bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of dielectric barrier discharge actuators based on the properties of low-frequency plasmons
Authors: Tehrani D. Soltani , Abdizadeh G. R. , Noori S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractElectrohydrodynamic flow control systems have proven to be among the most promising flow control strategies within previous decades. Several methods for efficient evaluation and description of the effect of such systems are indeed available. Yet, due to these systems’ critical role in various applications, possible improvements are still investigated. A new phenomenological model is presented for the simulation of the plasma actuators based on the electrodynamic properties of low-frequency plasmons. The model simulates the plasmonic region as a dispersive medium. This dissipated energy is added to the flow by introducing a high-pressure region, calculated in terms of local body force vectors, requiring the distribution of the electric field and the polarization field. The model determines the electric field for the computation of the body force vector based on the Poisson equation and implements the simplified Lorentz model for the polarization field. To fully explore the performance of the presented model, an experiment has been conducted providing a comparison between the observed effect of plasma actuators on the fluid flow with the results predicted by the model. The model is then validated based on the results of other distinct experiments and exempted numerical models, based on the exchanging momentum with the ambient neutrally charged fluid, demonstrating that the model has improved adaptability and self-adjusting capability compared to the available models.
Daisaikoto improves fatty liver and obesity in melanocortin-4 receptor gene-deficient mice via the activation of brown adipose tissue
Authors: Morita Shinichi , Sakamaki Akira , Koyama Kyutaro , Shibata Osamu , Owaki Takashi , Oda Chiyumi , Kimura Atsushi , Nakaya Taiki , Ohbuchi Katsuya , Nahata Miwa , Fujitsuka Naoki , Sakai Norihiro , Abe Hiroyuki , Kamimura Kenya , Terai Shuji 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMelanocortin 4 receptor gene-knockout (MC4R-KO) mice are known to develop obesity with a high-fat diet. Meanwhile, daisaikoto, one of Kampo medicines, is a drug that is expected to have therapeutic effects on obesity. Here, we report the efficacy of daisaikoto in MC4R-KO mice. Eight-week-old MC4R-KO male mice (n = 12) were divided into three groups as follows: the SD group, which is fed with a standard diet; the HFD group, fed a high-fat diet; and the DSK group, fed with a high-fat diet containing 10% of daisaikoto. After the four-week observation period, mice in each group were sacrificed and samples were collected. The body weights at 12 weeks were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the other groups, indicating that daisaikoto significantly reduced body weight gain and fat deposition of the liver. The metabolome analysis indicated that degradation of triglycerides and fatty acid oxidation in the liver were enhanced by daisaikoto administration. In MC4R-KO mice, the cytoplasm and uncoupling protein 1 expression of brown adipose tissue was decreased; however, it was reversed in the DSK group. In conclusion, daisaikoto has potentially improved fatty liver and obesity, making it a useful therapeutic agent for obesity and fatty liver.
Prehospital stroke notification and endovascular therapy for large vessel occlusion: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujiwara Satoru , Kuroda Takehito , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Ohara Nobuyuki , Imamura Hirotoshi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Ariyoshi Koichi , Kohara Nobuo , Kawamoto Michi , Sakai Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe impact of prehospital notification by emergency medical services (EMS) on outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unclear. We therefore explored the association between prehospital notification and clinical outcomes after EVT. In this single-center retrospective study from 2016 through 2020, we identified all LVO patients who received EVT. Based on the EMS’s usage of a prehospital stroke notification system, we categorized patients into two groups, Hotline and Non-hotline. The primary outcome was good neurological outcome at 90 days; other time metrics were also evaluated. Of all 312 LVO patients, the proportion of good neurological outcomes was 94/218 (43.1%) in the Hotline group and 8/34 (23.5%) in the Non-hotline group (adjusted odds ratio 2.86; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 7.33). Time from hospital arrival to both tissue plasminogen activator and to groin puncture were shorter in the Hotline group (30 (24 to 38) min vs 48(37 to 65) min, p < 0.001; 40 (32 to 54) min vs 76 (50 to 97) min, p < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, prehospital notification was associated with a reduction in time from hospital arrival to intervention and improved clinical outcomes in LVO patients treated with EVT.
Peritumoral radiomics features on preoperative thin-slice CT images can predict the spread through air spaces of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takehana Keiichi , Sakamoto Ryo , Fujimoto Koji , Matsuo Yukinori , Nakajima Naoki , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Menju Toshi , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Yamada Ryo , Mizowaki Takashi , Nakamoto Yuji 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe spread through air spaces (STAS) is recognized as a negative prognostic factor in patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. The present study aimed to develop a machine learning model for the prediction of STAS using peritumoral radiomics features extracted from preoperative CT imaging. A total of 339 patients who underwent lobectomy or limited resection for lung adenocarcinoma were included. The patients were randomly divided (3:2) into training and test cohorts. Two prediction models were created using the training cohort: a conventional model based on the tumor consolidation/tumor (C/T) ratio and a machine learning model based on peritumoral radiomics features. The areas under the curve for the two models in the testing cohort were 0.70 and 0.76, respectively (P = 0.045). The cumulative incidence of recurrence (CIR) was significantly higher in the STAS high-risk group when using the radiomics model than that in the low-risk group (44% vs. 4% at 5 years; P = 0.002) in patients who underwent limited resection in the testing cohort. In contrast, the 5-year CIR was not significantly different among patients who underwent lobectomy (17% vs. 11%; P = 0.469). In conclusion, the machine learning model for STAS prediction based on peritumoral radiomics features performed better than the C/T ratio model.
Super-resolution generative adversarial networks with static T2*WI-based subject-specific learning to improve spatial difference sensitivity in fMRI activation
Authors: Ota Junko , Umehara Kensuke , Kershaw Jeff , Kishimoto Riwa , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Tachibana Yasuhiko , Ohba Hisateru , Obata Takayuki 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe spatial resolution of fMRI is relatively poor and improvements are needed to indicate more specific locations for functional activities. Here, we propose a novel scheme, called Static T2*WI-based Subject-Specific Super Resolution fMRI (STSS-SRfMRI), to enhance the functional resolution, or ability to discriminate spatially adjacent but functionally different responses, of fMRI. The scheme is based on super-resolution generative adversarial networks (SRGAN) that utilize a T2*-weighted image (T2*WI) dataset as a training reference. The efficacy of the scheme was evaluated through comparison with the activation maps obtained from the raw unpreprocessed functional data (raw fMRI). MRI images were acquired from 30 healthy volunteers using a 3 Tesla scanner. The modified SRGAN reconstructs a high-resolution image series from the original low-resolution fMRI data. For quantitative comparison, several metrics were calculated for both the STSS-SRfMRI and the raw fMRI activation maps. The ability to distinguish between two different finger-tapping tasks was significantly higher [p = 0.00466] for the reconstructed STSS-SRfMRI images than for the raw fMRI images. The results indicate that the functional resolution of the STSS-SRfMRI scheme is superior, which suggests that the scheme is a potential solution to realizing higher functional resolution in fMRI images obtained using 3T MRI.
Probing Notch1-Dll4 signaling in regulating osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells using single cell nanobiosensor
Authors: Zhao Yuwen , Yang Rui , Bousraou Zoe , Richardson Kiarra , Wang Shue 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHuman mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have great potential in cell-based therapies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and multipotent properties. Recent studies indicate that Notch1-Dll4 signaling is an important pathway in regulating osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. However, the fundamental mechanisms that govern osteogenic differentiation are poorly understood due to a lack of effective tools to detect gene expression at single cell level. Here, we established a double-stranded locked nucleic acid (LNA)/DNA (LNA/DNA) nanobiosensor for gene expression analysis in single hMSC in both 2D and 3D microenvironments. We first characterized this LNA/DNA nanobiosensor and demonstrated the Dll4 mRNA expression dynamics in hMSCs during osteogenic differentiation. By incorporating this nanobiosensor with live hMSCs imaging during osteogenic induction, we performed dynamic tracking of hMSCs differentiation and Dll4 mRNA gene expression profiles of individual hMSC during osteogenic induction. Our results showed the dynamic expression profile of Dll4 during osteogenesis, indicating the heterogeneity of hMSCs during this dynamic process. We further investigated the role of Notch1-Dll4 signaling in regulating hMSCs during osteogenic differentiation. Pharmacological perturbation is applied to disrupt Notch1-Dll4 signaling to investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern osteogenic differentiation. In addition, the effects of Notch1-Dll4 signaling on hMSCs spheroids differentiation were also investigated. Our results provide convincing evidence supporting that Notch1-Dll4 signaling is involved in regulating hMSCs osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, Notch1-Dll4 signaling is active during osteogenic differentiation. Our results also showed that Dll4 is a molecular signature of differentiated hMSCs during osteogenic induction. Notch inhibition mediated osteogenic differentiation with reduced Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity. Lastly, we elucidated the role of Notch1-Dll4 signaling during osteogenic differentiation in a 3D spheroid model. Our results showed that Notch1-Dll4 signaling is required and activated during osteogenic differentiation in hMSCs spheroids. Inhibition of Notch1-Dll4 signaling mediated osteogenic differentiation and enhanced hMSCs proliferation, with increased spheroid sizes. Taken together, the capability of LNA/DNA nanobiosensor to probe gene expression dynamics during osteogenesis, combined with the engineered 2D/3D microenvironment, enables us to study in detail the role of Notch1-Dll4 signaling in regulating osteogenesis in 2D and 3D microenvironment. These findings will provide new insights to improve cell-based therapies and organ repair techniques.
Predictive capability evaluation and mechanism of Ce (III) extraction using solvent extraction with Cyanex 572
Authors: Allahkarami Ebrahim , Rezai Bahram , Karri Rama Rao , Mubarak Nabisab Mujawar 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOwing to the high toxicity of cerium toward living organisms, it is necessary to remove cerium from aqueous solutions. In this regard, the extraction of cerium (Ce (III)) from nitrate media by Cyanex 572 under different operating conditions was examined in this study. The effect of contact time, pH, extractant concentration, and nitrate ion concentration were investigated to characterize the extraction behavior of cerium and based on these outcomes, an extraction mechanism was suggested. The analysis of infrared spectra of Cyanex 572 before and after the extraction of cerium indicated that cerium extraction was performed via a cation-exchange mechanism. Then, the predictive models based on intelligent techniques [artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid neural-genetic algorithm (GA-ANN)] were developed to predict the cerium extraction efficiency. The GA-ANN model provided better predictions that resulted higher R2 and lower MSE compared to ANN model for predicting the extraction efficiency of cerium by Cyanex 572. The interactive effects of each process variable on cerium extraction were also investigated systematically. pH was the most influential parameter on cerium extraction, followed by extractant concentration, nitrate ion concentration and contact time. Finally, the separation of cerium from other rare earth elements like La (III), Nd (III), Pr (III), and Y (III) was conducted and observed that the present system provides a better separation of cerium from rare heavy earth than light rare earths.
A process-based recovery indicator for anthropogenically disturbed river system
Authors: Pradhan C. , Padhee S. K. , Bharti Rishikesh , Dutta S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe present paper utilizes entropy theory and Google earth engine cloud computing technique to investigate system state and river recovery potential in two large sub-basins of the Mahanadi River, India. The cross-sectional intensity entropy (CIE) is computed for the post-monsoon season (October–March) along the selected reaches. Further, a normalized river recovery indicator (NRRI) is formulated to assess the temporal changes in river health. Finally, NRRI is related to a process-based variable-LFE (low flow exceedance) to comprehend the dominating system dynamics and evolutionary adjustments. The results highlight the existence of both threshold-modulated and filter-dominated systems based on CIE and NRRI variabilities. In addition, the gradual decline in CIE and subsequent stabilization of vegetated landforms can develop an ‘event-driven’ state, where floods exceeding the low-flow channel possess a direct impact on the river recovery trajectory. Finally, this study emphasizes the presence of instream vegetation as an additional degree of freedom, which further controls the hierarchy of energy dissipation and morphological continuum in the macrochannel settings.
A case–control study to investigate association between serum uric acid levels and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhong Xia , Jiao Huachen , Zhao Dongsheng , Teng Jing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. The objective of this case–control study was to investigate the association between serum SUA levels and paroxysmal AF by gender in 328 patients. This study included 328 hospitalized patients with newly diagnosed paroxysmal AF in China between January 2019 and September 2021. Controls with sinus rhythm were matched (2:1) to cases by age and gender. Baseline data were analyzed using ANOVA, T-test, and Chi-square test. Pearson correlation analyses were used to confirm the correlation between variables, and multivariate regression analyses were used to adjust for covariates. Elevated SUA levels in female patients were significantly associated with paroxysmal AF after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 1.229, 95% CI 1.058–1.427, P = 0.007). Further results showed SUA levels were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = − 0.182, p = 0.001) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) (r = − 0.109, p = 0.049), were positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = 0.169, p = 0.002) and prealbumin (PAB) (r = 0.161, p = 0.004) . Nevertheless, there was no significant complication difference between SUA levels and paroxysmal AF (P > 0.05). Increased SUA in female patients was significantly associated with paroxysmal AF in a Chinese population. This finding implies that it would be interesting to monitor and interfere with hyperuricemia in paroxysmal AF patients.
N6-methyladenosine modification of the Aedes aegypti transcriptome and its alteration upon dengue virus infection in Aag2 cell line
Authors: Dai Zhenkai , Etebari Kayvan , Asgari Sassan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA has been reported to affect viral infections. Studies have confirmed the role of m6A in replication of several vector-borne flaviviruses, including dengue virus (DENV), in mammalian cells. Here, we explored the role of m6A in DENV replication in the mosquito Aedes aegypti Aag2 cell line. We first determined the presence of m6A on the RNAs from mosquito cells and using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) identified m6A modification of the mosquito transcriptome and those that changed upon DENV infection. Depletion of m6A methyltransferases and the m6A binding protein YTHDF3 RNAs decreased the replication of DENV. In particular, we found that the Ae. aegypti ubiquitin carrier protein 9 (Ubc9) is m6A modified and its expression increases after DENV infection. Silencing of the gene and ectopic expression of Ubc9 led to reduced and increased DENV replication, respectively. The abundance of Ubc9 mRNA and its stability were reduced with the inhibition of m6A modification, implying that m6A modification of Ubc9 might enhance expression of the gene. We also show that the genome of DENV is m6A modified at five sites in mosquito cells. Altogether, this work reveals the involvement of m6A modification in Ae. aegypti-DENV interaction.
A YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling module links endothelial nutrient acquisition to angiogenic growth
Authors: Ong Yu Ting , Andrade Jorge , Armbruster Max , Shi Chenyue , Castro Marco , Costa Ana S. H. , Sugino Toshiya , Eelen Guy , Zimmermann Barbara , Wilhelm Kerstin , Lim Joseph , Watanabe Shuichi , Guenther Stefan , Schneider Andre , Zanconato Francesca , Kaulich Manuel , Pan Duojia , Braun Thomas , Gerhardt Holger , Efeyan Alejo , Carmeliet Peter , Piccolo Stefano , Grosso Ana Rita , Potente Michael 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAngiogenesis, the process by which endothelial cells (ECs) form new blood vessels from existing ones, is intimately linked to the tissue’s metabolic milieu and often occurs at nutrient-deficient sites. However, ECs rely on sufficient metabolic resources to support growth and proliferation. How endothelial nutrient acquisition and usage are regulated is unknown. Here we show that these processes are instructed by Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)/WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1/TAZ)-transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD): a transcriptional module whose function is highly responsive to changes in the tissue environment. ECs lacking YAP/TAZ or their transcriptional partners, TEAD1, 2 and 4 fail to divide, resulting in stunted vascular growth in mice. Conversely, activation of TAZ, the more abundant paralogue in ECs, boosts proliferation, leading to vascular hyperplasia. We find that YAP/TAZ promote angiogenesis by fuelling nutrient-dependent mTORC1 signalling. By orchestrating the transcription of a repertoire of cell-surface transporters, including the large neutral amino acid transporter SLC7A5, YAP/TAZ-TEAD stimulate the import of amino acids and other essential nutrients, thereby enabling mTORC1 activation. Dissociating mTORC1 from these nutrient inputs—elicited by the loss of Rag GTPases—inhibits mTORC1 activity and prevents YAP/TAZ-dependent vascular growth. Together, these findings define a pivotal role for YAP/TAZ-TEAD in controlling endothelial mTORC1 and illustrate the essentiality of coordinated nutrient fluxes in the vasculature.
Defining the molecular underpinnings controlling cardiomyocyte proliferation
Authors: Mahiny-Shahmohammady Donya , Hauck Ludger , Billia Filio 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Shortly after birth, mammalian cardiomyocytes (CM) exit the cell cycle and cease to proliferate. The inability of adult CM to replicate renders the heart particularly vulnerable to injury. Restoration of CM proliferation would be an attractive clinical target for regenerative therapies that can preserve contractile function and thus prevent the development of heart failure. Our review focuses on recent progress in understanding the tight regulation of signaling pathways and their downstream molecular mechanisms that underly the inability of CM to proliferate in vivo. In this review, we describe the temporal expression of cell cycle activators e.g., cyclin/Cdk complexes and their inhibitors including p16, p21, p27 and members of the retinoblastoma gene family during gestation and postnatal life. The differential impact of members of the E2f transcription factor family and microRNAs on the regulation of positive and negative cell cycle factors is discussed. This review also highlights seminal studies that identified the coordination of signaling mechanisms that can potently activate CM cell cycle re-entry including the Wnt/Ctnnb1, Hippo, Pi3K-Akt and Nrg1-Erbb2/4 pathways. We also present an up-to-date account of landmark studies analyzing the effect of various genes such as Argin, Dystrophin, Fstl1, Meis1, Pitx2 and Pkm2 that are responsible for either inhibition or activation of CM cell division. All these reports describe bona fide therapeutically targets that could guide future clinical studies toward cardiac repair.
4H‐SiC photoconductive semiconductor based ultra‐wideband microwave generation with MHz tunable repetition rate
Authors: Chu Xu , Xun Tao , Wang Langning , Xu Liang , Yang Hanwu , Liu Jinliang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUse of the vanadium‐compensated semi‐insulating (VCSI) 4H‐SiC photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) for the generation of an ultra‐wideband (UWB) microwave with MHz tunable re‐frequency is demonstrated. To evaluate the impact of device architectures on performance, a 4H‐SiC‐based photoconductive semiconductor switch was manufactured and was evaluated using a laser cluster driver with a configurable optical pulse re‐frequency. The 1.5 mm‐thick 4H‐SiC PCSS was found to operate with an electric field up to 20 kV and a photocurrent of 20.7 A. The fabricated ultra‐wideband microwave system could generate ultrahigh repetition frequency pulses from 0.5 to 2.0 MHz. Simulation of the UWB antenna system was carried out to examine the radiation field. The peak radiation electric‐field factor (rE) of a single‐unit UWB microwave generation system can reach 17 kV.
Inverted level populations of hydrogen atoms in ionized gas
Authors: Zhu F.-Y. , Wang J. Z. , Zhu Q.-F. , Zhang J.-S. 
Published: June 2022

Context. Level population inversion of hydrogen atoms in ionized gas may lead to stimulated emission of hydrogen recombination lines, and the level populations can in turn be affected by powerful stimulated emissions.
Aims. In this work the interaction of the radiation fields and the level population inversion of hydrogen atoms is studied. The effect of the stimulated emissions on the line profiles is also investigated.
Methods. Our previous nl-model for calculating level populations of hydrogen atoms and hydrogen recombination lines is improved. The effects of line and continuum radiation fields on the level populations are considered in the improved model. By using this method the properties of simulated hydrogen recombination lines and level populations are used in analyses.
Results. The simulations show that hydrogen radio recombination lines are often emitted from the energy level with an inverted population. The widths of Hnα lines can be significantly narrowed by strong stimulated emissions to be even less than 10 km s−1. The amplification of hydrogen recombination lines is more affected by the line optical depth than by the total optical depth. The influence of stimulated emission on the estimates of electron temperature and density of ionized gas is evaluated. We find that comparing multiple line-to-continuum ratios is a reliable method for estimating the electron temperature, while the effectiveness of the estimation of electron density is determined by the relative significance of stimulated emission.