bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MFN2 regulates progesterone biosynthesis and proliferation of granulosa cells during follicle selection in hens
Authors: Hou Yuanyuan , Hu Jianing , Li Jie , Li Hu , Lu Yangqing , Liu Xingting 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFollicle selection in hens refers to a biological process that only one small yellow follicle (SYF) is selected daily or near‐daily for following hierarchical development (from F5/F6 to F1) until ovulation. MFN2 is a kind of GTPases located on the mitochondrial outer membrane, which plays a crucial role in mitochondrial fusion. This study aimed to elucidate the role of MFN2 in proliferation and progesterone biosynthesis of granulosa cells (GCs) during follicle selection in hens. The results showed that GCs began to produce progesterone (P4) after follicle selection, accompanied with changes from multi‐layer with flat cells to single layer with cubic cells. MFN2 was detected in GCs of follicles from SYF to F1. After follicle selection, the expression level of MFN2 in GCs upregulated significantly, accompanied with increases in P4 biosynthesis, ATP production, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers of granulosa cells. FSH (80 ng/mL) facilitated the effects of P4 biosynthesis and secretion, ATP production, mtDNA copy numbers, cell proliferation and the MFN2 transcription of granulosa cells from F5 (F5G) in vitro. However, FSH treatment did not promote P4 secretion in granulosa cells from SYF (SYFG) in vitro. Meanwhile, we observed that change fold of MFN2 transcription, ATP production, mtDNA copy numbers and cell proliferation rate in F5G after treatment with FSH were greater than those in SYFG. Furthermore, expression levels of MFN2 protein and messenger RNA in F5G were significantly higher than those in SYFG after treatment with FSH. P4 biosynthesis, ATP production, mtDNA copy numbers as well as cell proliferation reduced significantly in F5G with MFN2 knockdown. Oppositely, P4 biosynthesis, ATP production, mtDNA copy numbers and cell proliferation increased significantly in SYFG after the overexpression of MFN2. Our results suggest that the upregulation of MFN2 may be involved in the initiation of P4 biosynthesis, and promotion of GCs proliferation during follicle selection.
Combined analysis of secreted proteins and glycosylation identifies prognostic features in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Park Diane Dayoung , Xu Gege , Park Simon S. , Haigh Nathan E. , Phoomak Chatchai , Wongkham Sopit , Maverakis Emanual , Lebrilla Carlito B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSecreted proteins are overexpressed in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and actively involved in promoting metastatic spread. Many of these proteins possess one or more sites of glycosylation and their various glycoforms have potential utility as prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers. To evaluate the effects of secretome glycosylation on patient outcome, we elucidated the glycosylation patterns of proteins secreted by parental and metastatic CCA cells using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Our analysis showed that the secretome of CCA cells was dominated by fucosylated and fucosialylated glycoforms. Based on the glycan and protein profiles, we evaluated the combined prognostic significance of glycosyltransferases and secretory proteins. Significantly, genes encoding fucosyltransferases and sialyltransferases showed favorable prognostic effects when combined with secretory protein‐coding gene expression, particularly thrombospondin‐1. Combining these measures may provide improved risk assessment for CCA and be used to indicate stages of disease progression.
Use of the intrusion angle to describe the radial orientation of local cardiomyocytes in the left ventricle
Authors: Wang Shunli , Li Zhaorui , Yuan Feng , Varray François 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe projected transverse angle and the nonprojected intrusion angle can be used to describe the radial orientation of local cardiomyocytes in the left ventricle wall, although to date their descriptive relevance has not been demonstrated. This paper compares the evolution of the transverse angle and the intrusion angle in five left ventricle wall samples, and investigates in more detail their respective behaviors when the nonprojected helical angle varies. We show that the intrusion angle avoids the “projection” effect, and contrary to the transverse angle, it remains stable whatever the values taken by the nonprojected helical angle, even when this approaches 90°. The intrusion angle is the better choice, rather than the transverse angle, in describing the radial orientation of local cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the oscillation of the intrusion angle in the samples is assessed, whose results indicate that the intrusion angle's oscillation amplitude and period are regional and related to the local tissue architecture.
Mismatch of MRI White Matter Hyperintensities and Gait Function in Patients With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Wu Lingshan , Wang Ziyue , Zhou Xirui , Kong Qianqian , Zhang Yi , Xu Shabei , Huang Hao , Luo Xiang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is closely related to gait disorders. Previous studies have found a negative correlation between the severity of MRI white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and gait speed. However, not every individual with WMH experiences a gait disorder.PurposeTo investigate the mechanisms underlying the mismatch between the severity of MRI WMH and gait impairment, in particular in subjects with severe WMH (Fazekas 3, scale 0–3) resulting from vascular disease.Study TypeCohort.Population54 subjects with severe WMH and gait disorder (WMH‐GD; 29 males) and 114 subjects with severe WMH with no gait disorder (WMH‐nGD; 60 males).Field Strength/Sequence3T/diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, FLAIR, DWI, SWI.AssessmentTrace‐based spatial statistics analysis (TBSS) approach (fractional anisotropy, FA; mean diffusivity; radial diffusivity; axial diffusivity); Cognitive assessment; Conventional MRI markers of CSVD (WMH, enlarged perivascular spaces, lacunae, and cerebral microbleeds); Gait parameters (gait speed; cadence; stride length; gait cycle duration; step duration; time‐up‐and‐go test, TUG). Gait disorder was defined as a TUG time exceeding 12 sec.Statistical TestsThe t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi‐square tests, and partial correlation analysis (Pearson or Spearman) were used. P < 0.05 with threshold‐free cluster enhancement corrected was considered statistically significant for TBSS.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, height, and other conventional MRI markers of CSVD, the WMH‐nGD group showed significantly decreased FA values in the corpus callosum, bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, left corona radiata, and left posterior thalamic radiation. There was a significant association between FA values and TUG time, gait speed, and stride length in multiple WM tracts, independent of other conventional CSVD markers.Data ConclusionThis study provides evidence for microstructural damage of specific fibers in WMH‐GD subjects compared to WMH‐nGD subjects. This may explain the mismatch between WMH and gait impairment in subjects with severe WMH.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 3
Bioinformatics analysis of gene bhsA and its role in Ca2+‐treated Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Zefang , Zhu Ning , Yang Guangrui , Leng Feifan , Wang Yonggang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOne of the commonly employed methods in molecular biology is to utilize calcium chloride to treat Escherichia coli for the preparation of competent cells to facilitate foreign gene expression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ mediation of competent cell formation and identification of the key genes involved in the process remain unclear. In previous studies, the combined analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics revealed bhsA as one of the crucial genes. The gene ontology functional annotation of bhsA identified it as a member of the YhcN family encoding an outer membrane protein that confers resistance to various stresses. The IPR0108542 domain found within the protein plays a significant role in stress response and biofilm formation in E. coli. Analysis of the STRING database showed that the proteins interacting with bhsA are primarily involved in biofilm formation and stress resistance. Using the RED homologous recombination method, a bhsA deletion strain was constructed to verify its role in E. coli genetic transformation. Although the mutant strain showed no significant differences in morphology or growth trend when compared to the wild‐type strain, its transformation efficiency decreased by 1.14‐ and 1.64‐fold with plasmids pUC19 and pET‐32a. Furthermore, the 1‐N‐phenylnaphthylamine assay indicated a 1.71‐fold reduction in cell membrane permeability in the mutant strain.
Revisiting HISTALP precipitation dataset
Authors: Chimani Barbara , Bochníček Oliver , Brunetti Michele , Ganekind Manfred , Holec Juraj , Izsák Beatrix , Lakatos Mónika , Tadić Melita Perčec , Manara Veronica , Maugeri Maurizio , Šťastný Pavel , Szentes Olivér , Zardi Dino 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe article presents a recent update of a comprehensive dataset of long‐term series of precipitation data from instrumental observations in the Greater Alpine Region (GAR), that is, the region of Europe including the Alpine mountain range and their nearer surroundings (4°–19° E in longitude and 43°–49° N in latitude). A comparison to different national homogenized datasets is also presented. Results show that in the national homogenized datasets more breaks have been detected due to higher station density. They also demonstrate the necessity of constant exchange with data providers. The resulting trends in all datasets are mainly weak and only a minority of them is statistically significant. In most cases the similarity of statistical index numbers are promising, with, for example, small RMSE between the presented new HISTALP homogenization and the time series of the national homogenized datasets. Nevertheless, for some stations higher differences occur and break signals are not what would be expected due to possible causes in the station history. The differences between the national and the HISTALP new homogenization—due to, for example, different methods used, different points in time when the homogenization took place, different options of data handling (combination of station data, gap filling routines, …) and different reference stations—illustrate the inherent uncertainty unavoidably associated to homogenization and point out the need of careful communication and use of the data. On the other hand, the results highlight the advantage of consistently homogenized datasets, versus the risks associated with mixing results from different homogenizations.
Climate, trends and variability of extreme winds along the southwest coast of India
Authors: Abdulla Cheriyeri Poyil , Aboobacker Valliyil Mohammed , Vethamony Ponnumony 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe extreme wind climate and its trends and variability of the southwest coast of India, particularly the Kerala coast, are investigated using hourly reanalysis wind speeds for the period 1979–2021. The observed maximum wind speed and 99th percentile wind speed off Kerala coast are 21.0 and 11.3 m·s−1, respectively. The predominant direction of high wind speeds is in the SW–WNW sector, which accounts for 93.5% of the total high winds. Extreme wind speeds in this region are not due to tropical cyclones alone, but also due to seasonal high winds. Seasonally, the premonsoon and SW monsoon extreme winds are predominantly in the WSW–WNW directional sector, while postmonsoon strong winds are present in all directional sectors, but predominantly in the SSW–WNW sector, followed by the E–SSE sector. The 99th percentile wind speeds during premonsoon, SW monsoon and postmonsoon are 8.8, 12.3 and 8.9 m·s−1, respectively. A significant decreasing trend is observed in the 99th percentile wind speeds during 1979–2021, ranging from 3 to 6 cm·s−1·year−1 off Kerala coast. This is in contrast with global increasing extreme wind speeds, and it can be attributed to regional variability as well as weakening of the land–sea thermal gradients associated with rising surface temperature in the Arabian Sea in the light of global warming. In addition to the long‐term declining trend and monthly as well as seasonal features, distinct interannual variations are also noticed in the 99th percentile wind speeds. Analysis shows that the atmospheric teleconnections associated with El Niño–La Niña events and Indian Ocean Dipole have an important role in the variability of extreme wind speeds. The co‐occurrence of positive (negative) IOD with El Niño (La Niña) results in a sharp decline (increase) in extreme wind speeds. Significant decadal variations are also noticed in the 99th percentile wind speeds.
Silicon nutrition improves the quality and yield of rice under dry cultivation
Authors: Jiang Hao , Xu Xiaotian , Sun Anran , Bai Chenyang , Li Yunzhe , Nuo Min , Shen Xinru , Li Wanchun , Wang Dongchao , Tian Ping , Wei Xiaoshuang , Wang Guan , Yang Meiying , Wu Zhihai 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDDry cultivation of rice is a water‐saving, emission reduction and labor‐saving rice farming method. However, the development of rice under dry cultivation is hampered by the limitations of dry cultivation on rice yield and rice quality. We hypothesized that additional silicon (Si) would be a measure to address these limitations or challenges.RESULTSIn the present study, we set up field trials with three treatments: flooded cultivation (W), dry cultivation (D) and dry cultivation plus Si. Yield and quality were reduced under D treatment compared to W treatment. The addition of Si promoted root development, increased plant height and leaf area, increased photosynthetic enzyme activity, net photosynthetic rate and SPAD values, and increased biomass under dry crop conditions. Under the drought conditions, silica up‐regulated the expression of AGPSI, SBEI, SBEIIb, SSI and SSII‐1 genes and the activities of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), soluble starch synthetase (SSS) and starch branching enzyme (SBE) enzymes, which reduced protein, amylose, chalkiness percentage and chalkiness degree, increased brown rice rate, milled rice rate and head milled rice rate, and also improved rice quality. In addition, the increase of AGPase, SSS and SBE enzyme activities promoted the filling rate and the number of spikes was guaranteed, whereas the yield was improved by promoting the seed setting rate and 1000‐grain weight.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study indicate that adding appropriate amounts of Si fertilizer can improve the yield and quality of rice under dry cultivation by regulating source supply capacity and grain starch synthesis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Examining intellectual capital and knowledge absorptive capacity for high innovative performance
Authors: Ahmed Syed Saad , Guozhu Jia , Khan Muhammad Mumtaz 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the contemporaneous business environment, intangible assets and capabilities are building blocks of an organization's innovative performance. Despite the rising importance of absorptive capacity in knowledge management and innovation literature, there has been limited focus on its dimensions, such as knowledge acquisition, assimilation, and transformation, particularly in relation to intellectual capital (IC) and innovative performance. This research unravels the mediating role played by the dimensions of absorptive capacity in connecting IC to innovative performance. This research offers a novel combination of individual mediation effects of absorptive capacity components on the relationship between IC and innovative performance. Data for this cross‐sectional research were gathered from 295 organizations through a Likert scale questionnaire. This research employs partial least square‐structural equation modeling to analyze the individual mediating pathways of absorptive capacity. This study shows that knowledge acquisition adversely influences the relationship between IC and innovative performance, which challenges conventional wisdom. Conversely, all other mediation paths, including knowledge assimilation, transformation, and exploitation, exhibit a positive influence on innovative performance. Furthermore, this study also offers valuable managerial implications and suggests potential areas for future research.
Primary Total Laryngectomy for Endolaryngeal cT3‐4M0 Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A STROBE Analysis
Authors: Laccourreye Ollivier , Garcia Dominique , Haroun Fabienne , Nguyen Dac H. , Giraud Philippe , Mirghani Haitham 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo document 10‐year oncologic outcome of primary total laryngectomy (TL) for patients with cT3‐4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Study DesignObservational inception cohort of 531 patients with isolated untreated endolaryngeal cT3‐4M0 SCC review over 40 years using STROBE guideline. 94% of patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 10 years.SettingAcademic tertiary referral care center.MethodsAll patients underwent primary TL. Prior tracheotomy, induction chemotherapy, thyroid gland resection, level II‐IV neck dissection, level VI dissection, and postoperative radiation therapy were associated in 6%, 40%, 43%, 89%, 47%, and 74% of cases, respectively: The main objective was to determine the 10‐year actuarial local control estimate. Accessory objectives comprised screening for clinical variables increasing the risk of local recurrence, and analysis of long‐term oncologic consequences of local recurrence.ResultsThe 10‐year actuarial local control estimate was 89.7%. Local recurrence was salvaged in 11% of cases, resulting in 92% overall local control. On multivariate analysis, none of the study variables correlated with local recurrence. Local recurrence resulted in significantly reduced nodal control, distant metastasis control, and survival. Postoperative complications, persistent index SCC, intercurrent disease, and metachronous second primary cancer accounted for respectively 3%, 37%, 33%, and 28% of the 334 deaths noted during the 10 years following TL.ConclusionThe present study underscored the long‐term oncologic efficacy of primary TL, the dangers of local recurrence, the key role of local control for survival, and the importance of a long‐term oncologic watch policy.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:2288–2294, 2024
Design of Copolymer‐Based Blend Compatibilizers for Mixed Plastic Recycling
Authors: Qian Jin , Dunn Carmen B. , Qiang Zhe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMixed plastic waste recycling represents a significant challenge as the phase separation of different components dictates downgraded performance. Polymer‐based compatibilizers can offer a promising solution to address this issue, through effectively reducing surface tension and increasing interfacial strength between distinct components to result in improved mechanical and thermal properties of recycled products. This perspective provides an overview of the fundamental concepts for the rational design of copolymer blend compatibilizers and discusses their recent advances, including both preformed and in situ generated systems. Impacts of key material parameters of compatibilizers, such as chain topology, chemical composition, and block sequence on their performance of remediating mixed plastics are discussed. Additionally, reactive compatibilization strategies are also introduced, including in situ formation of polymers, installing functional groups on mixed plastics, and employing dual compatibilization strategies. Looking forward, there are many research and technology opportunities in this area, especially for enabling the use of blend compatibilizers to practically address mixed plastic wastes at scale. Specifically, future compatibilizer design and application should provide strong competitiveness in both cost and energy savings, and carbon emission reduction. Together, the development of blend compatibilizers is an important step in establishing plastic circular economy and creating a more sustainable future.
Mechanism of synergistic inhibitory effect of benzyl isothiocyanate and zoledronic acid combination on breast cancer induction of osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Kim Su‐Hyeong , Pore Subrata K. , Mathan Sivapar V. , Singh Rana P. , Singh Shivendra V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBone is the most favored site for metastasis for each major subtype of breast cancer. Therapeutic modalities for alleviation of clinical symptoms associated with bone metastasis include surgical resection, radiation, and bone‐targeted therapies, including bisphosphonates (e.g., zoledronic acid; ZA) and a humanized antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (denosumab). However, the bone‐targeted therapies are expensive, and have poor pharmacokinetic attributes and/or serious adverse effects. Therefore, novel strategies are needed for treatment of bone metastasis or to increase effectiveness of existing bone‐targeted therapies. We have shown previously that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a novel inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation in vitro and bone metastasis in vivo. The present study shows that BITC + ZA combination synergistically inhibits osteoclast differentiation induced by addition of conditioned media from breast cancer cells. These effects were associated with a significant increase in levels of several antiosteoclastogenic cytokines, including interferons, interleukin (IL)‐3, IL‐4, and IL‐27. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of RNA‐seq data from BITC and/or ZA‐treated cells revealed downregulation of genes of many pathways (e.g., actin cytoskeleton, Hippo signaling, etc.) by treatment with BITC + ZA combination, but not by BITC alone or ZA alone. Confocal microscopy confirmed severe disruption of actin cytoskeleton upon treatment of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells with the BITC + ZA combination. This combination also decreased the nuclear level of yes‐associated protein, a core component of Hippo signaling. In conclusion, the present study offers a novel combination for prevention or treatment of bone metastasis of breast cancer.
Multibeam digital metasurface reflectarray antenna for 5G millimeter wave applications
Authors: Bashir Gazali , Singh Amit K. , Dubey Ankit 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA phase‐graded multibeam high gain digital metasurface reflector array (DMSRA) antenna for 5G millimeter wave communication is proposed in this letter. The DMSRA unit‐cell element is composed of a dipole loaded with endstubs. The variation of load across the diploe manipulates the reflection phase response of the incoming electromagnetic wave. A discretized phase state of 0° and 180° is obtained for an optimized loaded dipole. The phase states mimic the binary meta bit‐0 and meta bit‐1. The metabits are distributed along the reflecting surface using a digital coding sequence to form multiple beams in the desired direction. A coding sequence of 010101… is employed to design a two‐dimensional phase‐graded metasurface to generate a four‐beam radiation pattern. The designed digital metasurface reflectarray antenna of dimensions is fabricated and measured to validate the performance. The DMSRA is excited by an antipodal Vivaldi antenna positioned at an optimized focal point of 28 mm. The measured results show a four‐beam radiation pattern obtained over the frequency range of 27.5–28.5 GHz along azimuthal and elevation planes, with a peak beam gain of 10.5 dBi at 28 GHz.