bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systems modeling predicts that mitochondria ER contact sites regulate the postsynaptic energy landscape
Authors: Leung A. , Ohadi D. , Pekkurnaz G. , Rangamani P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSpatiotemporal compartmentation of calcium dynamics is critical for neuronal function, particularly in postsynaptic spines. This exquisite level of Ca2+ compartmentalization is achieved through the storage and release of Ca2+ from various intracellular organelles particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria. Mitochondria and ER are established storage organelles controlling Ca2+ dynamics in neurons. Mitochondria also generate a majority of energy used within postsynaptic spines to support the downstream events associated with neuronal stimulus. Recently, high resolution microscopy has unveiled direct contact sites between the ER and the mitochondria (MERCs), which directly channel Ca2+ release from the ER into the mitochondrial membrane. In this study, we develop a computational 3D reaction-diffusion model to investigate the role of MERCs in regulating Ca2+ and ATP dynamics. This spatiotemporal model accounts for Ca2+ oscillations initiated by glutamate stimulus of metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors and Ca2+ changes in four different compartments: cytosol, ER, mitochondria, and the MERC microdomain. Our simulations predict that the organization of these organelles and inter-organellar contact sites play a key role in modulating Ca2+ and ATP dynamics.We further show that the crosstalk between geometry (mitochondria and MERC) and metabolic parameters (cytosolic ATP hydrolysis, ATP generation) influences the neuronal energy state. Our findings shed light on the importance of organelle interactions in predicting Ca2+ dynamics in synaptic signaling. Overall, our model predicts that a combination of MERC linkage and mitochondria size is necessary for optimal ATP production in the cytosol.
Influence of wind energy utilization potential in urban suburbs: a case study of Hohhot
Authors: Wenxin Wang , Kexin Chen , Yang Bai , Yun Xu , Jianwen Wang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGiven the increasing trend of using wind energy in cities, the utilization of distributed wind energy in cities has been widely concerned by researchers. The related research on the micro-site selection of wind turbines, a sub-project of the Task27 project of the International energy agency, was continued in this paper. The wind speed data of an observation station near Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, with a range of 10–19 m were collected. The evaluation included wind direction, Weibull parameter characteristics, and turbulence intensity. The potential energy output in 10 different heights was estimated using commercial horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines of the same power. Results showed that the following: the three-parameter Weibull distribution model can well describe the statistical properties of the wind speed in this site. The wind speed distribution model constructed from extrapolation parameters reflects the wind speed statistical properties out of detection positions to a certain extent. The wind energy density of the vertical axis wind turbine is slightly lower than that of the horizontal axis wind turbine. Furthermore, more power can be generated from March to May.
GABARAP ameliorates IL-1β-induced inflammatory responses and osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived stromal cells by activating autophagy
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Wu Zhenyuan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are the most commonly investigated progenitor cells in bone defect repair and osteoarthritis subchondral bone regeneration; however, these studies are limited by complex inflammatory conditions. In this study, we investigated whether pro-autophagic γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) promotes BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by modulating autophagy in the presence or absence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in vitro. The expression levels of all relevant factors were evaluated by qRT-PCR or western blotting where appropriate. BMSCs differentiation were assessed by Alizarin Red, alkaline phosphatase, safranin O, and Oil Red O staining. Furthermore, the interactions between autophagy and osteogenic differentiation were investigated by co-treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). As the results, we found that treatment with recombinant human His6-GABARAP protein promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced ROS generation by increasing autophagic activity, particularly when co-cultured with IL-1β. Moreover, His6-GABARAP could effectively increase the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly decreased by His6-GABARAP treatment, whereas its protective effects were attenuated by 3-MA. This study demonstrates that GABARAP maintains BMSCs survival and strengthens their osteogenic differentiation in an inflammatory environment by upregulating mediators of the autophagy pathway.
Infection kinetics of Covid-19 and containment strategy
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit K , Choudhury Debajyoti , Ghosh Goutam , Kundu Bidisha , Nath Sujit Kumar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe devastating trail of Covid-19 is characterized by one of the highest mortality-to-infected ratio for a pandemic. Restricted therapeutic and early-stage vaccination still renders social exclusion through lockdown as the key containment mode.To understand the dynamics, we propose PHIRVD, a mechanistic infection propagation model that Machine Learns (Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo) the evolution of six infection stages, namely healthy susceptible (H), predisposed comorbid susceptible (P), infected (I), recovered (R), herd immunized (V) and mortality (D), providing a highly reliable mortality prediction profile for 18 countries at varying stages of lockdown. Training data between 10 February to 29 June 2020, PHIRVD can accurately predict mortality profile up to November 2020, including the second wave kinetics. The model also suggests mortality-to-infection ratio as a more dynamic pandemic descriptor, substituting reproduction number. PHIRVD establishes the importance of early and prolonged but strategic lockdown to contain future relapse, complementing futuristic vaccine impact.
A route pruning algorithm for an automated geographic location graph construction
Authors: Schweimer Christoph , Geiger Bernhard C. , Wang Meizhu , Gogolenko Sergiy , Mahmood Imran , Jahani Alireza , Suleimenova Diana , Groen Derek 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAutomated construction of location graphs is instrumental but challenging, particularly in logistics optimisation problems and agent-based movement simulations. Hence, we propose an algorithm for automated construction of location graphs, in which vertices correspond to geographic locations of interest and edges to direct travelling routes between them. Our approach involves two steps. In the first step, we use a routing service to compute distances between all pairs of L locations, resulting in a complete graph. In the second step, we prune this graph by removing edges corresponding to indirect routes, identified using the triangle inequality. The computational complexity of this second step is $$\mathscr{O}(L^3)$$

O
(

L
3

)

, which enables the computation of location graphs for all towns and cities on the road network of an entire continent. To illustrate the utility of our algorithm in an application, we constructed location graphs for four regions of different size and road infrastructures and compared them to manually created ground truths. Our algorithm simultaneously achieved precision and recall values around 0.9 for a wide range of the single hyperparameter, suggesting that it is a valid approach to create large location graphs for which a manual creation is infeasible.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapies very frequently induce secondary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Manaka Katsunori , Sato Junichiro , Takeuchi Maki , Watanabe Kousuke , Kage Hidenori , Kawai Taketo , Sato Yusuke , Miyagawa Takuya , Yamada Daisuke , Kume Haruki , Sato Shinichi , Nagase Takahide , Iiri Taroh , Nangaku Masaomi , Makita Noriko 
Published: June 2021

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are potent therapeutic options for many types of advanced cancer. The expansion of ICIs use however has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) can be life-threatening especially in patients with delayed diagnosis. We retrospectively investigated secondary AI in ICI-treated patients. A total of 373 cancer patients treated with ICIs were included and evaluated. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency was described in 13 patients. Among 24 patients with a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy, 7 patients (29%) developed secondary AI in a median time of 8 weeks during the combination therapy and 2 of 15 patients (13%) developed isolated ACTH deficiency during maintenance nivolumab monotherapy following the combination therapy. More than half of the patients (4/7) with a combination therapy-induced multiple anterior hormone deficiencies was diagnosed as secondary AI based on regular ACTH and cortisol tests with slight subjective symptoms. Secondary AI can arise frequently and rapidly in cancer patients receiving a combination ICI therapy, and thus we speculate active surveillance of AI using regular ACTH and cortisol tests during the combination therapy might be useful for avoiding life-threatening conditions due to secondary AI.
Toxicity of NiO nanoparticles to soil nutrient availability and herbage N uptake from poultry manure
Authors: Shah Ghulam Abbas , Ahmed Jahangir , Iqbal Zahid , Hassan Fayyaz-ul- , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRecently, there is an increasing trend of using metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture due to their potential role in remediating soil pollution and improving nutrient utilization from fertilizers. However, evidence suggested that these NPs were toxic to the soil life and their associated functions, and this toxicity depended on their dose, type, and size. Here, a dose-dependent (5, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 soil) toxicity of NiO NPs on poultry manure (PM: 136 kg N ha−1) decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake were studied in a standard pot experiment. The NPs doses were mixed with PM and applied in soil-filled pots where then ryegrass was sown. Results revealed that the lowest dose significantly increased microbial biomass (C and N) and respiration from PM, whereas a high dose reduced these parameters. This decrease in such parameters by the highest NPs dose resulted in 13 and 41% lower soil mineral N and plant available K from PM, respectively. Moreover, such effects resulted in 32 and 35% lower herbage shoot and root N uptakes from PM in this treatment. Both intermediate and high doses decreased herbage shoot Ni uptake from PM by 33 and 34%, respectively. However, all NPs doses did not influence soil Ni content from PM. Hence, our results indicated that high NPs dose (100 mg kg−1) was toxic to decomposition, nutrient mineralization, and herbage N uptake from PM. Therefore, such NiONPs toxicity should be considered before recommending their use in agriculture for soil remediation or optimizing nutrient use efficiency of fertilizers.
Chemical and physical interactions of regenerated cellulose yarns and isocyanate-based matrix systems
Authors: Ungerer Bernhard , Müller Ulrich , Potthast Antje , Herrero Acero Enrique , Veigel Stefan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the development of structural composites based on regenerated cellulose filaments, the physical and chemical interactions at the fibre-matrix interphase need to be fully understood. In the present study, continuous yarns and filaments of viscose (rayon) were treated with either polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) or a pMDI-based hardener for polyurethane resins. The effect of isocyanate treatment on mechanical yarn properties was evaluated in tensile tests. A significant decrease in tensile modulus, tensile force and elongation at break was found for treated samples. As revealed by size exclusion chromatography, isocyanate treatment resulted in a significantly reduced molecular weight of cellulose, presumably owing to hydrolytic cleavage caused by hydrochloric acid occurring as an impurity in pMDI. Yarn twist, fibre moisture content and, most significantly, the chemical composition of the isocyanate matrix were identified as critical process parameters strongly affecting the extent of reduction in mechanical performance. To cope with the problem of degradative reactions an additional step using calcium carbonate to trap hydrogen ions is proposed.
Comparison between male and female breast cancer survival using propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Scomersi Serena , Giudici Fabiola , Cacciatore Giuseppe , Losurdo Pasquale , Fracon Stefano , Cortinovis Sara , Ceccherini Rita , Zanconati Fabrizio , Tonutti Maura , Bortul Marina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMale breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease. The few studies on MBC reported conflicting data regarding survival outcomes compared to women. This study has two objectives: to describe the characteristics of a single-cohort of MBC and to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between men and women using the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. We considered MBC patients (n = 40) diagnosed between January 2004 and May 2019. Clinical, pathological, oncological and follow-up data were analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors on OS and DFS for MBC. We selected female patients with BC (n = 2678). To minimize the effect of the imbalance of the prognostic factors between the two cohorts, the PSM method (1:3 ratio) was applied and differences in survival between the two groups were assessed. The average age of MBC patients was 73 years. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 76.7% and 72.2% respectively. The prognostic factors that significantly influenced OS and DFS were tumor size and lymph node status. After the PSM, 5 year-OS was similar between MBC and FBC (72.9% vs 72.3%, p = 0.70) while we found a worse DFS for MBC (72.2% vs 91.4%, p  = 0.03). Our data confirmed previous reported MBC characteristics: we found a higher risk of recurrence in MBC compared to FMC but similar OS. MBC and FMC are different entities and studies are needed to understand its epidemiology and guide its management.
Thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester fibers according to various heat treatment conditions
Authors: Lee Won Jun , Kwac Lee Ku , Kim Hong Gun , Chang Jin-Hae 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThermotropic liquid crystal copolyester (TLCP) was synthesized using a melt polymerization method, with a molar ratio composition of 2,5-diethoxy terephthalic acid (ETA), hydroquinone (HQ), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) of 1:1:3. TLCP exhibited nematic liquid crystalline mesophase and maintained nematic textures under all heat treatment conditions applied. The synthesized TLCP was processed into fibers using a capillary rheometer. The liquid crystalline mesophase, thermo-mechanical properties, and morphology of TLCP fibers obtained under various heat treatment conditions were investigated. The thermo-mechanical properties of the heat-treated fibers were improved compared to those of the as-spun fibers. The best results were obtained for TLCP fibers annealed at 230 °C for 9 h. The heat-treated fibers showed a well-developed microfiber morphology compared to the as-spun fibers. In the spun fibers, a skin–core morphology was observed regardless of the heat treatment conditions, and a well-developed fiber morphology better than the core area was observed in the skin area. The diameter of the fiber heat-treated at 230 °C for 9 h was approximately 60–110 nm.
JAK inhibitors dampen activation of interferon-stimulated transcription of ACE2 isoforms in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Lee Hye Kyung , Jung Olive , Hennighausen Lothar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection of human airway epithelium activates genetic programs leading to progressive hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Here, we report on transcriptomes activated in primary airway cells by interferons and their suppression by Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Deciphering the regulation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is paramount for understanding the cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ChIP-seq for activating histone marks and Pol II loading identified candidate enhancer elements controlling the ACE2 locus, including the intronic dACE2 promoter. Employing RNA-seq, we demonstrate that interferons activate expression of dACE2 and, to a lesser extent, the genuine ACE2 gene. Interferon-induced gene expression was mitigated by the JAK inhibitors baricitinib and ruxolitinib, used therapeutically in COVID-19 patients. Through integrating RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data we provide an in-depth understanding of genetic programs activated by interferons, and our study highlights JAK inhibitors as suitable tools to suppress these in bronchial cells.
Crystallization and self-assembly of shape-complementary sequence-defined peptoids
Authors: Xuan Sunting , Jiang Xi , Balsara Nitash P. , Zuckermann Ronald N. 
Published: June 2021

Shape complementarity between polymers is a hallmark of biological systems (e.g. DNA base pairing and protein binding interactions). Here we explore the role of shape complementarity between sequence-defined N-alkyl peptoids in crystal lattices.
Construction of novel bridged aromatic ring-fused oxazocine frameworks via an N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed azabenzoin reaction and radical-initiated cascade cyclization
Authors: Niu Shuang-Shuo , Cheng Ying 
Published: June 2021

A novel method for the construction of 1,5-methanobenzo[f][1,3]oxazocin-6-ones and 6,10-methanopyrido[3,2-f][1,3]oxazocin-5-ones from o-vinyl aromatic aldehydes and N-acylarylimines was developed via NHC-catalyzed and radical-initiated reactions.
MicroRNA expression profile in serum reveals novel diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer
Authors: Fan Xingchen , Zou Xuan , Liu Cheng , Cheng Wenfang , Zhang Shiyu , Geng Xiangnan , Zhu Wei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurpose: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) prove to be promising diagnostic biomarkers for various cancers, including endometrial cancer (EC). The present study aims to identify serum microRNAs that can serve as potential biomarkers for EC diagnosis.Patients and methods: A total of 92 EC and 102 normal control (NC) serum samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in this four-phase experiment. The logistic regression method was used to construct a diagnostic model based on the differentially expressed miRNAs in serum. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value. To further validate the diagnostic capacity of the identified signature, the 6-miRNA marker was compared with previously reported biomarkers and verified in three public datasets. In addition, the expression characteristics of the identified miRNAs were further explored in tissue and serum exosomes samples.Results: Six miRNAs (miR-143-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-423-3p, and miR-484) were significantly overexpressed in the serum of EC compared with NCs. Areas under the ROC of the 6-miRNA signatures were 0.748, 0.833, and 0.967 for the training, testing, and the external validation phases, respectively. The identified signature has a very stable diagnostic performance in the large cohorts of three public datasets. Compared with previously identified miRNA biomarkers, the 6-miRNA signature in the present study has superior performance in diagnosing EC. Moreover, the expression of miR-143-3p and miR-195-5p in tissues and the expression of miR-20b-5p in serum exosomes were consistent with those in serum.Conclusions: We established a 6-miRNA signature in serum and they could function as potential non-invasive biomarker for EC diagnosis.
Simulation of physical processes and environmental monitoring at training and research stands
Authors: Nasrulin Aydar , Khamdamov Bekmamat , Yuldashev Tashmirza , Ergasheva Dilbar , Kan Eduard 
Published: June 2021

In this article, we also consider the results of studying the problems and prospects for the use of educational and research stands of the Department of Hydropower and Hydraulics and information technologies to provide modelling of physical processes and environmental monitoring. This will improve the methodology for the education of energy engineers to implement the program of measures for the further development of energy and renewable energy in Uzbekistan. As an example of such an approach, we can consider as one interconnected System that combines the results of work:

Examples of methods for creating a virtual stand based on digital maps for information support of environmental monitoring of hydraulic structures;
An example of an experimental stand for research on the operation of structures made of reinforced soil;
Examples of stands for the study of hydraulic processes - an example of the development of instruments for hydrometric support. Experimental stands are given. Methods for creating hydrostatic pressure and own weight of the dam. Conclusions and recommendations based on the results of experimental research on educational research stands.
Long-term monitoring of the vegetation cover of mountain territories in the GIS for soil and landscape study of territories
Authors: Djalilova Gulnora , Mamatkulova Feruza , Mamatkulova Zamira , Igamberdiyeva Dilfuza , Eshquvatov Quvonchbek 
Published: June 2021

Rational use of natural resources and preservation of the environment in good conditions is the basis of the stable state of the ecosystem. Mountain soil erosion is the most common process of degradation. Soil protection from erosion is becoming a global problem in the world, and in Uzbekistan, in particular. Natural conditions of the region create a potential danger of soil erosion. The reason for its manifestation is the misuse of land, non-compliance with necessary requirements for soil protection. In most cases, it is due to the location of homesteads and crops on erosion-prone soils that poorly protect soil from erosion, improper cultivation of soils on arable land, unregulated grazing of pastures, and damage to soil protective plantations.
The climate, topography and soils can in some way create a potential danger of erosion, while the vegetation cover reduces the possibility of erosion or completely prevents it. V.V.Dokuchaev [6] has given great importance to vegetation in the problems of soil protection from erosion and a decrease in the flow of atmospheric precipitation. He wrote: “… in the early spring, and after heavy rains in the virgin steppe there are no large streams, while on old-growth fields they run in all directions, storm and foam.”
A good vegetation cover sharply reduces the danger of erosion when a great amount of precipitation falls out. With high intensity of rains on slopes with a good vegetation cover, the danger of erosion may be much less than in the case of rainfalls with a small amount of precipitation and with less intensity on slopes with poor plantation or without any.