bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quartet RNA reference materials improve the quality of transcriptomic data through ratio-based profiling
Authors: Yu Ying , Hou Wanwan , Liu Yaqing , Wang Haiyan , Dong Lianhua , Mai Yuanbang , Chen Qingwang , Li Zhihui , Sun Shanyue , Yang Jingcheng , Cao Zehui , Zhang Peipei , Zi Yi , Liu Ruimei , Gao Jian , Zhang Naixin , Li Jingjing , Ren Luyao , Jiang He , Shang Jun , Zhu Sibo , Wang Xiaolin , Qing Tao , Bao Ding , Li Bingying , Li Bin , Suo Chen , Pi Yan , Wang Xia , Dai Fangping , Scherer Andreas , Mattila Pirkko , Han Jinxiong , Zhang Lijun , Jiang Hui , Thierry-Mieg Danielle , Thierry-Mieg Jean , Xiao Wenming , Hong Huixiao , Tong Weida , Wang Jing , Li Jinming , Fang Xiang , Jin Li , Xu Joshua , Qian Feng , Zhang Rui , Shi Leming , Zheng Yuanting
Published: September 2023

Certified RNA reference materials are indispensable for assessing the reliability of RNA sequencing to detect intrinsically small biological differences in clinical settings, such as molecular subtyping of diseases. As part of the Quartet Project for quality control and data integration of multi-omics profiling, we established four RNA reference materials derived from immortalized B-lymphoblastoid cell lines from four members of a monozygotic twin family. Additionally, we constructed ratio-based transcriptome-wide reference datasets between two samples, providing cross-platform and cross-laboratory ‘ground truth’. Investigation of the intrinsically subtle biological differences among the Quartet samples enables sensitive assessment of cross-batch integration of transcriptomic measurements at the ratio level. The Quartet RNA reference materials, combined with the ratio-based reference datasets, can serve as unique resources for assessing and improving the quality of transcriptomic data in clinical and biological settings.
Diagnostic performance of circulating biomarkers for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sanyal Arun J. , Shankar Sudha S. , Yates Katherine P. , Bolognese James , Daly Erika , Dehn Clayton A. , Neuschwander-Tetri Brent , Kowdley Kris , Vuppalanchi Raj , Behling Cynthia , Tonascia James , Samir Anthony , Sirlin Claude , Sherlock Sarah P. , Fowler Kathryn , Heymann Helen , Kamphaus Tania N. , Loomba Rohit , Calle Roberto A.
Published: September 2023

There are no approved diagnostic biomarkers for at-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), defined by the presence of NASH, high histological activity and fibrosis stage ≥2, which is associated with higher incidence of liver-related events and mortality. FNIH-NIMBLE is a multi-stakeholder project to support regulatory approval of NASH-related biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of five blood-based panels was evaluated in an observational (NASH CRN DB2) cohort (n = 1,073) with full spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The panels were intended to diagnose at-risk NASH (NIS4), presence of NASH (OWLiver) or fibrosis stages >2, >3 or 4 (enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test, PROC3 and FibroMeter VCTE). The prespecified performance metric was an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) ≥0.7 and superiority over alanine aminotransferase for disease activity and the FIB-4 test for fibrosis severity. Multiple biomarkers met these metrics. NIS4 had an AUROC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.84) for at-risk NASH. The AUROCs of the ELF test, PROC3 and FibroMeterVCTE for clinically significant fibrosis (≥stage 2), advanced fibrosis (≥stage 3) or cirrhosis (stage 4), respectively, were all ≥0.8. ELF and FibroMeter VCTE outperformed FIB-4 for all fibrosis endpoints. These data represent a milestone toward qualification of several biomarker panels for at-risk NASH and also fibrosis severity in individuals with NAFLD.
SECURES-Met: A European meteorological data set suitable for electricity modelling applications
Authors: Formayer Herbert , Nadeem Imran , Leidinger David , Maier Philipp , Schöniger Franziska , Suna Demet , Resch Gustav , Totschnig Gerhard , Lehner Fabian
Published: September 2023

The modelling of electricity production and demand requires highly specific and comprehensive meteorological data. One challenge is the high temporal frequency as electricity production and demand modelling typically is done with hourly data. On the other side the European electricity market is highly connected, so that a pure country-based modelling is not expedient and at least the whole European Union (EU) area has to be considered. Additionally, the spatial resolution of the data set must be able to represent the thermal conditions, which requires high spatial resolution at least in mountainous regions. All these requirements lead to huge data amounts for historic observations and even more for climate change projections for the whole 21st century. Thus, we have developed the aggregated European wide climate data set SECURES-Met that has a temporal resolution of one hour, covers the whole EU area and other selected European countries, has a reasonable size but considers the high spatial variability.
A pan-European dataset revealing variability in lithic technology, toolkits, and artefact shapes ~15-11 kya
Authors: Hussain Shumon T. , Riede Felix , Matzig David N. , Biard Miguel , Crombé Philippe , Fernández-Lopéz de Pablo Javier , Fontana Federica , Groß Daniel , Hess Thomas , Langlais Mathieu , Mevel Ludovic , Mills William , Moník Martin , Naudinot Nicolas , Posch Caroline , Rimkus Tomas , Stefański Damian , Vandendriessche Hans
Published: September 2023

Comparative macro-archaeological investigations of the human deep past rely on the availability of unified, quality-checked datasets integrating different layers of observation. Information on the durable and ubiquitous record of Paleolithic stone artefacts and technological choices are especially pertinent to this endeavour. We here present a large expert-sourced collaborative dataset for the study of stone tool technology and artefact shape evolution across Europe between ~15.000 and 11.000 years before present. The dataset contains a compendium of key sites from the study period, and data on lithic technology and toolkit composition at the level of the cultural taxa represented by those sites. The dataset further encompasses 2D shapes of selected lithic artefact groups (armatures, endscrapers, and borers/perforators) shared between cultural taxa. These data offer novel possibilities to explore between-regional patterns of material culture change to reveal scale-dependent processes of long-term technological evolution in mobile hunter-gatherer societies at the end of the Pleistocene. Our dataset facilitates state-of-the-art quantitative analyses and showcases the benefits of collaborative data collation and synthesis.
RNA sequencing transcriptomics and metabolomics in three poultry breeds
Authors: Zhu Qidong , Cai Yuanli , Xiao Chuanpi , Kong Linglian , Pan Xue , Song Bochen , Song Zhigang
Published: September 2023

Chickens are remarkably versatile animals that are used as model organisms for biomedical research. Here, we performed metabolomic and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) transcriptomic analyses of the hypothalamus, liver tissue and serum of poultry with different genetic backgrounds, providing detailed information for hypothalamus and liver tissue at the transcriptional level and for liver tissue and serum at the metabolite level. We present two datasets generated from 36 samples from three poultry breeds using high-throughput RNA-Seq and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry acquisition (LC/MS). The transcriptomic and metabolomic data obtained for poultry of different genetic backgrounds will be a valuable resource for further studies on this model organism.
Inhibition of selenoprotein synthesis is not the mechanism by which auranofin inhibits growth of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Johnstone Michael A. , Holman Matthew A. , Self William T.
Published: September 2023

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) are responsible for a significant number of antibiotic-associated diarrheal cases. The standard-of-care antibiotics for C. difficile are limited to fidaxomicin and vancomycin, with the recently obsolete metronidazole recommended if both are unavailable. No new antimicrobials have been approved for CDI since fidaxomicin in 2011, despite varying rates of treatment failure among all standard-of-care drugs. Drug repurposing is a rational strategy to generate new antimicrobials out of existing therapeutics approved for other indications. Auranofin is a gold-containing anti-rheumatic drug with antimicrobial activity against C. difficile and other microbes. In a previous report, our group hypothesized that inhibition of selenoprotein biosynthesis was auranofin’s primary mechanism of action against C. difficile. However, in this study, we discovered that C. difficile mutants lacking selenoproteins are still just as sensitive to auranofin as their respective wild-type strains. Moreover, we found that selenite supplementation dampens the activity of auranofin against C. difficile regardless of the presence of selenoproteins, suggesting that selenite’s neutralization of auranofin is not because of compensation for a chemically induced selenium deficiency. Our results clarify the findings of our original study and may aid drug repurposing efforts in discovering the compound’s true mechanism of action against C. difficile.
Contactless deformation of fluid interfaces by acoustic radiation pressure
Authors: Sisombat Félix , Devaux Thibaut , Haumesser Lionel , Callé Samuel
Published: September 2023

Reversible and programmable shaping of surfaces promises wide-ranging applications in tunable optics and acoustic metasurfaces. Based on acoustic radiation pressure, contactless and real-time deformation of fluid interface can be achieved. This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to characterize the spatiotemporal properties of the deformation induced by acoustic radiation pressure. Using localized ultrasonic excitation, we report the possibility of on-demand tailoring of the induced protrusion at water–air interface in space and time, depending on the shape of the input pressure field. The experimental method used to measure the deformation of the water surface in space and time shows close agreement with simulations. We demonstrate that acoustic radiation pressure allows shaping protrusion at fluid interfaces, which could be changed into a various set of spatiotemporal distributions, considering simple parameters of the ultrasonic excitation. This paves the way for novel approach to design programmable space and time-dependent gratings at fluid interfaces.
Sustained xanthophyll pigments-related photoprotective NPQ is involved in photoinhibition in the haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea
Authors: Lacour T. , Robert E. , Lavaud J.
Published: September 2023

Dynamic xanthophyll cycle (XC) related non-photochemical quenching (NPQd, also called qE) is present in most phototrophs. It allows dissipating excess light energy under adverse growing conditions. Generally, NPQd rapidly reverses for photosynthesis to resume when light intensity decreases back toward optimal intensity. Under certain environmental conditions and/or in some species, NPQ can be strongly sustained (NPQs showing hours-to-days relaxation kinetics). Tisochrysis lutea is a South Pacific haptophyte phytoplankton with a strong potential for aquaculture and biotechnology applications. It was previously reported to show a surprisingly low NPQd capacity while synthesizing large amounts of diatoxanthin (Dt), a pigment involved in the XC. In order to better understand this paradox, we investigated the characteristics of NPQ in T. lutea under various growth conditions of light and nutrient availability (different photoperiods, low and high light, nutrient starvations). We found a strong NPQs, unmeasurable with usual fluorometry protocols. Along with confirming the involvement of Dt in both NPQd and NPQs (by using the dithiothreitol inhibitor), we highlighted a strong relationship between Dt and the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry (Fv/Fm) across growing conditions and during relaxation experiments in darkness. It suggests that changes in Fv/Fm, usually attributed to the ‘photoinhibitory’ quenching (qI), are simultaneously largely impacted by photoprotective NPQ. The overlap of xanthophyll pigments-related photoprotective NPQ with several other mechanisms involved in the cell response (Photosystem II photoinactivation, changes in pigments composition, and detoxification by antioxidants) to energy unbalance is further discussed. Our findings question both how widespread NPQs is in the global ocean, particularly in nutrient starved environments (oligotrophic waters) and situations (post-bloom), and the use of adapted active fluorescence protocols (i.e. with extended NPQ relaxation period prior to measurement).
Breast cancer survival prognosis using the graph convolutional network with Choquet fuzzy integral
Authors: Palmal Susmita , Arya Nikhilanand , Saha Sriparna , Tripathy Somanath
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is the most prevalent kind of cancer among women and there is a need for a reliable algorithm to predict its prognosis. Previous studies focused on using gene expression data to build predictive models. However, recent advancements have made multi-omics cancer data sets (gene expression, copy number alteration, etc.) accessible. This has acted as the motivation for the creation of a novel model that utilizes a graph convolutional network (GCN) and Choquet fuzzy ensemble, incorporating multi-omics and clinical data retrieved from the publicly available METABRIC Database. In this study, graphs have been used to extract structural information, and a Choquet Fuzzy Ensemble with Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine as base classifiers has been employed to classify breast cancer patients as short-term or long-term survivors. The model has been run using all possible combinations of gene expression, copy number alteration, and clinical modality, and the results have been reported. Furthermore, a comparison has been made between the obtained results and different baseline models and state-of-the-art to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed model in terms of different metrics. The results of this model based on Accuracy, Matthews correlation coefficient, Precision, Sensitivity, Specificity, Balanced Accuracy, and F1-Measure are 0.820, 0.528, 0.630, 0.666, 0.871, 0.769, and 0.647, respectively.
Risk factors of malaria transmission in mining workers in Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Hasyim Hamzah , Dewi Wita Citra , Lestari Risva Aprina Fitri , Flora Rostika , Novrikasari Novrikasari , Liberty Iche Andriyani , Marini Heni , Elagali Ahmed , Herlinda Siti , Maharani Fadhilah Eka
Published: September 2023

Eliminating malaria by 2030 is stated as goal three in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, malaria still remains a significant public health problem. This study aims to identify the factors determining malaria transmission in artisanal or small-scale miner (ASM) communities in three villages: Tanjung Agung, Tanjung Lalang, and Penyandingan, located in the Tanjung Enim District, Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 92 participants from the study area. They used a logistic regression model to investigate the risk factors related to malaria occurrence. The multivariable analysis revealed that age (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 7.989 with 95% CI 1.724–37.002) and mosquito breeding (APR = 7.685 with 95% CI 1.502–39.309) were risk factors for malaria. On the other hand, higher education (APR = 0.104 with 95% CI 0.027–0.403), the use of mosquito repellent (APR = 0.138 with 95% CI 0.035–0.549), and the condition of house walls (APR = 0.145 with 95% CI 0.0414–0.511) were identified as protective factors. The current study highlights age and mosquito breeding sites as risk factors for malaria. Additionally, higher education, insect repellent use, and the condition of house walls are protective factors against malaria. Therefore, reducing risk factors and increasing protective measures through effective communication, information, and education are highly recommended to eliminate malaria in mining areas.
Effective generation mechanisms of tropical instability waves as represented by high-resolution coupled atmosphere–ocean prediction experiments
Authors: Toyoda Takahiro , Urakawa L. Shogo , Aiki Hidenori , Nakano Hideyuki , Shindo Eiki , Yoshimura Hiromasa , Kawakami Yuma , Sakamoto Kei , Yamagami Akio , Ushijima Yusuke , Harada Yayoi , Kobayashi Chiaki , Tomita Hiroyuki , Tozuka Tomoki , Yamanaka Goro
Published: September 2023

Cusp-shaped fluctuations of the sea surface temperature (SST) front in the tropical Pacific, now known as tropical instability waves (TIWs), were discovered by remote sensing in the 1970s. Their discovery was followed by both theoretical and analytical studies, which, along with in situ observations, identified several possible generation mechanisms. Although modeling studies have shown that TIWs strongly influence the heat budget, their influence on local variations of realistically initialized predictions is not yet understood. We here evaluate a series of medium-range (up to ~ 10 days) coupled atmosphere–ocean predictions by a coupled model with different horizontal resolutions. Observational SST, surface wind stress, heat flux, and pressure data showed that representation of temporally and spatially local variations was improved by resolving fine-scale SST variations around the initialized coarse-scale SST front fluctuations of TIWs. Our study thus demonstrates the advantage of using high-resolution coupled models for medium-range predictions. In addition, analysis of TIW energetics showed two dominant sources of energy to anticyclonic eddies: barotropic instability between equatorial zonal currents and baroclinic instability due to intense density fronts. In turn, the eddy circulation strengthened both instabilities in the resolved simulations. This revealed feedback process refines our understanding of the generation mechanisms of TIWs.
In vivo deuterium magnetic resonance imaging of xenografted tumors following systemic administration of deuterated water
Authors: Brender Jeffrey R. , Assmann Julian C. , Farthing Don E. , Saito Keita , Kishimoto Shun , Warrick Kathrynne A. , Maglakelidze Natella , Larus Terri L. , Merkle Hellmut , Gress Ronald E. , Krishna Murali C. , Buxbaum Nataliya P.
Published: September 2023

In vivo deuterated water (2H2O) labeling leads to deuterium (2H) incorporation into biomolecules of proliferating cells and provides the basis for its use in cell kinetics research. We hypothesized that rapidly proliferating cancer cells would become preferentially labeled with 2H and, therefore, could be visualized by deuterium magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) following a brief period of in vivo systemic 2H2O administration. We initiated systemic 2H2O administration in two xenograft mouse models harboring either human colorectal, HT-29, or pancreatic, MiaPaCa-2, tumors and 2H2O level of ~ 8% in total body water (TBW). Three schemas of 2H2O administration were tested: (1) starting at tumor seeding and continuing for 7 days of in vivo growth with imaging on day 7, (2) starting at tumor seeding and continuing for 14 days of in vivo growth with imaging on day 14, and (3) initiation of labeling following a week of in vivo tumor growth and continuing until imaging was performed on day 14. Deuterium chemical shift imaging of the tumor bearing limb and contralateral control was performed on either day 7 of 14 after tumor seeding, as described. After 14 days of in vivo tumor growth and 7 days of systemic labeling with 2H2O, a clear deuterium contrast was demonstrated between the xenografts and normal tissue. Labeling in the second week after tumor implantation afforded the highest contrast between neoplastic and healthy tissue in both models. Systemic labeling with 2H2O can be used to create imaging contrast between tumor and healthy issue, providing a non-radioactive method for in vivo cancer imaging.
Preparation of GaN/Porous silicon heterojunction photodetector by laser deposition technique
Authors: Fakhri Makram A. , Jabbar Haneen D. , AbdulRazzaq Mohammed Jalal , Salim Evan T. , Azzahrani Ahmad S. , Ibrahim Raed Khalid , Ismail Raid A.
Published: September 2023

In this work, gallium nitride (GaN) thin film was deposited on porous silicon (PSi) substrate via a pulsed laser deposition route with a 355 nm laser wavelength, 900 mJ of laser energy, and various substrate temperatures raging from 200 to 400 °C. The structural and optical properties of GaN films as a function of substrate temperature are investigate. XRD studies reveal that the GaN films deposited on porous silicon are nanocrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure along (002) plane. The photoluminescence emission peaks of the GaN/PSi prepared at 300 °C substrate temperature are located at 368 nm and 728 nm corresponding to energy gap of 3.36 eV and 1.7 eV, respectively. The GaN/PSi heterojunction photodetector prepared at 300 °C exhibits the maximum performance, with a responsivity of 29.03 AW−1, detectivity of 8.6 × 1012 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency of 97.2% at 370 nm. Similarly, at 575 nm, the responsivity is 19.86 AW−1, detectivity is 8.9 × 1012 Jones, and the external quantum efficiency is 50.89%. Furthermore, the photodetector prepared at a temperature of 300 °C demonstrates a switching characteristic where the rise time and fall time are measured to be 363 and 711 μs, respectively.
Triple exponentially weighted moving average control chart with measurement error
Authors: Wang Jing , Arslan Muhammad , Riaz Afshan , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Gunaime Nevine M.
Published: September 2023

Measurement error (M.E) can have a substantial impact on quality control applications, diminishing the sensitivity to detect changes in the mean or variance of quality characteristics. To monitor shifts in process mean and dispersion, Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) and Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control charts are commonly employed. In our research, we investigated the influence of M.E on the Triple Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (TEWMA) control chart. We assessed the performance of the control chart using Average Run Length (ARL) as the evaluation metric. To compute the ARL properties, we adopted the Monte-Carlo simulation method. A comparison section has been made to check the performance efficiency of the control chart with the existing EWMA control chart. The implementation of a control chart on a real data set is also presented.
Xanthine oxidase levels and immune dysregulation are independently associated with anemia in Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Vasquez Marilyn , Sica Margaux , Namazzi Ruth , Opoka Robert O. , Sherman Julian , Datta Dibyadyuti , Duran-Frigola Miquel , Ssenkusu John M. , John Chandy C. , Conroy Andrea L. , Rodriguez Ana
Published: September 2023

Severe anemia is an important contributor to mortality in children with severe malaria. Anemia in malaria is a multi-factorial complication, since dyserythropoiesis, hemolysis and phagocytic clearance of uninfected red blood cells (RBCs) can contribute to this syndrome. High levels of oxidative stress and immune dysregulation have been proposed to contribute to severe malarial anemia, facilitating the clearance of uninfected RBCs. In a cohort of 552 Ugandan children with severe malaria, we measured the levels of xanthine oxidase (XO), an oxidative enzyme that is elevated in the plasma of malaria patients. The levels of XO in children with severe anemia were significantly higher compared to children with severe malaria not suffering from severe anemia. Levels of XO were inversely associated with RBC hemoglobin (ρ =  − 0.25, p < 0.0001), indicating a relation between this enzyme and severe anemia. When compared with the levels of immune complexes and of autoimmune antibodies to phosphatidylserine, factors previously associated with severe anemia in malaria patients, we observed that XO is not associated with them, suggesting that XO is associated with severe anemia through an independent mechanism. XO was associated with prostration, acidosis, jaundice, respiratory distress, and kidney injury, which may reflect a broader relation of this enzyme with severe malaria pathology. Since inhibitors of XO are inexpensive and well-tolerated drugs already approved for use in humans, the validation of XO as a contributor to severe malarial anemia and other malaria complications may open new possibilities for much needed adjunctive therapy in malaria.
PI3K/Akt signalling pathway-associated long noncoding RNA signature predicts the prognosis of laryngeal cancer patients
Authors: Nie Qian , Cao Huan , Yang JianWang , Liu Tao , Wang Baoshan
Published: September 2023

ThePI3K/Aktsignalling pathway is associated with the occurrence and development of tumours and significantly affects the prognosis of patients. We established a predictive signature based on thePI3K/Aktpathway to predict the prognosis of patients. The RNA-seq and clinical data of laryngeal cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Three lncRNAs (MNX1-AS1,LINC00330,LSAMP-AS1) were selected through univariate, multivariate Cox and log-rank test analysis to establish a prognostic signature. The patients were then divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on their risk score. In the TCGA training set, the survival time of the high-risk group was shorter than that of the low-risk group (P < 0.01). Follicular helper T cells were lower in the high-risk group (P = 0.022), and CCR, inflammation promotion, parainflammation, and type I IFN immune function were suppressed. The results of the drug sensitivity analysis suggest that the high-risk group is sensitive to AKT inhibitors. The establishment of the signature was also verified based on the clinical data. Three lncRNAs can facilitate the migration, invasion, and vitality of cancer cells in vitro, and vice versa. Moreover,p-AKT(Ser473) andp-PI3Kwere highly activated in the cells overexpressing the abovementioned three lncRNAs. ThePI3K/Aktsignalling pathway-associated prognosis signature has a good predictive effect.
Road traffic flow prediction based on dynamic spatiotemporal graph attention network
Authors: Chen Yuguang , Huang Jintao , Xu Hongbin , Guo Jincheng , Su Linyong
Published: September 2023

To improve the prediction accuracy of traffic flow under the influence of nearby time traffic flow disturbance, a dynamic spatiotemporal graph attention network traffic flow prediction model based on the attention mechanism was proposed. Considering the macroscopic periodic characteristics of traffic flow, the spatiotemporal features are extracted by constructing spatiotemporal blocks with an adjacent period, daily period, and weekly period respectively. The spatiotemporal block is mainly composed of a two-layer graph attention network and a gated recurrent unit to capture the hidden features of space and time. In space, based on considering adjacent road segments, the Pearson correlation coefficient is used to capture the hidden correlation characteristics between non-adjacent road segments according to a certain time step. In terms of time, due to the random disturbance of traffic flow at the micro level, the attention mechanism is introduced to use the adjacent time as the query matrix to weight the output characteristics of daily cycle and weekly cycle, and the three are connected in series to output the prediction results through the linear layer. Finally, the experimental results on the public data sets show that the proposed model is superior to the six baseline models.
TNF-α and Poly(I:C) induction of A20 and activation of NF-κB signaling are independent of ABCF1 in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Cao Quynh T. , Ishak Mira , Shpilman Israel , Hirota Jeremy A.
Published: September 2023

ABCF1 is the most characterized member of the ABCF family in eukaryotes with proposed functions related to innate immunity in fibroblasts, macrophages, and epithelial cells. Currently, a mechanistic link between ABCF1 and immune responses in human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) remains to be clearly defined. The present study aimed at characterizing the function of ABCF1 in the context of nuclear factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mediated pro-inflammatory responses in an immortalized human airway epithelial cell line, HBEC-6KT. We demonstrated that with ABCF1 silencing under basal conditions, TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3 (TNFAIP3/A20) protein expression and downstream expression and activation of transcription factors, NF-κB and Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), were not disrupted. We followed with investigations of ABCF1 function under a pro-inflammatory stimuli that are known to be regulated by A20. We demonstrated that under Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) and tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) challenge with ABCF1 silencing, there was a significant reduction in secreted levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and a trend for reduced IL-6. However, we observed no changes to the expression levels of A20 and the activation status of the transcription factors, NF-κB and IRF-3. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that Poly(I:C) and TNF-α induced IL-8 is regulated by ABCF1 via pathways independent of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation.
Sigma-1 receptor expression in a subpopulation of lumbar spinal cord microglia in response to peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Schonfeld Ethan , Johnstone Thomas Michael , Haider Ghani , Shah Aaryan , Marianayagam Neelan Joseph , Biswal Sandip , Veeravagu Anand
Published: September 2023

Sigma-1 Receptor has been shown to localize to sites of peripheral nerve injury and back pain. Radioligand probes have been developed to localize Sigma-1 Receptor and thus image pain source. However, in non-pain conditions, Sigma-1 Receptor expression has also been demonstrated in the central nervous system and dorsal root ganglion. This work aimed to study Sigma-1 Receptor expression in a microglial cell population in the lumbar spine following peripheral nerve injury. A publicly available transcriptomic dataset of 102,691 L4/5 mouse microglial cells from a sciatic-sural nerve spared nerve injury model and 93,027 age and sex matched cells from a sham model was used. At each of three time points—postoperative day 3, postoperative day 14, and postoperative month 5—gene expression data was recorded for both spared nerve injury and Sham cell groups. For all cells, 27,998 genes were sequenced. All cells were clustered into 12 distinct subclusters and gene set enrichment pathway analysis was performed. For both the spared nerve injury and Sham groups, Sigma-1 Receptor expression significantly decreased at each time point following surgery. At the 5-month postoperative time point, only one of twelve subclusters showed significantly increased Sigma-1 Receptor expression in spared nerve injury cells as compared to Sham cells (p = 0.0064). Pathway analysis of this cluster showed a significantly increased expression of the inflammatory response pathway in the spared nerve injury cells relative to Sham cells at the 5-month time point (p = 6.74e−05). A distinct subcluster of L4/5 microglia was identified which overexpress Sigma-1 Receptor following peripheral nerve injury consistent with neuropathic pain inflammatory response functioning. This indicates that upregulated Sigma-1 Receptor in the central nervous system characterizes post-acute peripheral nerve injury and may be further developed for clinical use in the differentiation between low back pain secondary to peripheral nerve injury and low back pain not associated with peripheral nerve injury in cases where the pain cannot be localized.
Implantable microfluidics: methods and applications
Authors: Luo Tao , Zheng Lican , Chen Dongyang , Zhang Chen , Liu Sirui , Jiang Chongjie , Xie Yu , Du Dan , Zhou Wei
Published: September 2023

This review comprehensively discusses the methods and applications of various microfluidic functionalities for implantable medical devices.
Correction: Voltammetric pH sensor based on electrochemically modified pseudo-graphite
Authors: Zhu Haoyu , Hassan Tanim , Kabir Humayun , May Jeremy , Hamal Kailash , Lopez Ricardo , Smith Hailey J. , Nicholas Nolan W. , Sankaran Prasanna , McIlroy David N. , Cheng I. Francis
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Voltammetric pH sensor based on electrochemically modified pseudo-graphite’ by Haoyu Zhu et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 7252–7259, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01405B.
Adhesive and biodegradable polymer mixture composed of high -biosafety pharmaceutical excipients as non-setting periodontal dressing
Authors: Zhao Xiaodan , Li Meiwen , Li Meng , Li Wenbo , Li Ang , Cheng Yilong , Pei Dandan
Published: September 2023

A soft, non-setting and degradable periodontal dressing with biodegradability was developed using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Eudragit S 100 and povidone K30. The periodontal dressings could promote mucosal wound healing.
Zinc-dual-halide complexes suppressing polyhalide formation for rechargeable aqueous zinc–halogen batteries
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Yin Xiaoyu , Wang Sibo , Jiang Quanwei , Shi Hua-Yu , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: September 2023

A zinc-dual-halide complex strategy is applied in aqueous zinc–halogen batteries, which confines free halides and inhibits polyhalide formation. The resulting Zn–Br2 and Zn–I2 cells realize excellent cycling stability and efficiency.
Copper(ii)-MOFs for bio-applications
Authors: Aguila-Rosas Javier , Ramos Dalia , Quirino-Barreda Carlos T. , Flores-Aguilar Juan Andrés , Obeso Juan L. , Guzmán-Vargas Ariel , Ibarra Ilich A. , Lima Enrique
Published: September 2023

The recent development and implementation of copper-based metal–organic frameworks in biological applications are reviewed.
Broadband red emission from one-dimensional hexamethonium lead bromide perovskitoid
Authors: He Biqi , Kuang Kuan , Xu Bing , Tang Junjie , Cao Sheng , Yu Zixian , Li Mingkai , He Yunbin , Chen Junnian
Published: September 2023

A 1D (HM)Pb2Br6 based on hexamethonium has been developed for broadband red emission with a PLQY of 6.24%. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the red emission derives from the self-localized Pb23+, Pb3+ and Br2− species.
Ordered growth of hexagonal and monoclinic phases of MoTe2 on a sapphire substrate
Authors: Slušná Lenka Pribusová , Vegso Karol , Dobročka Edmund , Vojteková Tatiana , Nádaždy Peter , Halahovets Yuriy , Sojková Michaela , Hrdá Jana , Precner Marián , Šiffalovič Peter , Chen Zhuo , Huang Yong , Ražnjević Sergej , Zhang Zaoli , Hulman Martin
Published: September 2023

Pole figure of the 10−13 diffraction of hexagonal MoTe2 obtained from the GIWAXS measurement.
Operandotime-gated Raman spectroscopy of solid catalysts
Authors: Vogel Robin , Prins P. Tim , Rabouw Freddy T. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: September 2023

Simultaneous time-gated and time-integrated Raman spectroscopy quantifies the benefit of time gating to obtain clearer Raman features in the early coking stages of propane dehydrogenation, when the spectra are dominated by background fluorescence.
The crystal chemistry of plutonium(iv) borophosphate
Authors: Sigmon Ginger E. , DiBlasi Nicole A. , Hixon Amy E.
Published: September 2023

PuIV borophosphate crystallized from a complex solution in a borosilicate glass vial after one year. The suspected leaching of B from the glass vial could have important implications for the corrosion of vitrified nuclear waste.
Achieving excitation wavelength–power-dependent colorful luminescence via multiplexing of dual lanthanides in fluorine oxide particles for multilevel anticounterfeiting
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Meng Zikai , Guo Zhen , Wang Zhenbin , Cao Jiajia , Zhu Jihua , Ma Cunhua , Zhang Mingjin , Liu Weisheng
Published: September 2023

We developed an excitation wavelength–power-dependent colorful luminescent material Y7O6F9:Er3+,Eu3+. Based on its properties, we designed an anticounterfeiting device, which has dynamic tunable performance of color and intensity in different modes.
Facile synthesis of hierarchical CdS nanoflowers for efficient piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiao , Shan Tao , Deng Lixun , Li Mengqing , Pan Xiaoyang , Yang Xuhui , Zhao Xiaojing , Yang Min-Quan
Published: September 2023

Nano-flower-shaped CdS was synthesized by morphology control, and high-efficiency piezoelectric catalytic production of H2 and value-added product H2O2 was realized in pure water.
Synthesis of a carbon-wrapped microsphere MoO2/Mo2C heterojunction as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Cai Jiannan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Wang Ting , Shi Yuande , Lin Shen
Published: September 2023

The as-prepared MoO2/Mo2C/C showed an excellent electrocatalysis performance towards ORR and HER, which may be attributed to the synergistic effect between the MoO2/Mo2C heterojunction, Vulcan XC-72R and the oxygen vacancies.
Understanding the reactivity and selectivity of Diels–Alder reactions involving furans
Authors: Alves Tiago Vinicius , Fernández Israel
Published: September 2023

The origins of the reactivity and endo/exo selectivity of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions involving furan and substituted furans as dienes have been computationally explored.
RAFT polymerization of an aromatic organoborane for block copolymer synthesis
Authors: Melvin Sophia J. , Mediavilla Braden A. , Ambrosius Em G. , Jiang Qifeng , Fang Fan , Ji Yuyang , Mukhopadhyaya Tushita , Katz Howard E. , Klausen Rebekka S.
Published: September 2023

We report the synthesis and characterization of PS-b-PVA block copolymers (BCPs) with tailorable PVA block lengths via RAFT polymerization of an aromatic organoborane comonomer BN 2-vinylnaphthalene (BN2VN).
Synthesis of lenvatinib-loaded upconversion@polydopamine nanocomposites for upconversion luminescence imaging-guided chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Ma Lina , Li Zhenshengnan , Chen Bowen , Wu Yue , Meng Xianying
Published: September 2023

A novel nanocomposite named as UCNP@PDA@LEN has been synthesized for UCL-imaging-guided chemo-photothermal therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Cellulose acetate membranes loaded with combinations of tetraphenylporphyrin, graphene oxide and Pluronic F-127 as responsive materials with antibacterial photodynamic activity
Authors: Morsi Rania E. , Gentili Denis , Corticelli Franco , Morandi Vittorio , Figoli Alberto , Russo Francesca , Galiano Francesco , Gentilomi Giovanna Angela , Bonvicini Francesca , Manet Ilse , Ventura Barbara
Published: September 2023

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes loaded with a photosensitizer, 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), a surfactant and graphene oxide (GO) display effective photoinactivation of colonies of bothS. aureusandE. coli.
Crystal structure and peculiarities of microwave parameters of Co1−xNixFe2O4 nano spinel ferrites
Authors: Hussein Marwa M. , Saafan Samia A. , Abosheiasha H. F. , Zhou Di , Klygach D. S. , Vakhitov M. G. , Trukhanov S. V. , Trukhanov A. V. , Zubar T. I. , Astapovich K. A. , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Darwish Moustafa A.
Published: September 2023

Nanosized spinel ferrites Co1−xNixFe2O4 (where x = 0.0–1.0) or CNFO have been produced using a chemical method.
Supramolecular multivalency effects enhance imine formation in aqueous medium allowing for dynamic modification of enzymatic activity
Authors: Esteve Ferran , Rahmatova Fidan , Lehn Jean-Marie
Published: September 2023

Supramolecular multivalent effects increase the stability of aldimines under physiological conditions. This approach was used for the dynamic inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, recovering its initial activity in the presence of a chemical scavenger.
Plant-based, aqueous, water-repellent sprays for coating textiles
Authors: Fleetwood Sara K. , Bell Sydney , Jetter Reinhard , Foster E. Johan
Published: September 2023

Novel superhydrophobic coatings, that are both biodegradable and biosourced, have the potential to revolutionize the water-repellent coating industry.
B←N bonds alter the photo-generated electron/hole separation ability of conjugated polymers to promote photocatalytic performance
Authors: Chen Peiyan , Ji Fanbo , Ma Detian , Xie Yangbin , Wu Xuan , Zhang Mingcai , Ru Chenglong , Zhou Lian , Wu Jincai , Pan Xiaobo
Published: September 2023

B←N bond implantation in a conjugated polymer skeleton alters the photo-generated electron/hole separation ability and thus improves the photocatalytic performance.
E-Learning Simulations for Teaching Clinical Decision-Making in an Audiology Training Program
Authors: Tomlin Dani , Bowers Patrick , Graydon Kelley
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Clinical decision-making is an essential component of most clinical processes across the health sector and an ongoing challenge for clinical education programs to teach to students. The traditional methods of teaching these skills outside of lectures are mainly through clinical placements and problem-based learning (PBL) sessions, but availability and consistency can be variable and resource heavy. To address these challenges, an e-simulation module specific to pediatric infant diagnostic testing has been developed and implemented into the teaching program. We aimed to establish whether e-simulation resulted in student skill acquisition.

Method:

Academic performance measures for 67 audiology students who used a traditional PBL and 108 students who used the e-simulation module were collected and analyzed. Student survey results generated both quantitative and qualitative data, which were analyzed using a thematic analysis with an inductive approach.

Results:

Findings indicated that the e-simulation platform introduced in this study yielded learning outcomes similar to the traditional PBL format previously used. Participants experienced a significant in situ increase in understanding of infant diagnostic testing concepts following the use of the e-simulation and evaluated the e-simulation platform positively.

Conclusion:

The data support that an e-simulation–based approach in clinical education presents pedagogical benefits and can provide a meaningful sustainable inclusion in today's clinical teaching programs.
Enhancing Syntactic Knowledge in School-Age Children With Developmental Language Disorder: The Promise of Syntactic Priming
Authors: Montgomery James W. , Gillam Ronald B. , Plante Elena
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

We propose that implicit learning, including syntactic priming, has therapeutic promise to enhance the syntactic knowledge of children with developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method:

We review the chunk-based learning framework of syntactic learning, the developmental evidence in support of it, and the developmental literature on syntactic priming as an instance of chunk-based statistical learning. We use this framework to help understand the nature of the syntactic learning difficulties of children with DLD. We then briefly review the available explicit treatments for syntactic deficits and end by proposing an implicit training activity that integrates syntactic priming with the principles of statistical learning.

Results:

Statistically induced chunk-based learning is a powerful driver of syntactic learning, and syntactic priming is a form of this learning. Repeated priming episodes during everyday language interactions lead children to create abstract and global syntactic representations in long-term memory. We offer some thoughts on an implicit language intervention approach with syntactic priming at its center.

Conclusions:

Children's learning of syntactic structures is influenced by repeated syntactic priming experiences. Including a syntactic priming activity in our language intervention toolbox has the promise to enhance children's syntactic knowledge and sentence comprehension and production abilities.
Development of Mandarin Lexical Tone Identification in Noise and Its Relation With Working Memory
Authors: Chen Fei , Guo Qingqing , Deng Yunhua , Zhu Jiaqiang , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to examine the developmental trajectory of Mandarin tone identification in quiet and two noisy conditions: speech-shaped noise (SSN) and multitalker babble noise. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between tonal identification development and working memory capacity.

Method:

Ninety-three typically developing children aged 5–8 years and 23 young adults completed categorical identification of two tonal continua (Tone 1–4 and Tone 2–3) in quiet, SSN, and babble noise. Their working memory was additionally measured using auditory digit span tests. Correlation analyses between digit span scores and boundary widths were performed.

Results:

Six-year-old children have achieved the adultlike ability of categorical identification of Tone 1–4 continuum under both types of noise. Moreover, 6-year-old children could identify Tone 2–3 continuum as well as adults in SSN. Nonetheless, the child participants, even 8-year-olds, performed worse when tokens from Tone 2–3 continuum were masked by babble noise. Greater working memory capacity was associated with better tone identification in noise for preschoolers aged 5–6 years; however, for school-age children aged 7–8 years, such correlation only existed in Tone 2–3 continuum in SSN.

Conclusions:

Lexical tone perception might take a prolonged time to achieve adultlike competence in babble noise relative to SSN. Moreover, a significant interaction between masking type and stimulus difficulty was found, as indicated by Tone 2–3 being more susceptible to interference from babble noise than Tone 1–4. Furthermore, correlations between working memory capacity and tone perception in noise varied with developmental stage, stimulus difficulty, and masking type.
Accessing and Receiving Speech-Language Pathology Services at the Multidisciplinary Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Patient Experiences and Needs
Authors: Huynh Anna , Adams Kerry , Barnett-Tapia Carolina , Kalra Sanjay , Zinman Lorne , Yunusova Yana
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

This study sought to explore how patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presenting with coexisting bulbar and cognitive impairments and their caregivers experienced the speech-language pathologist (SLP) services provided in multidisciplinary ALS clinics in Canada and identified their perceived needs for bulbar symptom management.

Method:

This qualitative study was informed by interpretive description. Seven interviews were conducted with patients with severe bulbar dysfunction or severe bulbar and cognitive dysfunction due to ALS or ALS-frontotemporal dementia, respectively, and/or their caregivers. Purposive sampling was used to recruit individuals with severe bulbar or bulbar and cognitive disease. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.

Results:

Patients and caregivers reported difficulties with accessing and receiving SLP services at the multidisciplinary ALS clinic. These difficulties were further exacerbated in those with severe cognitive disease. Participants expressed a need for more specific (i.e., disease and service-related) information and personalized care to address their changing needs and preferences. Engaging caregivers earlier in SLP appointments was perceived as vital to support care planning and provide in-time caregiver education.

Conclusions:

This study highlighted the challenges experienced by patients and caregivers in accessing and receiving SLP services. There is a pressing need for a more person-centered approach to ALS care and a continuing need for education of SLPs on care provision in cases of complex multisymptom diseases within a multidisciplinary ALS clinic.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24069222