductive network structure was between 2D and 3D and 2D network structure dominated. To further improve the conductivity, microcellular foams were successfully fabricated by batch foaming with supercritical fluids (scCO2). The electrical conductivity of the PBS/CNT foam with 5 wt.% CNT reached 67.8 S·m− 1 and it was 104% higher than the corresponding solid nanocomposite.
p53 Knock Out Mice Enhances Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors through an Increase of Glutamate, Calcium, and Cytokine-Mediated Cell Death Signals
Authors: Yeo In Jun , Yu Ji Eun , Yoo Sung Sik , Yun Jaesuk , Son Dong Ju , Choi Dong-Young , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: October 2021

Extensive epidemiological evidence indicates that patients with certain cancers have a lower probability of developing some types of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) and mood disorders and vice versa. These inverse comorbidities may be associated with several different molecular processes. p53, is a potentially responsible for regulating the development of ND, mood disorders as well as cancers. To investigate whether the tumor suppressor p53 may be associated with ND development, we studied the behavioral changes in p53 knockout (p53−/−) mice and possible action mechanisms. Increased anxiety-like but not depression-like behaviors were displayed in p53−/− mice without impaired motor activities under the non-chronic unpredictable mild stress condition. However, in the p53−/− mice, more anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors were observed in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) condition. Our mechanism studies showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein was significantly downregulated, but glutamate levels were significantly increased in the prefrontal cortex of p53−/− mice. Further analyses showed that the p53−/− mice caused more stress-induced nerve damage as a result of an increase in intracellular calcium levels and N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NMDAR2B) expression. Treatment with corticosterone (mimics CUMS in vitro) increased glutamate levels, NMDAR2B expression, and calcium levels, and these levels were elevated by co-treatment with pifithrin-α (p53 inhibitor) in PC12 cells. Cell death and cell death-mediated signals (p-p38, p-JNK and caspase-3) were upregulated, but neuroprotective signals (BDNF p-Akt, p-ERK and p-CREB) were downregulated in p53−/− mice, and corticoid and/or pifithrin-α treated PC12 cells. These data indicate that p53 may be an important preventive factor against depression and anxiety, and thus suggests a possible correlation between cancer and anxiety/depression development. Running title: Deficiency of p53 enhances mental disorder
Hepatitis C Virus Viral Load And Mother-To-Child Transmission: a Systematic Review and Meta - Analysis
Authors: Deng Songqing , Zhong Wenfang , Chen Wen , Wang Zilian
Published: October 2021

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasing among pregnant women own to the opioid epidemic, and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) was considered to be the leading cause of hepatitis C in the future. Thus, our aim of this study was to assess the association of maternal HCV viral load and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection with the risk of MTCT in pregnant women infected by HCV.Methods: We performed a literature searching using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SCIE, CPCIS, SCOPUS, LILACS and WHO Global Index Medicus from inception to 1 March 2021. Manuscripts were included if they reported the incidence of HCV MTCT. Pooled effect estimates were obtained by using random-effects model and Holm-Bonferroni correction was performed for multiple pooled associations. Results: a total of 26 studies involving 4491 newborns with maternal HCV infected were identified. Pregnant women with HCV viremia had increased risk of MTCT (odds ratio [OR]: 8.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.62-14.31) compared with those with negative HCV-RNA. Multiple-subgroup analysis showed HCV viremia/HIV+ group experienced the highest risk for HCV MTCT and then HCV viremia mono-infected group; HCV-RNA negative women experienced the lowest risk for HCV MTCT. Among HCV viremia women, elevated risk of MTCT was found in subjects with viral load ≥6 log copies/ml as compared with those with viral load < 6 log copies/ml (OR=4.93, 95% CI: 2.38-10.21). Conclusions: The HCV MTCT incidence is increased in pregnant women with detectable HCV viremia, and is even higher in those with viral load ≥6 log copies/ml. HIV coinfection further increases the risk of HCV MTCT.