bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candidate silencer elements for the human and mouse genomes
Authors: Doni Jayavelu Naresh , Jajodia Ajay , Mishra Arpit , Hawkins R. David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe study of gene regulation is dominated by a focus on the control of gene activation or increase in the level of expression. Just as critical is the process of gene repression or silencing. Chromatin signatures have identified enhancers, however, genome-wide identification of silencers by computational or experimental approaches are lacking. Here, we first define uncharacterized cis-regulatory elements likely containing silencers and find that 41.5% of ~7500 tested elements show silencer activity using massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA). We trained a support vector machine classifier based on MPRA data to predict candidate silencers in over 100 human and mouse cell or tissue types. The predicted candidate silencers exhibit characteristics expected of silencers. Leveraging promoter-capture HiC data, we find that over 50% of silencers are interacting with gene promoters having very low to no expression. Our results suggest a general strategy for genome-wide identification and characterization of silencer elements.
In vivo imaging of phosphocreatine with artificial neural networks
Authors: Chen Lin , Schär Michael , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Huang Jianpan , Wei Zhiliang , Lu Hanzhang , Qin Qin , Weiss Robert G. , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPhosphocreatine (PCr) plays a vital role in neuron and myocyte energy homeostasis. Currently, there are no routine diagnostic tests to noninvasively map PCr distribution with clinically relevant spatial resolution and scan time. Here, we demonstrate that artificial neural network-based chemical exchange saturation transfer (ANNCEST) can be used to rapidly quantify PCr concentration with robust immunity to commonly seen MRI interferences. High-quality PCr mapping of human skeletal muscle, as well as the information of exchange rate, magnetic field and radio-frequency transmission inhomogeneities, can be obtained within 1.5 min on a 3 T standard MRI scanner using ANNCEST. For further validation, we apply ANNCEST to measure the PCr concentrations in exercised skeletal muscle. The ANNCEST outcomes strongly correlate with those from31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (R = 0.813,p < 0.001,ttest). These results suggest that ANNCEST has potential as a cost-effective and widely available method for measuring PCr and diagnosing related diseases.
Haloperidol bound D2 dopamine receptor structure inspired the discovery of subtype selective ligands
Authors: Fan Luyu , Tan Liang , Chen Zhangcheng , Qi Jianzhong , Nie Fen , Luo Zhipu , Cheng Jianjun , Wang Sheng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe D2dopamine receptor (DRD2) is one of the most well-established therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric and endocrine disorders. Most clinically approved and investigational drugs that target this receptor are known to be subfamily-selective for all three D2-like receptors, rather than subtype-selective for only DRD2. Here, we report the crystal structure of DRD2 bound to the most commonly used antipsychotic drug, haloperidol. The structures suggest an extended binding pocket for DRD2 that distinguishes it from other D2-like subtypes. A detailed analysis of the structures illuminates key structural determinants essential for DRD2 activation and subtype selectivity. A structure-based and mechanism-driven screening combined with a lead optimization approach yield DRD2 highly selective agonists, which could be used as chemical probes for studying the physiological and pathological functions of DRD2 as well as promising therapeutic leads devoid of promiscuity.
Regionalization of Soil and Water Conservation Aimed at Ecosystem Services Improvement
Authors: Hu Xiaoqian , Li Zhongwu , Nie Xiaodong , Wang Danyang , Huang Jinquan , Deng Chuxiong , Shi Lin , Wang Lingxia , Ning Ke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo effectively control soil erosion, three hierarchies of the National Soil and Water Conservation Regionalization Scheme have been established in China. However, the scheme has its limits, which can be summarized by two points: first, the tertiary hierarchy functional region exhibits obvious heterogeneity; second, the ecosystem function does not influence the regionalization scheme results during the process of regionalization. To enhance the guidance of the regionalization, a new indicator system included soil erosion risk, soil erosion intensity and ecosystem service value was developed to explore the subdivision of the tertiary hierarchy functional region. Moreover a scheme for the subdivision of the tertiary hierarchy functional region was formed. In this scheme, the central Hunan hilly soil conservation and living environmental protection section was divided into three subregions: Luoxiao-Xuefeng Mountain high ecological value section, Xiangjiang middle and downstream medium ecological value section, and Hengyang Basin low ecological value section. Specifically, with regard to soil and water conservation regionalization, the concept of subregions within the tertiary hierarchy-based functional region was proposed and the new indicator system that highlighted ecosystem functions was applied for the first time on a regional scales; this method provides a new way of thinking about other regionalization schemes.
Production and characterization of starch nanoparticles by mild alkali hydrolysis and ultra-sonication process
Authors: Ahmad Mudasir , Gani Adil , Hassan Ifra , Huang Qingrong , Shabbir Hassan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this report, synthesis of the starch nanoparticles from underutilized and cheap sources viz: Horse chestnut (HS), Water chestnut (WS) and Lotus stem (LS) by using mild alkali hydrolysis and ultra-sonication process has been presented. The particles were characterized by Differential scanning colorimeter (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Rheology, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infra-spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The particle size measurements, functional properties and antioxidant potential of starch nanoparticles were also analyzed. The experimental results revealed that the average particle size diameter of Horse chestnut starch nanoparticles (HSP), Water chestnut starch nanoparticles (WSP) and Lotus stem starch nanoparticles (LSP) was found to be 420, 606 and 535 nm, respectively. We observed a notable increase in the water absorption capacity but decreased capacity for oil absorption in the starch nano-particles. SEM images revealed damaged starch granules after size reduction. Additionally, loss of crystallinity and molecular order was observed from XRD and ATR-FTIR spectra. It was concluded that the starch nanoparticles have better thermal stability, increased viscosity and antioxidant properties.
Spatial modeling of prostate cancer metabolic gene expression reveals extensive heterogeneity and selective vulnerabilities
Authors: Wang Yuliang , Ma Shuyi , Ruzzo Walter L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSpatial heterogeneity is a fundamental feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and tackling spatial heterogeneity in neoplastic metabolic aberrations is critical for tumor treatment. Genome-scale metabolic network models have been used successfully to simulate cancer metabolic networks. However, most models use bulk gene expression data of entire tumor biopsies, ignoring spatial heterogeneity in the TME. To account for spatial heterogeneity, we performed spatially-resolved metabolic network modeling of the prostate cancer microenvironment. We discovered novel malignant-cell-specific metabolic vulnerabilities targetable by small molecule compounds. We predicted that inhibiting the fatty acid desaturase SCD1 may selectively kill cancer cells based on our discovery of spatial separation of fatty acid synthesis and desaturation. We also uncovered higher prostaglandin metabolic gene expression in the tumor, relative to the surrounding tissue. Therefore, we predicted that inhibiting the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1 may selectively kill cancer cells. Importantly, SCD1 and SLCO2A1 have been previously shown to be potently and selectively inhibited by compounds such as CAY10566 and suramin, respectively. We also uncovered cancer-selective metabolic liabilities in central carbon, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. Our novel cancer-specific predictions provide new opportunities to develop selective drug targets for prostate cancer and other cancers where spatial transcriptomics datasets are available.
Taurine Induces an Ordered but Functionally Inactive Conformation in Intrinsically Disordered Casein Proteins
Authors: Bhat Mohd Younus , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar , Dar Tanveer Ali 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are involved in various important biological processes, such as cell signalling, transcription, translation, cell division regulation etc. Many IDPs need to maintain their disordered conformation for proper function. Osmolytes, natural organic compounds responsible for maintaining osmoregulation, have been believed to regulate the functional activity of macromolecules including globular proteins and IDPs due to their ability of modulating the macromolecular structure, conformational stability, and functional integrity. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of all classes of osmolytes on two model IDPs, α- and β-casein. It was observed that osmolytes can serve either as folding inducers or folding evaders. Folding evaders, in general, do not induce IDP folding and therefore had no significant effect on structural and functional integrity of IDPs. On the other hand, osmolytes taurine and TMAO serve as folding inducers by promoting structural collapse of IDPs that eventually leads to altered structural and functional integrity of IDPs. This study sheds light on the osmolyte-induced regulation of IDPs and their possible role in various disease pathologies.
Controlled synthesis and luminescence properties of core-shell-shell structured SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu@SiO2 and SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu-phen@SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Qiao Yan , Li Wenxian , Bao Jinrong , Zheng Yushan , Feng Lina , Ma Yangyang , Yang Kuisuo , Wu Anping , Bai He , Yang Yunjiang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTwo novel core-shell structured SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu and SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu-phen nanocomposites have been synthesized by a bifunctional organic ligands ((HOOC)2C6H3NHCONH(CH2)3Si(OCH2CH3)3) (defined as AIPA-S-Si) connected with Eu3+ ions and silica via covalent bond. And the corresponding core-shell-shell structured SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu@SiO2 and SiO2@AIPA-S-Si-Eu-phen@SiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced luminescence have been synthesized by tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) hydrolysis co-deposition method. The composition and micromorphology of the nanocomposites were characterized by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The as-synthesized core-shell and core-shell-shell structured nanocomposites have excellent luminescence intensity and long lifetime. The nanocomposites show bright red light under ultraviolet lamp. However, the core-shell-shell structured nanocomposites have stronger luminescence intensity than the corresponding core-shell structured nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the core-shell-shell structured nanocomposites still exhibit good luminescence stability in aqueous solution. In addition, a large number of Si-OH on the surface of the core-shell-shell structured nanocomposites can be attached to many biomacromolecules. Therefore, they have potential applications in the fields of biology and luminescence.
MBW complexes impinge on anthocyanidin reductase gene regulation for proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in persimmon fruit
Authors: Gil-Muñoz Francisco , Sánchez-Navarro Jesús A. , Besada Cristina , Salvador Alejandra , Badenes María Luisa , Naval María del Mar , Ríos Gabino 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMBW protein complexes containing MYB, bHLH and WD40 repeat factors are known transcriptional regulators of secondary metabolites production such as proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and developmental processes such as trichome formation in many plant species. DkMYB2 and DkMYB4 (MYB-type), DkMYC1 (bHLH-type) and DkWDR1 (WD40-type) factors have been proposed by different authors to take part of persimmon MBW complexes for proanthocyanidin accumulation in immature fruit, leading to its characteristic astringent flavour with important agronomical and ecological effects. We have confirmed the nuclear localization of these proteins and their mutual physical interaction by bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. In addition, transient expression of DkMYB2, DkMYB4 and DkMYC1 cooperatively increase the expression of a persimmon anthocyanidin reductase gene (ANR), involved in the biosynthesis of cis-flavan-3-ols, the structural units of proanthocyanidin compounds. Collectively, these data support the presence of MBW complexes in persimmon fruit and suggest their coordinated participation in ANR regulation for proanthocyanidin production.
Long non-coding RNA RP11-284P20.2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by recruiting EIF3b to induce c-met protein synthesis
Authors: Fang Qin-Liang , Zhou Jian-Yin , Xiong Yu , Xie Cheng-Rong , Wang Fu-Qiang , Li Yun-Tong , Yin Zhen-Yu , Luo Guo-Hui 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A newly identified lncRNA designated as RP11-284P20.2 has been identified to be up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its role in HCC remain poorly understood. Quantitative PCR and immunocytochemical analysis were performed using the HCC tissues to identify the potential interaction partners of RP11-284P20.2. Moreover, RP11-284P20.2 was knocked down in HCC cell lines, HepG2 and SMMC7721, to investigate the influence of this lncRNA on cell growth properties. Additionally, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to determine the interaction of RP11-284P20.2 with c-met mRNA and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3b (EIF3b). Silencing RP11-284P20.2 inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation, and increased apoptosis. Overexpression of c-met abolished these effects of RP11-284P20.2 in HCC cells. Histopathological examination showed that HCC tissues with high RP11-284P20.2 expression had higher c-met protein level than that in HCC tissues with low RP11-284P20.2 expression. However, there was no positive correlation between the expression levels of RP11-284P20.2 and c-met mRNA. RP11-284P20.2 knockdown led to a decease in c-met protein expression level, but did not affect the c-met mRNA expression level. These data suggest that RP11-284P20.2 regulates c-met protein expression level, which is independent of c-Met mRNA expression level. It was also confirmed that RP11-284P20.2 has high affinity toward both c-met mRNA and EIF3b protein, and hence RP11-284P20.2 probably recruits EIF3b protein to c-met mRNA and further facilitates its translation. RP11-284P20.2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by recruiting EIF3b to induce c-met protein synthesis.
Novel design for differential phase shifter structure by using multi‐section coupled lines
Authors: Geyikoglu M.D. , Koc Polat H. , Cavusoglu B. 
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, a new wideband differential phase shifter is proposed by using a multi‐section coupled line structure. S‐parameter circuit equations and design parameters are calculated using even/odd mode and transmission line analysis techniques for a set of phase shifters (from 0 to 90 with a step of 10°) of the proposed device. The proposed form is the first work that adds multi‐section structures on the coupled line to provide any desired phase shift to the same reference line. In addition, for specific applications such as hyperthermia, the beamforming is ensured to be at small angle steps (10°) to focus the signal to the correct spot. The device is modelled with full‐wave electromagnetic simulator Computer Simulation Technology (CST). Ten prototypes of differential phase shifters are designed, manufactured, and tested for the accuracy of simulation results. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement with the theory and show a bandwidth of 20.4%, <2.7 phase deviation, and >1 dB insertion loss across the 2.2–2.7 GHz frequency range.
[C II] 158 μm self-absorption and optical depth effects
Authors: Guevara C. , Stutzki J. , Ossenkopf-Okada V. , Simon R. , Pérez-Beaupuits J. P. , Beuther H. , Bihr S. , Higgins R. , Graf U. , Güsten R. 
Published: February 2020

Context. The [C II] 158 μm far-infrared fine-structure line is one of the most important cooling lines of the star-forming interstellar medium (ISM). It is used as a tracer of star formation efficiency in external galaxies and to study feedback effects in parental clouds. High spectral resolution observations have shown complex structures in the line profiles of the [C II] emission.
Aims. Our aim is to determine whether the complex profiles observed in [12C II] are due to individual velocity components along the line-of-sight or to self-absorption based on a comparison of the [12C II] and isotopic [13C II] line profiles.
Methods. Deep integrations with the SOFIA/upGREAT 7-pixel array receiver in the sources of M43, Horsehead PDR, Monoceros R2, and M17 SW allow for the detection of optically thin [13C II] emission lines, along with the [12C II] emission lines, with a high signal-to-noise ratio. We first derived the [12C II] optical depth and the [C II] column density from a single component model. However, the complex line profiles observed require a double layer model with an emitting background and an absorbing foreground. A multi-component velocity fit allows us to derive the physical conditions of the [C II] gas: column density and excitation temperature.
Results. We find moderate to high [12C II] optical depths in all four sources and self-absorption of [12C II] in Mon R2 and M17 SW. The high column density of the warm background emission corresponds to an equivalent Av of up to 41 mag. The foreground absorption requires substantial column densities of cold and dense [C II] gas, with an equivalent Av ranging up to about 13 mag.
Conclusions. The column density of the warm background material requires multiple photon-dominated region surfaces stacked along the line of sight and in velocity. The substantial column density of dense and cold foreground [C II] gas detected in absorption cannot be explained with any known scenario and we can only speculate on its origins.
Die anderen und ich: Wie soziale Interaktionen die Wahrnehmung des anderen verändern. Das Cyberball-Paradigma und seine Indikationen im Migrationskontext
Authors: Roayaee Maryam , Rahman Rasha Abdel , Danziger Meggie , Tudge Luke , Daedelow Laura S. , Heinz Andreas , Wüstenberg Torsten 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungWelche Wirkung hat soziale Ausgrenzung auf die Wahrnehmung des Gegenübers und wie kann dieser Effekt mithilfe experimenteller Methoden erfasst werden? Die Beantwortung dieser Frage kann Psychologen, Soziologen, aber auch Klinikern wertvolle Erkenntnisse für das Verständnis und den konkreten Umgang mit den betroffenen Menschen oder Gruppen geben. Zu den gesellschaftlichen Gruppen, die besonders häufig mit sozialer Ausgrenzung konfrontiert sind, gehören z. B. Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen, Migranten oder auch ethnische Minderheiten.In diesem Artikel präsentieren wir die Ergebnisse einer experimentellen Vorstudie an gesunden Probanden, in der wir mithilfe einer modifizierten Version des Cyberball-Paradigmas untersuchten, welche Effekte soziale Ausgrenzung auf die spontane Bewertung von Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen wie Attraktivität, Vertrauenswürdigkeit, Aggressivität und Dominanz hat. Die Ergebnisse unserer Studie zeigen, dass sich diese Effekte mithilfe des Cyberball-Paradigmas quantifizieren lassen und sich die Wahrnehmung des Gegenübers schon nach relativ kurzer sozialer Interaktion in Abhängigkeit von deren Valenz verändert.Vor dem Hintergrund dieser Befunde diskutieren wir das Potenzial dieses Paradigmas zur Untersuchung von sozialen Faktoren, die bei der Entwicklung von psychischen Erkrankungen bei Migranten eine Rolle spielen können, und besprechen die zu beachtenden Besonderheiten bei einer prospektiven Anwendung in den anfänglich erwähnten Risikogruppen.
Zur Beziehungsgestaltung zwischen geflüchteten Frauen und weiblichen Freiwilligen
Authors: Mehran Nassim , Abi Jumaa Jinan , Hertner Laura , Von Bach Elisabeth , Valensise Livia , Strasser Judith , Kluge Ulrike 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungMit der wachsenden Zahl von Geflüchteten, die 2015 in Deutschland ankamen, entstand ein steigender Bedarf an Unterstützung und Betreuung in psychosozialen Angelegenheiten, auf Seiten der Geflüchteten wie auch der freiwilligen Helfer/innen. Das Forschungsprojekt ReWoven untersuchte die allgemeine Beziehungsgestaltung zwischen miteinander nicht unbedingt bekannten geflüchteten Frauen und weiblichen Freiwilligen mithilfe von 32 leitfadengestützten Interviews (16 mit arabisch- und farsisprachigen geflüchteten Frauen, 16 mit weiblichen Freiwilligen). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Unsicherheit bezüglich der Definition der „Freiwilligentätigkeit“ auf beiden Seiten sowie die Missverständnisse und Ungleichgewichte in ihrer Interaktion als Hindernisse für den Aufbau intensiver, reziproker Beziehungen zwischen den beiden Gruppen empfunden wurden. Dabei ist die Bedeutung der jeweiligen Organisation, in der diese Beziehungen entstehen, nicht zu vernachlässigen.
Knochen und Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Scharla Stephan H. 
Published: February 2020

ZusammenfassungDiabetes mellitus ist mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Osteoporose und Frakturen assoziiert. Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 sind stärker betroffen, mit einem relativen Risiko für Hüftfrakturen von 2,5 bis 12. Das Risiko für Wirbelfrakturen ist bis 2-fach erhöht. Bei Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 ist das Frakturrisiko nicht so deutlich erhöht und mit der Zeitdauer der Diabetes-Erkrankung, dem Vorliegen von vaskulären Schäden, einer Neuropathie und mit einer Insulintherapie assoziiert. Ursachen für das gesteigerte Frakturrisiko sind toxische Effekte von hohen Glukosekonzentration auf Osteoblasten, die Glykierung von Knochenmatrixproteinen mit Veränderung der Kollagenstruktur, hormonelle Veränderungen und eine Störung der Knochenarchitektur. Das Frakturrisiko kann auch schon ohne deutliche Knochendichte-Minderung bereits erhöht sein. Die therapeutische Interventionsschwelle bei der Knochendichtemessung sollte deshalb in Richtung höhere Werte angepasst werden. Der Knochen als endokrines Organ moduliert aber auch den Zuckerstoffwechsel. Das aus dem Knochen freigesetzte untercarboxylierte Osteocalcin stimuliert die Insulinsekretion im Pankreas, verbessert die Insulinsensitivität und ist mit dem Risiko für die Manifestation des Diabetes mellitus assoziiert.