bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lathyrol Reduces the RCC Invasion and Incidence of EMT via Affecting the Expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice
Authors: Song Shengyou , Tai Lunwei , Xu Yuqi , Jiang Junling , Zhou Lei , Zhao Junfeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of Lathyrol on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mice and to further explore the mechanism by which Lathyrol inhibits the invasion and incidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Methods: An RCC xenograft mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into a model group, an experiment group and a negative control group. The experiment group was intragastrically gavaged with Lathyrol solution (20 mg/kg), the model group was intragastrically gavaged with 0.9% NaCl (same volume as that used in the experiment group), and the negative control group was injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg cisplatin aqueous solution. Changes in the body weight and tumor volume of the mice were recorded. Western blot (WB) was used to assess the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, PARP1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, α-SMA, β-catenin, and ZO-1. Protein expression levels of SPHK2, metal matrix protease 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in tumor tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). AR expression in tumor tissues was assessed after immunofluorescence (IF) staining.
Results: After 14 days of drug administration, compared with that in the model group, the tumor volumes in the negative control and experiment groups were lower; the difference in tumor volume among the model, control and experiment groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in body weight among the three groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the model group, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively increased, the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively reduced (P <0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, and α-SMA were relatively increased (P<0.05). In the negative control and experiment groups, the protein expression levels of AR, p-AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, and PARP1 were relatively decreased (P<0.05), the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were relatively increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA were relatively decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Lathyrol and cisplatin inhibit the proliferation of RCC xenografts, reduce the protein expression levels of AR, CYP17A1, SPHK2, PARP1, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in tumor tissues (P<0.05), and promote the protein expression levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin and α-SMA (P<0.05). Therefore, Lathyrol reduces RCC invasion and EMT by affecting the expression of AR and SPHK2 in RCC mice.
How local electric field regulates C-C coupling at a single active site in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Chen Zixuan , Yang Ruixin , Qi Yongbing , Tang Zhuodong , Li Jinxiang , Zhu Wenlei , Zhu Jun-Jie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

C–C coupling is of utmost importance in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2, as it governs the selectivity of diverse product formation. Nevertheless, the difficulties to directly observe C–C coupling pathways on a specific active site hinder the advances in catalysts and electrolyzer design for efficient high-value hydrocarbon production. Here we develop a single-site-resolved Raman technology to elucidate the influence of the local electric field on the evolution of C-C coupling intermediates. Through precise adjustments to the Debye length in nanogaps of a copper catalyst, the overlapping of electrical double layer (EDLs) drives a transition in the C–C coupling pathway at a specific active site from *CHO–*CO coupling to the direct dimerization of *CO species. Experimental evidence and simulations validate that a reduced potential drop across the compact layer promotes a higher yield of CO and promotes the direct dimerization of *CO species. Our findings provide insights for the development of highly selective catalyst materials tailored to promote specific products.
The protective effect of Iron Isomaltoside on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via the suppression of KLF4/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Gong Huiping , Zhao Qingyang , Zhang Jingbo , Sun Duanchen , Zhuang Xianghua , Dong Qiaofeng , Dou Aixia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

[Objectives]This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of iron isomaltoside (IIM) on myocardial function and the associated mechanisms in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9C2 cells.[Design & Methods]Changes in cardiac pathology after myocardial infarction (MI) were analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Myocardial cellapoptosis in the heart tissues of rats with MI was assessed using TUNEL staining. In H/R-induced H9C2 cells, cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenosine 5’-triphosphate levels were detected. Apoptosis and MMP in H9C2 cells were detected with flow cytometry.[Results]Our results demonstrated that IIM treatment reduced myocardial injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy induced by I/R in rats. Moreover, we confirmed that IIM repressed apoptosis and regulated MMP in H9C2 cells exposed to H/R. IIM relieved the inflammatory response and autophagy in H/R-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, IIM inhibited the Krüpple-like factor 4 (KLF4)/NF-κB pathway in H/R-induced H9C2 cells. Interestingly, the function of IIM on apoptosis, MMP, inflammation and autophagy were abolished by KLF4 overexpression in H/R-induced H9C2 cells.[Conclusions]In conclusion, IIM could repress cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy through the inhibition of the KLF4/NF-κB pathway and thus reduced myocardial injuryin vivoandin vitro.
Utility of indirect phenotype measurement system on genomic prediction in Japanese Black cattle: a simulation study using public data
Authors: Ogawa Shinichiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The demand for genetic improvement of novel traits such as meat quality, including fatty acid composition, in Japanese Black cattle has been growing. The simple indirect measurement system is an alternative to traits for which direct measurement of multi-sample data is costly. However, the heritability estimated using the data obtained by the simple indirect measurement system is often lower than that by the direct measurement system. Here, the performance of genomic prediction using the simple indirect measurement system was assessed by simulating phenotypic data with the publicly available information on the genomic relationship matrix for 9,850 Japanese Black fattened animals. First, a theoretical method was developed to simulate genomic breeding value from the genomic relationship matrix based on eigenvalue decomposition. Next, genomic breeding value prediction was performed by simulating phenotypic measurement sets with heritabilities of 0.7 and 0.4 for the direct and indirect measurement systems, and genetic and phenotypic correlations of 0.95 and 0.8 between the two measurement systems, respectively. Variance components estimated via two-trait model analysis using records of all 9,850 individuals were in good agreement with their respective setting values, indicating that the proposed simulation method works well. The efficiency of genetic selection based on the results of genomic prediction using the indirect measurement system seems to depend on the genetic correlation between direct and indirect measurement systems, especially when the size of the training population increases. The results provide fundamental information for the efficient, cost-effective genetic improvement of novel traits using the simple indirect measurement system.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting axillary lymph node burden of early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Cai Linli , Ju Yan , Dang Xiaozhi , Yang Chen , Yan Meiying , Zhao Yang , Zhao Wenxin , Xiao Yingcong , Song Hongping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To identify ultrasonic and clinicopathological features associated with high axillary lymph node (ALN) burden ( > 2 metastatic ALNs) and develop a nomogram for preoperatively predicting ALN burden in patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Methods
In this retrospectively study, a total of 575 women with clinical T1-2N0 breast cancer confirmed by histopathology were included from January 2021 to June 2023. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 403) and a validation set (n = 172). According to the pathological results of the axilla, patients were divided into low burden group and high burden group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the risk factors and develop the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the calibration curves and decision curve analysis in the training and validation sets.
Results
In the training and validation sets, 10.4% (42/403) and 10.5% (18/172) of patients showed high burden, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that the distance from the nipple (P = 0.007), cortical thickness (P < 0.001), number of abnormal LNs on ultrasound (P = 0.001) were independent predictors of ALN burden. The nomogram showed good discrimination with AUC values of 0.878 and 0.837 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predictions of nomogram and pathologic results. And the clinical net benefit was ideal based on decision curves analysis.
Conclusion
The nomogram developed in this study has good performance for non-invasively predicting ALN burden in early-stage breast cancer and might provide reference for clinical treatment decision-making.
2-Nitrophenol removal and regeneration studies of pomegranate peels activated carbon
Authors: Saadi Wafa , Yahya Achoik , Souissi Souad Najar , Ouederni Abdelmottaleb 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, activated carbon-based pomegranate peels was used as a new adsorbent for 2-Nitrophenol adsorption from an aqueous solution instead of the commercial adsorbent Chemviron. Liquid-phase adsorption experiments were conducted, and the maximum adsorptive capacity was determined. The effect of the experimental parameters, namely, initial concentration, solution pH, particle size, temperature, and contact time, were traced. The equilibrium data were mathematically modeled, using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption models. The Kinetic data suited the Pseudo-first- order and Pseudo-second-order models at different initial concentration values and particle sizes. The thermodynamic study confirmed that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous and the energy relations substantiated the favorability of adsorption on the prepared activated carbon, leading us to conclude that the adsorption process of the phenolic compound from the activated carbon obtained was physical. Pomegranate peels activated carbon regeneration could be performed using hot distilled water.
Feldspathic sandstone as an emerging soil stabilizer for aeolian sand in the Mu Us Sandy Land: insights into particle size composition
Authors: Zhang Lu , Han Jichang , Li Juan , Ye Shenglan , Wu Dan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Stabilization of aeolian sand is essential for achieving desertification control, soil and water conservation, and agricultural development in sandy lands. Feldspathic sandstone is a soft clay rock widely found in the Mu Us Sandy Land. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the mechanism for aeolian sand stabilization with feldspathic sandstone from the perspective of particle size composition. Feldspathic sandstone was added to aeolian sand at different ratios (mf : ms = 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, and 0:1, where mf is the mass of feldspathic sandstone and ms is the mass of aeolian sand). The results showed that the soil texture was modified upon addition of feldspathic sandstone. The content of particles < 0.05 mm increased with increasing addition ratio of feldspathic sandstone, in contrast to the downward trend observed for particles > 0.05 mm. Consequently, the soil texture changed from sand to sandy loam, then loam, and finally silty loam. The addition of feldspathic sandstone ameliorated aeolian sand, resulting in a broader particle size distribution and lower particle size uniformity. Continuously well-graded soil was obtained at mf : ms = 1:5 (coefficient of uniformity: 54.71; coefficient of curvature: 2.54) or 1:2 (coefficient of uniformity: 76.21; coefficient of curvature: 1.12). While the addition of feldspathic sandstone solved the problem of single particle size composition in aeolian sand, the presence of aeolian sand prevented soil compaction caused by the high clay content of feldspathic sandstone. Findings of this study indicate that the addition of feldspathic sandstone to aeolian sand leads to the mixing of various sized particles and continuous gradation of the soil. Although a higher addition ratio of feldspathic sandstone is more favorable for soil texture improvement, mf : ms = 1:5 is recommended for practical application in terms of particle gradation and cost effectiveness.
Effects of Combined Blue light and 5-ALA on cell death in B16F1 melanoma and HaCaT cells
Authors: Sato Kazuomi , Sato Taiki , Hirotani Riku , Bam Munetsugu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Investigating the effect of blue light and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) co-treatment, this study examined its effects on B16F1 melanoma cells and HaCaT keratinocytes. Our focus was on cellular responses including mitochondrial function, DNA integrity, and gene expression. Co-treatment significantly damaged mitochondria, alters their morphology, induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and led to cardiolipin peroxidation in both cell types. This approach also increased DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Notably, it triggers complex, time-dependent changes in gene expression, particularly upregulating MMP-1 and p21 in HaCaT cells. Our findings reveal that blue light and 5-ALA co-treatment causes substantial cellular stress and damage, suggesting its therapeutic potential against melanoma, while also highlighting the need for caution and precision in its application to avoid harming normal cells. This underscores the necessity for further research to refine therapeutic approaches.
A number of key genes have been identified as being linked with the progression and prognosis of squamous lung carcinoma in the GEO and TCGA databases
Authors: Dai Jiaxing , Huang Hong , Zhang Huanghui , Li Yuanyin , Zhang Shaowang , Wang Qinsha , Yang Bing , Tang Dongxin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
One of the most common subtypes of lung cancer is lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), which has a poor clinical prognosis and few therapeutic options.
Methods
Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LUSC and normal tissues were identified by DESeq2, an R software package, and functional analysis was employed using the clusterProfiler, enrichplot, and ggnewscale packages of R software. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) were identified via the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape software. Additionally, 331 DEGs was eliminated using a Cox Univariate analysis of variance with a p-value cutoff of less than 0.02. Hub genes were further validated in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, survival analysis was performed using the Kapla–Meier curve.
Results
A total of 331 DEGs were identified. These DEGs were mainly enriched in the two pathways: cell cycle and p53 signaling way. According to the degree of protein nodes > 10 in the PPI network, 125 hub genes were identified.By univariate Cox progression analysis, we obtained 37 significant genes, which were then intersected with the PPI results to obtain 9 hub genes. Furthermore, The four genes' Kapla-Meier curves were worked out using a p-value cutoff of 0.05 as the standard.
Conclusions
The nine hub genes and the development of LUSC may be closely connected and four hub genes may act as independent indicators for LUSC overall survival that have a high predictive value.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of en masse retraction with integration of maxillary anterior teeth
Authors: Ishii Yoshikazu , Ozaki Hiroya , Fushima Kenji 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: As a novel force system to safely and efficiently retract the maxillary anterior teeth in orthodontic treatment, we applied an en masse traction method with integration of the maxillary anterior teeth (EMTI) and quantitatively evaluated tooth movement using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis to examine the validity of EMTI.
Methods: A 3D finite element model (FEM) of the six teeth of the maxillary dentition, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone was created. A two-tooth model of the bilateral central incisors, four-tooth model of the bilateral central and lateral incisors, and six-tooth model of the bilateral central and lateral incisors and canines were reconstructed as EMTI models. Each tooth was splinted to the other with a palatally-attached wire, and the moment arms were attached to this wire and extended apically. Traction points were set along the moment arms at 6, 8, and 10 mm from the level of the palatal wire. FEM analysis was performed by applying a traction force of 1.0 N in the palatal direction to the traction point of each moment arm. For the maxillary central incisors of each model, the angular changes in the tooth axis and center of rotation (C-Rot) were investigated. In addition, the 3D displacements of the crown and apex of each tooth were analyzed for each EMTI model.
Results: In the two-tooth and four-tooth models, traction of 6 mm showed palatal inclination of the tooth axis, and the C-Rot was located near the root apex. Traction by 8 mm showed bodily tooth movement, and traction of 10 mm demonstrated labial inclination of the tooth axis, in which the crown was displaced labially and the root was displaced palatally. In the six-tooth model, traction by 10 mm exhibited en masse palatal movement of all six teeth without inducing a bowing effect at the canines.
Conclusions: FEM analysis of the EMTI technique provided useful information for understanding the 3D movement of the root in clinical practice.
A haplotype-resolved pangenome of the barley wild relative Hordeum bulbosum
Authors: Mascher Martin , Feng Jia-Wu , Pidon Hélène , Cuacos Maria , Himmelbach Axel , Fuchs Jörg , Haberer Georg , Lux Thomas , Kuo Yi-Tzu , Guo Yu , Jayakodi Murukarthick , Toegelová Helena , Harpke Dörte , Knauft Manuela , Simkova Hana , Mayer Klaus , Spannagl Manuel , Kumlehn Jochen , Heckmann Stefan , Houben Andreas , Blattner Frank , Stein Nils 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Wild plants can contribute valuable genes to their domesticated relatives. Fertility barriers and a lack of genomic resources have hindered the effective use of crop-wild introgressions. Decades of research into barley’s closest wild relative, Hordeum bulbosum, a grass native to the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia, have yet to manifest themselves in the release of a cultivar bearing alien genes. Here, we construct a pangenome of bulbous barley comprising ten haplotype-resolved genome sequence assemblies. Autotetraploid cytotypes, among which the donors of resistance-conferring introgressions are found, arose at least twice, and are connected among each other and to diploid forms through gene flow. The differential amplification of transposable elements after barley and H. bulbosum diverged from each other is responsible for genome size differences between them. We illustrate the translational value of our resource by mapping non-host resistance to a viral pathogen to a structurally diverse multigene cluster implicated in diverse immune responses in wheat and barley.
Approximate Integrity Constraints in Incomplete Databases With Limited Domains
Authors: Sali Attila , Munqath Al-Atar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In case of incomplete database tables, a possible world is obtained by replacing any missing value by a value from the corresponding attribute's domain that can be infinite. A possible key or possible functional dependency constraint is satisfied by an incomplete table if we can obtain a possible world that satisfies the given key or functional dependency. On the other hand, a certain key or certain functional dependency holds if all possible worlds satisfy the constraint, A strongly possible constraint is an intermediate concept between possible and certain constraints, based on the strongly possible world approach (a strongly possible world is obtained by replacing \nul's by a value from the ones appearing in the corresponding attribute of the table).A strongly possible key or functional dependency holds in an incomplete table if there exists a strongly possible world that satisfies the given constraint. In the present paper, we introduce strongly possible versions of multivalued dependencies and cross joins, and we analyse the complexity of checking the validity of a given strongly possible cross joins.We also study approximation measures of strongly possible keys (spKeys), functional dependencies (spFDs), multivalued dependencies (spMVDs) and cross joins (spCJs). $g_3$ and $g_5$ measures are used to measure how close a table $Y$ satisfies a constraint if it is violated in $T$. Where the two measures $g_3$ and $g_5$ represent the ratio of the minimum number of tuples that are required to be removed from or added to, respectively, the table so that the constraint holds. Removing tuples may remove the cases that caused the constraint violation and adding tuples can extend the values shown on an attribute. For spKeys and spFDs, We show that the $g_3$ value is always an upper bound of the $g_5$ value for a given constraint in a table. However, there are tables of arbitrarily large number of tuples and a constant number of attributes that satisfy $g_3-g_5=\frac{p}{q}$ for any rational number $0\le\frac{p}{q}<1$. On the other hand, we show that the two measures values are independent of each other in the case of spMVDs and spCJs.￼We also treat complexity questions of determination of the approximation values.
A Nine-Level Switched-Capacitor Based Quadruple Boost Inverter with Low Voltage Stress and Reduced Switching Components
Authors: Murugan Oorappan G , Pandarinathan Sivaraman 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The article discusses the use of multilevel inverters that rely on switched capac-itors to quadruple the gain of DC to AC power converters. These inverters typically face a trade-off between the number of switches and the voltage stress of the switches. The article proposes a solution to this problem by introducing a new nine-level switched-capacitor-based quadruple boost inverter (NSQBI) that reduces the voltage stress and number of components required. The NSQBI achieves a quadrupling of boost by using six-power switches and a single diode, along with a half-bridge circuit. Despite the increased maximum output voltage, the voltage stress on power switches are minimized because all switches and a diode can be connected to any of the reduced voltage capacitors. This allows for the use of reduced voltage power components, reducing total power dissipation. The article provides theoretical analysis, computations, and design requirements for the NSQBI and compares it to previous inverters. The benefits of the NSQBI are confirmed by simulations and tests on a 0.45 kW inverter prototype.