bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe Blast Design for Efficient and Sustainable Underwater Excavation: Art Meets Science!
Authors: P BALAMADESWARAN , Mishra A.K. , Kumar E. , Bharath K. Manikanda
Published: September 2021

Most of the dredging work associated with harbor, port, channel deepening, and other related operation requires underwater blasting due to the characteristics of material being dredged / moved. Underwater blasting is typically used to remove rocks for deepen harbours and channels, creating channels and levees, installing conduits, and other more specialised blasting operations that shall be completed below sea. Usually, such dredging work occurs in deep-water of varying between 16–20m in order to remove just few meters of rocks. Hence, this type of blasting activity needs high level of skill and familiarity than equivalent activities carried out above the surface of water because of aqueous layer over the its rock. Therefore, the factors such as selection of drilling parameters and drilling equipment, selection of appropriate explosives and accessories, usage of correct powder factor, determination of safe explosive charges per delay and selection of suitable personnel are studied carefully for accomplishing the successful underwater blasting operations. In addition to the above, the system shall also address the proper design for the underwater blasts to excavate the rock to the required depth keeping in view the permissible allowances of minimum and maximum depth and fragment size required. While adopting underwater blasts, adequate safety measures are also defined for safety of men, other vessels in the blasting zone and structures from blasting vibrations. Here, the authors broadly outline their approach with respect to underwater blasting using the existing blasting technology, with a case study.
Synthesis of a Bio-based and Biodegradable Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide [2,2'-bithiophene]-5,5'-dicarboxylate) with enhanced Thermal and Degradability Properties
Authors: Wandji Dasilva , Selabi Naomie Beolle Songwe
Published: September 2021

In this investigation, a synthetic biopolymer prepared from bithiophene monomer, isosorbide and ethylene glycol, was synthesized through melt polycondensation. The result showed the polyesters to possess promising thermal and mechanical properties. The bithiophene monomer, [2,2'-bithiophene]-5,5'-dicarboxylicacid acid, was synthesized from a palladium-catalyzed, phosphine ligand-free direct coupling protocol, using polyethylene glycol palladium (Pd/PEG) as catalyst. The procedure was found effective at polymerizing the bithiophene monomer with isosorbide and glycol. The bithiophene polyester displayed several intriguing properties among good thermal resistance, crystallinity and high tensile modulus. Additionally, the bithiophene monomer coupled to isosorbide enhanced the polyester with a comparatively high glass transition temperature. Films cast out these polyesters display excellent oxygen and water barrier properties, and were interestingly superior to those of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Moreover, the novel polyester also has good soil degradability properties.
Clinical Course of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Continue or Discontinue Biologic Therapy After Hospitalization for Infection: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kashiwado Yusuke , Kiyohara Chikako , Kimoto Yasutaka , Nagano Shuji , Sawabe Takuya , Oryoji Kensuke , Mizuki Shinichi , Nishizaka Hiroaki , Yoshizawa Seiji , Yoshizawa Shigeru , Tsuru Tomomi , Inoue Yasushi , Ueda Naoyasu , Ota Shun-ichiro , Suenaga Yasuo , Miyamura Tomoya , Tada Yoshifumi , Niiro Hiroaki , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: September 2021

Background: To analyse the subsequent clinical course of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who either continued or discontinued biologic agents after hospitalization for infections. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 230 RA patients with 307 hospitalizations for infections under biologic therapy between September 2008 and May 2014 in 15 institutions for up to 18 months after discharge. The risks of RA flares and subsequent hospitalizations for infections from 61 days to 18 months after discharge were evaluated. Results: Survival analyses indicated that patients who continued biologic therapy had a significantly lower risk of RA flares (31.4% vs. 60.6%, P < 0.01), and a slightly lower risk of subsequent infections (28.7% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.37). Multivariate analysis showed that discontinuation of biologic therapy, diabetes, and a history of hospitalization for infection under biologic therapy were associated with RA flares. Oral steroid therapy equivalent to prednisolone 5 mg/day or more and chronic renal dysfunction were independent risk factors for subsequent hospitalizations for infections. Conclusions: Discontinuation of biologic therapy after hospitalization for infections may result in RA flares. Continuation of biologic therapy is preferable, particularly in patients without immunodeficiency.
Western Pacific physical and biological controls on atmospheric CO2 concentration over the last 700 kyr
Authors: Tang Zheng , Xiong Zhifang , Li Tiegang
Published: September 2021

We present new geochemical evidence of changes in the vertical dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) distribution in the western tropical Pacific over the last 700 kyr, derived from stable carbon isotope (δ13C) signals recorded in epifaunal benthic (Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi) and thermocline-dwelling planktonic (Pulleniatina obliquiloculata) foraminifera extracted from the Calypso Core MD06-3047. We further analyse the results of a transient numerical experiment of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the last deglaciation performed with the carbon isotope-enabled earth system model LOVECLIM, to understand the deglacial changes in DIC distribution and verify the proxy-based hypothesis. During glacial periods of the past 700 kyrs, the distinct negative deep water δ13CDIC values obtained from the benthic foraminifera suggest a carbon increase in the deep ocean, which could have been caused by weakening of deep Southern Ocean (SO) ventilation and enhanced marine biological productivity driven by dust-induced iron fertilization. During glacial terminations, a decrease of thermocline δ13CDIC associated with an increase in deep water δ13CDIC indicate a reduced vertical DIC gradient and the net transmission of 12C from the deep waters to the thermocline, caused mainly by the physical process (enhanced SO ventilation). On longer time scales, the largest increase in the Pacific deep carbon reservoir δ13CDIC during the marine isotope stage (MIS) 12/11 transition coincided with the mid-Brunhes climatic shift, which implies that the extent of oceanic carbon release during this interval was much larger than that during other deglaciations since 700 ka B.P. We infer that this could have been caused by reorganization of the oceanic carbon system. These findings provide new insights into the Pleistocene evolution of the carbon-cycle system in the Pacific Ocean.
Synthesis And Antiplasmodial Assessment of Nitazoxanide And Analogues As New Antimalarial Candidates
Authors: Irabuena Camila , Scarone Laura , de Souza Guilherme Eduardo , Aguiar Anna Caroline Campos , Guido Rafael Victorio Carvalho , Serra Gloria
Published: September 2021

During the last years, the progression to control malaria disease seems to be slowed and WHO (World Health Organization) reported a modelling analysis with the prediction of the increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid way to the discovery of new drugs could be carried out by performing investigations to identify drugs based on repurposing of “old” drugs. The 5-nitrothiazole drug, Nitazoxanide was shown to be active against intestinal protozoa, human helminths, anaerobic bacteria, viruses, etc. In this work, Nitazoxanide and analogues were prepared using two methodologies and evaluated against P. falciparum 3 D7. A bithiazole analogue, showed attractive inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 5.9 mM and low propensity to show toxic effect against HepG2 cells at 25 mM.
Computational analysis of B cell receptor repertoires in COVID-19 patients using deep embedded representations of protein sequences
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Byun Sang Yoon , Kim Sangyeup , Choi Sangyoon , Noh Jinsung , Chung Junho , Kim Byung-Gee
Published: September 2021

Analyzing B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires is immensely useful in evaluating one’s immunological status. Conventionally, repertoire analysis methods have focused on comprehensive assessments of clonal compositions, including V(D)J segment usage, nucleotide insertions/deletions, and amino acid distributions. Here, we introduce a novel computational approach that applies deep-learning-based protein embedding techniques to analyze BCR repertoires. By selecting the most frequently occurring BCR sequences in a given repertoire and computing the sum of the vector representations of these sequences, we represent an entire repertoire as a 100-dimensional vector and eventually as a single data point in vector space. We demonstrate that this new approach enables us to not only accurately cluster BCR repertoires of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and healthy subjects but also efficiently track minute changes in immune status over time as patients undergo treatment. Furthermore, using the distributed representations, we successfully trained an XGBoost classification model that achieved a mean accuracy rate of over 87% given a repertoire of CDR3 sequences.
Immunophilin Ligands Modulate Phagocytosis and Viral 2 Replication in HIV-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Sathe Anish , Sanchez Ana , Soontornniyomkij Benchawanna , Swinton Mary , Pal Shibangi , Achim Cristian
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) can occur as a result of HIV-mediated neuroinflammation and affect people living with HIV (PWH) despite advances in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Brain macrophages have been implicated as a source of virus and neurotoxic factors. In this study, we examined the potential role of the immunophilin ligands rapamycin and FK506 in modulating neuroinflammation caused by infected macrophages. (2) Methods: Monocytes were isolated from blood samples from three different blood donors and were differentiated into macrophages (MDMs). These cells were subsequently infected with HIV and treated with combinations of an antiretroviral (ARV) cocktail (raltegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir), FK506, and rapamycin. Immunocytochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the phagocytosis of amyloid beta and the expression of macrophage phenotype-associated markers such as Iba1, TREM2, and IL-6. Viral replication was measured using p24 ELISA. (3) Results: Viral replication among infected MDMs as indicated by p24 levels was positively correlated with Iba1 levels and negatively correlated with IL-6 expression. However, infected MDMs showed lower Iba1 levels than non-infected cells. Rapamycin treatment appeared to lower p24 levels across all donors. Phagocytosis was associated with higher Iba1 levels and was impaired in rapamycin-treated MDMs. (4) Conclusions: Rapamycin seemed to protect against viral replication. However, decreased replication was correlated with a decrease in phagocytic activity. Iba1 may be involved in phagocytosis and HIV infection while IL-6 appeared to indicate protective effects against replication.
­Gas Fields and Large Shallow Seismogenic Reverse Faults Are Anticorrelated
Authors: Valensise Gianluca , Donda Federica , Tamaro Alberto , Rosset Giorgia , Parolai Stefano
Published: September 2021

We investigated the spatial relationships among 18 known seismogenic faults and 1,612 wells drilled for gas exploitation in the main hydrocarbon province of northern-central Italy, a unique dataset worldwide. We adopted a GIS approach and a robust statistical technique, and found a significant anticorrelation between the location of productive wells and of the considered seismogenic faults, which are generally overlain or encircled by sterile wells.Our observations suggest that (a) earthquake ruptures encompassing much of the upper crust may cause gas to be lost to the atmosphere over geological time, and that (b) reservoirs underlain by smaller or aseismic faults are more likely to be intact.These findings, which are of inherently global relevance, have crucial implications for future hydrocarbon exploitation, for assessing the seismic-aseismic behavior of large reverse faults, and for the public acceptance of underground energy storage facilities in tectonically active areas, a pillar of future low carbon energy systems.
Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells As a Type-II Alveolar Surrogate Cell Culture Model for ABCA-3 Deficiency
Authors: Shaw Nicole C. , Kicic Anthony , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Stephen D. , Stick Stephen M. , Schultz André
Published: September 2021

ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 3 (ABCA-3) is a lipid transporter protein highly expressed in type-II alveolar (AT-II) cells. Mutations in ABCA3 can result in severe respiratory disease in infants and children. To study ABCA-3 deficiency in vitro, primary AT-II cells would be the cell culture of choice although sample accessibility is limited. Our aim was to investigate the suitability of primary nasal epithelial cells, as a surrogate culture model for AT-II cells, to study ABCA-3 deficiency. Expression of ABCA3, and surfactant protein genes, SFTPB and SFTPC, was detected in primary nasal epithelial cells but at a significantly lower level than in AT-II cells. ABCA-3, SP-B and SP-C were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy in primary nasal epithelial cells. However, SP-B and SP-C were undetectable in primary nasal epithelial cells using western blot. Structurally imperfect lamellar bodies were observed in primary nasal epithelial cells using transmission electron microscopy. Functional assessment of the ABCA-3 protein demonstrated that higher concentrations of doxorubicin reduced cell viability in ABCA-3 deficient nasal epithelial cells compared to controls in an assay-dependent manner. Our results indicate that there may be a role for primary nasal epithelial cell cultures to model ABCA-3 deficiency in vitro although additional cell culture models that more effectively recapitulate the AT-II phenotype may be required.
Evaluation of heavy metals composition of drinking water distributed to Addis Ababa City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Gebre Solomon Genet , Tilahun Anmut
Published: September 2021

Background

Compromised drinking water quality due to accumulation of heavy metals is becoming a serious concern for many countries, including Ethiopia. Chronic exposure to heavy metals is associated with many human diseases. This study aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals in drinking water supplied to Addis Ababa city. There has been no such study done on drinking water supplied to the city
Methodology:

A community based cross-sectional study design was employed from April 2018 to December 2018. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water samples.
Result

The highest concentration of lead was recorded in water samples taken from Gefersa, Asko and Kolfie areas. Results of this study also showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean levels of lead in water samples taken from different treatment plants and their respective catchments (p-value < 0.01).
Conclusion

The mean lead level in water samples were higher than the maximum admissible limit set by the WHO in 2011. The mean level of cadmium concentration was higher than the maximum admissible limit of cadmium set by WHO in 2011 in water samples of the Gefersa surface water & catchment area. However, all values of heavy metals were lower than their respective maximum contaminant level set by USEPA in 2010.
RelB Upregulates PD-L1 and Exacerbates Prostate Cancer Immune Evasion
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhu Shuyi , Du Yuanyuan , Xu Fan , Sun Wenbo , Xu Zhi , Wang Xiumei , Qian Peipei , Zhang Qin , Feng Jifeng , Xu Yong
Published: September 2021

Background Interaction between programmed death receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) is essential for suppressing activated T-lymphocytes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PD-L1 overexpression in tumors remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we describe that RelB participates in immune evasion of prostate cancer (PCa) via cis/trans transcriptional upregulation of PD-L1.MethodsBased on transcriptome results, RelB was manipulated in multiple human and murine PCa cell lines. The activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were co-cultured with PCa cells with different levels of RelB to examine the effect of tumorous RelB on T-cell immunity. Male mice were injected with murine PCa cells to validate the effect of RelB on the PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immune checkpoint using both tumor growing and metastatic experimental models.Results PD-L1 uniquely expresses at a high level in PCa with high constitutive RelB and correlates to the patients’ Gleason scores. Indeed, the ligh level of PD-L1 is associated with RelB nuclear translocatiob in AR-negative aggressive PCa cells. The silence of RelB in advanced PCa cells resulted in reducing PD-L1 expression and enhancing the susceptibility of PCa cells to the T-cell immune response in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, a proximal NF-kB enhancer element was identified in the core promoter region of the human CD274 gene, which is responsible for RelB-mediated PD-L1 transcriptional activation. The finding provides an informative insight into immune checkpoint blockade by administering RelB within the tumor microenvironment.ConclusionsThis study deciphers the molecular mechanism by which tumorous RelB contributes to immune evasion by inhibiting T-cell immunity via the amplification of PD-L1/PD-1-mediated immune checkpoint.
Gas Discrimination by Simultaneous Sound Velocity and Attenuation Measurements using Uncoated Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Hernandez Luis Iglesias , Shanmugam Priyadarshini , Michaud Jean-Francois , Alquier Daniel , Certon Dominique , Dufour Isabelle
Published: September 2021

Chemically functionalized or coated sensors are by far the most employed solution in gas sensing. However, their poor long term stability represents a concern in applications dealing with hazardous gases. Uncoated sensors are durable but their selectivity is poor or non-existent. In this study, multi-parametric discrimination is used as an alternative to selectivity for uncoated capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs). This paper shows how measuring simultaneously the attenuation coefficient and the time of flight under different nitrogen mixtures allows to identify hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane from each other and determine their concentration along with identification of temperature drift. Theoretical comparison and specific signal processing to deal with the issue of multiple reflections are also presented. Some potential applications are monitoring of refueling stations, vehicles and nuclear waste storage facilities.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Protein Family Diversity Provides Insights into Species-Specific Protein Family Expansions in Insects
Authors: DAYI Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Insects are one of the earliest land animals with more than 400 million years old history on Earth, and they compose more than 80% of species. Insects invade a wide range of ecosystems and are considered one of the most evolutionary successful organism groups. Today, many insect species’ genomes have been sequenced to encode molecular mechanisms behind this magnificent evolutionary plasticity. However, only limited genome-wide studies have been carried out to compare protein family diversity in insects. A total of 20 insect species belonging to seven insect orders and two morphogenesis groups were investigated for evolutionary relationships and to uncover protein family diversity in the present study. The phylogenetic analysis inferred from a total of 530 one-to-one single-copy ortholog genes were separated insects into two evolutionary clades based on morphogenesis. Protein family analyses showed that insects share core protein families that perform essential tasks in development and metabolic processes, such as Pkinase and Zinc Finger, cellular signaling and odorant perception (7tm), digestion of food molecules (Trypsin), and detoxification (p450) with copy number expansion compared to other protein families. Additionally, species-specific protein family expansion was observed in various protein families. This study provided insights into protein family diversity and variation among insects and highlights high copy number variation in protein families species-wide.
Are Polyploid Species Less Vulnerable to Climate Change? A Case Study in North American Crataegus
Authors: Naghiloo Somayeh , Vamosi Jana
Published: September 2021

Understanding the mechanisms underlying plant responses to climate change is an important step towards developing effective mitigation strategies. Polyploidy is an important evolutionary trait that can influence the capacity of plants to adapt to climate change. The environmental flexibility of polyploids suggests their resiliency to climate change, however, such hypotheses have not yet received empirical evidence. To understand how ploidy level may influence response to climate change, we modeled the current and future distribution of 54 Crataegus species under moderate to severe environments and compared the range change between diploids and polyploids.The majority of studied species are predicted to experience considerable range expansion. We found a negative interaction between ploidy and ecoregions in determining the response to climate change. In extreme environments polyploids are projected to experience a higher range expansion than diploids with climate change, while the opposite is true for moderate environments.The range expansion of Crataegus species can be attributed to their tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions. Despite higher tolerance of polyploids to extreme environments, they do not necessarily outperform diploids in moderate environments, which can be attributed to the varying nature of species interactions along a stress gradient.
Anti-Tumor Activity and Mechanism of Gemcitabine Derivative SZY-200 Assembled from Gemcitabine-Lauric Acid Conjugate on Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Shao Zhiyu , Xu Zhiwen , Ye Binghao , Zheng Qiaoqiao , Li Ming , Ma Xingyuan , Shi Ping
Published: September 2021

Gemcitabine is a first-line drug for the treatment of bladder cancer. One of the most important mechanisms of gemcitabine resistance is the low expression of cellular membrane transporter hENT1. Various derivatives containing fatty acid side chains have been developed in order to facilitate gemcitabine uptake and prolong its retention in cells, such as CP-4126. In this study, the anti-tumor effect and mechanism of a new derivative of gemcitabine named SZY-200 on bladder cancer cells was investigated. SZY-200 was assembled from gemcitabine-lauric acid conjugate. Our data showed that SZY-200 could inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The inhibitory effects were comparable to gemcitabine and CP-4126. Importantly, SZY-200 was independent of the membrane transport system in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, we found that lauric acid could also inhibit the proliferation of bladder cancer cells. SZY-200 could downregulate the expressions of PPARG and PTGS2 which were related to the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. Overall, these results indicate that SZY-200 could be an ideal candidate drug for further in vivo investigation.
Molecular-metabolic interaction of pituitary-adrenal axis with adrenocorticotropic and glucocorticoid hormone in Cushing’s disease
Authors: Ding Jie , Feng Ming , Hacker Marcus , Huo Li , Li Xiang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) molecular signaling pathway and the glucose metabolism of pituitary-adrenal axis in Cushing’s disease (CD) by using 68Ga-pentixafor and 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Methods

We recruited eleven patients including 4 primary CD, 3 recurrent CD and 4 non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA) patients. Both 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT were performed. The radio-uptake of pituitary-adrenal axis was correlated with the hormone levels (including serum adrenocorticotropin, serum cortisol and 24-h urine free cortisol).
Results

The uptake of pituitary adenomas and bilateral adrenals in primary and recurrent CD patients were significantly higher than NFPA patients in 68Ga-pentixafor PET. Besides, hormone level was significantly correlated with the uptake of 68Ga-pentixafor in pituitary adenomas and adrenal tissue but not with glucose metabolism determined by 18F-FDG PET.
Conclusions

In this pilot study, we found activated CXCR4 molecular signaling rather than glucose metabolism regulation along the pituitary-adrenal axis in CD patients. 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT might have the potential in detecting ACTH-producing pituitary microadenoma.
Breeding in the Pandemic: Short-Term Lockdown Restrictions Do Not Alter Reproductive Decisions and Avian Life-History Traits in a European Capital City
Authors: Corsini Michela , Jagiello Zuzanna , Walesiak Michał , Redlisiak Michał , Stadnicki Ignacy , Mierzejewska Ewa , Szulkin Marta
Published: September 2021

Humans are transforming natural habitats into managed urban green areas and impervious surfaces with unprecedented pace. Yet the effects of human presence per se on animal life-history traits are rarely tested. This is particularly true in cities, where human presence is often indissociable from urbanisation itself. The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, along with the resulting lockdown restrictions, offered a unique, “natural experiment” context to investigate wildlife responses to a sudden reduction of human activities. We analysed four years of avian breeding data collected in a European capital city to test whether lockdown measures altered nestbox occupancy and life-history traits in two urban adapters: great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Lockdown measures, which modulated human presence, did not influence any of the life-history traits inferred. In contrast, tree cover, a distinct ecological attribute of the urban space, positively influenced clutch size, a key avian life-history and reproductive trait. This highlights the importance of habitat and food webs over human activity on animal reproduction in cities. We discuss our results in the light of other urban wildlife studies carried out during the pandemic, inviting the scientific community to carefully interpret all lockdown - associated shifts in biological traits.
Genomically hardwired regulation of gene activity orchestrates cellular iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hsieh En-Jung , Lin Wendar , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient that plays pivotal roles as electron donor and catalyst across organisms. In plants, variable, often insufficient Fe supply necessitates mechanisms that constantly attune Fe uptake rates and recalibrate cellular Fe homeostasis. Here, we show that short-term (0.5, 6, and 12 h) exposure of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to Fe deficiency triggered massive changes in gene activity governed by transcription and alternative splicing (AS), regulatory layers that were to a large extent mutually exclusive. Such preclusion was not observed for genes that are directly involved in the acquisition of Fe, which appears to be concordantly regulated by both expression and AS. Generally, genes with lower splice site strengths and higher intron numbers were more likely to be regulated by AS, no dependence was on gene architecture was observed for transcriptionally controlled genes. Conspicuously, specific processes were associated with particular genomic features and biased towards either regulatory mode, suggesting that genomic hardwiring is functionally biased. Early changes in splicing patterns were, in many cases, congruent with later changes in transcript or protein abundance, thus contributing to the pronounced transcriptome-proteome discordance observed in plants.
Photocatalytic degradation of reactive black dye using ZnO – CeO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: M. Saravanan , S. Vigneshwar , Jegadeesan Gautham B. , Venkatachalam Ponnusami
Published: September 2021

Nano-CeO2 was synthesized via the chemical precipitation of cerium precursor solution, and then mixed with nano-ZnO at various weight ratios to obtain ZnO-CeO2nanocomposites. The composites were characterized for their morphological and photocatalytic properties. X-ray diffraction patterns of the pristine metal oxides corresponded well with (1 0 1) and (1 1 1) peaks of hexagonal wurtzite like-ZnO and cubic-phase CeO2, respectively. The band gap of the ZnO-CeO2nanocomposite was 3.08 eV, while that of pristine CeO2 and ZnO powder was 3.24 eV and 3.12 eV respectively. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO-CeO2composite was evaluated at various Reactive Black (RB) dye and catalyst concentrations. A 1:1 wt ratio ZnO-CeO2 nanocompsite provided the maximum (~ 85%) RB oxidation under UV light within 90 minutes. Rate of dye degradation obtained with ZnO-CeO2nanocomposite was almost 1.5 times more than that obtained with bare ZnO. It was observed that increase in CeO2 to ZnO ratio increased oxidation rates up to 1:1 wt ratio. Increasing CeO2 ratio beyond 1:1 wt. ratio did not significantly increase RB oxidation. The results confirm that addition of CeO2 to ZnO has resulted in lowering its bandgap energy and in-turn favors oxidation of RB dye under UV light.
Atomic ruthenium coordinated with chlorine and nitrogen as efficient and multifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting and rechargeable zinc-air battery
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Chen Junsheng , Feng Yongqiang , Wang Ran , Feng Weihang , Wang Hai , Luo Tianmi , Hu Yuzhu , Yuan Chengke , Feng Liangliang , Kajiyoshi Koji , He Chaozheng , Cao Liyun
Published: September 2021

Design and fabrication of multifunctional efficient and durable single atom electrocatalyst is highly desirable and challenging for overall water splitting and zinc-air battery. Herein, a novel and efficient ruthenium coordinated with Cl and N single atom catalyst (Ru–Cl–N SAC) was synthesized. X-ray adsorption spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculation results unveiled an atomic configuration of RuCl2N2. Electrochemical measurement disclosed that the Ru–Cl–N SAC exhibited superior electrocatalytic activities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with low overpotential and long-term durability in alkaline medium. Furthermore, a well-qualified assembly of overall water splitting cell requiring only 1.49 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm− 2 and a rechargeable zinc-air battery with a specific capacity of 804.26 mAh g− 1 and long-term durability for 360 h were fabricated based on the Ru–Cl–N SAC. The present work would pave the way for design and fabrication of novel and efficient multifunctional electrocatalyst in the realm of energy conversion and storage.
TSG–6 Released from Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells Derived Small Extracellular Vesicle Protects Against Spinal Cord Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Lu Xiao , Lv Chengtang , Zhao Yuechao , Li Yao , Ji Chengyue , Wang Zhuanghui , Ye Wu , Yu Shunzhi , Bai Jianling , Cai Weihua
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSpinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury (SCIRI) is a complication of aortic aneurysm repair or spinal cord surgery that is associated with permanent neurological deficits. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been shown to be potential therapeutic options for improving motor functions after SCIRI. Due to their easy access and multi-directional differentiation potential, adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are preferable for this application. However, the effects of ADSC-derived sEVs (ADSC-sEVs) on SCIRI have not been reported.ResultsWe found that ADSC-sEVs inhibited SCIRI induced neuronal apoptosis, degradation of tight junction proteins and suppressed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, in the presence of the ER stress inducer, tunicamycin, its anti-apoptotic and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) protective effects were significantly reversed. We found that ADSC-sEVs contain tumor necrosis factor-(TNF) stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) whose overexpression inhibited ER stress in vivo by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.ConclusionsADSC-sEVs inhibit neuronal apoptosis and BSCB disruption in SCIRI by transmitting TSG-6, which suppresses ER stress by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Ischemic Succinate Accumulation Inhibits Neural Stem Cell Proliferation after Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion via Inducing Cdc42 Succinylation
Authors: Huang Linyan , Ma Juyun , Song Jinxiu , Xu Jingjing , Fan Haidi , Cai Heng , Wang Wan , Wang Yanling , Hu Zhaoli , Shen Jiangang , Qi Suhua
Published: September 2021

BackgroundNeural stem cell proliferation is a critical process in endogenous neurogenesis after ischemic/reperfusion injury. Ischemic succinate accumulation causes cerebral damage due to excess reactive oxygen species production. However, it remains elusive whether ischemic succinate accumulation affects neural stem cell proliferation.MethodsIn this study, we established rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model to mimic ischemic/reperfusion injury in vivo. Primary neural stem cell and neural stem cell line C17.2 were challenged with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation. The level of succinate was assessed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Cell proliferation was tested by cell counting kit 8. The infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. G protein coupled receptor GPR91 was detected by immunofluorescence. Sirtuin 5 knockdown was performed with Sirt 5 siRNA transfection. Cdc42 GTPase activity and succinylation were evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation.ResultsWe showed that succinate increased in the serum and brain (cortex and hippocampus) in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. oxygen-glucose deprivation also induced abundant succinate in neural stem cell. Diethyl succinate inhibited C17.2 cell proliferation. Intraperitoneal administration of DS (800mg/kg) increased the infarct volume in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Besides, Diethyl succinate increases Cdc42 succinylation but represses Rho family GTPase Cdc42 activity, without affecting the level of its receptor G protein-coupled receptor-91 in neural stem cells. Increasing Cdc42 succinylation by desuccinylacylase Sirt5 knockdown inhibited GTPase Cdc42 activity. Accordingly, Cdc42 inhibtor ML141 also inhibited C17.2 proliferation.ConclusionsOur observations showed that accumulation of succinate inhibited neural stem cell proliferation by inducing Cdc42 succinylation, which reduced Cdc42 GTPase activity and was detrimental for neurogenesis after ischemic/reperfusion injury. Our data revealed a new mechanism that ischemic succinate accumulation aggrevated cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury.
MicroRNA-146a-5p-modified human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells enhance protection against renal injury in diabetic nephropathy through facilitating M2 macrophage polarization by targeting TRAF6
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Le Xi , Zheng Shuo , Zhang Ke , He Jing , Liu Mengting , Tu Chengshu , Rao Wei , Du Hongyuan , Ouyang Yu , Li Changyong , Wu Dongcheng
Published: September 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus and a common cause of end-stage renal disease, but has no approved pharmacotherapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which render them an attractive therapeutic tool for tissue damage and inflammation.
Methods

This study was designed to determine the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) on streptozotocin-induced DN. Renal function and histological staining were used to evaluate kidney damage. RNA high-throughput sequencing on rat kidney and UCMSC-derived exosomes was used to identify the critical miRNAs. Co-cultivation of macrophage cell line and UC-MSCs-derived conditional medium was used to assess the involvement of macrophage polarization signaling.
Results

UC-MSC administration significantly improved renal function, reduced the local and systemic inflammatory cytokine levels, and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration into the kidney tissue in DN rats. Moreover, UC-MSCs shifted macrophage polarization from a pro-inflammatory M1 to an antiinflammatory M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, miR-146a-5p was significantly downregulated and negatively correlated with renal injury in DN rats as determined through high-throughput RNA sequencing. Importantly, UC-MSCs-derived miR-146a-5p promoted M2 macrophage polarization by inhibiting TRAF6-STAT1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, miR-146a-5p modification in UC-MSCs enhanced the efficacy of anti-inflammation and renal function improvement.
Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that UC-MSCs-derived miR-146a-5p have the potential to restore renal function in DN rats through facilitating M2 macrophage polarization by targeting TRAF6. It will pave the way for the use of UC-MSCs for therapeutic delivery of miRNAs targeted at kidney diseases.
Antibacterial Mechanism of N-PMI and the Characteristics of PMMA-co-N-PMI Copolymer
Authors: Shi Han , Zhuang Qixin , Zheng Anna , Zhan Pengfei , Guan Yong , Wei Dafu , Xu Xiang , Wu Tao
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the excellent killing effect of N-phenylmaleimide (N-PMI) on microorganisms, this paper used structural simulation analysis, fluorescence analysis, confocal laser scanning microscope and SEM to find that the double bond in N-PMI could interact with the sulfur groups in the membrane protein, changing its conformation, rupturing the plasma membrane of the cell, leaking the contents, and ultimately causing the death of the microorganisms. Therefore, once the double bond participated in the polymerization, N-PMI loosed its antimicrobial function. N-PMI could achieve azeotropic copolymerization with MMA through reactive extrusion polymerization, and didn’t follow the law of reactivity ratio of classic copolymerization. N-PMI with a content of 5% can be evenly inserted into the PMMA chain segment during the copolymerization reaction, thereby increasing the Tg of pure PMMA by up to 15°C, which provided the PMMA-co-PMI copolymer with resistance to boiling water sterilization advantageous conditions. In addition, the copolymer was superior to the commercially available pure PMMA in terms of bending strength and modulus. At the same time, N-PMI with a content of 5% has little effect on the transparency of PMMA after participating in the copolymerization. Moreover, the trace amount of residual N-PMI made the material have excellent antimicrobial function, and the bacteriostatic zone is extremely small, which provided an excellent guarantee for the safety and durability of the material. As a medical biological material, the PMMA-co-PMI copolymer has a good industrialization application prospects.
Purification and immobilization of L-asparaginase from Citrobacter freundii EGY-NE1
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , El-Dein Mahmoud M. Nour , Abou-Dobara Mohamed I. , Metwally Nashwa E.
Published: September 2021

L-asparaginase is used as an antileukemic drug and as a food additive to reduce the risk of acrylamide formation. New L-asparaginases are required to reduce costs and avoid clinical side effects. Citrobacter freundii EGY-NE1represents a potential source of new L-asparaginase. We purified extracellular L-asparaginase from Citrobacter freundii EGY-NE1 (through ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, Sephadex-G50 and DEAE-cellulose columns) to 5.83 fold and 25.76 % recovery. The purified L-asparaginase was a low molecular weight enzyme of 19 kDa. It was optimally active at 37 ˚C, pH 8 and 40 mM asparagine. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme were 0.0179 M and 2.66 U/ml, respectively. Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Ba+ 2 activated the enzyme, while Na+, Zn+ 2, EDTA, azide, tartrate and HgCl2 inhibited it. The crude and purified enzymes were immobilized by encapsulation in Ca-alginate; this improved their stability and reusability. The entrapped L-asparaginases on Ca-alginate were examined by scanning electron microscope; their protein diameters ranged from 42.17 to 47.37 nm and from 46.78 to 71.97 nm for the immobilized crude and purified enzymes, respectively. Both the immobilized enzymes kept their maximal activity for 10 minutes at 40 ˚C. After the 5th cycle of repeated use, the immobilized purified and crude enzymes kept 91% and 89 % of their activities, respectively.
Synthesis, structure, and single-crystal elasticity of Al-bearing superhydrous phase B
Authors: Li Xinyang , Speziale Sergio , Glazyrin Konstantin , Wilke Franziska D.H. , Liermann Hanns-Peter , Koch-Müller Monika
Published: September 2021

Dense hydrous magnesium silicates (DHMSs) with large water contents and wide stability fields are a potential H2O reservoir in the deep Earth. Al-bearing superhydrous phase B (shy-B) with a wider stability field than the Al-free counterpart can play an important role in understanding H2O transport in the Earth’s transition zone and topmost lower mantle. In this study, a nominally Al-free and two different Al-bearing shy-B samples with 0.47(2) and 1.35(4) Al atoms per formula unit (pfu), were synthesized using a rotating multi-anvil press. Their single-crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) complemented by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Single-crystal XRD shows that the cell parameters decrease with increasing Al-content. By combining X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy results, we conclude that the Al-poor shy-B crystallizes in the Pnn2 space group with hydrogen in two different general positions. Based on the results of the single-crystal X-ray diffraction refinements combined with FTIR spectroscopy, three substitutions mechanisms are proposed: 2Al3+ = Mg2+ + Si4+; Mg2+ = ☐Mg2+ + 2H+ (☐Mg2+ means vacancy in Mg site); Si4+ = Al3+ + H+. Thus, in addition to the two general H positions, hydrogen is incorporated into the hydrous mineral via point defects. The elastic stiffness coefficients were measured for the Al-shy-B with 1.35 pfu Al by Brillouin scattering (BS). Al-bearing shy-B shows lower C11, higher C22, and similar C33 when compared to Al-free shy-B. The elastic anisotropy of Al-bearing shy-B is also higher than that of the Al-free composition. Such different elastic properties are due to the effect of lattice contraction as a whole and the specific chemical substitution mechanism that affect bonds strength. Al-bearing shy-B with lower velocity, higher anisotropy, and wider thermodynamic stability can help understand the low-velocity zone and the high-anisotropy region in the subducted slab located in Tonga.
KADIN SERBEST MUHASEBECİ MALİ MÜŞAVİRLERİN TÜKENMİŞLİĞİ İLE İŞ PERFORMANSI İLİŞKİSİ: KÜTAHYA VE ESKİŞEHİR ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ALTINBAY Ali
Published: September 2021

Tükenmişlik son zamanlarda hem sosyal medyada ve hem de akademik araştırmalara sıklıkla konu olmuş bir kavram olma özelliğine sahiptir. Özellikle hizmet işletmelerinde verilen hizmetlerde duyarsızlaşma, duygusal tükenme ve kişisel başarıda düşüklük ile kendini göstermektedir. Bu durum örgütsel bağlamda ele alındığında çalışanların fiziksel, psikolojik ve duygusal olarak rahatsızlıklar oluşmasına sebep olmakta ve neticesinde çalışanların moralini, motivasyonunu ve yaratıcılığını yok ederek örgütsel performansta düşüşlere neden olmaktadır. İşletmeler en önemli kaynağı olan bazı çalışanlarını kaybederek finansal ve sosyal bazı sonuçlarla yüzleşmek zorunda kalmaktadır. Dahası, bu durum dolaylı olarak ülkelerin ekonomik durumunu da etkilemektedir. Bu çalışma ile tükenmişliğin iş performansı üzerindeki etkilerinin tespit edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla Kütahya ve Eskişehir illerinde gönüllülük esasına göre 208 kadın Serbest Muhasebeci Mali Müşavir ile (SMMM) yüz yüze görüşmeler yapılarak anketler alınmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre kadın SMMM’lerin tükenmişliği iş performanslarını negatif yönde etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca SMMM’lerin tükenmişliği iş performansının alt faktörleri görev ve bağlamsal performansı da negatif yönde etkilediği belirlenmiştir.
Inovasi Perpustakaan dalam Mendukung Program E-Learning di masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Mustar Maniso
Published: September 2021

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has had various impacts on society. The impact on the world of education is one of them. The community is required to follow changes in learning patterns from face-to-face to long-distance which is often called e-learning. For this reason, various parties are needed to support this learning process, one of which is a library with the aim of supporting the learning process of the community in the midst of pandemic. Methodology: This research uses descriptive research method. For data collection and analysis methods using literature studies from various references. Results and Discussion: Raising awareness of the importance of education during a pandemic to the public, distance learning is a need that must be met with synergy of education providers, communities, governments and libraries. Innovation in circulation services, database services and e-resources, managing online library events, compiling credible information sources and coordinating among librarians are expected to support e-learning programs in Indonesia. Conclusion: This study shows that e-learning is very much needed by society in current and future conditions. The education system can be implemented practically, efficiently and facilitates community learning. Library innovation to support e-learning is also very much needed to support the community learning process in the midst of a pandemic.
Lantatur Sebagai Alternatif Layanan Perpustakaan Sekolah di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Istiqomah Zeni , Anjali Muhammad Erdiansyah Cholid
Published: September 2021

Background: Library services must continue in the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic and learning is carried out online. SMA Muhammadiyah 1 (Muhi) Yogyakarta Library has innovations in providing services, so that its role is not replaced by other service providers. One of them is by implementing the service without going down (drive thru). The purpose of this study is to analyze the determination of the drive thru service system in the library of SMA Muhi Yogyakarta during the pandemic and to analyze the obstacles experienced. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation study. The data validity test was carried out by using the source triangulation test and data analysis was carried out by data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Results: The results show that the implementation of the drive thru service system has been carried out since July 2020. The drive thru service is implemented through two mechanisms, namely scheduled and unscheduled. The scheduled drive thru service implementation mechanism is adjusted to the implementation time agreed upon by the library, school leaders, and library users. Meanwhile, the implementation of unscheduled drive thru services is more flexible according to the agreement between the librarian and the user. Conclusion: Each drive thru system has grooves and procedures, making it easier for the user. The obstacles faced in this service lie in the infrastructure provided, limited human resources, and regulations for the implementation of the drive thru service.