bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moronic acid improves intestinal inflammation in mice with chronic colitis by inhibiting intestinal macrophage polarization
Authors: Ruan Shuiliang , Zha Li
Published: August 2022

This study focuses on exploring the role and mechanism of moronic acid (MOA), a small triterpenoid molecule, against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal macrophages were cultured in vitro, and their M1 polarization was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). After intervention with MOA, the proportion of M1 macrophages was detected, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β) were examined by ELISA. IFA staining was performed to determine the P50 and CD86 expressions, while DCFH‐DA was used to determine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, as well as the p‐P50 and NLRP3 protein levels. Additionally, we also used N‐acetylcysteine, a ROS inhibitor, to further explore the association between MOA and ROS‐NF‐κB signaling. In murine experimentation, colitis was induced in mice with DSS. After MOA intervention, we assessed the mucosal barrier damage, tissue ROS, as well as protein and inflammatory cytokine levels. MOA could inhibit the M1 polarization of intestinal macrophages, suppress the expressions of inflammatory cytokines, and reduce the level of ROS‐NF‐κB‐NLRP3 signaling. After inhibiting ROS through NAC treatment, the effect of MOA was evidently weakened. Clearly, MOA exerted its activity via ROS. In the murine model, MOA could lower the CD86 level in the intestinal tissues, inhibit the M1 polarization of macrophages, and reduce the tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines. This study finds that MOA can regulate ROS‐NF‐κB‐NLRP3 signaling by inhibiting ROS, thereby suppressing the M1 polarization of intestinal macrophages, which plays a protective role in IBD.
Curcumin attenuates Cr (VI)‐induced cell growth and migration by targeting autophagy‐dependent reprogrammed metabolism
Authors: Dlamini Mongameli B. , Bao Shibo , Gao Zeyun , Mei Junjie , Ge Hong , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Li Qiujuan , Shi Xiaoxia , Liu Yong , Cao Jun
Published: August 2022

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is a well‐established carcinogen. Cr (VI)‐treated cells are phenotypically characterized by aberrant levels of growth and migration. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the plant turmeric, has been found to possess antiproliferation, anti‐inflammation, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the effect of curcumin on Cr (VI)‐induced cell survival and migration and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Cell viability assay on A549 and human embryonic lung fibroblast cells showed that curcumin at the concentration of 10 µM could significantly attenuate Cr (VI)‐induced viability in both cell lines. Following Western blot assay and metabolomics assays, cotreatment with curcumin and Cr (VI) resulted in the suppression of Cr (VI)‐induced glycolysis‐, autophagy‐, and migration‐related proteins. Meanwhile, curcumin increased Cr (VI)‐reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)‐related proteins, COXIV and ND1. Moreover, curcumin suppressed Cr (VI)‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial mass decrease, and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Treatment with curcumin for 24 h significantly attenuated pcATG4B‐induced autophagy and the subsequent expression of glucose transporter 1, hexokinase II, and pyruvate kinase M2. Wound healing and transwell assay demonstrated that curcumin reduced Cr (VI)‐induced cell migration. Taken together, these results showed that curcumin was able to attenuate Cr (VI)‐induced cell viability and migration by targeting autophagy‐dependent reprogrammed metabolism from OXPHOS to glycolysis.
RBM3 is an outstanding cold shock protein with multiple physiological functions beyond hypothermia
Authors: Hu Yajie , Liu Yang , Quan Xin , Fan Wenxuan , Xu Bin , Li Shize
Published: August 2022

RNA‐binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), an outstanding cold shock protein, is rapidly upregulated to ensure homeostasis and survival in a cold environment, which is an important physiological mechanism in response to cold stress. Meanwhile, RBM3 has multiple physiological functions and participates in the regulation of various cellular physiological processes, such as antiapoptosis, circadian rhythm, cell cycle, reproduction, and tumogenesis. The structure, conservation, and tissue distribution of RBM3 in human are demonstrated in this review. Herein, the multiple physiological functions of RBM3 were summarized based on recent research advances. Meanwhile, the cytoprotective mechanism of RBM3 during stress under various adverse conditions and its regulation of transcription were discussed. In addition, the neuroprotection of RBM3 and its oncogenic role and controversy in various cancers were investigated in our review.
Model‐Informed Rationale for Early Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Colistin in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Mathew Sumith K. , Rao Shoma V. , Prabha Ratna , Neely Michael N. , Mathew Binu Susan , Aruldhas Blessed Winston , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Kandasamy Subramani
Published: August 2022

Adequate colistin exposure is important for microbiological clearance. This study was performed in critically ill patients >18 years old to develop a simplified nonparametric pharmacokinetic (PK) model of colistin for routine clinical use and to determine the role of dose optimization. The Non‐Parametric Adaptive Grid algorithm within the Pmetrics software package for R was used to develop a PK model from 47 patients, and external validation of the final model was performed in 13 patients. A 1‐compartment multiplicative gamma error model with 0‐order input and first‐order elimination of colistin was developed with creatinine clearance and serum albumin as covariates on elimination rate constant. An R2 for observed vs individual predicted colistin concentrations of 0.92 was obtained in the validation cohort. High interindividual variability in colistin steady‐state area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from from 120 hours to 144 hours (coefficient of variation = 80.1%) and a high interoccasion variability (median coefficient of variation of AUC from time 0 to hours predicted every 8 hours for initial 96 hours after starting colistin = 23.8) was predicted in patients who received this antibiotic for a period of over 152 hours (n = 22). With the model‐suggested dose regimen, only 20% of simulated profiles achieved AUC from time 0 to 24 hours in the range of 50 to 60 mg • h/L due to high variability in population PK. In this group of patients, steady‐state colistin concentrations were predicted to be achieved >96 hours after initiation of colistimethate sodium. This study advocates the need for early and repeated therapeutic drug monitoring and dose optimization in critically ill patients to achieve adequate therapeutic concentration of colistin.
Projected dry/wet regimes in China using SPEI under four SSP‐RCPs based on statistically downscaled CMIP6 data
Authors: Chen Xinguo , Li Yi , Yao Ning , Liu De Li , Liu Qingzhu , Song Xiaoyan , Liu Fenggui , Pulatov Bakhtiyor , Meng Qingtao , Feng Puyu
Published: August 2022

Dry/wet conditions are one of the key constituents of climate change. The understanding of dry/wet variability is vital for production and water resources management. In this research, the temporal variations of 12‐month timescale standardized precipitation evapotranspiration (SPEI) over 2021–2100 under the SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios in seven subregions and China's mainland were investigated over the baseline period of 1961–2000. The run theory was used to project the variations of dry/wet frequency, duration and severity at different levels during 1961–2000, 2021–2060 and 2061–2100 based on the estimated SPEI. The results showed that dry tendency would occur in northwest China. The linear trend for SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5 were −0.056, −0.031, 0.009 and −0.072 per decade, respectively. While wet tendency would occur in the other regions over 2021–2100. The mild, moderate and severe dry/wet duration and severity over 2021–2060 and 2061–2100 would gradually decrease. Except for northwest China and Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, the extreme drought duration and severity would increase in the other subregions, while the extreme wet duration and severity would increase in most regions of China. The drought frequency in north China would range from 0 to 14 times and be smaller than the other regions over 2021–2060 and 2060–2100. However, the wet frequency in south China would be larger than that in the other regions. The dry/wet frequency duration and severity for the SSP5‐8.5 scenario would be the largest among the four scenarios. The projected dry/wet conditions can provide useful information for future water resources management.
Rapid glacier recession at Monte San Lorenzo (Patagonia) in response to abrupt Southern Hemisphere warming 13.0–12.0 ka BP
Authors: Martin Julian R. V. , Thorndycraft Varyl R. , Davies Bethan J. , Rodés Ángel
Published: August 2022

Mid‐latitude Patagonian glaciers are sensitive to changes in the complex coupled ocean–atmospheric climate system of the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we investigate glacier response to a period of rapid climate warming immediately post‐dating the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR). We analyse a sequence of 13 ice margins, four of them dated, from an outlet valley of the Monte San Lorenzo ice cap (47.3°S). We constrain glacier recession of 31.7 km over a period of ~1 kyr from 13.2  ±  0.4 to 12.1  ±  0.4 ka. The average rate of recession was 35.2 m a−1 over this 1‐kyr period, increasing from 12.75 m a−1 at the start of the record (moraines M1 to M4) to 50 m a−1 from M9 to M12. This recession occurred during a period of rapid warming when the austral westerlies shifted polewards. It is likely that ice extent stabilized during the Holocene, with ice occupying the M13 moraine during repeated Holocene neoglacials, before anthropogenic warming caused recession at a rate of 55.5 m a−1 from 1985 to 2016. We conclude that 20th century rates of recession were higher than those during post‐ACR warming, though of a similar order of magnitude.
The efficacy of the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator in the prediction of postoperative complications in oncogeriatric patients after curative surgery for abdominal tumors
Authors: El Asmar Antoine , Hafez Karim , Fauconnier Pauline , Moreau Michel , Dal Lago Lissandra , Pepersack Thierry , Donckier Vincent , Liberale Gabriel
Published: August 2022

Background

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has developed a Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC) to predict postoperative surgical complications. No studies have reported the performance of the ACS‐SRC in oncogeriatric patients. Our objective was to evaluate the predictive performance of the ACS‐SRC in these patients, treated with curative surgery for an abdominal malignancy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including 136 patients who underwent elective abdominal oncological surgery, between 2017 and 2019, at our institution. Postoperative complications were classified according to the ACS‐SRC, and its predictive performance was analyzed by assessing discrimination and calibration and using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Discrimination was adequate with AUC of 0.7113 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.062–1.202, p = 0.0001; Brier 0.198) for serious complications and 0.7230 (95% CI: 1.101–1.756, p = 0.0057; Brier 0.099) for pneumonia; and poor for sepsis, surgical site infection (SSI), and urinary tract infection (UTI) with AUCs of 0.6636 (95% CI: 1.016–1.353, p = 0.0299; Brier 0.142), 0.6167 (95% CI: 1.003–1.266, p = 0.0450; Brier 0.175), and 0.6598 (95% CI: 1.069–2.145, p = 0.0195; Brier 0.082), respectively.

Conclusion

The ACS‐SRC is an adequate predictor for serious complications and pneumonia in oncogeriatric patients treated surgically for abdominal cancer. However, the predictive power of the calculator appears to be low for sepsis, UTI, and SSI.
Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Russo Elena , Costantino Andrea , Veneroni Maria Vittoria , Festa Bianca Maria , Pellini Raul , Campo Flaminia , Petruzzi Gerardo , Spriano Giuseppe , Mercante Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the oncological outcomes of salvage transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of patients suffering from recurrent laryngeal cancer.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched. English language, original studies investigating oncological outcomes of TLM in adult patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer were included. Data were pooled using a distribution‐free approach for estimating summary local control (LC), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) curves with random effects.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐five patients underwent salvage TLM after primary (chemo)radiotherapy. The mean follow‐up time was 60.8 months (95% CI: 32.7–88.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 74.2% (61.7–89.4), 53.9% (38.5–75.3), and 39.1% (25.2–60.8). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 88.4% (82.0–95.3), 67.8% (50.9–90.3), and 58.9% (42.7–81.1). Two hundred and seventy‐one patients underwent TLM after primary laser treatment. The mean follow‐up time was 70.9 months (95% CI: 36.9–104.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 72.2% (64.7–80.6), 53.2% (42.2–66.9), and 40.4% (29.6–55.2). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 92.1% (85.5–99.1), 77.0% (64.4–92.0), and 67.1% (51.6–87.3).

Conclusions

TLM is a valuable treatment option for the management of locally recurrent laryngeal carcinoma if performed by experienced surgeons and following rigorous patients' selection criteria. Further studies should be conducted to define stage‐based clinical guidelines.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1425–1433, 2023
Cathodic disbonding tests operating at large cathodic potentials for long periods need current monitoring, pH control and anode isolation
Authors: Benedetti Alessandro , Castelli Filippo , Stifanese Roberto , Traverso Pierluigi , Faimali Marco , Bergo Andrea , Delucchi Marina
Published: August 2022

Metallic structures in service in seawater are protected by coupling cathodic protection and paints, where the former may induce disbondment of the latter. A preliminary evaluation of the cathodic disbondment risk can be made by cathodic disbondment tests (CDTs). Many CDTs use cathodic potentials as large asE < −1400 mV versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) applied up to 90 days. Only two CDT protocols require contemporary anode isolation, current and pH monitoring, without its correction. These three aspects were considered to develop a hybrid CDT; it consisted of polarizing steel panels at −1500 mV versus SCE for 12 weeks. The chemical effects related to the anodic processes were investigated. A pH acidic shift was observed and was justified by the increasing current demand due to paint damage and brucite precipitation on the panels. The necessity of anode isolating glass to prevent chlorine chemical attack against the paints, potentially affecting the disbondment result, was verified by estimating the virtual chemical attack induced by free chlorine. In conclusion, current monitoring, pH control and anode isolation are highly suggested to correctly conduct and interpret the cathodic disbondment results when CDTs requiring large electronegative potentials are applied for long periods.
Cyanate Ester Resin with High Heat‐Resistance and Degradable Diacetal Structure: Synthesis, Polymerization, and Properties
Authors: Liu Linze , Xia Yiqinq , Wang Lian , Shi Rui , Yan Shuai , Zhao Xingyu , Jin Yongzhong , Sheng Yuping
Published: August 2022

Cyanate resins are high‐performance thermosetting resins with excellent mechanical, thermal, and dielectric properties. In this work, a novel cyanate ester monomer, 3,9‐bis‐(4‐cyanato‐phenyl)‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐spiro[5.5]undecane structure (DBCE), is prepared based on a diphenol (DB) with a degradable diacetal structure. The characterization of the chemical structures and polymerization behaviors of the samples are achieved by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The obtained results confirm the successful syntheses of DB and DBCE, and the polymerization temperature of DBCE is between 160 °C to 250 °C, which is lower than that of a comparative commercial cyanate ester resin (BADCy). The thermal and dielectric properties of the curedresin (Poly‐DBCE) are explored by dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and an Agilent impedance analyzer. The results reveal that Poly‐DBCE manifest promising heat resistance (Tg = 294 °C) and thermal stability (Td,5 = 347 °C and char yield at 800 °C = 37.6%). The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the Poly‐DBCE at 10 MHz are 3.11 and 0.0095, respectively. Additionally, the Poly‐DBCE is completely degraded under mildly acidic conditions, and efficient recoveries of carbon fiber and glass fiber with high values are reported from their corresponding fiber‐reinforced composites.
E2F7 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma growth by preserving the SP1/SOX4/Anillin axis via repressing miRNA‐383‐5p transcription
Authors: Hao Fengjie , Wang Nan , Zhang Yifan , Xu Wen , Chen Yongjun , Fei Xiaochun , Wang Junqing
Published: August 2022

E2F family participates in most human malignancies by activating the transcription of the cell cycle‐related genes. Whereas, as a specifical atypical member of this family, E2F7 was described as a repressor against its downstream genes and exerted oscillatory and controversial functions in cancers. Our previous study identified a molecular interaction promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth induced by SOX4 and Anillin. Meanwhile, we preliminarily identified SP1 as the upstream activator of SOX4. Intriguingly, we observed that the repressive E2F7 presents a remarkable high expression in HCC, and is positively correlated and involved in the same pathway with the potentially SP1/SOX4/Anillin axis. However, their exact interaction or mechanism controlling tumor progress between these genes has not been illustrated. Thus, we focused on this point in this study and attempted to improve the potential regulating axis in HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth for promoting tumor prevention and control. The expression profile of E2F7 in HCC tissues and tumor cells was detected along with the related candidate genes, through real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, the Western blot analysis, and the immunohistochemistry assay, combined with bioinformatics analysis of the HCC information from the the Cancer Genome Altas and Gene Expression Omnibus data sets. The correlation between E2F7 and HCC patients' clinicopathologic features was explored. Gain‐of and loss‐of‐function assays were conducted both in vitro and in vivo along with the rescue experiment, for revealing the relative genes' functions in HCC progress. The ChIP and the dual‐luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the transcriptional regulating profile between E2F7 and SP1/SOX4/Anillin axis. E2F7 was upregulated in HCC and significantly correlated with SP1/SOX4/Anillin axis. High E2F7 expression is associated with dismal clinicopathologic features and poor survival of the patients. E2F7 depletion potently impaired SP1/SOX4/Anillin expression and significantly inhibited HCC growth. Furthermore, intensive exploration demonstrated that E2F7 preserves high SP1 levels by abrogating miR‐383‐5p in a transcriptional way. Atypical E2F7 is an important repressive transcription factor commonly upregulated in the HCC environment. E2F7 facilitates HCC growth by repressing miR‐383‐5p transcription and sequentially promoting SP1/SOX4/Anillin axis. Our findings provide us with probable targets for HCC prevention and therapeutic treatment.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of California Commercial Fisheries from 2005 to 2019 and Potential Overlap with Offshore Wind Energy Development
Authors: Wang Yi-Hui , Walter Ryan K. , White Crow , Ruttenberg Benjamin I.
Published: August 2022

As climate change accelerates and fisheries management continues to evolve, California's commercial fisheries are changing. To improve the understanding of recent California fisheries dynamics, we compiled and analyzed commercial landings receipts to characterize temporal and spatial variation in landing and value of key fisheries groups within the exclusive economic zone across the state from 2005 to 2019. We found that California fisheries continue a shift first observed in the 1980s from higher-biomass, lower-value species, such as coastal pelagic species and market squid, toward lower-biomass, higher-value species, such as Dungeness crab Cancer magister and groundfish. Over the 15-year time series analyzed, total landings declined by nearly two-thirds but total value remained relatively stable, likely due to a focus on higher value species and rising prices. The northern half of the state has become much more economically valuable, accounting for over 50% of total value across the state in 2019. A case study analysis found groundfish to be the dominant fisheries in the two areas that have been identified as priorities for potential offshore wind development in central and northern California. Our results elucidate the most recent status and trends of California's commercial fisheries, over time, across space, and among different fisheries groups, providing valuable information for informing fisheries management and marine spatial planning.
Lifting the hood of supply and demand for trademarks of start‐ups: Partial observability estimates
Authors: Power Bernadette , Reid Gavin C.
Published: August 2022

This paper estimates simultaneously the supply and the demand determinants of the trademark adoption decision made by start‐ups. We use a partial observability econometric model, as non‐adoption is unobserved. Estimation is by maximum likelihood using the partial observability bivariate probit (POBP) model for an unbalanced longitudinal panel of surviving US start‐ups (2004–2011). Our model is shown to provide a good explanation of supply and demand determinants of trademark adoption. For example, size, incorporation and expenditure on R&D are important on the supply side; and copyrights, licensing out and being in a high knowledge information sector are important on the demand side.
Employability, organizational commitment and person–organization fit among nurses in China: A correctional cross‐sectional research
Authors: Yan Wei , Wu Xingqu , Wang Huan , Zhang Yaling , Cheng Lixia , Zhou Xinyao , Chen Huan , Song Caiping , Ye Junying
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore the effect of training on organizational commitment, the mediating effect of employability and the moderating role of person–organization fit.

Design

A correctional cross‐sectional research design was adopted for this study.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based survey of 859 nurses in a public hospital in Western China was conducted to identify their perceptions of training, employability, organizational commitment and person–organization fit. Hierarchical linear regression and conditional process analysis on moderated mediation were performed.

Results

Training had a positive effect on organizational commitment (p < .01). Internal and external employability mediated the relationship between training and organizational commitment (p < .01). Person–organization fit enhanced the indirect effect of training on organizational commitment through external employability (p < .05).
Robotic device for transcranial focussed ultrasound applications in small animal models
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Giannakou Marinos , Georgiou Elena , Kleopa Kleopas A. , Damianou Christakis
Published: August 2022

Background

Focussed Ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) was proven a promising modality for non‐invasive blood brain barrier disruption (BBBD). Herein, two devices for FUS‐mediated BBBD in rodents are presented.

Methods

A two‐axes robotic device was manufactured for navigating a single element FUS transducer of 1 MHz relative to the brain of rodents. A second more compact device featuring a single motorized vertical axis was also developed. Their performance was assessed in terms of motion accuracy, MRI compatibility and trans‐skull BBBD in wild type mice using MBs in synergy with pulsed FUS.

Results

Successful BBBD was evidenced by the Evans Blue dye method, as well as by Fibronectin and Fibrinogen immunostaining. BBB permeability was enhanced when the applied acoustic intensity was increased.

Conclusions

The proposed devices constitute a cost‐effective and ergonomic solution for FUS‐mediated BBBD in small animal models. Further experimentation is needed to examine the repeatability of results and optimise the therapeutic protocol.
High‐performance quadrotor slung load transportation with damped oscillations
Authors: Reis Joel , Yu Gan , Cabecinhas David , Silvestre Carlos
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a control solution for the problem of slung load transportation, with simultaneous damping of oscillations, using an underactuated autonomous quadrotor vehicle in the presence of external disturbances. The strategy put forward is divided into two parts: (i) resorting to an error definition that encompasses the pendular motion of the suspended load, a controller inspired in sliding‐mode theory is developed to compute a vectored thrust actuation that actively damps out the system's oscillations; (ii) two different approaches are illustrated for the stage of attitude tracking: one stemming from the conventional backstepping technique, which controls the vehicle in angular velocity commands; and another, also based on sliding‐mode theory, and built intrinsically in , that produces torque commands. The overall control scheme is proved to be robust and stable, with the load oscillations shown to be damped out in the process. Simulation and experimental results are presented in a trajectory tracking scenario to validate and assess the robustness and efficiency of the proposed technique.
Cadmium exposure induces autophagy via PLC‐IP3‐IP3R signaling pathway in duck renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Guo Huiling , Huang Bingyan , Cui Ting , Chu Xuesheng , Pu Wenjing , Huang Gang , Xing Chenghong , Zhang Caiying
Published: August 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is detrimental to animals, but nephrotoxic effects of Cd on duck have not been fully elucidated. To evaluate the impacts of Cd on Ca homeostasis and autophagy via PLC‐IP3‐IP3R pathway, primary duck renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed to 2.5 μM and 5.0 μM Cd, and combination of 5.0 μM Cd and 10.0 μM 2‐APB or 0.125 μM U‐73122 for 12 h (U‐73122 pretreated for 1 h). These results evidenced that Cd induced [Ca2+]c overload mainly came from intracellular Ca store. Cd caused [Ca2+]mit and [Ca2+]c overload with [Ca2+]ER decrease, elevated Ca homeostasis related factors (GRP78, GRP94, CRT, CaN, CaMKII, and CaMKKβ) expression, PLC and IP3 activities and IP3R expression, but subcellular Ca2+ redistribution was reversed by 2‐APB. PLC inhibitor U‐73122 dramatically relieved the changes of the above indicators induced by Cd. Additionally, U‐73122 obviously reduced the number of autophagosomes and LC3 accumulation spots, Atg5, LC3A, LC3B mRNA levels and LC3II/LC3I, Beclin‐1 protein levels induced by Cd, and markedly elevated p62 mRNA and protein levels. Overall, the results verified that Cd induced [Ca2+]c overload mainly originated from ER Ca2+ release mediated by PLC‐IP3‐IP3R pathway, then triggered autophagy in duck renal tubular epithelial cells.
Zinc supplementation improves antioxidant status, and organic zinc is more efficient than inorganic zinc in improving the bone strength of aged laying hens
Authors: Niknia Aidin Dokht , Vakili Reza , Tahmasbi Abdol‐Mansour
Published: August 2022

Background

There have been some reports indicating that supplementation of zinc could alleviate the negative effects of age on egg quality in laying hens. However, information regarding these positive effects on health and zinc deposition in the body is limited.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of organic and inorganic sources of zinc on the antioxidant activity, bone strength, and zinc deposition in the tissues of older laying hens.

Methods

In a completely randomized design, 175 Leghorn laying hens (w36) aged 80 weeks were allocated into seven treatment groups and five replications: control (without zinc supplementation), zinc sulphate treatments (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg), and organic zinc treatments (15, 30, and 45 mg/kg).

Results

There was a significant increase in feed intake in the zinc sulphate and organic zinc treatments compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05). The egg mass in organic and sulphate zinc showed a significant increase. The feed conversion ratio was decreased significantly in the organic zinc treatments (p < 0.05). Both organic and sulphate zinc supplements enhanced serum superoxide dismutase activity as an antioxidant index (p < 0.05). The cortical thickness of the tibia was improved in laying hens receiving 30 mg/kg organic zinc. Supplementation of zinc could lead to an increase in zinc deposition in tissues, and organic zinc boosts bone strength.

Conclusion

Zinc supplementation can improve antioxidant activity, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio and enhance egg mass and optimal absorption of zinc in tissues. The use of 30 mg/kg organic zinc is recommended for improving the cortical thickness of the tibia in aged laying hens.
Synthesis and crystal structures of rhodium acetate paddle‐wheel complexes with anchor group‐functionalised and hydrogen bond‐supported axial ligands
Authors: Mang André , Linseis Michael , Winter Rainer F.
Published: August 2022

We report the synthesis and X‐ray structures of four Rh2(OAc)4(LAx)2 (OAc=acetate, CH3COO−) paddle‐wheel complexes (C1−C4) with methylthio‐modified axial ligands LAx derived from benzamidine (L1), anilinopyrimidine (L2) or isothiourea (L3, L4) that are capable of forming N−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds to the equatorially bridging acetate ligands. This was done with the aim to suppress dissociation of the axial ligands and to make the complexes amenable to single‐molecule conductance measurements in a scanning tunneling microscope break‐junction (STM‐BJ) setup. The characteristic spectroscopic features (NMR, IR, vis), crystal structures, the hydrogen‐bonding motifs and a DFT‐based screening of their frontier molecular orbitals are presented. Our calculations suggest that hydrogen‐bonding stabilises axial ligand binding by 15 kJ/mol to 30 kJ/mol and that the HOMO of the rhodium paddle‐wheels is closer to the Au work function than the LUMO, so that the rhodium paddle‐wheels are expected to constitute hole conductors.
Large charges on the Wilson loop in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM. Part II. Quantum fluctuations, OPE, and spectral curve
Authors: Giombi Simone , Komatsu Shota , Offertaler Bendeguz
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We continue our study of large charge limits of the defect CFT defined by the half-BPS Wilson loop in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory. In this paper, we compute 1/J corrections to the correlation function of two heavy insertions of charge J and two light insertions, in the double scaling limit where the charge J and the ’t Hooft coupling λ are sent to infinity with the ratio J/$$ \sqrt{\lambda } $$

λ

fixed. Holographically, they correspond to quantum fluctuations around a classical string solution with large angular momentum, and can be computed by evaluating Green’s functions on the worldsheet. We derive a representation of the Green’s functions in terms of a sum over residues in the complexified Fourier space, and show that it gives rise to the conformal block expansion in the heavy-light channel. This allows us to extract the scaling dimensions and structure constants for an infinite tower of non-protected dCFT operators. We also find a close connection between our results and the semi-classical integrability of the string sigma model. The series of poles of the Green’s functions in Fourier space corresponds to points on the spectral curve where the so-called quasi-momentum satisfies a quantization condition, and both the scaling dimensions and the structure constants in the heavy-light channel take simple forms when written in terms of the spectral curve. These observations suggest extensions of the results by Gromov, Schafer-Nameki and Vieira on the semiclassical energy of closed strings, and in particular hint at the possibility of determining the structure constants directly from the spectral curve.
Lepton flavor violation, lepton (g − 2)μ, e and electron EDM in the modular symmetry
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuo , Otsuka Hajime , Tanimoto Morimitsu , Yamamoto Kei
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study the lepton flavor violation (LFV), the leptonic magnetic moments (g − 2)μ, e and the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the electron in the Standard-Model Effective Field Theory with the ΓN modular flavor symmetry. We employ the stringy Ansatz on coupling structure that 4-point couplings of matter fields are written by a product of 3-point couplings of matter fields. We take the level 3 finite modular group, Γ3 for the flavor symmetry, and discuss the dipole operators at nearby fixed point τ = i, where observed lepton masses and mixing angles are well reproduced. Suppose the anomaly of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon to be evidence of the new physics (NP), we have related it with (g − 2)e, LFV decays, and the electron EDM. It is found that the NP contribution to (g − 2)e is proportional to the lepton masses squared likewise the naive scaling. We also discuss the correlations among the LFV processes μ → eγ, τ → μγ and τ → eγ, which are testable in the future. The electron EDM requires the tiny imaginary part of the relevant Wilson coefficient in the basis of real positive charged lepton masses, which is related to the μ → eγ transition in our framework.
Anatomy of scalar mediated proton decays in SO(10) models
Authors: Patel Ketan M. , Shukla Saurabh K.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Realistic models based on the renormalizable grand unified theories have varieties of scalars, many of which are capable of mediating baryon (B) and lepton (L) number non-conserving processes. We identify all such scalar fields residing in 10, $$ \overline{\mathbf{126}} $$

126
¯

and 120 dimensional irreducible representations of SO(10) which can induce baryon and lepton number violating interactions through the leading order d = 6 and d = 7 operators. Explicitly computing their couplings with the standard model fermions, we derive the effective operators including the possibility of mixing between the scalars stemming from a given representation. We find that such interactions at d = 6 are mediated by only three sets of scalars: T(3, 1, −1/3), $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
(3, 1, −4/3) and $$ \mathbbm{T} $$
T
(3, 3, −1/3) and their conjugates. In the models with 10 and $$ \overline{\mathbf{126}} $$

126
¯

, only the first has appropriate couplings to mediate the proton decay. While $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
and $$ \mathbbm{T} $$
T
can induce baryon number violating interactions when 120 is present, $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
does not contribute to the proton decay at tree level because of its flavour antisymmetric coupling. Three additional colour triplets and their conjugates can mediate nucleon decay via d = 7 operators which violate also the B − L. We give general expressions for partial widths of proton in terms of the fundamental Yukawa couplings and use these results to explicitly compute the proton lifetime and branching ratios for the minimal non-supersymmetric SO(10) model based on 10 and $$ \overline{\mathbf{126}} $$

126
¯

Higgs. We find that the proton preferably decays into $$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

K+ or μ+K0 and list several distinct features of scalar mediated proton decay. If the latter dominates over the gauge mediated contributions, the proton decay spectrum provides a direct probe to the flavour structure of the underlying grand unified theory.
Implications of the zero 1-3 flavour mixing hypothesis: predictions for $$ {\theta}_{23}^{\mathrm{PMNS}} $$ and δPMNS
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Hinze Kevin , Saad Shaikh
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We revisit mixing sum rule relations in the lepton and quark sectors under the assumption that the 1-3 elements of the flavour mixing matrices ($$ {V}_L^u $$

V
L
u

,$$ {V}_L^d $$

V
L
d

,$$ {V}_L^e $$

V
L
e

,$$ {V}_L^{\nu } $$

V
L
ν

) are zero in the flavour basis. We consider the exact relations resulting from the validity of this “zero 1-3 flavour mixing hypothesis” and analyse their implications based on the current experimental data, including effects from RG running. In particular, we analyse how the existing precise measurement of $$ {\theta}_{13}^{\mathrm{PMNS}} $$

θ
13
PMNS

allows to derive predictions for $$ {\theta}_{23}^{\mathrm{PMNS}} $$

θ
23
PMNS

in models with constrained $$ {\theta}_{12}^{\mathrm{e}} $$

θ
12
e

. As examples, we calculate the predictions for $$ {\theta}_{23}^{\mathrm{PMNS}} $$

θ
23
PMNS

which arise in 12 classes of Pati-Salam models and SU(5) GUTs that relate $$ {\theta}_{12}^{\mathrm{e}} $$

θ
12
e

to $$ {\theta}_{12}^{\mathrm{d}} $$

θ
12
d

. We also derive a novel “lepton phase sum rule”, valid under the additional assumption of small charged lepton mixing contributions. We furthermore point out that, in the context of GUT flavour models, the quark and lepton CP violating phases δCKM and δPMNS can both be predicted from a single imaginary element in the mass matrices.
Quantization of the zigzag model
Authors: Donahue John C. , Dubovsky Sergei
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The zigzag model is a relativistic integrable N-body system describing the leading high-energy semiclassical dynamics on the worldsheet of long confining strings in massive adjoint two-dimensional QCD. We discuss quantization of this model. We demonstrate that to achieve a consistent quantization of the model it is necessary to account for the non-trivial geometry of phase space. The resulting Poincaré invariant integrable quantum theory is a close cousin of $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed models.
Going beyond ER=EPR in the SYK model
Authors: Berkooz Micha , Brukner Nadav , Ross Simon F. , Watanabe Masataka
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We discuss generalizations of the TFD to a density matrix on the doubled Hilbert space. We suggest that a semiclassical wormhole corresponds to a certain class of such density matrices, and specify how they are constructed. Different semi-classical profiles correspond to different non-overlapping density matrices. We show that this language allows for a finer criteria for when the wormhole is semiclassical, which goes beyond entanglement. Our main tool is the SYK model. We focus on the simplest class of such density matrices, in a scaling limit where the ER bridge is captured by chords going from one space to another, encoding correlations in the microscopic Hamiltonian. The length of the wormhole simply encodes the extent these correlations are eroded when flowing from one side to the other.
One-dimensional sectors from the squashed three-sphere
Authors: Bomans Pieter , Pufu Silviu S.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 superconformal field theories contain 1d topological sectors consisting of twisted linear combinations of half-BPS local operators that can be inserted anywhere along a line. After a conformal mapping to a round three-sphere, the 1d sectors are now defined on a great circle of S3. We show that the 1d topological sectors are preserved under the squashing of the sphere. For gauge theories with matter hypermultiplets, we use supersymmetric localization to derive an explicit description of the topological sector associated with the Higgs branch. Furthermore, we find that the dependence of the 1d correlation functions on the squashing parameter b can be removed after appropriate rescalings. One can introduce real mass and Fayet-Iliopolous parameters that, after appropriate rescalings, modify the 1d theory on the squashed sphere precisely as they do on the round sphere. In addition, we also show that when a generic 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theory is deformed by real mass parameters, this deformation translates into a universal deformation of the corresponding 1d theory.
CFD of roughness effects on laminar heat transfer applied to additive manufactured minichannels
Authors: Kadivar Mohammadreza , Tormey David , McGranaghan Gerard
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing has received significant interest in the fabrication of functional channels for heat transfer; however, the inherent rough surface finish of the additively manufactured channels can influence thermal performance. This study investigates the impact of roughness on the thermo-fluid characteristics of laminar forced convection in rough minichannels. A numerical model was developed to create 3D Gaussian roughness with specified root-mean-square height. The finite volume method was used to solve the conjugate heat transfer of developed laminar flow in square minichannels. For Reynolds numbers ranging from 200 to 1600, the simulation results indicated enhanced heat transfer and increased flow resistance as Reynolds number increases, compared to a smooth minichannel, where effects on heat transfer and flow friction were negligible. For channels with relative roughness (root-mean-square height to channel hydraulic diameter) of 0.0068, 0.0113, and 0.0167, increasing the Reynolds number led to increased friction factor by 1.56, 1.71, and 2.91%, while the Nusselt number was enhanced up to 0.03%, 32.74%, and 46.05%, respectively. Heat transfer reduced in roughness valleys due to the presence of local low-velocity fluid in these regions; however, recirculation regions can occur in deep valleys of high roughness, increasing heat transfer and flow friction. Heat transfer was enhanced over roughness peaks due to flow impingement on the windward face of roughness as well as intensified energy transfer to the channel wall from roughness. Moreover, surfaces with higher roughness have a greater number of high peaks providing a thermal-flow path of a larger area and a thermal conductivity greater than that of the fluid.
Quantitative CT evaluation after two cycles of induction chemotherapy to predict prognosis of patients with locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma before undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Shuo , Shi Yan-Jie , Liu Chang , Li Xiao-Ting , Zhao Bo , Wei Yi-Yuan , Shen Lin , Lu Zhi-Hao , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the performance of quantitative CT analysis in predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after two cycles of induction chemotherapy before definitive chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 110 patients with locally advanced ESCC were retrospectively analysed. Baseline chest CT and CT after two cycles of induction chemotherapy were analysed. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazard regression model was used to identify independent prognostic markers for survival analysis. Then, a CT scoring system was established. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method were employed for analysing the prognostic value of the CT scoring system.

Results

Body mass index, treatment strategy, change ratios of thickness (ΔTHmax), CT value of the primary tumour (ΔCTVaxial) and the short diameter (ΔSD-LN), and the presence of an enlarged small lymph node (ESLN) after two cycles of chemotherapy were noted as independent factors for predicting overall survival (OS). The specificity of the presence of ESLN for death after 12 months was up to 100%. Areas under the curve value of the CT scoring system for predicting OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were higher than that of the RECIST (p < 0.05). Responders had significantly longer OS and PFS than non-responders.

Conclusion

Quantitative CT analysis after two cycles of induction chemotherapy could predict the outcome of locally advanced ESCC patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy. The CT scoring system could contribute to the development of an appropriate strategy for patients with locally advanced ESCC.

Key Points

• Quantitative CT evaluation after two cycles of induction chemotherapy can predict the long-term outcome of locally advanced oesophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy.

• A CT scoring system provides valuable imaging support for indicating the prognosis at the early stage of therapy.

• Quantitative CT evaluation can assist clinicians in personalising treatment plans.
Effects of carbon nanotubes addition on the superconducting properties and critical current density of NdBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Chong Tet Vui , Loh Shin King , Liow Chiew Han , Abd-Shukor Roslan
Published: August 2022

Polycrystalline NdBa2Cu3O7−δ samples with 0 to 1.5 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) addition have been synthesized via the solid-state reaction method. The samples were examined by the four-point probe temperature-dependent electrical resistance, critical current density and AC susceptibility measurements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that the addition of CNTs did not change the orthorhombic structure of the samples and there was no systematic variation in the lattice parameters. CNTs addition increased the transition temperature with the highest onset transition temperature, Tc onset = 96 K for the 1 wt% added sample. The critical current density increased from 2600 mA/cm2 for the pure NdBa2Cu3O7−δ to 4960 mA/cm2 for the 1.0 wt% CNTs added sample. It is suggested that the grain boundaries improved with CNTs addition, and this plays an important role in the electrical transport properties. Addition of CNTs enhanced the flux pinning and improved the grain boundaries of high-temperature superconductors. The effect of CNTs on other cuprate high-temperature superconductors has also been compared with these NdBa2Cu3O7−δ samples.
Redefining the role of surgery in early small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Doerr Fabian , Stange Sebastian , Michel Maximilian , Schlachtenberger Georg , Menghesha Hruy , Wahlers Thorsten , Hekmat Khosro , Heldwein Matthias B.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Resection is guideline recommended in stage I small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) but not in stage II. In this stage, patients are treated with a non-surgical approach. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the role of surgery in both SCLC stages. Surgically treated patients were compared to non-surgical controls. Five-year survival rates were analysed.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on December 01, 2021 in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. Studies published since 2004 on the effect of surgery in SCLC were considered and assessed using ROBINS-I. We preformed I2-tests, Q-statistics, DerSimonian-Laird tests and Egger-regression. The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA.

Results

Out of 6826 records, we identified seven original studies with a total of 15,170 patients that met our inclusion criteria. We found heterogeneity between these studies and ruled out any publication bias. Patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups (p-value > 0.05). The 5-year survival rates in stage I were 47.4 ± 11.6% for the ‘surgery group’ and 21.7 ± 11.3% for the ‘non-surgery group’ (p-value = 0.0006). Our analysis of stage II SCLC revealed a significant survival benefit after surgery (40.2 ± 21.6% versus 21.2 ± 17.3%; p-value = 0.0474).

Conclusion

Based on our data, the role of surgery in stage I and II SCLC is robust, since it improves the long-term survival in both stages significantly. Hence, feasibility of surgery as a priority treatment should always be evaluated not only in stage I SCLC but also in stage II, for which guideline recommendations might have to be reassessed.