bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Season and reproductive activity influence cortisol levels in the Malagasy primate Lepilemur edwardsi
Authors: Bethge Janina , Fietz Joanna , Razafimampiandra Jean Claude , Ruthsatz Katharina , Dausmann Kathrin H.
Published: September 2022

Throughout the year, wild animals are exposed to a variety of challenges such as changing environmental conditions and reproductive activity. These challenges may affect their stress hormone levels for varying durations and in varying intensities and impacts. Measurements of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol in the hair of mammals are considered a good biomarker for measuring physiological stress and are increasingly used to evaluate stress hormone levels of wild animals. Here, we examined the influence of season, reproductive activity, sex, as well as body condition on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in Lepilemur edwardsi, a small Malagasy primate species. L. edwardsi lives in the seasonal dry forests of western Madagascar, which are characterized by a strongly changing resource availability throughout the year. We hypothesized that these seasonal changes of resource availability and additionally the reproductive cycle of this species would influence HCC of L. edwardsi. Results revealed that hair cortisol concentration of females did not change seasonally or with the reproductive cycle. However, we found a significant increase of hair cortisol levels in males from the early wet season during the early dry season (mating season). This increase is presumably due to changed behavior during the mating season, as sportive lemurs travel more and show aggressive behavior during this time of the year. This behavior is energy‐costly and stressful, and presumably leads to elevated HCC. As elevated cortisol levels may impair immune function, L. edwardsi males might also be more susceptible to parasites and diseases, which is unfavorable in particular during a period of low resource availability (dry season).
HOW UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE(S) HELPS WITH MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS
Authors: Pliner Eric
Published: September 2022

The author contends that the terms “job” and “role” are often used interchangeably, but these “are not simple synonyms. While a job consists of one or more tasks for which its holder accepts responsibility, a role goes further to encompass the broader context.” He discusses the recent ramifications of the term “stakeholder,” and how it has profound effects about how organizations are operated. This includes the Business Roundtable “Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation” in 2019. In considering your roles and role responsibilities, he asks questions such as “To whom you are obligated?” and “whose interests must you represent?” For understanding your core social identity, “How would you describe yourself to someone who didn’t know you?” and “What categories, communities, groups, social classes, do you see yourself as a part of?” In considering your role, some questions include “Are we part of the same social identity group?” and “Do your decisions reflect the integrity of what you have told or shown me about who you are?” Pliner concludes that “developing a deep understanding of your roles in all their complexity will help you to better align to – or frame misalignment with – your moral code and ethical context.”
Reliability prediction used dynamic Bayesian networks for redundant system with time‐lag correlation
Authors: Liu Kaixin , Zhou Zhen , Qi Jia , Sun Yongquan , Guo Kangkang
Published: September 2022

In the reliability prediction process of a redundant system, active units and standby units are assumed independent generally. Due to the interaction among units, failure of the active unit gives the standby unit a potential interior shock, then the standby unit fails after a period of operation. Therefore, the correlation between the active unit and the standby unit is triggered by the failure of the active unit and also has time‐lag. In this paper, a correlation estimated method with two parameters is proposed based on cross‐correlation analysis, where the two parameters are time‐lag interval and time‐lag correlation coefficient, the discriminant conditions of independent, simultaneous correlation and time‐lag correlation are given. Subsequently, the Conditional Probability Table (CPT) of Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) is updated by adding time‐lag intervals and time‐lag correlation coefficients. Then, DBN is optimized into Time‐lag Dynamic Bayesian Network (TDBN). Meanwhile, the modeling process and calculated method of TDBN are given. To reduce the complexity of TDBN, the maximum time‐lag correlation coefficient and the time‐lag interval corresponding are regarded as the main parameters to estimate time‐lag correlation. Finally, through the simulation analysis and the case of Chinese train control system (CTCS‐3), it could be seen that the reliability prediction of TDBN is more accurate than DBN, TDBN improves the reliability prediction accuracy of train and driver interface module to 0.8135 either.
Structural Adjustments of Zn(II)‐Terpyridine Analogues by Pendent of Coligand: Solvothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structure, and Photophysical Behavior
Authors: Wang Ying‐Yi , Cheng Fang‐Ge , Lv Wen‐Jian , Ding Bo , Liu Zheng‐Yu , Wang Xiu‐Guang , Yang En‐Cui
Published: September 2022

Two 2,6‐bis(2‐pyrazin‐2‐yl)‐4‐(4‐(tetrazol‐5‐yl)phenyl)pyridine (HL1)‐based transition metal complexes, {[Zn(L1)(L2)0.5]⋅H2O}n (1) and [Zn3(H2O)2(L1)2(L3)]n (2, H2L2=2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid, and H4L3=pyromellitic acid) have been solvothermally synthesized by varying the substitutes appended on phenyl‐based dicarboxylate coligands. The tetragonal pyramidal ZnII ions in 1 are periodically extended by two deprotonated L1− and one L22− connectors, resulting in the first L1−‐derived three‐fold interpenetrating wrinkle layer. By contrast, the C2‐symmetric {Zn3(COO)2} clusters in 2 are periodically bridged by centrosymmetric L34− and bulky L1− connectors, leading to a four‐connected diamond framework. Apparently, the replacement of two hydroxyl groups by a carboxylate pair in the coligands has significantly achieved the manipulations on both the motif and dimensionality of the terpyridine‐derived metal complexes. Furthermore, the both samples exhibit strong thermal stability and efficient L1−‐dominated light‐responsive ability.
Is the Nicolai map unique?
Authors: Lechtenfeld Olaf , Rupprecht Maximilian
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The Nicolai map is a field transformation that relates supersymmetric theories at finite couplings g with the free theory at g = 0. It is obtained via an ordered exponential of the coupling flow operator integrated from 0 to g. Allowing multiple couplings, we find that the map in general depends on the chosen integration contour in coupling space. This induces a large functional freedom in the construction of the Nicolai map, which cancels in all correlator computations. Under a certain condition on the coupling flow operator the ambiguity disappears, and the power-series expansion for the map collapses to a linear function in the coupling. A special role is played by topological (theta) couplings, which do not affect perturbative correlation functions but also alter the Nicolai map. We demonstate that for certain ‘magical’ theta values the uniqueness condition holds, providing an exact map polynomial in the fields and independent of the integration contour. This feature is related to critical points of the Nicolai map and the existence of ‘instantons’. As a toy model, we work with $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric quantum mechanics. For a cubic superpotential and a theta term, we explicitly compute the one-, two- and three-point correlation function to one-loop order employing a graphical representation of the (inverse) Nicolai map in terms of tree diagrams, confirming the cancellation of theta dependence. Comparison of Nicolai and conventional Feynman perturbation theory nontrivially yields complete agreement, but only after adding all (1PI and 1PR) contributions.
Self-exciting price impact via negative resilience in stochastic order books
Authors: Ackermann Julia , Kruse Thomas , Urusov Mikhail
Published: September 2022

Most of the existing literature on optimal trade execution in limit order book models assumes that resilience is positive. But negative resilience also has a natural interpretation, as it models self-exciting behaviour of the price impact, where trading activities of the large investor stimulate other market participants to trade in the same direction. In the paper we discuss several new qualitative effects on optimal trade execution that arise when we allow resilience to take negative values. We do this in a framework where both market depth and resilience are stochastic processes.
One-off events? An empirical study of hackathon code creation and reuse
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Samir Imam , Dey Tapajit , Nolte Alexander , Mockus Audris , Herbsleb James D.
Published: September 2022

Context

Hackathons have become popular events for teams to collaborate on projects and develop software prototypes. Most existing research focuses on activities during an event with limited attention to the evolution of the hackathon code.

Objective

We aim to understand the evolution of code used in and created during hackathon events, with a particular focus on the code blobs, specifically, how frequently hackathon teams reuse pre-existing code, how much new code they develop, if that code gets reused afterwards, and what factors affect reuse.

Method

We collected information about 22,183 hackathon projects from Devpost and obtained related code blobs, authors, project characteristics, original author, code creation time, language, and size information from World of Code. We tracked the reuse of code blobs by identifying all commits containing blobs created during hackathons and identifying all projects that contain those commits. We also conducted a series of surveys in order to gain a deeper understanding of hackathon code evolution that we sent out to hackathon participants whose code was reused, whose code was not reused, and developers who reused some hackathon code.

Result

9.14% of the code blobs in hackathon repositories and 8% of the lines of code (LOC) are created during hackathons and around a third of the hackathon code gets reused in other projects by both blob count and LOC. The number of associated technologies and the number of participants in hackathons increase reuse probability.

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrates hackathons are not always “one-off” events as the common knowledge dictates and it can serve as a starting point for further studies in this area.
Developing research questions in conversation with the literature: operationalization & tool support
Authors: Díaz Oscar , Contell Jeremías P.
Published: September 2022

Empirical Software Engineering rests on the understanding of practical problems and their solution counterparts. Frequently, solutions are not absolute but relative to the context where the problem is observed. This tends to imply that the solution and the problem unveil gradually together, and hence, researchers are not always in the position to state the research question (RQ) at the onset. Like software engineers when facing blurred requirements, researchers might not be familiar enough with the problem in the early phases of a research to properly scope their RQs (hereafter referred to as RQ Scoping). Here, the literature may play the role of the stakeholders in Agile methods: keeping the focus on the aspects that are essential (vs. accidental) of the RQ. Informed by Inductive Top-Down Theorizing, this article acknowledges RQ Scoping as iterative and incremental, entailing a conversation between the experimental work and literature reviewing. Yet, for literature reviewing to become “Agile” it is not only required to be driven by the RQ but also to have tool support. Tools might bring transparency and traceability, both factors especially welcome in a scenario characterized by testing (is my RQ relevant?) and adjustment (how can I make my RQ relevant?). Specifically, the advent of the RQ in close relationship with the literature advises for “Agile” literature reviewing to be conducted at the place where the literature is naturally kept: the Reference Management System (e.g., Mendeley). This article introduces the theoretical underpinnings, design principles, proof of concept and evaluation for FRAMEndeley, a Mendeley-integrated utility for RQ Scoping.
Lipoprotein(a) levels and risk of adverse events after myocardial infarction in patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Silverio Angelo , Cancro Francesco Paolo , Di Maio Marco , Bellino Michele , Esposito Luca , Centore Mario , Carrizzo Albino , Di Pietro Paola , Borrelli Anna , De Luca Giuseppe , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels with long-term outcome in patients with recent history of myocardial infarction (MI), and to investigate if diabetes may influence this association.

Methods: Consecutive MI patients who underwent urgent/emergent coronary angiography from February 2013 to June 2019 were prospectively collected. The primary outcome was the composite of MI recurrence and all-cause death. The propensity score weighting technique was used to account for covariates potentially influencing the relationship between Lp(a) levels and the study outcomes.

Results: The study population consisted of 1018 post-MI patients (median age 63 years). Diabetes was reported in 280 patients (27.5%), who showed lower Lp(a) levels than patients without diabetes (p = 0.026). At a median follow-up of 1121 days, the primary outcome was reported in 182 patients (17.9%). At univariable Cox regression analysis, Lp(a) was associated with the risk of the primary outcome in the overall population and in non-diabetic patients, but not in diabetics. The adjusted Cox regression analysis confirmed the independent association between Lp(a) values and the primary outcome in non-diabetic patients, but not in diabetics.

Lp(a) levels > 70 mg/dL were independently associated with the risk of the primary outcome in non-diabetic patients (adjusted HR: 2.839; 95% CI, 1.382–5.832), but not in diabetics.

Conclusions: In this real-world post-MI population, increasing Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent MI and all-cause death, and very high Lp(a) serum concentration independently predicted long-term outcome in non-diabetic patients, but not in diabetics.
Participatory interventions for collective action and sustainable resource management: linking actors, situations and contexts through the IAD, NAS and SES frameworks
Authors: Ortiz-Riomalo Juan Felipe , Koessler Ann-Kathrin , Miranda-Montagut Yaddi , Cardenas Juan Camilo
Published: September 2022

Overcoming complex environmental challenges demands different forms of stakeholder participation and collective action. While informative and relevant for participatory interventions, the literatures on collective action and participatory governance have largely remained disconnected. We illustrate how the institutional analysis and development (IAD), network of (adjacent) action situation (NAS) and social–ecological system (SES) frameworks can be combined to provide a coherent approach that integrates these literatures, applies their insights and bridges this disconnect. We compare two similar participatory interventions, one in Colombia and one in Peru, whose design and implementation we supported. Transdisciplinary in nature, both sought to foster collective action for watershed management. The frameworks allow us to demarcate, characterise and reflect upon the action situations (ASs) for the collective choice, coordination and knowledge generation that constituted each participatory intervention (i.e. the constituent NAS) and other relevant operational and institutional ASs that lay outside the boundaries of the participatory interventions. These other ASs may not be linked to one another or to the intervention’s constituent NAS, but they influence the outcomes of interest nevertheless, thereby shaping the potential of the participatory interventions for collective action and sustainable natural resource management. The framework then suggests, and our comparative analysis illustrates, that organisers and researchers of participatory interventions, such as multi-actor deliberative platforms and transdisciplinary research projects, should carefully consider, reflect upon and address the constellation of relevant actors, ASs and contexts co-determining the outcomes of interest. Our study demonstrates how the IAD, SES and NAS frameworks can support that endeavour.
Irisin promotes the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat tendon-derived stem/progenitor cells via activating YAP/TAZ
Authors: Xu Langhai , Chen Zhonggai , Geng Tingting , Ru Bin , Wan Quan , Zhang Jianbin , Li Shun , Cai Wenjun
Published: September 2022

Tendinopathy is a common tendon disorder characterized by pain, swelling, and dysfunction. Current evidence has demonstrated that the depletion of stem cell pool and non-tenogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) might account for the pathogenesis of tendinopathy. FNDC5/Irisin, as a novel exercise-induced myokine, is proved to be involved in the exercise-induced protective effects on musculoskeletal disorders. However, whether irisin can affect TSPCs fate is still unknown. To ascertain the roles of irisin on the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of TSPCs, rat TSPCs were isolated and incubated with irisin. Cell viability, phenotypic changes, and related signaling pathways were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and proteasome activity assay. We found that irisin treatment increased the proliferative and colony-forming abilities, and promoted the tenogenic differentiation of TSPCs by upregulating the expression of YAP/TAZ. In conclusion, our work showed for the first time that irisin promotes the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat TSPCs in vitro by activating YAP/TAZ, and the process was associated with a ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway. In conclusion, irisin and agents targeting YAP/TAZ may be promising therapeutic options for tendinopathy.
A new empirical model for predicting flue gas miscibility for light oils
Authors: Nekekpemi Prosper , Boukadi Fathi , Olayiwola Olatunji
Published: September 2022

It is typical to observe a decline in production rate and a decrease in reservoir pressure after oil reservoirs have been allowed to produce for a long time. Miscible flooding is a tertiary recovery method for enhancing the reservoirs’ sweep efficiency. During miscible injection, gasses such as carbon dioxide, natural gas, and nitrogen are employed to increase production levels. Carbon dioxide is commonly used as a miscible gas, but less abundant and more expensive than nitrogen. Flue gas, a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas, is often used to replace pure carbon dioxide. For this study, flue gasses with the compositions, 15% of carbon dioxide, 85% of nitrogen gas and 30% of carbon dioxide,70% of nitrogen gas, are used as the injection gas to develop an empirical correlation for minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) for candidate light oil reservoirs that have been previously waterflooded. In data analysis and data analytics, the dataset was separated into two groups at random: the training set, which consists of 80% of the entire dataset, and the testing set, which made up 20% of the total dataset. The independent variables employed for model development include temperature, oil sample oil gravity, molecular percentage of carbon dioxide in the injection gas, the molecular weight of hexane plus in the oil, and the molecular percentage of intermediates. The findings reveal that the newly built model is more accurate and delivers better predictions than the existing correlations. For the testing dataset, the new model predicts flue gas MMP with an average absolute percentage error of 5.5519% and a correlation coefficient of 0.92.
Wahlrechtsreform: Ist der gordische Knoten endlich geplatzt?
Authors: Behnke Joachim
Published: September 2022

Seit Anfang der 1990er Jahre gibt es eine Debatte über eine notwendige Reform des Wahlrechts. Anlass war die sprunghaft gestiegene Anzahl sogenannter Überhangmandate. Fast alle in der dreißigjährigen Debatte vorgebrachten Vorschläge lassen sich danach charakterisieren, welche von drei grundlegenden Bedingungen sie aufzugeben oder einzuschränken bereit sind, um die Regelgröße des Bundestags weitgehend einzuhalten. Diese drei Bedingungen sind: Die Aufrechterhaltung des Interparteienproporzes, die Unantastbarkeit der Wahlkreismandate und die Unantastbarkeit der Listenmandate. Mit der Wahlgesetzänderung von 2013 wurde die Einführung von Ausgleichsmandaten beschlossen, die den durch die Überhangmandate verletzten Proporz zwischen den Parteien wiederherstellen sollten. Allerdings führten diese zu einer extremen Vergrößerung des Bundestags bei den folgenden Wahlen. Maßnahmen zur Dämpfung des Vergrößerung im Wahlgesetzes von 2020 erwiesen sich als weitgehend wirkungslos. Das Wahlgesetz von 2020 sah des weiteren die Einsetzung einer Wahlrechtskommission vor, die über effektive Maßnahmen zur Verkleinerung des Bundestags beraten sollte. Im Sommer 2022 liegen nun zwei Vorschläge aus dem Kontext der Kommission vor. Der Vorschlag der Ampel sieht vor, die Regelgröße strikt einzuhalten, indem nur soviele Wahlkreismandate an die Parteien in den einzelnen Bundesländern zugeteilt werden, wie ihnen dort nach den Zweitstimmen zustehen. Die personale Besetzung der Wahlkreismandate soll durch eine Ersatzstimmenkonstruktion gewährleistet sein. Der Vorschlag der Unionsparteien sieht einen grundlegenden Systemwechsel zu einem Grabenwahlsystem vor. Soll Fairness eine weitere Bedingung an den Reformprozess sein, dann erfüllt nur der Ampelvorschlag die entsprechenden Anforderungen.
Systematische Literaturanalyse zum KI-Einsatz und KI-basierten Geschäftsmodellen in produzierenden kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen
Authors: Merkel-Kiss Mirjam , von Garrel Jörg
Published: September 2022

Die Arbeitswelt befindet sich im Umbruch und intensiviert die Debatte zum Thema „Zukunft der Arbeit“, vor allem zu den Möglichkeiten und Auswirkungen künstlicher Intelligenz. Der Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse einer systematischen, datenbankbasierten Literaturanalyse zum aktuellen Stand des Einsatzes von Künstlicher Intelligenz in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen dar. Vorgestellt werden die in den identifizierten empirischen Studien genannten Vorteile des Einsatzes von KI, die genutzten Technologien sowie Hemmnisse bei der Nutzung bzw. Einführung von KI in KMU. Ergebnis der Literaturanalyse ist, dass kaum empirische Untersuchungen zur Nutzung von KI speziell in KMUs vorhanden sind.

Praktische Relevanz: Dieser Artikel stellt nicht nur den Anteil der Unternehmen, welche bereits Systeme Künstlicher Intelligenz einsetzen dar, sondern auch deren Vorteile, Hinderungsgründe sowie mögliche Einsatzgebiete in kleineren und mittleren Unternehmen. Die im Rahmen des Projekts entstehende Wissensplattform WiWiEn soll darüber hinaus Unternehmen in die Lage versetzen, selbst entsprechende KI-basierende Systeme im eigenen Unternehmen zu etablieren.
Distinctive phosphorylation pattern during mitotic exit network (MEN) regulation is important for the development and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Feng Wanzhen , Wang Jiansheng , Liu Xinyu , Wu Haowen , Liu Muxing , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: September 2022

The mitotic exit network (MEN) pathway is a vital kinase cascade regulating the timely and correct progress of cell division. In the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the MEN pathway, consisting of conserved protein kinases MoSep1 and MoMob1-MoDbf2, is important in the development and pathogenicity of the fungus. We found that deletion of MoSEP1 affects the phosphorylation of MoMob1, but not MoDbf2, in contrast to what was found in the buddy yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and verified this finding by in vitro phosphorylation assay and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. We also found that S43 residue is the critical phosphor-site of MoMob1 by MoSep1, and proved that MoSep1-dependent MoMob1 phosphorylation is essential for cell division during the development of M. oryzae. We further provided evidence demonstrating that MoSep1 phosphorylates MoMob1 to maintain the cell cycle during vegetative growth and infection. Taken together, our results revealed that the MEN pathway has both distinct and conservative functions in regulating the cell cycle during the development and pathogenesis of M. oryzae.
AGU Announces the 2022 Class of Fellows
Authors: Lozier Susan , Myles LaToya
Published: September 2022

Fifty-four individuals have been elected to the 2022 Class of Fellows.
Suppression of the insect cuticular microbiomes by a fungal defensin to facilitate parasite infection
Authors: Hong Song , Sun Yanlei , Chen Haimin , Wang Chengshu
Published: September 2022

Insects can assemble defensive microbiomes on their body surfaces to defend against fungal parasitic infections. The strategies employed by fungal pathogens to combat host cuticular microbiotas remains unclear. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of the defensin-like antimicrobial gene BbAMP1 encoded by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The mature peptide of BbAMP1 can coat fungal spores and can be secreted by the fungus to target and damage Gram-positive bacterial cells. Significant differences in insect survival were observed between the wild-type and BbAMP1 mutant strains during topical infection but not during injection assays that bypassed insect cuticles. Thus, BbAMP1 deletion considerably reduced fungal virulence while gene overexpression accelerated the fungal colonization of insects compared with the wild-type strain in natural infections. Topical infection of axenic Drosophila adults evidenced no difference in fly survivals between strains. However, the gnotobiotic infections with the addition of Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacterial cells in fungal spore suspensions substantially increased the survival of the flies treated with ∆BbAMP1 compared to those infected by the wild-type and gene-overexpression strains. Bacterial colony counts and microbiome analysis confirmed that BbAMP1 could assist the fungus to manipulate insect surface bacterial loads. This study reveals that fungal defensin can suppress the host surface defensive microbiomes, which underscores the importance to extend the research scope of fungus-host interactions.
Emerging roles of ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Xin-Zhe , Wang Yun-Hong , Cheng Xue-Li , Zhao Yan , Zhou Lu-Yu , Wang Kun
Published: September 2022

The mechanism of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is complex and threatens human health. Cardiomyocyte death is an important participant in the pathophysiological basis of CVDs. Ferroptosis is a new type of iron-dependent programmed cell death caused by excessive accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abnormal iron metabolism. Ferroptosis differs from other known cell death pathways, such as apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis. Several compounds have been shown to induce or inhibit ferroptosis by regulating related key factors or signalling pathways. Recent studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is associated with the development of diverse CVDs and may be a potential therapeutic drug target for CVDs. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and related mechanisms of ferroptosis and focus on its role in CVDs, with the goal of inspiring novel treatment strategies.
Structural insights into cyanobacterial RuBisCO assembly coordinated by two chaperones Raf1 and RbcX
Authors: Li Qiong , Jiang Yong-Liang , Xia Ling-Yun , Chen Yuxing , Zhou Cong-Zhao
Published: September 2022

RuBisCO is the most abundant enzyme in nature, catalyzing the fixation of CO2 in photosynthesis. Its common form consists of eight RbcL and eight RbcS subunits, the assembly of which requires a series of chaperones that include RbcX and RuBisCO accumulation factor 1 (Raf1). To understand how these RuBisCO-specific chaperones function during cyanobacterial RbcL8RbcS8 (L8S8) holoenzyme formation, we solved a 3.3-Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of a 32-subunit RbcL8Raf18RbcX16 (L8F8X16) assembly intermediate from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Comparison to the previously resolved L8F8 and L8X16 structures together with biochemical assays revealed that the L8F8X16 complex forms a rather dynamic structural intermediate, favoring RbcS displacement of Raf1 and RbcX. In vitro assays further demonstrated that both Raf1 and RbcX function to regulate RuBisCO condensate formation by restricting CcmM35 binding to the stably assembled L8S8 holoenzymes. Combined with previous findings, we propose a model on how Raf1 and RbcX work in concert to facilitate, and regulate, cyanobacterial RuBisCO assembly as well as disassembly of RuBisCO condensates.
Silicone oil residual after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Cheng Tongjie , Wu Kaicheng , Yu Jian , Zong Yuan , Chen Qian , Jiang Chunhui , Zhu Haohao , Xu Gezhi
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the presence of residual emulsified silicone oil (SO) droplets in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and their possible risk factors.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy with SO injection for RRD and SO removal at the same eye centre were included. Approximately 10 weeks after SO removal, B-scan ultrasonography was performed, and using ImageJ, the silicone oil index (SOI) was measured, and its possible correlations with other clinical factors were explored.

Results

A total of 101 eyes were included. Residual SO particles were found in all the patients (100%), and the mean SOI was 4.04% ± 5.16% (range 0.06%–19.88%). Multiple linear regression revealed that, among all the clinical factors, axial length (AL) and ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg or the use of antiglaucoma medications) before SO removal were positively and significantly associated with the SOI (all P < 0.05). Patients with ocular hypertension after SO removal had a higher SOI, a longer SO duration, a higher IOP before SO removal and a longer AL than those without (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with a larger AL and higher IOP before SO removal were more prone to have more residual SO droplets, which might in turn lead to an elevated IOP. In these eyes, thorough irrigation or repeated fluid-air exchange might be necessary.
Apatinib plus vinorelbine versus vinorelbine for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who failed first/second-line treatment: the NAN trial
Authors: Li Dou-Dou , Tao Zhong-hua , Wang Bi-Yun , Wang Lei-Ping , Cao Jun , Hu Xi-Chun , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2022

While therapies such as chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, sacituzumab govitecan, and PARP inhibitors are available for metastatic TNBC, on disease progression after these therapies, the mainstay of therapy is chemotherapy. Apatinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has promising anti-angiogenesis and antitumor activity for TNBC. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding apatinib to chemotherapy in patients with advanced TNBC with failed first/second-line treatment. A total of 66 patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive vinorelbine or vinorelbine with apatinib in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and safety. 33 received apatinib plus vinorelbine and 32 received vinorelbine (1 was withdrawal). Median PFS was significantly longer in the apatinib plus vinorelbine group than in the vinorelbine group (3.9 months vs. 2.0 months; hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 3.11; P = 0.026). Median OS was 11.5 months with apatinib plus vinorelbine and 9.9 months with vinorelbine (HR,1.01; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.97; P = 0.985). The ORR was 9.1% in the apatinib plus vinorelbine group and 6.3% in the vinorelbine group (P = 0.667). The most common treatment-related hematologic grade 3–4 adverse events in apatinib plus vinorelbine group, were leukopenia, granulocytopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. no treatment-related nonhematologic grade 4 adverse events or treatment-related deaths were observed. Collectively, adding apatinib to vinorelbine shows a promising benefit in PFS compared to vinorelbine monotherapy, with an excellent toxicity profile, warranting further exploration.
Haploinsufficiency of the lysosomal sialidase NEU1 results in a model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in mice
Authors: Machado Eda R. , van de Vlekkert Diantha , Sheppard Heather S. , Perry Scott , Downing Susanna M. , Laxton Jonathan , Ashmun Richard , Finkelstein David B. , Neale Geoffrey A. , Hu Huimin , Harwood Frank C. , Koo Selene C. , Grosveld Gerard C. , d’Azzo Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common pediatric sarcoma, has no effective treatment for the pleomorphic subtype. Still, what triggers transformation into this aggressive phenotype remains poorly understood. Here we used Ptch1+/−/ETV7TG/+/− mice with enhanced incidence of rhabdomyosarcoma to generate a model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma driven by haploinsufficiency of the lysosomal sialidase neuraminidase 1. These tumors share mostly features of embryonal and some of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Mechanistically, we show that the transforming pathway is increased lysosomal exocytosis downstream of reduced neuraminidase 1, exemplified by the redistribution of the lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 at the plasma membrane of tumor and stromal cells. Here we exploit this unique feature for single cell analysis and define heterogeneous populations of exocytic, only partially differentiated cells that force tumors to pleomorphism and promote a fibrotic microenvironment. These data together with the identification of an adipogenic signature shared by human rhabdomyosarcoma, and likely fueling the tumor’s metabolism, make this model of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic studies.
Complement C1q-dependent excitatory and inhibitory synapse elimination by astrocytes and microglia in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: Dejanovic Borislav , Wu Tiffany , Tsai Ming-Chi , Graykowski David , Gandham Vineela D. , Rose Christopher M. , Bakalarski Corey E. , Ngu Hai , Wang Yuanyuan , Pandey Shristi , Rezzonico Mitchell G. , Friedman Brad A. , Edmonds Rose , De Mazière Ann , Rakosi-Schmidt Raphael , Singh Tarjinder , Klumperman Judith , Foreman Oded , Chang Michael C. , Xie Luke , Sheng Morgan , Hanson Jesse E.
Published: September 2022

Microglia and complement can mediate neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By integrative multi-omics analysis, here we show that astrocytic and microglial proteins are increased in TauP301S synapse fractions with age and in a C1q-dependent manner. In addition to microglia, we identified that astrocytes contribute substantially to synapse elimination in TauP301S hippocampi. Notably, we found relatively more excitatory synapse marker proteins in astrocytic lysosomes, whereas microglial lysosomes contained more inhibitory synapse material. C1q deletion reduced astrocyte–synapse association and decreased astrocytic and microglial synapses engulfment in TauP301S mice and rescued synapse density. Finally, in an AD mouse model that combines β-amyloid and Tau pathologies, deletion of the AD risk gene Trem2 impaired microglial phagocytosis of synapses, whereas astrocytes engulfed more inhibitory synapses around plaques. Together, our data reveal that astrocytes contact and eliminate synapses in a C1q-dependent manner and thereby contribute to pathological synapse loss and that astrocytic phagocytosis can compensate for microglial dysfunction.
Positive feedback drives a secondary nonlinear product burst during a biphasic DNA amplification reaction
Authors: Özay Burcu , Murphy Shannon D. , Stopps Esther E. , Gedeon Tomáš , McCalla Stephanie E.
Published: September 2022

Ultrasensitive DNA Amplification Reaction (UDAR) provides a unique biphasic fluorescence output derived from a second phase switch-like burst in reaction products. We quantified the two main reaction products and present a mathematical model that can reproduce the reaction output, including the nonlinear autocatalytic product burst in the second phase.
Fluorescence identification of arthropathic calcium pyrophosphate single crystals using alizarin red S and a xanthene dipicolylamine ZnIIcomplex
Authors: Srinarawat Waralee , Hemstapat Ruedee , Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek , Patikarnmonthon Nisa , Hamachi Itaru , Ojida Akio , Wongkongkatep Jirarut
Published: September 2022

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or pseudogout is a type of chronic and painful joint arthropathy. Accurate identification of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) single crystals is crucial for determining the best course of treatment.
Cu(ii) and Hg(ii) detection under photo-assisted accumulation in an open circuit potential at a polyazulene–EDTA like modified electrode
Authors: Pirvu Cristian , Stanciu Gabriela , Buica George-Octavian
Published: September 2022

A GC|polyL-modified electrode was obtained featuring semiconducting features during polymerization allowing the accumulation of metal ions in an open circuit under UV irradiation which enhanced its sensing properties toward metal ion detection.
Two-photon, red light uncaging of alkyl radicals from organorhodium(iii) phthalocyanine complexes
Authors: Murata Kei , Saibe Yuki , Uchida Mayu , Aono Mizuki , Misawa Ryuji , Ikeuchi Yoshiho , Ishii Kazuyuki
Published: September 2022

The photouncaging reaction of alkyl radicals from the organorhodium(iii) phthalocyanine complexes was achieved by a stepwise two-photon, red light excitation.
Weaving microscale wool ball-like hollow covalent organic polymers from nanorods for efficient adsorption and sensing
Authors: Cai Guihan , Wang Tongtao , Wei Qisheng , Tong Chaoying , Cao Yuanxin , Shi Shuyun , Chen Yuxia , Guo Ying
Published: September 2022

A cascade emulsion approach was reported for weaving 1D COPs nanorods to 3D wool ball-like hollow microspheres, which exhibits excellent performance for adsorption and turn-on fluorescent sensing of bisphenol A.
Antitumor effects of new glycoconjugated PtII agents dual-targeting GLUT1 and Pgp proteins
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Shao Jia , Wang Jin , Gong Xian-Jin , Liu Wei-Xing , Wang Shan , Zhang Yi , Yang Shuang , Zhang Quan-Sheng , Wei Jin-Xia , Tian Jin-Lei
Published: September 2022

A novel and highly efficient dual-targeting PtII system was designed to improve the drug delivery capacity and selectivity in cancer treatment.
Cocoa flavanol consumption improves lower extremity endothelial function in healthy individuals and people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bapir Mariam , Untracht Gavrielle R. , Cooke Debbie , McVey John H. , Skene Simon S. , Campagnolo Paola , Whyte Martin B. , Dikaios Nikolaos , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Sampson David D. , Sampson Danuta M. , Heiss Christian
Published: September 2022

T2DM individuals exhibit macro- and microvascular dysfunction that is pronounced in the legs. Cocoa acutely increases endothelial function of the brachial and the femoral arteries and dilation of microvasculature in the feet of T2DM and healthy individuals.
Selected machine learning of HOMO–LUMO gaps with improved data-efficiency
Authors: Mazouin Bernard , Schöpfer Alexandre Alain , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: September 2022

Selected machine learning (SML) relies on prior data classification and leads to improved data-efficiency for modeling molecular electronic properties, such as HOMO–LUMO-gaps.
A mechanistic view of defect engineered VFeSb half-Heusler alloys
Authors: Chauhan Nagendra S. , Miyazaki Yuzuru
Published: September 2022

Stoichiometric alteration induces characteristic granular defects in VFeSb half-Heusler microstructure.
Improving the conductivity of graphite-based films by rapid laser annealing
Authors: Ersu Gulsum , Kuriakose Sruthi , Goldie Stuart J. , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , Munuera Carmen , Backes Claudia , Island Joshua O. , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: September 2022

We present a method to anneal graphite films on paper and polycarbonate substrates by means of a focalized laser. This method allows improving the inter-flake conductivity while preventing damage of the temperature-sensitive substrates.
Deciphering chemical logic of fungal natural product biosynthesis through heterologous expression and genome mining
Authors: Chiang Chen-Yu , Ohashi Masao , Tang Yi
Published: September 2022

Heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) has become a widely used tool for genome mining of cryptic pathways, bottom-up investigation of biosynthetic enzymes, and engineered biosynthesis of new natural product variants.
Random Forest classification of Gaia DR3 white dwarf-main sequence spectra: A feasibility study
Authors: Echeverry David , Torres Santiago , Rebassa-Mansergas Alberto , Ferrer-Burjachs Aina
Published: September 2022

Aims. The third Gaia data release provides low-resolution spectra for around 200 million sources. It is expected that a sizeable fraction of them contain a white dwarf (WD), neither isolated, or in a binary system with a main-sequence (MS) companion, that is a white dwarf-main sequence (WDMS) binary. Taking advantage of a consolidated Random Forest algorithm used in the classification of WDs, we extend it to study the feasibility of classifying Gaia WDMS binary spectra.

Methods. The Random Forest algorithm is first trained with a set of synthetic spectra generated by combining individual WD and MS spectra for the full range of effective temperatures and surface gravities. Moreover, with the aid of a detailed population synthesis code, we simulate the Gaia spectra for the abovementioned populations. For evaluating the performance of the models, a set of metrics are applied to our classifications.

Results. Our results show that for resolving powers above ~300 the accuracy of the classification depends exclusively on the S/R of the spectra, while below that value the S/R should be increased as the resolving power is reduced to maintain a certain accuracy. The algorithm is then applied to the already classified SDSS WDMS catalog, revealing that the automated classification exhibits an accuracy comparable (or even higher) to previous classification methods. Finally, we simulate the Gaia spectra, showing that our algorithm is able to correctly classify nearly 80% the synthetic WDMS spectra.

Conclusions. Our algorithm represents a useful tool in the analysis and classification of real Gaia WDMS spectra. Even for those spectra dominated by the flux of the MS stars, the algorithm reaches a high degree of accuracy (60%).
L’industrie du verre en France
Authors: Capilla Xavier , Coillot Daniel , van Hullebusch Eric
Published: September 2022

La France est un producteur majeur de produit verrier en Europe. La production est très diverse en termes de composition verrière et d’usage : verre sodo-calcique pour les arts de la table, le bâtiment, l’automobile et l’emballage, verre borosilicaté pour les arts culinaires, les emballages pharmaceutiques, les laboratoires, verres spéciaux pour des applications aussi nombreuses que variées… La grande diversité des applications conduit l’industrie du verre à se conformer à de nombreuses réglementations que ce soit sur le produit ou sur le procédé. Avec un taux de recyclage en croissance et de multiples options en cours d’étude pour adapter le procédé à la lutte contre le changement climatique, le verre répond aux enjeux de notre société et reste un matériau innovant et moderne.
Altération des verres industriels en milieux aqueux et atmosphérique : mécanismes, cinétiques, caractérisations
Authors: Brunswic Léa , Angeli Frédéric , Hee Patricia , Georges Peggy , Gin Stéphane
Published: September 2022

Les articles en verre ont intégré depuis quelques siècles un ensemble très vaste d’objets qui composent aujourd’hui notre quotidien. Leur comportement au contact de solutions aqueuses ou d’atmosphères humides a été étudié par le biais de nombreuses recherches pour des domaines d’application très variés, allant des verres de conditionnement dans le domaine nucléaire aux verres utilisés dans les arts de la table, la cosmétique, les produits pharmaceutiques, l’optique, le médical ou encore le patrimoine. Cet état de l’art décrit les principales étapes et mécanismes d’altération ainsi que leurs conséquences sur l’évolution des propriétés du matériau au cours de son vieillissement. L’influence des principaux paramètres intrinsèques (composition chimique et structure vitreuse) et environnementaux (composition du milieu, pH, température, humidité relative) sur la cinétique d’altération est présentée. Enfin, les tests normalisés permettant de quantifier l’altération sont répertoriés ainsi que les techniques de caractérisation adéquates à l’analyse des couches d’altération.
Eproog, l’internationale des EPR
Authors:   La rédaction
Published: September 2022

L’Eproog, pour EPR Owner-Operator Group, est le réseau international de propriétaires et d’exploitants de réacteurs EPR. Il permet aux divers acteurs d’échanger et de bénéficier du retour d’expérience des projets EPR à travers le monde.
Le Royaume-Uni mise sur l’EPR
Authors: Le Gros Gaïc
Published: September 2022

Le Royaume-Uni souhaite renouveler et même agrandir son parc nucléaire. Une volonté qui, jusqu’à récemment, se traduisait par la construction de deux EPR à Hinkley Point C. Désormais, cela s’entend également par le projet d’en construire deux autres, identiques, à Sizewell C. Un chantier qui a reçu le feu vert du gouvernement le 20 juillet 2022.
Les atouts de la filière française en Pologne et en République tchèque
Authors: Le Gros Gaïc
Published: September 2022

La Pologne et la République tchèque ont manifesté leur intérêt pour l’offre française de construction d’EPR portée par EDF. La Corée du Sud et les États-Unis ont déposé des offres concurrentes dans ces deux pays. Que propose la France et quelles sont les forces et les faiblesses de ses concurrents ?
Tube removal, tailored antibiotic treatment and endoscopic suturing effectively treats peristomal infection and consecutive persisting gastrostomy fistula – a case series
Authors: Brechmann Thorsten , Jägers Lisa Linnea , Schyroki Yvonne , Naveed Parweiz
Published: September 2022

Objectives Peristomal leakage, infection, and persisting fistula after tube removal are rare, but well-known complications in long-term percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEG). A standard treatment procedure is missing. This case series describes a procedure of tube removal, tailored antibiotic therapy and endoscopic closure with a gastropexy device after mechanical de-epithelialization of the fistulous tract.

Case presentation Three patients with infected long-standing PEG (4 to 21 years) were included. The tubes were removed endoscopically and tailored antimicrobial therapy was administered over 10 to 14 days. The persisting fistula was de-epithelialized mechanically and sutured under endoscopic control with a dedicated gastropexy device 11 to 25 days thereafter. A new PEG tube was placed in the same session on a different site. After 30 days the fistula had healed completely, and the PEG worked well in all subjects.

Conclusions Endoscopic sealing of a persisting fistula with a dedicated gastropexy device after thorough de-epithelialization is a promising technique that needs confirmation by larger studies.