bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antimitotic and cytotoxic potential of plant extracts: a comparative study of Mucuna pruriens, Asteracantha longifolia and Sphaeranthus indicus
Authors: Gupta Praveen Suresh , Patel Shivani 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlants have been used in alternative and traditional medicines for the cure of different types of diseases since ancient time. Secondary metabolites from natural sources play a crucial role in the treatment of various ailments. The present study carried out to investigate the phytochemical, antimitotic and cytotoxic activity of methanolic (95%) extracts ofMucuna pruriensseeds,Asteracantha longifoliaseeds andSphaeranthus indicusstems.ResultPhytochemical analysis was performed using qualitative test to confirm the presence of phytochemical such as flavonoids, terpenoids, amino acids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, phenols and carbohydrates. The antimitotic activity was screened by usingAllium ceparoot meristematic cells. Methotrexate (0.1 mg/mL) was used as a standard. The data was analyzed by using software GraphPad Prism, Version 6.0 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA) with one-way ANOVA. A statistical difference ofp< 0.05 was considered significant in all cases.pvalueof M. pruriensseeds,A. longifoliaseeds andS. indicusstems calculatedp= 0.0001 for all plant extracts. Cytotoxic potential of all three plant extracts have been studied on breast cancer cell line MCF7 and lung cancer cell line A549.M. pruriensshowed mild cytotoxicity with IC50values 36.74 μg/mL on MCF7 and 39.42 μg/mL on A549 cell line.A. longifoliashowed better activity on MCF7 with IC50of 12.32 μg/mL and theS. indicusshowed the least activity on MCF7 with IC50of 185.56 μg/mL. TheA. longifoliashowed better activity on A549 with IC50of 16.53 μg/mL.ConclusionA. longifoliahas significant amount of nearly all phytochemicals as compared to other two plant extracts. It is found that all three plant extracts showed antimitotic activity havingpvalue less than 0.05. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that all plant extracts displayed inhibition of MCF7 and A549 cells lines.A. longifoliashowed better activity against MCF7 whileM. prurienspossessed mild cytotoxic effect against both MCF7 and A549 cell lines.
Determining 3D seismic characteristics of the conduit system of the Changchang sag, Qiongdongnan Basin
Authors: Li Yufeng , Pu Renhai , Zhang Gongcheng , Han Qiang , Yuan Chao , Zhao Xueqin 
Published: December 2020

Although some giant gas fields found in the deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), China, are often associated with mud diapirs and/or gas chimneys, no comprehensive 3D work has been undertaken to characterize them. We have conducted a 3D seismic investigation using the root-mean square, coherence, and instantaneous frequency attributes to provide a better understanding of the conduit systems in the QDNB. The results show that the conduit system that we investigated can be separated vertically into four zones in the following order: (1) a structurally diapiric weak zone at the base, followed by (2) an injected or reinjected sandstones zone, (3) a gas chimney zone, and (4) a mud volcanic zone at the top. The morphology of the structurally weak zone is elliptical, formed by the intersection of northwest–southeast- and nearly east–west-trending tectonic faults. We infer that this zone provides pathways for the ascent of the diapiric mud that was probably sourced by the underlying overpressured mudstones. The injected or reinjected sandstones zone is characterized by high amplitude anomalies, and it was probably fed by the lobes of underlying submarine fans. The gas chimney zone, which is characterized by low frequencies and weak amplitudes, is probably composed of a mixture of uprising mud and free gas formed from the underlying overpressured mudstones, whereas the mud volcano with a Christmas-tree pattern and is composed of a central crater, the southern flank of which is a mudflow, formed when the uprising mud migrating upward through faults got to the paleo seafloor. Finally, we have developed schematic illustrations that would aid in understanding the different stages of the formation and internal architecture of this conduit system.
Public behaviour in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: understanding the role of group processes
Authors: Drury John , Carter Holly , Ntontis Evangelos , Guven Selin Tekin 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIn the absence of a vaccine, behaviour by the public is key to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, as with other types of crises and emergencies, there have been doubts about the extent to which the public are able to engage effectively with the required behaviour. These doubts are based on outdated models of group psychology.Aims and argumentWe analyse the role of group processes in the COVID-19 pandemic in three domains: recognition of threat, adherence by the public to the required public health behaviours (and the factors that increase such adherence) and actions of the many community mutual aid groups that arose during lockdown. In each case, we draw upon the accumulated research on behaviour in emergencies and disasters, as well as the latest findings in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, to show that explanations in terms of social identity processes make better sense of the patterns of evidence than alternative explanations.ConclusionsIf behaviour in the pandemic is a function of mutable group processes rather than fixed tendencies, then behavioural change is possible. There was evidence of significant change in behaviour from the public, particularly in the early days of the pandemic. Understanding the role of group processes means we can help design more effective interventions to support collective resilience in the public in the face of the pandemic and other threats. We draw out from the evidence a set of recommendations on facilitating the public response to COVID-19 by harnessing group processes.
TrkB deubiquitylation by USP8 regulates receptor levels and BDNF-dependent neuronal differentiation
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Carlos , Song Minseok , Anta Begoña , González-Calvo Francisco J. , Deogracias Rubén , Jing Deqiang , Lee Francis S. , Arevalo Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Ubiquitylation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulates both the levels and functions of these receptors. The neurotrophin receptor TrkB (also known as NTRK2), a RTK, is ubiquitylated upon activation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) binding. Although TrkB ubiquitylation has been demonstrated, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the precise repertoire of proteins that regulates TrkB ubiquitylation. Here, we provide mechanistic evidence indicating that ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 8 (USP8) modulates BDNF- and TrkB-dependent neuronal differentiation. USP8 binds to the C-terminus of TrkB using its microtubule-interacting domain (MIT). Immunopurified USP8 deubiquitylates TrkB in vitro, whereas knockdown of USP8 results in enhanced ubiquitylation of TrkB upon BDNF treatment in neurons. As a consequence of USP8 depletion, TrkB levels and its activation are reduced. Moreover, USP8 protein regulates the differentiation and correct BDNF-dependent dendritic formation of hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that USP8 positively regulates the levels and activation of TrkB, modulating BDNF-dependent neuronal differentiation.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The association of Plk1 with the astrin–kinastrin complex promotes formation and maintenance of a metaphase plate
Authors: Geraghty Zoë , Barnard Christina , Uluocak Pelin , Gruneberg Ulrike 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Errors in mitotic chromosome segregation can lead to DNA damage and aneuploidy, both hallmarks of cancer. To achieve synchronous error-free segregation, mitotic chromosomes must align at the metaphase plate with stable amphitelic attachments to microtubules emanating from opposing spindle poles. The astrin–kinastrin (astrin is also known as SPAG5 and kinastrin as SKAP) complex, also containing DYNLL1 and MYCBP, is a spindle and kinetochore protein complex with important roles in bipolar spindle formation, chromosome alignment and microtubule–kinetochore attachment. However, the molecular mechanisms by which astrin–kinastrin fulfils these diverse roles are not fully understood. Here, we characterise a direct interaction between astrin and the mitotic kinase Plk1. We identify the Plk1-binding site on astrin as well as four Plk1 phosphorylation sites on astrin. Regulation of astrin by Plk1 is dispensable for bipolar spindle formation and bulk chromosome congression, but promotes stable microtubule–kinetochore attachments and metaphase plate maintenance. It is known that Plk1 activity is required for effective microtubule–kinetochore attachment formation, and we suggest that astrin phosphorylation by Plk1 contributes to this process.
OXIS contact areas of primary molars – a two center cross-sectional study
Authors: Walia Tarun , Kirthiga M , Brigi Carel , Muthu M S , Odeh Ruba , Pakash Mathur Vijay , Rodrigues Steven 
Published: December 2020

Background: Contact areas in primary teeth are known to be broader, flatter and situated farther gingivally than permanent teeth. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of OXIS contact areas between primary molars using die models of children from two different ethnic populations. The research question of the present study is “What is the prevalence OXIS contact areas of primary molars in the populations studied?”. Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned in a representative sample of 200 caries-free contact areas among children aged 3-6 years in two centers, Ajman and Puducherry. Data collection was performed from sectional or full-arch die stone models. The contacts were assessed according to OXIS classification by a single calibrated examiner at Center 2. Prevalence was expressed as numbers and percentages. The Chi-square test was applied to determine the association of OXIS contacts across genders and arches. Results: The prevalence of O, X, I, and S contacts were 19%, 22.5%, 53%, and 5.5% in Center 1 and 6%, 1.5%, 75.5%, and 17% in Center 2, respectively. Significant results (p=0.005) were obtained in Center 1 when inter-arch comparison was performed and between the centers with respect to type of contact. No significant difference was obtained with respect to gender and OXIS contact areas. Conclusions: The present study confirmed OXIS contacts in both the centers. The ‘O’ and ‘X’ types of contacts were observed more in Center 1, whereas ‘I’ and ‘S’ contacts were observed more in Center 2.
Real-time range gate control of a satellite laser ranging system based the on heterogeneous processor architecture
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Zhao Yan , Fan Cunbo , Kang Zhe , Liu Peiyu 
Published: December 2020

The range gate generator (RGG) is a key device in kilohertz (kHz) satellite laser ranging systems. The RGG at Changchun station is an integrated circuit composed of discrete components. Using this RGG at high repetition rates can result in the loss of data, and the low resolution of internal time can lead to inaccurate data points. In this paper, starting from the principle of noise suppression by range gate control, we propose a method of range gate control with high repetition rates, high accuracy, and strong universality, and we implement a RGG based on the heterogeneous system architecture of a field-programmable gate array plus a digital signal processor. The average of the intervals between the internal time of the embedded RGG and the external standard time is 48.268 ns, and the accuracy of the range gate time is less than 1.5 ns. The test results indicate that the embedded RGG can satisfy the demand for centimeter-level accuracy with satellite laser ranging. Compared with the original RGG at Changchun station, the embedded RGG has significantly improved time resolution, repetition rate of laser ranging, and system upgrade and maintenance. At present, Changchun station is carrying out a short-term stability test on the embedded RGG.
Slotted photonic crystal fiber-based plasmonic biosensor
Authors: Sarker Hasan , Faisal Mohammad , Mollah Md. Aslam 
Published: December 2020

An optical fiber having the properties of photonic crystal and offering new diversity and features beyond a conventional optical fiber is the photonic crystal fiber (PCF). In this paper, a simplified version of a highly sensitive plasmonic sensor, called a “slotted PCF based plasmonic biosensor,” is studied numerically with asymmetric air holes using the finite element method. From numerical records through the interrogation method, the maximum obtained wavelength sensitivity and amplitude sensitivity are 22000 nm/RIU and

1782.56

R
I
U

−
1

, respectively, with a maximum wavelength resolution of

4.54
×

10

−
6

R
I
U

−
1

RIU for the

y

-polarized mode. Finally, optimization of the sensor performance is scrutinized, and the effect of different parameters is studied with proper resonance wavelength curve fitting. The design structure of the fiber is simple, symmetrical, easy to fabricate, and cost effective and has higher sensitivity than other PCF based sensors. Having a symmetric orientation of air holes, classic geometric structure, and higher sensitivity, it has the capability to be used in sensing applications, refractive index detection, and identification of biochemicals, biomolecules, and other analytes.
Design of radiative cooler based on porous TiO2 for
improving solar cells’ performance
Authors: Zahir Mounir , Benlattar Mourad 
Published: December 2020

It is widely known that the conversion efficiency and lifetime of solar
cell modules decrease with higher operating temperatures. To maximize
both efficiency and reliability, solar cell modules benefit greatly
from the use of daytime passive radiative cooling techniques. In this
study, we introduce a simple, low-cost, double-layer coating based on
porous

T
i
O

2

as a daytime passive radiative
cooling system to achieve sub-ambient operating temperatures in a
solar cell module. The top and bottom layers of the implemented design
are porous

T
i
O

2

and BK7 (glass), respectively. This
solar cell/radiative cooling hybrid design is capable of achieving
both high solar absorption in the photovoltaic conversion band
0.3–1.1 µm and high emissivity over 0.96 in the atmospheric
transparency window 8–13 µm, while rejecting parasitic solar
absorption. At

800

W

/

m

2

solar heating power, we found that
adding the proposed cooling design on top of mono-crystalline silicon
(m-Si), the solar cell panel lowered its operating temperature by
18.04°C, leading to a relative (effective) efficiency advantage of
21.56%. Additionally, at steady-state temperature (325 K), the power
conversion efficiency of our radiative-cooler-coated m-Si solar cell
is estimated to reach 20.46%, in contrast to 16.83% for an uncoated
silicon solar cell. When compared with an uncoated silicon solar cell,
optoelectronic simulations of our coated silicon solar cell show a
short-circuit current density

J

s
c

as high as

5.07

m
A

/

c
m

2

, and the open circuit voltage

V

o
c

increased from 771.78 to
776.3 mV.
Simulation and experimental results of a high-gain two-stage and double-pass off-axis Nd:YVO4 picosecond laser amplifier
Authors: Shi Bingnan , He Guanbai , Mao Jiajia , Wang Feifei , Yang Kejian , Zhang Baitao , He Jingliang 
Published: December 2020

A high-gain two-stage double-pass off-axis

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

picosecond laser amplifier has been developed. The comprehensive influence of crystal doping concentration and pump beam quality on the small-signal gain of the

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

amplifier is theoretically analyzed with a model developed by considering energy transfer upconversion and pump light absorption saturation effect. The thermal effect of

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

crystal with different doping concentrations, undoped end cap lengths, and pump beam quality is investigated as well. Based on the theoretical analysis, a high-gain two-stage and double-pass off-axis

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

amplifier based on picosecond fiber seed source is realized by choosing long-composite low-doping

N
d

:

Y
V
O

4

crystal and with high brightness laser diode pumping, delivering a gain of 28 dB and an output pulse energy of 67.5 µJ at a repetition rate of 200 kHz.
Broadband silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays for wide-angle beam steering
Authors: Wang Hongjie , Chen Zhenmin , Sun Caiming , Deng Shupeng , Tang Xinke , Zhang Long , Jiang Rui , Shi Wu , Chen Zhen , Li Zhongyi , Zhang Aidong 
Published: December 2020

In this Letter, the broadband operation in wavelengths from 520 nm to 980 nm is demonstrated on silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays. The widest beam steering angle of 65° on a silicon nitride phased array is achieved. The optical radiation efficiency of the main grating lobe in a broad wavelength range is measured and analyzed theoretically. The optical spots radiated from the phased array chip are studied at different wavelengths of lasers. The nanophotonic phased array is excited by a supercontinuum laser source for a wide range of beam steering for the first time to the best of our knowledge. It paves the way to tune the wavelength from visible to near infrared range for silicon nitride nanophotonic phased arrays.
Random laser emission from whole blood as the active medium
Authors: Mendicuti E. , Käferlein O. , García-Segundo C. 
Published: December 2020

We introduce a proof of concept for multimode random laser (RL) emission with fresh whole blood (WB) as the active medium. The experimental principle is adapted from RL emission using rhodamine 6G (R6G). We achieved conditions for fresh WB to fluoresce with stochastic amplification of stimulated emission of radiation. The random conditions are placed with

S
i
O

2

particles, suspended in isotonic solvent. The results we report are for: (1) R6G-RL, with 2 nm bandwidth centered at 567 nm, and (2) RL emission for WB at 969 nm and 437 nm, of sub-3 nm bandwidth. For validation purposes, we show that the pumping energy threshold for RL emission from blood is consistent with R6G-RL.
Assessment of antimalarial drug resistant markers in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections after 4 years of indoor residual spraying in Northern Ghana
Authors: Myers-Hansen James L. , Abuaku Benjamin , Oyebola Muyiwa K. , Mensah Benedicta A. , Ahorlu Collins , Wilson Michael D. , Awandare Gordon , Koram Kwadwo A. , Ngwa Alfred Amambua , Ghansah Anita 
Published: December 2020

Background
Drug resistance remains a concern for malaria control and elimination. The effect of interventions on its prevalence needs to be monitored to pre-empt further selection. We assessed the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum gene mutations associated with resistance to the antimalarial drugs: sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), chloroquine (CQ) and artemisinin combination therapy (ACTs) after the scale-up of a vector control activity that reduced transmission.

Methods
A total of 400 P. falciparum isolates from children under five years were genotyped for seventeen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfk13 genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high resolution melting (HRM) analysis. These included 80 isolates, each randomly selected from cross-sectional surveys of asymptomatic infections across 2010 (baseline), 2011, 2012, 2013 (midline: post-IRS) and 2014 (endline: post-IRS) during the peak transmission season, when IRS intervention was rolled out in Bunkpurugu Yunyoo (BY) District, Ghana. The proportions of isolates with drug resistant alleles were assessed over this period.

Results
There were significant decreases in the prevalence of pfdhfr- I51R59N108 haplotype from 2010 to 2014, while the decline in pfdhfr/pfdhps- I51R59N108G437 during the same period was not significant. The prevalence of lumefantrine (LM), mefloquine (MQ) and amodiaquine (AQ) resistance-associated haplotypes pfmdr1-N86F184D1246 and pfmdr1-Y86Y184Y1246 showed decreasing trends (z = -2.86, P = 0.004 and z = -2.71, P = 0.007, respectively). Each of pfcrt-T76 and pfmdr1-Y86 mutant alleles also showed a declining trend in the asymptomatic reservoir, after the IRS rollout in 2014 (z = -2.87, P = 0.004 and z = -2.65, P = 0.008, respectively). Similarly, Pyrimethamine resistance mediating polymorphisms pfdhfr-N108, pfdhfr-I51 and pfdhfr-R59 also declined (z = -2.03, P = 0.042, z = -3.54, P<0.001 and z = -4.63, P<0.001, respectively), but not the sulphadoxine resistance mediating pfdhps-G437 and pfdhps-F436 (z = -0.36, P = 0.715 and z = 0.41, P = 0.684, respectively). No mutant pfk13-Y580 were detected during the study period.

Conclusion
The study demonstrated declining trends in the prevalence of drug resistant mutations in asymptomatic P. falciparum infections following transmission reduction after an enhanced IRS intervention in Northern Ghana.
Predicting the 10-year risk of death from other causes in men with localized prostate cancer using patient-reported factors: Development of a tool
Authors: Frendl Daniel M. , FitzGerald Gordon , Epstein Mara M. , Allison Jeroan J. , Sokoloff Mitchell H. , Ware John E. 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveTo develop a tool for estimating the 10-year risk of death from other causes in men with localized prostate cancer.Subjects and methodsWe identified 2,425 patients from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results—Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database, age <80, newly diagnosed with clinical stage T1-T3a prostate cancer from 1/1/1998-12/31/2009, with follow-up through 2/28/2013. We developed a Fine and Gray competing-risks model for 10-year other cause mortality considering age, patient-reported comorbid medical conditions, component scores and items of the SF-36 Health Survey, activities of daily living, and sociodemographic characteristics. Model discrimination and calibration were compared to predictions from Social Security life table mortality risk estimates.ResultsOver a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 76 men died of prostate-specific causes and 465 died of other causes. The strongest predictors of 10-year other cause mortality risk included increasing age at diagnosis, higher approximated Charlson Comorbidity Index score, worse patient-reported general health (fair or poor vs. excellent-good), smoking at diagnosis, and marital status (all other vs. married) (all p<0.05). Model discrimination improved over Social Security life tables (c-index of 0.70 vs. 0.59, respectively). Predictions were more accurate than predictions from the Social Security life tables, which overestimated risk in our population.ConclusionsWe provide a tool for estimating the 10-year risk of dying from other causes when making decisions about treating prostate cancer using pre-treatment patient-reported characteristics.