bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic alterations in the 3q26.31-32 locus confer an aggressive prostate cancer phenotype
Authors: Simpson Benjamin S. , Camacho Niedzica , Luxton Hayley J. , Pye Hayley , Finn Ron , Heavey Susan , Pitt Jason , Moore Caroline M. , Whitaker Hayley C.
Published: August 2020

Large-scale genetic aberrations that underpin prostate cancer development and progression, such as copy-number alterations (CNAs), have been described but the consequences of specific changes in many identified loci is limited. Germline SNPs in the 3q26.31 locus are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, and is the location of NAALADL2, a gene overexpressed in aggressive disease. The closest gene to NAALADL2 is TBL1XR1, which is implicated in tumour development and progression. Using publicly-available cancer genomic data we report that NAALADL2 and TBL1XR1 gains/amplifications are more prevalent in aggressive sub-types of prostate cancer when compared to primary cohorts. In primary disease, gains/amplifications occurred in 15.99% (95% CI: 13.02–18.95) and 14.96% (95% CI: 12.08–17.84%) for NAALADL2 and TBL1XR1 respectively, increasing in frequency in higher Gleason grade and stage tumours. Gains/amplifications result in transcriptional changes and the development of a pro-proliferative and aggressive phenotype. These results support a pivotal role for copy-number gains in this genetic region.
An essential role of acetyl coenzyme A in the catalytic cycle of insect arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase
Authors: Wu Chu-Ya , Hu I-Chen , Yang Yi-Chen , Ding Wei-Cheng , Lai Chih-Hsuan , Lee Yi-Zong , Liu Yi-Chung , Cheng Hui-Chun , Lyu Ping-Chiang
Published: August 2020

Acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA)-dependent N-acetylation is performed by arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) and is important in many biofunctions. AANAT catalyzes N-acetylation through an ordered sequential mechanism in which cofactor (Ac-CoA) binds first, with substrate binding afterward. No ternary structure containing AANAT, cofactor, and substrate was determined, meaning the details of substrate binding and product release remain unclear. Here, two ternary complexes of dopamine N-acetyltransferase (Dat) before and after N-acetylation were solved at 1.28 Å and 1.36 Å resolution, respectively. Combined with the structures of Dat in apo form and Ac-CoA bound form, we addressed each stage in the catalytic cycle. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were utilized to analyze the product release. Our data revealed that Ac-CoA regulates the conformational properties of Dat to form the catalytic site and substrate binding pocket, while the release of products is facilitated by the binding of new Ac-CoA.
Structure of phospholipase Cε reveals an integrated RA1 domain and previously unidentified regulatory elements
Authors: Rugema Ngango Y. , Garland-Kuntz Elisabeth E. , Sieng Monita , Muralidharan Kaushik , Van Camp Michelle M. , O’Neill Hannah , Mbongo William , Selvia Arielle F. , Marti Andrea T. , Everly Amanda , McKenzie Emmanda , Lyon Angeline M.
Published: August 2020

Phospholipase Cε (PLCε) generates lipid-derived second messengers at the plasma and perinuclear membranes in the cardiovascular system. It is activated in response to a wide variety of signals, such as those conveyed by Rap1A and Ras, through a mechanism that involves its C-terminal Ras association (RA) domains (RA1 and RA2). However, the complexity and size of PLCε has hindered its structural and functional analysis. Herein, we report the 2.7 Å crystal structure of the minimal fragment of PLCε that retains basal activity. This structure includes the RA1 domain, which forms extensive interactions with other core domains. A conserved amphipathic helix in the autoregulatory X–Y linker of PLCε is also revealed, which we show modulates activity in vitro and in cells. The studies provide the structural framework for the core of this critical cardiovascular enzyme that will allow for a better understanding of its regulation and roles in disease.
Deterministic control of an antiferromagnetic spin arrangement using ultrafast optical excitation
Authors: Windsor Y. W. , Ernst A. , Kummer K. , Kliemt K. , Schüßler-Langeheine Ch. , Pontius N. , Staub U. , Chulkov E. V. , Krellner C. , Vyalikh D. V. , Rettig L.
Published: August 2020

A central prospect of antiferromagnetic spintronics is to exploit magnetic properties that are unavailable with ferromagnets. However, this poses the challenge of accessing such properties for readout and control. To this end, light-induced manipulation of the transient ground state, e.g. by changing the magnetic anisotropy potential, opens promising pathways towards ultrafast deterministic control of antiferromagnetism. Here, we use this approach to trigger a coherent rotation of the entire long-range antiferromagnetic spin arrangement about a crystalline axis in GdRh2Si2and demonstrate deterministic control of this rotation. Our observations can be explained by a laser-induced shift of the direction of the Gd spins’ local magnetic anisotropy, and allow for a quantitative description of the transient magnetic anisotropy potential.
Optical nanoprobes for chiral discrimination
Authors: Bigdeli Arafeh , Ghasemi Forough , Fahimi-Kashani Nafiseh , Abbasi-Moayed Samira , Orouji Afsaneh , Jafar-Nezhad Ivrigh Zahra , Shahdost-Fard Faezeh , Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza
Published: August 2020

Chiral recognition can be achieved by exploiting chiral properties of nanoparticles within various colorimetric and luminescent sensing systems.
Orange-red emitting copper nanoclusters for endogenous GSH, temperature sensing, and cellular imaging
Authors: Li Zhiying , Xue Yadan , Zhao Wenhua , Ye Daixin
Published: August 2020

A selective and sensitive copper nanocluster(CuNC)-based fluorescent probe for the detection of GSH and temprature was constucted.
Eu@PMMA and Sm@PMMA nanofibers prepared by electrospinning: structure, morphology, luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Coban Mustafa Burak , Gungor Elif , Acar Yasemin , Kuru Alpaslan Fatma , Kara Subasat Hulya
Published: August 2020

Eu3+ and Sm3+ coordination polymers and a series of Eu@PMMA and Sm@PMMA nanofibers were prepared. Color tunability was achieved with the luminescence changing from reddish orange in the bulk state to near-white light in the nanofiber stage.
Importance of the fourth-rank zero field splitting parameters for Fe2+ (S = 2) adatoms on the CuN/Cu(100) surface evidenced by their determination based on DFT and experimental data
Authors: Kozanecki Michał , Rudowicz Czesław
Published: August 2020

Equations allow to determine 2nd- and 4th-rank ZFSPs (Bkq) based on spin energy levels (λi) at B = 0. This method is applied to Fe2+ (S = 2) adatoms on CuN/Cu(100) surface using DFT and experimental data. Relative importance of ZFSPs is analyzed.
Access to the triplet excited states of organic chromophores
Authors: Sasikumar Devika , John Athira T. , Sunny Jeswin , Hariharan Mahesh
Published: August 2020

Triplet excited states, ubiquitous in organic chromophores, can be accessed through various pathways. The feasibility of each pathway is determined by the molecular and electronic structures of the organic chromophores.
Anodic molecular hydrogen formation on Ru and Cu electrodes
Authors: Scott Soren B. , Engstfeld Albert K. , Jusys Zenonas , Hochfilzer Degenhart , Knøsgaard Nikolaj , Trimarco Daniel B. , Vesborg Peter C. K. , Behm R. Jürgen , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: August 2020

On important electrocatalysts including ruthenium and copper, increasing the potential pushes adsorbed hydrogen off as H2, an unexpected uphill desorption.
The emergence of bifunctional catalytic properties by the introduction of Bi3+ in defect fluorite-structured PrO1.833
Authors: Nagarajan Rajamani , Pandey Jyoti
Published: August 2020

Upto 40 mol% of Bi3+ could be introduced in the defect fluorite-structured PrO1.833, which modified its magnetic properties and introduced bifunctional catalytic function.
Stable and selective electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide and the electro-Fenton process on CoSe2 polymorph catalysts
Authors: Sheng Hongyuan , Janes Aurora N. , Ross R. Dominic , Kaiman Dave , Huang Jinzhen , Song Bo , Schmidt J. R. , Jin Song
Published: August 2020

Earth-abundant CoSe2 outperforms noble metal catalysts for the selective 2e− ORR in acidic solution, enabling the stable bulk electrosynthesis of practically useful 547 ppm H2O2 and the effective electro-Fenton degradation of an organic pollutant.
Curvature-induced hydrophobicity at imogolite–water interfaces
Authors: Fernandez-Martinez Alejandro , Tao Jinhui , Wallace Adam F. , Bourg Ian C. , Johnson Mark R. , De Yoreo James J. , Sposito Garrison , Cuello Gabriel J. , Charlet Laurent
Published: August 2020

The curvature of the imogolite external surface induces changes in its hygroscopic properties as compared to its planar counterpart gibbsite.
Long-term trends in the contribution of PM2.5sources to organic carbon (OC) in the Los Angeles basin and the effect of PM emission regulations
Authors: Altuwayjiri Abdulmalik , Pirhadi Milad , Taghvaee Sina , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: August 2020

We investigated the long-term variations in the contributions of emission sources to ambient PM2.5organic carbon (OC) in central Los Angeles (CELA) and Riverside using the Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) database in the 2005–2015 period.
Guavinoside B fromPsidium guajavaalleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injuryviaregulating the Nrf2 and JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Xu Jialin , Li Dongli , Ma Hang , Mu Yu , Huang Xueshi , Li Liya
Published: August 2020

GUB, a main phenolic compound present in guava fruits, could alleviate APAP-induced liver injuryin vitroandin vivoby activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway.
Anisotropic optical properties of GeS investigated by optical absorption and photoreflectance
Authors: Tołłoczko Agata , Oliva Robert , Woźniak Tomasz , Kopaczek Jan , Scharoch Paweł , Kudrawiec Robert
Published: August 2020

We present a comprehensive study of bulk GeS optical properties and their anisotropy, by investigation of the fundamental band gap of the material and the energetically higher direct transitions.
Highly transparent photochromic films with a tunable and fast solution-like response
Authors: Torres-Pierna Héctor , Ruiz-Molina Daniel , Roscini Claudio
Published: August 2020

Transparent, tunable and fast-response polymeric photochromic films are obtained through the entrapment of nanodroplets made of oil solutions of photochromic dyes.
Thermal decomposition of a layered double hydroxide as a bottom up approach for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles embedded in carbon structures
Authors: de Matos Caroline Silva , Ghimbeu Camélia Matei , Brendlé Jocelyne , Limousy Lionel , Constantino Vera Regina Leopoldo
Published: August 2020

Thermal behaviour of a layered double hydroxide intercalated with a carboxymethylcellulose polymer was evaluated to inspect chemical processes occurring during its decomposition above 500 °C, under N2, as well as the product properties.
Novel water-soluble Cu(ii) complexes based on acylhydrazone porphyrin ligands for DNA binding and in vitro anticancer activity as potential therapeutic targeting candidates
Authors: Hou Bingjie , Li Zhenzhen , Zhang Qian , Chen Peiyu , Liu Jiacheng
Published: August 2020

Three novel water-soluble Cu(ii) complexes featuring miscellaneous acylhydrazone tricationic porphyrin ligands (named Cu-Por1, Cu-Por2 and Cu-Por3) were successfully prepared and isolated.
ZnO twin-rods decorated with Pt nanoparticles for butanone detection
Authors: Oliveira Taís N. T. , Zito Cecilia A. , Perfecto Tarcísio M. , Azevedo Gustavo M. , Volanti Diogo P.
Published: August 2020

ZnO twin-rods were synthesized using a combination of the ultrasonic spray nozzle and microwave-assisted hydrothermal methods. The VOC detection test revealed that the decoration with 2% of Pt provides a more sensitive and selective butanone sensor.
Mixed valence trimers in cation radical salts of TMTTF with the planar bis(6-sulfo-8-quinolato) platinum complex [Pt(qS)2]2−
Authors: Frąckowiak Arkadiusz , Barszcz Bolesław , Olejniczak Iwona , Tomasik Mikołaj , Jarzyniak Natalia , Świetlik Roman , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Fourmigué Marc , Jeannin Olivier , Camerel Franck
Published: August 2020

Hydrogen bonds between conducting stacks of (TMTTF)32+ trimers and the planar bis-sulfonate platinum complex [Pt(qS)2]2−.
Amelioration of aggregate cytotoxicity by catalytic conversion of protein oligomers into amyloid fibrils
Authors: Yang Jie , Dear Alexander J. , Yao Qiong-Qiong , Liu Zhenyan , Dobson Christopher M. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Wu Si , Perrett Sarah
Published: August 2020

Peptide vesicles catalyze conversion of toxic amyloid oligomers into benign fibrillar species.
Colloidal assembly in droplets: structures and optical properties
Authors: Park Sanghyuk , Hwang Hyerim , Kim Minjung , Moon Jun Hyuk , Kim Shin-Hyun
Published: August 2020

This review highlights recent progress in emulsion-templated colloidal clustering, especially focusing on novel structures of icosahedral, decahedral, and single-crystalline clusters.
Noble-metal-free nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation from boron- and nitrogen-based hydrides
Authors: Yao Qilu , Ding Yiyue , Lu Zhang-Hui
Published: August 2020

We focus on the recent advances in non-noble metal catalyst design, synthesis and applications in dehydrogenation of chemical hydrides (e.g. NaBH4, NH3BH3, NH3, N2H4, N2H4BH3) due to their high hydrogen contents and CO-free H2production.
An efficient synthesis of 4,5-diaryl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-oneviaa cesium carbonate-promoted direct condensation of 1-aryl-2-propanone with 1,1′-(arylmethylene)diurea
Authors: Guo Yi-Cong , Song Xuan-Di , Deng Wei , Rao Weidong , Xu Haiyan , Shen Zhi-Liang
Published: August 2020

A Cs2CO3-promoted efficient method for the synthesis of 4,5-diaryl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one by using 1,1′-(arylmethylene)diurea and 1-aryl-2-propanone as substrates was developed.
Detection of the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of invasive non-small cell lung cancer cells by their membrane undulation spectra
Authors: Hui T. H. , Shao X. , Au D. W. , Cho W. C. , Lin Y.
Published: August 2020

The membrane undulation spectra of cancer cells, measured by atomic force microscope, can be used to detect their transition from being mesenchymal- to epithelial-like.
Pressure-induced phase transition of 1,5-diamino-1H-tetrazole (DAT) under high pressure
Authors: Jin Cheng , Liu Ying , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Weijing , Zhang Tonglai , Zhu Jinlong
Published: August 2020

DAT experiences phase transitions under pressure related to rotation of NH2 and distortion of the heterocycle.
From batch to continuous free-radical solution polymerization of acrylic acid using a stirred tank reactor
Authors: Ilare Juri , Sponchioni Mattia , Storti Giuseppe , Moscatelli Davide
Published: August 2020

We propose a model for the optimized conversion of semi-continuous poly(acrylic acid) production to continuous preserving the product features.
Dynamic changes in DNA populations revealed by split–combine selection
Authors: Plückthun Olga , Siegl Julia , Bryant Laura Lledo , Mayer Günter
Published: August 2020

A split-combine selection approach reveals dynamic population changes in DNA libraries during in vitro selection procedures.
MoS2/CoB with Se doping on carbon cloth to drive overall water-splitting in an alkaline electrolyte
Authors: Song Min , Zhao Ying , Wu Zexing , Liu Xien
Published: August 2020

A facile and scalable strategy is developed for the in situ growth of MoS2 coupled with CoB with Se doping on carbon cloth (MoS2/CoB–Se/CC), which presents excellent catalytic performance for overall water-splitting.
Design and synthesis of phenylphosphine oxide-based polymer photocatalysts for highly efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Wen-Hsin , Ting Li-Yu , Jayakumar Jayachandran , Chang Chih-Li , Lin Wei-Cheng , Chung Chih-Chia , Elsayed Mohamed Hammad , Lu Chia-Yeh , Elewa Ahmed M. , Chou Ho-Hsiu
Published: August 2020

We designed a series of phenylphosphine oxide derivatives as polymer photocatalysts for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution. PCzBPO exhibited an excellent HER with a record high AQY of 14.88% at 460 nm.
Efficient spreading and controllable penetration of high-speed drops on superhydrophobic surface by vesicles
Authors: Li Haofei , Liu Zhang , Li Chuxin , Feng Qiying , Liu Yang , Li Qiang , Dong Zhichao , Wang Yilin , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2020

Water drops with a vesicle surfactant exhibit efficient spreading and controllable penetration after high speed impact on a superhydrophobic surface.
Screening of transition (Y, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Mo, and Ru) and rare-earth (La and Pr) elements as potential effective dopants for thermoelectric GeTe – an experimental and theoretical appraisal
Authors: Srinivasan Bhuvanesh , Le Tonquesse Sylvain , Gellé Alain , Bourgès Cédric , Monier Leo , Ohkubo Isao , Halet Jean-François , Berthebaud David , Mori Takao
Published: August 2020

A report on an improvement in the thermoelectric performance of GeTe via intentional creation of more electrically dormant Ge vacancies (in contrast to classical approaches) and modulating/balancing it with optimized Zr-doping.
Strain-based chemical sensing using metal–organic framework nanoparticles
Authors: Yeung H. H.-M. , Yoshikawa G. , Minami K. , Shiba K.
Published: August 2020

A membrane-type surface stress sensor (MSS) featuring metal–organic framework nanoparticles shows rapid, discriminative and ppm-level responses to volatile organic compounds.
Enabling electrochemical conversion of N2 to NH3 under ambient conditions by a CoP3 nanoneedle array
Authors: Gao Jiajia , Lv Xu , Wang Fengyi , Luo Yongsong , Lu Siyu , Chen Guang , Gao Shuyan , Zhong Benhe , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Xuping
Published: August 2020

CoP3/CC acts as an efficient electrocatalyst for the conversion of N2 to NH3 in 0.1 M Na2SO4, achieving a high NH3 yield of 3.61 × 10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 and a faradaic efficiency of 11.94%.
Tunable ultralong organic phosphorescence modulated by main-group elements with different Lewis acidity and basicity
Authors: Xu Letian , Zhou Kun , Qiu Xinyu , Rao Bin , Pei Dandan , Li Ang , An Zhongfu , He Gang
Published: August 2020

A series of main-group elements containing ultralong organic phosphorescence materials with tunable properties for in vivo afterglow imaging is reported.
In situ observation of the magnetocaloric effect through neutron diffraction in the Tb(DCO2)3 and TbODCO3 frameworks
Authors: Dixey Richard J. C. , Manuel Pascal , Orlandi Fabio , Mukherjee Paromita , Dutton Siân E. , Stenning Gavin B. G. , Saines Paul J.
Published: August 2020

Understanding large entropy changes in efficient magnetocaloric materials is essential to design next-generation magnetocaloric devices. We report the large entropy change mechanism in two efficient magnetocaloric materials – TbODCO3 and Tb(DCO2)3.
RAS Function in cancer cells: translating membrane biology and biochemistry into new therapeutics
Authors: Kattan Walaa E. , Hancock John F.
Published: August 2020

The three human RAS proteins are mutated and constitutively activated in ∼20% of cancers leading to cell growth and proliferation. For the past three decades, many attempts have been made to inhibit these proteins with little success. Recently; however, multiple methods have emerged to inhibit KRAS, the most prevalently mutated isoform. These methods and the underlying biology will be discussed in this review with a special focus on KRAS-plasma membrane interactions.
Molecular and structural basis for Lewis glycan recognition by a cancer-targeting antibody
Authors: Soliman Caroline , Guy Andrew J. , Chua Jia Xin , Vankemmelbeke Mireille , McIntosh Richard S. , Eastwood Sarah , Truong Vi Khanh , Elbourne Aaron , Spendlove Ian , Durrant Lindy G. , Ramsland Paul A.
Published: August 2020

Immunotherapy has been successful in treating many tumour types. The development of additional tumour-antigen binding monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) will help expand the range of immunotherapeutic targets. Lewis histo-blood group and related glycans are overexpressed on many carcinomas, including those of the colon, lung, breast, prostate and ovary, and can therefore be selectively targeted by mAbs. Here we examine the molecular and structural basis for recognition of extended Lea and Lex containing glycans by a chimeric mAb. Both the murine (FG88.2) IgG3 and a chimeric (ch88.2) IgG1 mAb variants showed reactivity to colorectal cancer cells leading to significantly reduced cell viability. We determined the X-ray structure of the unliganded ch88.2 fragment antigen-binding (Fab) containing two Fabs in the unit cell. A combination of molecular docking, glycan grafting and molecular dynamics simulations predicts two distinct subsites for recognition of Lea and Lex trisaccharides. While light chain residues were exclusively used for Lea binding, recognition of Lex involved both light and heavy chain residues. An extended groove is predicted to accommodate the Lea–Lex hexasaccharide with adjoining subsites for each trisaccharide. The molecular and structural details of the ch88.2 mAb presented here provide insight into its cross-reactivity for various Lea and Lex containing glycans. Furthermore, the predicted interactions with extended epitopes likely explains the selectivity of this antibody for targeting Lewis-positive tumours.
Crystal structure of an insect antifreeze protein reveals ordered waters on the ice-binding surface
Authors: Ye Qilu , Eves Robert , Campbell Robert L. , Davies Peter L.
Published: August 2020

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are characterized by their ability to adsorb to the surface of ice crystals and prevent any further crystal growth. AFPs have independently evolved for this purpose in a variety of organisms that encounter the threat of freezing, including many species of polar fish, insects, plants and microorganisms. Despite their diverse origins and structures, it has been suggested that all AFPs can organize ice-like water patterns on one side of the protein (the ice-binding site) that helps bind the AFP to ice. Here, to test this hypothesis, we have solved the crystal structure at 2.05 Å resolution of an AFP from the longhorn beetle, Rhagium mordax with five molecules in the unit cell. This AFP is hyperactive, and its crystal structure resembles that of the R. inquisitor ortholog in having a β-solenoid fold with a wide, flat ice-binding surface formed by four parallel rows of mainly Thr residues. The key difference between these structures is that the R. inquisitor AFP crystallized with its ice-binding site (IBS) making protein–protein contacts that limited the surface water patterns. Whereas the R. mordax AFP crystallized with the IBSs exposed to solvent enabling two layers of unrestricted ordered surface waters to be seen. These crystal waters make close matches to ice lattice waters on the basal and primary prism planes.
Functional role of TRPC6 and STIM2 in cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in resting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Sanchez-Collado Jose , Lopez Jose J. , Gonzalez-Gutierrez Lucia , Cantonero Carlos , Jardin Isaac , Salido Ginés M. , Rosado Juan A.
Published: August 2020

TRPC6 forms non-selective cation channels activated by a variety of stimuli that are involved in a wide number of cellular functions. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells, the store-operated Ca2+ entry has been reported to be dependent on STIM1, STIM2 and Orai3, with TRPC6 playing a key role in the activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry as well as in proliferation, migration and viability of breast cancer cells. We have used a combination of biotinylation, Ca2+ imaging as well as protein knockdown and overexpression of a dominant-negative TRPC6 mutant (TRPC6dn) to show that TRPC6 and STIM2 are required for the maintenance of cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content under resting conditions in ER+ breast cancer MCF7 cells. These cells exhibit a greater plasma membrane expression of TRPC6 under resting conditions than non-tumoral breast epithelial cells. Attenuation of STIM2, TRPC6 and Orai3, alone or in combination, results in impairment of resting cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ homeostasis. Similar results were observed when cells were transfected with expression plasmid for TRPC6dn. TRPC6 co-immunoprecipitates with STIM2 in resting MCF7 cells, a process that is impaired by rises in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Impairment of TRPC6 function leads to abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, thus, suggesting that TRPC6 might be a potential target for the development of anti-tumoral therapies.
Studies on the correlation between mutation and integration of HBV in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cui Xiaofang , Wei Wei , Wang Chao , Qi Yanwei , Qin Xiao , Huang Lizhen , Li Weiyang
Published: August 2020

It is well known that both the mutation and integration of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) are of great significance in liver cancer, however, the relationship between mutation and integration is still unclear. In the present study, sequencing data from 426 previously published samples were analyzed and 5374 specific HBV mutations in cancer tissues were discovered. By comparing integrated samples and non-integrated samples, we found that the integrated samples had higher sample single nucleotide variants (SNVs) positive rates and SNV numbers, as well as higher sample frequency of SNV in the X region of the HBV genome. Samples with HBV integration in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) region showed higher SNV positive rates and numbers than samples without integration. Moreover, the SNVs (209 [T>G] and 531 [T>C; T>G]) were seen with higher frequency in samples with integration in the TERT region. Our study showed that the occurrence of viral integration events is closely related to the occurrence of SNV, and SNV in the X region should be more directly associated with viral integration. The present study provides an initial exploration of the relationship between HBV mutation and integration to help improve our understanding of the relationship between viral integration and mutation.
The origin of quasi-periodicities during circular ribbon flares
Authors: Kashapova L. K. , Kupriyanova E. G. , Xu Z. , Reid H. A. S. , Kolotkov D. Y.
Published: August 2020

Context. Solar flares with a fan-spine magnetic topology are able to form circular ribbons. A previous study based on Hα line observations of the solar flares on 5 March 2014 revealed a uniform and continuous rotation of the magnetic fan-spine. A preliminary analysis of the flare time profiles revealed quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) with similar properties in hard X-rays, Hα, and microwaves.

Aims. In this work, we address the question of whether the observed periodicities are related to periodic acceleration of electrons or plasma heating.

Methods. We analysed QPPs in the Hα emission from the centre of the fan (inner ribbon R1), a circular ribbon (R2), a remote source (R3), and an elongated ribbon (R4) located between R2 and R3. We used methods of correlation, Fourier, wavelet, and empirical mode decomposition. We compared the QPPs in Hα emission with those in microwave and X-ray emission.

Results. We found multi-wavelength QPPs with periods around 150 s, 125 s, and 190 s. The 150 s period is seen to co-exist in Hα, hard X-rays, and microwave emissions, which allowed us to connect it with flare kernels R1 and R2. These kernels spatially coincide with the site of the primary flare energy release. The 125 s period is found in the Hα emission of the elongated ribbon R4 and the microwave emission at 5.7 GHz during the decay phase. The 190 s period is present in the emission during all flare phases in the Hα emission of both the remote source, R3, and the elongated ribbon, R4, in soft X-rays and in microwaves at 4–8 GHz.

Conclusions. We connected the dominant 150 s QPPs with the slipping reconnection mechanism occurring in the fan. We suggested that the period of 125 s in the elongated ribbon can be caused by a kink oscillation of the outer spine, connecting the primary reconnection site with the remote footpoint. The period of 190 s is associated with the three-minute sunspot oscillations.
Monitoring clumpy wind accretion in supergiant fast-X-ray transients with XMM-Newton
Authors: Ferrigno C. , Bozzo E. , Romano P.
Published: August 2020

Supergiant fast-X-ray transients (SFXTs) are a sub-class of supergiant high-mass X-ray binaries hosting a neutron star accreting from the stellar wind of a massive OB companion. Compared to the classical systems, SFXTs display a pronounced variability in X-rays that has long been (at least partly) ascribed to the presence of clumps in the stellar wind. Here, we report on the first set of results of an ongoing XMM-Newton observational program searching for spectroscopic variability during the X-ray flares and outbursts of the SFXTs. The goal of the paper is to present the observational program and show that the obtained results are in agreement with expectations, with a number of flares (between one and four) generally observed per source and per observation (20 ks-long, on average). We base our work on a systematic and uniform analysis method optimized to consistently search for spectral signatures of a variable absorption column density, as well as other parameters of the spectral continuum. Our preliminary results show that the program is successful and the outcomes of the analysis support previous findings that most of the X-ray flares seem associated to the presence of a massive structure approaching and being accreted by the compact object. However, we cannot rule out that other mechanisms are at work together with clumps to enhance the X-ray variability of SFXTs. This is expected according to current theoretical models. The success of these observations shows that our observational program can be a powerful instrument to deepen our understanding of the X-ray variability in SFXTs. Further observations will help us to obtain a statistically robust sample. This will be required to conduct a systematic analysis of the whole SFXT class with the ultimate goal being to disentangle the roles of the different mechanisms giving rise to these events.
Automatic catalog of RR Lyrae from ∼14 million VVV light curves: How far can we go with traditional machine-learning?
Authors: Cabral J. B. , Ramos F. , Gurovich S. , Granitto P. M.
Published: August 2020

Context. The creation of a 3D map of the bulge using RR Lyrae (RRL) is one of the main goals of the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea Survey (VVV) and VVV(X) surveys. The overwhelming number of sources undergoing analysis undoubtedly requires the use of automatic procedures. In this context, previous studies have introduced the use of machine learning (ML) methods for the task of variable star classification.

Aims. Our goal is to develop and test an entirely automatic ML-based procedure for the identification of RRLs in the VVV Survey. This automatic procedure is meant to be used to generate reliable catalogs integrated over several tiles in the survey.

Methods. Following the reconstruction of light curves, we extracted a set of period- and intensity-based features, which were already defined in previous works. Also, for the first time, we put a new subset of useful color features to use. We discuss in considerable detail all the appropriate steps needed to define our fully automatic pipeline, namely: the selection of quality measurements; sampling procedures; classifier setup, and model selection.

Results. As a result, we were able to construct an ensemble classifier with an average recall of 0.48 and average precision of 0.86 over 15 tiles. We also made all our processed datasets available and we published a catalog of candidate RRLs.

Conclusions. Perhaps most interestingly, from a classification perspective based on photometric broad-band data, our results indicate that color is an informative feature type of the RRL objective class that should always be considered in automatic classification methods via ML. We also argue that recall and precision in both tables and curves are high-quality metrics with regard to this highly imbalanced problem. Furthermore, we show for our VVV data-set that to have good estimates, it is important to use the original distribution more abundantly than reduced samples with an artificial balance. Finally, we show that the use of ensemble classifiers helps resolve the crucial model selection step and that most errors in the identification of RRLs are related to low-quality observations of some sources or to the increased difficulty in resolving the RRL-C type given the data.
Modeling the past and future activity of the Halleyid meteor showers
Authors: Egal A. , Wiegert P. , Brown P. G. , Campbell-Brown M. , Vida D.
Published: August 2020

Context.We present a new numerical model of theη-Aquariid and Orionid meteor showers.

Aims.The model investigates the origin, variability, and age of theη-Aquariid and Orionid apparitions from 1985 to the present day in order to forecast their activity over the next several decades.

Methods.Through the numerical integration of millions of simulated meteoroids and a custom-made particle weighting scheme, we model the characteristics of everyη-Aquariid and Orionid apparition between 1985 and 2050. The modeled showers are calibrated using 35 yr of meteor observations, including the shower activity profiles and interannual variability.

Results.Our model reproduces the general characteristics of the present-dayη-Aquariids and part of the Orionid activity. Simulations suggest that the age of theη-Aquariids somewhat exceeds 5000 yr, while a greater fraction of the Orionids is composed of older material. The 1:6 mean motion resonance with Jupiter plays a major role in generating some (but not all) Halleyid stream outbursts. We find consistent evidence for a periodicity of 11.8 yr in both the observations and modeled maximum meteor rates for the Orionids. Weaker evidence of a 10.7 yr period in the peak activity for theη-Aquariids needs to be investigated with future meteor observations. The extension of our model to future years predicts no significant Orionid outbursts through 2050 and four significantη-Aquariid outbursts, in 2023, 2024, 2045, and 2046.
Biotechnology for bacteriocin synthesis using photostimulation
Authors: Diachkova Anna V. , Nogina Anna A. , Tikhonov Sergey L. , Tikhonova Natalia V. , Popova Dina G. , Kudryashov Leonid S.
Published: August 2020

This article presents results of a study of the effect of blue color on the bacteriocin activity. It was revealed that photostimulation of Lactobacillus Lactis with light in the blue spectrum (435-470 nm) with a light flux intensity of 1800 mcd for 50-60 minutes positively affects the bacteriocin activity (increases by 60.1%), while titer of the Lactobacillus lactis is 2 times higher. It was found that it was in the first 18 hours that the irradiated samples had a greater difference in terms of activity and titers than unirradiated samples. Oxidative stress affects the culture’s viability, both in samples treated with blue light and in the untreated cultures. However, impact intensity on the treated cultures is weaker. These outcomes indicate the possibility of using blue light for stimulating bacteriocin biosynthesis in order to use it as a food additive for prolongation of shelf life of food products.
Impact of different technologies in application of microbial compounds on number of micromycetes and cellulose-destroying microorganisms on ordinary chernozem of the Central Ciscaucasia
Authors: Faizova Vera I. , Tskhovrebov Valery S. , Novikov Andrey A. , Onishchenko Lyudmila M.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work is to test the technology of application of multifunctional microbial compounds on corn in the zone of unstable moistening of the Central Ciscaucasia. The object of research are microbial complex composites. The studies were conducted on ordinary chernozem soil. According to the traditional technology we treated the seeds before sowing and corn plants in the phase of 3-4 leaves and flowering, and for the further improvement we treated the soil before sowing. It was revealed that the smallest number of micromycetes and cellulosolytics appears in the phase of 3-4 leaves. The use of bioproducts had no significant effect on the number of microorganisms during this period. The number of the studied microorganisms has increased in the flowering and milky stages, and especially due to the use of compounds. The study of corn yield revealed that the least yield was in the control experiment and made up 4.07 t/ha. Application of the CBC-Standard product increased the yield by 0.98 t/ha in traditional technology. The lowest increase of 0.43 t/ha was observed on the variant with application of “CMC-92”. On the proposed technology with the variant with application of “CMC-92”, the corn yield was the highest and amounted to 5.35 t/ha. It is higher than in the control experiment by 1.28 t/ha.
Influence of the genus Bacillus bacteria on the content of H2O2 and the activity of hydrolases and their inhibitors in potato plants during Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary infection
Authors: Yarullina Lyubov G. , Sorokan Antonina V. , Tsvetkov Vyacheslav O. , Burkhanova Guzel F. , Kalatskaja Joanna N.
Published: August 2020

The authors studied the effect of treatment with bacteria Bacillus subtilis Cohn (strains 26D) and B. thuringiensis Berliner (strain B-6066) on the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and their protein inhibitors in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) in connection with development of resistance to the late blight pathogen - oomycete Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary. Studies were carried out on potato plants of the susceptible Early Rose potato cultivar that were treated with a suspension of B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis bacteria (108 cells/ml) and infected with P. infestans (107 spores/ml). A decrease in the degree of leaf damage by oomycete was revealed under the influence of the genus Bacillus bacteria, depending on the strain. The increase in potato resistance to P. infestans infection was mediated by the stimulating effect of the B. subtilis 26D and the B. thuringiensis B-6066 bacteria on the concentration of H2O2, the modulating effect on the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and the enhancement of the transcriptional activity of protease and amylase inhibitor genes in plant tissues. Differences in the degree of activation of the transcriptional activity of hydrolase inhibitor genes by the B. subtilis 26D and the B. thuringiensis B-6066 bacteria were revealed, which suggests differential ways of forming the potato resistance to P. infestans under their influence.
Structural lipids and carbohydrates of the deep mycelium of phoma-like micromycetes, potential mycoherbicides
Authors: Sokornova Sofia V. , Frolova Galina M. , Gusenkov Evgeny A. , Malygin Daniel M. , Shavarda Alexey L.
Published: August 2020

The work is devoted to the mycelium biochemical composition of Stagonospora cirsii C-211, Calophoma complanata 32.121, Didymella macrostoma 32.52. These phylogenetically distant species of phoma-like micromycetes are the potential mycoherbicides of Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sosnowskyi, and Convolvulus arvensis, respectively. The S. cirsii C-211, C. complanata 32.121, D. macrostoma 32.52 mycelium in the early stationary growth phase was obtained on sucrose-soybean nutrient medium. It was shown that the lipid and carbohydrate (polyols, sugars) profiles of these strains have much in common. We suppose that levels of arabitol and trehalose influence to the stress-resistant of phoma-like micromycetes. In particularly, these carbohydrates serve structural and protective roles in the cell walls during osmotic and temperatures stress. The ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine and the proportion of phosphatidylserine among structural lipids also determine the properties of mycelium, and can be used to assess its quality.
Impact of hydrolysis lignin on phytosanitary condition of soils during potato cultivation
Authors: Komarov Andrey A. , Komarov Aleksey A. , Suhanov Pavel A. , Malafeyev Oleg A. , Irmulatov Bakyt R.
Published: August 2020

Under conditions of field production experiments, it was shown that the large-tonnage waste of hydrolysis production is the hydrolysis lignin (HL), which can act not only as a source of organic matter in organic or organic-mineral fertilizers, but also serve as a matrix for microorganisms, contributing to improvement of phytosanitary state of soils. It was shown that HL not only contributes to improvement of physicochemical properties of soils and replenishment of humus reserves, but also increases the resistance of plants to diseases, providing a yield increase by 10-20%. In this regard, the integrated use of HL with microbiological compounds is of particular interest. It was revealed that use of HL in combination with bacterial compound – “Mizorin”, provided a statistically significant yield increase (2 t/ha or 6.6%). At the same time, the plants’ damage by common scab decreased from 0.75 to 0.46 points. The observed effect can be caused by the fact that the beneficial microflora, which is part of the “Mizorin” product, is significantly activated due to the branched matrix of lignin.
The role of heterotrimeric G proteins in the control of symbiosis development in legume plants
Authors: Bovin Andrey D. , Leppyanen Irina V. , Pavlova Olga A. , Dolgikh Elena A.
Published: August 2020

Heterotrimeric G proteins are involved in the regulation of signaling pathways in eukaryotes. Previously, the data about possible participation of heterotrimeric G proteins in the regulation of nodulation in legumes were obtained, however, specific proteins, their composition and role in this process remain poorly understood. In this work searching of the genes encoding the alpha, beta, and gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins based on an analysis of the Pisum sativum L. genome was performed, as well as the dynamics of the gene expression encoding the particular subunits of G proteins in the process of symbiosis was studied. In addition, a significant effect of beta 1-subunit gene suppression by RNA interference on the nodulation process was revealed.
The effect of caffeine in a nutrient medium on rhizogenesis of the Rubus genus plants
Authors: Muratova Svetlana A. , Papikhin Roman V. , Khoroshkova Yuliya V.
Published: August 2020

The paper presents data on the caffeine’s effect on microplants. As part of the rooting medium, caffeine can produce both positive and negative effects, depending on the concentration. The most effective range of caffeine concentrations in a nutrient medium, when plants of the Rubus genus are rooting, was determined – from 1 to 100 mg/l. The use of caffeine in optimal concentration enabled the acceleration of roots growth, increase in rooting frequency, and the number of roots per rooted microcuttings. A concentration of caffeine in excess of 0.1% has a negative effect on plant tissues, slowing down and stopping the formation of roots, shoot growth and causing tissue necrosis.
Variabilité agro-hydrologique des cultures de décrue. Une étude de cas dans la moyenne vallée du fleuve Sénégal
Authors: Poussin Jean-Christophe , Martin Didier , Bader Jean-Claude , Dia Djiby , Seck Sidy Mohamed , Ogilvie Andrew
Published: August 2020

Après l’édification des barrages sur le fleuve Sénégal, l’agriculture irriguée devait progressivement remplacer l’agriculture de décrue dans la moyenne vallée. Néanmoins, lorsque la crue est d’ampleur suffisante, on observe encore des cultures de décrue dans le lit majeur. Cette étude, réalisée entre juin 2016 et décembre 2019 dans la cuvette de Podor (Sénégal), vise à évaluer la surface inondée et celle cultivée en décrue, à caractériser les producteurs et à estimer les productions. Sur quatre crues observées, trois ont été suffisantes pour inonder plus de 1000 ha et exploiter plus de 400 ha, avec principalement du sorgho associé au niébé. Les crues actuelles sont moins fortes qu’avant 1976, mais l’exondation de la zone exploitable est plus précoce et la période propice aux semis est relativement plus longue. La cuvette est exploitée essentiellement par des habitants de la ville de Podor, agriculteurs ou non, irrigants ou non. La production en 2018 a été estimée à 121 tonnes de grains de sorgho et niébé, et 117 tonnes de fourrage pour 470 ha implantés. C’est peu et aléatoire comparé aux cultures irriguées, mais sans investissement, et les résidus de culture sont d’excellents fourrages. L’agriculture de décrue peut donc être une activité complémentaire rentable pour la population locale. Elle pourrait aussi être rentable à l’intérieur des périmètres irrigués de la moyenne vallée, qui sont inondables et ne sont donc exploités, au mieux, qu’une fois par an seulement. Déjà contrôlé à 50 % depuis 1987, le débit du fleuve pourrait être régulé à 70 % par des barrages réservoirs dans un proche avenir. Le soutien de crue deviendra alors indispensable, malgré son impact négatif sur la production électrique, si l’on veut préserver des cultures de décrue ou certains services écosystémiques nés de l’inondation dans la vallée.
Physics of the sapphire whispering-gallery-mode solid-state MASER oscillator
Authors: Mrad Mohamad , Tarhini Ahmad , Bourgeois Pierre-Yves , Giordano Vincent
Published: August 2020

The Cryogenic Sapphire Oscillator (CSO) is currently the best available technology that can provide a relative frequency stability better than 10−15 with integration times between 1 s and 10,000 s. But, the CSO remains a complex instrument that requires multiple loop controls to achieve the best frequency stability. The possibility to use the sapphire resonator in a self-sustained MASER oscillator presents an elegant alternative to the CSO. Here, sustaining the amplification is achieved through the interaction between a high-Q factor whispering gallery mode and the paramagnetic Fe3+ ions, which are present in small concentration in the sapphire crystal. The Fe3+ ion exhibits three energy states enabling to realize a self-sustaining solid-state maser. Although, this principle has been already experimentally demonstrated few years ago, its development as a truly usable ultra-stable source has not yet been completed, mainly due to the lack of control of the complex physical phenomena involved. This paper complements the previous theoretical work based on the rate equations model. Here we derive the full quantum equations describing the evolution of the Fe3+ ions inside the sapphire lattice and submitted to a pump and a maser signal. The influence of the ions concentration and spin-spin relaxation time will be pointed out.
Arts and Humanities and the others: Why can’t we measure arts and humanities
Authors: Taşkın Zehra , Doğan Güleda
Published: August 2020

The use of numbers (publications and citations) to evaluate research/er performances are widespread since ease of use. However, disciplinary differences must be considered to evaluate research/ers accurately without misjudgments in tenures and incentives. The most different filed from others in terms of publications and citation patterns is Arts & Humanities. The main aim of this study is to reveal the main differences between Arts & Humanities and the other fields by considering publications, citations, and collaboration. For this aim, the main statistics for 59,728,700 papers published between 1980-2018 are gathered from InCites in terms of the 251 Web of Science subject categories. The data confirmed that Arts & Humanities is considerably different from other fields. We showed the degree of these differences using statistical measures. The huge difference found out that underline the indispensability for evaluating Arts & Humanities separately from the others.