bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistics of Magnetosonic Waves in the Slot Region Observed by Van Allen Probes
Authors: Yan Ling , Cao Xing , Hua Man , Ni Binbin , Zhang Yuannong
Published: July 2021

We perform a statistical analysis of magnetosonic (MS) waves in the slot region based on Van Allen Probes observations from September 2012 to February 2018. Our results demonstrate that the wave occurrence rate increases with enhanced geomagnetic activity and decreasing magnetic latitude, with the presence of strongest slot region MS waves near the geomagnetic equator within the 08–20 magnetic local time sector. Power spectral densities of slot region MS waves also intensify during geomagnetically active times, with the occurrence of the major wave power (>∼10−5 nT2/Hz) below ∼25fcp (where fcp is the proton gyrofrequency) and the peak wave intensity (∼10−3 nT2/Hz) below ∼5fcp at L > ∼2.6. A remarkable gap in the MS wave frequency spectrum is also revealed at <∼15fcp during weak substorm activities (AE 300 nT).
Ionospheric Response to the December 14, 2020 Total Solar Eclipse in South America
Authors: Gómez Demián D.
Published: July 2021

The Southern Andes, in Patagonia, are a well‐known hotspot of orographic gravity waves (oGWs) during winter when atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, wind speed, and wind direction, favor their generation and propagation. In the summer, oGWs above the mesosphere and oGW‐induced ionospheric perturbations are rarely observed because vertical wave propagation conditions are unfavorable. Nevertheless, when atmospheric conditions deviate significantly from those typical of summer, for example, during a solar eclipse (SE), the atmospheric temperature and wind changes can allow oGWs to reach ionospheric heights. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)‐based ionospheric total electron content (TEC) studies of the 2017 North American eclipse showed oGW‐compatible observations near the totality zone around the Rocky Mountains, and it was suggested, but not shown, that these were likely oGWs. In this work, we report, model, and interpret GNSS TEC perturbations observed during the December 14, 2020 total SE in South America. TEC data recorded near the Andes during this total SE are in good agreement with predictions by the SAMI3 ionospheric model until shortly after the passage of the umbra. TEC data after totality can best be explained with the interpretation that the observation of oGWs was favored by the passage of the eclipse over the Andes Mountains.
Patterns of brain asymmetry associated with polygenic risks for autism and schizophrenia implicate language and executive functions but not brain masculinization
Authors: Sha Zhiqiang , Schijven Dick , Francks Clyde
Published: July 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia have been conceived as partly opposing disorders in terms of systemizing vs. empathizing cognitive styles, with resemblances to male vs. female average sex differences. Left–right asymmetry of the brain is an important aspect of its organization that shows average differences between the sexes and can be altered in both ASD and schizophrenia. Here we mapped multivariate associations of polygenic risk scores for ASD and schizophrenia with asymmetries of regional cerebral cortical surface area, thickness, and subcortical volume measures in 32,256 participants from the UK Biobank. Polygenic risks for the two disorders were positively correlated (r = 0.08, p = 7.13 × 10−50) and both were higher in females compared to males, consistent with biased participation against higher-risk males. Each polygenic risk score was associated with multivariate brain asymmetry after adjusting for sex, ASD r = 0.03, p = 2.17 × 10−9, and schizophrenia r = 0.04, p = 2.61 × 10−11, but the multivariate patterns were mostly distinct for the two polygenic risks and neither resembled average sex differences. Annotation based on meta-analyzed functional imaging data showed that both polygenic risks were associated with asymmetries of regions important for language and executive functions, consistent with behavioral associations that arose in phenome-wide association analysis. Overall, the results indicate that distinct patterns of subtly altered brain asymmetry may be functionally relevant manifestations of polygenic risks for ASD and schizophrenia, but do not support brain masculinization or feminization in their etiologies.
Sugars promote graft union development in the heterograft of cucumber onto pumpkin
Authors: Miao Li , Li Qing , Sun Tian-shu , Chai Sen , Wang Changlin , Bai Longqiang , Sun Mintao , Li Yansu , Qin Xing , Zhang Zhonghua , Yu Xianchang
Published: July 2021

The use of heterografts is widely applied for the production of several important commercial crops, but the molecular mechanism of graft union formation remains poorly understood. Here, cucumber grafted onto pumpkin was used to study graft union development, and genome-wide tempo-spatial gene expression at the graft interface was comprehensively investigated. Histological analysis suggested that resumption of the rootstock growth occurred after both phloem and xylem reconnection, and the scion showed evident callus production compared with the rootstock 3 days after grafting. Consistently, transcriptome data revealed specific responses between the scion and rootstock in the expression of genes related to cambium development, the cell cycle, and sugar metabolism during both vascular reconnection and healing, indicating distinct mechanisms. Additionally, lower levels of sugars and significantly changed sugar enzyme activities at the graft junction were observed during vascular reconnection. Next, we found that the healing process of grafted etiolated seedlings was significantly delayed, and graft success, xylem reconnection, and the growth of grafted plants were enhanced by exogenous glucose. This demonstrates that graft union formation requires the correct sugar content. Furthermore, we also found that graft union formation was delayed with a lower energy charge by the target of rapamycin (TOR) inhibitor AZD-8055, and xylem reconnection and the growth of grafted plants were enhanced under AZD-8055 with exogenous glucose treatment. Taken together, our results reveal that sugars play a positive role in graft union formation by promoting the growth of cucumber/pumpkin and provide useful information for understanding graft union healing and the application of heterografting in the future.
Sexual competition and kin recognition co-shape the traits of neighboring dioecious Diospyros morrisiana seedlings
Authors: He Yulin , Xu Han , Liu Hanlun , Luo Meiling , Chu Chengjin , Fang Suqin
Published: July 2021

Plants respond differently to the identity of their neighbors, such as their sex and kinship, showing plasticity in their traits. However, how the functional traits of dioecious trees are shaped by the recognition of neighbors with different sex and kinship remains unknown. In this study, we set up an experiment with different kin/nonkin and inter/intrasexual combinations for a dioecious tree species, Diospyros morrisiana. The results showed that plants grew better with nonkin and intrasexual neighbors than with kin and intersexual neighbors. Kin combinations had significantly shorter root length in the resource-overlapping zone than nonkin combinations, suggesting that kin tended to reduce competition by adjusting their root distribution, especially among female siblings. Our study suggested that the seedling growth of D. morrisiana was affected by both the relatedness and sexual identity of neighboring plants. Further analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the root exudate composition of female seedlings differed from that of male seedlings. Root exudates may play important roles in sex competition in dioecious plants. This study indicates that sex-specific competition and kin recognition interact and co-shape the traits of D. morrisiana seedlings, while intrasexual and nonkin neighbors facilitate the growth of seedlings. Our study implies that kin- and sex-related interactions depend on different mechanisms, kin selection, and niche partitioning, respectively. These results are critical for understanding how species coexist and how traits are shaped in nature.
Concurrent mutations in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and spike protein emerged as the epidemiologically most successful SARS-CoV-2 variant
Authors: Ilmjärv Sten , Abdul Fabien , Acosta-Gutiérrez Silvia , Estarellas Carolina , Galdadas Ioannis , Casimir Marina , Alessandrini Marco , Gervasio Francesco Luigi , Krause Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2021

The D614G mutation in the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 has effectively replaced the early pandemic-causing variant. Using pseudotyped lentivectors, we confirmed that the aspartate replacement by glycine in position 614 is markedly more infectious. Molecular modelling suggests that the G614 mutation facilitates transition towards an open state of the Spike protein. To explain the epidemiological success of D614G, we analysed the evolution of 27,086 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from GISAID. We observed striking coevolution of D614G with the P323L mutation in the viral polymerase. Importantly, the exclusive presence of G614 or L323 did not become epidemiologically relevant. In contrast, the combination of the two mutations gave rise to a viral G/L variant that has all but replaced the initial D/P variant. Our results suggest that the P323L mutation, located in the interface domain of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, is a necessary alteration that led to the epidemiological success of the present variant of SARS-CoV-2. However, we did not observe a significant correlation between reported COVID-19 mortality in different countries and the prevalence of the Wuhan versus G/L variant. Nevertheless, when comparing the speed of emergence and the ultimate predominance in individual countries, it is clear that the G/L variant displays major epidemiological supremacy over the original variant.
Effects of orally administered Euglena gracilis and its reserve polysaccharide, paramylon, on gastric dysplasia in A4gnt knockout mice
Authors: Iida Masataka , Desamero Mark Joseph , Yasuda Kosuke , Nakashima Ayaka , Suzuki Kengo , Chambers James Ken , Uchida Kazuyuki , Ogawa Ryohei , Hachimura Satoshi , Nakayama Jun , Kyuwa Shigeru , Miura Kozue , Kakuta Shigeru , Hirayama Kazuhiro
Published: July 2021

Euglena gracilis is widely utilized as food or supplement to promote human and animal health, as it contains rich nutrients. In this study, we administered spray-dried powder of E. gracilis and paramylon, β-glucan stored in E. gracilis cells, to A4gnt knockout (KO) mice. A4gnt KO mice are a mutant mouse model that spontaneously develops gastric cancer through hyperplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence in the antrum of the stomach, and we observed the effects of E. gracilis and paramylon on the early involvements of A4gnt KO mice. Male and female 10-week-old A4gnt KO mice and their age-matched wildtype C57BL/6J mice were orally administered with 50 mg of E. gracilis or paramylon suspended in saline or saline as a control. After 3-week administration, animals were euthanatized and the stomach was examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Gene expression patterns of the stomach, which have been reported to be altered with A4gnt KO, and IgA concentration in small intestine were also analyzed with real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Administration of Euglena significantly reduced the number of stimulated CD3-positive T-lymphocytes in pyloric mucosa of A4gnt KO mice and tend to reduce polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration. Euglena administration further downregulated the expression of Il11 and Cxcl1 of A4gnt KO mice. Euglena administration also affected IgA concentration in small intestinal contents of A4gnt KO mice. Paramylon administration reduced the number of CD3-positive lymphocytes in pyloric mucosa of A4gnt KO mice, and downregulated the expressions of Il11 and Ccl2 of A4gnt KO mice. Although we found no significant effects on gross and microscopic signs of gastric dysplasia and cell proliferation, the present study suggests that the administration of Euglena and paramylon may ameliorate the early involvements of A4gnt mice through the effects on inflammatory reactions in the gastric mucosa. The cancer-preventing effects should be studied with long-term experiments until actual gastric cancer formation.
Incremental changes in QRS duration as predictor for cardiovascular disease: a 21-year follow-up of a randomly selected general population
Authors: Chen Xiaojing , Hansson Per-Olof , Thunström Erik , Mandalenakis Zacharias , Caidahl Kenneth , Fu Michael
Published: July 2021

The QRS complex has been shown to be a prognostic marker in coronary artery disease. However, the changes in QRS duration over time, and its predictive value for cardiovascular disease in the general population is poorly studied. So we aimed to explore if increased QRS duration from the age of 50–60 is associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events during a further follow-up to age 71. A random population sample of 798 men born in 1943 were examined in 1993 at 50 years of age, and re-examined in 2003 at age 60 and 2014 at age 71. Participants who developed cardiovascular disease before the re-examination in 2003 (n = 86) or missing value of QRS duration in 2003 (n = 127) were excluded. ΔQRS was defined as increase in QRS duration from age 50 to 60. Participants were divided into three groups: group 1: ΔQRS < 4 ms, group 2: 4 ms ≤ ΔQRS < 8 ms, group 3: ΔQRS ≥ 8 ms. Endpoints were major cardiovascular events. And we found compared with men in group 1 (ΔQRS < 4 ms), men with ΔQRS ≥ 8 ms had a 56% increased risk of MACE during follow-up to 71 years of age after adjusted for BMI, systolic blood pressure, smoking, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and heart rate in a multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR 1.56, 95% CI:1.07–2.27, P = 0.022). In conclusion, in this longitudinal follow-up over a decade QRS duration increased in almost two out of three men between age 50 and 60 and the increased QRS duration in middle age is an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events.
Comparison of machine learning methods to predict udder health status based on somatic cell counts in dairy cows
Authors: Bobbo Tania , Biffani Stefano , Taccioli Cristian , Penasa Mauro , Cassandro Martino
Published: July 2021

Bovine mastitis is one of the most important economic and health issues in dairy farms. Data collection during routine recording procedures and access to large datasets have shed the light on the possibility to use trained machine learning algorithms to predict the udder health status of cows. In this study, we compared eight different machine learning methods (Linear Discriminant Analysis, Generalized Linear Model with logit link function, Naïve Bayes, Classification and Regression Trees, k-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest and Neural Network) to predict udder health status of cows based on somatic cell counts. Prediction accuracies of all methods were above 75%. According to different metrics, Neural Network, Random Forest and linear methods had the best performance in predicting udder health classes at a given test-day (healthy or mastitic according to somatic cell count below or above a predefined threshold of 200,000 cells/mL) based on the cow’s milk traits recorded at previous test-day. Our findings suggest machine learning algorithms as a promising tool to improve decision making for farmers. Machine learning analysis would improve the surveillance methods and help farmers to identify in advance those cows that would possibly have high somatic cell count in the subsequent test-day.
Identification of germline cancer predisposition variants during clinical ctDNA testing
Authors: Stout Leigh Anne , Kassem Nawal , Hunter Cynthia , Philips Santosh , Radovich Milan , Schneider Bryan P.
Published: July 2021

Next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a non-invasive method to guide therapy selection for cancer patients. ctDNA variant allele frequency (VAF) is commonly reported and may aid in discerning whether a variant is germline or somatic. We report on the fidelity of VAF in ctDNA as a predictor for germline variant carriage. Two patient cohorts were studied. Cohort 1 included patients with known germline variants. Cohort 2 included patients with any variant detected by the ctDNA assay with VAF of 40–60%. In cohort 1, 36 of 91 (40%) known germline variants were identified through ctDNA analysis with a VAF of 39–87.6%. In cohort 2, 111 of 160 (69%) variants identified by ctDNA analysis with a VAF between 40 and 60% were found to be germline. Therefore, variants with a VAF between 40 and 60% should induce suspicion for germline status but should not be used as a replacement for germline testing.
Time-frequency time-space long short-term memory networks for image classification of histopathological tissue
Authors: Pham Tuan D.
Published: July 2021

Image analysis in histopathology provides insights into the microscopic examination of tissue for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and biomarker discovery. Particularly for cancer research, precise classification of histopathological images is the ultimate objective of the image analysis. Here, the time-frequency time-space long short-term memory network (TF-TS LSTM) developed for classification of time series is applied for classifying histopathological images. The deep learning is empowered by the use of sequential time-frequency and time-space features extracted from the images. Furthermore, unlike conventional classification practice, a strategy for class modeling is designed to leverage the learning power of the TF-TS LSTM. Tests on several datasets of histopathological images of haematoxylin-and-eosin and immunohistochemistry stains demonstrate the strong capability of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach for producing very accurate classification results. The proposed approach has the potential to be an AI tool for robust classification of histopathological images.
Accelerated sea ice loss in the Wandel Sea points to a change in the Arctic’s Last Ice Area
Authors: Schweiger Axel J. , Steele Michael , Zhang Jinlun , Moore G. W. K. , Laidre Kristin L.
Published: July 2021

The Arctic Ocean’s Wandel Sea is the easternmost sector of the Last Ice Area, where thick, old sea ice is expected to endure longer than elsewhere. Nevertheless, in August 2020 the area experienced record-low sea ice concentration. Here we use satellite data and sea ice model experiments to determine what caused this record sea ice minimum. In our simulations there was a multi-year sea-ice thinning trend due to climate change. Natural climate variability expressed as wind-forced ice advection and subsequent melt added to this trend. In spring 2020, the Wandel Sea had a mixture of both thin and—unusual for recent years—thick ice, but this thick ice was not sufficiently widespread to prevent the summer sea ice concentration minimum. With continued thinning, more frequent low summer sea ice events are expected. We suggest that the Last Ice Area, an important refuge for ice-dependent species, is less resilient to warming than previously thought.
Structural and dynamic properties of some aqueous salt solutions
Authors: Drecun Olivera , Striolo Alberto , Bernardini Cecilia
Published: July 2021

Structural and dynamic properties of dilute aqueous salt solutions are examined using experiments and molecular simulations, to investigate salt-specific effects for four salts of relevance to technological applications and natural settings.
Deep eutectic solvent decomposition-based microextraction for chromium determination in aqueous environments by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization
Authors: Shishov Andrey , Terno Pavel , Bulatov Andrey
Published: July 2021

A sensitive, rapid, and simple procedure for the determination of traces of chromium species in natural and waste waters using a quasi-hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent was developed for the first time.
A bespoke reagent free amperometric chloride sensor for drinking water
Authors: Guo Yanjun , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2021

A reagent-free electrochemical chloride sensor for mineral water was investigated with a silver electrode particularly embracing the oxygen reduction reaction to active the electrode surface and avoid the need for mechanical polishing.
A F-deficient and high-Mn ternary perovskite fluoride anode with a dominant conversion mechanism for advanced Li-ion batteries
Authors: Huang Yongfa , Ding Rui , Ying Danfeng , Huang Yuxi , Tan Caini , Yan Tong , Sun Xiujuan , Liu Enhui
Published: July 2021

A F-deficient and high-Mn ternary perovskite fluoride anode synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method is suitable for advanced lithium-ion batteries with a dominant conversion mechanism.
Efficient synthesis of vinylene-linked conjugated porous networks via the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: He Yanyan , Ma Wangping , Yang Na , Liu Fulai , Chen Yong , Liu Honglai , Zhu Xiang
Published: July 2021

A simple, yet efficient synthetic approach for the construction of vinylene-linked conjugated porous networks was developed.
Multi-component cascade reaction of 3-formylchromones: highly selective synthesis of 4,5-dihydro-[4,5′-bipyrimidin]-6(1H)-one derivatives
Authors: Chen Li , Huang Rong , Yun Xing-Han , Hao Tian-Hui , Yan Sheng-Jiao
Published: July 2021

A novel protocol for the construction of bipyrimidine derivatives 4 and 5 from 3-formylchromones, ethyl 2-(pyridine-2-yl)acetate derivatives, and amidine via a multi-component cascade reaction was developed.
Selective oxidative intermolecular carbosulphenylation of aryl alkenes with thiols and nucleophiles via a 1,2-dithioethane intermediate
Authors: Wang Yuna , Qi Zaojuan , Niu Yanning , Feng Hua , Benassi Enrico , Qian Bo
Published: July 2021

Synchronous construction of C–S and C–C bonds for the selective synthesis of various alkyl sulphides. Among the intermediates, 1,2-disulphide plays a key role in the reaction mechanism.
Non-invasively improving the Schottky barrier of MoS2/metal contacts by inserting a SiC layer
Authors: Fang Qinglong , Zhao Xumei , Yuan Lin , Wang Boyu , Xia Caijuan , Ma Fei
Published: July 2021

The contact properties of MoS2/metal interfaces are improved by 2D insertions. Moreover, if Al, In, Mg, and Ag are used as the electrodes, the systems are transferred into Ohmic contact.
Tunable band gaps and high carrier mobilities in stanene by small organic molecule adsorption under external electric fields
Authors: Xiao Mei-Xia , Shao Xiao , Song Hai-Yang , Li Zhao , An Min-Rong , He Cheng
Published: July 2021

Effects of small organic molecule adsorption with benzene (C6H6), hexafluorobenzene (C6F6), and p-difluorobenzene (C6H4F2) on the electronic properties of stanene under external electric fields are investigated through first-principles calculations.
cis → trans photoisomerisation of azobenzene: a fresh theoretical look
Authors: Merritt Isabella C. D. , Jacquemin Denis , Vacher Morgane
Published: July 2021

The cis → trans photo-isomerisation of azobenzene, after excitation to the nπ* and ππ* states, is revisited theoretically using non-adiabatic dynamics simulations in order to reproduce and rationalize the experimentally measured quantum yields.
Efficiency gains for thermally coupled solar hydrogen production in extreme cold
Authors: Kölbach Moritz , Rehfeld Kira , May Matthias M.
Published: July 2021

We analyse the potential of solar hydrogen production in remote and cold world regions such as Antarctica and quantify the efficiency benefits of thermal coupling.
Petasis adducts of tryptanthrin – synthesis, biological activity evaluation and druglikeness assessment
Authors: Brandão Pedro , Marques Carolina , Pinto Eugénia , Pineiro Marta , Burke Anthony J.
Published: July 2021

The first example of a tryptanthrin-based Petasis multicomponent reaction is reported, with one of the new derivatives showing moderate fungicidal activity.
Correction: Consequences of gamma-ray irradiation on structural and electronic properties of PEDOT:PSS polymer in air and vacuum environments
Authors: Anbalagan Aswin kumar , Gupta Shivam , Chaudhary Mayur , Kumar Rishi Ranjan , Chueh Yu-Lun , Tai Nyan-Hwa , Lee Chih-Hao
Published: July 2021

Correction for ‘Consequences of gamma-ray irradiation on structural and electronic properties of PEDOT:PSS polymer in air and vacuum environments’ by Aswin kumar Anbalagan et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 20752–20759, DOI: 10.1039/D1RA03463D.
Identifying SARS-CoV-2 antiviral compounds by screening for small molecule inhibitors of Nsp14 RNA cap methyltransferase
Authors: Basu Souradeep , Mak Tiffany , Ulferts Rachel , Wu Mary , Deegan Tom , Fujisawa Ryo , Tan Kang Wei , Lim Chew Theng , Basier Clovis , Canal Berta , Curran Joseph F. , Drury Lucy S. , McClure Allison W. , Roberts Emma L. , Weissmann Florian , Zeisner Theresa U. , Beale Rupert , Cowling Victoria H. , Howell Michael , Labib Karim , Diffley John F.X.
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented itself as one of the most critical public health challenges of the century, with SARS-CoV-2 being the third member of the Coronaviridae family to cause a fatal disease in humans. There is currently only one antiviral compound, remdesivir, that can be used for the treatment of COVID-19. To identify additional potential therapeutics, we investigated the enzymatic proteins encoded in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. In this study, we focussed on the viral RNA cap methyltransferases, which play key roles in enabling viral protein translation and facilitating viral escape from the immune system. We expressed and purified both the guanine-N7 methyltransferase nsp14, and the nsp16 2′-O-methyltransferase with its activating cofactor, nsp10. We performed an in vitro high-throughput screen for inhibitors of nsp14 using a custom compound library of over 5000 pharmaceutical compounds that have previously been characterised in either clinical or basic research. We identified four compounds as potential inhibitors of nsp14, all of which also showed antiviral capacity in a cell-based model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Three of the four compounds also exhibited synergistic effects on viral replication with remdesivir.
Reconstitution of human CMG helicase ubiquitylation by CUL2LRR1 and multiple E2 enzymes
Authors: Le Thanh Thi , Ainsworth Johanna , Polo Rivera Cristian , Macartney Thomas , Labib Karim P.M.
Published: July 2021

Cullin ubiquitin ligases drive replisome disassembly during DNA replication termination. In worm, frog and mouse cells, CUL2LRR1 is required to ubiquitylate the MCM7 subunit of the CMG helicase. Here, we show that cullin ligases also drive CMG-MCM7 ubiquitylation in human cells, thereby making the helicase into a substrate for the p97 unfoldase. Using purified human proteins, including a panel of E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, we have reconstituted CMG helicase ubiquitylation, dependent upon neddylated CUL2LRR1. The reaction is highly specific to CMG-MCM7 and requires the LRR1 substrate targeting subunit, since replacement of LRR1 with the alternative CUL2 adaptor VHL switches ubiquitylation from CMG-MCM7 to HIF1. CUL2LRR1 firstly drives monoubiquitylation of CMG-MCM7 by the UBE2D class of E2 enzymes. Subsequently, CUL2LRR1 activates UBE2R1/R2 or UBE2G1/G2 to extend a single K48-linked ubiquitin chain on CMG-MCM7. Thereby, CUL2LRR1 converts CMG into a substrate for p97, which disassembles the ubiquitylated helicase during DNA replication termination.
Antibody microarray analysis of the amniotic fluid proteome for predicting the outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency
Authors: Hong Subeen , Park Kyo Hoon , Lee Young Eun , Shin Sue , Kim Hyeon Ji , Kim Yu Mi
Published: July 2021

Little is known about the biomarkers that can identify patient candidates suitable for rescue cerclage procedure. The purpose of the study was to identify novel biomarkers in amniotic fluid (AF) that can predict the outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency by using an antibody microarray. This case–control study was conducted using AF samples collected from singleton pregnant women who underwent rescue cerclage following a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency (19–25 weeks). Patients were divided into case (n=20) and control (n=20) groups based on the occurrence of spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) at <34 weeks of gestation after cerclage placement. The AF proteomes were analyzed using an antibody microarray for biomarker discovery work. Ten candidate biomarkers of interest were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty-one molecules studied showed significant intergroup differences (≥two-fold change in signal intensity). Validation by ELISA confirmed significantly higher levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 complex (S100 A8/A9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in women who had SPTD at <34 weeks. Of these, AF S100 A8/A9 and TIMP-1 levels were independent of other potentially confounding factors (e.g., cervical dilatation). S100 A8/A9 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.857. Using protein–antibody microarray technology, we identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and several novel biomarkers (APRIL, IL-8, MIP-1α, S100 A8/A9, and TIMP-1) in AF from women who had SPTB at <34 weeks after cerclage for cervical insufficiency. These data can provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying SPTD after rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency.
Reversal of alopecia areata, osteoporosis follow treatment with activation of Tgr5 in mice
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Guan Zhiqiang , Jin Xiao , Zhao Jianbin , Chen Guisheng , Ding Jicun , Ren Yile , Zhai Xiaoxiang , Zhou Qiyun , Guan Zhiyuan
Published: July 2021

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disease with infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into hair follicles. The role of Tgr5 in dermatitis has attracted considerable attention. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Tgr5 in the development of Alopecia areata.

Methods: The study utilized a comparison control group design with four groups of wild-type group, wild-type+INT777 group, Tgr5−/− group, and Tgr5−/−+INT777 group. The mice were treated with INT777 (30 mg/kg/day) or the carrier solution (DMSO) intraperitoneally for 7 weeks, and the back skin was collected and analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry staining. The lumbar vertebrae 4 has also been analyzed by DXA and Micro-CT.

Results: Tgr5−/− mice displayed the decreasingly significant in hair area and length, skin thickness, and the ratio of anagen and telogen, collagen, and mast cell number and loss the bone mass than WT group. After treating with INT777, the appearance of alopecia areata and bone microstructure has improved. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR analysis showed that activation of Tgr5 can down-regulate the express of JAK1, STAT3, IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that activation of Tgr5 mediated amelioration of alopecia areata and osteoporosis by down-regulated JAK1-STAT3 signaling pathway.
Histone H3K4me1 strongly activates the DNase I hypersensitive sites in super-enhancers than those in typical enhancers
Authors: Kang Yujin , Kang Jin , Kim AeRi
Published: July 2021

Super-enhancers (SEs), which consist of multiple enhancer elements, are occupied by master transcription factors and co-activators, such as Mediator, and are highly acetylated at histone H3K27. Here, we have characterized the SEs in terms of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs) by analyzing publicly available chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq and DNase-seq data of K562 cells and compared with the DHSs in typical enhancers (TEs). DHSs in the SEs were highly marked by histone H3K4me1 than DHSs in TEs. Loss of H3K4me1 by the deletion of catalytic domains in histone methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 remarkably decreased histone H3K27ac and histone H3 depletion at SE DHSs than at TE DHSs. The levels of enhancer RNA (eRNA) transcripts and mRNA transcripts from the putative target genes were notably reduced at and near SE DHSs than TE DHSs following H3K4me1 loss. These results indicate that histone H3K4me1 is a marker for DHSs in SEs and that this modification has a more significant impact on the activation of SE DHSs than TE DHSs.
Molecular subversion of Cdc42 signalling in cancer
Authors: Murphy Natasha P. , binti Ahmad Mokhtar Ana Masara , Mott Helen R. , Owen Darerca
Published: July 2021

Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a master regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. This small G protein and its regulators have been the subject of many years of fruitful investigation and the advent of functional genomics and proteomics has opened up new avenues of exploration including how it functions at specific locations in the cell. This has coincided with the introduction of new structural techniques with the ability to study small GTPases in the context of the membrane. The role of Cdc42 in cancer is well established but the molecular details of its action are still being uncovered. Here we review alterations found to Cdc42 itself and to key components of the signal transduction pathways it controls in cancer. Given the challenges encountered with targeting small G proteins directly therapeutically, it is arguably the regulators of Cdc42 and the effector signalling pathways downstream of the small G protein which will be the most tractable targets for therapeutic intervention. These will require interrogation in order to fully understand the global signalling contribution of Cdc42, unlock the potential for mapping new signalling axes and ultimately produce inhibitors of Cdc42 driven signalling.
Clues to the function of bacterial microcompartments from ancillary genes
Authors: Kirst Henning , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: July 2021

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are prokaryotic organelles. Their bounding membrane is a selectively permeable protein shell, encapsulating enzymes of specialized metabolic pathways. While the function of a BMC is dictated by the encapsulated enzymes which vary with the type of the BMC, the shell is formed by conserved protein building blocks. The genes necessary to form a BMC are typically organized in a locus; they encode the shell proteins, encapsulated enzymes as well as ancillary proteins that integrate the BMC function into the cell's metabolism. Among these are transcriptional regulators which usually found at the beginning or end of a locus, and transmembrane proteins that presumably function to conduct the BMC substrate into the cell. Here, we describe the types of transcriptional regulators and permeases found in association with BMC loci, using a recently collected data set of more than 7000 BMC loci distributed over 45 bacterial phyla, including newly discovered BMC loci. We summarize the known BMC regulation mechanisms, and highlight how much remains to be uncovered. We also show how analysis of these ancillary proteins can inform hypotheses about BMC function; by examining the ligand-binding domain of the regulator and the transporter, we propose that nucleotides are the likely substrate for an enigmatic uncharacterized BMC of unknown function.
The Eyes Absent proteins in development and in developmental disorders
Authors: Soni Upendra Kumar , Roychoudhury Kaushik , Hegde Rashmi S.
Published: July 2021

The Eyes Absent (EYA) transactivator-phosphatase proteins are important contributors to cell-fate determination processes and to the development of multiple organs. The transcriptional regulatory activity as well as the protein tyrosine phosphatase activities of the EYA proteins can independently contribute to proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis in different contexts. Aberrant EYA levels or activity are associated with numerous syndromic and non-syndromic developmental disorders, as well as cancers. Commensurate with the multiplicity of biochemical activities carried out by the EYA proteins, they impact upon a range of cellular signaling pathways. Here, we provide a broad overview of the roles played by EYA proteins in development, and highlight the molecular signaling pathways known to be linked with EYA-associated organ development and developmental disorders.
NELL2 modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via ERK pathway in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Liu Jianmin , Liu Daoquan , Zhang Xueneng , Li Yan , Fu Xun , He Weixiang , Li Mingzhou , Chen Ping , Zeng Guang , DiSanto Michael E. , Wang Xinghuan , Zhang Xinhua
Published: July 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a quite common illness but its etiology and mechanism remain unclear. Neural epidermal growth factor-like like 2 (NELL2) plays multifunctional roles in neural cell growth and is strongly linked to the urinary tract disease. Current study aims to determine the expression, functional activities and underlying mechanism of NELL2 in BPH. Human prostate cell lines and tissues from normal human and BPH patients were utilized. Immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining, RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting were performed. We further generated cell models with NELL2 silenced or overexpressed. Subsequently, proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis of prostate cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis process were also analyzed. Our study revealed that NELL2 was up-regulated in BPH samples and localized in the stroma and the epithelium compartments of human prostate tissues. NELL2 deficiency induced a mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation via phosphorylating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Additionally, suppression of ERK1/2 with U0126 incubation could significantly reverse NELL2 deficiency triggered cell apoptosis. Consistently, overexpression of NELL2 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. However, NELL2 interference was observed no effect on EMT and fibrosis process. Our novel data demonstrated that up-regulation of NELL2 in the enlarged prostate could contribute to the development of BPH through enhancing cell proliferation and inhibited a mitochondria-dependent cell apoptosis via the ERK pathway. The NELL2–ERK system might represent an important target to facilitate the development of future therapeutic approaches in BPH.
Cascaded speed and current model of PMSM with ultra‐local model‐free predictive control
Authors: Xu Lingliang , Chen Guiming , Li Qiaoyang
Published: July 2021

During the operation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), the control system is impacted by changes in the internal parameters and by external disturbances, resulting in reduced accuracy. The robustness and anti‐interference ability of a PMSM can be improved using a speed loop‐current loop integrated predictive control method. First, a PMSM mathematical model is constructed considering parameter changes and external disturbances. Second, using only the input and output of the speed loop and the current loop, without involving any motor parameters, an ultra‐local model‐free predictive control model of the speed loop and the current loop is built; this model has a lower sensitivity to parameter changes. Finally, to improve the tracking accuracy for speed and current, an extended state observer (ESO) and a disturbance observation compensator (DOC) are established to observe the total disturbance of system in real time and perform feedforward compensation. The experimental results show that the control model has strong robustness and anti‐interference ability, high stability, high speed, and capable current‐tracking performance.
Cryptographic models of nanocommunicaton network using quantum dot cellular automata: A survey
Authors: Debnath Bikash , Das Jadav Chandra , De Debashis
Published: July 2021

Security of information is an important issue during the transmission of information. The device that performs the encoding and decoding process is called the encoder and decoder, respectively. The major issues to develop such devices are circuit complexity and power dissipation at the nanoscale level. This can be fixed by utilising the features of reversible logic with Quantum dot cellular automata (QCA) device as a promising archetype for an alternative to the traditional transistor‐based device. QCA has high protection against side‐channel attacks, especially from power analysis attacks. All those features of QCA influence the researchers to explore several QCA‐based cryptographic models of nanocommunication for secure data transmission. Here, the existing QCA‐based circuits for cryptographic architecture are explored and compared concerning their circuit complexity, device area, and operating speeds. The working principles of each of those existing architectures have been demonstrated in detail. Besides, the embedding of reversible logic in QCA cryptographic architecture is also explored. The architectures are compared in terms of the logic used in the design. Finally, the major key issues are identified and addressed in the context of cryptographic models for future secure data transmission processes.
Newly formed downflow lanes in exploding granules in the solar photosphere
Authors: Ellwarth M. , Fischer C. E. , Vitas N. , Schmiz S. , Schmidt W.
Published: July 2021

Context. Exploding granules have drawn renewed interest because of their interaction with the magnetic field (either emerging or already present). Especially the newly forming downflow lanes developing in their centre seem to be eligible candidates for the intensification of magnetic fields. We analyse spectroscopic data from two different instruments in order to study the intricate velocity pattern within the newly forming downflow lanes in detail.

Aims. We aim to examine general properties of a number of exploding granules, such as their lifetime and extend. To gain a better understanding of the formation process of the developing intergranular lane in exploding granules, we study the temporal evolution and height dependence of the line-of-sight velocities at their formation location. Additionally, we search for evidence that exploding granules act as acoustic sources.

Methods. We investigated the evolution of several exploding granules using data taken with the Interferometric Bidimensional Spectrometer and the Imaging Magnetograph eXperiment. Velocities for different heights of the solar atmosphere were determined by computing bisectors of the Fe I 6173.0 Å and the Fe I 5250.2 Å lines. We performed a wavelet analysis to study the intensity and velocity oscillations within and around exploding granules. We also compared our observational findings with predictions of numerical simulations.

Results. Exploding granules have significantly longer lifetimes (10 to 15 min) than regular granules. Exploding granules larger than 3.8″ form an independent intergranular lane during their decay phase, while smaller granules usually fade away or disappear into the intergranular area (we find only one exception of a smaller exploding granule that also forms an intergranular lane). For all exploding granules that form a new intergranular downflow lane, we find a temporal height-dependent shift with respect to the maximum of the downflow velocity. Our suggestion that this results from a complex atmospheric structure within the newly forming downflow lane is supported by the comparison with synthesised profiles inferred from the simulations. We found an enhanced wavelet power with periods between 120 s to 190 s seen in the intensity and velocity oscillations of high photospheric or chromospheric spectral lines in the region of the dark core of an exploding granule.
Detection of photometric variability in the very low-mass binary VHS J1256-1257AB using TESS and Spitzer
Authors: Miles-Páez P. A.
Published: July 2021

Aims. We investigate the photometric properties of the M7.5 equal-mass binary VHS J1256-1257AB, which, combined with the late-L dwarf VHS J1256-1257 b, forms one of the few young triple systems of ultra-cool dwarfs currently known.

Methods. We analyzed two-minute TESS and two-second Spitzer archival data with total durations of about 25 days and 36 h, respectively. Typical precision in the data is ±1.5% for TESS and ±0.1% (in 1 min) for Spitzer.

Results. The optical and infrared light curves periodically exhibit epochs of quasi-sinusoidal modulation followed by epochs of stochastic variability, which resembles the beat pattern created by two waves of similar frequencies that interfere with each other. Our two-wave model for the TESS data shows that the components of VHS J1256-1257AB rotate with periods of 2.0782 ± 0.0004 h and 2.1342 ± 0.0003 h, which is also supported by the Spitzer observations. As a result, the fluxes of the equally bright VHS J1256-1257A and B alternate between states of phase and anti-phase, explaining the observed photometric variability in their combined light. The projected spectroscopic velocity of VHS J1256-1257AB is remarkably similar to those obtained by combining the measured rotation periods and the expected radii, which indicates that the spin axes of VHS J1256-1257A and B are likely inclined at nearly 90 deg, as previously reported for VHS J1256-1257 b.
Technological prerequisites for the energy efficiency increase of the engine cylinder bore processing
Authors: Safarova Lydmila , Malikov Andrey , Yamnikov Alexandr , Yamnikova Olga
Published: July 2021

An example of the rationalization of the current technology for manufacturing a cylinder of a small-sized diesel engine at PA “TULAMASHZAVOD” from a cast iron is given. It is shown that lowpower obsolete equipment leads to an increase in the number of technological operations and equipment used. However, even if all the generally accepted technological recommendations are followed, only 80% of the parts meet the requirements for the required parameters of accuracy and quality of the cylinder bore surface. Studies have found that the main reasons for insufficient quality are the presence of residual stresses in the casting, which cannot be removed during artificial aging, as well as insufficient accuracy and rigidity of metal cutting equipment at turning and boring operations. The use of more powerful and accurate modern equipment is theoretically and experimentally justified, which, due to increased refinement, allows reducing the number of machining operations. Replacement of artificial thermal aging by natural, combined with the replacement of shaft furnaces for heat treatment of workpieces with chamber furnaces of lower power and higher capacity, reduce energy consumption for the manufacturing by almost 4 times.
Energy-efficient inverter circuit for the low-voltage asynchronous driver controller with autonomous power supply
Authors: Boldyrev Alexander
Published: July 2021

The design of the energy-efficient inverter circuit for the asynchronous frequency-controlled three-phase electric driver with autonomous low-voltage DC power supply. The components analysis of the electric drive, the main components selection approach: microcontroller, three-phase driver and power transistors. R&D prototype of the energy-efficient inverter circuit was created, characterized by an average consumption current reduced by 5%. Reducing energy losses is achieved by reducing dynamic losses in the power circuits of a low-voltage inverter and using several circuit solutions.
Cavitation as a method of improving the energy efficiency of oil industry enterprises
Authors: Kuimov Denis , Minkin Maxim
Published: July 2021

The oil industry has been and remains the cornerstone of modern energy, despite the accelerated development of green energy. This article presents theoretical studies that have confirmed the effectiveness of the effect of cavitation on changes in the properties and parameters of oil and petroleum products.