bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of a protease from the marine sponge Spheciospongia vesparia
Authors: Arreguín R. , Arreguín B. , Soriano-García M. , Hernández-Arana A. , Rodríguez-Romero A.
Published: July 2002

A protein that showed activity against proteic (casein and hide powder azure) and synthetic (BAEE and HLPA) substrates was isolated from the marine sponge Spheciospongia vesparia. The protease was purified from an aqueous extract by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, hydrophobic and HPLC‐anion exchange chromatographies. The purified protease showed a single band in SDS‐PAGE minigels and had a molecular weight of 29,600, but when submitted to isoelectric focusing it showed 2 bands with isoelectric points of 4.56 and 4.43. Its catalytic action was inhibited by EDTA and 1,10‐phenanthroline, so it seemed to be a metalloprotease.
Promoter activity of the 1731 Drosophila retrotransposon in a human monocytic cell line
Authors: Codani-Simonart Sophie , Lacoste Jérôme , Best-Belpomme Martin , Fourcade-Peronnet Frédérique
Published: July 2002

The resemblance between retrotransposons and retroviruses suggests an evolutionary relationship and indicates that they may share common transcription factors. We have analyzed the behaviour of the Drosophila 1731 retrotransposon promoter in the human monocytic U937 cell line. We show that the long terminal repeat (LTR) of 1731 promotes CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) activity in these cells, in which it is enhanced by phorbol esters. Using gel mobility assays, we detected a human nuclear protein that binds in the U3 region of the LTR in a sequence‐specific manner. Its precise target was determined by a DNase I footprinting experiment.
Unique expression pattern of protein kinase C‐θ: high mRNA levels in normal mouse testes and in T‐lymphocytic cells and neoplasms
Authors: Mischak Harald , Goodnight JoAnne , Henderson Darren W. , Osada Shin-ichi , Ohno Shigeo , Mushinsk J.Frederic
Published: July 2002

A 2.2‐kb cDNA that contains the entire coding region of mouse protein kinase C‐θ (PKC‐θ) was cloned from skeletal muscle mRNA using reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This clone was used as a probe to study the expression of this PKC isoform in normal and transformed hemopoietic cells and other normal tissues. By far the highest steady‐state level of PKC‐0 MRNA was found as a 2.8‐kb transcript on a Northern blot of poly(A)+ RNA from testes. High levels were also found in skeletal muscle, spleen, T lymphomas and purified normal T lymphocytes, but these tissues and cells expressed two transcripts, 3.3 kb and 3.8 kb. Lower levels of similar size transcripts were found in normal brain, B lymphocytes and B‐lymphocytic tumors and cell lines.
Aspartic‐129 is an essential residue in the catalytic mechanism of the low Mr phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase
Authors: Taddei Niccolò , Chiarugi Paola , Cirri Paolo , Fiaschi Tania , Stefani Massimo , Camici Guido , Raugei Giovanni , Ramponi Giampietro
Published: July 2002

The crystal structure of the bovine liver low M
r phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase suggests the involvement of aspartic acid‐129 in enzyme catalysis. The Asp‐129 to alanine mutant has been prepared by oligonucleotide‐directed mutagenesis of a synthetic gene coding for the enzyme. The purified mutant elicited an highly reduced specific activity (about 0.04% of the activity of the wild‐type) and a native‐like fold, as judged by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The kinetic analysis revealed that the mutant is able to bind the substrate and a competitive inhibitor, such as inorganic phosphate. Moreover, trapping experiments demonstrated it maintains the ability to form the E‐P covalent complex. The Asp‐129 to alanine mutant shows extremely reduced enzyme phosphorylation (k
2) and dephosphorylation (k
3) kinetic constant values as compared to the wild‐type enzyme. The data reported indicate that aspartic acid‐129 is likely to be involved both in the first step and in the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic mechanism, i.e. the nucleophilic attack of the phosphorylated intermediate.
Interleukin 2‐induced activation of JAK3: Possible involvement in signal transduction for c‐myc induction and cell proliferation
Authors: Asao Hironobu , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Ishii Naoto , Higuchi Masaya , Takeshita Toshikazu , Nakamura Masataka , Shirasawa Takuji , Sugamura Kazuo
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the role of JAK3 in interleukin 2 (IL‐2)‐induced signal transduction with a human T cell line, ED40515(−), lacking expression of the IL‐2 receptor γ chain and its sublines transfected with wild‐type or mutant cDNAs of the IL‐2 receptor γ chain. Our results demonstrated that the membrane‐proximal cytoplasmic region, encompassing the src homology region 2 (SH2)‐like subdomain, of the γ chain is essential for association and activation of JAK3. Furthermore, IL‐2‐induced activation of JAK3 paralleled induction of the c‐myc gene and DNA synthesis but not induction of the c‐fos and c‐jun genes. These results support the hypothesis that JAK3 plays a pivotal role in the IL‐2 receptor‐mediated signals for cell growth.
Immunocytochemical localization of actin in the nucleolus of rat oocytes
Authors: Funaki Kenji , Katsumoto Tetsuo , Iino Akihiro
Published: July 2002

Summary— In order to determine the localization of actin, growing and fully grown rat oocytes were immunocytochemically examined using a post‐embedding ultrastructural protein‐A gold technique. In quiescent oocytes, the nucleoplasm showed slightly lower levels of actin signal when compared to the surrounding cytoplasm. The highest levels of labeling were found on nucleoli showing a reticular type morphology. In oocytes at the diakinesis stage in which nucleolar compaction had occurred, the levels of labeling increased by 5–6 times those found in quiescent oocytes. Except for conspicuous accumulation of actin under the plasma membrane, compact nucleoli had significantly higher levels of labeling when compared with those found on the general cytoplasm, while the nucleoplasm with homogeneously dispersed chromatin showed significantly lower levels of associated actin signal than the general cytoplasm. In oocytes at metaphase I, the cytoplasmic region had comparable or lower levels of labeling than the cytoplasm of oocytes at diakinesis. The meiotic spindle embedded in material with medium electron density showed a similar level of labeling as the surrounding cytoplasm. On the other hand, significantly higher levels of associated actin were observed on the chromosomes of metaphase I. The actin signals were dispersed over the chromosomes and not concentrated on a specific region. These results suggest that nuclear actin may be involved in the process of chromosome construction and also the formation of the compacted structure of the nucleolus.
A stabilized molten globule protein
Authors: Chang Jui-Yoa , Bulychev Alexey , Li Li
Published: July 2002

A predominant conformational isomer of non‐native α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) has been purified by thermal denaturation of the native α‐LA using the technique of disulfide scrambling. This unique isomer retains a substantial content of α‐helical structure. It is stabilized by two native disulfide bonds within the α‐helical domain and two scrambled non‐native disulfide bonds at the β‐sheet domain. This denatured isomer of α‐LA exhibits structural characteristics that are consistent with the well‐documented molten globule state. The ability to prepare a stabilized and structurally defined molten globule provides a useful model for studying the folding and unfolding pathways of proteins.
Second mutations rescue point mutant of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 showing defective surface expression
Authors: Wakabayashi Shigeo , Pang Tianxiang , Su Xiaohua , Shigekawa Munekazu
Published: July 2002

We studied the effect of point mutation within the putative 11th transmembrane domain (TM11) of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 on the plasma membrane expression. Of the 19 mutants tested, two mutants (Tyr454 or Arg458 replaced by Cys) were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Interestingly, Y454C was expressed on the cell surface when one of the endogenous cysteine residues at position 8, 133, 421, or 477 was substituted with alanine. Random mutagenesis at Cys8 and its surrounding residues in the cytosolic N‐tail revealed that replacement of Cys8 with Ala was the only identified single residue mutation that rescued Y454C. These results suggest that the abnormal conformation of the region of TM11 containing the Y454C mutation is compensated by the second mutation within other domains such as the N‐tail. This approach may provide evidence for the interdomain interaction in NHE1.
Light activates a 46‐kDa MAP kinase‐like protein kinase in soybean cell culture
Authors: Yamagata Hiroshi , Saka Kazunori , Tanaka Tomofumi , Aizono Yasuo
Published: July 2002

Light induced rapid and transient activation of a 46‐kDa protein kinase in soybean photomixotrophic cell culture. This kinase was designated as LAP kinase (light signal‐activated protein kinase). Activation of LAP kinase in response to light was associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of the kinase, and treatment of the kinase with protein tyrosine phosphatase abolished its activity. The LAP kinase efficiently phosphorylated myelin basic protein and histone, but did not phosphorylate casein. Phospho‐amino acid analysis indicated that the LAP kinase was a serine/threonine protein kinase. These results indicated that the LAP kinase is related to the MAP kinase family of protein kinases.
Titration kinetics of Asp‐85 in bacteriorhodopsin: exclusion of the retinal pocket as the color‐controlling cation binding site
Authors: Fu X , Bressler S , Ottolenghi M , Eliash T , Friedman N , Sheves M
Published: July 2002

The spectrum (the purple↔blue transition) and function of the light‐driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin are determined by the state of protonation of the Asp‐85 residue located in the vicinity of the retinal chromophore. The titration of Asp‐85 is controlled by the binding/unbinding of one or two divalent metal cations (Ca2+ or Mg2+). The location of such metal binding site(s) is approached by studying the kinetics of the cation‐induced titration of Asp‐85 using metal ions and large molecular cations, such as quaternary ammonium ions, R4N+ (R=Et, Pr, a divalent ‘bolaform ion’ [Et3N+‐(CH2)4‐N+Et3] and the 1:3 molecular complex formed between Fe2+ and 1,10‐phenanthroline (OP). The basic multi‐component kinetic features of the titration, extending from 10−2 to 104 s, are unaffected by the charge and size of the cation. This indicates that cation binding to bR triggers the blue→purple titration in a fast step, which is not rate‐determining. In view of the size of the cations involved, these observations indicate that the cation binding site is in an exposed location on, or close to, the membrane surface. This excludes previous models, which placed the color‐controlling Ca2+ ion in the retinal binding pocket.
Sequence and 3D structural relationships between mammalian Ras‐ and Rho‐specific GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs): the cradle fold
Authors: Calmels Thierry P.G. , Callebaut Isabelle , Léger Isabelle , Durand Patrick , Bril Antoine , Mornon Jean-Paul , Souchet Michel
Published: July 2002

An extensive study of both sequence and recent 3D structural data concerning GTPase interacting domains of Ras‐ and Rho‐specific GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs) shows that these two subfamilies share a same 3D scaffold and are thus related to each other. This relationship has heretofore remained undetected although these domains of similar size are both totally α‐helical and activate nearly structurally identical targets (Ras and Rho proteins). In this report, sequence similarities correlated to 3D structures of p120rasGAP and p50rhoGAP were detected using the sensitive two‐dimensional method hydrophobic cluster analysis (HCA). These patterns were further extended to other members in each subfamily and the geometry orientation of crucial arginines R789 in p120 and R282 in p50 and of important stabilizing residues like p120R903 and p50N391 was confirmed. This overall structural relationship is centered on an invariant motif of three consecutive helices that we suggest to name the ‘cradle fold’. This observation opens new perspectives to understand how small GTPases are specifically regulated.
Peroxynitrite production by human neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Gagnon Chantale , Leblond Francois A. , Filep János G.
Published: July 2002

To assess peroxynitrite formation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human blood, we have measured nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent intracellular oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123) to rhodamine. LPS increased DHR 123 oxidation in neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes in a time‐dependent fashion. Greater extent of DHR 123 oxidation was detected in neutrophils and monocytes than in lymphocytes. These changes were accompanied by accumulation of rhodamine in the plasma. While intracellular DHR 123 oxidation and rhodamine accumulation in the plasma were not affected by inhibition of constitutive NO synthase at 30 and 60 min after addition of LPS, they were markedly attenuated by inhibition of inducible NO synthase at 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after addition of LPS. These results demonstrate that human leukocytes can produce high amounts of peroxynitrite in response to LPS, and may contribute to the elevated plasma peroxynitrite levels observed during endotoxic shock.
A protein import receptor in pea chloroplasts, Toc86, is only a proteolytic fragment of a larger polypeptide
Authors: Bölter Bettina , May Timo , Soll Jürgen
Published: July 2002

The protein import complex of the chloroplastic outer envelope (Toc‐complex) contains a prominent subunit of 86 kDa molecular weight (Toc86). Toc86 was identified as a putative precursor receptor. The Arabidopsis genome sequencing project indicates that Toc86 represents only a proteolytic fragment of a larger polypeptide of 160 kDa. The 160‐kDa protein, which we name Toc160, is only present in significant amounts in pea chloroplasts isolated under stringent conditions. The capacity of chloroplasts to import an in vitro translated precursor protein correlates well with the integrity of Toc160. We conclude that Toc160 is still a bonafide subunit of the protein import machinery of chloroplasts.
Production of singlet oxygen by eosinophils activated in vitro by C5a and leukotriene B4
Authors: Teixeira Mauro M. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Noronha-Dutra Alberto , Hothersall John
Published: July 2002

Using the trans‐methoxyvinylpyrene analogues of benzo[a]pyrene‐7,8‐dihydrodiol (MVP) as a singlet oxygen (1O2) chemiluminescence probe, we have demonstrated that guinea pig eosinophils release 1O2 when activated with the physiological agonists C5a and leukotriene B4. This release, which occurs at agonist concentrations as low as 10−7 M, occurs more rapidly than activation with phorbol ester (10−6 M), is similar in level, but is more transitory. In addition, the release of 1O2 occurs in the absence of added bromide ions and represents, we propose, an important feature of eosinophil‐mediated inflammatory damage.
The expression of the H19 gene and its function in human bladder carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Ohana P. , Kopf E. , Bibi O. , Ayesh S. , Schneider T. , Tykocinski M. , de Groot N. , Hochberg A.
Published: July 2002

The human H19 gene is a paternally imprinted oncofetal gene, highly expressed in several fetal tissues, down‐regulated in nearly all adult tissues but re‐expressed in carcinomas of tissues which express the gene in fetal life. It has no known protein product and till today, no function could be designated to H19 RNA. Cells derived from bladder carcinomas and hepatocellular carcinomas were transfected with plasmids carrying a luciferase reporter gene under the control of a 800 nucleotides long promoter region of the H19 gene either alone or together with different parts of a 5 kb downstream region, previously shown to possess enhancer activity. Our results provide evidence that three regions of the 3′ downstream sequence can independently stimulate the H19 promoter activity in a tissue and cell specific manner. The growth rate of two cell populations, both derived from the same bladder carcinoma cell line and which differ in their H19 RNA content, were compared. The cells with a high H19 RNA level stopped their proliferation after 48 h when cultivated in a low serum containing media while the cells lacking H19 RNA continued their proliferation for at least an additional 48 h period.
Amino acid substitution in α‐helix 7 of Cry1Ac δ‐endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis leads to enhanced toxicity to Helicoverpa armigera Hubner
Authors: Chandra Arti , Ghosh Paramita , Mandaokar Ajin D. , Bera Amal K. , Sharma Rameshwar P. , Das Sudipto , Kumar Polumetla A.
Published: July 2002

Insecticidal proteins or δ‐endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis are highly toxic to a wide range of agronomically important pests. The toxins are formed of three structural domains. The N‐terminal domain is a bundle of eight α‐helices and is implicated in pore formation in insect midgut epithelial membranes. All the δ‐endotoxins share a common hydrophobic motif of eight amino acids in α‐helix 7. A similar motif is also present in fragment B of diphtheria toxin (DT). Site‐directed mutagenesis of Cry1Ac δ‐endotoxin of B. thuringiensis was carried out to substitute its hydrophobic motif with that of DT fragment B. The mutant toxin was shown to be more toxic to the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) than the wild‐type toxin. Voltage clamp analysis with planar lipid bilayers revealed that the mutant toxin opens larger ion channels and induces higher levels of conductance than the wild‐type toxin.
Public‐ and private‐sector partnerships in contraceptive research and development: guiding principles
Authors: Brooke S. , Vail J.G.
Published: July 2002

The objective was to review and analyze practices of preferential pricing and royalties for products resulting from collaboration between the public and private sectors. A wide variety of practices and experience exist, and collaboration depends on the product being developed and its potential markets. Guiding principles in preferential pricing, royalty provisions, and long‐term collaboration are presented that can be mutually beneficial to both the public and private sector.
Liability concerns in contraceptive research and development
Authors: Segal S.J.
Published: July 2002

The history of liability claims in the US against contraceptive products is among the issues that discourage manufacturers from investing in discovery and development in this field. Other factors are the high cost of new drug development, elevated insurance rates for contraceptives, and the desire to avoid controversy that can disturb corporate tranquility. General features of the American legal system influence the large number and cost of product liability claims in the US compared to Europe. These differences pertain to issues such as the role of judges, how lawyers receive their compensation, and the use of expert scientific testimony. The history of litigation in the US against pharmaceutical products and devices pertaining to women's health suggests that interventions that involve the reproductive system are held to different standards or elicit different emotional responses than other pharmaceutical products or devices.
Avian neural crest cell fate decisions: a diffusible signal mediates induction of neural crest by the ectoderm
Authors: Selleck Mark A.J. , Bronner‐Fraser Marianne
Published: July 2002

During neurulation, a region of central ectoderm becomes thickened to form the neural plate which then folds upon itself to generate the neural tube, from which all neurons and glia cells of the central nervous system arise. Neural crest cells form at the border of the neural plate, where it abuts the prospective epidermis. The neural crest is a transient population of cells that undergo an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, become highly migratory and subsequently differentiate into most of the peripheral nervous systems as well as numerous other derivatives. The origin of neural crest cells at the epidermal–neural plate border suggests that an interaction between these two tissues may be involved in neural crest formation. By experimentally juxtaposing prospective epidermis with naive neural plate, we previously showed that an inductive interaction between these tissues can generate neural crest cells. Here, we further characterize the nature of this inductive interaction by co‐culturing isolated neural plate and prospective epidermis on opposing sides of polycarbonate filters with differing pore sizes. We find that neural crest cells are generated even when epidermis and neural plate are separated by filters that do not allow cell contact. These results suggest that the epidermal inducer is a diffusible, secreted molecule. We discuss the developmental potential of neural crest precursors and lineage decisions that effect their differentiation into numerous derivatives.
A new era in science at Washington University, St. Louis: Viktor Hamburger's zoology department in the 1940's
Authors: Carson Hampton L.
Published: July 2002

In the early 1940s, the administration of the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington University, St. Louis was firmly in the hands of classical scholars who were not inclined to promote the development of modern research on scientific subjects. Funds supporting research in biology favored the School of Medicine and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Viktor Hamburger arrived at Washington University in 1935. At about the time he became the Acting Chairman of Zoology in 1942, research work in the biological departments began a dramatic surge that has continued to this day. For 65 years under his counsel and leadership, basic biology has thrived at this fine institution. As an early faculty recruit, I recount here a few personal recollections from those formative years.
Ontogenetic changes in protein level of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in growth cones and synaptosomes from rat brain and prenatal expression pattern of APP mRNA isoforms in developing rat embryo
Authors: Kirazov Evgeni , Kirazov Ludmil , Bigl Volker , Schliebs Reinhard
Published: July 2002

To elucidate the functional role of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) during brain ontogeny, developmental changes of APP levels in growth cones and synaptosomes were studied from embryonic day 14 up to postnatal day (PD) 400 using Western analysis. APP level in growth cones was low during prenatal stages of development, but demonstrating a continuous increase from PD 3 up to PD 10. Highest concentration of APP in synaptosomes was found between PD 7 and 10, followed by a considerable decrease up to PD 30 and persisting at this level up to PD 400. In situ hybridization to differentiate between APP695 mRNA, APP751 mRNA and APP770 mRNA revealed distinct age‐related expression pattern of various APP isoforms. During prenatal brain development APP695 mRNA is maximally expressed in brain structures, containing differentiating nerve cells. APP751 and APP770 mRNA isoforms are diffusely distributed in the embryo throughout the prenatal period examined and their expression is higher in peripheral organs such as skin, lung, liver and bones as compared to the brain. The increase of APP level during synaptogenesis suggests a functional role of APP in the processes of neurite outgrowth and cell targeting as well as in the maintenance of the functional integrity of synapses in the mature brain. The APP695 isoform seems to be the major form involved in embryonic brain maturation.
Cerebrospinal fluidCHOLINESTERASES—MARKERS for loss ofcholinergic basal forebrain neurons?
Authors: Roiner Steffen , Bakinde Nikolas , Zeitschel Ulrike , Schliebs Reinhard , Bigl Volker
Published: July 2002

The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that cholinergic basalforebrain neurons are a major source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cholinesterases. To address thisquestion enzyme activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inboth CSF and parietal cortex were assayed following selective lesion of basal forebrain cholinergicneurons by a single intracerebroventricular application of the cholinergic immunotoxin192IgG‐saporin. Cholinergic immunolesions led to a dramatic decrease in total AChE activity inparietal cortex, which was due to the specific loss of the G4 molecular form while the activity ofthe G1 form was increased as compared to nonlesioned animals. In contrast, the total enzymeactivity of BChE and its molecular forms were not affected by cholinergic lesion in both parietalcortex and CSF. The data suggest, that cholinergic basal forebrain neurons are seemingly not amajor source of cholinesterases in the CSF, and do not provide any evidence for using CSFcholinesterases as a diagnostic marker of basal forebrain cholinergic cell loss in humans.
Comorbidity of dsm-iii-r personality disorders in schizophrenic and unipolar mood disorders: a comparative study
Authors: Oulis P , Lykouras L , Hatzimanolis J , Tomaras V
Published: July 2002

We investigated the overall prevalence and the differential comorbidity of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-III-R personality disorders in 166 remitted or recovered patients with schizophrenic (n = 102) or unipolar mood disorder (n = 64). Over 60% of both patient groups met the DSM-III-R criteria of at least one DSM-III-R personality disorder as assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID-II-R), receiving on average 3.1 personality diagnoses. Neither DSM-III-R categories of personality disorders, nor scores on its three clusters A, B and C, nor total score on SCID-II-R differed significantly across the two groups. In conclusion, DSM-III-R personality disorders, although highly prevalent in schizophrenic and unipolar mood disorders, lack any specificity with respect to these categories of mental disorders.
Selecting investigators for a placebo controlled clinical trial: The most
critical decision point?
Authors: Niklson IA , Reimitz PE , Sennef C
Published: July 2002

We have analysed the trial results obtained in two placebo and
imipramine controlled double blind studies with a new psychotropic compound.
Statistical analysis as outlined in the protocol showed a rather meagre
therapeutic effect of imipramine of 1.53 points difference on HAMD-17 total
score in comparison to placebo. In order to increase the discriminative
power of the analysis we performed a post hoc analysis selecting centres
that were able to detect a difference of at least two centres points between
imipramine and placebo on HAMD-17 total score at week 6 (selective centres).
All other were called nonselective. The analysis revealed that there were no
statistically significant differences between the two types of centres
concerning patient characteristics except that the nonselective centres
recruited less patients with previous good response to antidepressant
treatment. There was also some difference in drop out rates in the active
treatment group wich might indicate different treatment strategies in the
two groups of centres that participated in this trials.
Barriers and facilitators of productivity while working from home during pandemic
Authors: Seva Rosemary R , Tejero Lourdes Marie S , Fadrilan-Camacho Vivien Fe F
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study aims to characterize the working environment, stress levels, and psychological detachment of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and investigate their relationship to productivity and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Methods

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct effect of workstation characteristics, stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms to productivity and the indirect effect of psychological detachment to productivity. Data were gathered from a survey of employees working from home during the pandemic from different industries (n = 352). Multigroup analysis was also conducted to determine the effect of age, having a spouse, and having children less than 18 years old, to the model.

Results

Ergonomic suitability of the workstation (WES) has a significant effect on musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) (β = −0.31, SE = 0.06; p < .001). Both workstation suitability (β = −0.24, SE = 0.03; p < .001) and workstation ergonomic suitability (β = −0.18, SE = 0.01; p < .01) inversely affect STR. Psychological detachment has a significant inverse effect on stress (β = −0.31, SE = 0.07; p < .001) and stress has a significant negative effect on productivity (β = −0.13, SE = 0.09; p = .03). Multigroup analyses showed that stress significantly affected the productivity of those without spouses and young employees.

Conclusion

Workstation suitability helps improve the productivity of people working from home while stress negatively affects it. Workstation ergonomic suitability and musculoskeletal symptoms have no significant effect.
LED Communication – Devices, Circuits, and Optical Modulation Technology
Authors: Chi Nan , Hu Fangchen , Niu Wenqing , Jia Junlian , Ha Yinaer
Published: June 2021

Visible light communication based on LEDs has been of great interest in recent years, due to its advantages such as license free, human‐eye comfortability, confidentiality, immunity to electromagnetic interference, etc. To further develop LED visible light communication, researchers need to understand each component of visible light communication systems, including devices, circuits, and modulation technologies. Specifically, to increase the transmission speed and transmission distance of VLC systems, the transmitter, receiver, and communication algorithms of the system play significant roles and should be improved in the correct direction. This article aims to briefly introduce principles, progress, and perspectives of the devices, circuits, and modulation technologies, which help to provide some opinions of development direction for future LED‐based visible light communication.
Devices and Technologies for Tbit s−1Communication and Beyond
Authors: Alkhazraji Emad , Ragheb Amr , Tareq Qazi , Esmail Maged A. , Alshebeili Saleh , Khan Mohammed Z. Mustafa
Published: June 2021

Terabits‐per‐second communication networks have become a necessity of modern society owing to the surge in internet users and high‐demanding applications. This has exerted pressure on the existing optical networks to meet these data rate requirements by upgrading their optical‐fiber communication‐based architectures. This goal could be achieved by exploring two different approaches: system‐level and device‐level approaches. In the system‐level approach, various advances in optical communication algorithms and techniques, namely, sophisticated modulation schemes and multiplexing techniques, are discussed. Moreover, a concrete qualitative background about these technologies is provided. On the other hand, in the device‐level approach, the focus is then shifted toward optical transmitter sources, which are primarily semiconductor laser diodes. In this case, the basic principle of operation and structure of laser diodes are discussed at a fundamental level while highlighting the recent advancements in a quantum‐confined nanostructure‐based semiconductor laser. In particular, the realization of single‐mode lasers and a new class of broadband lasers, which enabled terabits‐per‐second green communication, are discussed. Finally, some recent advances employing these approaches (i.e. system and device) are concisely highlighted enabling terabits‐per‐second optical communications.
Physics and Technology of AlGaInN‐Based Laser Diode
Authors: Schwarz Ulrich T.
Published: June 2021

Laser diodes in the green, blue, violet, and ultraviolet spectral range are made from the binary compound semiconductors AlN, GaN, and InN and their ternary and quaternary mixed crystals. The fundamental properties of these AlGaInN laser diodes are introduced. These are double‐heterostructure laser diodes with separate confinement of electrons and holes in quantum wells and photons in an optical waveguide. A rate equation description of the static and temporal behaviors of optical output power and carrier density is introduced, as are substrates, crystal growth, and microtechnology processing methods. The routes toward longer wavelength in the green spectral region, shorter wavelength ultraviolet lasing, and higher power operation in broad‐area laser diodes are discussed. Several different realized laser designs, including vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs), multi‐section short‐pulse lasers, and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers are introduced. The family of AlGaInN laser diodes constitutes a large variety of applications, as outlined at the end of the article.
Synthesis of a Visible‐Light‐Responsive Perovskite SmTiO2N Bifunctional Photocatalyst via an Evaporation‐Assisted Layered‐Precursor Strategy
Authors: Bao Yunfeng , Du Shiwen , Qi Yu , Li Gao , Zhang Peng , Shao Guosheng , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: June 2021

Development of visible‐light‐responsive oxynitride photocatalysts has been highly inspired for promising solar‐to‐chemical conversion, but the number of Ti‐based oxynitrides is scarce because of the relatively low thermal stability of Ti4+ ions under ammonia flow. Here, the feasible synthesis of a novel perovskite SmTiO2N from the layered NaSmTiO4 precursor is demonstrated to exhibit wide visible‐light response with a bandgap of ≈2.1 eV and to show effective water reduction and oxidation functionalities under visible‐light irradiation. The successful preparation mainly results from the synergistic effect of the layered structure of NaSmTiO4 and the evaporation spillover of Na+ ions, both of which are favorable for ammonia diffusion to accelerate the substitution of nitrogen to oxygen atoms and to shorten the nitridation time. The thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility of SmTiO2N for water splitting are investigated in detail, and its optimal apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of water oxidation reaches 16.7% at 420 ± 10 nm, higher by far than that of most previous visible‐light‐responsive photocatalysts. Interestingly, a series of oxynitrides RTiO2N (R = La, Pr, Nd) are similarly synthesized by the alkali‐metal evaporation‐assisted layered‐precursor strategy, demonstrating its generality to prepare visible‐light‐responsive (oxy)nitride photocatalysts containing reducible metals for solar energy conversion.
Joining forces in Ochnaceae phylogenomics: a tale of two targeted sequencing probe kits
Authors: Shah Toral , Schneider Julio V. , Zizka Georg , Maurin Olivier , Baker William , Forest Félix , Brewer Grace E. , Savolainen Vincent , Darbyshire Iain , Larridon Isabel
Published: June 2021

Premise

Both universal and family‐specific targeted sequencing probe kits are becoming widely used for reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships in angiosperms. Within the pantropical Ochnaceae, we show that with careful data filtering, universal kits are equally as capable in resolving intergeneric relationships as custom probe kits. Furthermore, we show the strength in combining data from both kits to mitigate bias and provide a more robust result to resolve evolutionary relationships.

Methods

We sampled 23 Ochnaceae genera and used targeted sequencing with two probe kits, the universal Angiosperms353 kit and a family‐specific kit. We used maximum likelihood inference with a concatenated matrix of loci and multispecies‐coalescence approaches to infer relationships in the family. We explored phylogenetic informativeness and the impact of missing data on resolution and tree support.

Results

For the Angiosperms353 data set, the concatenation approach provided results more congruent with those of the Ochnaceae‐specific data set. Filtering missing data was most impactful on the Angiosperms353 data set, with a relaxed threshold being the optimum scenario. The Ochnaceae‐specific data set resolved consistent topologies using both inference methods, and no major improvements were obtained after data filtering. Merging of data obtained with the two kits resulted in a well‐supported phylogenetic tree.

Conclusions

The Angiosperms353 data set improved upon data filtering, and missing data played an important role in phylogenetic reconstruction. The Angiosperms353 data set resolved the phylogenetic backbone of Ochnaceae as equally well as the family specific data set. All analyses indicated that both Sauvagesia L. and Campylospermum Tiegh. as currently circumscribed are polyphyletic and require revised delimitation.
ANXA1 with Anti‐Inflammatory Properties Might Contribute to Parkinsonism
Authors: Darvish Hossein , Azcona Luis J. , Taghavi Shaghayegh , Firouzabadi Saghar Ghasemi , Tafakhori Abbas , Alehabib Elham , Mohajerani Fatemeh , Zardadi Safoura , Paisán‐Ruiz Coro
Published: June 2021

We here describe the identification of a novel variant in the anti‐inflammatory Annexin A1 protein likely to be the cause of disease in two siblings with autosomal recessive parkinsonism. The disease‐segregating variant was ascertained through a combination of homozygosity mapping and whole genome sequencing and was shown to impair phagocytosis in zebrafish mutant embryos. The highly conserved variant, absent in healthy individuals and public SNP databases, affected a functional domain of the protein with neuroprotective properties. This study supports the hypothesis that damaged microglia might lead to impairments in the clearance of accumulated and aggregated proteins resulting in parkinsonism. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:319–323
Clinical Issues—July 2021
Authors: Wright Renae , Seeman Kristyn
Published: June 2021

THIS MONTH

Debris in sterilized instrument sets

Key words: organic debris, inorganic debris, instrument sets, sterile processing, sterilizing agent.

Preventing debris in sterilized instrument sets

Key words: debris, instrument sets, sterile processing equipment, instructions for use (IFU), quality assurance.

Bone cement precautions during pregnancy

Key words: bone cement, exposure, methyl methacrylate (MMA), pregnant.

Using a bed sheet or blanket for positioning

Key words: patient positioning devices, improvised positioning device, pressure distribution, skin shear, pressure injury.

Laundering of cloth head coverings

Key words: laundering, head covering, reusable cloth hat, surgical attire, disposable bouffant.
Cumulative impacts of habitat fragmentation and the environmental factors affecting upstream migration in the threatened sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus
Authors: Davies Peter , Britton J. Robert , Nunn Andrew D. , Dodd Jamie R. , Bainger Chris , Velterop Randolph , Bolland Jonathan D.
Published: June 2021

River ecosystems are often fragmented by artificial structures, such as weirs. For anadromous species, these structures can impede access to upstream spawning sites and ultimately lead to severe population declines.

This study focused on the freshwater spawning migration of the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, an anadromous species threatened by habitat fragmentation across its native range. To quantify the cumulative impacts of multiple weirs on upstream‐migrating adults, and to explore the environmental factors affecting migratory movements, passive acoustic telemetry was applied to 56 individuals during their spawning migration in the heavily fragmented River Severn basin, UK.

While 89% of tagged sea lamprey passed the first weir upstream of the release site on the main river, only 4% passed the fifth weir. For 85% of migrants, the upstream extent of migration was immediately downstream of a weir. Individuals that passed weirs upstream of the release site (n = 50) took 21.6 ± 2.8 days to reach their most upstream location, experiencing cumulative passage times at weirs of 15.7 ± 2.8 days; these delays constituted a median of 84% of total upstream movement times.

Multistate models showed that the weir passage rates of sea lamprey in tidal and non‐tidal areas increased significantly when downstream river level and discharge were elevated. Upstream‐to‐downstream changes in direction were frequent downstream of weirs, but rare in unobstructed river sections.

The results provided evidence for a cumulative effect of multiple weirs on sea lamprey movements, substantially delaying upstream migrants and limiting their spawning to atypical habitat. The results also demonstrated the crucial roles of high tides and elevated discharge events in enabling weir passage. Although the Severn Estuary features conservation designations for sea lamprey, this study reveals that barriers are inhibiting their upstream migration, a problem that should be addressed to assist sea lamprey conservation.
Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Sulfides in Lanthanide Metal ‐Organic Frameworks Incorporating Ru(2,2′‐bpy)3 photosensitizer
Authors: Zhang Xiaobang , Wei Xiaomei , Huang Sheng‐Li , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: June 2021

Three isostructural lanthanide metal‐organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs) were synthesized with uncoordinated N^N site, and the Ru(N^N)3 photosensitizer was introduced via coordination link. These functionalized frameworks showed excellent performance in the photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides with good conversion and high sulfoxide selectivity.
miRNAs; a novel strategy for the treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Ying Hao , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Keivan Mona , Khoshnam Seyed Esmaeil , Salahi Sarvenaz , Farzaneh Maryam
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is the seventh member of the bat severe acute respiratory syndrome family. COVID‐19 can fuse their envelopes with the host cell membranes and deliver their genetic material. COVID‐19 attacks the respiratory system and stimulates the host inflammatory responses, enhances the recruitment of immune cells, and promotes angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 activities. Patients with confirmed COVID‐19 may have experienced fever, dry cough, headache, dyspnea, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute heart injury. Several strategies such as oxygen therapy, ventilation, antibiotic or antiviral therapy, and renal replacement therapy are commonly used to decrease COVID‐19‐associated mortality. However, these approaches may not be good treatment options. Therefore, the search for an alternative‐novel therapy is urgently important to prevent the disease progression. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising strategy for COVID‐19. The design of oligonucleotide against the genetic material of COVID‐19 might suppress virus RNA translation. Several previous studies have shown that host miRNAs play an antiviral role and improve the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. miRNAs by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) or 5′‐UTR of viral RNA play an important role in COVID‐19‐host interplay and viral replication. miRNAs interact with multiple pathways and reduce inflammatory biomarkers, thrombi formation, and tissue damage to accelerate the patient outcome. The information in this review provides a summary of the current clinical application of miRNAs for the treatments of patients with COVID‐19.
Sn‐doped CeO2Nanorods as High‐Performance Electrocatalysts for CO2Reduction to Formate
Authors: Ning Shunlian , Guo Zhiwei , Wang Jigang , Huang Shaobin , Chen Shaowei , Kang Xiongwu
Published: June 2021

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formate provides an effective way to solve the environmental problems caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions and produce value‐added products. Herein, we report the preparation of a Sn‐doped CeO2catalyst, where oxygen vacancies are formed by thermal treatment in Ar/H2atmosphere, leading to enhanced carbon dioxide electroreduction to formate. The Faraday efficiency of formate production is found to reach 81.10 %, with a geometric current density of 9.13 mA cm−2at a potential of −1.10 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory calculations show that the incorporation of tin into CeO2promotes electron transport, lowers the energy barrier to form formate through HCOO*, and increases the selectivity of formate. Results from this study highlight the importance of metal‐doping in CeO2towards the selective reduction of CO2to formate.
2,9‐Diazadibenzoperylene and 2,9‐Dimethyldibenzoperylene‐1,3,8,10‐tetratriflates: Key to Functionalized 2,9‐Diazaperopyrenes
Authors: Baal Eduard , Klein Marius , Harms Klaus , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: June 2021

The synthesis of 2,9‐diaza‐1,3,8,10‐tetratriflato‐dibenzoperylene (DDP 3 a) and corresponding 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,3,8,10‐tetratriflato‐dibenzoperylene (DBP 3 b) has been developed at multigram scale via reduction of one of the industrially most important high‐performance dyes, perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI), and of the corresponding dihydroxy peropyrenequinone precursor. The focus of this paper is on the reactivity pattern of 3 a as key intermediate towards highly functionalized 2,9‐diazadibenzopyrelenes (DDPs) obtained via catalytic substitution of four triflate by aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl, aminyl, and O‐phosphanyl substituents. The influence of electron‐donating substituents (OSiMe3, OPt‐Bu2, N‐piperidinyl), electron‐withdrawing (OTf, 3,5‐bis‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl), and of electron‐rich π‐conjugated (2‐thienyl, 4‐tert‐butylphenyl, trimethylsilyl‐ethynyl) substituents on optoelectronic and structural properties of these functionalized DDPs has been investigated via XRD analyses, UV/Vis, PL spectroscopy, and by electroanalytical CV. These results were correlated to results of DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. Thus, functionalized DPPs with easily tunable HOMO and LUMO energies and gap became available via a new and reliable synthetic strategy starting from readily available PTCDI.
Correlation between the Dynamics of Nanoconfined Water and the Local Chemical Environment in Calcium Silicate Hydrate Nanominerals
Authors: Musumeci Valentina , Goracci Guido , Sanz Camacho Paula , Dolado Jorge S. , Aymonier Cyril
Published: June 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Cyril Aymonier and co‐workers at University of Bordeaux and University of the Basque Country. The image depicts the different distributions of water molecules in xonotlite and tobermorite nanominerals synthesised in supercritical water. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202100098.
Artificial Supramolecular Pumps Powered by Light
Authors: Corra Stefano , Casimiro Lorenzo , Baroncini Massimo , Groppi Jessica , La Rosa Marcello , Tranfić Bakić Marina , Silvi Serena , Credi Alberto
Published: June 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Alberto Credi and co‐workers at the University of Bologna and National Research Council, Bologna, Italy. The image represents the photostationary non‐equilibrium operation of supramolecular pumps as a hydraulic circuit in which water flows between reservoirs. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202101163.
Enzymatic Delivery of Magnetic Nanoparticles into Mitochondria of Live Cells
Authors: He Hongjian , Guo Jiaqi , Xu Bing
Published: June 2021

Delivering magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into mitochondria provides a facile approach to manipulate cell life because mitochondria play essential roles in cell survival and death. Here we report the use of enzyme‐responsive peptide assemblies to deliver MNPs into mitochondria of live cells. The mitochondria‐targeting peptide (Mito‐Flag), as the substrate of enterokinase (ENTK), assembles with MNPs in solution. The MNPs that are encapsulated by Mito‐Flag peptides selectively accumulate to the mitochondria of cancer cells, rather than normal cells. The mitochondrial localization of MNPs reduces the viability of the cancer cells, but hardly affects the survival of the normal cell. This work demonstrates a new and facile strategy to specifically transport MNPs to the mitochondria in cancer cells for exploring the applications of MNPs as the targeted drug for biomedicine and cancer therapy.