bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial modulation of host body composition and plasma metabolic profile
Authors: Nazmul Huda M. , Winnike Jason H. , Crowell Jocelyn M. , O’Connor Annalouise , Bennett Brian J.
Published: April 2020

The gut microbiota is a critical mediator of nutrition and disease risk. Like most complex traits, the microbiome is under genetic regulation and differs between inbred strains of mice. We tested the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on obesity, and plasma glucose. For this study, we collected microbiota from 2 inbred strains of mice which differ in adiposity and glucose tolerance, C57BL/6J and WSB/EiJ. C57BL/6J female mice (n = 18) were first treated with antibiotics for 4 weeks to ablate the microbiota. Following ablation, the mice were transplanted with microbiota from a C57BL/6J or a WSB/EiJ mouse and clinical traits and plasma metabolomic profiles were interrogated at 2- and 4-weeks post-transplantation. Unexpectedly, the mice receiving WSB/EiJ microbiota increased adiposity but decreased plasma glucose. Metabolomic and 16S microbiota profiling indicated broad metabolic changes occurred during and after FMT. Detailed analysis of these interactions demonstrated specific microbiota-host metabolite interactions which may alter disease susceptibility.
CDDO-Me Alters the Tumor Microenvironment in Estrogen Receptor Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ball Michael S. , Bhandari Rajan , Torres Gretel M. , Martyanov Viktor , ElTanbouly Mohamed A. , Archambault Kim , Whitfield Michael L. , Liby Karen T. , Pioli Patricia A.
Published: April 2020

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an essential contributor to the development and progression of malignancy. Within the TME, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) mediate angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunosuppression, which inhibits infiltration of tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. In previous work, we demonstrated that the synthetic triterpenoid CDDO-methyl ester (CDDO-Me) converts breast TAMs from a tumor-promoting to a tumor-inhibiting activation statein vitro. We show now that CDDO-Me remodels the breast TME, redirecting TAM activation and T cell tumor infiltrationin vivo. We demonstrate that CDDO-Me significantly attenuates IL-10 and VEGF expression but stimulates TNF production, and reduces surface expression of CD206 and CD115, markers of immunosuppressive TAMs. CDDO-Me treatment redirects the TAM transcriptional profile, inducing signaling pathways associated with immune stimulation, and inhibits TAM tumor infiltration, consistent with decreased expression of CCL2. In CDDO-Me-treated mice, both the absolute number and proportion of splenic CD4+T cells were reduced, while the proportion of CD8+T cells was significantly increased in both tumors and spleen. Moreover, mice fed CDDO-Me demonstrated significant reductions in numbers of CD4+Foxp3+regulatory T cells within tumors. These results demonstrate for the first time that CDDO-Me relieves immunosuppression in the breast TME and unleashes host adaptive anti-tumor immunity.
Synthesis, cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetic profile, binding with DNA and BSA of new imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl hybrids
Authors: Singh Iqubal , Luxami Vijay , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: April 2020

Novel derivatives possessing imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine and 1H-benzo[d]imidazole scaffolds were synthesized using Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. In vitro anticancer activities against NCI-60 cancer cell panels were tested at 10 µM concentration. The best results were obtained from substitution of two 1-cyclohexyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole groups present at C-6 and C-8 positions of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine (31). Compound 31 was found to be cytotoxic against 51 cell lines and cytostatic against 8 cell lines with broad range of growth inhibitions (−98.48 to 98.86%). GI50 value of compound 31 was found in the range of 0.80–2.87 µM for 59 human cancer cell lines at five-dose concentration levels. DNA binding study of potent compound 31 was suggested that this compound was intercalated into DNA base pairs with binding constant of 1.25 × 104 M−1. Compound 31 showed effective binding with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and presented binding constant value of 3.79 ×104 M-1. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that all compounds are following Lipinski’s rule of five and expected to be orally active.
Microbial carbon source utilization in rice rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils with short-term manure N input rate in paddy field
Authors: Haiming Tang , Xiaoping Xiao , Chao Li , Xiaochen Pan , Kaikai Cheng , Weiyan Li , Ke Wang
Published: April 2020

Carbon (C) plays a vital role in regulating soil nutrient cycling and increasing soil microbial community, but there is still limited information on how C source utilization characteristics responds to soil physical and chemical properties changes under double-cropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy field in southern China. Therefore, the effects of different short-term manure nitrogen (N) input rate managements on C source utilization characteristics in rice rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils under double-cropping rice field in southern China were studied by using 18O-H2O method. Therefore, a field experiment were established in Ningxiang city of Hunan Province, and five different fertilizer treatments were applied: (1) 100% N of chemical fertilizer (M0), (2) 30% N of organic manure and 70% N of chemical fertilizer (M30), (3) 50% N of organic manure and 50% N of chemical fertilizer (M50), (4) 100% N of organic manure (M100), and (5) without N fertilizer input as control (CK). The results showed that soil microbial biomass C content, soil microbial growth rate, and soil microbial basal respiration with application of organic manure treatments (M30, M50, M100) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of CK treatment. And the soil C utilization efficiency with M0 treatment were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of M100 treatment. Compared with CK and M0 treatments, the metabolic capacity of soil microorganisms to exogenous C sources with M30, M50 and M100 treatments were increased. The largest types of exogenous C source was carboxylic acids, followed by amino acid and carbohydrate, and complex compounds was the smallest. The RDA analysis results indicated that fertilizer treatments significantly changed the utilization characteristics of soil microorganisms to exogenous C sources. As a result, this study found that characteristics of soil C source utilization were significantly affected by different short-term manure N input rate managements.
Author Correction: Evidence for subcritical rupture of injection-induced earthquakes
Authors: Orlecka-Sikora Beata , Cielesta Szymon
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Molecular analysis of edible bird's nest and rapid authentication of Aerodramus fuciphagus from its subspecies by PCR-RFLP based on the cytb gene
Authors: Liu Kunfeng , Wu Maoyong , Lin Xuemei , Lonan Piyanuch , Chen Sitai , Wu Yina , Lai Xiaoping , Yu Liangwen , Zhou Xiaoming , Li Geng
Published: April 2020

The PCR-RFLP method can efficiently distinguish A. fuciphagus from its subspecies and other species based on the cytb region.
A double-dysprosocenium single-molecule magnet bound together with neutral ligands
Authors: Evans Peter , Reta Daniel , Goodwin Conrad A. P. , Ortu Fabrizio , Chilton Nicholas F. , Mills David P.
Published: April 2020

Double dysprosocenium: we report a dinuclear complex containing two dysprosocenium cations, unusually held together by electrostatic interactions with neutral molecules.
Internal electric fields in methanol [MeOH]2–6 clusters
Authors: Boda Manjusha , Patwari G. Naresh
Published: April 2020

The structure and energetics of methanol clusters not only depend on O–H⋯O but also on C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds to a significant extent.
HERFD-XANES probes of electronic structures of ironII/III carbene complexes
Authors: Guo Meiyuan , Prakash Om , Fan Hao , de Groot Lisa H. M. , Hlynsson Valtýr Freyr , Kaufhold Simon , Gordivska Olga , Velásquez Nicolás , Chabera Pavel , Glatzel Pieter , Wärnmark Kenneth , Persson Petter , Uhlig Jens
Published: April 2020

Iron centered N-heterocyclic carbene (Fe-NHC) complexes have shown long-lived excited states with charge transfer character useful for light-harvesting applications.
Development of two-photon polymerised scaffolds for optical interrogation and neurite guidance of human iPSC-derived cortical neuronal networks
Authors: Crowe J. A. , El-Tamer A. , Nagel D. , Koroleva A. V. , Madrid-Wolff J. , Olarte O. E. , Sokolovsky S. , Estevez-Priego E. , Ludl A.-A. , Soriano J. , Loza-Alvarez P. , Chichkov B. N. , Hill E. J. , Parri H. R. , Rafailov E. U.
Published: April 2020

We identified photopolymers for 2-photon polymerisation with biocompatibility for human iPSC-derived neural network development. Generation of microscale scaffold topologies enabled neurite guidance, demonstrating use in reproducing aligned networks.
Chemical control of competing electron transfer pathways in iron tetracyano-polypyridyl photosensitizers
Authors: Kunnus Kristjan , Li Lin , Titus Charles J. , Lee Sang Jun , Reinhard Marco E. , Koroidov Sergey , Kjær Kasper S. , Hong Kiryong , Ledbetter Kathryn , Doriese William B. , O'Neil Galen C. , Swetz Daniel S. , Ullom Joel N. , Li Dale , Irwin Kent , Nordlund Dennis , Cordones Amy A. , Gaffney Kelly J.
Published: April 2020

Photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer in Fe tetracyano-polypyridyl complexes was investigated with static and time-resolved UV-visible absorption and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering which revealed a competition of two relaxation pathways.
Laser-induced graphene hybrid photoelectrode for enhanced photoelectrochemical detection of glucose
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Chengxiang , Liu Changchun , Ge Lei , Li Feng
Published: April 2020

The in situ and synchronous fabrication of Ni0/NiO–CdS–graphene hybrid photoelectrodes is developed using a facile and scalable direct-laser-writing method for photoelectrochemical detection of glucose.
A portable electrochemiluminescence bipolar electrode array for the visualized sensing of Cas9 activity
Authors: Guo Rui , Hu Shanwen , Wang Zonghua
Published: April 2020

A new type of closed BPE-ECL system based on an Au electric circuit at a portable substrate is designed for the visualized sensing of Cas9 Activity in the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Methodology for elemental analysis of a mineral fertilizer, some of its raw materials and limestone using microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES)
Authors: Müller Alexandre , Pozebon Dirce , Schwingel Ribeiro Anderson
Published: April 2020

Microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) allowed the determination of 19 elements in a complex sample matrix. Spectral lines and sample preparation procedures were investigated.
Detection of radium at the attogram per gram level in copper by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after cation-exchange chromatography
Authors: Bonin Mélodie , Larivière Dominic , Povinec Pavel P.
Published: April 2020

In this study, a new method was developed for the separation and isolation of radium from metallic copper.
An enzymatically self-assembled DNA patch for enhanced blood coagulation
Authors: Kim Dajeong , Kim Jieun , Lee Jong Bum
Published: April 2020

The assembly of a DNA patch combining enzymatically fabricated DNA film and aptamer-based thrombin binding for enhanced blood coagulation is demonstrated.
Atmospheric low-temperature plasma for direct post-synthetic modification of UiO-66
Authors: He Juan , Xu Fujian , Tian Yunfei , Li Chenghui , Hou Xiandeng
Published: April 2020

A low-temperature plasma-based post-synthetic modification method was developed to directly introduce the hydroxy group into UiO-66 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
Synthesis of benzyl sulfidesviasubstitution reaction at the sulfur of phosphinic acid thioesters
Authors: Nishiyama Yoshitake , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: April 2020

An ambident electrophilicity of phosphinic acid thioesters is disclosed. Unexpected carbon–sulfur bond formation took place in the reaction between phosphinic acid thioesters and benzyl Grignard reagents to provide various benzyl sulfides.
Extended conjugated borenium dimers via late stage functionalization of air-stable borepinium ions
Authors: Adachi Yohei , Arai Fuka , Jäkle Frieder
Published: April 2020

Conjugated dimeric borenium ions exhibit red-shifted absorptions, enhanced emission, and dramatically lower LUMO energies.
Impact of the carbon membrane inserted below Ni in the layer exchange of multilayer graphene
Authors: Murata H. , Saitoh N. , Yoshizawa N. , Suemasu T. , Toko K.
Published: April 2020

High-quality multilayer graphene on glass is achieved at a low temperature (400 °C).
Origin of short- and medium-range order in supercooled liquid Ge3Sb2Te6 using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Qiao Chong , Guo Y. R. , Wang Songyou , Jia Yu , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Ho Kai-Ming
Published: April 2020

The disordered clusters in Ge3Sb2Te6 change to ordered octahedrons by adjustment of the bond-angle relationship as the temperature decreases.
Interaction of imidazolium-based lipids with phospholipid bilayer membranes of different complexity
Authors: Bornemann Steffen , Herzog Marius , Roling Lena , Paulisch Tiffany O. , Brandis Dörte , Kriegler Simon , Galla Hans-Joachim , Glorius Frank , Winter Roland
Published: April 2020

Depending on the chain length and headgroup structure, alkylated imidazolium salts affect the fluidity, lateral organization and morphology of lipid vesicles to various extents.
Photo-reduction enables catalyst regeneration in Fenton reaction on an Fe2O3-decorated TiO2 nanotube-based photocatalyst
Authors: Peng Quanming , Peng Guiming , Wu Liangpeng , Chen Yaqian , Han Bin , Su Qiucheng , Liu Shijun , Li Xinjun
Published: April 2020

Active Fe2+ sites of TNT(Pd)/Fe2O3 with a unique electronic structure for the Fenton reaction can be self-generated.
Functionalized magnetic nanosized materials for efficient biodiesel synthesis via acid–base/enzyme catalysis
Authors: Wang Anping , Sudarsanam Putla , Xu Yufei , Zhang Heng , Li Hu , Yang Song
Published: April 2020

This critical review introduces the preparation methods, structural and performance control, protection, and functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles as easily recyclable and efficient heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel synthesis.
Matrix density drives 3D organotypic lymphatic vessel activation in a microfluidic model of the breast tumor microenvironment
Authors: Lugo-Cintrón Karina M. , Ayuso José M. , White Bridget R. , Harari Paul M. , Ponik Suzanne M. , Beebe David J. , Gong Max M. , Virumbrales-Muñoz María
Published: April 2020

Lymphatic organotypicin vitromodel allows the examination of components of the tumor microenvironment (e.g., ECM density, cancer cells) in lymphatic vessel biology in the context of cancer, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Improved conductivity and ionic mobility in nanostructured thin films via aliovalent doping for ultra-high rate energy storage
Authors: Kacica Clayton T. , Biswas Pratim
Published: April 2020

Synthesis of Cu-doped TiO2 nanostructures with excellent high-rate lithium-ion battery performance and enhanced lithium-ion diffusion.
A hierarchical SnS@ZnIn2S4 marigold flower-like 2D nano-heterostructure as an efficient photocatalyst for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation
Authors: Gunjal Aarti R. , Kulkarni Aniruddha K. , Kawade Ujjwala V. , Sethi Yogesh A. , Sonawane Ravindra S. , Ook-Baeg Jin , Nagawade Arvind V. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report the in situ single-step hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical 2D SnS@ZnIn2S4 nano-heterostructures and the examination of their photocatalytic activity towards hydrogen generation from H2S and water under sunlight.
Size-dependent aggregation of hydrophobic nanoparticles in lipid membranes
Authors: Lavagna Enrico , Barnoud Jonathan , Rossi Giulia , Monticelli Luca
Published: April 2020

Aggregation of hydrophobic spherical nanoparticles in lipid membranes depends on nanoparticle size. Nanoparticles of ∼3 nm sense and induce membrane curvature.
Fluorescent supramolecular hierarchical self-assemblies from glycosylated 4-amino- and 4-bromo-1,8-naphthalimides
Authors: Calatrava-Pérez Elena , Acherman Stefan , Stricker Lucas , McManus Gavin , Delente Jason , Lynes Amy D. , Henwood Adam F. , Lovitt June I. , Hawes Chris S. , Byrne Kevin , Schmitt Wolfgang , Kotova Oxana , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: April 2020

The investigation into the self-assembly formation of the glycan based 4-amino- and 4-bromo-1,8-naphthalimide (Nap) structures1–3is presented.
Chiral bifunctional sulfide-catalyzed asymmetric bromoaminocyclizations
Authors: Nakamura Takumi , Okuno Ken , Kaneko Kazuma , Yamanaka Masahiro , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: April 2020

A chiral bifunctional sulfide catalyst bearing a urea moiety promotes the enantioselective bromoaminocyclization of 2-allylanilines to produce optically active 2-substituted indolines.
Bioactive scaffolds based on collagen filaments with tunable physico-chemical and biological features
Authors: Lu Ting , Hu Hong , Li Yuanqi , Jiang Qingsong , Su Jinlei , Lin Hai , Xiao Yun , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: April 2020

Native tissues such as nerve bundles, blood vessels and tendons have extracellular matrices with a characteristic linear orientation, which cannot be fully achieved with the current technology for the development of regenerative biomaterials.
Leucine and branched-chain amino acid metabolism contribute to the growth of bone sarcomas by regulating AMPK and mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Martin Shailer B. , Reiche William S. , Fifelski Nicholas A. , Schultz Alexander J. , Stanford Spencer J. , Martin Alexander A. , Nack Danielle L. , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Boyer Michael P. , Ananieva Elitsa A.
Published: April 2020

Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are sarcomas of the bone and the cartilage that are primarily treated by surgical intervention combined with high toxicity chemotherapy. In search of alternative metabolic approaches to address the challenges in treating bone sarcomas, we assessed the growth dependence of these cancers on leucine, one of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and BCAA metabolism. Tumor biopsies from bone sarcoma patients revealed differential expression of BCAA metabolic enzymes. The cytosolic branched-chain aminotransferase (BCATc) that is commonly overexpressed in cancer cells, was down-regulated in chondrosarcoma (SW1353) in contrast with osteosarcoma (143B) cells that expressed both BCATc and its mitochondrial isoform BCATm. Treating SW1353 cells with gabapentin, a selective inhibitor of BCATc, further revealed that these cells failed to respond to gabapentin. Application of the structural analog of leucine, N-acetyl-leucine amide (NALA) to disrupt leucine uptake, indicated that all bone sarcoma cells used leucine to support their energy metabolism and biosynthetic demands. This was evident from the increased activity of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), down-regulation of complex 1 of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTORC1), and reduced cell viability in response to NALA. The observed changes were most profound in the 143B cells, which appeared highly dependent on cytosolic and mitochondrial BCAA metabolism. This study thus demonstrates that bone sarcomas rely on leucine and BCAA metabolism for energy and growth; however, the differential expression of BCAA enzymes and the presence of other carbon sources may dictate how efficiently these cancer cells take advantage of BCAA metabolism.
Catalytic mechanism of the mismatch-specific DNA glycosylase methyl-CpG-binding domain 4
Authors: Ouzon-Shubeita Hala , Jung Hunmin , Lee Michelle H. , Koag Myong-Chul , Lee Seongmin
Published: April 2020

Thymine:guanine base pairs are major promutagenic mismatches occurring in DNA metabolism. If left unrepaired, these mispairs can cause C to T transition mutations. In humans, T:G mismatches are repaired in part by mismatch-specific DNA glycosylases such as methyl-CpG-binding domain 4 (hMBD4) and thymine-DNA glycosylase. Unlike lesion-specific DNA glycosylases, T:G-mismatch-specific DNA glycosylases specifically recognize both bases of the mismatch and remove the thymine but only from mispairs with guanine. Despite the advances in biochemical and structural characterizations of hMBD4, the catalytic mechanism of hMBD4 remains elusive. Herein, we report two structures of hMBD4 processing T:G-mismatched DNA. A high-resolution crystal structure of Asp560Asn hMBD4-T:G complex suggests that hMBD4-mediated glycosidic bond cleavage occurs via a general base catalysis mechanism assisted by Asp560. A structure of wild-type hMBD4 encountering T:G-containing DNA shows the generation of an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site bearing the C1′-(S)-OH. The inversion of the stereochemistry at the C1′ of the AP-site indicates that a nucleophilic water molecule approaches from the back of the thymine substrate, suggesting a bimolecular displacement mechanism (SN2) for hMBD4-catalyzed thymine excision. The AP-site is stabilized by an extensive hydrogen bond network in the MBD4 catalytic site, highlighting the role of MBD4 in protecting the genotoxic AP-site.
Quantitative mapping of binding specificity landscapes for homologous targets by using a high-throughput method
Authors: Aharon Lidan , Aharoni Shay-Lee , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv
Published: April 2020

To facilitate investigations of protein–protein interactions (PPIs), we developed a novel platform for quantitative mapping of protein binding specificity landscapes, which combines the multi-target screening of a mutagenesis library into high- and low-affinity populations with sophisticated next-generation sequencing analysis. Importantly, this method generates accurate models to predict affinity and specificity values for any mutation within a protein complex, and requires only a few experimental binding affinity measurements using purified proteins for calibration. We demonstrated the utility of the approach by mapping quantitative landscapes for interactions between the N-terminal domain of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (N-TIMP2) and three matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) having homologous structures but different affinities (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-14). The binding landscapes for N-TIMP2/MMP-1 and N-TIMP2/MMP-3 showed the PPIs to be almost fully optimized, with most single mutations giving a loss of affinity. In contrast, the non-optimized PPI for N-TIMP2/MMP-14 was reflected in a wide range of binding affinities, where single mutations exhibited a far more attenuated effect on the PPI. Our new platform reliably and comprehensively identified not only hot- and cold-spot residues, but also specificity-switch mutations that shape target affinity and specificity. Thus, our approach provides a methodology giving an unprecedentedly rich quantitative analysis of the binding specificity landscape, which will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms and evolutionary origins of specific PPIs and facilitate the rational design of specific inhibitors for structurally similar target proteins.
MicroRNA-92a-3p enhances functional recovery and suppresses apoptosis after spinal cord injury via targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog
Authors: He Shaoxuan , Wang Zhihua , Li Yunxuan , Dong Junjie , Xiang Dong , Ren Lirong , Guo Limin , Shu Jun
Published: April 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological disease commonly caused by traumatic events on spinal cords. MiRNA-92a-3p is reported to be down-regulated after SCI. Our study investigated the effects of up-regulated miR-92a-3p on SCI and the underlying mechanisms. SCI mice model was established to evaluate the functional recovery of hindlimbs of mice through open-field locomotion and scored by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotion scale. Apoptosis of spinal cord cells was determined by flow cytometry. The effects of miR-92a-3p on SCI were detected by intrathecally injecting miR-92a-3p agomiR (agomiR-92) into the mice prior to the establishment of SCI. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was predicted as a target of miR-29a-3p by TargetScan. We further assessed the effects of agomiR-92 or/and overexpressed PTEN on apoptosis rates and apoptotic protein expressions in SCI mice. Moreover, the activation of protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was determined by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham-operated mice, SCI mice had much lower BBB scores, and theapoptosis rate of spinal cord cells was significantly increased. After SCI, the expression of miR-92a-3p was down-regulated, and increased expression of miR-92a-3p induced by agomiR-92 further significantly increased the BBB score and decreased apoptosis. PTEN was specifically targeted by miR-92a-3p. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR were up-regulated under the treatment of agomiR-92. Our data demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of miR-92a-3p on spinal cord safter SCI were highly associated with the activation of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway.
LINC00221 suppresses the malignancy of children acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Huang Man , Zheng Jiajia , Ren Yongya , Zhu Jingjing , Kou Linbing , Nie Jinhong
Published: April 2020

As the most common malignant disease in childhood, children acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous disease caused by the accumulated genetic alterations. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported as critical regulators in diseases. GEPIA database indicated that long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 221 (LINC00221) was conspicuously down-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia. However, its expression pattern in ALL has not been revealed. This work was carried out to study the role of LINC00221 in ALL cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) quantified LINC00221 expression in ALL cells. The function of LINC00221 in ALL was determined by ki-67 immunofluorescence staining, EdU, TUNEL, JC-1, and caspase-3/8/9 activity assays. RNA pull down and Ago2-RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays investigated the interaction between miR-152-3p and LINC00221 or ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 2 (ATP2A2). Our study revealed the low expression of LINC00221 in ALL cells. Subsequently, LINC00221 was verified to bind with miR-152-3p. Moreover, functional assays pointed out that LINC00221 overexpression posed anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects in ALL cells, and these effects could be separately reversed by miR-152-3p up-regulation. Afterward, LINC00221 was revealed to regulate ATP2A2 expression via sponging miR-152-3p. Additionally, ATP2A2 was verified to involve in regulating LINC00221-mediated ALL cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, LINC00221 suppressed ALL cell proliferation and boosted ALL cell apoptosis via sponging miR-152-3p to up-regulate ATP2A2.
Diabetes und Augenerkrankungen
Authors: Guthoff Rainer
Published: April 2020

The frequency of diabetic retinopathy increases and is a leading cause of blindness in the working population. Recommended exams are testing of the visual acuity, ophthalmoscopy with dilated pupils, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). By OCT the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic macular edema has vastly improved. By intravitreal medications such as intravitreal anti-VEGF or intravitreal steroids macular edema can be treated successfully. Panretinal laser photocoagulation is the gold-standard in the therapy of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients benefit from good co-working of general practitioner and ophthalmologist concerning screening and treatment.
Direct Synthesis of 5-Acyl-3-oxy-4-pyrones Based On Acid-­Catalyzed Acylation of Enaminodiones with Acylbenzotriazoles via Soft Enolization
Authors: Obydennov Dmitrii L. , Viktorova Viktoria V. , Chernyshova Elena V. , Shirinkin Alexander S. , Usachev Sergey A. , Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Y.
Published: April 2020

A novel convenient acid-catalyzed acylation of enaminodiones with acylbenzotriazoles via soft enolization has been developed for the direct synthesis of hard-to-reach 5-acyl-3-oxy-4-pyrones. The important advantages of the reaction include broad substrate scope, mild conditions, scalability, and readily isolation of products by crystallization without the use of chromatography. Further modification of the pyrone ring and synthesis of various azaheterocycles via ring-opening transformation have been demonstrated for the preparation of potential scaffolds for inhibition of metalloenzymes.
Formation of Imidazolones by Ring Closure of α-Isocyanoamides: Exploring New Reactivities
Authors: Bischoff Laurent , Frippiat Steven , Leterrier Claire , Baudequin Christine , Hoarau Christophe
Published: April 2020

Base-mediated ring closure of α,α-disubstituted α-isocyanoamides with further electrophilic trapping has previously been explored, but with limited applications. In this work, we wished to unravel the reactivities of these compounds and, in particular, to allow palladium-catalyzed coupling at the C2 position.
Outcomes from an Expanded Targeted Early Cytomegalovirus Testing Program
Authors: McCrary Hilary , Shi Kevin , Newberry Ian C. , Hamilton Christopher , Ostrander Betsy , O'Brien Elizabeth , Knackstedt Elizabeth D. , Ling Con Yee , Miner Lonnie J. , Park Albert H.
Published: April 2020

Objective This study aimed to determine the outcomes from an expanded targeted early congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing program.

Study Design A retrospective analysis of data was collected from June 2016 to April 2018 of patients who underwent expanded targeted early cCMV testing during the peri-implementation phase. Information regarding patient presentation, test type/result, and audiologic outcomes were collected. Chi-square and two-sample t-tests were performed.

Results A total of 754 patients underwent cCMV testing; during that period there were 56,947 births at 20 different hospitals. Reasons for completing cCMV testing included the following: (1) failed hearing screening (35.8%), (2) intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) (29.1%), (3) sepsis (10.7%), (4) other/unknown (8.7%), (5) elevated liver enzymes or bilirubin (5.1%), (6) thrombocytopenia (5.1%), (7) central nervous system abnormalities (3.3%), and (8) mother with suspected cCMV infection (2.2%). The most frequent type of cCMV test performed was urine polymerase chain reaction (75.8%). A total of 21 (2.8%) patients tested positive for cCMV, of which 12 (57%) were symptomatic. This value represents a prevalence of 36.9 cCMV cases and 21.1 symptomatic cCMV cases diagnosed per 100,000 live births. Criteria most commonly associated with a positive testing were failed hearing screening (33.3%), IUGR/SGA (28.6%), and a mother with suspected cCMV infection (19.0%).

Conclusion Implementation of an expanded targeted early CMV testing program has the potential to identify symptomatic cCMV infants who would not be identified otherwise.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Associated with Amniotomy among Nulliparous Women Undergoing Labor Induction at Term
Authors: Battarbee Ashley N. , Sandoval Grecio , Grobman William A. , Reddy Uma M. , Tita Alan T.N. , Silver Robert M. , El-Sayed Yasser Y. , Wapner Ronald J. , Rouse Dwight J. , Saade George R. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Iams Jay D. , Chien Edward K. , Casey Brian M. , Gibbs Ronald S. , Srinivas Sindhu K. , Swamy Geeta K. , Simhan Hyagriv N. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network
Published: April 2020

Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between amniotomy at various time points during labor induction and maternal and neonatal outcomes among term, nulliparous women.

Study Design Secondary analysis of a randomized trial of term labor induction versus expectant management in low-risk, nulliparous women (2014–2017) was conducted. Women met inclusion criteria if they underwent induction ≥38 weeks' gestation using oxytocin with documented time and type of membrane rupture. Women with antepartum stillbirth or fetal anomaly were excluded. The primary outcome was cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal complications. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared among women with amniotomy versus women with intact membranes and no amniotomy at six 2-hour time intervals: before oxytocin initiation, 0 to <2 hours after oxytocin, 2 to <4 hours after, 4 to <6 hours after, 6 to <8 hours after, and 8 to <10 hours after. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, modified Bishop score on admission, treatment group, and hospital (as a random effect).

Results Of 6,106 women in the parent trial, 2,854 (46.7%) women met inclusion criteria. Of these 2,340 (82.0%) underwent amniotomy, and majority of the women had amniotomy performed between 2 and <6 hours after oxytocin. Cesarean delivery was less frequent among women with amniotomy 6 to <8 hours after oxytocin compared with women without amniotomy (21.9 vs. 29.7%; adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.89). Amniotomy at time intervals ≥4 hours after oxytocin was associated with lower odds of labor duration >24 hours. Amniotomy at time intervals ≥2 hours and <8 hours after oxytocin was associated with lower odds of maternal hospitalization >3 days. Amniotomy was not associated with postpartum or neonatal complications.

Conclusion Among a contemporary cohort of nulliparous women undergoing term labor induction, amniotomy was associated with either lower or similar odds of cesarean delivery and other adverse outcomes, compared with no amniotomy.
Random flights connecting porous medium and Euler–Poisson–Darboux equations
Authors: De Gregorio Alessandro , Orsingher Enzo
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider the porous medium equation and establish a relationship between its Kompanets–Zel’dovich–Barenblatt solution u(xd,t),xd∈Rd,t>0 and random flights. The time-rescaled version of u(xd, t) is the fundamental solution of the Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation, which governs the distribution of random flights performed by a particle whose displacements have a Dirichlet probability distribution and choosing directions uniformly on a d-dimensional sphere. We consider the space-fractional version of the Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation and present the solution of the related Cauchy problem in terms of the probability distributions of random flights governed by the classical Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation. Furthermore, this research is also aimed at studying the relationship between the solutions of a fractional porous medium equation and the fractional Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation. A considerable part of this paper is devoted to the analysis of the probabilistic tools of the solutions of the fractional equations. The extension to the higher-order Euler–Poisson–Darboux equation is considered, and the solutions are interpreted as compositions of laws of pseudoprocesses.
Constructions and properties of a class of random scale-free networks
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Ma Fei
Published: April 2020

Complex networks have abundant and extensive applications in real life. Recently, researchers have proposed a large variety of complex networks, in which some are deterministic and others are random. The goal of this paper is to generate a class of random scale-free networks. To achieve this, we introduce three types of operations, i.e., rectangle operation, diamond operation, and triangle operation, and provide the concrete process for generating random scale-free networks N(p,q,r,t), where probability parameters p,q,r hold on p+q+r=1 with 0≤p,q,r≤1. We then discuss their topological properties, such as average degree, degree distribution, diameter, and clustering coefficient. First, we calculate the average degree of each member and discover that each member is a sparse graph. Second, by computing the degree distribution of our network N(p,q,r,t), we find that degree distribution obeys the power-law distribution, which implies that each member is scale-free. Next, according to our analysis of the diameter of our network N(p,q,r,t), we reveal the fact that the diameter may abruptly transform from small to large. Afterward, we give the calculation process of the clustering coefficient and discover that its value is mainly determined by r.
Selective acetylene hydrogenation over single metal atoms supported on Fe3O4(001): A first-principle study
Authors: Yuk Simuck F. , Collinge Greg , Nguyen Manh-Thuong , Lee Mal-Soon , Glezakou Vassiliki-Alexandra , Rousseau Roger
Published: April 2020

Supported single-atom catalysts (SACs) have gained increasing attention for improved catalytic activity and selectivity for industrially relevant reactions. In this study, we explore the hydrogenation of acetylene over single Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, and Ir atoms supported on the Fe3O4(001) surface using density functional theory calculations. The thermodynamic profile of H diffusion is significantly modified by the type of single metal atoms used, suggesting that H spillover from the single atom dopant to the Fe3O4(001) surface is favored and will likely lead to high H coverages of the functioning catalyst. Correspondingly, as the surface H coverage increases, the important desorption step of ethylene becomes energetically competitive against the detrimental hydrogenation steps of ethylene to ethane. A kinetic model is employed to explore how the activity and selectivity of SACs toward ethylene production change as a function of mass of the catalyst loaded into a flow reactor. Overall, we show that the selectivity of SACs toward ethylene production can be tuned by considering the proper type of metal and controlling the redox state of the support.
Structural evolution in gold nanoparticles using artificial neural network based interatomic potentials
Authors: Jindal Shweta , Bulusu Satya S.
Published: April 2020

Relativistic effects of gold make its behavior different from other metals. Unlike silver and copper, gold does not require symmetrical structures as the stable entities. We present the evolution of gold from a cluster to a nanoparticle by considering a majority of stable structural possibilities. Here, an interatomic potential (artificial neural network), trained on quantum mechanical data comprising small to medium sized clusters, gives exceptional results for larger size clusters. We have explored the potential energy surface for “magic” number clusters 309, 561, and 923. This study reveals that these clusters are not completely symmetric, but they require a distorted symmetric core with amorphous layers of atoms over it. The amorphous geometries tend to be more stable in comparison to completely symmetric structures. The first ever gold cluster to hold an icosahedron-Au13 was identified at Au60 [S. Pande et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 10, 1820 (2019)]. Through our study, we have found a plausible evolution of a symmetric core as the size of the nanoparticle increases. The stable cores were found at Au160, Au327, and Au571, which can be recognized as new magic numbers. Au923 is found to have a stable symmetric core of 147 atoms covered with layers of atoms that are not completely amorphous. This shows the preference of symmetric structures as the size of the nanoparticle increases (<3.3 nm).
Ab initio simulation of warm dense matter
Authors: Bonitz M. , Dornheim T. , Moldabekov Zh. A. , Zhang S. , Hamann P. , Kählert H. , Filinov A. , Ramakrishna K. , Vorberger J.
Published: April 2020

Warm dense matter (WDM)—an exotic state of highly compressed matter—has attracted increased interest in recent years in astrophysics and for dense laboratory systems. At the same time, this state is extremely difficult to treat theoretically. This is due to the simultaneous appearance of quantum degeneracy, Coulomb correlations, and thermal effects, as well as the overlap of plasma and condensed phases. Recent breakthroughs are due to the successful application of density functional theory (DFT) methods which, however, often lack the necessary accuracy and predictive capability for WDM applications. The situation has changed with the availability of the first ab initio data for the exchange–correlation free energy of the warm dense uniform electron gas (UEG) that were obtained by quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) simulations; for recent reviews, see Dornheim et al., Phys. Plasmas 24, 056303 (2017) and Phys. Rep. 744, 1–86 (2018). In the present article, we review recent further progress in QMC simulations of the warm dense UEG: namely, ab initio results for the static local field correction G(q) and for the dynamic structure factor S(q,ω). These data are of key relevance for comparison with x-ray scattering experiments at free electron laser facilities and for the improvement of theoretical models. In the second part of this paper, we discuss the simulations of WDM out of equilibrium. The theoretical approaches include Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics, quantum kinetic theory, time-dependent DFT, and hydrodynamics. Here, we analyze the strengths and limitations of these methods and argue that progress in WDM simulations will require a suitable combination of all methods. A particular role might be played by quantum hydrodynamics, and we concentrate on problems, recent progress, and possible improvements of this method.
Hypergiant spin polarons photogenerated in ferromagnetic europium chalcogenides
Authors: Gratens X. , Ou Yunbo , Moodera J. S. , Rappl P. H. O. , Henriques A. B.
Published: April 2020

We find that in the ferromagnetic semiconductor EuS, near its Curie temperature, a single band edge photon generates a spin polaron (SP), whose magnetic moment approaches 20 000 Bohr magnetons. This is much larger than the supergiant photoinduced SPs in antiferromagnetic europium chalcogenides, reported previously. The larger SP in ferromagnetic EuS, and still larger expected for EuO, is explained by a larger Bohr radius of the photoexcited electron state, which encircles and polarizes a greater number of lattice spins. However, because the wave function of the photoexcited electron spreads over a greater volume, the photoexcited electron's exchange interaction with individual lattice spins weakens, which makes the SP more easily quenched thermally.
First implementation of gyrokinetic exact linearized Landau collision operator and comparison with models
Authors: Pan Qingjiang , Ernst Darin R. , Crandall Paul
Published: April 2020

Gyrokinetic simulations are fundamental to understanding and predicting turbulent transport in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Previous simulations have used model collision operators with approximate field-particle terms of unknown accuracy and/or have neglected collisional finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects. We have implemented the linearized Fokker–Planck collision operator with exact field-particle terms and full FLR effects in a gyrokinetic code (GENE). The new operator, referred to as “exact” in this paper, allows the accuracy of model collision operators to be assessed. The conservative Landau form is implemented because its symmetry underlies the conservation laws and the H-theorem, and enables numerical methods to preserve this conservation, independent of resolution. The implementation utilizes the finite-volume method recently employed to discretize the Sugama collision model in GENE, allowing direct comparison between the two operators. Results show that the Sugama model appears accurate for the growth rates of trapped electron modes (TEMs) driven only by density gradients, but appreciably underestimates the growth rates as the collisionality and electron temperature gradient increase. The TEM turbulent fluxes near the nonlinear threshold using the exact operator are similar to the Sugama model for the ηe=d ln Te/d ln ne=0 case, but substantially larger than the Sugama model for the ηe=1 case. The FLR effects reduce the growth rates increasingly with wavenumber, deepening a “valley” at the intermediate binormal wavenumber as the unstable mode extends from the TEM regime to the electron temperature gradient instability regime. Application to the Hinton–Rosenbluth problem shows that zonal flows decay faster as the radial wavenumber increases and the exact operator yields weaker decay rates.
Fabrication and performance of Tile transducers for piezoelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Ding Guangya , Wang Jun , Cai Guojun , Qin Xiangzhen , Shi Kaixi
Published: April 2020

In recent years, pavement piezoelectric energy harvesting has become one of the most promising road energy harvesting system clean energy sources. However, it is difficult for existing piezoelectric transducer structures to meet road power generation requirements. In this study, ceramic grinding and polishing techniques were used to make curved piezoelectric ceramic units with controllable curvatures. A new type of Tile transducer for roadway applications was developed in combination with an elastic metal base. Under the action of traffic load, the Tile transducer was subject to both vertical stress and a horizontal tearing force. Laboratory tests were performed on Tile transducers with simply supported and fixed boundary conditions, and the effects of concentrated and uniformly distributed loads on energy harvesting efficiency were analyzed. When the excitation frequency was 6 Hz and the load was 0.7 MPa, the output power of the Plane transducer was 0.23 mW, while that of the Tile transducer was 24.5 times as large at 5.65 mW. The ultimate compressive yield strength of a single Tile transducer could reach 2.18 kN, and the load limit was 1.5 kN at an excitation frequency of 10 Hz. This meets traffic load requirements. The open circuit voltage peak did not decrease substantially when 360 000 cyclic loading processes were performed. This indicated that Tile transducer structural performance was stable and that the transducer was durable. Based on the test results, an effective Tile transducer packaging method is proposed for application in road power generation systems.
Strain tunable pudding-mold-type band structure and thermoelectric properties of SnP3 monolayer
Authors: Wei Shasha , Wang Cong , Fan Shuaiwei , Gao Guoying
Published: April 2020

Recent studies indicated the interesting metal-to-semiconductor transition when layered bulk GeP3 and SnP3 are restricted to the monolayer or bilayer, and the SnP3 monolayer has been predicted to possess high carrier mobility and promising thermoelectric performance. Here, we investigate the biaxial strain effect on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of the SnP3 monolayer. Our first-principles calculations combined with Boltzmann transport theory indicate that the SnP3 monolayer has the “pudding-mold-type” valence band structure, giving rise to a large p-type Seebeck coefficient and a high p-type power factor. The compressive biaxial strain can decrease the energy gap and result in metallicity. In contrast, the tensile biaxial strain increases the energy gap, increases the n-type Seebeck coefficient, and decreases the n-type electrical conductivity. Although the lattice thermal conductivity becomes larger at a tensile biaxial strain due to the increased maximum frequency of the acoustic phonon modes and the increased phonon group velocity, it is still low, e.g., only 4.1 W m−1 K−1, at room temperature with 6% tensile strain. The tensile strain decreases the figure of merit, but the value is still considerable, and it can reach 2.01 for p-type doping at 700 K with 6% tensile strain. Therefore, the SnP3 monolayer is a good thermoelectric material with low lattice thermal conductivity and promising figure of merit even at 6% tensile strain.