bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β4GALT1 controls β1 integrin function to govern thrombopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis
Authors: Giannini Silvia , Lee-Sundlov Melissa M. , Rivadeneyra Leonardo , Di Buduo Christian A. , Burns Robert , Lau Joseph T. , Falet Hervé , Balduini Alessandra , Hoffmeister Karin M.
Published: January 2020

Glycosylation is critical to megakaryocyte (MK) and thrombopoiesis in the context of gene mutations that affect sialylation and galactosylation. Here, we identify the conserved B4galt1 gene as a critical regulator of thrombopoiesis in MKs. β4GalT1 deficiency increases the number of fully differentiated MKs. However, the resulting lack of glycosylation enhances β1 integrin signaling leading to dysplastic MKs with severely impaired demarcation system formation and thrombopoiesis. Platelets lacking β4GalT1 adhere avidly to β1 integrin ligands laminin, fibronectin, and collagen, while other platelet functions are normal. Impaired thrombopoiesis leads to increased plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) levels and perturbed hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Remarkably, β1 integrin deletion, specifically in MKs, restores thrombopoiesis. TPO and CXCL12 regulate β4GalT1 in the MK lineage. Thus, our findings establish a non-redundant role for β4GalT1 in the regulation of β1 integrin function and signaling during thrombopoiesis. Defective thrombopoiesis and lack of β4GalT1 further affect HSC homeostasis.
TRIM25 promotes the cell survival and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting Keap1-Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Tao Shishi , Liao Lijuan , Li Yang , Li Hongchang , Li Zhihuan , Lin Lilong , Wan Xiaochun , Yang Xiaolu , Chen Liang
Published: January 2020

Tumor cells often exhibit augmented capacity to maintain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis under adverse conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. Here, through the evaluation of all human TRIM proteins, we find that TRIM25 is significantly induced upon ER stress. Upregulation of TRIM25 ameliorates oxidative stress, promotes ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and reduces IRE1 signaling in the UPR pathway. In contrast, depletion of TRIM25 leads to ER stress and attenuates tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TRIM25 directly targets Keap1 by ubiquitination and degradation. This leads to Nrf2 activation, which bolsters anti-oxidant defense and cell survival. TRIM25 expression is positively associated with Nrf2 expression and negatively with Keap1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenografts and specimens. Moreover, high TRIM25 expression correlates with poor patient survival in HCC. These findings reveal TRIM25 as a regulator of ER homeostasis and a potential target for tumor therapy.
Low replicability can support robust and efficient science
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Oberauer Klaus
Published: January 2020

There is a broad agreement that psychology is facing a replication crisis. Even some seemingly well-established findings have failed to replicate. Numerous causes of the crisis have been identified, such as underpowered studies, publication bias, imprecise theories, and inadequate statistical procedures. The replication crisis is real, but it is less clear how it should be resolved. Here we examine potential solutions by modeling a scientific community under various different replication regimes. In one regime, all findings are replicated before publication to guard against subsequent replication failures. In an alternative regime, individual studies are published and are replicated after publication, but only if they attract the community’s interest. We find that the publication of potentially non-replicable studies minimizes cost and maximizes efficiency of knowledge gain for the scientific community under a variety of assumptions. Provided it is properly managed, our findings suggest that low replicability can support robust and efficient science.
Terminal uranium(V)-nitride hydrogenations involving direct addition or Frustrated Lewis Pair mechanisms
Authors: Chatelain Lucile , Louyriac Elisa , Douair Iskander , Lu Erli , Tuna Floriana , Wooles Ashley J. , Gardner Benedict M. , Maron Laurent , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: January 2020

Despite their importance as mechanistic models for heterogeneous Haber Bosch ammonia synthesis from dinitrogen and dihydrogen, homogeneous molecular terminal metal-nitrides are notoriously unreactive towards dihydrogen, and only a few electron-rich, low-coordinate variants demonstrate any hydrogenolysis chemistry. Here, we report hydrogenolysis of a terminal uranium(V)-nitride under mild conditions even though it is electron-poor and not low-coordinate. Two divergent hydrogenolysis mechanisms are found; direct 1,2-dihydrogen addition across the uranium(V)-nitride then H-atom 1,1-migratory insertion to give a uranium(III)-amide, or with trimesitylborane a Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) route that produces a uranium(IV)-amide with sacrificial trimesitylborane radical anion. An isostructural uranium(VI)-nitride is inert to hydrogenolysis, suggesting the 5f1 electron of the uranium(V)-nitride is not purely non-bonding. Further FLP reactivity between the uranium(IV)-amide, dihydrogen, and triphenylborane is suggested by the formation of ammonia-triphenylborane. A reactivity cycle for ammonia synthesis is demonstrated, and this work establishes a unique marriage of actinide and FLP chemistries.
Recover the activity of sintered supported catalysts by nitrogen-doped carbon atomization
Authors: Zhou Huang , Zhao Yafei , Xu Jie , Sun Haoran , Li Zhijun , Liu Wei , Yuan Tongwei , Liu Wei , Wang Xiaoqian , Cheong Weng-Chon , Wang Zhiyuan , Wang Xin , Zhao Chao , Yao Yancai , Wang Wenyu , Zhou Fangyao , Chen Min , Jin Benjin , Sun Rongbo , Liu Jing , Hong Xun , Yao Tao , Wei Shiqiang , Luo Jun , Wu Yuen
Published: January 2020

The sintering of supported metal nanoparticles is a major route to the deactivation of industrial heterogeneous catalysts, which largely increase the cost and decrease the productivity. Here, we discover that supported palladium/gold/platinum nanoparticles distributed at the interface of oxide supports and nitrogen-doped carbon shells would undergo an unexpected nitrogen-doped carbon atomization process against the sintering at high temperatures, during which the nanoparticles can be transformed into more active atomic species. The in situ transmission electron microscopy images reveal the abundant nitrogen defects in carbon shells provide atomic diffusion sites for the mobile atomistic palladium species detached from the palladium nanoparticles. More important, the catalytic activity of sintered and deactivated palladium catalyst can be recovered by this unique N-doped carbon atomization process. Our findings open up a window to preparation of sintering-resistant single atoms catalysts and regeneration of deactivated industrial catalysts.
Auxin-dependent control of a plasmodesmal regulator creates a negative feedback loop modulating lateral root emergence
Authors: Sager Ross , Wang Xu , Hill Kristine , Yoo Byung-Chun , Caplan Jeffery , Nedo Alex , Tran Thu , Bennett Malcolm J. , Lee Jung-Youn
Published: January 2020

Lateral roots originate from initial cells deep within the main root and must emerge through several overlying layers. Lateral root emergence requires the outgrowth of the new primordium (LRP) to coincide with the timely separation of overlying root cells, a developmental program coordinated by the hormone auxin. Here, we report that in Arabidopsis thaliana roots, auxin controls the spatiotemporal expression of the plasmodesmal regulator PDLP5 in cells overlying LRP, creating a negative feedback loop. PDLP5, which functions to restrict the cell-to-cell movement of signals via plasmodesmata, is induced by auxin in cells overlying LRP in a progressive manner. PDLP5 localizes to plasmodesmata in these cells and negatively impacts organ emergence as well as overall root branching. We present a model, incorporating the spatiotemporal expression of PDLP5 in LRP-overlying cells into known auxin-regulated LRP-overlying cell separation pathways, and speculate how PDLP5 may function to negatively regulate the lateral root emergence process.
Electron transfer governed by light–matter interaction at metal–semiconductor interface
Authors: Iida Kenji , Noda Masashi
Published: January 2020

The photoexcitation of heterostructures consisting of metallic nanoclusters and a semiconductor has been extensively investigated in relation to interests in photocatalysis and optical devices. The optoelectronic functions of the heterostructures originate from localized surface plasmon resonance, which can induce electron and resonance energy transfers. While it is well known that photoinduced electronic interaction between a metallic nanocluster and a semiconductor is responsible for the resonance energy transfer, the electron transfer associated with the photoinduced electronic interaction has not been discussed. In this paper, we elucidate the photoexcitation dynamics of a silver nanocluster/TiO2 heterostructure using an original first-principles computational approach that explicitly deals with light–matter interactions. It is shown that the photoinduced silver–TiO2 electronic interaction causes excited electrons to be directly transferred from the silver nanocluster to the TiO2 layer without passing through the conduction band of the silver nanocluster.
Hypomania and saccadic changes in Parkinson’s disease: influence of D2 and D3 dopaminergic signalling
Authors: Pelzer Esther A. , Dillenburger Barbara , Grundmann Sophie , Iliaev Vladimir , Aschenberg Sophie , Melzer Corina , Hess Martin , Fink Gereon R. , Eggers Carsten , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars
Published: January 2020

In order to understand the influence of two dopaminergic signalling pathways, TaqIA rs1800497 (influencing striatal D2 receptor density) and Ser9Gly rs6280 (influencing the striatal D3 dopamine-binding affinity), on saccade generation and psychiatric comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease, this study aimed to investigate the association of saccadic performance in hypomanic or impulsive behaviour in parkinsonian patients; besides we questioned whether variants of D2 (A1+/A1−) and D3 (B1+/B1−) receptor polymorphism influence saccadic parameters differently, and if clinical parameters or brain connectivity changes modulate this association in the nigro-caudatal and nigro-collicular tract. Initially, patients and controls were compared regarding saccadic performance and differed in the parameter duration in memory-guided saccades (MGS) and visually guided saccades (VGS) trials (p < 0.0001) and in the MGS trial (p < 0.03). We were able to find associations between hypomanic behaviour (HPS) and saccade parameters (duration, latency, gain and amplitude) for both conditions [MGS (p = 0.036); VGS (p = 0.033)], but not for impulsive behaviour. For the A1 variant duration was significantly associated with HPS [VGS (p = 0.024); MGS (p = 0.033)]. In patients with the B1 variant, HPS scores were more consistently associated with duration [VGS (p = 0.005); MGS (p = 0.015), latency [VGS (p = 0.022)]] and amplitude [MGS (p = 0.006); VGS (p = 0.005)]. The mediation analysis only revealed a significant indirect effect for amplitude in the MGS modality for the variable UPDRS-ON (p < 0.05). All other clinical scales and brain connectivity parameters were not associated with behavioural traits. Collectively, our findings stress the role of striatal D2 and D3 signalling mechanisms in saccade generation and suggest that saccadic performance is associated with the clinical psychiatric state in Parkinson’s disease.
An artificial habitat increases the reproductive fitness of a range-shifting species within a newly colonized ecosystem
Authors: Cannizzo Zachary J. , Lang Susan Q. , Benitez-Nelson Bryan , Griffen Blaine D.
Published: January 2020

When a range-shifting species colonizes an ecosystem it has not previously inhabited, it may experience suboptimal conditions that challenge its continued persistence and expansion. Some impacts may be partially mitigated by artificial habitat analogues: artificial habitats that more closely resemble a species’ historic ecosystem than the surrounding habitat. If conditions provided by such habitats increase reproductive success, they could be vital to the expansion and persistence of range-shifting species. We investigated the reproduction of the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii in its historic mangrove habitat, the suboptimal colonized salt marsh ecosystem, and on docks within the marsh, an artificial mangrove analogue. Crabs were assessed for offspring production and quality, as well as measures of maternal investment and egg quality. Aratus pisonii found on docks produced more eggs, more eggs per unit energy investment, and higher quality larvae than conspecifics in the surrounding salt marsh. Yet, crabs in the mangrove produced the highest quality larvae. Egg lipids suggest these different reproductive outcomes result from disparities in the quality of diet-driven maternal investments, particularly key fatty acids. This study suggests habitat analogues may increase the reproductive fitness of range-shifting species allowing more rapid expansion into, and better persistence in, colonized ecosystems.
Validation of a new predictive model to improve risk stratification in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Nino Gustavo , Mansoor Awais , Perez Geovanny F. , Arroyo Maria , Xuchen Xilei , Weinstock Jered , Kyle Salka  , Said Mariam , Acuña-Cordero Ranniery , Sossa-Briceño Monica P. , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos E. , Linguraru Marius
Published: January 2020

We need a better risk stratification system for the increasing number of survivors of extreme prematurity suffering the most severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, there is still a paucity of studies providing scientific evidence to guide future updates of BPD severity definitions. Our goal was to validate a new predictive model for BPD severity that incorporates respiratory assessments beyond 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). We hypothesized that this approach improves BPD risk assessment, particularly in extremely premature infants. This is a longitudinal cohort of premature infants (≤32 weeks PMA, n = 188; Washington D.C). We performed receiver operating characteristic analysis to define optimal BPD severity levels using the duration of supplementary O2 as predictor and respiratory hospitalization after discharge as outcome. Internal validation included lung X-ray imaging and phenotypical characterization of BPD severity levels. External validation was conducted in an independent longitudinal cohort of premature infants (≤36 weeks PMA, n = 130; Bogota). We found that incorporating the total number of days requiring O2 (without restricting at 36 weeks PMA) improved the prediction of respiratory outcomes according to BPD severity. In addition, we defined a new severity category (level IV) with prolonged exposure to supplemental O2 (≥120 days) that has the highest risk of respiratory hospitalizations after discharge. We confirmed these findings in our validation cohort using ambulatory determination of O2 requirements. In conclusion, a new predictive model for BPD severity that incorporates respiratory assessments beyond 36 weeks improves risk stratification and should be considered when updating current BPD severity definitions.
On interevent time distributions of avalanche dynamics
Authors: Kumar Pinaki , Korkolis Evangelos , Benzi Roberto , Denisov Dmitry , Niemeijer André , Schall Peter , Toschi Federico , Trampert Jeannot
Published: January 2020

Physical systems characterized by stick-slip dynamics often display avalanches. Regardless of the diversity of their microscopic structure, these systems are governed by a power-law distribution of avalanche size and duration. Here we focus on the interevent times between avalanches and show that, unlike their distributions of size and duration, the interevent time distributions are able to distinguish different mechanical states of the system. We use experiments on granular systems and numerical simulations of emulsions to show that systems having the same probability distribution for avalanche size and duration can have different interevent time distributions. Remarkably, these interevent time distributions look similar to those for earthquakes and, if different from an exponential, are indirect evidence of non trivial space-time correlations among avalanches. Our results therefore indicate that interevent time statistics are essential to characterise the dynamics of avalanches.
Impact of succussion on pharmaceutical preparations analyzed by means of patterns from evaporated droplets
Authors: Kokornaczyk Maria Olga , Würtenberger Sandra , Baumgartner Stephan
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns obtained from evaporating droplets of pharmaceutical preparations reveal the impact of succussion on such medicinal products. For this purpose, five pharmaceutical preparations (Echinacea 10−2, Baptisia 10−3, Baptisia 10−4, Luffa 10−4, and Spongia 10−6) were prepared according to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines for the production of homeopathic remedies, in three variants each: with varying numbers of succussion strokes (i) 100, (ii) 10 (succussed samples), and (iii) zero (gently mixed, unsuccussed sample). System stability was studied by means of systematic positive control experiments. Patterns were evaluated by means of computerized image analysis regarding grey level distribution, texture, and fractality. For all investigated pharmaceutical preparations, significant differences were found between the succussed and gently mixed samples; whereas, all three samples (prepared with 100, 10 and zero succussion strokes) could be significantly differentiated for Luffa 10−4 and Spongia 10−6 for one image evaluation parameter each. Control experiments showed a reasonable stability of the experimental set-up.
Expression Analysis, Functional Marker Development and Verification of AgFNSI in Celery
Authors: Yan Jun , He Lizhong , Xu Shuang , Wan Yanhui , Wang Hong , Wang Ying , Yu Li , Zhu Weimin
Published: January 2020

Apigenin is one of the primary flavonoids in celery, which has a high medicinal value. Flavone synthase I (FNSI) is the last step enzyme in apigenin biosynthesis. In this study, the 1492 bp promoter sequence before AgFNSI initiation codon (ATG) of celery was obtained, which included methyl jasmonate (MeJA) responsive elements, light responsive elements, anaerobic induction elements and five MYB binding sites. AgFNSI was sensitive to temperature, UV-B, water deficit and MeJA. Comparative analysis of AgFNSI genome and promoter sequences among celery accessions with different apigenin content showed that there were four allelic variations in AgFNSI, and four accessions with high apigenin content belonged to AgFNSIa, and five accessions with low apigenin content belonged to AgFNSIc. Three pairs of dominant complementary markers were designed based on the single-nucleotile polymorphisms (SNPs) of the AgFNSIa and AgFNSIc genomes and promoter sequences. Three pairs of functional markers were validated by 112 celery accessions. The results showed that AFPA1/AFPB1 detected significant differences in apigenin content between different genotypes. Therefore, marker AFPA1/AFPB1 is associated with apigenin content in celery and could be used for the genetic improvement of apigenin content in celery.
Optical absorption microscopy of localized atoms at microwave domain: two-dimensional localization based on the projection of three-dimensional localization
Authors: Dutta Bibhas Kumar , Panchadhyayee Pradipta , Bayal Indranil , Das Nityananda , Mahapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: January 2020

A new approach for achieving two–dimensional(2D)atom localization microscopy based on the projection of three–dimensional(3D)localization in the plane of the detectoris described in the present work. Spatial variation of the position-dependent 2D-localization pattern in thexy-plane is obtained with the shifting of the position of the detector along the z-axis under the parallel- and cross- axis configurations of the standing-wave fields. An attempt is made to study the 2D-localization characteristics in the specific parametric conditions for which the localization structures evolve with different shapes eventually leading to 100% detection probability of the atom both in the sub-wavelength and sub-half-wavelength regimes. The scope of tuning the cross-axis configuration over a wide range adds novelty and robustness to this model. Apart from the 2D-localization, various localization patterns with eight- to single-peak structures appear as interesting outcomes through the efficient manipulation of control parameters in the study of one-dimensional (1D) atom localization. The application of the traveling-wave field or its equivalent appears to be unique in achieving high-precision localization with maximal probability (100%) in both the 1D and 2D field-configuration schemes. Proper tuning of the traveling wave accompanied by the standing wave in the 1D scheme results in the single-peak localization in the sub-half-wavelength range. As a whole, the present work seems to be very much efficient for high-precision optical lithography.
Competing Risk Analyses of Medullary Carcinoma of Breast in Comparison to Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Dongjun , Shi Rongkai , Wang Zhuo , Zhong Yiming , Shin Vivian Y. , Jin Hongchuan , Wang Xian
Published: January 2020

The aim of current study was to use competing risk model to assess whether medullary carcinoma of the breast (MCB) has a better prognosis than invasive ductal carcinomas of breast cancer (IDC), and to build a competing risk nomogram for predicting the risk of death of MCB. We involved 3,580 MCB patients and 319,566 IDC patients from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. IDC was found to have a worse BCSS than MCB (Hazard ratio (HR) > 1, p < 0.001). The 5-year cumulative incidences of death (CID) was higher in IDC than MCB (p < 0.001). Larger tumor size, increasing number of positive lymph nodes and unmarried status were found to worsen the BCSS of MCB (HR > 1, p < 0.001). We found no association between ER, PR, radiotherapy or chemotherapy and MCB prognosis (p > 0.05). After a penalized variable selection process, the SH model-based nomogram showed moderate accuracy of prediction by internal validation of discrimination and calibration with 1,000 bootstraps. In summary, MCB patients had a better prognosis than IDC patients. Interestingly, unmarried status in addition to expected risk factors such as larger tumor size and increasing number of positive lymph nodes were found to worsen the BCSS of MCB. We also established a competing risk nomogram as an easy-to-use tool for prognostic estimation of MCB patients.
Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Clinical and CMR Study
Authors: He Jian , Xu Jing , Li Guozhong , Zhou Di , Li Shuang , Zhuang Baiyan , Chen Xiuyu , Duan Xuejin , Li Li , Fan Xiaohan , Huang Jinghan , Yin Gang , Jiang Yong , Wang Yang , Zhao Shihua , Lu Minjie
Published: January 2020

The clinical features, CMR characteristics and outcomes of arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC), which is a very rare nonischemic cardiomyopathy, are currently not well studied. The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging characteristics of arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Fifty-three consecutive patients with ALVC were divided into two groups: ALVC patients without right ventricular (RV) involvement (n = 36, group 1) and those with RV involvement (n = 17, group 2). Clinical symptoms, cardiac electrophysiological findings, and CMR parameters (morphology, ventricular function, and myocardial fibrosis and fatty infiltration) were evaluated in both groups. The two groups showed no significant difference in age, gender, or presenting symptoms (P > 0.05). Right bundle branch block ventricular arrhythmia was less common in patients without RV involvement (50.0% vs.64.7%, P = 0.031). There were no significant differences in left ventricular function between the two groups, however right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in group 2 (40.1 ± 4.0% vs. 48.7 ± 3.9%, P < 0.001). Inverse correlations of left ventricular ejection fraction with fat volume (r = −0.883, p = 0.001), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) volume (r = −0.892, 0.013), ratio of fat/LGE (r = −0.848, p < 0.001), indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume (r = −0.877, p < 0.001) and indexed left ventricular end systolic volume (r = −0.943, p < 0.001) were all significant. ALVC is a rare disease with fibro-fatty replacement predominantly in the left ventricle, impaired left ventricular systolic function, and ventricular arrhythmias originating from the left ventricle. ALVC with right ventricular involvement may have a worse prognosis.
Anaphylaxis induced by Thalassophryne nattereri venom in mice is an IgE/IgG1-mediated, IL-4-dependent phenomenon
Authors: Bruni Fernanda Miriane , Coutinho Erica Maria Martins , Andrade-Barros Aline Ingrid , Grund Lidiane Zito , Lopes-Ferreira Monica , Lima Carla
Published: January 2020

We hypothesized that beyond theThalassophryne nattererivenoms ability to induce in mice a strong specific-Th2 response with high levels of specific IgE/IgG1, it would be able to trigger anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. To investigate whether the venom is capable of inducing an allergic reaction in mice and characterize soluble and cellular mediators involved in this process, BALB/c female mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with decreasing-dose of venom at weekly intervals for 4 weeks and challenged by intraperitoneal, oral or epicutaneous routes with venom 2 weeks later. Our data show that sensitized-mice challenged by all routes showed intense symptoms of anaphylaxis, dependent on the anaphylactic IgG1 and IgE antibodies and mast cells. The late-phase reaction developed after initial symptoms was characterized by the influx of eosinophils, dependent on IL-5, IL-17A and eotaxin produced by Th2 cells in inflamed lungs and skin draining lymph-nodes. Using C57BL/6 deficient mice we demonstrated that IL-4KOmice failed to develop anaphylactic symptoms or local Th2 inflammation, producing low levels of IgG1 and increased levels of IgG2a. Together our results demonstrated that the venom ofT. nattererihas allergenic proteins that can trigger an allergic process, a phenomenon IgE-IgG1 dependent, IL-4-mediated and negatively regulated by IFN-γ.
Development and application of two novel monoclonal antibodies against overexpressed CD26 and integrin α3 in human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Arias-Pinilla Gustavo A. , Dalgleish Angus G. , Mudan Satvinder , Bagwan Izhar , Walker Anthony J. , Modjtahedi Helmout
Published: January 2020

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology is an excellent tool for the discovery of overexpressed cell surface tumour antigens and the development of targeting agents. Here, we report the development of two novel mAbs against CFPAC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells. Using ELISA, flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, we found that the target antigens recognised by the two novel mAbs KU44.22B and KU44.13A, are integrin α3 and CD26 respectively, with high levels of expression in human pancreatic and other cancer cell lines and human pancreatic cancer tissue microarrays. Treatment with naked anti-CD26 mAb KU44.13A did not have any effect on the growth and migration of cancer cells nor did it induce receptor downregulation. In contrast, treatment with anti-integrin α3 mAb KU44.22B inhibited growth in vitro of Capan-2 cells, increased migration of BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1 cells and induced antibody internalisation. Both novel mAbs are capable of detecting their target antigens by immunohistochemistry but not by Western blot. These antibodies are excellent tools for studying the role of integrin α3 and CD26 in the complex biology of pancreatic cancer, their prognostic and predictive values and the therapeutic potential of their humanised and/or conjugated versions in patients whose tumours overexpress integrin α3 or CD26.
Background calcium induced by subthreshold depolarization modifies homosynaptic facilitation at a synapse in Aplysia
Authors: Ludwar Bjoern Ch. , Weiss Klaudiusz R. , Cropper Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2020

Some synapses show two forms of short-term plasticity, homosynaptic facilitation, and a plasticity in which the efficacy of transmission is modified by subthreshold changes in the holding potential of the presynaptic neuron. In a previous study we demonstrated a further interactive effect. We showed that depolarizing changes in the presynaptic holding potential can increase the rate at which facilitation occurs. These experiments studied synaptic transmission between an Aplysia sensory neuron (B21) and its postsynaptic follower, the motor neuron (B8). We have also shown that subthreshold depolarizations of B21 produce widespread increases in its [Ca2+]i via activation of a nifedipine-sensitive current. To determine whether it is this change in ‘background’ calcium that modifies synaptic transmission we compared the facilitation observed at the B21-B8 synapse under control conditions to the facilitation observed in nifedipine. Nifedipine had a depressing effect. Other investigators studying facilitation have focused on Cares (i.e., the calcium that remains in a neuron after spiking). Our results indicate that facilitation can also be impacted by calcium channels opened before spiking begins.
Role of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase in long-term synaptic facilitation and enhanced neuronal excitability
Authors: Liu Rong-Yu , Zhang Yili , Smolen Paul , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H.
Published: January 2020

Multiple kinases converge on the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to enhance the expression of proteins essential for long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) is one of these kinases, although its role is poorly understood. The present study exploited the technical advantages of the Aplysia sensorimotor culture system to examine the role of RSK in long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) and long-term enhancement of neuronal excitability (LTEE), two correlates of long-term memory (LTM). Inhibition of RSK expression or RSK activity both significantly reduced CREB1 phosphorylation, LTF, and LTEE, suggesting RSK is required for learning-related synaptic plasticity and enhancement in neuronal excitability. In addition, knock down of RSK by RNAi in Aplysia sensory neurons impairs LTF, suggesting that this may be a useful single-cell system to study aspects of defective synaptic plasticity in Coffin-Lowry Syndrome (CLS), a cognitive disorder that is caused by mutations in rsk2 and associated with deficits in learning and memory. We found that the impairments in LTF and LTEE can be rescued by a computationally designed spaced training protocol, which was previously demonstrated to augment normal LTF and LTM.
Anti-diabetic activity of crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide from G. lithophila on Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced in Wistar rats
Authors: Seedevi Palaniappan , Ramu Ganesan Abirami , Moovendhan Meivelu , Mohan K. , Sivasankar Palaniappan , Loganathan Sivakumar , Vairamani Shanmugam , Shanmugam Annaian
Published: January 2020

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the anti-diabetic effects of the crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide derived from G. lithophila on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Treatment with crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide showed increases in body weight and pancreatic insulin levels and a decrease in blood glucose levels compared with control diabetic rats. The blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) decreased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased both in the crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in the livers, kidneys and pancreases of crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated rats. Immunohistological examination further confirmed that restoration of the normal cellular size of the islets of Langerhans and the rebirth of β-cells were found to be greater in the body region than in the head and tail regions of the pancreas. The crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated diabetic rats showed normal blood glucose levels and insulin production, and reversed cholesterol levels and enzymatic actions. Therefore, rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide from G. lithophila acts as a potent anti-diabetic agent to treat diabetes and can lead to the development of an alternative medicine for diabetes in the future.
Seed filling under different temperatures improves the seed vigor of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) via starch accumulation and structure
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Zheng Huabin , Tang Qiyuan , Chen Qimin , Mo Wenwei
Published: January 2020

Seed filling is crucial for seed vigor and starch accumulation and structure. Differences in hybrid rice seed vigor were evaluated in field experiments, conducted across two sites in 2017 and 2018, under different seed filling temperatures along with the underlying mechanisms related to the seed filling characteristics and starch accumulation and structure. Significant differences in the seed vigor parameters were revealed, with different seed filling characteristics observed under different temperatures. When averaged across cultivars, the seeds with a low seed filling rate and long seed filling duration obsessed 11.9% higher germination percentage (GP) and 22.7% higher vigor index (VI) than those with a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration. Moreover, a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration significantly decreased the total starch and amylose contents and increased the amylopectin content. Additionally, when averaged across cultivars, the relative crystallinity and starch granule diameter obtained with a high seed filling rate and short seed filling duration were 3.8% and 15.1% higher, respectively, than those with a low seed filling rate and long seed filling duration. In summary, it can be speculated that seed filling characteristics determine hybrid rice seed vigor by affecting starch accumulation and structure.
The association between oxidative stress and corneal hysteresis in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Uchida Keiko , Himori Noriko , Hashimoto Kazuki , Shiga Yukihiro , Tsuda Satoru , Omodaka Kazuko , Nakazawa Toru
Published: January 2020

Systemic antioxidative status has been implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis. Additionally, corneal hysteresis (CH) may contribute to glaucoma progression. Here, we evaluated the relationship between biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and CH. This study included 103 patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). We used a free radical analyzer to measure BAP, and an ocular response analyzer to measure CH and corneal resistance factor (CRF). We evaluated the relationship between systemic oxidative stress and other clinical parameters with Spearman’s rank correlation test and a multi-regression analysis. BAP was not correlated to either CH or CRF in the male or female OAG patients. BAP was correlated to both CH and CRF in the female OAG patients older than 57 years (r = 0.51, P = 0.003; r = 0.49, P = 0.004), but uncorrelated in the female OAG patients younger than 57 years. Multiple regression analysis revealed that BAP independently contributed to CH (P = 0.025) and CRF (P = 0.015) in the older female OAG patients. Systemic oxidative stress may significantly affect the viscoelasticity of the cornea in older female OAG patients. Future studies are needed to confirm that low systemic antioxidative status and low corneal hysteresis contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis.
An implantable system for long-term assessment of atrial fibrillation substrate in unanesthetized rats exposed to underlying pathological conditions
Authors: Klapper-Goldstein Hadar , Murninkas Michael , Gillis Roni , Mulla Wesam , Levanon Eran , Elyagon Sigal , Schuster Ronen , Danan Dor , Cohen Hagit , Etzion Yoram
Published: January 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a progressive arrhythmia with underlying mechanisms that are not fully elucidated, partially due to lack of reliable and affordable animal models. Here, we introduce a system for long-term assessment of AF susceptibility (substrate) in ambulatory rats implanted with miniature electrodes on the atrium. Rats were subjected to excessive aldosterone (Aldo) or solvent only (Sham). An additional group was exposed to myocardial infarction (MI). AF substrate was tested two- and four-weeks post implantation and was also compared with implanted rats early post-implantation (Base). Aldo and MI increased the AF substrate and atrial fibrosis. In the MI group only, AF duration was correlated with the level of atrial fibrosis and was inversely correlated with systolic function. Unexpectedly, Shams also developed progressive AF substrate relative to Base individuals. Further studies indicated that serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-alpha) were not elevated in the shams. In addition, we excluded anxiety\depression due to social-isolation as an AF promoting factor. Finally, enhanced biocompatibility of the atrial electrode did not inhibit the gradual development of AF substrate over a testing period of up to 8 weeks. Overall, we successfully validated the first system for long-term AF substrate testing in ambulatory rats.
Spin accumulation in photo-induced potential dimples generated in semiconductors
Authors: Sanada H. , Stramma A. M. , Kunihashi Y. , Tanaka Y. , Gotoh H. , Onomitsu K. , Tagarelli F. , Kohda M. , Nitta J. , Sogawa T.
Published: January 2020

Conventional ways of confining charges in semiconductors employ advanced lithographic and crystal-growth techniques. The construction of micro/nano-scale structures is also essential for manipulating spins. However, existing techniques are not always flexible enough to control spins in appropriate positions and timings. Here we report an alternative mechanism, which enables us to design temporal and reconfigurable low-dimensional potentials. The formation of photo-induced potential dimples is deduced from time and spatially-resolved Kerr rotation measurements performed on a GaAs quantum well. Two-dimensional images of spin distributions reveal that the photo-injected electron spins in a small area illuminated by a pump light survive for a time that is two orders of magnitude longer than typical recombination lifetimes. The Kerr rotation dependence on the pump laser conditions implies that the temporally generated dimple-shaped potential profile induced by remote charges effectively confines the electrons and enhances the spin lifetime determined by fluctuating spin-orbit effective magnetic fields.
Directed arrangement of siRNA via polymerization-induced electrostatic self-assembly
Authors: Shen Liangliang , Li Yahui , Lu Qunzan , Qi Xiaoliang , Wu Xuan , Zhou Zaigang , Shen Jianliang
Published: January 2020

Polymerization-induced electrostatic self-assembly (PIESA) is conducted to mediate the self-assembly behavior of short interfering RNA (siRNA) for the first time.
A liquid metal composite by ZIF-8 encapsulation
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Qian , Deng Jinqi , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2020

A liquid metal@ZIF-8 composite with a tunable core/shell structure is developed by a polymer-bridged growth mechanism.
H2 activation by zirconaziridinium ions: σ-bond metathesis versus frustrated Lewis pair reactivity
Authors: Budzelaar Peter H. M. , Hughes David L. , Bochmann Manfred , Macchioni Alceo , Rocchigiani Luca
Published: January 2020

Zirconaziridinium salts cleave H2 by a stepwise mechanism, where initial σ-bond metathesis of the Zr–C bond enables subsequent heterolytic splitting through metal–amine cooperation.
Modular synthesis of (C-10 to C-13)-substituted-9,14-diaryl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazines via a subsequent Buchwald–Hartwig amination and C–H amination strategy
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Zhang Chengxi , Wang Chenchen , Ye Wenqiang , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhiyun , Su Jianhua , Chen Yifeng , Tian He
Published: January 2020

(C-10 to C-13)-Substituted-9,14-diphenyl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a,c]phenazines have been synthesized via a cascade Buchwald–Hartwig amination and C–H amination method.
Prediction of the Au4S crystal via a superatom network model: from clusters to solids
Authors: Liu Qiman , Zhang Chengyu , Xu Chang , Hu Shuanglin , Cheng Longjiu
Published: January 2020

Prediction of the Au4S crystal on the basis of the structural character of the Au22(μ4-S)(SH)12 cluster.
Robustness of the electronic structure and charge transfer in topological insulator Bi2Te2Se and Bi2Se2Te thin films under an external electric field
Authors: Ruan Yurong , Huang Lu , Yang Yanmin , Xu Guigui , Zhong Kehua , Huang Zhigao , Zhang Jian-Min
Published: January 2020

The electronic structure and charge transfer of Bi2Te2Se and Bi2Se2Te thin films are robust to an external electrical field.
A mechanistic study of microstructure modulation in olefin polymerizations using a redox-active Ni(ii) α-diimine catalyst
Authors: Chapleski Robert C. , Kern Jesse L. , Anderson W. Curtis , Long Brian K. , Roy Sharani
Published: January 2020

Density functional theory and experimental evidence provide insight into the mechanism of polyolefin microstructure modulation using redox-active Ni(ii) α-diimine catalysts.
Oxamusplatin: a cytotoxic Pt(ii) complex of a nitrogen mustard with resistance to thiol based sequestration displays enhanced selectivity towards cancer
Authors: Maji Moumita , Karmakar Subhendu , Ruturaj  , Gupta Arnab , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: January 2020

Oxamusplatin shows enhanced selectivity towards cancer, targets cellular DNA, disrupts the microtubule network and strongly resists sequestration by deactivating agents, glutathione, ATP7B or phosphoglycoproteins.
A bioinspired thiolate-bridged dinickel complex with a pendant amine: synthesis, structure and electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Sun Puhua , Yang Dawei , Li Ying , Wang Baomin , Qu Jingping
Published: January 2020

A bioinspired thiolate-bridged dinickel complex featuring a pendant amine realizes electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution at a relatively low overpotential.
Tube-type passive sampling of cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes (cVMSs) and benzene series simultaneously in indoor air: uptake rate determination and field application
Authors: Li Qingbo , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Xianyu , Lan Yongchao , Hu Jiaochan
Published: January 2020

A tube-type passive air sampling method (PAS), using Tenax-TA as the sorbent, was reported to measure the concentrations of cVMSs (D4, D5, and D6) and benzene series compounds simultaneously in indoor air.
Large batch bench-scale dissolved air flotation system (LB-DAF) for drinking water treatability tests
Authors: Gonzalez-Galvis Juan Pablo , Narbaitz Roberto M.
Published: January 2020

A new bench-scale batch DAF system was developed, for the river water tested it yielded better predictions of full-scale DAF turbidity removals than a commercial DAF jar tester.
Mixture effects of drinking water disinfection by-products: implications for risk assessment
Authors: Stalter Daniel , O'Malley Elissa , von Gunten Urs , Escher Beate I.
Published: January 2020

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water have been associated with increased cancer risk but effects of known DBPs cannot explain the mixture effects of disinfected water samples.
Microphysiological heart–liver body-on-a-chip system with a skin mimic for evaluating topical drug delivery
Authors: Pires de Mello Camilly P. , Carmona-Moran Carlos , McAleer Christopher W. , Perez Julian , Coln Elizabeth A. , Long Christopher J. , Oleaga Carlota , Riu Anne , Note Reine , Teissier Silvia , Langer Jessica , Hickman James J.
Published: January 2020

Body-on-a-chip in vitro systems are a promising technology that aims to increase the predictive power of drug efficacy and toxicity in humans when compared to traditional animal models.
Large-area transparent flexible guanidinium incorporated MAPbI3 microstructures for high-performance photodetectors with enhanced stability
Authors: Kumar Gundam Sandeep , Sarkar Piyush Kanti , Pradhan Bapi , Hossain Mozakkar , Rao K. D. M. , Acharya Somobrata
Published: January 2020

Random percolative microstructures of mixed cation perovskites lead to ambient stable transparent and flexible photodetectors with enriched photoresponse.
Design and synthesis of a novel coumarin-based framework as a potential chemomarker of a neurotoxic insecticide, azamethiphos
Authors: Bhasin Aman K. K. , Raj Pushap , Chauhan Pooja , Mandal Sanjay K. , Chaudhary Savita , Singh Narinder , Kaur Navneet
Published: January 2020

A coumarin based receptor has been synthesised and its organic nanoparticles were prepared. Further, these nanoparticles were explored as a chemosensor for copper(ii) ions and azamethiphos.
A three-dimensional porous CoSnS@CNT nanoarchitecture as a highly efficient bifunctional catalyst for boosted OER performance and photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Jeyagopal Ramkumar , Chen Yuanfu , Ramadoss Manigandan , Marimuthu Karpuraranjith , Wang Bin , Li Wenxin , Zhang Xiaojuan
Published: January 2020

CoSnS anchored CNT was synthesized by a one-pot surfactant-free hydrothermal route and shows high OER catalytic activity, high stability in alkaline medium and exhibits 2 times higher photocatalytic degradation for RhB than CoSnS.
Electrochemical reduction of functionalized carbonyl compounds: enhanced reactivity over tailored nanoporous gold
Authors: Xiao Zihui , Yang Hui , Yin Shuai , Zhang Jian , Yang Zhenhua , Yuan Kedong , Ding Yi
Published: January 2020

Controlled pore sizes of nanoporous gold (NPG) can strongly enhance the electrochemical performance in selective reduction of functionalized carbonyl compounds.
Mechanistic investigation into phenol oxidation by IBX elucidated by DFT calculations
Authors: Kaur Amritpal , Ariafard Alireza
Published: January 2020

Density functional theory (DFT) at the SMD/M06-2X/def2-TZVP//SMD/M06-2X/LANL2DZ(d),6-31G(d) level was used to explore the regioselective double oxidation of phenols by a hypervalent iodine(v) reagent (IBX) to give o-quinones.
Augmented polyhydrazone formation in water by template-assisted polymerization using dual-purpose supramolecular templates
Authors: Zheng Kai , He Chang , Nour Hany F. , Zhang Zhao , Yuan Tianyu , Traboulsi Hassan , Mazher Javed , Trabolsi Ali , Fang Lei , Olson Mark A.
Published: January 2020

Template-assisted polymerization using donor–acceptor supramolecular templates results in higher Mw and Mn values, decreased critical hydrogelation concentrations, and increased gel recovery velocity following shear-induced breakdown.
Influence of the –CN substitution position on the performance of dicyanodistyrylbenzene-based polymer solar cells
Authors: He Baitian , Yin Qingwu , Xie Boming , Zhang Jie , Xie Ruihao , Hu Zhicheng , Peng Xiaobin , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: January 2020

We developed four novel copolymers based on DCB units with differently positioned –CN groups and investigated their effects on the film morphology and performance of non-fullerene polymer solar cells.
Confirmatory non-invasive and non-destructive differentiation between hemp and cannabis using a hand-held Raman spectrometer
Authors: Sanchez Lee , Filter Conor , Baltensperger David , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: January 2020

Cannabis is a generic term that is used to denote hemp plants (Cannabis sativa) that produce delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in amounts higher than industrial hemp.
A multifunctional ratiometric electrochemical sensor for combined determination of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid
Authors: Hu Ye , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Cheng , Hou Peichen , Dong Hongtu , Luo Bin , Li Aixue
Published: January 2020

For the first time, a multifunctional ratiometric electrochemical sensor was developed for quantifying IAA and SA simultaneously.