bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red ginseng prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting cell death via activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Yoshikawa Naoki , Hirata Naoto , Kurone Yuichiro , Shimoeda Sadahiko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Doxorubicin (DXR) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent. DOX-induced cardiomyopathy (DICM), a major limitation of DXR, is a complication with limited treatment options. We previously reported that Red Ginseng (steamed and dried the root of Panax Ginseng cultivated for over six years; RGin) is beneficial for the treatment of DICM. However, the mechanism underlying the action of RGin remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action underlying the efficacy of RGin in the treatment of DICM.
Methods:
Four-week-old DBA/2 mice were divided into: vehicle, DXR, RGin, and DXR+RGin (n=10/group). Mice were treated with DXR (4 mg/kg, once a week, accumulated 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or RGin (0.5 g/kg, three times a week, i.p.). To evaluate efficacy, the survival rate and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured as a measure of cardiac function, and cardiomyocytes were subjected to Masson trichrome staining. To investigate the mechanism of action, western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1, transferrin receptor (TfR), and other related proteins. Data were analyzed using the Easy R software. Between-group comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance and analyzed using a post-hoc Tukey test. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analyses.
Results:
RGin treatment prolongs survival and protects against reduced LVEF. In the DXR group, Nrf2 was not activated and cell death was accelerated. Furthermore, there was an increase in the TfR levels, suggesting abnormal iron metabolism. However, the DXR+RGin group showed activation of the Nrf2 pathway and suppression of myocardial cell death. Furthermore, there was no increase in TfR expression, suggesting that there were no abnormalities in iron metabolism. Therefore, the mechanism of action of RGin in DICM involves an increase in antioxidant activity and inhibition of cell death through activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
Conclusion:
RGin is a useful therapeutic candidate for DICM. Its efficacy is supported by the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances antioxidant activity and inhibits cell death.
Phenotypic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Furnon Wilhelm , Cowton Vanessa , De Lorenzo Giuditta , Orton Richard , Herder Vanessa , Cantoni Diego , Ilia Georgios , Mendonca Diogo Correa , Kerr Karen , Allan Jay , Upfold Nicole , Meehan Gavin , Bakshi Siddharth , Das Udeet Ranjan , Arias Sergi , McElwee Marion , Little Sarah , Logan Nicola , Kwok Kirsty , Smollett Katherine , Willett Brian , Filipe Ana da Silva , Robertson David , Grove Joe , Patel Arvind , Palmarini Massimo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Variants of SARS-CoV-2, defined mainly by mutations in the spike glycoprotein, have emerged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will undoubtedly continue to emerge in the future. Spike strongly influences virus phenotype, and it is therefore critical to understand the evolution of this viral protein during distinct phases of the pandemic. Here, we generated a panel of recombinant viruses carrying spike from 27 of the most significant variants, circulating between 2020 and 2024, within an otherwise identical genomic backbone. We systematically assessed phenotypic traits of these viruses both in vitro and in vivo in hamsters. Overall, we determined distinct phenotypic trajectories of spike among and between the variants circulating before (“pre-Omicron") and after (“post-Omicron”) the emergence of Omicron. Spillover of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population was followed by a period of adaptation and fine-tuning to the host in the pre-Omicron variants. Omicron simultaneously “reset” several established phenotypes of previously circulating variants. Since then, spike of post-Omicron variants maintained its enhanced tropism for the nasal epithelium but displayed over time several phenotypic traits typical of the pre-Omicron variants. These data suggest that it may be possible for spike with phenotypic features of both pre- and post-Omicron variants to emerge in the future.
Anti-cancer bioactive peptide induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through TP53 signaling cascade
Authors: Suyila Qimuge , Li Xian , Su Xiulan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Our previous studies show that anti-cancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) inhibits the initiation and progression of gastric cancer via apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, however, the mechanisms is not clear. Here, we studied the effects of ACBP in three human gastric cancer cell lines, NCI-N87 and MGC-803, and investigated effect of ACBP on the survival and morphology of the cancer cell lines, examined apoptosis and cell cycle progression, detected the expression of TP53, TP63, and TP73 in cancer cells and the expression of Bax, PUMA and Mcl-1 in xenograft mouse model. ACBP inhibited the proliferation of three cancer cells dose-dependently as did the positive control and 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu). The effect of ACBP correlated with the degree of differentiation of cancer cells, the lower the differentiation degree, the stronger the inhibitory effect. After ACBP treatment, TP53, TP63 and TP73 expression was increased in all cell lines. In xenogragft mouse model, ACBP inhibited growth of MGC-803 cell in vivo. Apoptotic related genes Bax and PUMA were up-regulated, and Mcl-1 was down-regulated. ACBP inhibited tumor cell growth by induced apoptosis through TP53 signaling cascade by up-regulating TP53, TP63 and TP73 and its downstream apoptosis promoting genes Bax and PUMA, down-regulating antiapoptotic gene Mcl-1.
Enhancing Phase Noise Performance in Cross-Coupled LC Oscillators through Switch Transistor Current Shaping
Authors: Yazdani Komeil , Jalali Ali , Hashemipour Omid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative structural modification designed to mitigate phase noise in a cross-coupled LC oscillator. The proposed architecture not only reduces phase noise but also elevates the output oscillation frequency. The key mechanism for phase noise reduction lies in the current shaping of switch transistors. This involves minimizing the conduction angle of these transistors precisely at the zero-crossing points of the output oscillation. The oscillator operates within the C-band frequency range at 4.02 GHz. At a 100 KHz offset, the phase noise is measured at -111.25 dBc/Hz, and at a 1 MHz offset, it reaches -132.16 dBc/Hz. Simulations were conducted using Cadence software, implemented in TSMC_0.18μm_RF CMOS technology with a 1.8V supply voltage. The oscillation exhibits a peak-to-peak voltage of 2.26V, accompanied by a power consumption of 4.11mW.
Effects of photoperiod and age on the development of two types of the fat body in the Asian comma butterfly, Polygonia c-aureum (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in relation to adult diapause
Authors: HIROYOSHI SATOSHI , MITSUNAGA TAKAYUKI , REDDY GADI V.P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Polygonia c-aureum adults of both sexes have two types of fat bodies (small spherical or large long and slender). This butterfly overwinters as adults, and adult diapause is maintained by short day-length (SD) and terminated by long day-length (LD), aging and/or high temperatures. Under SD, both types of fat bodies increased in size with increased adult age until day 40 and then leveled off. Under LD, both fat bodies initially increased but then decreased in size. Since applying JH analog (methoprene) did not affect male fat body development while the accessory glands and simplex developed, we conclude that it was flight behavior, rather than the development of those reproductive organs, that strongly affected the consumption of fat body under virgin conditions. When butterflies of both sexes were kept at 21℃ under SD for 15, 30, or 45 days of adult life and transferred to 5℃ (complete darkness and starved condition), high survival was obtained in butterflies pre-incubated for 30 days. However, in butterflies pre-incubated for 15 or 45 days, survival rates decreased with time under overwintering conditions. The above results suggest that decreasing survival rates in these two treatments were due to insufficient development of the fat body in the former and termination of diapause in the latter. Therefore, we conclude that this butterfly may need sufficient time to develop its fat body to survive overwintering.
Transcriptomics extract the key chromium resistance genes of Cellulomonas
Authors: Li Yongdong , Gao Shengchao , Sun Hongmei , Cao Lianbin , Li Tong , Li Wentong , Li Tongbiao , Wang Mingchneg , Li Enzhong , Ni Hongxia , Chen Yi , Liu Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cellulomonas fimi Clb-11 can reduce high toxic Cr (VI) to low toxic Cr (III). In this study, transcriptomics was used to analyze the key genes, which was involved in Cr (VI) uptake and reduction in C. fimi Clb-11. The results showed that when C. fimi Clb-11 was subjected to 0.5 mM Cr (VI) stress, 654 genes were upregulated. Among them, phosphate transport protein encoding gene phoU, inorganic phosphate transport protein encoding gene TC.PIT, and molybdate transport protein encoding genes modA, modB, and modC were involved in the passive uptake of Cr (VI) by C. fimi Clb-11. Cytochrome c subunits encoding genes qcrA and qcrC, as well as cytochrome c oxidase subunits encoding genes coxB and coxC were involved in the intracellular reduction of Cr (VI) by C. fimi Clb-11. Additionally, several unreported genes were found to be upregulated in C. fimi Clb-11 under Cr (VI) stress. Manganese transport protein encoding gene mntH and nickel transport system permease encoding genes ABC.PE.P and ABC.PE.P1 may participate in the passive uptake of Cr (VI) by C. fimi Clb-11. Osmoprotectant transport system ATP-binding protein encoding gene opuA, osmoprotectant transport system substrate-binding protein encoding gene opuC, and osmoprotectant transport system permease encoding gene opuBD may be crucial for maintaining intracellular water content in cells and enhancing the resistance of C. fimi Clb-11 to Cr (VI). Proton pump subunit encoding genes atpA, atpB, atpE, atpF, and atpH, as well as sodium-hydrogen antiporter subunit encoding genes mnhA and mnhC, may be involved in the extracellular proton secretion to reduce Cr (VI) in extracellular. Iron complex transport system substrate-binding protein encoding gene ABC.FEV.S, vacuolar iron transporter encoding gene VIT, FMN reductase gene encoding gene ssuE, and quinone oxidoreductase QOR encoding genes qor and qorB may participate in the intracellular reduction of Cr (VI) by C. fimi Clb-11. The pyruvate dehydrogenase encoding genes pdhA, pdhB, and pdhC, as well as the succinate dehydrogenase encoding genes sdhA, sdhB, and sdhD, may play important roles in supplying electrons for C. fimi Clb-11 to reduce Cr (VI). Our study provides theoretical references for optimizing microbial Cr (VI) resistance and microbial chromium pollution remediation techniques.
Set-membership adaptive filtering algorithm based on hyperbolic tangent kernel fractional p-power method
Authors: Yan First Shaohui , Wu Second Xinyu , Liu Third Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A well know problem in Kernel Adaptive Filtering (KAF) algorithm is the growing network, where Quantized Kernel Adaptive Filtering (QKAF) is one of the most outstanding solutions. However, the most existing QKAF’s have the problem of large steady-state error. In this paper, based on the sparse perceptual data selection characteristic of Set Membership (SM) algorithm, a kernel member adaptive filtering algorithm is proposed. The proposed kernel SM algorithm features an adaptive step based on the hyperbolic tangent form of instantaneous error, in which the hyperbolic tangent function can compress the scale of the variable, thus weakening the collinearity of the model and further improving the stability of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has lower steady-state error and better steady-state performance when the convergence rate is close.
How Does Digital Government Construction Affect Enterprise Exploratory Innovation Orientation? Insights Based on Invention Knowledge Inertia
Authors: Gao Qiaoyi , Ren Zhaoshuai , Sun Tong , Sun Min 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Following up on digital government construction, will enterprises passively shape the inertia of invention knowledge, and will it affect their exploratory innovation? We explored the impact of digital government construction (DGC) on firms’ exploratory innovation (Exploratory) using data from China’s1528 A-share firms over a decade. We find that DGC significantly promotes Exploratory. Firms are compelled to cultivate invention knowledge inertia (KI) in response to DGC to promote Exploratory. The knowledge openness of the senior leadership team (KOM) moderates the link between KI and Exploratory. Notably, the diversified knowledge of executives with financial backgrounds weakens the DGC→KI, and the effect is obvious in state-owned and high-tech enterprises. While knowledge without such backgrounds strengthens the KI→Exploratory.
This study provides valuable insights into government-enterprise cooperation, emphasizing the role of innovation knowledge inertia in that.
Towards non-invasive PTSD diagnosis: Utilising EEG based Emotion Recognition with the DEAP Database
Authors: M Josephine Mary Juliana , Sudha Gnanou Florence , R Nakkeeran 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) poses a significant challenge in mental health diagnosis, necessitating innovative and non-invasive approaches. This paper explores the efficacy of emotion recognition through electroencephalography (EEG) as a potential diagnostic tool for PTSD. Leveraging the rich resource of the DEAP EEG database, this study focuses on employing statistical features, namely mean, standard deviation, kurtosis, and Hjorth parameters, to ascertain emotional states associated with PTSD. This work outlines the pressing need for effective and non-invasive PTSD diagnosis methods, emphasizing the potential of emotion recognition as a groundbreaking approach. EEG, with its ability to capture neural activity in real-time, emerges as a promising biomarker for decoding emotional responses associated with PTSD. The paper employs a 1D Convolutional Neural Network (1D CNN) as the classifier algorithm, demonstrating its efficacy in discriminating between valence, arousal, and liking associated with PTSD-related emotional responses. Results indicate a remarkable classification accuracy of 97.18%, highlighting the potential of the proposed approach for PTSD diagnosis. This research contributes a non-invasive diagnostic method, bridging the gap between neuroscience, emotion recognition, and mental health, ultimately paving the way for more effective and accessible PTSD assessment tools.
UAlign: Pushing the Limit of Template-free Retrosynthesis Prediction with Unsupervised SMILES Alignment
Authors: Zeng Kaipeng , Yang Bo , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yu , Nie Fan , Yang Xiaokang , Jin Yaohui , Xu Yanyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

\textbf{Motivation} Retrosynthesis planning poses a formidable challenge in the organic chemical industry, particularly in pharmaceuticals. Single-step retrosynthesis prediction, a crucial step in the planning process, has witnessed a surge in interest in recent years due to advancements in AI for science. Various deep learning-based methods have been proposed for this task in recent years, incorporating diverse levels of additional chemical knowledge dependency. \vspace{2mm}\\ \textbf{Results} This paper introduces {\modelname}, a template-free graph-to-sequence pipeline for retrosynthesis prediction. By combining graph neural networks and Transformers, our method can more effectively leverage the inherent graph structure of molecules. Based on the fact that the majority of molecule structures remain unchanged during a chemical reaction, we propose a simple yet effective SMILES alignment technique to facilitate the reuse of unchanged structures for reactant generation. Extensive experiments show that our method substantially outperforms state-of-the-art template-free and semi-template-based approaches. Importantly, our template-free method achieves effectiveness comparable to, or even surpasses, established powerful template-based methods. \vspace{2mm}\\ \textbf{Scientific contribution} We present a novel graph-to-sequence template-free retrosynthesis prediction pipeline that overcomes the limitations of Transformer-based methods in molecular representation learning and insufficient utilization of chemical information. We propose an unsupervised learning mechanism for establishing product-atom correspondence with reactant SMILES tokens, achieving even better results than supervised SMILES alignment methods. Extensive experiments demonstrate that {\modelname} significantly outperforms state-of-the-art template-free methods and rivals or surpasses template-based approaches, with up to 5\% (top-5) and 5.4\% (top-10) increased accuracy over the strongest baseline.
Leadership and Job satisfaction among Physicians in the Public Health Sector of Cyprus
Authors: Gregoriou Ioanna , Economidou Eleftheria C. , Avraam Demetris , Soteriades Elpidoforos S. , Papastavrou Evridiki , Charalambous Andreas , Stylianides Antonis , Merkourios Anastasios 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare leadership and job satisfaction constitute important characteristics of health professionals’ employment status. Our study aim was to examine the relationship between managers’ leadership styles and physicians’ job satisfaction in the public health sector of Cyprus.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among all physicians working in the public health sector of Cyprus (Ministry of Health, administration offices, public hospitals and healthcare centers). In this context we used two standardized internationally validated instruments: the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), and the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS).
Results
Out of 690 physicians working in the public health sector who received an invitation to participate, 511 completed the survey and 9 were excluded. Therefore, a total of 502 physicians (262 male and 235 female) were included in the final analysis (response rate 73%). Transactional and transformational leaderships had strong positive effects on six out of the nine job satisfaction subscales, as well as on the total job satisfaction scale, whereas passive leadership had a negative effect on job satisfaction. Overall, total leadership had a strong statistically significant positive effect on total job satisfaction [odds ratio = 3.88, 95% CI (2.27, 6.63)].
Conclusions
We found strong and statistically significant associations between the transactional and transformational leadership styles and health professionals’ job satisfaction in most of the job satisfaction subscales. Establishing a causal relationship between the above requires further investigations with appropriate study design.
Different effects of smooth pursuit eye movements on motion-based stimulus response congruency
Authors: Styrkowiec Piotr , Wierzbicki Michał 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In motion-based stimulus response correspondence (SRC) effect responses are faster when the task irrelevant stimulus motion is congruent with the response movement performance. In the present study, we tested if smooth pursuit type eye movements related to the tracking of a moving object influence motion-based SRC when present on its own or when it was combined with position-based SRC. We looked at the motion-based SRC effect in the response selection and response execution stages. When investigating motion-based SRC alone, participants responded with left or right hand movements of the single hand to the left or right movements of the centrally presented stimulus either with their eyes fixated in the center either with their eyes tracking the moving object. In the case of motion-based SRC and position-based congruency participants responded with left or right movements of the left or right hand to the stimulus motion that was presented on the left or right side of the screen, again with eyes fixated in the center or with the eyes following moving target. Results showed that in the response selection stage, smooth pursuit type eye movements reduced the motion-based SRC when stimulus moved in the center, whereas it was enhanced when stimulus presentation was lateralized. This is in line with the idea that cognitive system computes various spatial maps for different cognitive purposes. In the case of response execution, smooth pursuit type eye movements always enhanced the motion-based SRC, what is consistent with the notion of eye and hand movements coupling during tracking.
Remittances and Financial Inclusion: The Role of Institutional Quality in Belt and Road Initiative Economies
Authors: Liaqat Idrees , Hashmi Shujahat Haider , Khan Muhammad Asif , Batool Iqra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study examines the remittances and financial inclusion nexus by subsuming the critical role of institutional quality in the unique settings of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies. The existing literature pertaining to the role of institutional quality in remittances and financial inclusion has placed less emphasis on the multidimensional nature of financial inclusion. Therefore, this study contributes to the debate on the role of institutions in explaining the nexus between remittances and financial inclusion. By adopting two-stage least squares (2SLS) and generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimation techniques, the empirical findings show that institutional quality plays a significant role in explaining the relationship between remittances and financial inclusion across various dimensions. The overall findings are further confirmed by applying a series of robustness checks such as the adoption of alternative measure of financial inclusion and institutional quality, alternative instruments and alternative estimator. The study offers useful policy implications for governments, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders in BRI partners economies.
GEL Classification: F24; G15; G28