bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A polarization-based image restoration method for both haze and underwater scattering environment
Authors: Dong Zhenming , Zheng Daifu , Huang Yantang , Zeng Zhiping , Xu Canhua , Liao Tingdi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractExisting polarization-based defogging algorithms rely on the polarization degree or polarization angle and are not effective enough in scenes with little polarized light. In this article, a method of image restoration for both haze and underwater scattering environment is proposed. It bases on the general assumption that gray variance and average gradient of a clear image are larger than those of an image in a scattering medium. Firstly, based on the assumption, polarimetric images with the maximum variance (Ibest) and minimum variance (Iworst) are calculated from the captured four polarization images. Secondly, the transmittance is estimated and used to remove the scattering light from background medium ofIbestandIworst. Thirdly, two images are fused to form a clear image and the color is also restored. Experimental results show that the proposed method obtains clear restored images both in haze and underwater scattering media. Because it does not rely on the polarization degree or polarization angle, it is more universal and suitable for scenes with little polarized light.
Hard polymeric porous microneedles on stretchable substrate for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Sadeqi Aydin , Kiaee Gita , Zeng Wenxin , Rezaei Nejad Hojatollah , Sonkusale Sameer 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMicroneedles offer a convenient transdermal delivery route with potential for long term sustained release of drugs. However current microneedle technologies may not have the mechanical properties for reliable and stable penetration (e.g. hydrogel microneedles). Moreover, it is also challenging to realize microneedle arrays with large size and high flexibility. There is also an inherent upper limit to the amount and kind of drugs that can be loaded in the microneedles. In this paper, we present a new class of polymeric porous microneedles made from biocompatible and photo-curable resin that address these challenges. The microneedles are unique in their ability to load solid drug formulation in concentrated form. We demonstrate the loading and release of solid formulation of anesthetic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, namely Lidocaine and Ibuprofen. Paper also demonstrates realization of large area (6 × 20 cm2) flexible and stretchable microneedle patches capable of drug delivery on any body part. Penetration studies were performed in an ex vivo porcine model supplemented through rigorous compression tests to ensure the robustness and rigidity of the microneedles. Detailed release profiles of the microneedle patches were shown in an in vitro skin model. Results show promise for large area transdermal delivery of solid drug formulations using these porous microneedles.
New outcomes on how silicon enables the cultivation of Panicum maximum in soil with water restriction
Authors: Rocha Juan Ricardo , de Mello Prado Renato , de Cássia Piccolo Marisa 
Published: February 2022

AbstractClimate change increases the occurrence of droughts, decreasing the production of tropical forages through the induction of physiological stress. Si is expected to broaden the limit from physiological stress of forages grown under water restriction, which may come from an improvement in the stoichiometric homeostasis of Si with N and C, favoring physiological aspects. This study assessed whether Si supply via fertigation improves physiological aspects and the water content in the plant by means of an antioxidant defense system and changes in the C:N:Si stoichiometry during the regrowth of two cultivars ofPanicum maximumgrown under two soil water regimes (70 and 40% of the soil’s water retention capacity). The forages studied are sensitive to water deficit without silicon supply. The application of Si via fertigation attenuated the water deficit, favoring plant growth by stabilizing the stoichiometric homeostasis C:N and C:Si, which are responsible for increasing the plant capacity of converting accumulated C in dry mass, favoring the water content of the plant tissue and the photosynthetic efficiency. This study highlights the importance of the physiological function of Si, and effects on the stoichiometry of C and N, which are neglected in most research on forages grown under water restriction.
Screening of compounds to identify novel epigenetic regulatory factors that affect innate immune memory in macrophages
Authors: Benjaskulluecha Salisa , Boonmee Atsadang , Pattarakankul Thitiporn , Wongprom Benjawan , Klomsing Jeerameth , Palaga Tanapat 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTrained immunity and tolerance are part of the innate immune memory that allow innate immune cells to differentially respond to a second encounter with stimuli by enhancing or suppressing responses. In trained immunity, treatment of macrophages with β-glucan (BG) facilitates the production of proinflammatory cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. For the tolerance response, LPS stimulation leads to suppressed inflammatory responses during subsequent LPS exposure. Epigenetic reprogramming plays crucial roles in both phenomena, which are tightly associated with metabolic flux. In this study, we performed a screening of an epigenetics compound library that affects trained immunity or LPS tolerance in macrophages using TNFα as a readout. Among the 181 compounds tested, one compound showed suppressive effects, while 2 compounds showed promoting effects on BG-trained TNFα production. In contrast, various inhibitors targeting Aurora kinase, histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase, histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase showed inhibitory activity against LPS tolerance. Several proteins previously unknown to be involved in innate immune memory, such as MGMT, Aurora kinase, LSD1 and PRMT5, were revealed. Protein network analysis revealed that the trained immunity targets are linked via Trp53, while LPS tolerance targets form three clusters of histone-modifying enzymes, cell division and base-excision repair. In trained immunity, the histone lysine methyltransferase SETD7 was identified, and its expression was increased during BG treatment. Level of the histone lysine demethylase, LSD1, increased during LPS priming and siRNA-mediated reduction resulted in increased expression of Il1b in LPS tolerance. Taken together, this screening approach confirmed the importance of epigenetic modifications in innate immune memory and provided potential novel targets for intervention.
Feasibility of targeted cascade genetic testing in the family members of BRCA1/2 gene pathogenic variant/likely pathogenic variant carriers
Authors: Lee Jeeyeon , Ham Ji Yeon , Park Ho Yong , Jung Jin Hyang , Kim Wan Wook , Kang Byeongju , Chae Yee Soo , Lee Soo Jung , Lee In Hee , Lee Nan Young 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe pathogenic variant (PV) or likely pathogenic variant (LPV) BRCA1/2 gene is strongly associated with hereditary breast or ovarian cancer. Therefore, it is important to screen blood relatives to establish preventive modalities and surveillance. This study evaluated the feasibility of targeted cascade genetic testing for family members of BRCA1/2 gene PV or LPV carriers. We screened 18 families for BRCA1/2 gene status via the conventional cascade genetic test (n = 9) and targeted cascade genetic test (n = 9), which targeted the exon region wherein the index patient showed PV or LPV. The pedigree and clinicopathologic characteristics were reviewed and analyzed. All index patients were diagnosed with breast cancer, while the third family members were all healthy. In the conventional cascade test group, 3 index patients and 3 family members had the BRCA1/2 gene PV or LPV. In the targeted cascade test group, 5 family members had same type of BRCA1/2 gene PV or LPV as their index patients. Two families had an identical string of BRCA1/2 gene PV or LPV. Although the targeted cascade genetic test cannot completely characterize the BRCA1/2 gene, it is sufficient for determining its PV or LPV status. This limited genetic test can be used for family members of PV or LPV carriers.
WIN site inhibition disrupts a subset of WDR5 function
Authors: Siladi Andrew J. , Wang Jing , Florian Andrea C. , Thomas Lance R. , Creighton Joy H. , Matlock Brittany K. , Flaherty David K. , Lorey Shelly L. , Howard Gregory C. , Fesik Stephen W. , Weissmiller April M. , Liu Qi , Tansey William P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWDR5 nucleates the assembly of histone-modifying complexes and acts outside this context in a range of chromatin-centric processes. WDR5 is also a prominent target for pharmacological inhibition in cancer. Small-molecule degraders of WDR5 have been described, but most drug discovery efforts center on blocking the WIN site of WDR5, an arginine binding cavity that engages MLL/SET enzymes that deposit histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me). Therapeutic application of WIN site inhibitors is complicated by the disparate functions of WDR5, but is generally guided by two assumptions—that WIN site inhibitors disable all functions of WDR5, and that changes in H3K4me drive the transcriptional response of cancer cells to WIN site blockade. Here, we test these assumptions by comparing the impact of WIN site inhibition versus WDR5 degradation on H3K4me and transcriptional processes. We show that WIN site inhibition disables only a specific subset of WDR5 activity, and that H3K4me changes induced by WDR5 depletion do not explain accompanying transcriptional responses. These data recast WIN site inhibitors as selective loss-of-function agents, contradict H3K4me as a relevant mechanism of action for WDR5 inhibitors, and indicate distinct clinical applications of WIN site inhibitors and WDR5 degraders.
Xenopus laevis il11ra.L is an experimentally proven interleukin-11 receptor component that is required for tadpole tail regeneration
Authors: Suzuki Shunya , Sasaki Kayo , Fukazawa Taro , Kubo Takeo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractXenopus laevistadpoles possess high regenerative ability and can regenerate functional tails after amputation. An early event in regeneration is the induction of undifferentiated cells that form the regenerated tail. We previously reported thatinterleukin-11(il11) is upregulated immediately after tail amputation to induce undifferentiated cells of different cell lineages, indicating a key role ofil11in initiating tail regeneration. As Il11 is a secretory factor, Il11 receptor-expressing cells are thought to mediate its function.X. laevishas a gene annotated asinterleukin 11 receptor subunit alphaon chromosome 1L (il11ra.L), a putative subunit of the Il11 receptor complex, but its function has not been investigated. Here, we show that nuclear localization of phosphorylated Stat3 induced by Il11 is abolished inil11ra.Lknocked-out culture cells, strongly suggesting thatil11ra.Lencodes an Il11 receptor component. Moreover, knockdown ofil11ra.Limpaired tadpole tail regeneration, suggesting its indispensable role in tail regeneration. We also provide a model showing that Il11 functions viail11ra.L-expressing cells in a non-cell autonomous manner. These results highlight the importance ofil11ra.L-expressing cells in tail regeneration.
Reproducibility of repeated breathhold and impact of breathhold failure in whole breast and regional nodal irradiation in prone crawl position
Authors: Deseyne Pieter , Speleers Bruno , Paelinck Leen , De Gersem Werner , De Neve Wilfried , Schoepen Max , Van Greveling Annick , Van Hulle Hans , Vakaet Vincent , Post Giselle , Monten Chris , Depypere Herman , Veldeman Liv 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn whole breast and regional nodal irradiation (WB + RNI), breathhold increases organ at risk (OAR) sparing. WB + RNI is usually performed in supine position, because positioning materials obstruct beam paths in prone position. Recent advancements allow prone WB + RNI (pWB + RNI) with increased sparing of OARs compared to supine WB + RNI. We evaluate positional and dosimetrical impact of repeated breathhold (RBH) and failure to breathhold (FTBH) in pWB + RNI. Twenty left-sided breast cancer patients were scanned twice in breathhold (baseline and RBH) and once free breathing (i.e. FTBH). Positional impact was evaluated using overlap index (OI) and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Dosimetrical impact was assessed by beam transposition from the baseline plan. Mean OI and DSC ranges were 0.01–0.98 and 0.01–0.92 for FTBH, and 0.73–1 and 0.69–1 for RBH. Dosimetric impact of RBH was negligible. FTBH significantly decreased minimal dose to CTV WBI, level II and the internal mammary nodes, with adequate mean doses. FTBH significantly increased heart, LAD, left lung and esophagus dose. OI and DSC for RBH and FTBH show reproducible large ROI positions. Small ROIs show poor overlap. FTBH maintained adequate target coverage but increased heart, LAD, ipsilateral lung and esophagus dose. RBH is a robust technique in pWB + RNI. (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05179161, registered 05/01/2022).
Lipid metabolism analysis in liver of different chicken genotypes and impact on nutritionally relevant polyunsaturated fatty acids of meat
Authors: Cartoni Mancinelli Alice , Di Veroli Alessandra , Mattioli Simona , Cruciani Gabriele , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Castellini Cesare 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHumans and mammalian species are unable to synthesize significant amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which therefore must be introduced with the diet. In birds, lipogenesis takes place primarily in the liver, whereas adipose tissue serves as the storage site for triacylglycerols (TG, composed by 80–85% esterified fatty acids). However, both the nature (unsaturation level, n-3, or n-6 series) and the allocation (such as constituents of complexed lipids) of PUFA are very important to evaluate their function in lipid metabolism. The objective of the present investigation was to study the liver lipid metabolism, with particular attention to non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), TG, phospholipids (PL), FADS2 gene expression, and Δ6-desaturase activity of three chicken genotypes, Leghorn (Leg), Ross 308 (Ross), and their crossbreed (LxR), by LC/MS analysis. The concentration of single fatty acids in muscle was quantified by GC-FID. The results showed that the Ross has a lipid metabolism related mainly to storage and structural roles, exhibiting higher levels of TG, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) that are largely unsaturated. Meanwhile Leg showed a relevant amount of n-3 NEFA characterized by a higher phosphatidylserine (PS) unsaturation level, FADS2 gene expression and enzyme activity. The LxR seem to have a moderate trend: n-6 and n-3 NEFA showed intermediate values compared with that of the Ross and Leg and the TG trend was similar to that of the Ross, while PE and PC were largely unsaturated (mainly 6 and 7 UNS most of the metabolic energy for storage fatty acids in their tissues (TG) whereas, the Leg birds were characterized by different lipid metabolism showing in their liver a higher content of n-3 NEFA and higher unsaturation level in PS. Furthers details are needed to better attribute the lipid energy to the different metabolic portion.
Carvedilol targets β-arrestins to rewire innate immunity and improve oncolytic adenoviral therapy
Authors: Hoare Joseph I. , Osmani Bleona , O’Sullivan Emily A. , Browne Ashley , Campbell Nicola , Metcalf Stephen , Nicolini Francesco , Saxena Jayeta , Martin Sarah A. , Lockley Michelle 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOncolytic viruses are being tested in clinical trials, including in women with ovarian cancer. We use a drug-repurposing approach to identify existing drugs that enhance the activity of oncolytic adenoviruses. This reveals that carvedilol, a β-arrestin-biased β-blocker, synergises with both wild-type adenovirus and the E1A-CR2-deleted oncolytic adenovirus, dl922-947. Synergy is not due to β-adrenergic blockade but is dependent on β-arrestins and is reversed by β-arrestin CRISPR gene editing. Co-treatment with dl922-947 and carvedilol causes increased viral DNA replication, greater viral protein expression and higher titres of infectious viral particles. Carvedilol also enhances viral efficacy in orthotopic, intraperitoneal murine models, achieving more rapid tumour clearance than virus alone. Increased anti-cancer activity is associated with an intratumoural inflammatory cell infiltrate and systemic cytokine release. In summary, carvedilol augments the activity of oncolytic adenoviruses via β-arrestins to re-wire cytokine networks and innate immunity and could therefore improve oncolytic viruses for cancer patient treatment.
The neuroprotective mechanism of lithium after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Chen Beina , Zhang Manman , Ji Ming , Zhang Dianjun , Chen Binjie , Gong Wenliang , Li Xinyu , Zhou Yuefei , Dong Chengyi , Wen Gehua , Zhan Xiaoni , Wu Xiafang , Yuan Huiya , Xu Enyu , Xia Maosheng , Verkhratsky Alexei , Li Baoman 
Published: February 2022

AbstractStroke causes degeneration and death of neurones leading to the loss of motor function and frequent occurrence of cognitive impairment and depression. Lithium (Li+), the archetypal mood stabiliser, is neuroprotective in animal models of stroke, albeit underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We discover that Li+ inhibits activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model in mice. This action of Li+ is mediated by two signalling pathways of AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin and AKT/FoxO3a/β-catenin which converge in suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using immunocytochemstry, MRI imaging, and cell sorting with subsequent mRNA and protein quantification, we demonstrate that Li+ decreases the infarct volume, improves motor function, and alleviates associated cognitive and depressive impairments. In conclusion, this study reveals molecular mechanisms of Li+ neuroprotection during brain ischaemia, thus providing the theoretical background to extend clinical applications of Li+ for treatment of ischemic stroke.
The mining industry as a net beneficiary of a global tax on carbon emissions
Authors: Cox Benjamin , Innis Sally , Kunz Nadja C. , Steen John 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe technology used in renewable energy production is resulting in a material increase in the demand for many minerals and metals. While the mining industry contributes to global carbon dioxide emissions, the industry is also critical to lowering global carbon emissions across the broader economy. Here we test the impact of a hypothetical international carbon taxation regime on a subsection of the mining industry compared to other sectors. A financial model was developed to calculate the cost of carbon taxes for 23 commodities across three industries. The findings show that, given any level of taxation tested, most mining industry commodities would not add more than 30% of their present product value. Comparatively, commodities such as coal could be taxed at more than 150% of their current product value under more intense carbon pricing initiatives, thereby accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and the consequent demand benefits for mined metals.
Curcumin alleviates hepatic steatosis by improving mitochondrial function in postnatal overfed rats and fatty L02 cells through the SIRT3 pathway
Authors: Du Susu , Zhu Xiaolei , Zhou Nan , Zheng Wen , Zhou Wei , Li Xiaonan 
Published: February 2022

Postnatal overfeeding damaged mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant response, and increased hepatic lipids and the severity of high-fat-induced NAFLD, while curcumin alleviated hepatic steatosis, at least partially, by enhancing mitochondrial function through SIRT3.
Voltage control loss factors for quantifying DG reactive power control impacts on losses and curtailment
Authors: Deakin Matthew , Morstyn Thomas , Apostolopoulou Dimitra , McCulloch Malcolm D 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDistributed Generators that use reactive power for voltage control in distribution networks reduce renewable curtailment but can significantly increase network losses, undermining the effectiveness of this control. This paper proposes Voltage Control Loss Factors (VCLFs) as a means of understanding the interactions between reactive power flows, losses and curtailment, focusing on commercial‐scale generators in radial systems. The metric uses a substitution‐based method, whereby a system with voltage control is compared against a counterfactual with no such control. The proposed method studies this metric by coupling numerically precise black‐box simulations with analytic results from a Two‐Bus network representation. The latter provides a physical explanation for the numerical simulation results in terms of power, voltage and impedance parameters, providing clear explainability which is absent in traditional approaches for determining distribution loss factors. The whole solution space of the Two‐Bus system is explored, and VCLFs are calculated for six cases on three unbalanced test networks to illustrate the approach. Relative losses as high as 30% are found in a system with high branch resistance‐reactance ratio and large voltage rise. The results have implications for the design of loss allocation algorithms in distribution networks, and the optimal sizing of power‐electronic interfaced Distributed Generators.
Adaptive backstepping controller design of quadrotor biplane for payload delivery
Authors: Dalwadi Nihal , Deb Dipankar , Muyeen S. M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPerformance of the UAVs for a particular application can be enhanced by hybrid design, where take‐off, hover, and landing happen like rotary‐wing UAVs, and flies like fixed‐wing UAVs. A backstepping controller and an adaptive backstepping controller are designed for trajectory tracking and payload delivery in a medical emergency or medical substance delivery like vaccine delivery in the presence of wind gust. Simulation results show that the backstepping controller effectively tracks the trajectory during the entire flight envelope, including take‐off, hovering, the transition phase, level flight mode, and landing. A comparison between Backstepping, Integral Terminal Sliding Mode (ITSMC) and Adaptive Backstepping controllers for payload delivery show that the adaptive backstepping controller effectively tracks the altitude and attitude. ITSMC is capable of tracking the desired trajectory for a change in the mass but has sluggish response. The backstepping controller generates a steady‐state error in altitude during the mass change in biplane quadrotor.
An experimental performance verification of continuous mixed P‐norm based adaptive asymmetrical fuzzy logic controller for single stage photovoltaic grid integration
Authors: Priyadarshi Neeraj , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Bhaskar Mahajan Sagar , Khan Baseem 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper deals with a new continuous mixed p‐norm (CMPN) based adaptive asymmetrical fuzzy logic controller (AAFLC) method for single stage grid integrated photovoltaic (PV) system as an inverter control strategy. Here, asymmetrical membership functions are employed to compensate the non‐linear characteristics of the PV module with effective system improvement. The proposed CMPN based algorithm provides online updates of the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) with rapid convergence velocity under varying operating conditions. The performance of a single‐stage grid integrated PV system controlled using CMPN based AAFLC has been investigated using the dSPACE DS1104 platform under steady and dynamic operating situations. Extensive practical analysis has been presented for verification of effective proposed inverter controller design under changing environmental conditions.