bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac-specific microRNA-125b deficiency induces perinatal death and cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Chen Chen-Yun , Lee Desy S. , Choong Oi Kuan , Chang Sheng-Kai , Hsu Tien , Nicholson Martin W. , Liu Li-Wei , Lin Po-Ju , Ruan Shu-Chian , Lin Shu-Wha , Hu Chung-Yi , Hsieh Patrick C. H.
Published: January 2021

MicroRNA-125b, the first microRNA to be identified, is known to promote cardiomyocyte maturation from embryonic stem cells; however, its physiological role remains unclear. To investigate the role of miR-125b in cardiovascular biology, cardiac-specific miR-125b-1 knockout mice were generated. We found that cardiac-specific miR-125b-1 knockout mice displayed half the miR-125b expression of control mice resulting in a 60% perinatal death rate. However, the surviving mice developed hearts with cardiac hypertrophy. The cardiomyocytes in both neonatal and adult mice displayed abnormal mitochondrial morphology. In the deficient neonatal hearts, there was an increase in mitochondrial DNA, but total ATP production was reduced. In addition, both the respiratory complex proteins in mitochondria and mitochondrial transcription machinery were impaired. Mechanistically, using transcriptome and proteome analysis, we found that many proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism were significantly downregulated in miR-125b knockout mice which resulted in reduced fatty acid metabolism. Importantly, many of these proteins are expressed in the mitochondria. We conclude that miR-125b deficiency causes a high mortality rate in neonates and cardiac hypertrophy in adult mice. The dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism may be responsible for the cardiac defect in the miR-125b deficient mice.
Modelling quantum aspects of disruption of a white dwarf star by a black hole
Authors: Karpiuk Tomasz , Nikołajuk Marek , Gajda Mariusz , Brewczyk Mirosław
Published: January 2021

We study the final stages of the evolution of a binary system consisted of a black hole and a white dwarf star. We implement the quantum hydrodynamic equations and carry out numerical simulations. As a model of a white dwarf star we consider a zero temperature droplet of attractively interacting degenerate atomic bosons and spin-polarized atomic fermions. Such mixtures are investigated experimentally nowadays. We find that the white dwarf star is stripped off its mass while passing the periastron. Due to nonlinear effects, the accretion disk originated from the white dwarf becomes fragmented and the onset of a quantum turbulence with giant quantized vortices present in the bosonic component of the accretion disk is observed. The binary system ends its life in a spectacular way, revealing quantum features underlying the white dwarf star’s structure. We find a charged mass, falling onto a black hole, could be responsible for recently discovered ultraluminous X-ray bursts. The simulations show that final passage of a white dwarf near a black hole can cause a gamma-ray burst.
Atomic scale displacements detected by optical image cross-correlation analysis and 3D printed marker arrays
Authors: Frenzel Tobias , Köpfler Julian , Naber Andreas , Wegener Martin
Published: January 2021

For analyzing displacement-vector fields in mechanics, for example to characterize the properties of 3D printed mechanical metamaterials, routine high-precision position measurements are indispensable. For this purpose, nanometer-scale localization errors have been achieved by wide-field optical-image cross-correlation analysis. Here, we bring this approach to atomic-scale accuracy by combining it with well-defined 3D printed marker arrays. By using an air-lens with a numerical aperture of$$0.4$$0.4and a free working distance of$$11.2\, \mathrm{mm}$$11.2mm, and an$$8\times 8$$8×8array of markers with a diameter of$$2\, \upmu\mathrm{m}$$2μmand a period of$$5\,\upmu \mathrm{ m}$$5μm, we obtain 2D localization errors as small as$$0.9\, \AA$$0.9Åin$$12.5\, \mathrm{ms}$$12.5msmeasurement time ($$80\, \mathrm{frames}/\mathrm{s}$$80frames/s). The underlying experimental setup is simple, reliable, and inexpensive, and the marker arrays can easily be integrated onto and into complex architectures during their 3D printing process.
Comparison of pelvic C-clamp and pelvic binder for emergency stabilization and bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures
Authors: Audretsch Christof K. , Mader Daniel , Bahrs Christian , Trulson Alexander , Höch Andreas , Herath Steven C. , Küper Markus A. ,   Working Group on Pelvic Fractures of the German Trauma Society
Published: January 2021

Severe bleeding is the major cause of death in unstable pelvic ring fractures. Therefore, a quick and efficient emergency stabilization and bleeding control is inevitable. C-clamp and pelvic binder are efficient tools for temporary bleeding control, especially from the posterior pelvic ring. Yet the C-clamp requires more user knowledge, training and equipment. However, whether this makes up for a more efficient bleeding control, is still under debate. Patients with a type-C pelvic ring fracture were identified from the German Pelvic Registry (GPR) and divided into three groups of 40 patients (1. no emergency stabilization, 2. pelvic binder, 3. C-clamp). The matching occurred according to the parameters age, gender, initial RR and initial HB. Complication—and mortality rates were compared especially regarding bleeding control. Regarding ISS and fracture dislocation there was no difference. The use of the C-clamp resulted in more complications, a higher mortality rate due to severe bleeding and more blood transfusions were admitted. Moreover the pelvic binder was established noticeably faster. However, the C-clamp was more often rated as effective. There is no evidence of advantage comparing the C-clamp to the pelvic binder, regarding bleeding control in type-C pelvic ring fractures. In fact, using the pelvic binder even showed better results, as the time until established bleeding control was significantly shorter. Therefore, the pelvic binder should be the first choice. The C-clamp should remain a measure for selected cases only, if an adequate bleeding control cannot be achieved by the pelvic binder.
Purification of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein and its utility for serological diagnosis
Authors: Lombe Boniface Pongombo , Miyamoto Hiroko , Saito Takeshi , Yoshida Reiko , Manzoor Rashid , Kajihara Masahiro , Shimojima Masayuki , Fukushi Shuetsu , Morikawa Shigeru , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kurosu Takeshi , Saijo Masayuki , Tang Qing , Masumu Justin , Hawman David , Feldmann Heinz , Takada Ayato
Published: January 2021

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes a zoonotic disease, Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeastern Europe. However, the prevalence of CCHF is not monitored in most of the endemic countries due to limited availability of diagnostic assays and biosafety regulations required for handling infectious CCHFV. In this study, we established a protocol to purify the recombinant CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP), which is antigenically highly conserved among multiple lineages/clades of CCHFVs and investigated its utility in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect CCHFV-specific antibodies. The NP gene was cloned into the pCAGGS mammalian expression plasmid and human embryonic kidney 293 T cells were transfected with the plasmid. The expressed NP molecule was purified from the cell lysate using cesium-chloride gradient centrifugation. Purified NP was used as the antigen for the ELISA to detect anti-CCHFV IgG. Using the CCHFV NP-based ELISA, we efficiently detected CCHFV-specific IgG in anti-NP rabbit antiserum and CCHFV-infected monkey serum. When compared to the commercially available Blackbox CCHFV IgG ELISA kit, our assay showed equivalent performance in detecting CCHFV-specific IgG in human sera. These results demonstrate the usefulness of our CCHFV NP-based ELISA for seroepidemiological studies.
Distinct epigenetic signatures between adult-onset and late-onset depression
Authors: Yamagata Hirotaka , Ogihara Hiroyuki , Matsuo Koji , Uchida Shusaku , Kobayashi Ayumi , Seki Tomoe , Kobayashi Masaaki , Harada Kenichiro , Chen Chong , Miyata Shigeo , Fukuda Masato , Mikuni Masahiko , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Watanabe Yoshifumi , Nakagawa Shin
Published: January 2021

The heterogeneity of major depressive disorder (MDD) is attributed to the fact that diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5) are only based on clinical symptoms. The discovery of blood biomarkers has the potential to change the diagnosis of MDD. The purpose of this study was to identify blood biomarkers of DNA methylation by strategically subtyping patients with MDD by onset age. We analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation of patients with adult-onset depression (AOD; age ≥ 50 years, age at depression onset < 50 years; N = 10) and late-onset depression (LOD; age ≥ 50 years, age at depression onset ≥ 50 years; N = 25) in comparison to that of 30 healthy subjects. The methylation profile of the AOD group was not only different from that of the LOD group but also more homogenous. Six identified methylation CpG sites were validated by pyrosequencing and amplicon bisulfite sequencing as potential markers for AOD in a second set of independent patients with AOD and healthy control subjects (N = 11). The combination of three specific methylation markers achieved the highest accuracy (sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 91%; accuracy, 77%). Taken together, our findings suggest that DNA methylation markers are more suitable for AOD than for LOD patients.
Integrative analysis of transcriptomic data for identification of T-cell activation-related mRNA signatures indicative of preterm birth
Authors: Yoo Jae Young , Hyeon Do Young , Shin Yourae , Kim Soo Min , You Young-Ah , Kim Daye , Hwang Daehee , Kim Young Ju
Published: January 2021

Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation, is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis of PTB risk followed by protective interventions are essential to reduce adverse neonatal outcomes. However, due to the redundant nature of the clinical conditions with other diseases, PTB-associated clinical parameters are poor predictors of PTB. To identify molecular signatures predictive of PTB with high accuracy, we performed mRNA sequencing analysis of PTB patients and full-term birth (FTB) controls in Korean population and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as well as cellular pathways represented by the DEGs between PTB and FTB. By integrating the gene expression profiles of different ethnic groups from previous studies, we identified the core T-cell activation pathway associated with PTB, which was shared among all previous datasets, and selected three representative DEGs (CYLD, TFRC, and RIPK2) from the core pathway as mRNA signatures predictive of PTB. We confirmed the dysregulation of the candidate predictors and the core T-cell activation pathway in an independent cohort. Our results suggest that CYLD, TFRC, and RIPK2 are potentially reliable predictors for PTB.
Development of a target identification approach using native mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Miaomiao , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Quinn Ronald J.
Published: January 2021

A key step in the development of new pharmaceutical drugs is the identification of the molecular target and distinguishing this from all other gene products that respond indirectly to the drug. Target identification remains a crucial process and a current bottleneck for advancing hits through the discovery pipeline. Here we report a method, that takes advantage of the specific detection of protein–ligand complexes by native mass spectrometry (MS) to probe the protein partner of a ligand in an untargeted method. The key advantage is that it uses unmodified small molecules for binding and, thereby, it does not require labelled ligands and is not limited by the chemistry required to tag the molecule. We demonstrate the use of native MS to identify known ligand–protein interactions in a protein mixture under various experimental conditions. A protein–ligand complex was successfully detected between parthenolide and thioredoxin (PfTrx) in a five-protein mixture, as well as when parthenolide was mixed in a bacterial cell lysate spiked with PfTrx. We provide preliminary data that native MS could be used to identify binding targets for any small molecule.
Associated factors of white matter hyperintensity volume: a machine-learning approach
Authors: Grosu Sergio , Rospleszcz Susanne , Hartmann Felix , Habes Mohamad , Bamberg Fabian , Schlett Christopher L. , Galie Franziska , Lorbeer Roberto , Auweter Sigrid , Selder Sonja , Buelow Robin , Heier Margit , Rathmann Wolfgang , Mueller-Peltzer Katharina , Ladwig Karl-Heinz , Grabe Hans J. , Peters Annette , Ertl-Wagner Birgit B. , Stoecklein Sophia
Published: January 2021

To identify the most important parameters associated with cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH), in consideration of potential collinearity, we used a data-driven machine-learning approach. We analysed two independent cohorts (KORA and SHIP). WMH volumes were derived from cMRI-images (FLAIR). 90 (KORA) and 34 (SHIP) potential determinants of WMH including measures of diabetes, blood-pressure, medication-intake, sociodemographics, life-style factors, somatic/depressive-symptoms and sleep were collected. Elastic net regression was used to identify relevant predictor covariates associated with WMH volume. The ten most frequently selected variables in KORA were subsequently examined for robustness in SHIP. The final KORA sample consisted of 370 participants (58% male; age 55.7 ± 9.1 years), the SHIP sample comprised 854 participants (38% male; age 53.9 ± 9.3 years). The most often selected and highly replicable parameters associated with WMH volume were in descending order age, hypertension, components of the social environment (i.e. widowed, living alone) and prediabetes. A systematic machine-learning based analysis of two independent, population-based cohorts showed, that besides age and hypertension, prediabetes and components of the social environment might play important roles in the development of WMH. Our results enable personal risk assessment for the development of WMH and inform prevention strategies tailored to the individual patient.
Magnetism and magnetoresistance in the critical region of a dilute ferromagnet
Authors: Wang M. , Howells B. , Marshall R. A. , Taylor J. M. , Edmonds K. W. , Rushforth A. W. , Campion R. P. , Gallagher B. L.
Published: January 2021

We present detailed experimental measurements and simulations of the field-dependent magnetization and magnetoresistance in the vicinity of the Curie temperature in the highly disordered dilute ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As. The observed dependence of the magnetization on external magnetic field and temperature is consistent with three-dimensional Heisenberg equation of state calculations including a narrow distribution of critical temperatures. The magnetoresistance shows a peak at the Curie temperature due to the suppression of magnetic scattering in an applied magnetic field, which is well-described by considering changes in the square of the magnetization induced by the magnetic field.
Quantification of stroke lesion volume using epidural EEG in a cerebral ischaemic rat model
Authors: Yoo Hyun-Joon , Ham Jinsil , Duc Nguyen Thanh , Lee Boreom
Published: January 2021

Precise monitoring of the brain after a stroke is essential for clinical decision making. Due to the non-invasive nature and high temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG), it is widely used to evaluate real-time cortical activity. In this study, we investigated the stroke-related EEG biomarkers and developed a predictive model for quantifying the structural brain damage in a focal cerebral ischaemic rat model. We enrolled 31 male Sprague–Dawley rats and randomly assigned them to mild stroke, moderate stroke, severe stroke, and control groups. We induced photothrombotic stroke targeting the right auditory cortex. We then acquired EEG signal responses to sound stimuli (frequency linearly increasing from 8 to 12 kHz with 750 ms duration). Power spectral analysis revealed a significant correlation of the relative powers of alpha, theta, delta, delta/alpha ratio, and (delta + theta)/(alpha + beta) ratio with the stroke lesion volume. The auditory evoked potential analysis revealed a significant association of amplitude and latency with stroke lesion volume. Finally, we developed a multiple regression model combining EEG predictors for quantifying the ischaemic lesion (R2 = 0.938, p value < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the potential application of EEG as a valid modality for monitoring the brain after a stroke.
A hybrid broadband metalens operating at ultraviolet frequencies
Authors: Ali Farhan , Aksu Serap
Published: January 2021

The investigation on metalenses have been rapidly developing, aiming to bring compact optical devices with superior properties to the market. Realizing miniature optics at the UV frequency range in particular has been challenging as the available transparent materials have limited range of dielectric constants. In this work we introduce a low absorption loss and low refractive index dielectric material magnesium oxide, MgO, as an ideal candidate for metalenses operating at UV frequencies. We theoretically investigate metalens designs capable of efficient focusing over a broad UV frequency range (200–400 nm). The presented metalenses are composed of sub-wavelength MgO nanoblocks, and characterized according to the geometric Pancharatnam–Berry phase method using FDTD method. The presented broadband metalenses can focus the incident UV light on tight focal spots (182 nm) with high numerical aperture ($$\hbox {NA}\approx 0.8$$

NA
≈
0.8

). The polarization conversion efficiency of the metalens unit cell and focusing efficiency of the total metalens are calculated to be as high as 94%, the best value reported in UV range so far. In addition, the metalens unit cell can be hybridized to enable lensing at multiple polarization states. The presented highly efficient MgO metalenses can play a vital role in the development of UV nanophotonic systems and could pave the way towards the world of miniaturization.
Development of a novel hyaluronic acid membrane for the treatment of ocular surface diseases
Authors: Kim Dong Ju , Jung Mi-Young , Pak Ha-Jin , Park Joo-Hee , Kim Martha , Chuck Roy S. , Park Choul Yong
Published: January 2021

Ocular surface diseases (OSD) can cause serious visual deterioration and discomfort. Commercial artificial tear solution containing hyaluronic acid (HA) show excellent biocompatibility and unique viscoelastic characteristics. Here, we developed a novel HA membrane (HAM) by chemical crosslinking using 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether for the effective treatment of OSDs. The main purpose of HAMs is to provide sustained release of HA to modulate the wound healing response in OSDs. The safety and efficacy of HAMs were investigated using primary cultured human corneal epithelial cells and various OSD rabbit models. In the dry state, the HAM is firm, transparent, and easy to manipulate. When hydrated, it swells rapidly with high water retention and over 90% transmission of visible light. Human corneal epithelial cells and rabbit eyes showed no toxic response to HAM. Addition of HAMs to the culture medium enhanced human corneal epithelial cell viability and expression of cell proliferation markers. Investigation of HAM wound healing efficacy using mechanical or chemical corneal trauma and conjunctival surgery in rabbits revealed that application of HAMs to the ocular surface enhanced healing of corneal epithelium and reduced corneal limbal vascularization, opacity and conjunctival fibrosis. The therapeutic potential of HAMs in various OSDs was successfully demonstrated.
The RGS-RhoGEFs control the amplitude of YAP1 activation by serum
Authors: Lane Brandon S. , Heller Brigitte , Hollenberg Morley D. , Wells Clark D.
Published: January 2021

Actin-dependent mechanisms drive the nuclear translocation of Yap1 to enable its co-activation of transcription factors that induce pro-growth and survival programs. While Rho GTPases are necessary for the nuclear import of YAP1, the relevant Guanine Exchange Factors (GEFs) and GTPase Activating Proteins (GAPs) that connect this process to upstream signaling are not well defined. To this end, we measured the impact of expressing sixty-seven RhoGEFs and RhoGAPs on the YAP1 dependent activity of a TEAD element transcriptional reporter. Robust effects by all three members of the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain containing RhoGEFs (ArhGEF1, ArhGEF11 and ArhGEF12) prompted studies relating their known roles in serum signaling onto the regulation of Yap1. Under all conditions examined, ArhGEF12 preferentially mediated the activation of YAP1/TEAD by serum versus ArhGEF1 or ArhGEF11. Conversely, ArhGEF1 in multiple contexts inhibited both basal and serum elevated YAP1 activity through its GAP activity for Gα13. The sensitivity of such inhibition to cellular density and to low states of serum signaling supports that ArhGEF1 is a context dependent regulator of YAP1. Taken together, the relative activities of the RGS-RhoGEFs were found to dictate the degree to which serum signaling promotes YAP1 activity.
The carboxy terminal coiled-coil modulates Orai1 internalization during meiosis
Authors: Hodeify Rawad , Dib Maya , Alcantara-Adap Ethel , Courjaret Raphael , Nader Nancy , Reyes Cleo Z. , Hammad Ayat S. , Hubrack Satanay , Yu Fang , Machaca Khaled
Published: January 2021

Regulation of Ca2+ signaling is critical for the progression of cell division, especially during meiosis to prepare the egg for fertilization. The primary Ca2+ influx pathway in oocytes is Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE). SOCE is tightly regulated during meiosis, including internalization of the SOCE channel, Orai1. Orai1 is a four-pass membrane protein with cytosolic N- and C-termini. Orai1 internalization requires a caveolin binding motif (CBM) in the N-terminus as well as the C-terminal cytosolic domain. However, the molecular determinant for Orai1 endocytosis in the C-terminus are not known. Here we show that the Orai1 C-terminus modulates Orai1 endocytosis during meiosis through a structural motif that is based on the strength of the C-terminal intersubunit coiled coil (CC) domains. Deletion mutants show that a minimal C-terminal sequence after transmembrane domain 4 (residues 260–275) supports Orai1 internalization. We refer to this region as the C-terminus Internalization Handle (CIH). Access to CIH however is dependent on the strength of the intersubunit CC. Mutants that increase the stability of the coiled coil prevent internalization independent of specific mutation. We further used human and Xenopus Orai isoforms with different propensity to form C-terminal CC and show a strong correlation between the strength of the CC and Orai internalization. Furthermore, Orai1 internalization does not depend on clathrin, flotillin or PIP2. Collectively these results argue that Orai1 internalization requires both the N-terminal CBM and C-terminal CIH where access to CIH is controlled by the strength of intersubunit C-terminal CC.
Entanglement of formation and monogamy of multi-party quantum entanglement
Authors: Kim Jeong San
Published: January 2021

We provide a sufficient condition for the monogamy inequality of multi-party quantum entanglement of arbitrary dimensions in terms of entanglement of formation. Based on the classical–classical–quantum(ccq) states whose quantum parts are obtained from the two-party reduced density matrices of a three-party quantum state, we show the additivity of the mutual information of the ccq states guarantees the monogamy inequality of the three-party pure state in terms of EoF. After illustrating the result with some examples, we generalize our result of three-party systems into any multi-party systems of arbitrary dimensions.
Experimental and modeling studies on enhancing the thermodynamic hydrate inhibition performance of monoethylene glycol via synergistic green material
Authors: Bharathi Arul , Nashed Omar , Lal Bhajan , Foo Khor Siak
Published: January 2021

This paper presents an experimental and modeling studies on the thermodynamic inhibition effects of the mixture of monoethlyene glycol (MEG) and glycine (Gly) on the carbon dioxide hydrate phase boundary condition. The monoethlyene glycol and glycine (1:1) mixture inhibition effects were investigated at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 wt.% and pressure ranges from 2.0–4.0 MPa. The effects of the proposed mixture on the carbon dioxide hydrate phase boundary were evaluated by measuring the dissociation temperature of carbon dioxide hydrate using a T-cycle method. The synergistic effect was evaluated based on comparison with pure MEG and Gly data. The results show that 15 wt.% of MEG and Gly mixture displays the highest inhibition effect compared to the 5 and 10 wt.% mixtures, respectively. However, the synergistic effect is higher at 10 wt.%. Dickens' model was also adopted to predict the phase equilibrium data of CO2 hydrates in the presence of the mixture. The modified model successfully predicted the data within a maximum error of ± 0.52 K.
Gene expression in circulating tumor cells reveals a dynamic role of EMT and PD-L1 during osimertinib treatment in NSCLC patients
Authors: Ntzifa Aliki , Strati Areti , Kallergi Galatea , Kotsakis Athanasios , Georgoulias Vassilis , Lianidou Evi
Published: January 2021

Liquid biopsy is a tool to unveil resistance mechanisms in NSCLC. We studied changes in gene expression in CTC-enriched fractions of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients under osimertinib. Peripheral blood from 30 NSCLC patients before, after 1 cycle of osimertinib and at progression of disease (PD) was analyzed by size-based CTC enrichment combined with RT-qPCR for gene expression of epithelial (CK-8, CK-18, CK-19), mesenchymal/EMT (VIM, TWIST-1, AXL), stem cell (ALDH-1) markers, PD-L1 and PIM-1. CTCs were also analyzed by triple immunofluorescence for 45 identical blood samples. Epithelial and stem cell profile (p = 0.043) and mesenchymal/EMT and stem cell profile (p = 0.014) at PD were correlated. There was a strong positive correlation of VIM expression with PIM-1 expression at baseline and increased PD-L1 expression levels at PD. AXL overexpression varied among patients and high levels of PIM-1 transcripts were detected. PD-L1 expression was significantly increased at PD compared to baseline (p = 0.016). The high prevalence of VIM positive CTCs suggest a dynamic role of EMT during osimertinib treatment, while increased expression of PD-L1 at PD suggests a theoretical background for immunotherapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients that develop resistance to osimertinib. This observation merits to be further evaluated in a prospective immunotherapy trial.
The association of actigraphic sleep measures and physical activity with excess weight and adiposity in kindergarteners
Authors: Wyszyńska Justyna , Matłosz Piotr , Szybisty Agnieszka , Dereń Katarzyna , Mazur Artur , Herbert Jarosław
Published: January 2021

Insufficient sleep duration and physical activity (PA) are known risk factors for overweight and obesity in children; however, there are no studies on comprehensive associations of objectively-measured sleep parameters and PA with excess weight and excess adiposity in kindergarteners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the associations between objectively measured sleep parameters and PA with excess weight and excess adiposity, defined as BMI ≥ 85th percentile and body fat percentage (BFP) ≥ 85th percentile, respectively. Sleep parameters and PA were measured in 676 subjects aged 5–6 years using accelerometers for 7 days, worn at the participant’s hip. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate BFP. In the total sample, lower sleep duration, sleep efficiency, vigorous PA and the number of steps per day were associated with excess weight. However, excess adiposity was associated with lower sleep duration, total PA, vigorous PA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the number of steps per day. Logistic regression by the stepwise progressive method showed that the strongest predictor of excess adiposity in boys and girls was vigorous PA, while the strongest predictor of excess weight in boys was sleep efficiency. A holistic approach to health targeting all of these factors synergistically is needed to optimize the effectiveness of obesity prevention and treatment interventions.
Anti-algal activity of the 12-5-12 gemini surfactant results from its impact on the photosynthetic apparatus
Authors: Winnicki Konrad , Łudzik Katarzyna , Żabka Aneta , Polit Justyna Teresa , Zawisza Anna , Maszewski Janusz
Published: January 2021

A rapid amplification of algal population has a negative impact on the environment and the global economy. Thus, control of algal proliferation is an important issue and effective procedures which reduce algal blooms and control algal fouling are highly desired. Gemini surfactants are considered to have a low environmental impact, therefore they seem to be a promising group of detergents which could reduce algal blooms in water systems. Furthermore, due to their emulsifying properties they could replace algaecides added to antifouling paints and decrease algae adhesion to various surfaces. In this study the toxic effect of the 12-5-12 gemini surfactant was investigated on Chlorella cells and close attention was paid to a potential mechanism of its action. At the high cell density (10.05 × 107 cells/mL) a dose-dependent cell death was found and the IC50 value was reached at the concentration of 19.6 µmol/L after 72-h exposure to the surfactant. The decrease in chlorophyll autofluorescence shows that the photosynthetic apparatus seems to be the target of the tested compound. The presented studies indicate that gemini surfactants could effectively reduce algal blooms in water systems, and if added to paints, they could decrease algal growth on external building walls or other water immersed surfaces.
Transcriptome-wide Mendelian randomization study prioritising novel tissue-dependent genes for glioma susceptibility
Authors: Robinson Jamie W. , Martin Richard M. , Tsavachidis Spiridon , Howell Amy E. , Relton Caroline L. , Armstrong Georgina N. , Bondy Melissa , Zheng Jie , Kurian Kathreena M.
Published: January 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered 27 loci associated with glioma risk. Whether these loci are causally implicated in glioma risk, and how risk differs across tissues, has yet to be systematically explored. We integrated multi-tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and glioma GWAS data using a combined Mendelian randomisation (MR) and colocalisation approach. We investigated how genetically predicted gene expression affects risk across tissue type (brain, estimated effective n = 1194 and whole blood, n = 31,684) and glioma subtype (all glioma (7400 cases, 8257 controls) glioblastoma (GBM, 3112 cases) and non-GBM gliomas (2411 cases)). We also leveraged tissue-specific eQTLs collected from 13 brain tissues (n = 114 to 209). The MR and colocalisation results suggested that genetically predicted increased gene expression of 12 genes were associated with glioma, GBM and/or non-GBM risk, three of which are novel glioma susceptibility genes (RETREG2/FAM134A, FAM178B and MVB12B/FAM125B). The effect of gene expression appears to be relatively consistent across glioma subtype diagnoses. Examining how risk differed across 13 brain tissues highlighted five candidate tissues (cerebellum, cortex, and the putamen, nucleus accumbens and caudate basal ganglia) and four previously implicated genes (JAK1, STMN3, PICK1 and EGFR). These analyses identified robust causal evidence for 12 genes and glioma risk, three of which are novel. The correlation of MR estimates in brain and blood are consistently low which suggested that tissue specificity needs to be carefully considered for glioma. Our results have implicated genes yet to be associated with glioma susceptibility and provided insight into putatively causal pathways for glioma risk.
Predictors of negative first SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR despite final diagnosis of COVID-19 and association with outcome
Authors: Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Colin Gwenhael , Le Thuaut Aurélie , Serck Nicolas , Ohana Mickael , Sauneuf Bertrand , Geri Guillaume , Mesland Jean-Baptiste , Ribeyre Gaetane , Hussenet Claire , Boureau Anne Sophie , Gille Thomas
Published: January 2021

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is an important tool for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, performance concerns have emerged recently, notably regarding sensitivity. We hypothesized that the clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of patients with a false-negative first RT-PCR test and a final diagnosis of COVID-19 might differ from those of patients with a positive first RT-PCR test. We conducted a multicenter matched case–control study in COVID-19 patients. Patients with a negative first RT-PCR test were matched to patients with a positive first RT-PCR test on age, sex, and initial admission unit (ward or intensive care). We included 80 cases and 80 controls between March 30, and June 22, 2020. Neither mortality at hospital discharge nor hospital stay length differed between the two groups (P = 0.80 and P = 0.54, respectively). By multivariate analysis, two factors were independently associated with a lower risk of a first false-negative test, namely, headache (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.01–0.49]; P = 0.007) and fatigue/malaise (aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03–0.81; P = 0.027); two other factors were independently associated with a higher risk of a first false-negative test, namely, platelets > 207·103 mm−3 (aOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.10–13.16]; P = 0.034) and C-reactive protein > 79.8 mg·L−1 (aOR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.21–13.19; P = 0.023). Patients with suspected COVID-19 whose laboratory tests indicating marked inflammation were at higher risk of a first false-negative RT-PCR test. Strategies involving serial RT-PCR testing must be rigorously evaluated.
Amphiphilic polymer therapeutics: an alternative platform in the fight against antibiotic resistant bacteria
Authors: Takahashi Haruko , Caputo Gregory A. , Kuroda Kenichi
Published: January 2021

Amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers show promising potential as polymer therapeutics to fight drug resistant bacteria and biofilms.
DFT insights into structural effects of Ni–Cu/CeO2catalysts for CO selective reaction towards water–gas shift
Authors: Salcedo Agustín , Irigoyen Beatriz
Published: January 2021

DFT calculations shed light into the selectivity of CO towards WGS on Ni–Cu/CeO2catalysts, revealing perturbations of the 1π and 3σ orbitals upon CO adsorption on Cu.
Simultaneous binding mechanism of multiple substrates for multidrug resistance transporter P-glycoprotein
Authors: Zhang Bo , Kang Zhengzhong , Zhang Junqiao , Kang Yu , Liang Lijun , Liu Yingchun , Wang Qi
Published: January 2021

Studying the binding ability of P-gp with multiple drug molecules reveals insights into the promiscuous nature of P-gp.
Homogeneous nucleation in a Poiseuille flow
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: January 2021

Variation of the critical nucleus size and the corresponding work of formation with average flow speed at axisymmetric axis.
Identifying nanodescriptors to predict the toxicity of nanomaterials: a case study on titanium dioxide
Authors: Murugadoss Sivakumar , Das Nilakash , Godderis Lode , Mast Jan , Hoet Peter H. , Ghosh Manosij
Published: January 2021

Use of non-standardized in vitro experimental conditions in TiO2 NM safety assessment can lead to misleading results in establishing TiO2 properties–biological activity relationships.
Atmospheric organic complexation enhanced sulfate formation and iron dissolution on nano α-Fe2O3
Authors: Li Kejian , Fang Xiaozhong , Wang Tao , Gong Kedong , Ali Tahir Muhammad , Wang Wei , Han Jin , Cheng Hanyun , Xu Guanjun , Zhang Liwu
Published: January 2021

The iron–dicarboxylate complexation significantly increased the SO2 heterogeneous conversion on nano α-Fe2O3 and ATD under light irradiation, owing to the generation of strong reactive oxygen species.
Phlorizin exerts potent effects against aging induced by d-galactose in mice and PC12 cells
Authors: Liu Yaojie , Liu Ying , Guo Yatu , Xu Lin , Wang Hao
Published: January 2021

Phlorizin is the main active ingredient of apple peel and has potential utilization value.
Chemical reactions in the hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass and in the catalytic hydrogenation upgrading of biocrude
Authors: Hao Botian , Xu Donghai , Jiang Guanyu , Sabri Tanveer Ahmed , Jing Zefeng , Guo Yang
Published: January 2021

This article systematically describes chemical reactions in biomass HTL and the catalytic hydrogenation upgrading of the obtained biocrude and analyze the effects of operating parameters on these two processes, such as reaction temperature, residence time and catalyst type.
Unsupervised structure classesvs.supervised property classes of silicon quantum dots using neural networks
Authors: Parker Amanda J. , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: January 2021

Scientific intuition can help anticipate the outcome of experiments, but machine learning based on data does not always support these assumptions. A direct comparison of human intelligence (HI) and AI suggests domain knowledge is not always enough.
Reductive amination of bio-based 2-hydroxytetrahydropyran to 5-Amino-1-pentanol over nano-Ni–Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Jia , Yang Jian , Tian Junying , Liu Hailong , Li Xuemei , Fang Weiguo , Hu Xun , Xia Chungu , Chen Jing , Huang Zhiwei
Published: January 2021

5-Amino-1-pentanol was efficiently synthesized by reductive amination of bio-based 2-hydroxytetrahydropyran with a high yield over stable nano-Ni–Al2O3 catalysts.
An irregular-octagonal-prism-shaped host–guest supramolecular network based on silicotungstate and manganese-complex for light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yang Ruoru , Li Bonan , Lai Xiaoyong , Yu Xiaojing , Xiao Boxin , Hu Sumin , Pang Haijun , Ma Huiyuan , Wang Xinming , Tan Lichao
Published: January 2021

A novel irregular-octagonal-prism-shaped host–guest supramolecular network was synthesized and showed excellent photocatalytic splitting of water performance.
Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed annulations for the construction of a 1-indanone core
Authors: Das Suven , Dutta Arpita
Published: January 2021

Transition metal-catalyzed carbon–carbon bond forming reactions are a well accepted strategy for the synthesis of organic compounds. This review gives a brief update on the transition-metal-catalyzed annulations to construct 1-indanone scaffolds.
Multiple interface-induced evolution of electromagnetic patterns for efficient microwave absorption at low thickness
Authors: Ma Yabin , Quan Bin , Zeng Zhihui , Zhang Yunke , Zhang Lan , Wang Yu , Huang Xiaogu
Published: January 2021

Mo-Ni2P/rGO composites with heterojunction structures were successfully prepared by phosphating NiMoO4/rGO precursors at a specific temperature, which exhibit excellent microwave absorption performances at low thickness.
Defluorinative phosphorylation of perfluoroalkyl ketones: synthesis of fluoroalkylated and phosphorylated furan derivatives
Authors: Wang Qing-Dong , Zhang Chen , Sun Li-Wen , Luo Xin-Long , Rao Weidong , Shen Zhi-Liang , Chu Xue-Qiang
Published: January 2021

An efficient method for the synthesis of fluoroalkylated tri(hetero)arylphosphine oxides from polyfluoroalkyl ketones and phosphine oxides or phosphonates has been developed.
Metal-free high-adsorption-capacity adsorbent derived from spent coffee grounds for methylene blue
Authors: Sukhbaatar Bayaraa , Yoo Bongyoung , Lim Jae-Hong
Published: January 2021

Spent coffee grounds derived carbon was prepared for the adsorption of methylene blue in aqueous solutions.
The enhanced reduction of bromate by highly reactive and dispersive green nano-zerovalent iron (G-NZVI) synthesized with onion peel extract
Authors: Lem Olga , Yoon Sunho , Bae Sungjun , Lee Woojin
Published: January 2021

In this study, novel green nano-zerovalent iron (G-NZVI) is synthesized for the first time using onion peel extract for the prevention of rapid surface oxidation and the enhancement of particle dispersibility with a high reductive capacity.
Laser synthesis: a solvent-free approach for the preparation of phenylthiazolo[5,4-b]pyridine derivatives
Authors: Jemili Rihab , Campos Joana F. , Dumuis Nicolas , Rabat Hervé , Semmar Nadjib , Berteina-Raboin Sabine
Published: January 2021

We describe here a rapid and straightforward solvent-free method to access phenylthiazolo[5,4-b]pyridines using a Nd-YAG laser NANO-NY81-10 (λ = 355 nm, 10 Hz pulse frequency; 8 ns pulse duration).
Immunoassay-aptasensor for the determination of tumor-derived exosomes based on the combination of magnetic nanoparticles and hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhou Yajuan , Luo Dan , Liu Jingjian , Yang E. , Yang Guangyi , Feng Guangjun , Chen Qinhua , Wu Lun
Published: January 2021

The detection of tumor-related exosomes is of great significance.
Water soluble organic electrochromic materials
Authors: Welsh Thomas A. , Draper Emily R.
Published: January 2021

Here we discuss water soluble organic chromic materials classed as two different types, Type I - colourless to coloured and Type II - coloured to coloured states. This change in colour is vital in their applications.
Silky Co3O4 nanostructures for the selective and sensitive enzyme free sensing of uric acid
Authors: Chang Abdul Sattar , Tahira Aneela , Chang Fouzia , Memon Nusrat Naeem , Nafady Ayman , Kasry Amal , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

In this study, simple, new and functional silky nanostructures of Co3O4 are prepared by hydrothermal method.
A feasible approach for automatically differentiable unitary coupled-cluster on quantum computers
Authors: Kottmann Jakob S. , Anand Abhinav , Aspuru-Guzik Alán
Published: January 2021

We develop computationally affordable and encoding independent gradient evaluation procedures for unitary coupled-cluster type operators, applicable on quantum computers.
Supramolecular gelation controlled by an iodine clock
Authors: Riedel Solenn , Schweizer Thomas , Smith-Mannschott Katrina , Dufresne Eric R. , Panzarasa Guido
Published: January 2021

The sol–gel transition and the mechanical properties of a supramolecular poly(vinyl alcohol)–iodine complex can be tuned in time thanks to an “iodine clock”.
Pressure-promoted highly-ordered Fe-doped-Ni2B for effective oxygen evolution reaction and overall water splitting
Authors: Tian Ruifeng , Zhao Shijing , Li Junkai , Chen Zhibin , Peng Wenfeng , He Yan , Zhang Lili , Yan Shuai , Wu Lailei , Ahuja Rajeev , Gou Huiyang
Published: January 2021

Accurate doping at special atomic sites can achieve effective control of active centers for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), leading to the synthesis of active intermediates with higher conversion efficiency.
Joint connection of experiment and simulation for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: strength, weakness, validation and complementarity
Authors: Luo Jun , Liu Yani , Feng Chengyang , Fan Changzheng , Tang Lin , Zeng Guangming , Wang Lingling , Wang Jiajia , Tang Xiang
Published: January 2021

The rapid developments of experiments and simulations have jointly promoted the progress of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
The janus in monodispersed catalysts: synergetic interactions
Authors: Su Jianan , Zhang Shusheng , Liu Qingju , Hu Guangzhi , Zhang Longzhou
Published: January 2021

In this review, we mainly highlight the synergetic interactions between adjacent active sites, which are confirmed to be the key impact in tuning the electronic structure, thus promoting intrinsic catalytic performances.
Rubrene untwisted: common density functional theory calculations overestimate its deviant tendencies
Authors: Greenwell Chandler , Beran Gregory J. O.
Published: January 2021

Delocalization error in common density functionals artificially stabilizes twisted rubrene, which can lead to incorrect predictions of solid state structures.
Selective aptamer conjugation to silver-coated magnetite nanoparticles for magnetic solid-phase extraction of trace amounts of Pb2+ ions
Authors: Rahnama Sara , Shariati Shahab , Divsar Faten
Published: January 2021

Herein, a novel aptamer-functionalized magnetic adsorbent was developed and combined with magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for the specific enrichment of Pb2+ ions prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometric detection.
Retraction: MiR-148a agomir based targeting of c-Met and Her-3 is able to attenuate EGFR-T790M mutation driven gefitinib and erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘MiR-148a agomir based targeting of c-Met and Her-3 is able to attenuate EGFR-T790M mutation driven gefitinib and erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells’ by Guimin Chen et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 21139–21146, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA10224D.
Predicted the P2RX7 rs3751143 polymorphism is associated with cancer risk: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wang Bi-jun , Chen Jun-yi , Guan Yu , Liu Da-chao , Cao Zi-chuan , Kong Jin , Wu Zheng-Sheng , Wu Wen-Yong
Published: January 2021

Background: Both meta-analyses and systematic reviews were used to assess the relationship between purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) rs3751143 polymorphism and the risk of cancer.

Materials and methods: The data used in this research were collected from Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data databases. The final retrieval ended on 22 February 2019. The strength of correlation was assessed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Based on the heterogeneity test results, fixed-effect (Mantel–Haenszel) or random-effects (DerSimonian–Laird) models were selected to summarise the collective effects.

Results: Eight separate studies containing 1462 cancer cases and 3037 controls were enrolled. Overall, there was no significant association between P2RX7 rs3751143 polymorphism and the risk of cancer in the allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, or recessive models.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant association between P2RX7 rs3751143 polymorphism and the risk of cancer in the allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive models.
Predictions of Miscommunication in Verbal Communication During Collaborative Joint Action
Authors: Paxton Alexandra , Roche Jennifer M. , Ibarra Alyssa , Tanenhaus Michael K.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine the lexical and pragmatic factors that may contribute to turn-by-turn failures in communication (i.e., miscommunication) that arise regularly in interactive communication.

Method

Using a corpus from a collaborative dyadic building task, we investigated what differentiated successful from unsuccessful communication and potential factors associated with the choice to provide greater lexical information to a conversation partner.

Results

We found that more successful dyads' language tended to be associated with greater lexical density, lower ambiguity, and fewer questions. We also found participants were more lexically dense when accepting and integrating a partner's information (i.e., grounding) but were less lexically dense when responding to a question. Finally, an exploratory analysis suggested that dyads tended to spend more lexical effort when responding to an inquiry and used assent language accurately—that is, only when communication was successful.

Conclusion

Together, the results suggest that miscommunication both emerges and benefits from ambiguous and lexically dense utterances.