Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acidic and basic hydrolysis of poly(N‐vinylformamide)

Poly(N-vinylformamide) (PNVF) was synthesized and hydrolyzed to poly(vinylamine) (PVAm) in both HCl and NaOH solutions. The hydrolysis kinetics and the equilibrium hydrolysis were examined experimentally at different temperatures, polymer concentrations, and acid- or base-to-amide molar ratios. The hydrolysis kinetics strongly depended on temperature, polymer, and HCl or NaOH concentrations, but showed little dependence on PNVF molecular weight. The acid hydrolysis of PNVF exhibited limited conversions because of the electrostatic repulsion among the cationic amine groups generated during hydrolysis and proton hydrates. In the basic hydrolysis, complete amide conversions were observed when the NaOH/amide molar ratios were greater than unity. The effects of temperature and PNVF concentration on the equilibrium amide conversion appeared to be negligible in both acidic and basic hydrolysis. The equilibrium conversions of base hydrolysis were higher than those of acidic hydrolysis under the same reaction conditions. At NaOH/amide ratios of less than unity, the equilibrium hydrolysis experiments revealed that one base molecule could induce the hydrolysis of more than one amide group. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3412–3419, 2002
Progenitor cell diversity in the developing mouse neocortex

Significance How projection neuron types are temporally and sequentially generated in the mammalian neocortex remains unclear. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of embryonic day (E) 10.5 through E18.5 mouse neocortical cells and identified progenitor cell types across development. Our results uncovered molecular signatures for neuroepithelial cells and temporal gene expression in radial glial progenitors. Importantly, Eomes-positive cells display temporal expression of previously characterized neuronal identity genes. These results delineate neocortical progenitor cell diversity and the timing of neuron type specification. In the mammalian neocortex, projection neuron types are sequentially generated by the same pool of neural progenitors. How neuron type specification is related to developmental timing remains unclear. To determine whether temporal gene expression in neural progenitors correlates with neuron type specification, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analysis of the developing mouse neocortex. We uncovered neuroepithelial cell enriched genes such as Hmga2 and Ccnd1 when compared to radial glial cells (RGCs). RGCs display dynamic gene expression over time; for instance, early RGCs express higher levels of Hes5, and late RGCs show higher expression of Pou3f2. Interestingly, intermediate progenitor cell marker gene Eomes coexpresses temporally with known neuronal identity genes at different developmental stages, though mostly in postmitotic cells. Our results delineate neural progenitor cell diversity in the developing mouse neocortex and support that neuronal identity genes are transcriptionally evident in Eomes-positive cells.
Rapid Synthesis of Multiferroic BiFeO3 Single-Crystalline Nanostructures

A simple and large scale synthesis method was performed to synthesize high-purity BiFeO3 single-crystalline nanostructures in NaCl−Na2SO4 medium. The synthesis of BiFeO3 phase is limited by a very narrow range of sintering conditions, and the BiFeO3 can be obtained after a very short sintering time (20 min).
Food insecurity, food skills, health literacy and food preparation activities among young Canadian adults: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Objective: To assess associations between household food security status and indicators of food skills, health literacy and home meal preparation, among young Canadian adults. Design: Cross-sectional data were analysed using logistic regression and general linear models to assess associations between food security status and food skills, health literacy and the proportion of meals prepared at home, by gender. Setting: Participants recruited from five Canadian cities (Vancouver (BC), Edmonton (AB), Toronto (ON), Montreal (QB) and Halifax (NS)) completed an online survey. Participants: 1389 men and 1340 women aged 16–30 years. Results: Self-reported food skills were not associated with food security status (P > 0·05) among men or women. Compared to those with high health literacy (based on interpretation of a nutrition label), higher odds of food insecurity were observed among men (adjusted OR (AOR): 2·58, 95 % CI 1·74, 3·82 and 1·56, 95 % CI 1·07, 2·28) and women (AOR: 2·34, 95 % CI 1·48, 3·70 and 1·92, 95 % CI 1·34, 2·74) with lower health literacy. Women in food-insecure households reported preparing a lower proportion of breakfasts (β = −0·051, 95 % CI −0·085, −0·017), lunches (β = −0·062, 95 % CI −0·098, −0·026) and total meals at home (β = −0·041, 95 % CI −0·065, −0·016). Men and women identifying as Black or Indigenous, reporting financial difficulty and with lower levels of education had heightened odds of experiencing food insecurity. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with other studies underscoring the financial precarity, rather than lack of food skills, associated with food insecurity. This precarity may reduce opportunities to apply health literacy and undertake meal preparation.
Evaluation of Diarrhea in Patients with COVID-19

Background/Aims: The COVID-19 disease, which was declared epidemic by the WHO, is a global emergency public health problem. Patients with extrapulmonary symptoms are the group of patients who should be considered for person-to-person transmission in the community. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with COVID-19-related diarrhea symptoms. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively in COVID-19 rtRT-PCR-positive patients in 5 medical centers. Three or more loose/liquid stools per day or increased number of defecations compared to normal defecation were defined as diarrhea. The patients were analyzed in 2 groups as those with and without diarrhea. Results: One thousand eighty-six patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight (7.2%) of the patients had diarrhea. Diarrhea was watery in 54 (69.2%) patients while with blood and mucus in 18 (23.1%) patients. Diarrhea continued for an average of 5.2 ± 1.6 (2–11) days. The clinical and laboratory findings of patients with diarrhea were more serious than those without diarrhea. Diarrhea is more common in the elderly and people with comorbid disease, and patients with diarrhea had higher CMI score and CRP and higher complaints of fever, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and fatigue. Conclusions: The presence of diarrhea should indicate a suspected COVID-19 infection and suggest testing for early diagnosis of the disease. It should be kept in mind that the course of the disease may be more severe in these patients, and precautions should also be taken in terms of fecal transmission during discharge.
NATURAL CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER AT A HORIZONTAL ANNULAR SQUARE DUCT

Free convection mass transfer rates at the outer surface of the inner duct of a horizontal square annular duct were measured by an electrochemical technique that involved measuring the limiting current of the cathodic deposition of copper from acidified copper sulphate solution. Physical properties of the solution and equivalent diameter of the annular duct were varied to provide Sc.Ga range of 1.1 × 1011–3.3 × 1012 which corresponds to 4.05 × 108 < Sc.Gr < 9.6 × 1010. Under these conditions the data were correlated by the equation: The insensitivity of the rate of mass transfer to the buoyancy force under the present conditions was accounted for by bulk flow (body force) dominance. A comparison between the measured mass transfer rate with that calculated by summing the rates of mass transfer at the separate sides of the inner duct showed that the measured value is higher than the calculated value.
Posttranslational regulation of multiple clock-related transcription factors triggers cold-inducible gene expression in Arabidopsis

Significance The DREB1/CBF transcription factors function as master switches for cold stress adaptation in Arabidopsis. Cold stress strongly induced the DREB1 genes, and elucidation of the mechanisms of DREB1 induction is important to clarify the cold stress responses in plants. We revealed that the clock-related MYB proteins RVE4 and RVE8 were quickly transferred from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to cold stress and functioned as direct transcriptional activators of DREB1 expression. The other clock-related MYB proteins, CCA1 and LHY, suppressed DREB1 expression under unstressed conditions and were rapidly degraded under cold stress, which suggests that these factors indirectly regulate cold-inducible DREB1 expression. We concluded that posttranslational regulation of the clock-related transcription factors triggered cold-inducible gene expression. Cold stress is an adverse environmental condition that affects plant growth, development, and crop productivity. Under cold stress conditions, the expression of numerous genes that function in the stress response and tolerance is induced in various plant species, and the dehydration-responsive element (DRE) binding protein 1/C-repeat binding factor (DREB1/CBF) transcription factors function as master switches for cold-inducible gene expression. Cold stress strongly induces these DREB1 genes. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms of DREB1 expression in response to cold stress to clarify the perception and response of cold stress in plants. Previous studies indicated that the central oscillator components of the circadian clock, CIRCADIAN CLOCK-ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), are involved in cold-inducible DREB1 expression, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. We revealed that the clock-related MYB proteins REVEILLE4/LHY-CCA1-Like1 (RVE4/LCL1) and RVE8/LCL5 are quickly and reversibly transferred from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under cold stress conditions and function as direct transcriptional activators of DREB1 expression. We found that CCA1 and LHY suppressed the expression of DREB1s under unstressed conditions and were rapidly degraded specifically in response to cold stress, which suggests that they act as transcriptional repressors and indirectly regulate the cold-inducible expression of DREB1s. We concluded that posttranslational regulation of multiple clock-related transcription factors triggers cold-inducible gene expression. Our findings clarify the complex relationship between the plant circadian clock and the regulatory mechanisms of cold-inducible gene expression.
Fabrication and Optimization of Linear PEI-Modified Crystal Nanocellulose as an Efficient Non-Viral Vector for In-Vitro Gene Delivery.

Background One of the major challenges in gene therapy is producing gene carriers that possess high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity (1). To achieve this purpose, crystal nanocellulose (CNC) -based nanoparticles grafted with polyethylenimine (PEI) have been developed as an alternative to traditional viral vectors to eliminate potential toxicity and immunogenicity. Methods In this study, CNC-PEI10kDa (CNCP) nanoparticles were synthetized and their transfection efficiency was evaluated and compared with linear cationic PEI10kDa (PEI) polymer in HEK293T (HEK) cells. Synthetized nanoparticles were characterized with AFM, FTIR, DLS, and gel retardation assays. In-vitro gene delivery efficiency by nano-complexes and their effects on cell viability were determined with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Results Prepared CNC was oxidized with sodium periodate and its surface cationized with linear PEI. The new CNCP nano-complex showed different transfection efficiencies at different nanoparticle/plasmid ratios, which were greater than those of PEI polymer. CNPC and Lipofectamine were similar in their transfection efficiencies and effect on cell viability after transfection. Conclusion CNCP nanoparticles are appropriate candidates for gene delivery. This result highlights CNC as an attractive biomaterial and demonstrates how its different cationized forms may be applied in designing gene delivery systems.
Mechanism of acquired 5FU resistance and strategy for overcoming 5FU resistance focusing on 5FU metabolism in colon cancer cell lines

Fluorouracil (5FU) is converted to its active metabolite fluoro-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) through the orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT)-ribonucleotide reductase (RR) pathway and thymidine phosphatase (TP)-thymidine kinase (TK) pathway and inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS), leading to inhibition of thymidine monophosphate (dTMP) synthesis through a de novo pathway. We investigated the mechanism of 5FU resistance and strategies to overcome it by focusing on 5FU metabolism. Colon cancer cell lines SW48 and LS174T and 5FU-resistant cell lines SW48/5FUR and LS174T/5FUR were used. FdUMP amount was measured by western blotting. The FdUMP synthetic pathway was investigated by combining TP inhibitor (tipiracil hydrochloride; TPI) or RR inhibitor (hydroxyurea; HU) with 5FU. Drug cytotoxicity was observed by crystal violet staining assay. FdUMP was synthesized through the OPRT-RR pathway in SW48 cells but was scarcely synthesized through either the OPRT-RR or TP-TK pathway in SW48/5FUR cells. FdUMP amount in SW48/5FUR cells was reduced by 87% vs. SW48 cells. Expression levels of OPRT and TP were lower in SW48/5FUR when compared with these levels in the SW48 cells, indicating decreased synthesis of FdUMP-led 5FU resistance. These results indicated that fluoro-deoxyuridine (FdU) rather than 5FU promotes FdUMP synthesis and overcomes 5FU resistance. Contrastingly, FdUMP was synthesized through the OPRT-RR and TP-TK pathways in LS174T cells but mainly through the TP-TK pathway in LS174T/5FUR cells. FdUMP amount was similar in LS174T/5FUR vs. the LS174T cells. OPRT and RR expression was lower and TK expression was higher in LS174T/5FUR vs. the LS174T cells, indicating that dTMP synthesis increased through the salvage pathway, thus leading to 5FU resistance. LS174T/5FUR cells also showed cross-resistance to FdU and TS inhibitor, suggesting that nucleoside analogs such as trifluoro-thymidine should be used to overcome 5FU resistance in these cells. 5FU metabolism and mechanisms of 5FU resistance are different in each cell line. Both synthesized FdUMP amount and FdUMP sensitivity should be considered in 5FU-resistant cells.
Zone of flow establishment in turbulent jets

It is well established experimentally that as the Reynolds number increases the core of the jet diminishes and has smaller effects on the jet’s mean profiles (e.g. concentration, temperature, velocity). The scope of this project is to examine this relationship based on dimensional analysis and experimental data. For that, spatio-temporal temperature records are obtained on the plane of symmetry of heated vertical round jets (for a laboratory turbulent scale at the order of mm) using tracer concentration measurements via a planar laser induced fluorescence technique (PLIF). The investigation area is set close to the nozzle of the jets (5-6 diameters away), at the zone of flow establishment (ZFE), so as to determine the geometric characteristics (dimensions and shape) of the core as a function of the initial velocity and nozzle diameter. The ZFE is estimated through the absence of turbulent intensity fluctuations (assuming a 1% of the maximum intensity as a threshold value).
Skin tactile surface restoration using deep learning from a mobile image: An application for virtual skincare

For virtual skincare using a touch feedback interface, reconstructing a 3D skin tactile surface from a mobile skin image is imperative for a dermatologist to palpate the skin surface that presents tactile characteristics of the subcutaneous tissues. However, the precise tactile reconstruction from a single view image is a challenging research problem due to varying illumination conditions.
Valorisation of theanine from decaffeinated tea dust in bakery functional food

Summary Nowadays, consumers appreciate the positive properties of decaffeinated tea for their well-being. During decaffeination process, a very fine tea dust powder is obtained as by-product, which contains the same quantity of bioactives as decaffeinated tea: the antioxidant polyphenols and the amino acid theanine. The aim was to add value to theanine gained from black tea powder dust and to develop theanine-enriched bread. A theanine containing powder was obtained by column separation of decaffeinated tea dust extract and spray-drying using carrier supports. This powder contains also the very polar compounds from decaffeinated tea such as amino acids, sugars and minerals. Breads with 110, 220 and 330 ppm of theanine, respectively, were prepared with the theanine powder. Physical properties, theanine and total polyphenolic content in bread were analysed. Bread and other bakery food serve as good products to add value to bioactive tea dust ingredients.
Acute Kidney Injury, Microvascular Rarefaction, and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Animal studies suggest that microvascular rarefaction is a key factor in the acute kidney disease to CKD transition. Hence, delayed graft function appears as a unique human model of AKI to further explore the role of microvascular rarefaction in kidney transplant recipients. Here, we assessed whether delayed graft function is associated with peritubular capillary loss and evaluated the association between this loss and long-term kidney graft function. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This observational, retrospective cohort study included 61 participants who experienced delayed graft function and 130 who had immediate graft function. We used linear regression models to evaluate associations between delayed graft function and peritubular capillary density expressed as the percentage of efficient cortical area occupied by peritubular capillaries in pre- and post-transplant graft biopsies. eGFRs 1 and 3 years post-transplant were secondary outcomes. RESULTS Post-transplant biopsies were performed at a median of 113 days (interquartile range, 101-128) after transplantation. Peritubular capillary density went from 15.4% to 11.5% in patients with delayed graft function (median change, -3.7%; interquartile range, -6.6% to -0.8%) and from 19.7% to 15.1% in those with immediate graft function (median change, -4.5%; interquartile range, -8.0% to -0.8%). Although the unadjusted change in peritubular capillary density was similar between patients with and without delayed graft function, delayed graft function was associated with more peritubular capillary loss in the multivariable analysis (adjusted difference in change, -2.9%; 95% confidence interval, -4.0 to -1.8). Pretransplant peritubular capillary density and change in peritubular capillary density were associated with eGFR 1 and 3 years post-transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Perioperative AKI is associated with lower density in peritubular capillaries before transplantation and with loss of peritubular capillaries following transplantation. Lower peritubular capillary density is linked to lower long-term eGFR.
Synthetic studies towards complex diterpenoids. Part 19. Total synthesis of (±)-deoxofaveline, (±)-faveline methyl ether and (±)-faveline

Simple and efficient syntheses have been developed for the cytotoxic dinorditerpenoids, (±)-deoxofaveline 1, (±)-faveline methyl ether 2 and (±)-faveline 3, having a hexahydrodibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene ring system, through the enolizable tricyclic ketone mixture 12 and 13, prepared from the easily accessible 2-arylethyl-3,3-dimethylcyclohexanone 7.
Lignans and phenylpropanoids from the roots of Ficus hirta and their cytotoxic activities

Abstract One undescribed lignan, one new natural product, along with fourteen known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Ficus hirta. The structures of the isolates were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic technologies, including UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. The cytotoxicity of all the compounds against HeLa and HepG2 cell lines was evaluated and compound 7 showed considerable cytotoxic effect towards HepG2 cells. Also, the apoptotic effect of 7 on HepG2 cells and the effect of 7 on the key proteins (p-JNK and p-p38) in MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinases) pathways were studied by flow cytometry and western blotting experiment. As a result, compound 7 induced the apoptosis of HepG2 cells, and dose-dependently increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38. Thus, 7 might trigger HepG2 cells apoptosis via JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Graphical Abstract
A plant reovirus hijacks endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation machinery to promote efficient viral transmission by its planthopper vector under high temperature conditions

In the field, many insect-borne crop viral diseases are more suitable for maintenance and spread in hot-temperature areas, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. The epidemic of a planthopper (Sogatella furcifera)-transmitted rice reovirus (southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus, SRBSDV) is geographically restricted to southern China and northern Vietnam with year-round hot temperatures. Here, we reported that two factors of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) machinery, the heat shock protein DnaJB11 and ER membrane protein BAP31, were activated by viral infection to mediate the adaptation of S. furcifera to high temperatures. Infection and transmission efficiencies of SRBSDV by S. furcifera increased with the elevated temperatures. We observed that high temperature (35°C) was beneficial for the assembly of virus-containing tubular structures formed by nonstructural protein P7-1 of SRBSDV, which facilitates efficient viral transmission by S. furcifera. Both DnaJB11 and BAP31 competed to directly bind to the tubule protein P7-1 of SRBSDV; however, DnaJB11 promoted whereas BAP31 inhibited P7-1 tubule assembly at the ER membrane. Furthermore, the binding affinity of DnaJB11 with P7-1 was stronger than that of BAP31 with P7-1. We also revealed that BAP31 negatively regulated DnaJB11 expression through their direct interaction. High temperatures could significantly upregulate DnaJB11 expression but inhibit BAP31 expression, thereby strongly facilitating the assembly of abundant P7-1 tubules. Taken together, we showed that a new temperature-dependent protein quality control pathway in the ERAD machinery has evolved for strong activation of DnaJB11 for benefiting P7-1 tubules assembly to support efficient transmission of SRBSDV in high temperatures. We thus deduced that ERAD machinery has been hitchhiked by insect-borne crop viruses to enhance their transmission in tropical climates.
Determinants of QRS duration in patients with tetralogy of Fallot after pulmonary valve replacement

Following the repair of TOF patients may be left with pulmonary regurgitation and a dilated right ventricle (RV), which in turn can lead to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. A prolonged QRS is a predictor of ventricular arrhythmias. However, whether subsequent pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) can reverse QRS‐prolongation is controversial. We hypothesized that changes in QRS duration following PVR are determined by preoperative QRS‐duration and RV volumes