bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nyctinastic thallus movement in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha is regulated by a circadian clock
Authors: Lagercrantz Ulf , Billhardt Anja , Rousku Sabine N. , Ljung Karin , Eklund D. Magnus
Published: May 2020

The circadian clock coordinates an organism’s growth, development and physiology with environmental factors. One illuminating example is the rhythmic growth of hypocotyls and cotyledons in Arabidopsis thaliana. Such daily oscillations in leaf position are often referred to as sleep movements or nyctinasty. Here, we report that plantlets of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha show analogous rhythmic movements of thallus lobes, and that the circadian clock controls this rhythm, with auxin a likely output pathway affecting these movements. The mechanisms of this circadian clock are partly conserved as compared to angiosperms, with homologs to the core clock genes PRR, RVE and TOC1 forming a core transcriptional feedback loop also in M. polymorpha.
Non-invasive identification of swallows via deep learning in high resolution cervical auscultation recordings
Authors: Khalifa Yassin , Coyle James L. , Sejdić Ervin
Published: May 2020

High resolution cervical auscultation is a very promising noninvasive method for dysphagia screening and aspiration detection, as it does not involve the use of harmful ionizing radiation approaches. Automatic extraction of swallowing events in cervical auscultation is a key step for swallowing analysis to be clinically effective. Using time-varying spectral estimation of swallowing signals and deep feed forward neural networks, we propose an automatic segmentation algorithm for swallowing accelerometry and sounds that works directly on the raw swallowing signals in an online fashion. The algorithm was validated qualitatively and quantitatively using the swallowing data collected from 248 patients, yielding over 3000 swallows manually labeled by experienced speech language pathologists. With a detection accuracy that exceeded 95%, the algorithm has shown superior performance in comparison to the existing algorithms and demonstrated its generalizability when tested over 76 completely unseen swallows from a different population. The proposed method is not only of great importance to any subsequent swallowing signal analysis steps, but also provides an evidence that such signals can capture the physiological signature of the swallowing process.
RNA Sequencing Analyses Reveal the Potential Mechanism of Pulmonary Injury Induced by Gallium Arsenide Particles in Human Bronchial Epithelioid Cells
Authors: Ouyang Yabo , Liu Xiaodong , Li Haibing , Cui Shiwei , Yan Huifang , Pan Xingfu
Published: May 2020

Extensive use of gallium arsenide (GaAs) has led to increased exposure to humans working in the semiconductor industry. This study employed physicochemical characterization of GaAs obtained from a workplace, cytotoxicity analysis of damage induced by GaAs in 16HBE cells, RNA-seq and related bioinformatic analysis, qRT-PCR verification and survival analysis to comprehensively understand the potential mechanism leading to lung toxicity induced by GaAs. We found that GaAs-induced abnormal gene expression was mainly related to the cellular response to chemical stimuli, the regulation of signalling, cell differentiation and the cell cycle, which are involved in transcriptional misregulation in cancer, the MAPK signalling pathway, the TGF-β signalling pathway and pulmonary disease-related pathways. Ten upregulated genes (FOS, JUN, HSP90AA1, CDKN1A, ESR1, MYC, RAC1, CTNNB1, MAPK8 and FOXO1) and 7 downregulated genes (TP53, AKT1, NFKB1, SMAD3, CDK1, E2F1 and PLK1) related to GaAs-induced pulmonary toxicity were identified. High expression of HSP90AA1, RAC1 and CDKN1A was significantly associated with a lower rate of overall survival in lung cancers. The results of this study indicate that GaAs-associated toxicities affected the misregulation of oncogenes and tumour suppressing genes, activation of the TGF-β/MAPK pathway, and regulation of cell differentiation and the cell cycle. These results help to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying GaAs-induced pulmonary injury.
Wildfires lead to decreased carbon and increased nitrogen concentrations in upland arctic streams
Authors: Rodríguez-Cardona B. M. , Coble A. A. , Wymore A. S. , Kolosov R. , Podgorski D. C. , Zito P. , Spencer R. G. M. , Prokushkin A. S. , McDowell W. H.
Published: May 2020

The Central Siberian Plateau is undergoing rapid climate change that has resulted in increased frequency of forest fires and subsequent alteration of watershed carbon and nutrient dynamics. Across a watershed chronosequence (3 to >100 years since wildfire) we quantified the effects of fire on quantity and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM), stream water nutrient concentrations, as well as in-stream nutrient uptake. Wildfires increased concentrations of nitrate for a decade, while decreasing concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC and DON) and aliphatic DOM contribution for five decades. These post-wildfire changes in stream DOM result in lower uptake efficiency of in-stream nitrate in recently burned watersheds. Nitrate uptake (as uptake velocity) is strongly dependent on DOM composition (e.g. polyphenolics), ambient dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and DOC to DIN ratios. Our observations and experiments suggest that a decade-long pulse of inorganic nitrogen and a reduction of DOC export occur following wildfires in streams draining the Central Siberian Plateau. Increased fire frequency in the region is thus likely to both decrease DOM and increase nitrate delivery to the main stem Yenisei River, and ultimately the Arctic Ocean, in the coming decades.
The RNA disruption assay is superior to conventional drug sensitivity assays in detecting cytotoxic drugs
Authors: Mapletoft Jonathan P. J. , St-Onge Renée J. , Guo Baoqing , Butler Phillipe , Masilamani Twinkle J. , D’costa Lavina , Pritzker Laura B. , Parissenti Amadeo M.
Published: May 2020

Conventional drug sensitivity assays used to screen prospective anti-cancer agents for cytotoxicity monitor biological processes associated with active growth and proliferation, used as proxies of cell viability. However, these assays are unable to distinguish between growth-arrested (but otherwise viable) cells and non-viable/dead cells. As a result, compounds selected based on the results of these assays may only be cytostatic, halting or slowing tumour progression temporarily, without tumour eradication. Because agents capable of killing tumour cells (cytotoxic drugs) are likely the most promising in the clinic, there is a need for drug sensitivity assays that reliably identify cytotoxic compounds that induce cell death. We recently developed a drug sensitivity assay, called the RNA disruption assay (RDA), which measures a phenomenon associated with tumour cell death. In this study, we sought to compare our assay’s performance to that of current commonly used drug sensitivity assays (i.e, the clonogenic, the cell counting kit-8 and the Trypan blue exclusion assays). We found that RNA disruption occurred almost exclusively when total cell numbers decreased (cytotoxic concentrations), with little to no signal detected until cells had lost viability. In contrast, conventional assays detected a decrease in their respective drug sensitivity parameters despite cells retaining their viability, as assessed using a recovery assay. We also found that the RDA can differentiate between drug-sensitive and -resistant cells, and that it can identify agents capable of circumventing drug resistance. Taken together, our study suggests that the RDA is a superior drug discovery tool, providing a unique assessment of cell death.
G3 and G9 Rotavirus genotypes in waste water circulation from two major metropolitan cities of Pakistan
Authors: Naqvi Syeda Sumera , Javed Sundus , Naseem Saadia , Sadiq Asma , Khan Netasha , Sattar Sadia , Shah Naseer Ali , Bostan Nazish
Published: May 2020

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a diarrheal pathogen affecting children under age five, particularly in developing and underdeveloped regions of the world due to malnutrition, poor healthcare and hygienic conditions. Water and food contamination are found to be major sources of diarrheal outbreaks. Pakistan is one of the countries with high RVA related diarrhea burden but with insufficient surveillance system. The aim of this study was to gauge the RVA contamination of major open sewerage collecting streams and household water supplies in two major metropolitan cities of Pakistan. Three concentration methods were compared using RNA purity and concentration as parameters, and detection efficiency of the selected method was estimated. Water samples were collected from 21 sites in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in two phases during the year 2014–2015. Meteorological conditions were recorded for each sampling day and site from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Nested PCR was used to detect the presence of RVA in samples targeting the VP7 gene. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association of weather conditions with RVA persistence in water bodies. Statistical analysis hinted at a temporal and seasonal pattern of RVA detection in water. Phylogenetic analysis of selected isolates showed a close association of environmental strains with clinical RVA isolates from hospitalized children with acute diarrhea during the same period. This is the first scientific report cataloging the circulating RVA strains in environmental samples from the region. The study highlights the hazards of releasing untreated sewerage containing potentially infectious viral particles into collecting streams, which could become a reservoir of multiple pathogens and a risk to exposed communities. Moreover, routine testing of these water bodies can present an effective surveillance system of circulating viral strains in the population.
3D Extension at Plate Boundaries Accommodated by Interacting Fault Systems
Authors: Collanega Luca , Corti Giacomo , Breda Anna , Massironi Matteo , Keir Derek
Published: May 2020

Complex patterns of normal faults with multiple orientations and/or highly curved shapes have been traditionally explained by successive tectonic phases of 2-dimensional deformation. Alternatively, multiple fault sets have been proposed to develop simultaneously and in orthorhombic symmetry during a single phase of 3-dimensional deformation. We use analogue models of normal faults to demonstrate that, without the influence of pre-existing structures, 3D extension is preferentially accommodated by the alternate, rather than simultaneous, development of faults with different trends. By means of stress-driven interactions, 3D deformation can be partitioned into coupled systems of normal faults, which display geometries commonly observed in tectonic settings affected by interacting plate boundaries. Under radial extension, deformation is accommodated by major curvilinear grabens coupled with minor perpendicular faults, resulting in the triple junctions of grabens observed in Afar. On the other hand, the alternate development of perpendicular faults accommodates synchronous bi-directional and mutually perpendicular extension, giving the same fault pattern observed in the Barents Sea rift-shear margin.
Author Correction: Ablation of CD8α+ dendritic cell mediated cross-presentation does not impact atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Legein Bart , Janssen Edith M. , Theelen Thomas L. , Gijbels Marion J. , Walraven Joep , Klarquist Jared S. , Hennies Cassandra M. , Wouters Kristiaan , Seijkens Tom T. P. , Wijnands Erwin , Sluimer Judith C. , Lutgens Esther , Zenke Martin , Hildner Kai , Biessen Erik A. L. , Temmerman Lieve
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
ACBM: An Integrated Agent and Constraint Based Modeling Framework for Simulation of Microbial Communities
Authors: Karimian Emadoddin , Motamedian Ehsan
Published: May 2020

The development of new methods capable of more realistic modeling of microbial communities necessitates that their results be quantitatively comparable with experimental findings. In this research, a new integrated agent and constraint based modeling framework abbreviated ACBM has been proposed that integrates agent-based and constraint-based modeling approaches. ACBM models the cell population in three-dimensional space to predict spatial and temporal dynamics and metabolic interactions. When used to simulate the batch growth of C. beijerinckii and two-species communities of F. prausnitzii and B. adolescent., ACBM improved on predictions made by two previous models. Furthermore, when transcriptomic data were integrated with a metabolic model of E. coli to consider intracellular constraints in the metabolism, ACBM accurately predicted growth rate, half-rate constant, and concentration of biomass, glucose, and acidic products over time. The results also show that the framework was able to predict the metabolism changes in the early stationary compared to the log phase. Finally, ACBM was implemented to estimate starved cells under heterogeneous feeding and it was concluded that a percentage of cells are always subject to starvation in a bioreactor with high volume.
Generic Emergence of Modularity in Spatial Networks
Authors: Gilarranz Luis J.
Published: May 2020

Landscape’s spatial structure has vast implications for the dynamics and distribution of species populations and ecological communities. However, the characterization of the structure of spatial networks has not received nearly as much attention as networks of species interactions counterparts. Recent experiments show the dynamical implications of modularity to buffer perturbations, and theory shows that several other processes might be impacted if spatial networks were modular, from disease transmission to gene flow. Yet the question is, are spatial networks actually modular? Even though some case studies have found modular structures, we lack a general answer to that question. Here, I show that modularity is a naturally emergent property of spatial networks. This finding is further reinforced by analyzing real patchy habitats. Furthermore, I show that there is no need for any other biological process other than dispersal in order to generate a significantly modular spatial network. Modularity is explained by the spatial heterogeneity in the density of habitat fragments. The fact that spatial networks are intrinsically modular might have direct consequences for population and evolutionary dynamics. Modules define the spatial limits of populations and the role each habitat fragment plays in ecological dynamics; they become the relevant scale at which a multitude of processes occur.
Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, toxicity and efficacy of a PEG conjugate and a hybrid PEG conjugate nanoparticle formulation of the antibiotic moxifloxacin
Authors: Tshweu Lesego L. , Shemis Mohamed A. , Abdelghany Aya , Gouda Abdullah , Pilcher Lynne A. , Sibuyi Nicole R. S. , Meyer Mervin , Dube Admire , Balogun Mohammed O.
Published: May 2020

Moxifloxacin was conjugated to polyethylene glycol to segregate host cell toxicity from antimicrobial activity. The conjugate was then encapsulated into a polycaprolactone nanoparticle to assist the simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs to the site of microbial infection.
Highly fluorescent morpholine naphthalimide deoxyuridine nucleotide for the detection of miRNA 24-3P through rolling circle amplification
Authors: Ravi Kumara Guralamatta Siddappa , Pandith Anup , Seo Young Jun
Published: May 2020

We have developed dUrkTP that displays AIE and used for direct labeling in conjunction with enhanced RCA and facilitated the simple and inexpensive detection of miRNA 24-3P with high sensitivity (limit of detection: 3.58 fM) and selectivity.
An aptasensor for the detection of ampicillin in milk using a personal glucose meter
Authors: Li Fang , Li Xixi , Zhu Nanwei , Li Ruohan , Kang Huaibin , Zhang Qinpu
Published: May 2020

A novel method for the detection of ampicillin in milk using a commercial personal glucose meter is reported.
Detection ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby silver nanoparticles sensitized with various lectins
Authors: Gyurjyan Qristine G. , Mikaelyan Mariam V. , Poghosyan Gayane G. , Hovhannisyan Varduhi A. , Gasparyan Vardan K.
Published: May 2020

Anisotropic silver nanoparticles sensitized by various lectins were applied for detection of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which was used as a model of fungal cells.
Detection of morphine in urine based on a surface plasmon resonance imaging immunoassay
Authors: Ke Haokun , Du Xianchao , Wang Ling , Wang Xiao , Zhu Jinsong , Gao Yuan , Peng Bo , Hao Hongxia , Cai Nengbin
Published: May 2020

A rapid and sensitive detection method for morphine in urine based on surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi).
Constructing multi-cluster copper(i) halides using conformationally flexible ligands
Authors: Yu Muxin , Liu Caiping , Li Shengchang , Zhao Yunfang , Lv Jiangquan , Zhuo Zhu , Jiang Feilong , Chen Lian , Yu Yunlong , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2020

Conformationally flexible ligands were used to trap various Cu(i)-halide clusters in one system to obtain multi-cluster copper(i)-halides with distinctive temperature-dependent luminescence.
Small molecule-induced DNA hydrogel with encapsulation and release properties
Authors: He Muhan , Nandu Nidhi , Uyar Taha Bilal , Royzen Maksim , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: May 2020

Small molecule cyanuric acid is used to assemble a novel DNA hydrogel which is programmed to encapsulate and release a variety of compounds including drug molecules.
High thermoelectric performance of topological half-Heusler compound LaPtBi achieved by hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Ning Suiting , Huang Shan , Zhang Ziye , Zhang Renqi , Qi Ning , Chen Zhiquan
Published: May 2020

The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) in LaPtBi shows an overall increase with increasing hydrostatic pressure.
The construction of a 2D MoS2-based binder-free electrode with a honeycomb structure for enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Yin Shaokun , Li Chao , Wang Shicun , Ren Xiangkui , Zeng Liang , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2020

MoS2 is in situ grown on Ni foam while maintaining a 2D morphology and a MoS2/Ni3S2/NF electrode is obtained with a 3D honeycomb microstructure.
Manganese oxide-based heterogeneous electrocatalysts for water oxidation
Authors: Park Sunghak , Lee Yoon Ho , Choi Seungwoo , Seo Hongmin , Lee Moo Young , Balamurugan Mani , Nam Ki Tae
Published: May 2020

A review on manganese oxide-based electrocatalysts for the water oxidation reaction.
In silico evaluation of marine fish proteins as nutritional supplements for COVID-19 patients
Authors: Yao Yushan , Luo Zhen , Zhang Xuewu
Published: May 2020

To date, no specific drug has been discovered for the treatment of COVID-19 and hence, patients are in a state of anxiety.
Fucoidan isolated from Ascophyllum nodosum alleviates gut microbiota dysbiosis and colonic inflammation in antibiotic-treated mice
Authors: Wang Lilong , Ai Chunqing , Wen Chengrong , Qin Yimin , Liu Zhengqi , Wang Linlin , Gong Yue , Su Changyu , Wang Zhongfu , Song Shuang
Published: May 2020

Fucoidan extracted from Ascophyllum nodosum exhibits beneficial effects on gut microbiota dysbiosis and colonic inflammation induced by ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.
Chromatographically separable ruffled non-planar isomeric octaalkylporphycenes: consequences of unsymmetrical substitution upon structure and photophysical properties
Authors: Pati Narendra N. , Sahoo Sameeta , Sahoo Sipra S. , Banerjee Dipanjan , Rao S. Venugopal , Panda Pradeepta K.
Published: May 2020

Two symmetry reduction induced unsymmetrical porphyrins (2.0.2.0) were synthesized and characterized with distinct structural, optoelectronic and nonlinear optical properties.
Transition from Schottky to Ohmic contacts in Janus MoSSe/germanene heterostructures
Authors: Zhao Ning , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: May 2020

We propose an effective route to high performance MoSSe electronic devices.
Multivalent ion-induced re-entrant transition of carboxylated cellulose nanofibrils and its influence on nanomaterials’ properties
Authors: Valencia Luis , Nomena Emma M. , Monti Susanna , Rosas-Arbelaez Walter , Mathew Aji P. , Kumar Sugam , Velikov Krassimir P.
Published: May 2020

In this work, we demonstrate a re-entrant transition of carboxylated cellulose nanofibrils hydrogel where the gel-strength abruptly increases and then decreases back upon monotonic increase in multivalent salt concentration.
Synthesis of proteasome inhibitor 6-deoxy-omuralide and its enantiomer using stereoselective alkylation of substituted proline ester
Authors: Li Feng , Jäger Volker
Published: May 2020

A potent 20S proteasome inhibitor, 6-deoxy-omuralide 28, and its enantiomer of 29 were synthesized using stereoselective alkylation of the corresponding substituted proline esters as the key step.
Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of glycolipids, their polymerization and self-assembly
Authors: Arcens Dounia , Le Fer Gaëlle , Grau Etienne , Grelier Stéphane , Cramail Henri , Peruch Frédéric
Published: May 2020

This paper describes the synthesis of bio-based methacrylated 12-hydroxystearate glucose (MASG), and its (co)polymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by either free- or RAFT radical polymerizations.
Tacticity control approached by visible-light induced organocobalt-mediated radical polymerization: the synthesis of crystalline poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) with high isotacticity
Authors: Wu Zhenqiang , Peng Chi-How , Fu Xuefeng
Published: May 2020

A crystalline polymer with high isotacticity, controlled molecular weight, and narrow polydispersity was synthesized via radical polymerization.
Atomically dispersed metal sites anchored in N-doped carbon nanosheets with enhanced Li storage performance
Authors: Yuan Mengwei , Sun Zemin , Lin Liu , Yang Han , Wang Di , Yin Kuibo , Nan Caiyun , Sun Genban , Li Huifeng , Ma Shulan
Published: May 2020

High-performance M–N–C Li storage materials were prepared via a facile strategy, and the enhanced mechanism was confirmed by experimental and theoretical methods to be based on the high affinity to Li and improved graphitization by metal addition.
TFA/TBHP-promoted oxidative cyclisation for the construction of tetracyclic quinazolinones and rutaecarpine
Authors: Jia Feng-Cheng , Chen Tian-Zhi , Hu Xiao-Qiang
Published: May 2020

An efficient TFA/TBHP-promoted oxidative cyclisation of readily available isatins with 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines has been firstly developed. The potential utility of this strategy was demonstrated by one-step synthesis of a natural alkaloid Rutaecarpin.
Radical addition-polar termination cascade: efficient strategy for photoredox-neutral-catalysed cyclopropanation and Giese-type reactions of alkenyl N-methyliminodiacetyl boronates
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Luo Wenping , Wu Jiali , Fang Yewen , Li Yan , Jin Xiaoping , Zhang Li , Zhang Zongyong , Xu Fenfen , Du Chan
Published: May 2020

Silicate meets boronate: efficient cyclopropanation and Giese-type reactions of alkenyl N-methyliminodiacetyl boronates with alkyl silicates have been realized via a photoredox-neutral-catalysed radical-polar crossover process.
Hydrogen absorption and desorption on Rh nanoparticles revealed by in situ dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Authors: Song Chulho , Seo Okkyun , Matsumura Daiju , Hiroi Satoshi , Cui Yi-Tao , Kim Jaemyung , Chen Yanna , Tayal Akhil , Kusada Kohei , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Sakata Osami
Published: May 2020

To unveil the origin of the hydrogen-storage properties of rhodium nanoparticles (Rh NPs), we investigated the dynamical structural change of Rh NPs using in situ dispersive X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS).
Catalytic sugarcane bagasse transformation into a suitable biocrude for hydrocarbon production in typical refinery processes
Authors: dos Santos Débora N. , Pedrosa Igor V. , Fernandes Célia R. R. , Lachgar Abdou , Neli Marcio , Garrett Rafael , Lam Yiu Lau , Pereira Marcelo M.
Published: May 2020

A circular economy in a typical refinery. Biomass is converted, under mild conditions into a biocrude with adequate physical–chemical properties to be converted into green hydrocarbons using a typical refinery process.
From isolated Ti-oxo clusters to infinite Ti-oxo chains and sheets: recent advances in photoactive Ti-based MOFs
Authors: Yan Yu , Li Changqing , Wu Yuhang , Gao Junkuo , Zhang Qichun
Published: May 2020

This review highlights recent progress in Ti-MOFs based on discrete Ti-oxo clusters and infinite Ti-oxo chains and sheets.
A novel multielement nanocomposite with ultrahigh rate capacity and durable performance for sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Ren Xiaochuan , Zhao Yuanxin , Li Qingwei , Cheng Feng , Wen Wen , Zhang Lili , Huang Yaobo , Xia Xinhui , Li Xiaolong , Zhu Daming , Huo Kaifu , Tai Renzhong
Published: May 2020

Novel multielement SnPSe3@graphene with good synergistic reversibility induces enhanced sodium storage activity, cycling stability and high initial coulombic efficiency.
AMP-activated protein kinase regulates alternative pre-mRNA splicing by phosphorylation of SRSF1
Authors: Matsumoto Eri , Akiyama Kaho , Saito Takuya , Matsumoto Yu , Kobayashi Ken-Ichi , Inoue Jun , Yamamoto Yuji , Suzuki Tsukasa
Published: May 2020

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular energy homeostasis by inhibiting anabolic processes and activating catabolic processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that metformin, which is an AMPK activator, modifies alternative precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing. However, no direct substrate of AMPK for alternative pre-mRNA splicing has been reported. In the present study, we identified the splicing factor serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) as a novel AMPK substrate. AMPK directly phosphorylated SRSF1 at Ser133 in an RNA recognition motif. Ser133 phosphorylation suppressed the interaction between SRSF1 and specific RNA sequences without altering the subcellular localization of SRSF1. Moreover, AMPK regulated the SRSF1-mediated alternative pre-mRNA splicing of Ron, which is a macrophage-stimulating protein receptor, by suppressing its interaction with exon 12 of Ron pre-mRNA. The findings of this study revealed that the AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of SRSF1 at Ser133 inhibited the ability of SRSF1 to bind RNA and regulated alternative pre-mRNA splicing.
Matrine regulates H2O2-induced oxidative stress through long non-coding RNA HOTAIR/miR-106b-5p axis via AKT and STAT3 pathways
Authors: Xu Guanxue , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhenglong , Chen Man , Shi Bei
Published: May 2020

Matrine is a main active constituent of Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait (Kushen), which has shown various pharmacological effects, and has been reported to exhibit protective effects in heart failure. In the present study, the underlying mechanism of matrine was explored in H2O2-induced H9c2 cell line. It was confirmed that matrine could alleviate H2O2-induced injury in H9c2 cells. And the down-regulation of long non-coding RNA HOTAIR induced by H2O2 could be reversed by treating with matrine. Moreover, overexpression of HOTAIR promoted cell viability and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, but inhibited cell apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. We found that miR-106b-5p was a target of HOTAIR and negatively regulated by HOTAIR. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-106b-5p restored the effects of HOTAIR overexpression on cell viability, apoptosis, and the levels of LDH and SOD. In addition, matrine protected H9c2 cells from H2O2-induced injury through HOTAIR/miR-106b-5p axis. Furthermore, we discovered that matrine exerted protective effects on H2O2-induced H9c2 cells through activating STAT3 and AKT pathway. In brief, matrine modulated H2O2-induced myocardial oxidative stress repair through HOTAIR/miR-106b-5p axis via AKT and STAT3 signaling pathway. Our study may provide a therapeutic target for the therapy of oxidative stress heart diseases.
Silver photodiffusion into amorphous Ge chalcogenides
Authors: Sakaguchi Yoshifumi , Hanashima Takayasu , Simon Al-Amin Ahmed , Mitkova Maria
Published: May 2020

Silver photodiffusion into amorphous chalcogenides involves the movement of ions controlled by a UV-visible light illumination, and has potential application to memory devices. Understanding the kinetics of this phenomenon will expand the range of possible applications. Herein, we report the excitation photon energy dependence of the silver photodiffusion kinetics in Ag/amorphous Ge20S80/Si substrate stacks, probed by neutron reflectivity using four light-emitting diodes with different peak wavelengths. Time-dependent changes were clearly observed in all three of the Ag/Ag-doped reaction/chalcogenide host layers, in terms of layer thickness, scattering length density, and roughness. Silver photodiffusion effectively occurred when the excitation photon energy was greater than the optical gap of the chalcogenide host material. Excitation of lone-pair electrons to anti-bonding states at the chalcogenide layer therefore appears to play a crucial role in triggering silver photodiffusion.
Les édulcorants de la controverse
Authors: Pepin Alexandra , Imbeault Pascal
Published: May 2020

La littérature révèle un lien important entre la consommation de boissons sucrées et des effets néfastes sur la santé humaine, comme la prévalence de l’obésité et des maladies métaboliques. Différentes stratégies ont été adoptées par de nombreux pays afin d’inciter la population à réduire leur consommation de boissons sucrées. Les industries alimentaires ont, quant à elles, promu les substituts de sucre (ou édulcorants), les présentant comme une saine alternative qui permettrait de réduire l’apport calorique sans avoir à compromettre l’agréable goût sucré des aliments et des boissons. Toutefois, l’utilisation des substituts de sucre comme moyen de limiter ou de réduire l’apport énergétique est-elle sans conséquence pour la santé ? Cette revue vise à discuter des différents effets associés à la consommation d’édulcorants sur la santé et à élucider si leur utilisation devrait être recommandée par les professionnels de la santé à leurs patients dans le cadre de la gestion de leur poids.
Récepteurs purinergiques et fibrose hépatique
Authors: Chouiter Amelle , Dali Abdel-Rafik , Dellis Olivier
Published: May 2020

Pour la cinquième année, dans le cadre du module d’enseignement « Physiopathologie de la signalisation » proposé par l’université Paris-sud, les étudiants du Master « Biologie Santé » de l’université Paris-Saclay se sont confrontés à l’écriture scientifique. Ils ont sélectionné une quinzaine d’articles scientifiques récents dans le domaine de la signalisation cellulaire présentant des résultats originaux, via des approches expérimentales variées, sur des thèmes allant des relations hôte-pathogène aux innovations thérapeutiques, en passant par la signalisation hépatique et le métabolisme. Après un travail préparatoire réalisé avec l’équipe pédagogique, les étudiants, organisés en binômes, ont ensuite rédigé, guidés par des chercheurs, une Nouvelle soulignant les résultats majeurs et l’originalité de l’article étudié. Ils ont beaucoup apprécié cette initiation à l’écriture d’articles scientifiques et, comme vous pourrez le lire, se sont investis dans ce travail avec enthousiasme ! Trois de ces Nouvelles sont publiées dans ce numéro, les autres le seront dans des prochains numéros.
An uncommon morphological variation of coracobrachialis muscle
Authors: Chitra P S , Anandhi V
Published: May 2020

The Coracobrachialis muscle in the arm is more important morphologically than functionally. In many animals, the Coracobrachialis has three parts. During the process of evolution the third part has disappeared and only the first two parts are found in man, enclosing the musculocutaneous nerve between them. Morphologic variations of Coracobrachialis have been known for a long time and include accessory slips that attach to the lesser tubercle, medial supracondylar ridge and medial intermuscular septum. The existence of abnormal insertion of the corabrachialis muscle should be kept in mind in a patient presenting with high median nerve palsy together with symptoms of brachial artery compression and before carrying out post-mastectomy reconstruction using coracobrachialis as a transposition flap.
Civinini bar: incidence in North Indians and its clinical relevance
Authors: Verma Rakesh Kumar , Rani Archana , Rani Anita , Chopra Jyoti , Pankaj Arvind Kumar , Kumar Navneet , Diwan Rakesh Kumar
Published: May 2020

Background and aim: Ossified pterygospinous ligament is a major cause of the entrapment of the lingual nerve or a branch of the mandibular nerve and may cause mandibular neuralgia. It can also constitute an obstacle for the mandibular nerve block which is a preferred method for pain relief especially for the fractures of mandible or cancer patients. Systematic study of these bars in North Indian population is lacking. Therefore this study was carried out to see the incidence of ossified pterygospinous bars in North Indian population. Materials and methods : The present study was an attempt to find out the occurrence of ossified pterygospinous ligament (Civinini's bar) in 116 dried skulls of unknown sex were taken and the presence of ossified pterygospinous bar was noted. Results : It was observed that the ossified pterygospinous bars which is present between pterygospinous process of lateral pterygoid plate and spine of sphenoid also called as Civinini's bar can be divided into five types (Types I, II, III, IV, V). This bar encloses a foramen called as Civinini's foramen. A total incidence of 18.10% of various types of pterygospinous bars was observed, out of which 1.72% were Type I, 8.62%Type II, 3.45%Type III, 0% Type IV and 4.31 % were of Type V variety. Conclusion : Total prevalence of Civinini bar is 18.10% in North Indian population.The clinicians working on this area should be aware of this variation as its prevalence is quite high.
Pd-Catalyzed Domino Reactions Involving Alkenes To Access Substituted Indole Derivatives
Authors: Beccalli Egle M. , Christodoulou Michael S. , Foschi Francesca , Giofrè Sabrina
Published: May 2020

Palladium-catalyzed domino reactions are advanced tools in achieving various nitrogen-containing heterocycles in an efficient and economical manner due to the reduced number of steps in the process. This review highlights recent advances in domino processes aimed at the synthesis of indole derivatives and polycyclic systems containing the indole nucleus in intra/intra- or intra/intermolecular reactions. In particular, we consider domino processes that involve a double bond in a step of the sequence, which allow the issue of regioselectivity in the cyclization to be faced and overcome. The different sections in this review focus on the synthesis of the indole nucleus and functionalization of the scaffold starting from different substrates that have been identified as activated starting materials, which involve a halogenated moiety or unactivated unsaturated systems. In the former case, the reaction is under Pd(0) catalysis, and in the second case a Pd(II) catalytic species is required and then an oxidant is necessary to reconvert the Pd(0) into the active Pd(II) species. On the other hand, the second method has the advantage that it uses easy available and inexpensive substrates.

1 Introduction

2 Indole Scaffold Synthesis

2.1 Activated Substrates

2.2 Unactivated Substrates

3 Functionalization of Indole Scaffold

3.1 Activated Substrates

3.2 Unactivated Substrates

4 Conclusions
Data Migration: A Thorny Issue in Electronic Health Record Transitions—Case Studies and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schreiber Richard , Garber Lawrence
Published: May 2020

Objective To review the existing literature regarding data migration during electronic health record (EHR)-to-EHR transitions and add two case studies on this topic.

Methods Very few publications exist that detail the processes and potential pitfalls of data migration during EHR transitions. One of the authors participated in a panel discussion at the American Medical Informatics Association symposium in 2015; at the time, only five empiric or experiential research articles on any aspect of EHR transitions were available. Of those, only two mentioned their experiences with data migration or conversions. A detailed PubMed and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) search in March 2019 yielded only one more article giving details about data migration.

Results The two new case studies contrast starkly: one relied on manual abstraction and data entry, whereas the other leveraged several electronic tools. The literature reflects this diversity of approach: no two sites have reported the same approaches. The authors identify nine domains of potential consequences of the currently available techniques and offer mitigating strategies.

Discussion Very little empiric information exists in the peer-reviewed literature regarding data migrations during EHR-to-EHR transitions; yet the case studies reflect that much remains suitable for a prospective study.

Conclusion This report adds two new case studies to the six already reported in the literature. There is a wide disparity in techniques of data migration, each with its own set of pros and cons, which sites must consider during an EHR-to-EHR transition. Such transitions would benefit from prospective research on evaluation and knowledge discovery.
Progressive Vestibular Schwannoma following Subtotal or Near-Total Resection: Dose-Escalated versus Standard-Dose Salvage Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Sherry Alexander D. , Khattab Mohamed H. , Manzoor Nauman , Totten Douglas J. , Luo Guozhen , Chambless Lola B. , Rivas Alejandro , Haynes David S. , Cmelak Anthony J. , Attia Albert
Published: May 2020

Objective Local failure of incompletely resected vestibular schwannoma (VS) following salvage stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using standard doses of 12 to 13 Gy is common. We hypothesized that dose-escalated SRS, corrected for biologically effective dose, would have superior local control of high-grade VS progressing after subtotal or near-total resection compared with standard-dose SRS.

Design Retrospective cohort study.

Setting Tertiary academic referral center.

Participants Adult patients treated with linear accelerator-based SRS for progressive VS following subtotal or near-total resection.

Main Outcome Measures Dose-escalated SRS was defined by a biologically effective dose exceeding a single-fraction 13-Gy regimen. Study outcomes were local control and neurologic sequelae of SRS. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of study outcomes.

Results A total of 18 patients with progressive disease following subtotal (71%) and near-total (39%) resection of Koos grade IV disease (94%) were enrolled. Of the 18 patients, 7 were treated with dose-escalated SRS and 11 with standard-dose SRS. Over a median follow-up of 32 months after SRS, local control was 100% in the dose-escalated cohort and 91% in the standard-dose cohort (p = 0.95). Neurologic sequelae occurred in 28% of patients, including 60% of dose-escalated cohort and 40% of the standard-dose cohort (p = 0.12), although permanent neurologic sequelae were low at 6%.

Conclusions Dose-escalated SRS has similar local control of recurrent VS following progression after subtotal or near-total resection and does not appear to have higher neurologic sequalae. Larger studies are needed.
Hydrogen bonding of dimethylpyridine clusters in water: Correlation between the lower consolute solution temperature and electron interaction energy
Authors: Chernia Zelig , Tsori Yoav
Published: May 2020

We examine the ordering of the Lower Consolute Solution Temperatures (LCSTs) for a set of dimethylpyridines. Density functional theory (DFT) is used. The equilibrium geometries and binding energies of dimers, each comprised of a pair of dimethylpyridines in a sandwich conformation and one H2O molecule at a pivotal site between the nitrogens (the 2:1 dimer), are calculated. It was shown previously that dimer formation in the water-rich zone of the phase diagram has a crucial role in dimethylpyridine demixing. In the resulting dimer diffusion, large hydrophobic clusters of mostly organic content, which expel water and promote phase separation, are assembled. In this description, phase separation requires the formation of 2:1 dimers, but it is the cleavage of hydrogen bonds of the neighboring H2O molecules, which stimulates the diffusion and the subsequent separation dynamics at the LCST. In the present study, we investigate this model and calculate the interaction strength of the external hydrogen bonds. This is obtained as the difference in electronic energy between the 2:1 dimer and the dimer augmented by one or two H2O molecules. The results are compared to the known LCST hierarchy in five dimethylpyridines (DMP): 2,6-DMP > 2,4-DMP > 2,5-DMP > 3,4-DMP > 3,5-DMP. The complexes are derived using high level Kohn–Sham DFT including dispersion terms. The hydrophobic–hydrophilic properties are accounted for by the solvation model, employed for the mixed medium of 60%-water and 40%-organic content. This is simulated by combination of model descriptors of water and DMP in the parameterization scheme of the polarizable continuum model. The calculation results agree with the experimental evidence.
Computer program ATOM-MOL-nonBO for performing calculations of ground and excited states of atoms and molecules without assuming the Born–Oppenheimer approximation using all-particle complex explicitly correlated Gaussian functions
Authors: Bubin Sergiy , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: May 2020

In this work, we describe a computer program called ATOM-MOL-nonBO for performing bound state calculations of small atoms and molecules without assuming the Born–Oppenheimer approximation. All particles forming the systems, electrons and nuclei, are treated on equal footing. The wave functions of the bound states are expanded in terms of all-particle one-center complex explicitly correlated Gaussian functions multiplied by Cartesian angular factors. As these Gaussian functions are eigenfunctions of the operator representing the square of the total angular momentum of the system, the problem separates and calculations of states corresponding to different values of the total rotational quantum number can be solved independently from each other. Due to thorough variational optimization of the Gaussian exponential parameters, the method allows us to generate very accurate wave functions. The optimization is aided by analytically calculated energy gradient determined with respect to the parameters. Three examples of calculations performed for diatomic and triatomic molecules are shown as an illustration of calculations that can be performed with this program. Finally, we discuss the limitations, applicability range, and bottlenecks of the program.
Baking and plasma pretreatment of sapphire surfaces as a way to facilitate the epitaxial plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition of GaN thin films
Authors: Liu Sanjie , Zhao Gang , He Yingfeng , Li Yangfeng , Wei Huiyun , Qiu Peng , Wang Xinyi , Wang Xixi , Cheng Jiadong , Peng Mingzeng , Zaera Francisco , Zheng Xinhe
Published: May 2020

The growth of high-quality epitaxial gallium nitride (GaN) thin films is achieved by using a baking and plasma pretreatment of the substrate prior to the GaN plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD). It is found that such pretreatment makes the GaN films grow coherently on sapphire substrates, following a layer-by-layer growth mechanism. The deposited GaN film shows high crystalline quality, a sharp GaN/sapphire interface, and a flat surface. The possibility of growing high-quality GaN epilayers in this way broadens the range of applications for PE-ALD in GaN-based devices.
Diffraction control in a non-Hermitian acoustic grating
Authors: Yang Yuzhen , Jia Han , Wang Suhao , Zhang Peng , Yang Jun
Published: May 2020

Losses in media have become fresh elements in the designing of asymmetric acoustic transmission and reflection without the nonlinear effect. In this paper, we demonstrate the diffraction control by equipping fine-tuned losses in a non-Hermitian acoustic grating. Compared to the Hermitian grating without losses, the positive first order diffracted wave with negative incidence will be suppressed perfectly, but the negative first order diffracted wave with positive incidence will be enhanced counterintuitively in the lossy diffraction grating. The physical mechanism is that losses can modulate the magnitudes of Bloch wave vectors through the interplay with the real modulation of the refractive index. Absorption is demonstrated as a powerful way to control the acoustic diffraction.
Enhancement of p-type conductivity of monolayer hexagonal boron nitride by driving Mg incorporation through low-energy path with N-rich condition
Authors: Wang Yuejin , Liu Guozhen , Lu Shiqiang , Zhang Hongye , Guo Bin , Du Gaohui , Chen Xiaohong , Cai Duanjun , Kang Junyong
Published: May 2020

We report a low-energy path to enhance the incorporation of Mg on the VB site in monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by an N-rich condition for effective p-type conductivity. Density functional theory calculations reveal that VB and MgB both behave as a shallow acceptor for p-type conduction of h-BN. The N-rich condition is found to promote the formation of VB as a low-barrier site for MgB incorporation. Experimentally, Mg p-type doping is achieved in a h-BN monolayer under N2 (or NH3) gas flow through a chemical vapor deposition method. The surface current of Mg-doped h-BN has been enhanced by three times up to 32 μA under a 8 V external voltage. This approach provides excellent p-type conductivity in monolayer h-BN for future applications in two-dimensional optoelectronic devices.
Electron confinement by laser-driven azimuthal magnetic fields during direct laser acceleration
Authors: Wang Tao , Gong Zheng , Arefiev Alexey
Published: May 2020

A laser-driven azimuthal plasma magnetic field is known to facilitate electron energy gain from the irradiating laser pulse. The enhancement is due to changes in the orientation between the laser electric field and electron velocity caused by magnetic field deflections. Transverse electron confinement is critical for realizing this concept experimentally. Using analytical theory, we show that the phase velocity of the laser pulse has a profound impact on the maximum transverse size of electron trajectories. The transverse size remains constant only below a threshold energy that depends on the degree of the superluminosity, and it increases with the electron energy above the threshold. We illustrate this finding using 3D particle-in-cell simulations. The described increase can cause electron losses in tightly focused laser pulses, so it should be taken into account when designing high-intensity experiments at high-power laser facilities.