bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-transcriptional control of a stemness signature by RNA-binding protein MEX3A regulates murine adult neurogenesis
Authors: Domingo-Muelas Ana , Duart-Abadia Pere , Morante-Redolat Jose Manuel , Jordán-Pla Antonio , Belenguer Germán , Fabra-Beser Jaime , Paniagua-Herranz Lucía , Pérez-Villalba Ana , Álvarez-Varela Adrián , Barriga Francisco M. , Gil-Sanz Cristina , Ortega Felipe , Batlle Eduard , Fariñas Isabel
Published: January 2023

Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult murine subependymal zone balance their self-renewal capacity and glial identity with the potential to generate neurons during the lifetime. Adult NSCs exhibit lineage priming via pro-neurogenic fate determinants. However, the protein levels of the neural fate determinants are not sufficient to drive direct differentiation of adult NSCs, which raises the question of how cells along the neurogenic lineage avoid different conflicting fate choices, such as self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we identify RNA-binding protein MEX3A as a post-transcriptional regulator of a set of stemness associated transcripts at critical transitions in the subependymal neurogenic lineage. MEX3A regulates a quiescence-related RNA signature in activated NSCs that is needed for their return to quiescence, playing a role in the long-term maintenance of the NSC pool. Furthermore, it is required for the repression of the same program at the onset of neuronal differentiation. Our data indicate that MEX3A is a pivotal regulator of adult murine neurogenesis acting as a translational remodeller.
The thickness dependence of quantum oscillations in ferromagnetic Weyl metal SrRuO3
Authors: Kar Uddipta , Singh Akhilesh Kr. , Hsu Yu-Te , Lin Chih-Yu , Das Bipul , Cheng Cheng-Tung , Berben M. , Yang Song , Lin Chun-Yen , Hsu Chia-Hung , Wiedmann S. , Lee Wei-Cheng , Lee Wei-Li
Published: January 2023

In a thin Weyl semimetal, a thickness dependent Weyl-orbit quantum oscillation was proposed to exist, originating from a nonlocal cyclotron orbit via electron tunnelings between top and bottom Fermi-arc surface states. Here, magneto-transport measurements were carried out on untwinned Weyl metal SrRuO3 thin films. In particular, quantum oscillations with a frequency Fs1 ≈ 30 T were identified, corresponding to a small Fermi pocket with a light effective mass. Its oscillation amplitude appears to be at maximum for thicknesses in a range of 10 to 20 nm, and the phase of oscillation exhibits a systematic change with film thickness. The constructed Landau fan diagram shows an unusual concave downward curvature in the 1/μ0Hn-n curve, where n is the Landau level index. From thickness and field-orientation dependence, the Fs1 oscillation is attributed to be of surface origin. Those findings can be understood within the framework of the Weyl-orbit quantum oscillation effect with non-adiabatic corrections.
Expansion of ventral foregut is linked to changes in the enhancer landscape for organ-specific differentiation
Authors: Wong Yan Fung , Kumar Yatendra , Proks Martin , Herrera Jose Alejandro Romero , Rothová Michaela Mrugala , Monteiro Rita S. , Pozzi Sara , Jennings Rachel E. , Hanley Neil A. , Bickmore Wendy A. , Brickman Joshua M.
Published: January 2023

Cell proliferation is fundamental for almost all stages of development and differentiation that require an increase in cell number. Although cell cycle phase has been associated with differentiation, the actual process of proliferation has not been considered as having a specific role. Here we exploit human embryonic stem cell-derived endodermal progenitors that we find are an in vitro model for the ventral foregut. These cells exhibit expansion-dependent increases in differentiation efficiency to pancreatic progenitors that are linked to organ-specific enhancer priming at the level of chromatin accessibility and the decommissioning of lineage-inappropriate enhancers. Our findings suggest that cell proliferation in embryonic development is about more than tissue expansion; it is required to ensure equilibration of gene regulatory networks allowing cells to become primed for future differentiation. Expansion of lineage-specific intermediates may therefore be an important step in achieving high-fidelity in vitro differentiation.
Pyramidal cell types drive functionally distinct cortical activity patterns during decision-making
Authors: Musall Simon , Sun Xiaonan R. , Mohan Hemanth , An Xu , Gluf Steven , Li Shu-Jing , Drewes Rhonda , Cravo Emma , Lenzi Irene , Yin Chaoqun , Kampa Björn M. , Churchland Anne K.
Published: January 2023

Understanding how cortical circuits generate complex behavior requires investigating the cell types that comprise them. Functional differences across pyramidal neuron (PyN) types have been observed within cortical areas, but it is not known whether these local differences extend throughout the cortex, nor whether additional differences emerge when larger-scale dynamics are considered. We used genetic and retrograde labeling to target pyramidal tract, intratelencephalic and corticostriatal projection neurons and measured their cortex-wide activity. Each PyN type drove unique neural dynamics, both at the local and cortex-wide scales. Cortical activity and optogenetic inactivation during an auditory decision task revealed distinct functional roles. All PyNs in parietal cortex were recruited during perception of the auditory stimulus, but, surprisingly, pyramidal tract neurons had the largest causal role. In frontal cortex, all PyNs were required for accurate choices but showed distinct choice tuning. Our results reveal that rich, cell-type-specific cortical dynamics shape perceptual decisions.
Mobility recorded by wearable devices and gold standards: the Mobilise-D procedure for data standardization
Authors: Palmerini Luca , Reggi Luca , Bonci Tecla , Del Din Silvia , Micó-Amigo M. Encarna , Salis Francesca , Bertuletti Stefano , Caruso Marco , Cereatti Andrea , Gazit Eran , Paraschiv-Ionescu Anisoara , Soltani Abolfazl , Kluge Felix , Küderle Arne , Ullrich Martin , Kirk Cameron , Hiden Hugo , D’Ascanio Ilaria , Hansen Clint , Rochester Lynn , Mazzà Claudia , Chiari Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Wearable devices are used in movement analysis and physical activity research to extract clinically relevant information about an individual’s mobility. Still, heterogeneity in protocols, sensor characteristics, data formats, and gold standards represent a barrier for data sharing, reproducibility, and external validation. In this study, we aim at providing an example of how movement data (from the real-world and the laboratory) recorded from different wearables and gold standard technologies can be organized, integrated, and stored. We leveraged on our experience from a large multi-centric study (Mobilise-D) to provide guidelines that can prove useful to access, understand, and re-use the data that will be made available from the study. These guidelines highlight the encountered challenges and the adopted solutions with the final aim of supporting standardization and integration of data in other studies and, in turn, to increase and facilitate comparison of data recorded in the scientific community. We also provide samples of standardized data, so that both the structure of the data and the procedure can be easily understood and reproduced.
Investigating the effects of cyclic topology on the performance of a plastic degrading enzyme for polyethylene terephthalate degradation
Authors: Hayes Heather C. , Luk Louis Y. P.
Published: January 2023

Agitation is a commonly encountered stress for enzymes during all stages of production and application, but investigations that aim to improve their tolerance using topological engineering have yet to be reported. Here, the plastic-degrading enzyme IsPETase was cyclized in a range of topologies including a cyclic monomer, cyclic dimer and catenane using SpyTag/SpyCatcher technologies, and their tolerance towards different stresses including mechanical agitation was investigated. The cyclic dimer and catenane topologies were less susceptible to agitation-induced inactivation resulting in enhancement of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation. While contrary to conventional belief, cyclic topologies did not improve tolerance of IsPETase towards heat or proteolytic treatment, the close proximity of active sites in the dimeric and catenane variants was found to enhance PET conversion into small soluble products. Together, these findings illustrate that it is worthwhile to explore the topology engineering of enzymes used in heterogeneous catalysis as it improves factors that are often overlooked in homogeneous catalysis studies.
Macrophage numbers in the marginal area of sarcomas predict clinical prognosis
Authors: Umakoshi Michinobu , Nakamura Akiko , Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Li Zhuo , Kudo-Asabe Yukitsugu , Miyabe Ken , Ito Yukinobu , Yoshida Makoto , Nagasawa Hiroyuki , Okada Kyoji , Nanjo Hiroshi , Maeda Daichi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Tanaka Masamitsu , Goto Akiteru
Published: January 2023

Even when treated comprehensively by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, soft-tissue sarcoma has an unfavorable outcome. Because soft-tissue sarcoma is rare, it is the subject of fewer clinicopathological studies, which are important for clarifying pathophysiology. Here, we examined tumor-associated macrophages in the intratumoral and marginal areas of sarcomas to increase our knowledge about the pathophysiology. Seventy-five sarcoma specimens (not limited to a single histological type), resected at our institution, were collected, and the number of CD68-, CD163-, and CD204-positive macrophages in the intratumoral and marginal areas was counted. We then performed statistical analysis to examine links between macrophage numbers, clinical factors, and outcomes. A high number of macrophages positive for all markers in both areas was associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS). Next, we divided cases according to the FNCLCC classification (Grade 1 and Grades 2/3). In the Grade 1 group, there was no significant association between macrophage number and DFS. However, in the Grade 2/3 group, high numbers of CD163- and CD204-positive macrophages in the marginal area were associated with poor DFS. By contrast, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to high or low numbers of CD68-, CD163-, or CD204-positive macrophages in the intratumoral area. Multivariate analysis identified the number of CD163- and CD204-positive macrophages in the marginal area as an independent prognostic factor. Macrophage numbers in the marginal area of soft-tissue sarcoma may better reflect clinical behavior.
Catechol-O-methyl transferase suppresses cell invasion and interplays with MET signaling in estrogen dependent breast cancer
Authors: Janacova Lucia , Stenckova Michaela , Lapcik Petr , Hrachovinova Sarka , Bouchalova Pavla , Potesil David , Hrstka Roman , Müller Petr , Bouchal Pavel
Published: January 2023

Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is involved in detoxification of catechol estrogens, playing cancer-protective role in cells producing or utilizing estrogen. Moreover, COMT suppressed migration potential of breast cancer (BC) cells. To delineate COMT role in metastasis of estrogen receptor (ER) dependent BC, we investigated the effect of COMT overexpression on invasion, transcriptome, proteome and interactome of MCF7 cells, a luminal A BC model, stably transduced with lentiviral vector carrying COMT gene (MCF7-COMT). 2D and 3D assays revealed that COMT overexpression associates with decreased cell invasion (p < 0.0001 for Transwell assay, p < 0.05 for spheroid formation). RNA-Seq and LC-DIA-MS/MS proteomics identified genes associated with invasion (FTO, PIR, TACSTD2, ANXA3, KRT80, S100P, PREX1, CLEC3A, LCP1) being downregulated in MCF7-COMT cells, while genes associated with less aggressive phenotype (RBPMS, ROBO2, SELENBP, EPB41L2) were upregulated both at transcript (|log2FC|> 1, adj. p < 0.05) and protein (|log2FC|> 0.58, q < 0.05) levels. Importantly, proteins driving MET signaling were less abundant in COMT overexpressing cells, and pull-down confirmed interaction between COMT and Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 2 (SPINT2), a negative regulator of MET (log2FC = 5.10, q = 1.04−7). In conclusion, COMT may act as tumor suppressor in ER dependent BC not only by detoxification of catechol estrogens but also by suppressing cell invasion and interplay with MET pathway.
Palladium supported magnetic Fucus Vesiculosus extract as a natural and novel catalyst for the synthesis of N-alkyl-2-(4-methyl-1-oxoisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2-phenylacetamide derivatives
Authors: Yousefnejad Faeze , Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Esmkhani Maryam , Adib Mehdi , Javanshir Shahrzad , Hosseini Samanehsadat , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a novel catalyst is introduced based on the immobilization of palladium onto magnetic Fucus Vesiculosus extract (Pd@mFuVe catalyst). For the synthesis of Pd@mFuVe catalyst, Fucus Vesiculosus extract is obtained from the plant source, followed by the synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) onto the extract. The catalyst is characterized by several methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), FT-IR spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The activity of Pd@mFuVe catalyst is studied in the synthesis of N-alkyl-2-(4-methyl-1-oxoisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-2-phenylacetamides. The products were synthesized in three steps, the synthesis of 2-iodobenzoic acid from 2-aminobenzoic acid, which participated in a multicomponent reaction with allylamine, aldehydes, and isocyanides, followed by a cyclization reaction, catalyzed by Pd@mFuVe catalyst. The product yields are high and the catalyst showed good reusability after 5 sequential runs. The most significant, Pd@mFuVe catalyst is fabricated from a plant extract source as a green support for the catalyst.
Breakdown of intention-based outcome evaluation after transient right temporoparietal junction deactivation
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Sun Sai , Zhou Chengyan , Cai Yaochun , Liu Hao , Yang Zhaoyang , Yu Rongjun
Published: January 2023

People judge the nature of human behaviors based on underlying intentions and possible outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated a causal role of the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) in modulating both intention and intention-based outcome evaluations during social judgments. However, these studies mainly used hypothetical scenarios with socially undesirable contexts (bad/neutral intentions and bad/neutral outcomes), leaving the role of rTPJ in judging good intentions and good outcomes unclear. In the current study, participants were instructed to make goodness judgments as a third party toward the monetary allocations from one proposer to another responder. Critically, in some cases, the initial allocation by the proposer could be reversed by the computer, yielding combinations of good/bad intentions (of the proposer) with good/bad outcomes (for the responder). Anodal (n = 20), cathodal (n = 21), and sham (n = 21) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the rTPJ were randomly assigned to 62 subjects to further examine the effects of stimulation over the rTPJ in modulating intention-based outcome evaluation. Compared to the anodal and sham stimulations, cathodal tDCS over the rTPJ reduced the goodness ratings of good/bad outcomes when the intentions were good, whereas it showed no significant effect on outcome ratings under unknown and bad intentions. Our results provide the first evidence that deactivating the rTPJ modulates outcome evaluation in an intention-dependent fashion, mainly by reducing the goodness rating towards both good/bad outcomes when the intentions are good. Our findings argue for a causal role of the rTPJ in modulating intention-based social judgments and point to nuanced effects of rTPJ modulation.
Optimizing in vitro nutrient and ex vitro soil mediums-driven responses for multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization of pineapple
Authors: Lakho Maqsood Ahmed , Jatoi Mushtaque Ahmed , Solangi Najamuddin , Abul-Soad Adel Ahmed , Qazi Muneer Ahmed , Abdi Gholamreza
Published: January 2023

A comprehensive study was carried out on in vitro multiplication and rooting using the medium enriched with different plant growth regulators and acclimatization of pineapple cv. ‘Smooth Cayenne’ using different soil growing substrates. The significantly highest shoot buds (Avg. 16.7) were obtained on the medium comprising 2.0 mg L−1 BA (6-Benzylaminopurine). Results showed that 1.0 mg L−1 IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) increased the thickness and length of white adventitious roots and resulted in a significantly highest number of roots (Avg. 8) and root length (6.15 cm). Plantlets with healthy, multiple roots were transplanted in several soil combinations of river silt, bolhari (yellow sand), and peat moss. However, the significantly highest survival (100%) of plantlets in the greenhouse was obtained on the soil medium containing only peat moss. Furthermore, soil mixtures of bolhari and peat moss (1:1) and river silt alone exhibited 98.9% and 95.1% survivability of plantlets, which was also considered equally significant (at 5% probability level). The in vitro and ex vitro protocols optimized in the current study can be applied commercially for pineapple crop worldwide.
Prediction of line heating deformation on sheet metal based on an ISSA–ELM model
Authors: Li Lei , Qi Shukang , Zhou Honggen , Wang Lei
Published: January 2023

A prediction method based on an improved salp swarm algorithm (ISSA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) was proposed to improve line heating and forming. First, a three-dimensional transient numerical simulation of line heating and forming was carried out by applying a finite element simulation, and the influence of machining parameters on deformation was studied. Second, a prediction model for the ELM network was established based on simulation data, and the deformation of hull plate was predicted by the training network. Additionally, swarm intelligence optimization, particle swarm optimization (PSO), the seagull optimization algorithm (SOA), and the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) were studied while considering the shortcomings of the ELM, and the ISSA was proposed. Input weights and hidden layer biases of the ELM model were optimized to increase the stability of prediction results from the PSO, SOA, SSA and ISSA approaches. Finally, it was shown that the prediction effect of the ISSA–ELM model was superior by comparing and analyzing the prediction effect of each prediction model for line heating and forming.
Single-cell profiling reveals differences between human classical adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hu Fang-Jie , Li Ying-Jie , Zhang Li , Ji Deng-Bo , Liu Xin-Zhi , Chen Yong-Jiu , Wang Lin , Wu Ai-Wen
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease. Most colorectal cancers are classical adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma is a unique histological subtype that is known to respond poorly to chemoradiotherapy. The difference in prognosis between mucinous adenocarcinoma and classical adenocarcinoma is controversial. Here, to gain insight into the differences between classical adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma, we analyse 7 surgical tumour samples from 4 classical adenocarcinoma and 3 mucinous adenocarcinoma patients by single-cell RNA sequencing. Our results indicate that mucinous adenocarcinoma cancer cells have goblet cell-like properties, and express high levels of goblet cell markers (REG4, SPINK4, FCGBP and MUC2) compared to classical adenocarcinoma cancer cells. TFF3 is essential for the transcriptional regulation of these molecules, and may cooperate with RPS4X to eventually lead to the mucinous adenocarcinoma mucus phenotype. The observed molecular characteristics may be critical in the specific biological behavior of mucinous adenocarcinoma.
A generic hierarchical model of organic matter degradation and preservation in aquatic systems
Authors: Shang Haitao
Published: January 2023

Organic matter degradation and preservation are crucial components of Earth’s carbon cycle. Empirical and phenomenological models usually contain parameters determined by site-specific data and focus on different aspects of the decay and accretion characteristics. To investigate more fundamental mechanisms, this study suggests a hierarchical model that links microscopic physical quantities to macroscopic degradation and preservation patterns. This mechanistic model predicts several commonly observed phenomena, including the lognormal distribution of degradation rate constants, the recalcitrance-dependent sensitivity to temperature, the dependence of a heterogeneous organic-matter system’s persistence on its complexity, logarithmic-time decay, and power-law degradation behavior. The theoretical predictions of this model are consistent with the observational data from marine and lake environments. This hierarchical model may provide a step towards a fundamental theory of organic matter degradation and preservation in aquatic and other ecosystems.
Photoreductive β-aminoalkylation with amino acids affords functionalized γ-aminoketones for nucleoside mimics
Authors: Klein Sebastian O. , Baniahmad Adina A. , Jung Manfred
Published: January 2023

Photocatalyzed decarboxylative redox addition from diverse α-amino acids to an enone leads to β-aminoalkyl ketones with substituted y-carbon atoms.
Surface chemistry and structure manipulation of graphene-related materials to address the challenges of electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Sun Yue , Sun Jinhua , Sanchez Jaime S. , Xia Zhenyuan , Xiao Linhong , Chen Ruiqi , Palermo Vincenzo
Published: January 2023

An overview of the strategies developed in our research to create graphene-based electrodes with better ionic conductivity, electron mobility, specific surface area, mechanical properties, and device performance than state-of-the-art electrodes.
Traces of water catalyze zinc soap crystallization in solvent-exposed oil paints
Authors: Hermans Joen , Helwig Kate , Woutersen Sander , Keune Katrien
Published: January 2023

Water triggers crystallization of zinc soaps in polymer networks, especially when water is mixed with polar organic solvents. This finding has a big impact on conservation of oil paintings.
Gut microbiota mediates the anti-colitis effects of polysaccharides derived from Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye in mice
Authors: Cao Yu , Liu Huanhuan , Teng Yue , Zhang Siteng , Zhu Beiwei , Xia Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

Polysaccharides from Rhopilema esculentum ameliorate experimental colitis in mice through modulating gut microbiota.
Intestinal absorption of DHA microcapsules with different formulations based onex vivorat intestine andin vitrodialysis models
Authors: Hu Zejun , Wu Peng , Chen Yiqing , Wang Luping , Jin Xia , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: January 2023

The present study has indicated that the establishedex vivorat small intestine model may provide a reliable approach for assessing the intestinal permeability of nutrients or drugs, especially for hydrophobic compounds such as DHA.
Heterogeneous catalytic conversion of solid anaerobic digestate waste to biofuels and value-added chemicals
Authors: Akor Collins I. , Osman Ahmed I. , McCallum Christopher S. , Mehta Neha , Morgan Kevin , Walsh Pamela , Smyth Beatrice , Rooney David W. , Sheldrake Gary N.
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the catalytic hydrogenolysis of solid digestate from anaerobic digestion to extract biofuel.
Li2Mn0.8Ni0.2SiO4/MnO2 nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Mahdy Amal G. , Emam Abeer A. , Mussa E. A. , Abdel-All A. Y. , Rashad M. M. , Abuelftooh Aya M. , Mohamed Saad G.
Published: January 2023

The Li2Mn0.8Ni0.2SiO4/MnO2 nanocomposite was successfully prepared via a two-step method. The composite exhibited a high performance toward application as a supercapacitor.
Removal of ammonia nitrogen from black and odorous water by macrophytes based on laboratory microcosm experiments
Authors: Huangfu Shangmin , Zhou Fulai , Zheng Xianyun , Zhang Xiaoping , Hu Lifang
Published: January 2023

NH4+-N, NO2−-N and NO3−-N can be absorbed by the root and migrated to stem and leaf. NH4+-N and NO2−-N are transformed, and it is in the direction of NH4+-N → NO2−-N → NO3−-N.
Reversible perovskite-fluorite phase transition in alumina-supported CeFeOx films
Authors: Shen Kai , Fan Mengjie , Kwon Ohhun , Viescas Arthur J. , Papaefthymiou Georgia C. , Gorte Raymond J. , Vohs John M.
Published: January 2023

Highly stable CeFeOx thin films that can undergo a reversible fluorite to perovskite phase transition were synthesized.
Data-driven design of electrocatalysts: principle, progress, and perspective
Authors: Zhu Shan , Jiang Kezhu , Chen Biao , Zheng Shijian
Published: January 2023

In this review, we focus on the systematic construction of the data-driven electrocatalyst design framework and discuss its principles, current challenges, and opportunities.
Synthesis of l-aspartic acid-based bimetallic hybrid nanoflowers to immobilize snailase for the production of rare ginsenoside compound K
Authors: Tian Duoduo , Wu Zhansheng , Liu Xiaochen , Tu Zhuo , Li Runze , Fan Daidi , Lan Yiran
Published: January 2023

1. Bimetallic hybrid nanoflowers containing l-aspartic acid were synthesized by a one-pot method for successful immobilizing snailase.2. Asp@ZIF-ZnCo-Sna has excellent enzyme loading capacity, activity and better catalytic efficiency.
Eliminating oncogenic RAS: back to the future at the drawing board
Authors: Steffen Candy Laura , Kaya Pelin , Schaffner-Reckinger Elisabeth , Abankwa Daniel
Published: January 2023

RAS drug development has made enormous strides in the past ten years, with the first direct KRAS inhibitor being approved in 2021. However, despite the clinical success of covalent KRAS-G12C inhibitors, we are immediately confronted with resistances as commonly found with targeted drugs. Previously believed to be undruggable due to its lack of obvious druggable pockets, a couple of new approaches to hit this much feared oncogene have now been carved out. We here concisely review these approaches to directly target four druggable sites of RAS from various angles. Our analysis focuses on the lessons learnt during the development of allele-specific covalent and non-covalent RAS inhibitors, the potential of macromolecular binders to facilitate the discovery and validation of targetable sites on RAS and finally an outlook on a future that may engage more small molecule binders to become drugs. We foresee that the latter could happen mainly in two ways: First, non-covalent small molecule inhibitors may be derived from the development of covalent binders. Second, reversible small molecule binders could be utilized for novel targeting modalities, such as degraders of RAS. Provided that degraders eliminate RAS by recruiting differentially expressed E3-ligases, this approach could enable unprecedented tissue- or developmental stage-specific destruction of RAS with potential advantages for on-target toxicity. We conclude that novel creative ideas continue to be important to exterminate RAS in cancer and other RAS pathway-driven diseases, such as RASopathies.
Antifungal activity of plant extracts against tomato’s fungal diseases
Authors: Abbad Zineb , Aouji Marouane , Zelmat Lamyaa , Oubihi Asmaa , Ez-Zriouli Rabab , Bengueddour Rachid , Lrhorfi Lalla Aicha
Published: January 2023

Fungal diseases have always been a major problem for tomato crops. Growers generally use chemical fungicides to treat this type of diseases. However, these products are toxic to the environment and the consumer, especially if the pre-harvest interval is not respected. The present study aims to find non-polluting alternatives. Five plant extracts (Peganum harmala, Ocimum basilicum, Caralluma europaea, Nerium oleander and Eucalyptus globulus) are tested for their in vitro efficiency against four pathogenic fungi:Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Botrytis cinereataken from fruit,Phytophthora infestans and Oïdium oxysporum. The obtained results reveal that the extract ofOcimum basilicumis the most effective on the studied fungi. Indeed, at a concentration of 0.4%, it inhibited at 80% the development ofBotrytis cinereaand at 81%Oïdium oxysporumat a concentration of 0.2%. Followed byPeganum harmalaandNerium oleander, which also showed an antifungal effect (Peganum harmalainhibited up to 73% of the growth ofAlternaria solaniat a dose of 4%). The extracts ofCaralluma europaeaandEucalyptus globulusproved similar antifungal activity, which exceeded 30%. The study of the fungal/fungistatic effect revealed that all the studied extracts have a fungal effect against the treated fungi. The phytochemical screening showed that the plants extracts are rich in polyphenols especiallyOcimum basilicum, Peganum harmalaandNerium oleander. This leads us to deduce that the antifungal activity may be due to this.
Impact assessment of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation: growth potential and development of lettuce in Al Hoceima province, Morocco
Authors: Bel Haj Hind , Ben Zhir Khalid , Aboulhassan Moulay Abdelazize , El Ouarghi Hossain
Published: January 2023

The reuse of treated wastewater for agricultural practices is becoming increasingly important due to the growing demand for the transition to a circular economy. It has the major advantage of providing an alternative resource to the conventional water used for agricultural irrigation. The main objective of this work is to study, through tests on experimental installations, the effect of the type of irrigation water on the growth and development of lettuce. The types of irrigation water were prepared from purified wastewater, treated wastewater plus fertilizer, conventional water, and conventional water plus fertilizer. The physicochemical analyzes of wastewater from the Imzouren-Bni Bouayach WWTP resulted in different values of the parameters measured (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, oxygen below, suspended matter, BOD5, COD, nitrate, nitrite and phosphorus) which fall within the limited range of direct discharges and comply with Moroccan standards for the quality of water intended for irrigation. The results of the characterization of the soil showed that it is a basic soil (pH= 8.5), unsalted (electrical conductivity = 2.43 ms/cm) and poor in organic and nutrient elements (Carbon 0.8%, organic matter 1.46%, nitrogen 0.06 mg/l, phosphorus 10.5 mg/l, potassium 56.4 mg/l.) The main results of the plant analysis show that the production level of this study crop irrigated with conventional water is similar to that of this study crop irrigated with treated wastewater. In other words, irrigation with treated wastewater allows lettuce to guarantee irrigated production at least at the level of conventional water. Another motivated addition of nitrogen, phosphate and potash mineral supplement in the treated wastewater improves the production potential of lettuce.
Biodiversity and frequency of occurrence of jellyfish (cnidaria) in Al Hoceima Bay (North coast of Morocco, Alboran Sea)
Authors: Benyoub B. , Kada O. , El Ouarghi H. , Mghili B. , Aknaf A.
Published: January 2023

Jellyfish are the best-known group of gelatinous zooplankton; they refer to organisms from the phylum Cnidaria, including animals with cnidocytes (stinging cells). As part of our research on jellyfish that swarm in the bay of Al Hoceima conducted during the period (2021-2022), a study of the diversity of species of jellyfish in the bay has proved to be of paramount importance because of the risks associated with their proliferation, especially in summer periods. The species composition and frequency of occurrence of the jellyfish community in Al Hoceima Bay (The northern coast of Morocco) were studied during two seasons, summer 2021 and winter 2022. Zooplankton sampling was conducted within the epileptic layer (between 0 and 80 m) at 9 stations. A total of 9 species of Hydromedusae and Scyphomedusae were identified in the study area. The populations of Hydromedusae are represented by Trchymedusae (4 species), Anthomedusae (2 species), and Leptomedusae (one species). The Trachymedusa Aglaura hemistoma was widely distributed in the bay, as it was found in six sampling stations, with a frequency of occurrence Fi>66% during the summer period. The Antomedusae Pantachogon militare was inventoried for the first time in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea.The population of Scyphomedusae is represented by two species, Pelagia noctiluca and Rhizostoma Pulmo, both species showed dense aggregations in the Bay during the summer of 2022.
Climate Uncertainty Modelling in Integrated Water Resources Management: Review
Authors: El Ouadi Ihssan , Ouarda Taha B.M.J.
Published: January 2023

Integrated water resources management is exposed to the effects of several risks (climatic, socio-economic, and political). Currently, climate change represents one of the greatest risks for many countries around the world and the agricultural sector in particular. In the literature, climate change is sufficiently researched but there are scarce studies that deal with the theme of risk in agricultural water management and in particular the management under climate change. In the paper, we first define out the characteristics and particularity of climate change risk and then we point the different approaches and methods for taking into consideration for climate change risk in the integrated water resources management models for the agriculture sector. In this work, we aim to appraise the quantification of uncertainties in systems modelling in watersheds and discuss various water resource management and operation models.
Assessment of health impact of the surface ozone on a population residing at Agadir city (Morocco) using the AirQ+ model
Authors: Bouchriti Youssef , Korrida Amal , Ait Haddou Mohamed , Achbani Abderrahmane , Sine Hasnaa , Rida Jamila , Sine Hayat , Amiha Rachid , Kabbachi Belkacem
Published: January 2023

Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that exposure to surface ozone increases deaths and illnesses. Deteriorating air quality could lead to health concerns in emerging countries such as Morocco. The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term impact of ozone on the health of Agadir residents by using the AirQ+ model. The exposure reference values in 2016 were the daily and yearly average concentrations. Two monitoring stations provided the average ozone concentration per hour. The yearly total of maximum 8-hour ozone levels over 35 ppb was used to forecast probable long-term health impacts. As a health indicator, specific mortality for respiratory disorders was considered. According to the health impact assessment, the yearly cumulative incidence was estimated to 419.5 per 100,000 population. A reduction in ozone concentrations to less than 100 μg/m3 might prevent 13 deaths per year (95% CI: 5–22), with an estimated attributable proportion of 0.73% (95% CI: 0.26–1.24). AirQ+ can be used as a public health tool to assess the health risks of air pollution, providing policymakers with a basis for implementing air quality management strategies to decrease air pollution's health effect.
Study of the mechanical behavior of marls: Case from Fes - Meknes region (Morocco)
Authors: Essaied Abdelouahed , Rouai Mohamed , Dekayir Abdelilah , Bouhali Karim
Published: January 2023

In relationship with urban expansion at the level of cities located in the Sais basin, several projects have been carried out and others still in progress. Therefore, the recognition of the mechanical characteristics of soils and subsoil remains essential before any construction project, in order to avoid the shrinkage-swelling phenomenon associated with marls soil. In order to minimize the risk of instability, the present work consists of the characterization and study of the mechanical behavior of marly soils in some locations of Sais basin. In-situ tests have been performed in the field and samples submitted to other geotechnical tests in the laboratory such as the odometer compressibility and direct shear tests. The obtained results show that the studied marly soils exhibit strongly consolidated behaviors with the depth according to Menard test, and to the ratio of the pressiometric modulus (EM) and the corrected limit pressure (PL*).
Risk factors and chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension) in a population of Nador in North-East Morocco
Authors: Mharchi Saliha , Maamri Abdellatif
Published: January 2023

Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension are the most emerging chronic diseases in the world and in Morocco. This study aimed to assess the influence of lifestyle risk factors (RF) on the occurrence of Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) in an urban and rural community in northeast Morocco (Nador). This is a cross-sectional study, which took place from 1 June to 30 September 2019 in the frontline health centers. Patients over 18 years of age, consulting during the study period, and consenting were included lifestyle and other variables were studied in a structured questionnaire. A total of 397 adults were included. Among them, 61% were from rural areas and 39% from urban areas. The average age was 40.19 ± 15.68 years. The prevalence of diabetes was 27%, of which 72% were T2DM, and that of hypertension was 18%. The RF listed in this community were ranked in descending order as follows: disturbed sleep (46%), abdominal obesity (35%), eating less than 5 fruits and vegetables (25%) and stress (20%). According to the regression test, T2DM was significantly associated with abdominal obesity (p=0.000), sleep deprivation (p=0.000), blood pressure imbalance and hyperglycemia (p=0.000). While hypertension seems to be more related to stress (p=0.041), and physical inactivity (p=0.000). The influence of lifestyle on the occurrence of hypertension and T2D is not negligible in this community, so it is necessary to act on harmful behaviors (such as sleep deprivation and overweight) to better prevent them. Keywords: chronic diseases, HT, T2DM, lifestyle, risk factors, Nador, North-East Morocco
Effectiveness of compost use in salt-affected soil in an automated greenhouse irrigation system
Authors: Fouguira Soukaina , Mhaned Ali , Ben Abbou Mohamed , Ammar Emna , El Haji Mounia , Benhra Jamal
Published: January 2023

Salinity problems reduce productivity on both irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural lands. Saline soils occur in arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is insufficient to meet the crops’ water requirements and leach mineral salts out of the root-zone. Compost can play an important role in managing, mitigating, and improving the soil salinity negative effects. In this work, the compost effects on salt affected soil were studied. Therefore, physico-chemical parameters and morphological status of the plants divided into four plots in a greenhouse were studied. The first plot P0 is a control plot which was irrigated by fresh water, P1 was irrigated with fresh water mixed with compost, P2 and P3 were irrigated by saline water with an NaCl concentration of 5 g/L. An automated irrigation system was implemented to manage plots irrigation. The system was based on an electronic board and multiple sensors to track ambient temperature and humidity in the greenhouse, soil moisture and temperature of each plot, data was stored in a SD card. The results obtained showed that compost use increased stem growth by 23%, this percentage was improved by 10% for greenhouse tests.
Entwöhnung von der Langzeitbeatmung nach ARDS auf einer spezialisierten Weaning-Einheit – ein retrospektiver Vergleich von Patienten mit und ohne SARS-CoV-2 Infektion
Authors: Müller Tobias , Lennemann Pascal , Mannschreck Jan , Daher Ayham , Bergs Ingmar , Marx Gernot , Simon Tim Philip , Dreher Michael
Published: January 2023

Fragestellung Bislang sind nur wenige Daten über den Verlauf von Patienten mit COVID-19 im prolongierten Weaning vorhanden. Die aktuelle Arbeit vergleicht deshalb Patienten mit einem COVID-19-assoziierten ARDS (cARDS) mit Patienten mit einem ARDS anderer Genese (ncARDS), die aufgrund von prolongierter Beatmungspflichtigkeit auf einer spezialisierten Weaning-Station behandelt wurden.

Methoden Es wurde eine retrospektive Analyse aller Patienten mit prolongierter Beatmungspflichtigkeit infolge eines ARDS vorgenommen, die vom 21. November 2013 bis zum 23. Juli 2021 auf die Weaning-Station der Uniklinik RWTH Aachen aufgenommen wurden. Dabei erfolgte ein Vergleich von Patienten mit und ohne SARS-CoV-2-Infektion.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden im untersuchten Zeitraum n=129
Patienten mit prolongierter Beatmungspflichtigkeit aufgrund eines ARDS auf der Weaning-Einheit
betreut, davon n=38 mit cARDS und n=91 mit ncARDS. Insgesamt ergaben sich zwischen den Gruppen
in Bezug auf demografische Parameter, chronische Nebenerkrankungen, den Schweregrad des ARDS
und die Beatmungsdauer vor Verlegung auf die Weaning-Station keine wesentlichen Unterschiede.
Patienten mit cARDS wurden allerdings auf der Intensivstation häufiger mit Steroiden und mit
Lagerungstherapie behandelt. Bei Übernahme benötigten Patienten mit cARDS häufiger eine
Therapie mit Katecholaminen (cARDS: 42,1% vs. ncARDS 12,1%; p=0,0003) und wiesen im Vergleich
zu Patienten mit ncARDS eine geringere Urinausscheidung (cARDS: 1980 ml vs. ncARDS: 2600 ml;
p=0,0037) auf. Der weitere Weaning-Prozess verlief dann in beiden Patientengruppen ähnlich,
Komplikationen traten in ähnlichem Ausmaß auf und die Beatmungsdauer insgesamt und auf der
Weaning-Station war nicht unterschiedlich. Insgesamt verstarben 5 Patienten (13,2%) mit cARDS
und 15 Patienten mit ncARDS (16,5%) während des stationären Aufenthalts. Bei einem Patienten
war eine außerklinische invasive Beatmung, bei n=4 Patienten eine Langzeit nicht-invasive
Beatmung notwendig (alle in der ncARDS-Gruppe).

Schlussfolgerung Die Prognose bezüglich Entwöhnbarkeit von der invasiven Beatmung nach COVID-19-assoziiertem ARDS ist nach überstandener akuter Phase als günstig zu betrachten. Wesentliche Unterschiede im Weaning-Prozess zu Patienten mit einem ARDS anderer Genese scheinen nicht zu bestehen.
Extrapulmonale Tuberkulose: Therapie mit Hindernissen
Authors: Lüers Arne
Published: January 2023

Anamnese Ein 37-jähriger Patient wurde aufgrund von seit 4 Wochen
bestehendem Fieber zugewiesen. Er berichtete über einen Gewichtsverlust, nächtliches Schwitzen
sowie unproduktiven Husten. Er hatte zur Fiebersenkung zunächst wiederholt Paracetamol und bei
fehlendem Effekt folgend Ibuprofen eingenommen.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose In der Aufnahmesituation sahen wir
einen übergewichtigen jungen Mann in deutlich reduziertem Allgemeinzustand mit Fieber. Im EKG
fiel eine Sinustachykardie auf. Laborchemisch zeigte sich bereits bei Aufnahme eine mäßige
Erhöhung der Lebertransaminasen. In der radiologischen Diagnostik wurde eine rechtszentrale
große Raumforderung pulmonal nachgewiesen, welche sich in der CT-Untersuchung als zentraler, die Gefäße
ummauernder, einschmelzender Tumor darstellte. Die weitere Diagnostik wurde im Folgenden durch
eine schwere, rasch progrediente und mit Blutungen einhergehende Thrombozytopenie
verkompliziert. In den Biopsien des Punktats aus der mediastinalen Raumforderung und des
Knochenmarks wiesen wir eine mediastinale Lymphknotentuberkulose und eine
Knochenmarksinfiltration durch eine Tuberkulose nach. Unter antituberkulöser Therapie kam es
zu einer akuten weiteren Verschlechterung der medikamentös induzierten Hepatitis, welche im
Zusammenhang mit der Thrombozytopenie mit einer kritischen klinischen Zustandsverschlechterung
des Patienten einherging.

Therapie und Verlauf Nach Umstellung der antituberkulösen
Behandlung und Einleitung einer Prednisolon-Therapie unter der Annahme einer D-ITP
stabilisierte sich der Zustand des Patienten. Wiederholte Thrombozytentransfusionen waren
erforderlich.

Folgerung Eine medikamentös induzierte Hepatitis ist eine unter
Umständen schwere Komplikation einer antituberkulösen Behandlung. In unserem Fall kam es
aufgrund der zusätzlich aufgetretenen, a.e. medikamentös induzierten Thrombozytopenie zu einer
kritischen Zustandsverschlechterung des Patienten. Eine rasche Therapieeinleitung und
Überprüfung der Komedikation sind erforderlich. Insbesondere bei persistierendem Fieber und
schwer reduziertem Allgemeinzustand sollte bei Patienten aus Hochinzidenzländern an seltenere
Manifestationen einer Tuberkulose und an eine Knochenmarksinfiltration gedacht werden.
Does club convergence matter? Empirical evidence on inequality in the human development index among Indian states
Authors: Nag Ajit , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: January 2023

The Human Development Index (HDI) is recognised as the most commonly used composite index to assess the socio-economic progress of a country. To preserve its pioneering role in development, there has to be a reduction in inequalities and cross-state convergence by adding a sustainable dimension. This paper investigates the convergence hypothesis for the HDI in 36 Indian states and union territories (UTs) from 1990 to 2019. For that purpose, the study used the club convergence technique of Phillips and Sul (2007) and Kernel Density estimates to assess whether states converge towards a single steady-state equilibrium or multiple groups. The paper also considers the relative performance of Indian states and UTs and the comprehension of inter-regional inequality in the HDI by employing the Gini and Theil indices. Using the Phillips and Sul technique, the results reveal that all the states converged into two final clubs (i.e., Club 1 and Club 2). The rate of convergence of HDI is approximately 0.112% for club 1 and 1.135% for club 2. The findings indicate that states with the lowest HDI converge faster than those with higher HDI. The kernel density estimates demonstrate that HDI stratifies, polarises, and becomes unimodal over time, albeit with a common steady state. Further, the Gini and Theil indices suggest a significant decline trend in HDI inequality across the Indian states and UTs from 1990 to 2019. From a policy perspective, the study recommends promoting regional development and reducing inequality, considering the unique convergence paths of the clustering states. The study’s findings could provide the government with a new perspective on attaining “horizontal equity” in HDI across Indian states and UTs.
Reconstruction of hidden heart behavior possible through machine learning
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: January 2023

Internal electrical pulses controlling the heart are impossible to directly measure but can be deduced from surface data.
Exploring microbial motion in non-Newtonian environments
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: January 2023

Modeling behavior of microswimmers towing cargo in shear-dependent fluids can inform designs of future microrobots.
Reconstructing in-depth activity for chaotic 3D spatiotemporal excitable media models based on surface data
Authors: Stenger R. , Herzog S. , Kottlarz I. , Rüchardt B. , Luther S. , Wörgötter F. , Parlitz U.
Published: January 2023

Motivated by potential applications in cardiac research, we consider the task of reconstructing the dynamics within a spatiotemporal chaotic 3D excitable medium from partial observations at the surface. Three artificial neural network methods (a spatiotemporal convolutional long-short-term-memory, an autoencoder, and a diffusion model based on the U-Net architecture) are trained to predict the dynamics in deeper layers of a cube from observational data at the surface using data generated by the Barkley model on a 3D domain. The results show that despite the high-dimensional chaotic dynamics of this system, such cross-prediction is possible, but non-trivial and as expected, its quality decreases with increasing prediction depth.