bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Organics with Nitrogen Levels and Bio-fertilizers on Soil Chemico-biological Properties of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop [Cv.PBW-343] in Inseptisol
Authors: Ramanandan L. G. , Swaroop Narendra , David Arun Alferd , Thomas Tarence
Published: June 2020

Aims: To enhance soil quality, production, productivity and profit maximization with higher economic returns through integrated farming practices. In addition, to fulfill the needs of farmers economical point of view, academic, society and social reforms.

Study Design: Effectiveness of organics with nitrogen levels and bio-fertilizers on soil chemico-biological properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop [Cv.PBW-343] in Inseptisol.

Place and Duration of Study: The cumulative study period of 2018-19 and 2019-20, at research farm, department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, naini agricultural institute, sam higginbottom university of agriculture, technology and sciences, which is located at 25°58’ North latitude and 81°52' East longitude with an altitude of 98 meter above mean sea level and is situated 5km away on the right, bank of Yamuna river.

Methodology: Randomized block design fallowed here with 12 treatment combinations replicated 3 times. Recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, was applied @ 120:60:40 kg ha-1 as urea (46% N), single super phosphate (16% P2O5), muriate of potash (60% K2O) and zinc sulphate (21% Zn). The Azotobactor spp. and Azospirilium spp. (seed inoculants), applied at 3 kg ha-1 with farm yard manure @ 5 tha-1, at 5 cm depth in furrows, before seed sowing was done on 13th and 14th of November (2018-2019) with spacing of 22.5 X 5 cm. Wheat cultivar used here is  PBW-343 as a test crop.

Results: The cumulative mean of  low soil pH (6.82), electrical conductivity (0.37 dS m-1) and free lime content (13.55%), the higher cation exchange capacity (16.37 cmol (p+) kg-1), higher available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and available sulphur of 262.12: 21.75:220.51:32.57 kg ha-1, respectively, high available iron and zinc (i.e. 3.90 and 1.79  mg kg-1), low available manganese and copper (3.77 and 0.31 mg kg-1), further the cumulative mean of dehydrogenase enzyme activity (1.49 µg triphenyl-formazan g-1 day-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (186.35 µg para-nitrophenol g-1 hr-1) and microbial biomass carbon (37.59 g kg-1) was labelled in treatment (T9) consisting of 75% N + farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter spp + Azospirillum spp (3 kg ha-1) + zinc in comparison to in-organic application over control.

Conclusion: The combined application of farm yard manure, Azotobacter spp and Azospirilium spp along with in-organics, has led to improvement in soil health potential, nutrient availability and yield sustenance under wheat crop cultivation.
Genetic Variability Analysis in Local Germplasm of Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis L.) in Southern Rajasthan Conditions
Authors: Tak Jitendra Kumar , Pilania Shalini , Kaushik Ram Avtar , Lakhawat S. S. , Meena Mithlesh Kumari , Rajawat Kuldeep Singh , Jat Gajanand , Jain Devendra
Published: June 2020

An experiment was carried out on study of genetic variability in 30 genotypes of ivy gourd at Horticulture Department of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur during July to September 2017. Twelve Growth and quality characters were studied. The analysis of variance indicated that the mean sum of square due to genotypes were highly significant for all the characters suggesting the presence of good deal of variability in material studied. High magnitude of genotypic as well as phenotypic coefficient of variations were recorded for traits viz., petiole length (27.63% and 29.93%), inter nodal length (22.73% and 23.40%), leaf width (22.63% and 23.35%) and leaf width (22.52% and 23.56%) and highest heritability recorded for inter nodal length (94.30%) followed by leaf length (93.92%), leaf width (91.37%), ascorbic acid (89.48 %), petiole length (85.17%), fruit weight (82.10%), fruit length (79.98%) and chlorophyll content in leaves (78.23%).The highest genetic gain was recorded for petiole length (52.52%) followed by viz., inter nodal length (45.47%), leaf length (45.17%), leaf width (44.34%), fruit weight (34.21%),  fruit length (28.24%) fruit diameter (23.31%) & genetic advance were also higher for some characters. Availability of high GCV & PCV shows presence of sufficient genetic variability for evaluated traits. This indicates that there is an ample scope of selection in the present gene pool for yield and its components.
Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Open Dumping on Soil, Water, Crop, Human Health and Its Prospectives
Authors: Kiran S. C. , Nagarajaiah C. , Murthy M. Mahadeva , Ranjith P. C.
Published: June 2020

Characterization of heavy metals in 5 Km2 range of dumping yard in relation to soil, water and crop has been studied. The concentration of Cd (4.05 mg/kg) in soil was higher than the permissible limit of WHO (3 mg/kg) and in descending order of metals in soil was found to be Fe> Cr>Cd>Ni>Zn>Cu>Pb and in bore well water it was Cr, Fe, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu (23.20, 0.63, 0.31, 1.19 and 0.69 mg/l respectively) than the permissible limit (0.54, 0.40, 0.068, 0.03, 0.22, 0.018 mg/l) and their respective concentration ordered as Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Ni>Cr. Further the vegetables grown nearby dumping yard was highly contaminated by Cr in range (2.78 to 12.78 mgkg-1) in tomato, beans and cabbage and even in ragi and green gram Cr was high (1.78 to 14.96 mgkg-1). i.e., in Tomato; Cd>Fe>Cr>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu, Beans; Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni, Cabbage; Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni, Ragi; Fe and Zn were below permissible limit and Pb, Ni, Cu, Cd are BDL and Green gram; Cr>Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu > Ni>Cd. In support of results, primary survey was conducted in nearby 20 villages circumventing the dumping yard. A total of 150 respondents were randomly enquired to know their level of knowledge and health status as result of open dumping site. The results revealed that 43.33%, 36% and 20.67% as medium, high and low impact in relation to heath and knowledge aspect of dumping site. Thus there is a considerable impact on environment and humans due to the presence of heavy metal in crop, soil and water.
Antioxidant Nano Phlorotannin Powder from Brown Algae Sargassum serratum: Spray Drying, Antioxidant Activities, Physic-Chemical Characterization
Authors: Cuong Dang Xuan
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Phlorotannins are bioactive-value polymers existing in brown algae and useful for pharmaceutics and functional food. Therefore, the study focused on the spray drying conditions survey, the evaluation of antioxidant activities, and physico-chemical characterization of antioxidant nano phlorotannin powder prepared from brown algae Sargassum serratum.

Methods: To survey the effect of spray drying conditions (carriers, carrier-to-solution ratio, compressed air pressure, liquid feed speed, inlet air temperature) on antioxidant activities (total antioxidant, reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging), and physico-chemical (solubility degree, moisture, particle morphology, and bulk density) of antioxidant phlorotannin powder from brown algae Sargassum serratum commonly growing in the Vietnam sea area.

Results: The optimum spray drying condition consisted of the carrier-to-solution ratio of 10%, compressed air pressure of 0.8 bar, the liquid feed speed of 10 ml min-1, and the inlet temperature of 110°C. At the optimization condition, the antioxidant activity of phlorotannin powder possessed total antioxidant (4.347 ± 0.018 g ascorbic acid equivalent 100-1 g DP), reducing power activity (9.390 ± 0.024 g FeSO4 equivalent 100-1 g DP), DPPH free radical scavenging activity ((70.02 ± 0.26)%), physico-chemical of antioxidant phlorotannin powder consisting of moisture content (5 ± 0.5%), phlorotannin content (2.268 ± 0.010 g phloroglucinol equivalent 100-1 g DP), solubility degree (100%), and bulk density (<1 g/ml). Phlorotannin content and antioxidant activities were affected by the spray drying condition (p < 0.05) and a strong correlation to each other (R2 > 0.9). Antioxidant phlorotannin particles possessed nanometer size and the morphology of irregular and microspheres.

Conclusion: Antioxidant nano phlorotannin powder could be usefulas functional food and pharmaceuticals.
Arsenate Respiratory Reductase
Authors: Stolz John F , Basu Partha
Published: June 2020

The arsenate respiratory reductase serves as the terminal electron acceptor in dissimilatory arsenate reduction. The enzyme, Arr, is a heterodimer with a large catalytic subunit, ArrA, and a smaller electron transfer subunit, ArrB. It was initially purified fromChrysiogenes arsenatisand subsequently from the FirmicuteBacillus selenitireducens, and genetically characterized fromShewanellasp. strain ANA‐3. The crystal structure of ArrAB has been determined for the enzyme from ANA‐3 as the complex (1.6 Å resolution), bound to arsenate (1.8 Å resolution), bound to arsenite (1.8 Å resolution), and bound to an inhibitor, phosphate (1.7 Å resolution). ArrA has two metal binding domains, the molybdopterin binding domain, which contains a cysteine residue that coordinates to the Mo, and a [4Fe–4S] cluster binding domain. ArrB has four [4Fe–4S] cluster binding domains. The rapid turnover exhibited by Arr fromShewanellasp. ANA‐3 (kcat of 9810 s−1) suggest it is an efficient enzyme limited by diffusion.
Protein Metalation by Inorganic Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Marzo Tiziano , Ferraro Giarita , Merlino Antonello , Messori Luigi
Published: June 2020

Today, there is a growing awareness that proteins, beyond nucleic acids, represent primary druggable targets for anticancer metal‐based agents. Indeed, it has been unambiguously ascertained that the coordinative binding of metal‐based drugs to selected proteins (the so‐called protein metalation process) plays a key role in the mechanism of action of a variety of inorganic anticancer agents, for example, some gold‐ and ruthenium‐based drugs. Through an innovative investigation strategy, developed in our laboratories, that is mostly based on the combined use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and X‐ray crystallography on the same metallodrug/protein system, it is now possible to elucidate in depth the metalation process of a variety of proteins; a few instructive examples of metallodrug–protein adducts are herein provided. In turn, metalation may result in protein loss of function and may initiate a cascade of cellular processes eventually leading to cancer cell death. Trends and regularities observed in the protein modification process are highlighted, and their possible biological implications are considered. The perspectives for future work aimed at elucidating the actual molecular mechanisms of innovative metal‐based agents, their interactions with proteins, and the actual patterns of protein metalation are critically discussed in the frame of the emerging omics sciences and technologies.
A collision prediction framework for noncoplanar radiotherapy planning and delivery
Authors: Islam Naveed , Kilian‐Meneghin Josh , deBoer Steven , Podgorsak Matthew
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Noncoplanar radiotherapy can provide significant dosimetric benefits. However, clinical implementation of such techniques is not fully realized, partially due to the absence of a collision prediction tool integrated into the clinical workflow. In this work, the feasibility of developing a collision prediction system (CPS) suitable for integration into clinical practice has been investigated.

Methods

The CPS is based on a geometric model of the Linear Accelerator (Linac), and patient morphology acquired at the simulator using a combination of the planning CT scan and 3‐D vision camera (Microsoft, Kinect) data. Physical dimensions of Linac components were taken to construct a geometric model. The Linac components include the treatment couch, gantry, and imaging devices. The treatment couch coordinates were determined based on a correspondence among the CT couch top, Linac couch, and the treatment isocenter location. A collision is predicted based on dot products between vectors denoting points in Linac components and patient morphology. Collision test cases were simulated with the CPS and experimentally verified using ArcCheck and Rando phantoms to simulate a patient.

Results

For 111 collision test cases, the sensitivity and specificity of the CPS model were calculated to be 0.95 and 1.00, respectively. The CPS predicted collision states that left conservative margins, as designed, relative to actual collision locations. The average difference between the predicted and measured collision states was 2.3 cm for lateral couch movements. The predicted couch rotational position for a collision between the gantry and a patient analog differed from actual values on average by 3.8°. The magnitude of these differences is sufficient to account for interfractional patient positioning variations during treatment.

Conclusion

The feasibility of developing a CPS using geometric models and standard vector algebra has been investigated. This study outlines a framework for potential clinical implementation of a CPS for noncoplanar radiotherapy.
Actigraphy‐estimated sleep and 24‐hour activity rhythms and the risk of dementia
Authors: Lysen Thom S. , Luik Annemarie I. , Ikram M. Kamran , Tiemeier Henning , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: June 2020

Introduction

We investigated and compared associations of objective estimates of sleep and 24‐hour activity rhythms using actigraphy with risk of dementia.

Methods

We included 1322 non‐demented participants from the prospective, population‐based Rotterdam Study cohort with valid actigraphy data (mean age 66 ± 8 years, 53% women), and followed them for up to 11.2 years to determine incident dementia.

Results

During follow‐up, 60 individuals developed dementia, of which 49 had Alzheimer's disease (AD). Poor sleep as indicated by longer sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, and time in bed and lower sleep efficiency, as well as an earlier “lights out” time, were associated with increased risk of dementia, especially AD. We found no associations of 24‐hour activity rhythms with dementia risk.

Discussion

Poor sleep, but not 24‐hour activity rhythm disturbance, is associated with increased risk of dementia. Actigraphy‐estimated nighttime wakefulness may be further targeted in etiologic or risk prediction studies.
Untersuchung der Mineral‐Wasser‐Grenzschicht mit nicht‐linearer optischer Spektroskopie
Authors: Backus Ellen H. G. , Schaefer Jan , Bonn Mischa
Published: June 2020

Die Wechselwirkung zwischen Mineralen und Wasser ist vielschichtig und komplex. Die Mineraloberfläche kann durch Wasser (de)protoniert werden und hierdurch ihre Ladung ändern. Die Oberflächenladungen werden zusätzlich von den in der wässrigen Phase gelösten Mineralionen abgeschirmt. Beides beeinflusst die Interaktion der Oberfläche mit Wasser. Prozesse und Wechselwirkungen auf molekularer Ebene bestimmen daher an sich makroskopische Phänomene wie flussinduzierte Auflösung, Benetzung und Ladung. Aufgrund dieser Erkenntnis werden Mineral‐Wasser‐Grenzschichten auf molekularer Ebene untersucht. In diesem Zusammenhang prüfen wir hier neue Entwicklungen oberflächenspezifischer nicht‐linearer Spektroskopietechniken wie Summenfrequenzerzeugung und Frequenzverdopplung (SFG/SHG), die Auskunft über die molekulare Anordnung der Wassermoleküle an den ersten Schichten Nahe der Mineraloberfläche geben können. Die Ergebnisse illustrieren die Feinheiten der chemischen und physikalischen Interaktionen zwischen Wasser und dem Mineral sowie die entscheidende Rolle der Mineralauflösung und anderer Ionen in der Lösung bei der Bestimmung dieser Interaktionen.
Supramolecular Packing Drives Morphological Transitions of Charged Surfactant Micelles
Authors: Schäfer Ken , Kolli Hima Bindu , Killingmoe Christensen Mikkel , Bore Sigbjørn Løland , Diezemann Gregor , Gauss Jürgen , Milano Giuseppe , Lund Reidar , Cascella Michele
Published: June 2020

The shape and size of self‐assembled structures upon local organization of their molecular building blocks are hard to predict in the presence of long‐range interactions. Combining small‐angle X‐ray/neutron scattering data, theoretical modelling, and computer simulations, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), over a broad range of concentrations and ionic strengths, was investigated. Computer simulations indicate that micellar shape changes are associated with different binding of the counterions. By employing a toy model based on point charges on a surface, and comparing it to experiments and simulations, it is demonstrated that the observed morphological changes are caused by symmetry breaking of the irreducible building blocks, with the formation of transient surfactant dimers mediated by the counterions that promote the stabilization of cylindrical instead of spherical micelles. The present model is of general applicability and can be extended to all systems controlled by the presence of mobile charges.
Mechanische Verzahnung von einwandigen Kohlenstoffnanoröhren durch dynamisch‐kovalente Bildung von konkaven Disulfidmakrozyklen
Authors: Balakrishna Bugga , Menon Arjun , Cao Kecheng , Gsänger Sebastian , Beil Sebastian B. , Villalva Julia , Shyshov Oleksandr , Martin Oliver , Hirsch Andreas , Meyer Bernd , Kaiser Ute , Guldi Dirk M. , von Delius Max
Published: June 2020

Die Bildung von diskreten Makrozyklen, die sich um einwandige Kohlenstoffnanoröhren (SWCNTs) bilden, hat sich kürzlich als eine vielversprechende Strategie zur Funktionalisierung dieser Kohlenstoffnanomaterialien und der Modifizierung ihrer Eigenschaften herausgestellt. Hier zeigen wir, dass der reversible Disulfidaustausch, der unter milden Bedingungen abläuft, ideal geeignet ist, um relativ große Mengen mechanisch verzahnter Disulfidmakrozyklen auf den eindimensionalen Nanoröhren zu platzieren. Vermutlich als Folge der Fehlerkorrektur und der Anwesenheit von relativ starren, gebogenen π‐Systemen in unseren Schlüsselbausteinen, konnten wir Beweise für die größenselektive Funktionalisierung von SWCNTs mit unterschiedlichem Durchmesser beobachten. Eine Kombination aus UV/vis/NIR, Raman, Photolumineszenz‐Anregung (PLE) und transienten Absorptionsspektroskopien zeigte, dass die kleinen (6,4)‐SWCNTs überwiegend von den kleinen Makrozyklen 12 umschlossen wurden, wohingegen die größeren (6,5)‐SWCNTs ideal für die größeren Makrozyklen 22 schienen. Die Beobachtung der Größenselektivität, die computerchemisch rationalisiert wurde, könnte sich für die Reinigung von Nanoröhrengemischen als nützlich erweisen, da wir in der Lage waren, die Disulfidmakrozyklen quantitativ unter milden Reduktionsbedingungen zu entfernen.
Divergent Synthesis of Monosubstituted and Unsymmetrical 3,6‐Disubstituted Tetrazines from Carboxylic Ester Precursors
Authors: Xie Yixin , Fang Yinzhi , Huang Zhen , Tallon Amanda M. , am Ende Christopher W. , Fox Joseph M.
Published: June 2020

Since tetrazines are important tools to the field of bioorthogonal chemistry, there is a need for new approaches to synthesize unsymmetrical and 3‐monosubstituted tetrazines. Described here is a general, one‐pot method for converting (3‐methyloxetan‐3‐yl)methyl carboxylic esters into 3‐thiomethyltetrazines. These versatile intermediates were applied to the synthesis of unsymmetrical tetrazines through Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling and in the first catalytic thioether reduction to access monosubstituted tetrazines. This method enables the development of new tetrazine compounds possessing a favorable combination of kinetics, small size, and hydrophilicity. It was applied to a broad range of aliphatic and aromatic ester precursors and to the synthesis of heterocycles including BODIPY fluorophores and biotin. In addition, a series of tetrazine probes for monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) were synthesized and the most reactive one was applied to the labeling of endogenous MAGL in live cells.
Two Pyrophosphates with Large Birefringences and Second‐Harmonic Responses as Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Materials
Authors: Lu Xuefang , Chen Zhaohui , Shi Xuerui , Jing Qun , Lee Ming‐Hsien
Published: June 2020

Two new pyrophosphates nonlinear optical (NLO) materials, Rb3PbBi(P2O7)2 (I) and Cs3PbBi(P2O7)2 (II), were successfully designed and synthesized. Both compounds exhibit large NLO effects and birefringences. Material I presents the scarce case of possessing the coexistence of large birefringence (0.031 at 1064 nm and 0.037 at 532 nm) and second harmonic generation (SHG) response (2.8× potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP)) in ultraviolet NLO phosphates and its SHG is the largest in the phase‐matching (PM) pyrophosphates. Both I and II have three‐dimensional (3D) crystal structures composed of corner‐shared RbO12 (CsO11), RbO10 (CsO10), BiO6, PbO7 (PbO6) and P2O7 groups, in which P2O7 and PbO7 (PbO6) units form an alveolate [PbPO]∞ skeleton frame. Theoretical calculations reveal that the P−O, Bi−O and Pb−O units are mainly responsible for the moderate birefringence and large SHG efficiency of I.
An Atomic View of Cation Diffusion Pathways from Single‐Crystal Topochemical Transformations
Authors: Handy Joseph V. , Luo Yuting , Andrews Justin L. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: June 2020

The diffusion pathways of Li‐ions as they traverse cathode structures in the course of insertion reactions underpin many questions fundamental to the functionality of Li‐ion batteries. Much current knowledge derives from computational models or the imaging of lithiation behavior at larger length scales; however, it remains difficult to experimentally image Li‐ion diffusion at the atomistic level. Here, by using topochemical Li‐ion insertion and extraction to induce single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal transformations in a tunnel‐structured V2O5 polymorph, coupled with operando powder X‐ray diffraction, we leverage single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction to identify the sequence of lattice interstitial sites preferred by Li‐ions to high depths of discharge, and use electron density maps to create a snapshot of ion diffusion in a metastable phase. Our methods enable the atomistic imaging of Li‐ions in this cathode material in kinetic states and provide an experimentally validated angstrom‐level 3D picture of atomic pathways thus far only conjectured through DFT calculations.
Variability in the number of infraorbital foramina in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Marchewka Justyna , Mrożek Kamil , Leszczyński Bartosz , Wróbel Andrzej , Głąb Henryk
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine the number of infraorbital foramina in monkeys of the Papionini tribe. The authors performed a μCT analysis of the morphology of the infraorbital foramina. A total number of 52 simian skulls belonged to two macaque species: Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis were used in the study. The number of infraorbital foramina was counted macroscopically and with the use of a magnifying glass. Next, the skull representing the most common morphological type was selected and scanned by micro‐computed tomography (μCT). The Shapiro–Wilk normality test was used in the study. To compare the differences in the number of infraorbital foramen between species, sex and sides, the Mann–Whitney U test was applied. Three infraorbital foramina were present in most individuals from the test group. The Mann–Whitney test revealed no statistically significant difference between the number of foramina on the right‐ and left‐hand side. Likewise, no statistically significant differences between the numbers of infraorbital foramina across sexes were observed. Volumetric reconstructions revealed the presence of separate infraorbital canals for each infraorbital foramen. Craniofacial innervation in macaques is formed by complex branching patterns of cranial nerves. Variability in the number of infraorbital foramina suggests a variable maxillary innervation pattern in these animals. Based on the analysis of volumetric projections, the presence of two labial branches and a single nasal branch of the infraorbital nerve is suggested. Detailed descriptions are supported by quantitative data and μCT evidence.
Nickel Alloying Significantly Enhances the Power Density of Ruthenium‐Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Morag Ahiud , Shauloff Nitzan , Maman Nitzan , Froumin Natalya , Ezersky Vladimir , Jelinek Raz
Published: June 2020

Supercapacitors operating at high frequencies while exhibiting high capacitance have been challenging to fabricate due to high resistance and constrained ion diffusion in the active layers. To overcome these limitations, thin layers of pseudocapacitive materials with high theoretical capacitance can be used. Still, construction of such electrodes exhibiting effective ion diffusion, sufficient electrochemically‐active surface area, and high conductivity has encountered significant difficulties. Here, we integrated nickel atoms into a ruthenium layer through a simple electrochemical deposition method, producing a thin electrode comprising hexagonal nickel ruthenium (NiRu) nanodendrites. Further oxidation of the NiRu alloy generated a thin surface layer of pseudocapacitive RuO2 exhibiting significant areal capacitance. A symmetric device from two NiRu/RuO2 electrodes displayed an energy density of 0.714 μWh cm−2 with a remarkable power density of 1500 mW cm−2, ∼250 W cm−3 for a full device. The NiRu/RuO2 supercapacitor outperforms commercial capacitors in both energy and power densities and may replace bulky capacitors in microelectronic devices.
Spy chemistry‐enabled protein directional immobilization and protein purification
Authors: Lin Zhanglin , Lin Qiao , Li Jiahui , Pistolozzi Marco , Zhao Lei , Yang Xiaofeng , Ye Yanrui
Published: June 2020

Site‐directed protein immobilization allows the homogeneous orientation of proteins with high retention of activity, which is advantageous for many applications. Here, we report a facile, specific, and efficient strategy based on the SpyTag‐SpyCatcher chemistry. Two SpyTag‐fused model proteins, that is, the monomeric red fluorescent protein (RFP) and the oligomeric glutaryl‐7‐aminocephalosporanic acid acylase, were easily immobilized onto a SpyCatcher‐modified resin directly from cell lysates, with activity recoveries in the range of 85–91%. This strategy was further adapted to protein purification, which proceeded through the selective capture of the SpyCatcher‐fused target proteins by a SpyTag‐modified resin, with the aid of an intein to generate authentic N‐termini. For two model proteins, that is, RFP and a variable domain of a heavy chain antibody, the yields were ∼3–7 mg/L culture with >90% purities. This approach could provide a versatile tool for producing high‐performance immobilized protein devices and proteins for industrial and therapeutic uses.
CLIK: Cloud‐based Linux kernel practice environment and judgment system
Authors: Park Hyunchan , Kim Youngpil
Published: June 2020

Assignments on kernel programming are essential parts of operating system (OS) courses taught to computer science students to provide them a deep understanding of real‐world OSs. However, these assignments require tremendous effort from both students and instructors. Students are routinely flustered by the daunting task of building a practice environment from scratch; instructors are pressurized for time while validating a student's work that requires several kernel installations and reboots. To minimize this effort, we propose CLIK, a cloud‐based Linux kernel practice environment supporting automatic judgment. It provides students with an individual and easy‐to‐use kernel practice environment and instructors with a fast and easy evaluation of students' work with live feedback. Our experiences with two assignments from a real‐world OS course carried out on CLIK show that CLIK can successfully provide Linux kernel environments for 40 students and help instructors greatly by validating their kernels within one minute using parallel and automated judgments. We also describe detailed lessons learned from developing CLIK that will help both researchers and instructors building similar systems.
Manage COVID‐19 stress, anxiety by reframing your outlook
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2020

Mike Taigman, Improvement Guide at FirstWatch, helps law enforcement and other agencies improve situational awareness, clinical performance, and patient outcomes by providing strategies to change mindsets and reframe challenging circumstances to help decrease anxiety or stress. He shared his expertise for stress and anxiety management in the face of COVID‐19 for law enforcement officials and other first responders in a webinar hosted by Lexipol.
Extracts and Steroids from the Edible Mushroom Hypholoma lateritium Exhibit Anti‐Inflammatory Properties by Inhibition of COX‐2 and Activation of Nrf2
Authors: Ványolós Attila , Muszyńska Bożena , Chuluunbaatar Bayar , Gdula‐Argasińska Joanna , Kała Katarzyna , Hohmann Judit
Published: June 2020

Hypholoma lateritium is an edible macrofungus with a common distribution in Europe, North America, and the Far East. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti‐inflammatory effects of H. lateritium extracts and its isolated steroids: fasciculic acid B, fasciculol E, fasciculol C, lanosta‐7,9(11)‐diene‐12β,21α‐epoxy‐2α,3β,24β,25‐tetraol, fasciculol F, and demethylincisterol A2. Organic (hexane, chloroform and 50 % methanol) and water extracts of H. lateritium were subjected to in vitro assays to determine pro‐inflammatory protein levels, such as cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), cytosolic prostaglandin E2 synthase (cPGES), and antioxidant nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2). Fungal extracts demonstrated significant activities on pro‐inflammatory protein levels with minor differences among the activities of the fractions of different polarities. All the compounds proved to exert notable inhibitory properties on COX‐2 and were capable to stimulate the Nrf2 pathway. Fungal extracts and the compounds exerted no cytotoxic activities on RAW 264.7 cells.
Delivery of BR2‐SOX17 fusion protein can inhibit cell survival, proliferation, and invasion in gastric cancer cells through regulating Klotho gene expression
Authors: Yang Lixia , Wu Yue , He Heli , Hu Fan , Li Mei , Mo Li , Xiao You , Wang Xiaoyan , Xie Biao
Published: June 2020

The prognosis of advanced gastric cancer is poor and understanding the biology and subsequent development of new targeting therapy is still an urgent need. This study was conducted to explore the effect of BR2 (a 17‐amino acid peptide)‐SOX17 (human sex determining region Y (SRY)‐related high‐mobility group (HMG) box protein family member 17) fusion protein on Klotho gene expression in gastric cancer cells. The regulatory effects of SOX17 on Klotho gene in gastric cancer cells were tested using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. The therapeutic effects of BR2‐SOX17 were evaluated by proliferation, colony formation, invasion assay, and cell apoptosis analysis. Results showed that SOX17 enhanced Klotho gene expression in gastric adenocarcinoma cells through binding to the promoter of Klotho gene. BR2‐SOX17 fusion protein was effective in delivering SOX17 into gastric cancer cells and subsequently inhibited the cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion, increased E‐cadherin protein expression, decreased vimentin protein expression, as well as induced apoptosis. Our findings suggested SOX17 can bind to the promoter of Klotho gene to enhance Klotho gene expression in gastric cancer cells. The fused BR2‐SOX17 protein is an effective agent for targeting therapy of gastric cancer.
miR‐582‐5p serves as an antioncogenic biomarker in intermediate risk AML with normal cytogenetics and could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of leukemia cells
Authors: Wang Xiaman , Feng Yuandong , Zhang Peihua , Chen Hongli , Bai Ju , Wang Fangxia , He Aili
Published: June 2020

Numerous studies confirmed that aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression contributes to cancer development and progression. We carried out this study to explore the expression profile of miRNAs in intermediate risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and locate certain miRNAs as biomarkers. We profiled differentially expressed miRNAs by performing miRNA sequencing analysis in the patients’ samples. Bioinformatic analysis showed the most significantly expressed genes mostly involved in cellular component organization, cell differentiation, and cell development. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction validated the expression of miR‐582‐5p in different groups of AML samples. It was confirmed that miR‐582‐5p was downregulated in newly diagnosed AML and relapse/refractory AML compared with CR AML or controls. Among intermediate risk AML patients with normal cytogenetics, a lower level of miR‐582‐5p is correlated with an unfavorable outcome, and a shorter overall survival. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments revealed that miR‐582‐5p could inhibit proliferation, suppress migration, and invasion ability and induce apoptosis of leukemia cells. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐582‐5p can increase sensitivity of cells to Ara‐C. In conclusion, miR‐582‐5p can serve as an antioncogenic biomarker in intermediate risk AML with normal cytogenetics for risk classification and outcome prediction. These results showed a novel role for miR‐582‐5p in predicting the prognosis and promoting the tumor growth of AML.
Percutaneous endovascular delivery of calcium chloride to the intact porcine carotid artery: A novel animal model of arterial calcification
Authors: Abrão Sérgio R. , Campos Carlos M. , Cavalcante Rafael , Eggermont Jeroen , Lemos Pedro , Lederman Alex , da Silva Erasmo S. , Aun Ricardo , Belczak Sergio Q. , Abizaid Alexandre , de Brito Fabio Sandoli
Published: June 2020

Objective

The present study evaluated the effect of endovascular administration of calcium chloride to the carotid artery of swines, to create a model of arterial calcification.

Methods

Fifteen Large White pigs were used for the study. Via endovascular treatment, carotid arteries were exposed during 9 min to either calcium chloride (experimental artery) or saline (control artery) with the use of the TAPAS catheter. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging was obtained at baseline, postprocedure and at 30 days. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was obtained in vitro after carotids were harvested. Longitudinally cut parallel arterial segments were placed in a system of delicate clamps and underwent uniaxial strain test. All arteries underwent histopathological examination.

Results

Calcium chloride treated segments showed extensive circumferential parietal calcification evident on both IVUS and OCT. Reduction in minimal lumen area on IVUS was evident in experimental arteries both at 24 hr and 30 days postprocedure. Histopathologic assessment (Von Kossa stain) confirmed medial calcification with mild intimal thickening. Biomechanical testing showed treated segments to have smaller breaking strength and less elastic deformation than controls.

Conclusion

We developed a nonexpensive, reproducible model of early carotid medial calcification in pigs. Our model has the potential to help the development of research to unravel mechanisms underlying arterial calcification, the use of current or new devices to treat calcified lesions as well as to serve as an option for training interventionalists on the use of such devices.
Traceability of soybeans produced in Argentina based on their trace element profiles
Authors: Hidalgo Melisa J. , Fechner Diana C. , Ballabio Davide , Marchevsky Eduardo J. , Pellerano Roberto G.
Published: June 2020

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) is a popular foodstuff and crop plant, used in human and animal food. In this work, multielement analysis of soybean grains samples in combination with chemometric tools was used to classify the geographical origins. For this purpose, 120 samples from three provinces of Argentina were analyzed for a panel of 20 trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. First, we used principal component analysis for exploratory analysis. Then, supervised classification techniques such as support vector machine (SMV) discriminant analysis (SVM‐DA), random forest, k‐nearest neighbors, and class‐modeling techniques such as soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), potential functions, and one‐class SVM were applied as tools to establish a model of origin of samples. The performance of the techniques was compared using global indexes. Among all the models tested, SVM and SIMCA showed the highest percentages in terms of prediction ability in cross‐validation with average values of 99.3% for SVM‐DA and a median value of balanced accuracy of 96.0%, 91.7%, and 88.3% for the three origins using SIMCA. Results suggested that the developed methodology by chemometric techniques is robust and reliable for the geographical classification of soybean samples from Argentina.
Model precision in partial least squares with discriminant analysis: A case study in document forgery through crossing lines
Authors: Valderrama Leonardo , Março Paulo Henrique , Valderrama Patrícia
Published: June 2020

Document frauds can occur by the misuse of blank documents by persons who are trusted by the signer or by the adulteration of an official document. The identification of forgery documents by crossing lines requires methods with better accuracy and precision in nondestructive ways. In this sense, this work presented a methodology by applying the partial least squares with discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) chemometric tool to digital images obtained from a smartphone for crossing lines analysis in two situations: documents that were printed and then signed (the correct mode—Situation 1) and documents that were signed and then printed (fraudulent documents—Situation 2), and by employing blue pen inks types ballpoint, rollerball, gel, and felt‐tip. PLS‐DA models presented a correct classification of all pen types in both situations and presenting sensitivity and specificity equal to 1. Robustness, evaluated by change the printer brand, model, and ink application mode, showed no influence for gel pens. This model was validated by precision estimation at levels of repeatability, intermediary, and reproducibility showing comparable results for the three levels considering the reproducibility with an iPhone 7. Precision at the reproducibility level with iPhone Xs presented the lower value and probably was more effective due to the camera system.
Metal‐Free, Visible‐Light‐Induced Selective C−C Bond Cleavage of Cycloalkanones with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Xin Hong , Duan Xin‐Hua , Liu Le , Guo Li‐Na
Published: June 2020

A metal‐free, visible‐light‐induced oxidative C−C bond cleavage of cycloketones with molecular oxygen is described. Cooperative Brønsted‐acid catalysis and photocatalysis enabled selective C−C bond cleavage of cycloketones to generate an array of γ‐, δ‐ and ϵ‐keto esters under very mild conditions. Mechanistic studies indicate that singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) is responsible for this transformation.
Luminescent Bimetallic IrIII/AuI Peptide Bioconjugates as Potential Theranostic Agents
Authors: Luengo Andrés , Marzo Isabel , Reback Matthew , Daubit Isabelle M. , Fernández‐Moreira Vanesa , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: June 2020

Diverse iridium peptide bioconjugates and the corresponding iridium/gold bimetallic complexes have been synthesized starting from a cyclometallated carboxylic acid substituted IrIII complex [Ir(ppy)2(Phen‐5‐COO)] by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The selected peptide sequences were an enkephalin derivative Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Leu together with the propargyl‐substituted species Tyr‐Gly‐Pgl‐Phe‐Leu to allow gold coordination (Pgl: propyrgyl‐glycine, HC≡C‐Gly), and a specific short peptide, Ala‐Cys‐Ala‐Phen, containing a cysteine residue. Introduction of the gold center has been achieved via a click reaction with the alkynyl group leading to an organometallic Au−C(triazole) species, or by direct coordination to the sulfur atom of the cysteine. The photophysical properties of these species revealed predominantly an emission originating from the Ir complex, using mixed metal‐to‐ligand and ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer excited states of triplet multiplicity. The formation of the peptide bioconjugates caused a systematic redshift of the emission profiles. Lysosomal accumulation was observed for all the complexes, in contrast to the expected mitochondrial accumulation triggered by the gold complexes. Only the cysteine‐containing Ir/Au bioconjugate displayed cytotoxic activity. The absence of activity may be related to the lack of endosomal/lysosomal escape for the cationic peptide conjugates. Interestingly, the different coordination sphere of the gold atom may play a crucial role, as the Au−S(cysteine) bond may be more readily cleaved in a biological environment than the Au−C(triazole) bond, and thus the Au fragment could be released from or trapped in the lysosomes, respectively. This work represents a starting point in the development of bimetallic peptide bioconjugates as theranostics and in the knowledge of factors that contribute to anti‐proliferative activity.
Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Unactivated Aryl Fluorides with Primary Aliphatic Amines by Organic Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Shi Weimin , Zhang Jingjie , Zhao Fengqian , Wei Wei , Liang Fang , Zhang Yin , Zhou Shaolin
Published: June 2020

In this work, a mild and transition‐metal‐free approach for the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of unactivated fluoroarenes with primary aliphatic amines to form aromatic amines is reported. This reaction is facilitated by the formation of cationic fluoroarene radical intermediates in the presence of an acridinium‐based organic photocatalyst under blue‐light irradiation. Various electron‐rich and electron‐neutral fluoroarenes are competent electrophiles for this transformation. A wide range of primary aliphatic amines, including amino acid esters, dipeptides, and linear and branched amines are suitable nucleophiles. The synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated by the late‐stage functionalization of several complex drug molecules.
Activation of Ethylene by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Coordinated Magnesium(I) Compounds
Authors: Yuvaraj K. , Douair Iskander , Maron Laurent , Jones Cameron
Published: June 2020

Reactions of a series of magnesium(I) compounds with ethylene, in the presence of an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC), have been explored. Treating [{(MesNacnac)Mg}2] (MesNacnac=[HC(MeCNMes)2]−, Mes=mesityl) with an excess of ethylene in the presence of two equivalents of :C{(MeNCMe)2} (TMC) leads to the formal reductive coupling of ethylene, and formation of the 1,2‐dimagnesiobutane complex, [{(MesNacnac)(TMC)Mg}2(μ‐C4H8)]. In contrast, when the reaction is repeated in the presence of three equivalents of TMC, a mixture of the β‐diketiminato magnesium ethyl, [(MesNacnac)(TMC)MgEt], and the NHC coordinated magnesium diamide, [(MesNacnac‐H)Mg(TMC)2], results. Four related products, [(ArNacnac)(TMC)MgEt] (Ar=2,6‐dimethylphenyl (Xyl) or 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dip)) and [(ArNacnac‐H)Mg(TMC)2] (Ar=Xyl or Dip), were similarly synthesised and crystallographically characterized. Computational studies have been employed to investigate the mechanisms of the two observed reaction types, which appear dependent on the substitution pattern of the magnesium(I) compound, and the stoichiometric equivalents of TMC used in the reactions.
Loss of NF2 defines a genetic subgroup of non‐FOS‐rearranged osteoblastoma
Authors: Saba Karim H , Cornmark Louise , Hofvander Jakob , Magnusson Linda , Nilsson Jenny , van den Bos Hilda , Spierings Diana CJ , Foijer Floris , Staaf Johan , Brosjö Otte , Sumathi Vaiyapuri P , Lam Suk Wai , Szuhai Karoly , Bovée Judith VMG , Kovac Michal , Baumhoer Daniel , Styring Emelie , Nord Karolin H
Published: June 2020

Osteoblastoma is a locally aggressive tumour of bone. Until recently, its underlying genetic features were largely unknown. During the past two years, reports have demonstrated that acquired structural variations affect the transcription factor FOS in a high proportion of cases. These rearrangements modify the terminal exon of the gene and are believed to stabilise both the FOS transcript and the encoded protein, resulting in high expression levels. Here, we applied in‐depth genetic analyses to a series of 29 osteoblastomas, including five classified as epithelioid osteoblastoma. We found recurrent homozygous deletions of the NF2 gene in three of the five epithelioid cases and in one conventional osteoblastoma. These events were mutually exclusive from FOS mutations. Structural variations were determined by deep whole genome sequencing and the number of FOS‐rearranged cases was less than previously reported (10/23, 43%). One conventional osteoblastoma displayed a novel mechanism of FOS upregulation; bringing the entire FOS gene under the control of the WNT5A enhancer that is itself activated by FOS. Taken together, we show that NF2 loss characterises a subgroup of osteoblastomas, distinct from FOS‐rearranged cases. Both NF2 and FOS are involved in regulating bone homeostasis, thereby providing a mechanistic link to the excessive bone growth of osteoblastoma.
Characterizing Exposure–Response Relationship for Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies in Immuno‐Oncology and Beyond: Challenges, Perspectives, and Prospects
Authors: Dai Haiqing Isaac , Vugmeyster Yulia , Mangal Naveen
Published: June 2020

Recent data from immuno‐oncology clinical studies have shown the exposure–response (E–R) relationship for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was often confounded by various factors due to the complex interplay of patient characteristics, disease, drug exposure, clearance, and treatment response and presented challenges in characterization and interpretation of E–R analysis. To tackle the challenges, exposure relationships for therapeutic mAbs in immuno‐oncology and oncology are reviewed, and a general framework for an integrative understanding of E–R relationship is proposed. In this framework, baseline factors, drug exposure, and treatment response are envisioned to form an interconnected triangle, driving the E–R relationship and underlying three components that compose the apparent relationship: exposure‐driven E–R, baseline‐driven E–R, and response‐driven E–R. Various strategies in data analysis and study design to decouple those components and mitigate the confounding effect are reviewed for their merits and limitations, and a potential roadmap for selection of these strategies is proposed. Specifically, exposure metrics based on a single‐dose pharmacokinetic model can be used to mitigate response‐driven E–R, while multivariable analysis and/or case control analysis of data obtained from multiple dose levels in a randomized study may be used to account for the baseline‐driven E–R. In this context, the importance of collecting data from multiple dose levels, the role of prognostic factors and predictive factors, the potential utility of clearance at baseline and its change over time, and future directions are discussed.