bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of Sequences Homologous to Host Deoxyribonucleic Acid by Closed Circular Simian Virus 40 Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Authors: Lavi Sara , Winocour Ernest
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of closed circular simian virus 40 (SV40) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) containing sequences homologous to host cell DNA depends upon the conditions under which the cells are infected. When BS-C-1 monkey cells were infected with non-plaque-purified virus at low multiplicity of infection [MOI, 0.032 plaque-forming units (PFU)/cell], little, if any, of the SV40 DNA extracted from the infected cells hybridized to host DNA; but when increasingly higher multiplicities were used (in the range 0.16 to 3,000 PFU/cell), an increasingly greater amount of the extracted SV40 DNA hybridized to host DNA. The same effect was observed when the closed circular SV40 DNA was extracted from purified virions (grown at low and high MOI) rather than from the infected cell complex. When the cells were infected at high MOI with plaque-purified virus (11 viral clones were tested), none of the SV40 DNA extracted from the cells hybridized detectably with host cell DNA. However, plaque-purified virus that was serially passaged, undiluted, induced the synthesis of virus DNA which again showed extensive homology to host DNA. It is suggested that, under certain circumstances, recombination occurs between viral and host DNA during lytic infection which results in the incorporation of host DNA sequences into closed circular SV40 DNA.
Study of Two Bacteriophages of
Bacillus stearothermophilus
Strain NCA1518
Authors: Humbert R. D. , Fields M. L.
Published: January 2020

Studies of bacteriophages GH5 and GH8 of
Bacillus stearothermophilus
strain NCA1518 revealed that their properties were sufficiently different from known phages and from each other to indicate that each was a different entity, although no major deviation was demonstrated.
Viral Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis by Newcastle Disease Virus Mutants Isolated from Persistently Infected L Cells: Effect of Interferon
Authors: Thacore Harshad R. , Youngner Julius S.
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of different viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) species was studied in chick embryo (CE) and mouse L-cell cultures infected with the Herts strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV
o
) and a mutant isolated from persistently infected L cells (NDV
pi
). In CE cell cultures, both viruses synthesized significant amounts of 54, 36, and 18
S
RNA. However, in L cells, synthesis of 54
S
virion RNA was markedly reduced. From these results, it seems likely that the low yield of infective virus in L cells is due to a deficient synthesis of 54
S
RNA in this host. On this basis, however, it is apparent that the “covert” replication of NDV
o
in L cells is due to factors other than viral RNA synthesis. When low concentrations of interferon were used to pretreat CE cells, a differential effect on the synthesis of various RNA species was observed. The 18
S
RNA of NDV
o
was more sensitive to interferon action than the 36 and the 54
S
RNA species. In contrast, the 18
S
RNA of NDV
pi
was less sensitive than the 36
S
and the 54
S
RNA. The inhibition of 54
S
RNA synthesis correlated with the reduction of viral yield and explained the greater sensitivity of NDV
pi
to interferon.
Comparisons of the Distribution of Nucleotides and Common Sequences in Deoxyribonucleic Acid from Selected Bacteriophages
Authors: Skalka A. , Hanson P.
Published: January 2020

Results from comparisons of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from several classes of bacteriophages suggest that most phage chromosomes contain either a homogeneous distribution of nucleotides or are made up of a few, rather large segments of different quanine plus cytosine (G + C) contents which are internally homogeneous. Among those temperate phages tested, most contained segmented DNA. Comparisons of sequence similarities among segments from lambdoid phage DNA species revealed the following order in relatedness to λ: 82 (and 434) > 21 > 424 > φ80. Most common sequences are found in the highest G + C segments, which in λ contain head and tail genes. Hybridization tests with λ and 186 or P2 DNA species verified that the lambdoids and 186 and P2 belong to two distinct groups. There are fewer homologous sequences between the DNA species of coliphages λ and P2 or 186 than there are between the DNA species of coliphage λ and salmonella phage P22.
State of Adenovirus 2 Deoxyribonucleic Acid in the Nucleus and Its Mode of Transcription: Studies with Isolated Viral Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Protein Complexes and Isolated Nuclei
Authors: Wallace Robert D. , Kates Joseph
Published: January 2020

Newly replicated adenovirus 2 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be isolated from the nucleus of HeLa cells by a gentle lysis procedure as a fairly homogeneous complex with a sedimentation of 73
S.
The viral DNA complex can be prepared completely free from host cell DNA. The viral complex is slightly active in ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in vitro. Treatment of the complex with Pronase and sodium dodecyl sulfate converts the DNA to a form which sediments at 43
S.
Nuclei isolated from adeno-infected cells synthesize high-molecular-weight virus-specific RNA in vitro. Optimal RNA synthesis requires a divalent cation, preferentially manganese, and relatively high salt concentrations. The synthesis of virus-specific RNA by the isolated nuclei is strongly inhibited by low doses of α-amanitine. The latter experimental result is discussed in terms of the polymerase used to transcribe the adenovirus DNA in vivo.
A Bacteriophage of
Bacillus subtilis
Which Forms Plaques Only at Temperatures Above 50 C I. Physical and Chemical Characteristics of TSP-1
Authors: LaMontagne J. R. , McDonald W. C.
Published: January 2020

Bacteriophage TSP-1 was isolated from soil in a search for phage which would form plaques on
Bacillus subtilis
W168 at 53 C. It forms clear plaques only at temperatures from 50 to 55 C. Approximately 95% of the free phage adsorb after 2 min at 53 C. The lytic cycle is between 55 and 60 min long with a burst size of about 55 particles per infected bacterium. The phage was shown to contain double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid with a base composition of 44.7% guanine plus cytosine. This deoxyribonucleic acid does not contain a base analogue for thymine and has a molecular weight estimated at 56 × 10
6
daltons.
Integration of Simian Virus 40 Deoxyribonucleic Acid into the Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Permissive Monkey Kidney Cells
Authors: Hirai K. , Defendi V.
Published: January 2020

Integration of simian virus 40 (SV40) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into cellular DNA occurred when permissive African green monkey kidney (CV-1) cells were infected at a low multiplicity of SV40 in the presence of cytosine arabinoside.
Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Bacteriophage SPO2c
1
-Infected
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Kolenbrander P. E. , Hemphill H. Ernest , Whiteley H. R.
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of host macromolecules was shut off very slowly and incompletely by bacteriophage SPO2c
1
. No change in the rate of incorporation of radioactive precursors into protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) could be detected after infection, and the rate of incorporation of thymidine was increased only slightly. The relative proportions of phage and host species of nucleic acids at various intervals in the latent period were determined by means of nucleic acid hybridization. Phage-specific RNA populations synthesized early were different from those synthesized late in the latent period. Host deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication continued until 8 to 10 min after SPO2c
1
infection and then decreased markedly as phage-specific DNA synthesis was initiated. Host DNA was not degraded to trichloroacetic acid-soluble fragments, and its nucleotides were not found in either newly synthesized intracellular phage DNA or in progeny phage particles. The average burst size of SPO2c
1
was approximately 200 plaque-forming units per cell.
Solubilization of Envelopes of HVJ (Sendai virus) with Alkali-Emasol Treatment and Reassembly of Envelope Particles with Removal of the Detergent
Authors: Shimizu Kazufumi , Hosaka Yashuhiro , Shimizu Yohko K.
Published: January 2020

The envelopes of HVJ (Sendai virus) virions were solubilized with alkali-Emasol treatment. The solubilized envelope subunit(s) associated with hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody blocking, neuraminidase, and low hemagglutinating (HA) activities had a sedimentation coefficient of 8.8
S
. Envelope fragment-like structures were assembled from the solubilized subunits after Emasol was removed by gel filtration. These reassembled envelope particles with HA activity had cell-fusion activity as well as hemolytic activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reassembled particles revealed that they mainly consisted of two kinds of polypeptides.
High rectourethral fistula following TURP: repair possible only after transvesical prostatectomy
Authors: Rajaian Shanmugasundaram , Pragatheeswarane Murugavaithianathan , Krishnamurthy Karrthik , Murugasen Lakshman
Published: January 2020

We report a case of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula (RUF) in an elderly man with benign prostatic enlargement and acute urinary retention, following a transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). This patient presented a unique challenge of tackling the RUF in the presence of a large residual prostate gland and urinary tract infection. RUF was repaired only after getting the access to the fistula following transvesical prostatectomy. Follow-up imaging showed well-healed repair of RUF. Transvesical prostatectomy is a useful adjunctive procedure in repair of RUF when associated with a large prostate. This case also highlights the importance of technique selection while planning for surgery on large prostate glands. TURP is not the preferred first modality of choice for larger glands as noted in this case.
Inhibition of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase ameliorates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via Akt–HIF-1α activation
Authors: Wu Xuehan , Huang Weilu , Quan Minxue , Chen Yongqi , Tu Jiaxin , Zhou Jialu , Xin Hong-Bo , Qian Yisong
Published: January 2020

Brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (pygb) is one of the rate-limiting enzymes in glycogenolysis that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here we investigated the role of pygb in high-glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanisms, by using the specific pygb inhibitors or pygb siRNA. Our results show that inhibition of pygb significantly attenuates cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by HG in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of pygb improved glucose metabolism in cardiacmyocytes, as evidenced by increased glycogen content, glucose consumption, and glucose transport. Mechanistically, pygb inhibition activates the Akt–GSK-3β signaling pathway and suppresses the activation of NF-κB in H9c2 cells exposed to HG. Additionally, pygb inhibition promotes the expression and the translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) after HG stimulation. However, the changes in glucose metabolism and HIF-1α activation mediated by pygb inhibition are significantly reversed in the presence of the Akt inhibitor MK2206. In conclusion, this study found that inhibition of pygb prevents HG-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via activation of Akt–HIF-α.
Mechanical properties and residual stress of HVOF sprayed nanostructured WC-17Co coatings
Authors: Sun Hairong , Yu Jinpeng , Gou Guoqing , Gao Wei
Published: January 2020

Nanostructured WC-17Co, 2C-12Co coatings and conventional WC-17Co coating were prepared by High Velocity Oxygen Flame (HVOF) spray technique. The elastic modulus, fracture toughness and crack spread path were studied. The residual stress, different phases, microstructure from surface to the depth of coatings were also analyzed. While the nanostructured WC-12Co coating showed the highest elastic modulus, the nanostructured WC-17Co coating has the highest fracture toughness. The compressive residual stress of the nanostructured coatings was higher than the conventional coating. Both WC and W2C phases showed compressive residual stress, but Co6W6C phase showed tensile stress. The distribution of residual stress showed that the stress is the lowest at the surface and the highest close to the interface.
Suspension force analysis of six-pole radial-axial magnetic bearing for energy storage flywheel
Authors: Ju Jintao , Wang Jiaan , Wang Yanfei , Wu Zhikang , Qin Ying
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a six-pole radial-axial hybrid magnetic bearing (RAHMB) used in a flywheel system. The radial and axial bias fluxes are generated by one permanent magnet and the radial control coils are driven by a three-phase converter. So, it has the advantages of compact structure, low power consumption and simple driver. First, the work principle is introduced. Then, the mathematical model is built. The force-current characteristics with different eccentricities, the coupling between radial two degrees of freedom (DOF) and the coupling between radial and axial DOF are analyzed based on the analytical model. Finally, the analyses are validated by 3D finite element analysis in the Maxwell software. The results have shown that the coupling between radial and axial DOF is very small. However, the force-current curves of radial two DOFs turn out to be nonlinear and coupled with the increase of rotor eccentricity.
Event Perception and Memory
Authors: Zacks Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2020

Events make up much of our lived experience, and the perceptual mechanisms that represent events in experience have pervasive effects on action control, language use, and remembering. Event representations in both perception and memory have rich internal structure and connections one to another, and both are heavily informed by knowledge accumulated from previous experiences. Event perception and memory have been identified with specific computational and neural mechanisms, which show protracted development in childhood and are affected by language use, expertise, and brain disorders and injuries. Current theoretical approaches focus on the mechanisms by which events are segmented from ongoing experience, and emphasize the common coding of events for perception, action, and memory. Abetted by developments in eye-tracking, neuroimaging, and computer science, research on event perception and memory is moving from small-scale laboratory analogs to the complexity of events in the wild.
Contribution of Cav1.2 Ca2+ channels and store-operated Ca2+ entry to pig urethral smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Rembetski Benjamin E. , Sanders Kenton M. , Drumm Bernard T.
Published: January 2020

Urethral smooth muscle (USM) generates tone to prevent urine leakage from the bladder during filling. USM tone has been thought to be a voltage-dependent process, relying on Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in USM cells, modulated by the activation of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels encoded by Ano1. However, recent findings in the mouse have suggested that USM tone is voltage independent, relying on Ca2+ influx through Orai channels via store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). We explored if this pathway also occurred in the pig using isometric tension recordings of USM tone. Pig USM strips generated myogenic tone, which was nearly abolished by the Cav1.2 channel antagonist nifedipine and the ATP-dependent K+ channel agonist pinacidil. Pig USM tone was reduced by the Orai channel blocker GSK-7975A. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) led to phentolamine-sensitive contractions of USM strips. Contractions of pig USM were also induced by phenylephrine. Phenylephrine-evoked and EFS-evoked contractions of pig USM were reduced by ~50–75% by nifedipine and ~30% by GSK-7975A. Inhibition of Ano1 channels had no effect on tone or EFS-evoked contractions of pig USM. In conclusion, unlike the mouse, pig USM exhibited voltage-dependent tone and agonist/EFS-evoked contractions. Whereas SOCE plays a role in generating tone and agonist/neural-evoked contractions in both species, this dominates in the mouse. Tone and agonist/EFS-evoked contractions of pig USM are the result of Ca2+ influx primarily through Cav1.2 channels, and no evidence was found supporting a role of Ano1 channels in modulating these mechanisms.
Empirical Study on the Obstacles to the Success of Joint Ventures in Construction Projects
Authors: Lu Chen , Yu Zhiwei , Wang Xuetong , Hong Yuming
Published: January 2020

As an effective way of completing technically complex buildings or large‐scale infrastructure projects, a joint venture contracting approach has recently been widely used in the construction industry. However, numerous unfavorable results can occur in practice when undertaking construction joint ventures (CJVs). The contribution of this paper is its exploration of the potential obstacles to CJV practices and identification of the root causes of failure. First, through a literature review, semistructured interviews, and a questionnaire survey, seventeen variables were identified; the top three obstacle variables were (1) inconsistent management styles, (2) incompatible organizational cultures, and (3) organizational policy differences. Second, four grouped factors were extracted: (1) unfair and noneffective management; (2) lack of communication, understanding, and mutual trust; (3) policy, management style, and organizational cultural differences; and (4) potential conflicts beyond the CJV partnership. Finally, several strategies were proposed. The research findings could not only contribute to knowledge of CJVs but also provide valuable insights into promoting broader, better applications of CJV projects and contributing to their success.
Mathematical Modelling and Computational Simulation of the Hydraulic Damper during the Orifice-Working Stage for Railway Vehicles
Authors: Gao Hongxing , Chi Maoru , Dai Liangcheng , Yang Jungang , Zhou Xiaozhi
Published: January 2020

The objective of this paper is to establish an accurate nonlinear mathematical model of the hydraulic damper during the orifice-working stage. A new mathematical model including the submodels of the orifices, hydraulic fluids, pressure chambers, and reservoir chambers is established based on theories of the fluid mechanics, hydropneumatics, and mechanics. Subsequently, a force element based on the established model of the hydraulic damper which contains 56 inputs, 6 force states, and 47 outputs is developed with the FORTRAN language in the secondary development environment of the multibody dynamics software SIMPACK. Using the force element, the damping characteristics of the modified yaw damper with different diameters of the base orifice are calculated under different amplitudes and frequencies of the sine excitation, and then the simulation results are compared with the experimental results which are obtained under the same conditions. Results show that during the orifice-working stage, the new established mathematical model can accurately reproduce the nonlinear static and dynamic characteristics of hydraulic dampers such as the force-displacement characteristic, force-velocity characteristic, fluid shortage, hysteresis effect, and pressure limited effect. Furthermore, it also shows that the nonlinear characteristics of the orifice, air release, cavitation, leakage for high frequencies, and dynamic characteristics of fluid (i.e., the density, bulk modulus, and air/gas content) should be taken seriously during the modelling of the hydraulic damper at the orifice-working stage. The mathematical model proposed in this paper is more applicable to the railway vehicle system dynamics and individual system description of the hydraulic damper.
Correlation between Immunohistochemical and Histomorphological Features of Ampullary Carcinomas: A Study on 72 Cases from a Tertiary Health Care Center
Authors: Abraham Usha Mary , Ramkumar Subramaniam
Published: January 2020

Tumors involving the ampulla could be arising primarily in the ampulla or extending from the adjacent. When a neoplasm is centered primarily in the ampulla with or without periampullary mucosal involvement, it is considered a primary ampullary carcinoma. These tumors generally have a better prognosis than duodenal and pancreaticobiliary neoplasms secondarily involving the ampulla. Distinguishing between the two primary types has prognostic implications, as the pancreaticobiliary-type ampullary carcinomas are said to have a poorer prognosis than the intestinal-type. Morphological analysis alone may not suffice in this context. The role of immunohistochemistry has therefore been explored by various groups of workers. The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of morphology and cytokeratin profile in accurate typing of ampullary carcinomas as intestinal and pancreaticobiliary.
A Fast and Efficient Numerical Algorithm for the Nonlocal Conservative Swift–Hohenberg Equation
Authors: Wang Jingying , Zhai Shuying
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we consider a new Swift–Hohenberg equation, where the total mass of this model is conserved through a nonlocal Lagrange multiplier. Based on the operator splitting method and spectral method, a fast and efficient numerical algorithm is proposed. Three numerical examples in both two and three dimensions are provided to illustrate that the proposed algorithm is a practical, accurate, and efficient simulation tool for the nonlocal Swift–Hohenberg equation.
Artichoke Polyphenols Sensitize Human Breast Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Drugs via a ROS-Mediated Downregulation of Flap Endonuclease 1
Authors: Mileo Anna Maria , Di Venere Donato , Mardente Stefania , Miccadei Stefania
Published: January 2020

Combined treatment of several natural polyphenols and chemotherapeutic agents is more effective comparing to the drug alone in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Polyphenolic artichoke extracts (AEs) have been shown to have anticancer properties by triggering apoptosis or reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) mediated senescence when used at high or low doses, respectively. Our aim was to explore the chemosensitizing potential of AEs in order to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. We employed breast cancer cell lines to assess the potential synergistic effect of a combined treatment of AEs/paclitaxel (PTX) or AEs/adriamycin (ADR) and to determine the underlying mechanisms correlated to this potential therapeutic approach. Our data shows that AEs/PTX reduced cell proliferation by increasing DNA damage response (DDR) mediated by Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) downregulation that results into enhanced breast cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. We demonstrated that ROS/Nrf2 and p-ERK pathways are two molecular mechanisms involved in the synergistic effect of AEs plus PTX treatment. To highlight the role of ROS herein, we report that the addition of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly decreased the antiproliferative effect of the combined treatment. A combined therapy could be able to reduce the dose of chemotherapeutic drugs, minimizing toxicity and side effects. Our results suggest the use of artichoke polyphenols as ROS-mediated sensitizers of chemotherapy paving the way for innovative and promising natural compound-based therapeutic strategies in oncology.
The Effect of Lymph Nodes’ Histologic Response on Survival Outcomes in Moroccan Patients with Rectal Cancer
Authors: El Otmani Ihsane , El Agy Fatima , El Abkari Mohammed , Hassani Karim Ibn Majdoub , Mazaz Khalid , Benjelloun El Bachir , Taleb Khalid Ait , Bouhafa Touria , Benbrahim Zineb , Ibrahimi Sidi Adil , Chbani Laila
Published: January 2020

Prognosis for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to elucidate possible association between therapeutic effect on lymph nodes (LNs) and patient prognosis. Overall, 149 patients with rectal cancer received preoperative radiotherapy in concomitance with chemotherapy or exclusive radiotherapy before rectal excision. Microscopic examination of formalin-fixed lymph nodes was assessed for therapeutic effect. The establishment of groups combined reaction tissue types of fibrosis, colloid, and necrosis after neoadjuvant treatment was assigned. The average age was 56.38 years, ranged between 22 and 88 years, 53% were female, and 47% were men, with a sex ratio of 1 : 12. In the present study, we noticed that after a median follow-up time of 40.67 months (0–83; SD: 21.1), overall survival was statistically significant depending on age groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences in the rate of patients with an age under 65 years (70.64%) versus those with an age over 85 years (36.5%) (p<0.001). Also, the OS was statistically significant depending on therapeutic effect groups composed of 0TE (No Therapeutic effect), C+ (presence of only colloidal effect), F+ (presence of only fibrosis tissue), and ME+ (mixture of 2 or 3 types of therapeutic effect) group. Indeed, we observed a significantly higher OS rate in the ME + group (86%) compared with the OS rate of LNs group with no therapeutic effect (57%) (p=0.028). Additionally, there was a significant association between the presence of fibrosis on LNs and an extended delay of more than 8 weeks to neoadjuvant treatment completion and surgery. Our study indicates that the best patient prognosis could be predicted based on tumor presenting a best pathologic effect on lymph nodes, and that delaying surgery for more than 8 weeks to neoadjuvant treatment completion improves therapeutic response on LNs.
Noninvasive Glucose Measurement Using Machine Learning and Neural Network Methods and Correlation with Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Gusev Marjan , Poposka Lidija , Spasevski Gjoko , Kostoska Magdalena , Koteska Bojana , Simjanoska Monika , Ackovska Nevena , Stojmenski Aleksandar , Tasic Jurij , Trontelj Janez
Published: January 2020

Diabetes is one of today’s greatest global problems, and it is only becoming bigger. Constant measuring of blood glucose level is a prerequisite for monitoring glucose blood level and establishing diabetes treatment procedures. The usual way of glucose level measuring is by an invasive procedure that requires finger pricking with the lancet and might become painful and obeying, especially if this becomes a daily routine. In this study, we analyze noninvasive glucose measurement approaches and present several classification dimensions according to different criteria: size, invasiveness, analyzed media, sensing properties, applied method, activation type, response delay, measurement duration, and access to results. We set the focus on using machine learning and neural network methods and correlation with heart rate variability and electrocardiogram, as a new research and development trend.
Unveiling the Antimicrobial Activities of Dicationic Carbazoles and Related Analogs Through Computational Docking
Authors: Pandey Anwesh , Yadav Rolly , Shukla Anamika , Yadav Anil Kumar
Published: January 2020

Computational docking is a globally used tool now-a-days in bioinformatics. All the drugs/ligands generate their effect only when they interact/bind with the target molecule, here DNA. The potential drugs/ligands can only be identified by the study of their relative binding energies
and preferential binding modes. Due to availability of huge numbers of such drugs/ligands; the evaluation of their relative potency is a challenging task. In the present work, carbazoles and its derivatives were studied for their DNA binding abilities using computational molecular docking.
All the docked ligands had planar structures which allowed them to adopt crescent shape and thus minor groove binding to DNA was preferred by most of them. Computational docking revealed that DNA binding energies of carbazoles and its analogs followed the same trend as their thermal melting
values. Also the drugs/ligands preferred themselves to bind at AT-rich regions of the minor groove of the selected DNA sequences.
Effect of Defects at Interface in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cell
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Pandey Bramha P.
Published: January 2020

This paper is based on the effect of interface at layer of PbS (Lead Sulfide) colloidal quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs). The performance of solar cell changed including the defects at interface depending on the structure of the model and capture cross-section area of electrons and holes.
The two approaches with and without defects are considered at interface of PbS-TBAI/MZO layer of the proposed QDSCs. Without defects at interface, the quantum efficiency were gradually increases with their corresponding absorption coefficient (cm–1). With defects state at
the PbS-TBAI/MZO interface layer, the quantum efficiency for the lower absorption coefficient (cm–1) i.e., from 103 to 106 increases after that it decrease for the higher absorption coefficients.
The Impact of Divergence Tilt and Meridional Flow for Cross-Equatorial Eddy Momentum Transport in Gill-Like Settings
Authors: Zurita-Gotor Pablo
Published: January 2020

This work investigates the sensitivity of the cross-equatorial eddy momentum flux and its rotational and divergent components to Hadley cell strength in simple variants of the Gill problem. An expression is derived linking the divergent momentum flux to the mean meridional wavenumber weighted by the spectrum of divergent eddy kinetic energy, supporting the relation between divergence phase tilt and momentum flux suggested by a previous study. Newtonian cooling makes the divergence tilt eastward moving away from the equator as observed, but this tilt is also sensitive to the Hadley cell. As the divergence tilt is enhanced in the downstream direction of the flow, wave propagation increases along that direction when the Hadley cell strengthens. The meridional flow also plays a second, important role for cross-equatorial propagation. With no Hadley cell, inviscid Sverdrup balance requires perfect compensation between the divergent and rotational momentum fluxes at the equator. The model can only produce cross-equatorial propagation when Sverdrup balance is violated, which in the linear, nearly inviscid limit requires vorticity advection by the mean flow. As the Hadley cell attenuates the geopotential tilt imparted by the divergent forcing, the compensation by the rotational momentum flux is reduced. The linear model can reproduce reasonably well previous nonlinear results by Kraucunas and Hartmann when linearized about their zonal-mean climatologies. The sensitivity of the cross-equatorial momentum fluxes to Hadley cell strength in these solutions is dominated by changes in the divergent flux and consistent with diagnosed changes in the divergence tilt.
Quantified CO2-related indicators for green building rating systems in China
Authors: Liu Ke , Leng Jiawei
Published: January 2020

Buildings’ CO2-related indicators are essential in checking negative effects of global warming on the environment. They are required in Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) to promote low-carbon development. Most of Asian GBRS consider CO2-related evaluations. In China, Assessment Standard for Green Buildings (ASGB) includes CO2-related indicators; however, the standard lacks the necessary specification for quantisation and compulsory requirements for evaluation. There is a lack of research regarding its updated version, ASGB-2019. The objective of this paper is to propose a framework of CO2-related indicators in ASGB-2019, compared with Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) and Green Building Evaluation Manual (EEWH). CO2-related indicators were compared in terms of structure, weights, evaluation and calculation methods. CO2-related indicators cover the first and second level indexes and are included in direct and indirect evaluation in all three GBRS. While scopes of CO2-related indicators are different among these three GBRS, weights from large to small are EEWH, CASBEE and ASGB. CASBEE and EEWH would give more importance to CO2-related calculation than ASGB. The proposed framework will guide CO2-related evaluations in ASGB-2019 by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. For ASGB-2019, the scope of CO2-related indicators should be broadened to include the Required and Encouragement indicators, the weights could be around 50% for broad scope and 16% for narrow scope. The CO2 emissions calculation should be an indispensable indicator.
Cell trace far-red is a suitable erythrocyte dye for multi-color Plasmodium falciparum invasion phenotyping assays
Authors: Thiam Laty G , Aniweh Yaw , Quansah Evelyn B , Donkor Jacob K , Gwira Theresa M , Kusi Kwadwo A , Niang Makhtar , Awandare Gordon A
Published: January 2020

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion phenotyping assays are a very useful tool for assessing parasite diversity and virulence, and for characterizing the formation of ligand–receptor interactions. However, such assays need to be highly sensitive and reproducible, and the selection of labeling dyes for differentiating donor and acceptor erythrocytes is a critical factor. We investigated the suitability of cell trace far-red (CTFR) as a dye for P. falciparum invasion phenotyping assays. Using the dyes carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE) and dichloro dimethyl acridin one succinimidyl ester (DDAO-SE) as comparators, we used a dye-dilution approach to assess the limitations and specific staining procedures for the applicability of CTFR in P. falciparum invasion phenotyping assays. Our data show that CTFR effectively labels acceptor erythrocytes and provides a stable fluorescent intensity at relatively low concentrations. CTFR also yielded a higher fluorescence intensity relative to DDAO-SE and with a more stable fluorescence intensity over time. Furthermore, CTFR did not affect merozoites invasion of erythrocytes and was not toxic to the parasite’s intraerythrocytic development. Additionally, CTFR offers flexibility in the choice of combinations with several other DNA dyes, which broaden its usage for P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion assays, considering a wider range of flow cytometers with various laser settings.

Impact statement

In recent years, flow cytometry has become a cornerstone in investigating P. falciparum phenotypic diversity using multiple dyes to discriminate between donor and acceptor erythrocytes. To broaden the applicability of such assays, we optimized the staining conditions of a newly developed cytoplasmic dye, cell trace far-red (CTFR), and assessed its suitability for use in P. falciparum invasion phenotyping assays. We showed that CTFR has a very narrow emission peak excited by red lasers. Furthermore, CTFR labeling of target erythrocytes, achieved even at low concentrations, is stable over time and did not impair parasite development. P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion phenotyping assays revealed that CTFR is suitable for use in combination with several DNA dyes in multiplex assays. This will allow for high throughput phenotyping of parasites as well as facilitate the evaluation of preference of erythrocytes by merozoites. Altogether, these make screening for potential invasion-blocking interventions possible.
Low VWF levels in children and lack of association with bleeding in children undergoing tonsillectomy
Authors: Gill Joan Cox , Conley Stephen F. , Johnson Victoria P. , Christopherson Pamela A. , Haberichter Sandra L. , Diaz Christina D. , Strong Tatyana C. , Zhang Jian , Simpson Pippa , Abshire Thomas C. , Montgomery Robert R. , Flood Veronica H.
Published: January 2020

Key Points

In children undergoing tonsillectomy, low VWF levels did not predict surgical bleeding in the absence of major bleeding history. Children have lower VWF levels than adults and these lower levels do not appear to be associated with bleeding.
Enhanced recovery protocol versus standard protocol for patients undergoing radical cystectomy: results of a prospective randomized study
Authors: Ibrahim Hisham , Kotb Sameh , Abd Allah Ahmed , Kassem Ayman , Salem Ahmed , Abd ElHamid Mahmoud , ElFayoumy Hany , Mosharafa Ashraf , Saad Ismail Rady , Mursi Khaled , Abdel-Razzak Omar
Published: January 2020

Background

To assess patients undergoing radical cystectomy using enhanced recovery protocol and standard protocol in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and complications.

Results

All operative and postoperative complications were recorded. In group B, time to normal bowel activity ranged from 1 to 4 days, and the mean was 1.8 days (± 1.02), while it ranged from 1 to 5 days, and the mean was 3.17 days (± 1.14) in group A which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). The length of hospital stay in group B ranged from 6 to 50 days, the mean was 13.16 days (± 7.83), while it ranged from 8 to 35 days, and the mean was 14.71 days (± 5.78) in group A which was statistically significant (p value = 0.033). Postoperative mortality was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing radical cystectomy, enhanced recovery protocol is considered as a safe procedure and not associated with any increase in intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to standard protocol. The length of hospital stay and time to return to full diet are reduced.
Identification and characterization of genes frequently responsive to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Magnaporthe oryzae infections in rice
Authors: Kong Weiwen , Ding Li , Xia Xue
Published: January 2020

Background

Disease resistance is an important factor that impacts rice production. However, the mechanisms underlying rice disease resistance remain to be elucidated.

Results

Here, we show that a robust set of genes has been defined in rice response to the infections ofXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo) andMagnaporthe oryzae(Mor). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the available microarray data from a variety of rice samples with inoculation ofXooandMor. A set of 12,932 genes was identified to be regulated byXooand another set of 2709Mor-regulated genes was determined. GO enrichment analysis of the regulated genes byXooorMorsuggested mitochondrion may be an arena for the up-regulated genes and chloroplast be another for the down-regulated genes byXooorMor. Cytokinin-related processes were most frequently repressed byXoo, while processes relevant to jasmonic acid and abscisic acid were most frequently activated byXooandMor. Among genes responsive toXooandMor, defense responses and diverse signaling pathways were the most frequently enriched resistance mechanisms. InterPro annotation showed the zinc finger domain family, WRKY proteins, and Myb domain proteins were the most significant transcription factors regulated byXooandMor. KEGG analysis demonstrated pathways including ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, ‘biosynthesis of antibiotics’, ‘phenylalanine metabolism’, and ‘biosynthesis of secondary metabolites’ were most frequently triggered byXooandMor, whereas ‘circadian rhythm-plant’ was the most frequent pathway repressed byXooandMor.

Conclusions

The genes identified here represent a robust set of genes responsive to the infections ofXooandMor, which provides an overview of transcriptional reprogramming during rice defense againstXooandMorinfections. Our study would be helpful in understanding the mechanisms of rice disease resistance.
A highly efficient organogenesis protocol based on zeatin riboside for in vitro regeneration of eggplant
Authors: García-Fortea Edgar , Lluch-Ruiz Agustín , Pineda-Chaza Benito José , García-Pérez Ana , Bracho-Gil Juan Pablo , Plazas Mariola , Gramazio Pietro , Vilanova Santiago , Moreno Vicente , Prohens Jaime
Published: January 2020

Background

Efficient organogenesis induction in eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) is required for multiple in vitro culture applications. In this work, we aimed at developing a universal protocol for efficient in vitro regeneration of eggplant mainly based on the use of zeatin riboside (ZR). We evaluated the effect of seven combinations of ZR with indoleacetic acid (IAA) for organogenic regeneration in five genetically diverseS. melongenaand oneS. insanumL. accessions using two photoperiod conditions. In addition, the effect of six different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in order to promote rooting was assessed to facilitate subsequent acclimatization of plants. The ploidy level of regenerated plants was studied.

Results

In a first experiment with accessions MEL1 and MEL3, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed for the four factors evaluated for organogenesis from cotyledon, hypocotyl and leaf explants, with the best results obtained (9 and 11 shoots for MEL1 and MEL3, respectively) using cotyledon tissue, 16 h light / 8 h dark photoperiod conditions, and medium E6 (2 mg/L of ZR and 0 mg/L of IAA). The best combination of conditions was tested in the other four accessions and confirmed its high regeneration efficiency per explant when using both cotyledon and hypocotyl tissues. The best rooting media was R2 (1 mg/L IBA). The analysis of ploidy level revealed that between 25 and 50% of the regenerated plantlets were tetraploid.

Conclusions

An efficient protocol for organogenesis of both cultivated and wild accessions of eggplant, based on the use of ZR, is proposed. The universal protocol developed may be useful for fostering in vitro culture applications in eggplant requiring regeneration of plants and, in addition, allows developing tetraploid plants without the need of antimitotic chemicals.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide insight into the volatile compounds of citrus leaves and flowers
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Chen Mengjun , Wen Huan , Wang Zhenhua , Chen Jiajing , Fang Liu , Zhang Hongyan , Xie Zongzhou , Jiang Dong , Cheng Yunjiang , Xu Juan
Published: January 2020

Background

Previous reports have mainly focused on the volatiles in citrus fruits, and there have been few reports about the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers. However, citrus leaves and flowers are also rich in volatile compounds with unique aromas. Here, to investigate the volatiles in citrus leaves and flowers, volatile profiling was performed on leaves from 62 germplasms and flowers from 25 germplasms.

Results

In total, 196 and 82 volatile compounds were identified from leaves of 62 citrus germplasms and flowers of 25 citrus germplasms, respectively. The dominant volatile terpenoids were more diverse in citrus leaves than in peels. A total of 34 volatile terpenoids were commonly detected in the leaves of at least 20 germplasms, among which 31 were overaccumulated in the leaves of wild or semiwild germplasms. This result was consistent with the high expression levels of five genes and one key gene of the mevalonate and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) biosynthetic pathways, respectively, as well as the low expression levels of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase of the MEP pathway, relative to the levels in cultivars. Fully open flowers showed increased levels of four terpene alcohols and a decrease in sabinene content compared with balloon-stage flowers, especially in sweet orange. A monoterpene synthase gene was identified and functionally characterized as a sabinene synthase in vitro.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results suggest that 31 important terpenoids are abundant in wild or semiwild citrus germplasms, possibly because of a negative effect of domestication on the volatiles in citrus leaves. The sweet smell of fully open flowers may be attributed to increased levels of four terpene alcohols. In addition, a sabinene synthase gene was identified by combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses.
Treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection in renal transplant recipients – a single center retrospective study
Authors: Chiu Hsien-Fu , Wen Mei-Chin , Wu Ming-Ju , Chen Cheng-Hsu , Yu Tung-Min , Chuang Ya-Wen , Huang Shih-Ting , Tsai Shang-Feng , Lo Ying-Chih , Ho Hao-Chung , Shu Kuo-Hsiung
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection is a major etiology of graft loss in renal transplant recipients. However, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment strategies.

Methods

Computerized records from Taichung Veterans General Hospital were collected to identify renal transplant biopsies performed in the past 7 years with a diagnosis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. The patients were divided into two groups according to treatment strategy: Group 1 received aggressive treatment (double filtration plasmapheresis and one of the followings: rituximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, antithymogycte globulin, bortezomib, or methylprednisolone pulse therapy); and group 2 received supportive treatment.

Results

From February 2009 to December 2017, a total of 82 patients with biopsy-proven chronic antibody mediated rejection were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis of death-censored graft survival showed a worse survival in group 2 (P = 0.015 by log-rank test). Adverse event-free survival was lower in group 1, whereas patient survival was not significantly different. Proteinuria and supportive treatment were independent risk factors for graft loss in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Aggressive treatment was associated with better graft outcome. However, higher incidence of adverse events merit personalized treatment, especially for those with higher risk of infection. Appropriate prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for patients undergoing aggressive treatment.
Social determinants of health associated with hemodialysis non-adherence and emergency department utilization: a pilot observational study
Authors: Balhara Kamna S. , Fisher Lori , El Hage Naya , Ramos Rosemarie G. , Jaar Bernard G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Dialysis patients who miss treatments are twice as likely to visit emergency departments (EDs) compared to adherent patients; however, prospective studies assessing ED use after missed treatments are limited. This interdisciplinary pilot study aimed to identify social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with missing hemodialysis (HD) and presenting to the ED, and describe resource utilization associated with such visits.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study with a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED after missing HD (cases); patients at local dialysis centers identified as HD-compliant by their nephrologists served as matched controls. Patients were interviewed with validated instruments capturing associated risk factors, including SDOH. ED resource utilization by cases was determined by chart review. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to detect statistically significant group differences.

Results

All cases visiting the ED had laboratory and radiographic studies; 40% needed physician-performed procedures. Mean ED length of stay (LOS) for cases was 17 h; 76% of patients were admitted with average LOS of 6 days. Comparing 25 cases and 24 controls, we found no difference in economic stability, educational attainment, health literacy, family support, or satisfaction with nephrology care. However, cases were more dependent on public transport for dialysis (p = 0.03). Despite comparable comorbidity burdens, cases were more likely to have impaired mobility, physical limitations, and higher severity of pain and depression. (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

ED visits after missed HD resulted in elevated LOS and admission rates. Frequently-cited SDOH such as health literacy did not confer significant risk for missing HD. However, pain, physical limitations, and depression were higher among cases. Community-specific collaborations between EDs and dialysis centers would be valuable in identifying risk factors specific to missed HD and ED use, to develop strategies to improve treatment adherence and reduce unnecessary ED utilization.