bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Following the evolution of excited states along photochemical reaction pathways
Authors: Campetella Marco , Sanz García Juan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAnalyzing the behavior of potential energy surfaces (PESs) of diabatic excited states (ESs) becomes of crucial importance for a complete understanding of complex photochemical reactions. Since the definition of a compact representation for the transition density matrix, the use of the natural transition orbitals (NTOs) has become a routine practice in time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. Their popularity has remarkably grown due to its simple orbital description of electronic excitations. Indeed, very recently, we have presented a new formalism used for the optimization of ESs by tracking the state of interest computing the NTO's overlap between consecutive steps of the procedure. In this new contribution, we generalize the use of this NTO's overlap‐based state‐tracking formalism for the analysis of all the desired diabatic states along any chemical reaction pathway. Determining the PES of the different diabatic states has been automatized by developing an extension of our recently presented algorithm, the so‐called SDNTO: “Steepest Descent minimization using NTOs.” This automatized overlap‐based procedure allows an agile and convenient analysis of the evolution of the ESs avoiding the intrinsic ambiguity of visualizing orbitals or comparing physical observables. The analysis of two photochemical reactions of the same nature with different PES landscapes perfectly illustrates the utility of this new tool.
Inhibition of miR‐155 in MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line by gold nanoparticles functionalized with antagomir and AS1411 aptamer
Authors: Kardani Arefeh , Yaghoobi Hajar , Alibakhshi Abbas , Khatami Mehrdad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicroRNAs are key factors for many biological functions. These regulatory molecules affect various gene networks and involve the subsequent signaling pathways. Therefore, disrupting the expression of these molecules is associated with multiple anomalies in the cells and body. One of the most important related abnormalities is the incidence of cancer. Thus, targeting microRNAs (miRNAs) is an effective approach for cancer gene therapy. Various factors are used for this purpose, including the antagomir nucleotide structure. There are some obstacles in the delivery of nucleotide therapeutics to the target cells, however, the use of nanoparticles could partly overcome these defeciencies. On the other hand, targeted delivery of antagomirs using aptamers, reduces nonspecific effects on nontarget cells. Considering the above, in this study, we designed and fabricated a nanocarrier composed of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), antagomir‐155, and nucleolin specific aptamer for breast cancer study and therapy. Here, GNPs were synthesized using citrate reduction and were modified by polyA sequences, AS1411 aptamer, and antagomir‐155. Attachment of molecules were confirmed using gel electrophoresis, atomic force microscopy imaging and electrochemical test. The specific entry of modified nanoparticles was investigated by fluorescence microscopy. The efficacy of modified nanoparticles was evaluated using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) for miR‐155 and its target gene. Efficient and specific delivery of AuNP–Apt–anti‐miR‐155 to target cells was confirmed in comparison with the control cell. The q‐PCR analysis showed not only a significant decrease in mir‐155 levels but also an elevated TP53INP1 mRNA, direct target of miR‐155. The proposed structure inhibits proliferation and stimulates apoptosis by increasing the expression of TP53INP1. Our results suggest that AuNP–Apt–anti‐miR‐155 could be a promising nano constructor for breast cancer treatment.
Astaxanthin stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis in insulin resistant muscle via activation of AMPK pathway
Authors: Nishida Yasuhiro , Nawaz Allah , Kado Tomonobu , Takikawa Akiko , Igarashi Yoshiko , Onogi Yasuhiro , Wada Tsutomu , Sasaoka Toshiyasu , Yamamoto Seiji , Sasahara Masakiyo , Imura Johji , Tokuyama Kumpei , Usui Isao , Nakagawa Takashi , Fujisaka Shiho , Kunimasa Yagi , Tobe Kazuyuki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle is mainly responsible for insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal. Dysfunction in skeletal muscle metabolism especially during obesity contributes to the insulin resistance. Astaxanthin (AX), a natural antioxidant, has been shown to ameliorate hepatic insulin resistance in obese mice. However, its effects in skeletal muscle are poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular target of AX in ameliorating skeletal muscle insulin resistance.MethodsWe fed 6‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice with normal chow (NC) or NC supplemented with AX (NC+AX) and high‐fat‐diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with AX for 24 weeks. We determined the effect of AX on various parameters including insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, inflammation, kinase signaling, gene expression, and mitochondrial function in muscle. We also determined energy metabolism in intact C2C12 cells treated with AX using the Seahorse XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer and assessed the effect of AX on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis.ResultsAX‐treated HFD mice showed improved metabolic status with significant reduction in blood glucose, serum total triglycerides, and cholesterol (p< 0.05). AX‐treated HFD mice also showed improved glucose metabolism by enhancing glucose incorporation into peripheral target tissues, such as the skeletal muscle, rather than by suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver as shown by hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp study. AX activated AMPK in the skeletal muscle of the HFD mice and upregulated the expressions of transcriptional factors and coactivator, thereby inducing mitochondrial remodeling, including increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation component and free fatty acid metabolism. We also assessed the effects of AX on mitochondrial biogenesis in the siRNA‐mediated AMPK‐depleted C2C12 cells and showed that the effect of AX was lost in the genetically AMPK‐depleted C2C12 cells. Collectively, AX treatment (i) significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and glucose intolerance through regulation of AMPK activation in the muscle, (ii) stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis in the muscle, (iii) enhanced exercise tolerance and exercise‐induced fatty acid metabolism, and (iv) exerted antiinflammatory effects via its antioxidant activity in adipose tissue.ConclusionsWe concluded that AX treatment stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and significantly ameliorated insulin resistance through activation of AMPK pathway in the skeletal muscle.
Contribution of glycerol addition and algal–bacterial cooperation to nutrients recovery: a study on the mechanisms of microalgae‐based wastewater remediation
Authors: Xu Mingyu , Zeng Qingqing , Li Huankai , Zhong Yuming , Tong Linying , Ruan Roger , Liu Hui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicroalgae biotechnology is considered as a promising way to recover nutrients from centrate wastewater for value‐added biomass production, but it is rarely adopted in a real‐world application. Current study confirmed that carbon deficiency and suspended solids are two problems jeopardizing the microalgae‐based wastewater remediation. In this regard, glycerol was added into centrate wastewater as exogenous carbon source and algal–bacterial cooperation for nutrients recovery assessment.RESULTSThe results showed that glycerol addition increased the biomass yield of algae from 1.54 to 2.58 g L−1 in 5‐day culture and, at the same time, improved the removal efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus, which were further assessed by pilot‐scale experiments. Bacterial community analysis indicated that algal–bacterial cooperation involves carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange, phosphorus absorption, and solid organics degradation, forming a complementary nexus beneficial for wastewater treatment.CONCLUSIONGlycerol is proven to be a good carbon source for microalgae growth in the centrate wastewater. Additionally, the cooperation between microalgae and bacteria plays a key role in the nutrients removal during centrate wastewater. It is expected the technology and knowledge provided by current work can further promote the industrialization of microalgae‐based wastewater remediation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative pollen and foliar micromorphological studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of some selected species of Lamiaceae from Alpine Zone of Deosai Plateau, Western Himalayas
Authors: Bano Abida , Rashid Sofia , Ahmad Mushtaq , Bhatti Ghulam R. , Yaseen Ghulam , Anjum Farida , Ahmed Sidra N. , Zafar Muhammad , Asma Maliha , Sultana Shazia , Adeel Muhammad , Ozdemir Fethi A. , Kilic Omer 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe study was conducted to highlight a detailed account of morphology of pollen chosen species of Lamiaceae through scanning electron microscopy, and the anatomical characteristics of leaf epidermis of seven species using simple light microscopy. In results, Anisomeles indica and Otostegia aucheri belong to subfamily Lamioideae because it has tricolpate pollen while the rest eight species belong to subfamily Nepetoideae (hexacolpate pollen). The exine sculpturing of pollen of studied species was found to be reticulate. In the family Lamiaceae, four kinds of stomata were found anomocytic, anisocytic, diacytic, and actinocytic, respectively. The cell wall patterns of epidermal cells were irregular or polygonal with straight or undulate walls. It was noted that the variety of the epidermal trichomes seems of taxonomically important for the identification of species of Lamiaceae. Both nonglandular and glandular trichomes were analyzed. The nonglandular trichomes were characterized with long, thin, and pointed apical unicellular cells. The nonglandular trichomes were A‐shaped in Thymus linearis. In Perovskia abrotanoides, stellate glandular trichomes were observed whereas in A. indica and Mentha royleana both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were found. In A. indica, the nonglandular trichomes were sessile and peltate in M. royleana. For the first time in this study, pollen and foliar micromorphological features of selected species of this area are carried out. These taxonomic characters were found to be important in discrimination of species from each other. In future, the detailed study with comprehensive morphology coupled with other important characters is required for delimitation of taxa at various levels.
Knockdown of otubain 2 inhibits liver cancer cell growth by suppressing NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Gu Zhen‐Lin , Huang Jing , Zhen Lin‐Lin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe deubiquitinase otubain 2 (OTUB2) has been reported to play significant roles in the tumorigenesis of several cancers, but the role of OTUB2 in liver cancer is not investigated yet. In the present study, OTUB2 was found significantly upregulated in liver cancer tumor tissues and cell lines, and elevated OTUB2 indicated as a negative index for the overall survival of liver cancer patients. At the cellular level, knockdown of OTUB2 markedly inhibited liver cancer cell growth. Our further investigations revealed that knockdown of OTUB2 significantly suppressed NF‐κB‐driving luciferase activity, and markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65 in liver cancer cells, which indicated that OTUB2 mediated liver cancer cell growth by regulating NF‐κB signaling. Additionally, we found that liver cancer cell lines harboring higher OTUB2 expression were more sensitive to NF‐κB inhibitors, and overexpression of OTUB2 could significantly reduce the antitumor effects of NF‐κB inhibitors in liver cancer cells. This study indicated that OTUB2 could be a promising target for the treatment of liver cancer in the future.
Double‐tuned 31P/1H human head array with high performance at both frequencies for spectroscopic imaging at 9.4T
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Ruhm Loreen , Dorst Johanna , Scheffler Klaus , Korzowski Andreas , Henning Anke 
Published: January 2020

PurposeTo develop a robust design of a human head double‐tuned 31P/1H array, which provides good performance at both 31P and 1H frequencies for MR spectroscopic imaging at 9.4T.MethodsIncreasing the number of surface loops in a human head array improves the peripheral signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), while the central SNR doesn’t substantially change. High peripheral SNR can contaminate MR spectroscopic imaging data at both 1H and 31P frequency. To minimize this effect, we limited the number of elements in the 31P array to 10, i.e., 8 transceiver surface loops circumscribing the head and 2 receive “vertical” loops placed at the superior location. The 1H‐portion of the array also consists of 10 elements, i.e., 8 transceiver surface loops circumscribing the head and 2 transceiver “vertical” loops at the superior location of the head. Both the 31P array and 1H array are placed in a single layer at the same distance to the head, which provides high loading and, thus, a good performance for both arrays.ResultsTransmit efficiency of the 1H‐portion of the double‐tuned array was very similar to that of the single‐tuned arrays of similar size. Also, addition of the cross‐loops substantially improved the brain coverage.ConclusionWe developed a novel 31P/1H double‐tuned array for MR spectroscopic imaging of a human brain at 9.4T. Placing both 31P and 1H loops in a single layer provides for high transmit efficiency at both frequencies without compromising SNR near the brain center at the 31P‐frequency. Addition of the cross‐loops at the superior location improves the brain coverage.
Dynamic 1H‐MRS for detection of 13C‐labeled glucose metabolism in the human brain at 3T
Authors: Dehghani Masoumeh , Zhang Steven , Kumaragamage Chathura , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Near Jamie 
Published: January 2020

PurposeIn 2004, Boumezbeur et al proposed a simple yet powerful approach to detect the metabolism of 13C‐enriched substrates in the brain. Their approach consisted of dynamic 1H‐MRS, without a 13C radiofrequency (RF) channel, and its successful application was demonstrated in monkeys. Since then, this promising method has yet to be applied rigorously in humans. In this study, we revisit the use of dynamic 1H‐MRS to measure the metabolism of 13C‐enriched substrates and demonstrate its application in the human brain.MethodsIn healthy participants, 1H‐MRS data were acquired dynamically before and following a bolus infusion of [1‐13C] glucose. Data were acquired on a 3T clinical MRI scanner using a short‐TE SPECIAL sequence, with regions of interest in both anterior and posterior cingulate cortex. Using simulated basis spectra to model signal changes in both 12C‐bonded and 13C‐coupled resonances, the acquired spectra were fit in LCModel to obtain labeling time courses for glutmate and glutamine at both C4 and C3 positions.ResultsPresence of the 13C label was clearly detectable, owing to the pronounced effect of heteronuclear (13C‐1H) scalar coupling on the observed 1H spectra. A decrease in signal from 12C‐bonded protons and an increase in signal from 13C‐coupled protons were observed. The fractional enrichment of Glu‐C4, (Glu+Gln)‐C4, and (Glu+Gln)‐C3 at 30 minutes following infusion of [1‐13C] glucose was similar in both regions: 11% to 13%, 9% to 12% and 3% to 5%, respectively.ConclusionThese preliminary results confirm the feasibility of the use of dynamic 1H‐MRS to monitor 13C labeling in the human brain, without a 13C RF channel.
Finding vacuolated lymphocytes in fetal effusions improves the prenatal diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases
Authors: Taconet Sarah , Dreux Sophie , Guimiot Fabien , Pettazzoni Magali , Allaf Bichr , Spaggiari Emmanuel , Rosenblatt Jonathan , Khung‐Savatovsky Suonavy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesThere are many causes of fetal effusions, including the rare lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Vacuolated lymphocytes (VLs) are found in the blood of infants with LSDs, and their presence in fetal effusion could increase the risk of underlying LSD.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2018, all fetal effusions samples from 43 fetal multidisciplinary centers were referred to a single laboratory. Cells were counted, and, if observed, VLs were categorized and counted. Screening for LSDs was performed by metabolite analyses on amniotic fluid supernatant. The diagnosis of an LSD was confirmed by measuring the activity of the corresponding enzyme and/or mutation analysis.ResultsOur laboratory received 614 ascitic fluids and 280 pleural fluids sampled between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation. The final diagnosis was LSD in 16 cases (1.8%). VLs were reported in all these 16 cases, in a mix of lymphocytes with and without vacuoles. Vacuoles in VLs varied in size and number. In most cases, VLs were easy to recognize, with numerous, large, round, well‐defined vacuoles, but in three cases of LSDs, VLs were atypical.ConclusionThe finding of VLs in fetal effusions is an inexpensive first‐line test that may help to prioritize biochemical and genetic tests for LSDs.
Polyethylene glycol/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as an in situ photocrosslinkable polymeric nanohybrid
Authors: Karamishamloo Morteza , Mirmohammadi Seyed Amin , Davachi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPolyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) biodegradable nanohybrids were synthesized in which modified POSS was chemically incorporated into the polymer chain as reinforcing nanoparticles during a blue light photocuring process. First, POSS diacrylate (POSSA) was prepared by the simple reaction of POSS with acryloyl chloride and the product obtained was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C NMR. Second, POSSA was incorporated into the PEGDA matrix in various concentrations in the presence as well as the absence of a reactive diluent. Finally, some characterizations such as XRD, TEM, equilibrium swelling, viscoelastic behavior, mechanical properties and cytocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of these nanoparticles within the PEGDA polymer matrix. The results revealed that POSSA acted as a crosslinking agent as well as an inorganic nanofiller to enhance the properties of PEGDA and also that the most effective content of these nanoparticles should be optimized in the range 1.5–3 wt%. This study suggests acrylated POSS as an effective nanoparticle to promote the efficiency of photocured nanohybrids used in medical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing and accessing high human potential: A brief history of giftedness and what it means to school psychologists
Authors: Dai David Yun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe history of giftedness pertains to historical changes regarding how giftedness is conceptualized and defined, and how it serves the practical purpose of identifying gifted children and providing them an appropriate education. The past century has witnessed debates and controversies about what constitutes this elusive human quality we deem “gifted.” Overall, it has undergone significant changes from monolithic, static to more pluralistic, dynamic conceptions. The first part of this article delineates historical changes in the past 100 years in our understanding of the nature and development of giftedness, followed by the second part on the changing ways we define, assess, and identify gifted children or gifted potential for intervention purposes. The final part of this article depicts a broad trend toward expanding gifted education to a wider range of students, with the understanding that gifts and talents are widely distributed in student populations, and the deliberate cultivation of human potential should not be confined to a selected few.
Single‐stage plasma‐chemical synthesis and characterization of carbon nanoparticle‐polymer suspensions
Authors: Danilaev Maxim P. , Bogoslov Evgeniy A. , Kuklin Vladimir A. , Vakhitov Iskander R. , Kamaliev Bulat Z. , Lounev Ivan V. , Evtyugin Vladimir G. , Rogov Alexey M. , Osin Yury N. , Tagirov Lenar R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA thin‐film styrene polymer–carbon nanoparticle composite was obtained in a single‐stage alternating current dielectric barrier discharge plasma‐chemical process. The allotropic forms of the carbon nanoparticle filler were traced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM revealed an extraordinary adhesive encapsulation of the carbon nanoparticles by the polymer. It was found that the corona discharge regime provides an onion‐like carbon filler that enhances the mechanical strength and chemical resistance of the synthesized polymer–carbon nanoparticle film. Measurements of the electrical properties of the films implicitly confirmed the uniformity of the carbon filler distribution.
Atmospheric pressure plasma jet‐assisted copolymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate and acrylic acid
Authors: Huang Yueh‐Han , Wang Meng‐Jiy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, the copolymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and acrylic acid (AA) was carried out by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment. By applying APPJ on the precursor solutions, OH radicals and the other reactive species were generated to induce the polymerization processes in solutions. The molecular weight and composition of the resultant poly(SBMA‐co‐AA) can be easily modulated by varying the plasma parameters including treatment time and applied power. The anti‐biofouling effects of the resultant poly(SBMA‐co‐AA) against biomolecules including lysozyme, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and L‐929 mouse fibroblast cells revealed excellent fouling resistance. This study demonstrated that APPJ‐assisted copolymerization is a chemical initiator free process and can provide a simpler alternative route for the preparation of copolymers with designated compositions and advantageous functions.
Soybean seed treatment: how do fungicides translocate in plants?
Authors: Fadel Sartori Felipe , Floriano Pimpinato Rodrigo , Tornisielo Valdemar L , Dieminger Engroff Thaise , de Souza Jaccoud‐Filho David , Menten José O , Dorrance Anne E , Dourado‐Neto Durval 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoybean seed treatment with fungicides is a well‐established disease management strategy. However, the movement of these fungicides within seedlings is not always well characterized. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the pattern of translocation of three fungicides with different modes of action applied as a seed treatment, and the effect of soil type on translocation.RESULTSMost of the absorbed radioactivity was concentrated in the cotyledons and the maximum sum of the rates of absorption by roots, stems, and leaves of the plants was 15%. In most cases, absorption by roots, stems, and leaves were lower than 5% for 14C‐pyraclostrobin and 14C‐metalaxyl, and 1.6% for 14C‐carbendazim. Fungicides absorbed by the roots and the whole seedlings were higher when plants were grown in soil with lower organic matter content. Fungicides in the cotyledons are unlikely to be redistributed and are lost when cotyledons fall off the plants.CONCLUSIONCotyledons are the part of the plant where fungicides are most absorbed, regardless of the fungicide. Soil type affects the absorption of fungicides, and in this study it was most likely caused by soil organic matter. These data improve knowledge of the movement of seed treatment fungicides in soybean seedlings and may help the development of seed treatment chemistry to manage seed and soilborne pathogens.