bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histidine triad nucleotide‐binding proteins HINT1 and HINT2 share similar substrate specificities and little affinity for the signaling dinucleotide Ap4A
Authors: Strom Alexander , Tong Cher Ling , Wagner Carston R. 
Published: January 2020

Human histidine triad nucleotide‐binding protein 2 (hHINT2) is an important player in human mitochondrial bioenergetics, but little is known about its catalytic capabilities or its nucleotide phosphoramidate prodrug (proTide)‐activating activity akin to the cytosolic isozyme hHINT1. Here, a similar substrate specificity profile (kcat/Km) for model phosphoramidate substrates was found for hHINT2 but with higher kcat and Km values when compared with hHINT1. A broader pH range for maximum catalytic activity was determined for hHINT2 (pK1 = 6.76 ± 0.16, pK2 = 8.41 ± 0.07). In addition, the known hHINT1‐microphthalmia‐inducing transcription factor‐regulating molecule Ap4A was found to have no detectable binding to HINT1 nor HINT2 by isothermal titration calorimetry. These results demonstrate that despite differences in their sequence and localization, HINT1 and HINT2 have similar nucleotide substrate specificities, which should be considered in future proTide design and in studies of their natural function.
Unraveling Structure and Dynamics in Porous Frameworks via Advanced In Situ Characterization Techniques
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Brunner Eike , Pöppl Andreas , Kaskel Stefan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDynamic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a subgroup of frameworks featuring unique performance, as they are capable of adapting their pore size and/or the orientation of framework constituents in response to specific guest molecules such as gases or solutes and often outperform their rigid analogus in gas storage, sensing, or separation. In this review, the authors focus on recent methodical developments of advanced in situ diffraction and spectroscopic techniques for comprehensive characterization of porous frameworks. Examples for advanced instrumentation are highlighted for in situ nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, and optical spectroscopies as well as X‐ray and neutron diffraction. Several examples of high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) on MOFs are shown because HRTEM is an emerging technique for the characterization of time‐resolved structural dynamics in MOFs. These methods shed light on structural features and phase transitions of the host, its spin state, electronic structure, specific host–guest and guest–guest interactions, preferable adsorption sites, and bonding situation in the framework, focusing on the most prominent recent case studies. The synergistic development of novel in situ characterization methods and exploration of well‐defined model framework systems are crucial to advance the understanding of dynamic processes in porous materials in future.
Manganese Oxide Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Properties, and Theranostic Applications
Authors: Ding Binbin , Zheng Pan , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDespite the comprehensive applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug/gene delivery, and tumor therapy of manganese oxide nanomaterials (MONs including MnO2, MnO, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, and MnOx) and their derivatives, a review article focusing on MON‐based nanoplatforms has not been reported yet. Herein, the representative progresses of MONs on synthesis, heterogene, properties, surface modification, toxicity, imaging, biodetection, and therapy are mainly introduced. First, five kinds of primary synthetic methods of MONs are presented, including thermal decomposition method, exfoliation strategy, permanganates reduction method, adsorption–oxidation method, and hydro/solvothermal. Second, the preparations of hollow MONs and MON‐based composite materials are summarized specially. Then, the chemical properties, surface modification, and toxicity of MONs are discussed. Next, the diagnostic applications including imaging and sensing are outlined. Finally, some representative rational designs of MONs in photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, magnetic hyperthermia, chemotherapy, gene therapy, starvation therapy, ferroptosis, immunotherapy, and various combination therapy are highlighted.
Unusual Pressure‐Driven Phase Transformation and Band Renormalization in 2D vdW Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskites
Authors: Li Han , Qin Ying , Shan Bohan , Shen Yuxia , Ersan Fatih , Soignard Emmanuel , Ataca Can , Tongay Sefaattin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe application of high pressure allows control over the unit cell and interatomic spacing of materials without any need for new growth methods or processing while accessing their materials properties in situ. Under these extreme pressures, materials may assume new structural phases and reveal novel properties. Here, unusual phase transition and band renormalization effects in 2D van der Waals Ruddlesden−Popper hybrid lead halide perovskites, which have shown extraordinary optical properties and immense potential in light emission and conversion technologies, are reported. The results show that (CH3(CH2)3NH3)2(CH3NH3)Pb2Br7 (n = 2) layers undergo two distinct phase transitions related to PbBr6 octahedra, butylammonium (BA), and methylammonium (MA) molecule tilting motion that leads to rather unique/anomalous bandgap variation with pressure. In contrast, (CH3(CH2)3NH3)PbBr4 (n = 1) lacks MA molecules and possesses only one pressure‐induced phase transition related to PbBr6 octahedra and BA tilting. In this range, the bandgap reduces monotonically, much similar to other inorganic semiconductors and display surprisingly large redshift from 3 to 2.4 eV. Together with theoretical calculations, this study offers unique insights into these pressure‐induced changes and extends the understanding of these highly anisotropic layered soft organic perovskite materials under extreme conditions.
Correlating Surface Plasmon Resonance Microscopy of Living and Fixated Cells with Electron Microscopy Allows for Investigation of Potential Preparation Artifacts
Authors: Kreysing Eva , Seyock Silke , Hassani Hossein , Brauweiler‐Reuters Elke , Neumann Elmar , Offenhäusser Andreas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe investigation of the cell–substrate interface is of great importance for a broad spectrum of areas such as biomedical engineering, brain‐chip interfacing, and fundamental research. Due to its unique resolution and the prevalence of instruments, electron microscopy (EM) is used as one of the standard techniques for the analysis of the cell–substrate interface. However, possible artifacts that might be introduced by the required sample preparation have been the subject of speculation for decades. Due to recent advances in surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM), the technique now offers a label‐free alternative for the interface characterization with nanometer resolution in axial direction. In contrast to EM, SPRM studies do not require fixation and can therefore be performed on living cells. Here, a workflow that allows for the quantification of the impact of chemical fixation on the cell–substrate interface is presented. These measurements confirm that chemical fixation preserves the average cell–substrate distances in the majority of studied cells. Furthermore, it is possible to correlate the SPRM measurements with EM images of the cell–substrate interface of the exact same cells, thus identifying regions of good agreement between the two methods and revealing artifacts introduced during further sample preparation.
Combining ability and heterosis in a diallel cross of safflower under Brazilian tropical conditions
Authors: Olivo Mateus , Bassegio Doglas , Zanotto Maurício D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSafflower (Carthamus tinctorius) can become an important crop in Brazilian tropical conditions. Combining ability and heterosis of safflower were studied in a five‐by‐five diallel cross from 2013 to 2015 to determine the nature of gene action. The results indicated significant differences among parents for general and specific combining abilities, except for a number of branches. For plant height, grain yield, number of grains per plant, number of grains per capitulum, and oil content, the contribution of the specific combining ability in the genetic variation was observed in the progenies, showing evidence of nonadditive genetic actions. The results of this study showed that best cross for oil content was PI572450 × PI572470 (27%) with gain over genitors. Combination PI537697 × PI653152 presented promising results for increase grain yield. These superior genotypes could be used in recombination breeding programs to accumulate suitable genes responsible for improving grain yield and oil content under the Brazilian tropical conditions.
Ear photosynthetic anatomy effect on wheat yield and water use efficiency
Authors: Li Yuping , Li Hongbing , Zhang Suiqi , Wang Ying 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe screening of C4 property in C3 crops is an alteration that could improve photosynthetic capacity and efficiency, enhancing potential grain yield, particularly under water stress conditions. The present study aimed to determine how photosynthetic anatomy affects wheat (Triticum aestivum) photosynthetic rate and yield. Gas exchange and anatomical characteristics of the flag leaf and ear were compared in different ploidy wheats (diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid) under well‐watered (WW) and water‐stressed (WS) conditions. The photosynthetic rate of the ear (PN_ear) decreased to a lesser extent than that of the flag leaf (PN_leaf) under WS and that the PN_ear of tetraploid wheat decreased the least. Furthermore, the integral water‐use efficiency (WUEi) of tetraploid wheat increased the most among the three wheat species. The anatomical characteristics varied not only between the WW and WS conditions but also between the three wheat species; tetraploid species showed higher stomatal frequency (SF), stomatal area per organ area (SA), vein distance (DV), and bundle‐sheath cell number (NBS), and lower vein distance in the glume and lemma. Correlation analysis showed that grain yield presented significant positive correlation with the PN_leaf, PN_ear, and WUEi. The PN_leaf was affected by stomatal length (SL), stomatal width, and SA, while the PN_ear was affected by SF, SA, and stomatal size in the ear organs. The WUEi was generally positively correlated with SL, NV, and NBS in the ear organs. The higher vein density and well‐developed bundle sheath of tetraploid species may contribute to the higher PN_ear and lower decrease in grain yield.
Evaluation of substrates and additives to Trichoderma harzianum development by qPCR
Authors: Mayo‐Prieto Sara , Porteous‐Álvarez Alejandra J. , Rodríguez‐González Álvaro , Gutiérrez Santiago , Casquero Pedro A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBiocontrol strains can activate defense genes and promote plant growth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of Trichoderma in substrates with additives by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The T. harzianum, T019 isolated from the Protected Geographical Indication Alubia La Bañeza‐León was tested in peat and vermiculite with and without additives. The development was evaluated by qPCR with the α‐actin gene and a standard curve. Statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of variance and mean completely randomized. The qPCR technique has served to quantify precisely the growth of Trichoderma in the different substrates. T. harzianum develops better in the peat substrates supplemented with cornmeal and with a mixture of cornmeal and bentonite than in any of the vermiculate‐based substrates. T. harzianum development was improved by growing in peat substrates supplemented with cornmeal.
How does HOTf/HFIP Cooperative System Catalyze the Ring‐Opening Reaction of Cyclopropanes? A DFT Study
Authors: Zhou Yongzhu , Xue Rong‐Chao , Feng Yaqing , Zhang Lei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDensity functional theory calculations have been performed to probe the detailed mechanisms of Brønsted‐acid‐catalyzed ring‐opening reactions of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes. The reaction model without consideration of the explicit solvation effect was characterized by a high activation free energy of 29.5 kcal/mol, while inclusion of the explicit solvation effect in calculations lowered the activation free energy to 20.5 kcal/mol, which demonstrated the cooperative role of HOTf and HFIP in facilitating the ring‐opening step. Additionally, we put forward two distinct reaction mechanisms, including the nucleophile‐induced mechanism and the protonation‐induced mechanism, for the ring‐opening step of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes. Computational results revealed that modulation of the reaction conditions could result in the shift of the reaction mechanisms.
Pulse‐wave transit time with ventilator‐induced variation for the prediction of fluid responsiveness
Authors: Yamashita Koichi 
Published: January 2020

AimAlthough pulse pressure variation is a good predictor of fluid responsiveness, its measurement is invasive. Therefore, a technically simple, non‐invasive method is needed for evaluating circulatory status to prevent fluid loading and optimize hemodynamic status. We focused in the pulse‐wave transit time (PWTT) defined as the time interval between electrocardiogram R wave to plethysmograph upstroke, which has been recently introduced to non‐invasively assess cardiovascular response. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of pulse‐wave transit time (PWTT) with ventilator‐induced variation (PWTTV) in predicting fluid responsiveness.MethodsWe evaluated six domestic pigs weighing 46.0 ± 3.5 kg. After anesthesia induction, electrocardiogram, femoral arterial blood pressure, plethysmograph on the tail, and carotid artery blood flow were monitored and hemorrhage was induced by withdrawing 20 mL/kg blood over 20 min; 5 mL/kg blood volume was then autotransfused over 10 min. Then PWTTV and pulse pressure variation were measured at tidal volumes of 6 and 12 mL/kg.ResultsArea under the receiver operating curve values for the prediction of a >10% change in carotid artery blood flow were 0.979 for pulse pressure variation and 0.993 for PWTTV at a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and 0.979 and 0.979, respectively, at a tidal volume of 12 mL/kg (all P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMeasured non‐invasively, PWTTV showed similar utility to pulse pressure variation in predicting >10% changes in carotid artery blood flow induced by autotransfusion.
Polylactic acid/nano chitosan composite fibers and their morphological, physical characterization for the removal of cadmium(II) from water
Authors: Thomas Merin S. , Pillai Prasanth K. S. , Faria Marisa , Cordeiro Nereida , Kailas Lekshmi , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu , Pothen Laly A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis work discusses the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)/nano chitosan (nCHS) composite fibers by electrospinning method for Cd2+ metal ion adsorption from water. Here nCHS was synthesized by ionic gelation method and which is used as a reinforcement for PLA. The scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that the addition 0.1 wt% nCHS has decreased the fiber diameter as well as the secondary pore size and hence imparted unique properties to electrospun composite fibers. The positive zeta potential values for the composites indicated their higher stability, though; the inclusion of nCHS reduced the crystallinity of the neat membranes. The contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophilicity of the composite was increased up to 0.1 wt% nCHS, and hence the surface energy was increased. Inverse gas chromatography results suggested that the basic character of the composites has intensified with the increase in nCHS addition. The adsorption capacity of the neat electrospun PLA and PLA–nCHS composites for Cd2+ ions were investigated and studies revealed that adsorption capacity of the composite was two times faster (approximately 70%) in comparison with neat PLA fibers. The increase in surface area as well as presence nCHS improved the adsorption capacity of the electrospun membrane.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to epilepsy among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey, Niger
Authors: Assadeck Hamid , Toudou Daouda Moussa , Moussa Konate Mahadi , Mamadou Zakaria , Douma Maiga Dijbo , Sanoussi Samuila 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed firstly to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices about epilepsy among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey and secondly to formulate targeted sensitization messages for these teachers.Materials and methodsA descriptive cross‐sectional survey was carried out among primary and secondary school teachers in the city of Niamey, capital of Niger, using a self‐administered questionnaire including questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices about epilepsy.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐five (145) teachers aged 27–69 (mean age: 39.57 ± 8.304 years) had answered the questionnaire (52 men and 93 women). In 62.1% of cases, respondents had a bachelor degree in education signifying a high level of education. Sixty‐one respondents (42.1%) considered epilepsy as a brain disease, whereas it was considered as a psychiatric illness by 15.9% of respondents and as an impurity by 38.9%. Sixteen respondents (11%) considered it as a hereditary disease. Epilepsy was considered as a contagious disease by 46.2% of teachers, and the main transmission routes reported were contact with places of crisis (26.2%), physical contact with an epileptic person (16.6%), and contact with saliva (6.9%). It was considered as an incurable disease by 6.9% of teachers. Of the 115 respondents (79.3%) who considered epilepsy as a treatable condition, 46 of them believe that epilepsy is treated by traditional medicine. When someone has an epileptic seizure, 28.3% of respondents think that physical contact with him should be avoided and that the places of the crisis should be avoided.ConclusionConsidering that epilepsy is common in school‐age, the study results suggest the need to train teachers with respect to epilepsy to change misconceptions about epilepsy and to promote positive attitudes toward epileptic people to avoid the rejection of these people by the society responsible for problems of social integration.
Exploiting the NADPH pool for xylitol production using recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Reshamwala Shamlan M. S. , Lali Arvind M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractXylitol is a five‐carbon sugar alcohol that has a variety of uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In xylose assimilating yeasts, NAD(P)H‐dependent xylose reductase (XR) catalyzes the reduction of xylose to xylitol. In the present study, XR with varying cofactor specificities was overexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to screen for efficient xylitol production. Xylose consumption and xylitol yields were higher when NADPH‐dependent enzymes (Candida tropicalis XR and S. cerevisiae Gre3p aldose reductase) were expressed, indicating that heterologous enzymes can utilize the intracellular NADPH pool more efficiently than the NADH pool, where they may face competition from native enzymes. This was confirmed by overexpression of a NADH‐preferring C. tropicalis XR mutant, which led to decreased xylose consumption and lower xylitol yield. To increase intracellular NADPH availability for xylitol production, the promoter of the ZWF1 gene, coding for the first enzyme of the NADPH‐generating pentose phosphate pathway, was replaced with the constitutive GPD promoter in a strain expressing C. tropicalis XR. This change led to a ~12% increase in xylitol yield. Deletion of XYL2 and SOR1, whose gene products can use xylitol as substrate, did not further increase xylitol yield. Using wheat stalk hydrolysate as source of xylose, the constructed strain efficiently produced xylitol, demonstrating practical relevance of this approach.
Daratumumab prevents programmed death ligand‐1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells in de novo multiple myeloma
Authors: Stocker Nicolas , Gaugler Béatrice , Ricard Laure , de Vassoigne Frédéric , Marjanovic Zora , Mohty Mohamad , Malard Florent 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundDaratumumab (Dara), an anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody, has an immunologic mechanism of action through targeting of CD38 expressing immune cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Furthermore, it was recently shown that CD38 upregulation in tumors, is a major mechanism of acquired resistance to antiprogrammed cell death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Therefore, we decided to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of CD38 blockade by Dara on the PD‐L1 expressing immune cells.MethodsWe analyzed CD38 and PD‐L1 expression on immune cells at different time points in 18 newly diagnosed MM receiving bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone, with or without Dara.ResultsWe first confirmed that CD38 is widely expressed on immune cells, with the strongest expression on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Furthermore, Dara induces a strong depletion of pDC in addition to the well‐known rapid depletion of natural killer cells. Finally, we found that PD‐L1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells (APC) increases with MM treatment in patients that did not received Dara, while addition of Dara prevents this increase.ConclusionOverall, our results suggest new mechanisms of action of Dara through depletion of pDC and prevention of PD‐L1 upregulation expression on APC. Our finding provides new evidences for development of therapeutic strategies targeting both CD38 and PD‐L1/PD‐1 pathway in patients with MM.
δ‐Catenin regulates proliferation and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma via promoting β‐catenin nuclear localization and activating its downstream target genes
Authors: Ju Lincheng , Shan Liping , Yin Bo , Song Yongsheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstractδ‐Catenin is a unique member of the catenin family and is proved to be overexpressed in diverse human cancer types. However, the clinical significance and underling mechanism of δ‐catenin expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain elusive. Herein, we detected the protein expression of δ‐catenin in 28 clinical specimens of paired renal cancer tissues and normal renal tissues by Western blot analysis. δ‐Catenin expression in 58 cases of renal cell carcinoma was also examined by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinicopathological factors was analyzed by statistical analysis. In vitro and in vivo assays were employed to further explore the biological role of δ‐catenin in RCC. The results showed that δ‐catenin was highly expressed in both clinical samples and cell lines of RCC. RCC patients with higher δ‐catenin expression had a more advanced pTNM stage and tumor stage as well as lymph nodes metastasis than those with lower expression. By regulating the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and β‐catenin‐mediated oncogenic signals, δ‐catenin promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in RCC. In vivo assay indicated δ‐catenin facilitated tumor growth in ACHN cell xenograft mouse model. Taken together, our study suggests that δ‐catenin might be considered as a novel prognostic indicator and actionable target for gene therapy in renal cell carcinoma.