bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Particle size matters: The effect of particle size on carbon and oxygen isotope composition of bone hydroxyapatite
Authors: Moloughney Vincent P. , Pinder Danielle M. , Pestle William J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesStable isotope studies often focus on hydroxyapatite (bioapatite) to answer questions of paleodiet, paleomobility, and paeloenvironment. This study seeks to determine the effect that sample particle size (in particular SA:V, or surface area to volume ratios) has on measured carbon and oxygen stable isotope values (δ13C and δ18O) in bone hydroxyapatite.Materials and methodsPreviously ground Homo sapiens sapiens cortical bone samples were subdivided using geological screens to obtain three separate sub‐samples, differing only in their particle size. These aliquots (n = 60) were then treated using established protocols to remove any exogenous organic material (2.5% NaOH) and adsorbed carbonates (0.1 M CH3COOH), and analyzed for δ13C and δ18O using a Kiel‐IV Carbonate Device coupled to a Thermo‐Finnigan DeltaPlus IRMS.ResultsData obtained indicate that decreased particle size leads to increases in both δ13C and δ18O, with oxygen isotope values being more dramatically affected. Specifically, it is possible to produce isotopic shifts of as much as 1.0‰ and 4.0‰ for δ13C and δ18O, respectively, solely by analyzing different sized particles from the same individual, bone, and sample.DiscussionBased upon the variability seen between different size fractions from the same sample, it is clear that particle size has a meaningful impact on carbon and oxygen isotope composition. We attribute these shifts to the differential adsorption or precipitation of environmental carbon and oxygen during pretreatment. We recommend that particle size be added to the list of potential variables affecting isotope composition, alongside other factors including diagenesis, reagent concentration, and treatment time. We would also note that while most individuals exhibit consistent changes, some do not, and thus further investigation into these phenomena is warranted.
Reversible pH‐Responsive Coacervate Formation in Lipid Vesicles Activates Dormant Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Love Celina , Steinkühler Jan , Gonzales David T. , Yandrapalli Naresh , Robinson Tom , Dimova Rumiana , Tang T.‐Y. Dora 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn situ, reversible coacervate formation within lipid vesicles represents a key step in the development of responsive synthetic cellular models. Herein, we exploit the pH responsiveness of a polycation above and below its pKa, to drive liquid–liquid phase separation, to form single coacervate droplets within lipid vesicles. The process is completely reversible as coacervate droplets can be disassembled by increasing the pH above the pKa. We further show that pH‐triggered coacervation in the presence of low concentrations of enzymes activates dormant enzyme reactions by increasing the local concentration within the coacervate droplets and changing the local environment around the enzyme. In conclusion, this work establishes a tunable, pH responsive, enzymatically active multi‐compartment synthetic cell. The system is readily transferred into microfluidics, making it a robust model for addressing general questions in biology, such as the role of phase separation and its effect on enzymatic reactions using a bottom‐up synthetic biology approach.
Living Supramolecular Polymerization of an Aza‐BODIPY Dye Controlled by a Hydrogen‐Bond‐Accepting Triazole Unit Introduced by Click Chemistry
Authors: Wang Houchen , Zhang Yongjie , Chen Yuanfang , Pan Hongfei , Ren Xiangkui , Chen Zhijian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn aza‐BODIPY dye 1 bearing two hydrophobic fan‐shaped tridodecyloxybenzamide pendants through 1,2,3‐triazole linkages was synthesized by a click reaction and characterized. 1H NMR studies indicated that dye 1 exhibited variable conformations through intramolecular H‐bonding interaction, which is beneficial for the polymorphism of aggregation. The thermodynamic, structural, and kinetic aspect of the supramolecular polymerization of dye 1 was investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, AFM, TEM, and SEM. Biphasic aggregation pathways of dye 1, leads to the formation of off‐pathway, metastable Agg. I and thermodynamically stable Agg. II with distinct H‐aggregation spectra and nanoscale morphology. The living manner of the supramolecular polymerization of dye 1 was demonstrated in seeded polymerization experiments with temperature‐modulated successive cooling–heating cycles.
Nanoparticle‐Assisted Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes on DNA Origami
Authors: Zhang Yueyue , Mao Xiuhai , Li Fan , Li Min , Jing Xinxin , Ge Zhilei , Wang Lihua , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie , Fan Chunhai , Zuo Xiaolei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAligning carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a key challenge for fabricating CNT‐based electronic devices. Herein, we report a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) mediated approach for the highly precise alignment of CNTs at prescribed sites on DNA origami. We find that the cooperative DNA hybridization occurring at the interface of SNA and DNA‐coated CNTs leads to an approximately five‐fold improvement of the positioning efficiency. By combining this with the intrinsic positioning addressability of DNA origami, CNTs can be aligned in parallel with an extremely small angular variation of within 10°. Moreover, we demonstrate that the parallel alignment of CNTs prevents incorrect logic functionality originating from stray conducting paths formed by misaligned CNTs. This SNA‐mediated method thus holds great potential for fabricating scalable CNT arrays for nanoelectronics.
Electron Transfer in the Cs⊂{Mn4Fe4} Cubic Switch: A Soluble Molecular Model of the MnFe Prussian‐Blue Analogues
Authors: Jiménez Juan‐Ramón , Glatz Jana , Benchohra Amina , Gontard Geoffrey , Chamoreau Lise‐Marie , Meunier Jean‐François , Bousseksou Azzedine , Lescouëzec Rodrigue 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA mixed‐valence {MnII3MnIIIFeII2FeIII2} cyanide‐bridged molecular cube hosting a caesium cation, Cs⊂{Mn4Fe4}, was synthesized and structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Cyclic‐voltammetry measurements show that its electronic state can be switched between five different redox states, which results in a remarkable electrochromic effect. Magnetic measurements on fresh samples point to the occurrence of a spin‐state change near room temperature, which could be ascribed to a metal‐to‐metal electron transfer converting the {FeII−CN−MnIII} pair into a {FeIII−CN−MnII} pair. This feature was only previously observed in the polymeric MnFe Prussian‐blue analogues (PBAs). Moreover, this novel switchable molecule proved to be soluble and stable in organic solvents, paving the way for its integration into advanced materials.
Investigating the degradability of polyethylene using starch, oxo‐material, and polylactic acid under the different environmental conditions
Authors: Panahi Lotfollah , Gholizadeh Mortaza , Hajimohammadi Reza 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe change in the properties of low‐density polyethylene after adding starch, oxo‐material, polylactic acid, and their mixture was studied. Different amounts of the additives were added, and films were prepared by using a twin‐screw extruder at 150–225°C. By Minitab software, the optimum percentages of the additives were selected. The films were kept under different environmental conditions including “open atmosphere,” “buried underground,” and “buried underground with regular daily irrigation” for 6 months. The degradability, tensile strength, elongation at breaking point, and dart impact were measured. Thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR spectrum changes were used to monitor changes. SEM images illustrated that the starch changed the morphology significantly, while other additives did not show remarkable effects. Mechanical and chemical properties changed significantly when starch was added. The highest changes were recorded for the sample with three additives, which was showing the high efficiency of the film decomposition. The highest amount of chemical changes was recorded for the same film. After 6 months, the lowest crystallinity was recorded by DSC and XRD for the same sample. Different environmental conditions showed different effects on the films mechanical properties. However, chemical properties of the films, excluding the film with starch, did not change significantly.
Highly sensitive pressure sensor based on structurally modified tissue paper for human physiological activity monitoring
Authors: Huang Ying , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhou Huanfeng , Guo Xiaohui , Zhang Yangyang , Wang Yang , Liu Ping , Liu Caixia , Ma Yuanming , Zhang Yugang 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTPressure sensor has become an important part of physiological condition monitoring system because it can respond to small pressure in human activities. Tissue paper has been studied as a carrier of sensitive unit layer for pressure sensors in recent years due to its internal pore structure and wrinkle morphology of surface. In this work, the pore structure of the tissue paper is improved by the principle of hydration and destruction of hydrogen bonds. Based on flexible substrate of NaOH modified tissue paper (NMTP) with enhanced pore structure, combined with dip‐coating composite conductive filler, the pressure sensor is fabricated by sandwiching the sensitive unit between the interdigital electrode and the microdome elastomer through layer‐by‐layer assembly method. Thanks to the excellent interfacial resistance effect of porous NMTP under pressure, the sensitivity of NMTP‐based pressure sensor is as high as 37.5 kPa−1 in a pressure range of 0–2 kPa. Finally, the follow‐up studies on pressure sensors have been proven to be applicable to a variety of physiological activity such as pulse detection, respiration detection and voice recognition. The NMTP‐based sensitive unit provides alternative strategy to improve performance of pressure sensors and extends potential applications in monitoring human physiological activities. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48973.
Ecological coherence of Marine Protected Areas: New tools applied to the Baltic Sea network
Authors: Jonsson Per R. , Moksnes Per‐Olav , Corell Hanna , Bonsdorff Erik , Nilsson Jacobi Martin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSpatial connectivity is an essential process to consider in the design and assessment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). To help maintain and restore marine populations and communities MPAs should form ecologically coherent networks. How to estimate and implement connectivity in MPA design remains a challenge.Here a new theoretical framework is presented based on biophysical modelling of organism dispersal, combined with a suite of tools to assess different aspects of connectivity that can be integrated in MPA design. As a demonstration, these tools are applied to an MPA network in the Baltic Sea (HELCOM MPA).The tools are based on the connectivity matrix, which summarizes dispersal probabilities, averaged over many years, between all considered areas in the geographic target area. The biophysical model used to estimate connectivity included important biological traits that affect dispersal patterns where different trait combinations and habitat preferences will produce specific connectivity matrices representing different species.Modelled connectivity matrices were used to assess local retention within individual MPAs, which offers indications about the adequacy of size when MPAs are considered in isolation. The connectivity matrix also provides information about source areas to individual MPAs, e.g. sources of larvae or pressures such as contaminants. How well several MPAs act as a network was assessed within a framework of eigenvalue perturbation theory (EPT). With EPT, the optimal MPA network with respect to connectivity can be identified. In addition, EPT can suggest optimal extensions of existing MPA networks to enhance connectivity. Finally, dispersal barriers can be identified based on the connectivity matrix, which may suggest boundaries for management units.The assessment of connectivity for the HELCOM MPA are discussed in terms of possible improvements, but the tools presented here could be applied to any region.
Isolation and Characterization of Mammalian Otic Progenitor Cells that Can Differentiate into Both Sensory Epithelial and Neuronal Cell Lineages
Authors: Kojima Ken , Nishida Akiko T. , Tashiro Kei , Hirota Kiichi , Nishio Takeshi , Murata Miyahiko , Kato Nobuo , Kawaguchi Saburo , Zine Azel , Ito Juichi , Van De Water Thomas R. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe mammalian inner ear mediates hearing and balance and during development generates both cochleo‐vestibular ganglion neurons and sensory epithelial receptor cells, that is, hair cells and support cells. Cell marking experiments have shown that both hair cells and support cells can originate from a common progenitor. Here, we demonstrate the lineage potential of individual otic epithelial cell clones using three cell lines established by a combination of limiting dilution and gene‐marking techniques from an embryonic day 12 (E12) rat otocyst. Cell‐type specific marker analyses of these clonal lines under proliferation and differentiation culture conditions demonstrate that during differentiation immature cell markers (Nanog and Nestin) were downregulated and hair cell (Myosin VIIa and Math1), support cell (p27Kip1 and cytokeratin) and neuronal cell (NF‐H and NeuroD) markers were upregulated. Our results suggest that the otic epithelium of the E12 mammalian inner ear possess multipotent progenitor cells able to generate cell types of both sensory epithelial and neural cell lineages when cultured under a differentiation culture condition. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation of multipotent otic progenitor cells may provide insights that could contribute to the development of a novel cell therapy with a potential to initiate or stimulate the sensorineural repair of damaged inner ear sensory receptors. Anat Rec, 303:451–460, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Molecular characterization of DNA methyltransferase 1 and its role in temperature change of armyworm Mythimna separata Walker
Authors: Wang Yaru , Wang Falv , Hong Ding‐kai , Gao San‐ji , Wang Ran , Wang Jin‐da 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDNA methylation refers to the addition of cytosine residues in a CpG context (5′‐cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine‐3′). As one of the most common mechanisms of epigenetic modification, it plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and in a diverse range of biological processes across all multicellular organisms. The relationship between temperature and DNA methylation and how it acts on the adaptability of migratory insects remain unknown. In the present work, a 5,496 bp full‐length complementary DNA encoding 1,436 amino acids (named MsDnmt1) was cloned from the devastating migratory pest oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker. The protein shares 36.8–84.4% identity with other insect Dnmt1 isoforms. Spatial and temporal expression analysis revealed that MsDnmt1 was highly expressed in adult stages and head tissue. The changing temperature decreased the expression of MsDnmt1 in both high and low temperature condition. Besides, we found that M. separata exhibited the shortest duration time from the last instar to pupae under 36°C environment when injected with DNA methylation inhibitor. Therefore, our data highlight a potential role for DNA methylation in thermal resistance, which help us to understand the biological role adaptability and colonization of migratory pest in various environments.
Evaluation of critical constructs for measurement of sustainable supply chain practices in lean‐agile firms of Indian origin: A hybrid ISM‐ANP approach
Authors: Digalwar Abhijeet , Raut Rakesh D. , Yadav Vinay S. , Narkhede Balkrishna , Gardas Bhaskar B. , Gotmare Ashwini 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the critical criteria that are influencing the successful implementation of sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP) in the lean‐agile manufacturing firm. From the systematic literature review and field professionals' opinion, various criteria that are influencing sustainable supply chain were identified. Data were collected from 16 experts and analysed by an integrated approach of “interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and analytic network process (ANP).” ISM methodology was utilized to get a hierarchical relationship between all criteria. Further, the input to the ANP matrices was taken from the output of ISM, and three organizations that differ in their principle of operation were ranked to find out the extent of implementation of SSCP in the Indian context. The obtained results indicate that “Information technology‐enabled system support (ITS), SC member's awareness and literacy (SAL), Societal issues (SIS), and Scarcity of natural resources (SNR)” were most significant constructs for successful implementation of SSCP for the case organizations.
RETRACTED: Long noncoding RNA CASC9 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer via sponging miR‐488‐3p
Authors: Chen Yonghui , Li Yaomei , Gao Hongbo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) is a recently identified lncRNA that acted as a tumor promotor in diversified cancer types. However, its role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains unknown. The expression of CASC9 was measured in 52 human PTC tissues and PTC cell lines as well as their controls. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells were determined after knockdown or overexpression of CASC9 to evaluate the effect of CASC9 on PTC cells. Also, the role of PTC tumorigenesis was confirmed in mice xenograft models. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms of CASC9 were further researched. We found that CASC9 expression was augmented in human PTC tissues and cells. Higher CASC9 expression was associated with large tumor size, advanced stage, or lymph node metastasis. Downregulation of CASC9 significantly attenuated the proliferative, migrative, and invasive abilities of PTC cells, and suppressed tumorigenesis in vivo. While overexpression of CASC9 elevated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells. miR‐488‐3p expression was decreased, and ADAM9 level was increased in PTC tissues and cells. CASC9 expression was negatively related to miR‐488‐3p, but positively associated with ADAM9 expression in PTC tissues. Molecular mechanism analysis revealed that CASC9 functioned via sponging miR‐488‐3p to regulate ADAM9 expression, followed by activation of EGFR‐Akt signaling. In conclusion, lncRNA CASC9 promoted the malignant phenotypes of PTC via modulating miR‐488‐3p/ADAM9 pathway. This study may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PTC.
A population‐based study of age‐related associations between vaginal pH and the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Teng Peng , Hao Min 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe association between vaginal pH and the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is unclear. We evaluated the dose‐response relationship between vaginal pH and CIN risk, as well as the combined influence of vaginal pH and high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) on the risk of CIN and the mediation effects of hrHPV infection on vaginal pH level and the development of CIN. We investigated 2304 women in Shanxi, China. The dose‐response relationship between vaginal pH and CIN risk was assessed using categoric and spline analyses. We established interaction and mediation models to determine the correlation between pH and hrHPV in the development of CIN. After adjusting covariates, a positive association was observed between hrHPV infection and the development of CIN [OR (95% CI) = 4.75 (3.52‐6.40) for CIN2+; OR (95% CI) = 7.30 (4.10‐13.00) for CIN3+], while a negative correlation was showed between vaginal pH level and CIN3+ [OR (95% CI) = 1.04 (0.59‐1.84); high vs low: OR (95% CI) = 0.32 (0.15‐0.69), P = .002]. The highest risk of CIN (5.24 of CIN2+ and 5.80 of CIN3+) were observed when hrHPV infection was combined with middle vaginal pH (4.6‐5.0). A significant mediation effect of hrHPV infection was observed in the association between vaginal pH level with CIN2+ (P = .002) and CIN3+ (P = .004). In conclusion, abnormal vaginal pH significantly induced the risk of high‐stage CIN in Chinese women infected with hrHPV. Therefore, maintaining normal vaginal pH levels may reduce the risk of CIN.
Supportive, collaborative approach leads to success
Authors: McCarthy Claudine 
Published: January 2020

To boost the chances of success for your athletics department, it helps to embrace a process‐oriented focus that values potential more than experience, others more than self, and collaborative efforts more than going it solo. That approach has paved the path to success for Mike Mooney, M.S., Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at SUNY Geneseo, a recipient of the 2018–19 Under Armour AD of the Year Award for Division III. “It's not me. I just have some great people who work for me and they make me look good,” he said.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 inhibition potentiates 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal induced decrease in angiogenesis of coronary endothelial cells
Authors: Roy Bipradas , Palaniyandi Suresh Selvaraj 
Published: January 2020

Coronary endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction including defective angiogenesis is reported in cardiac diseases. 4‐Hydroxynonenal (4HNE) is a lipid peroxidation product, which is increased in cardiac diseases and implicated in cellular toxicity. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 2 is a mitochondrial enzyme that metabolizes 4HNE and reduces 4HNE‐mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, we hypothesize that ALDH2 inhibition potentiates 4HNE‐mediated decrease in coronary EC angiogenesis in vitro. To test our hypothesis, first, we treated the cultured mouse coronary EC (MCEC) lines with 4HNE (25, 50, and 75 μM) for 2 and 4 hours. Next, we pharmacologically inhibited ALDH2 by disulfiram (DSF) (2.5 μM) before challenging the cells with 4HNE. In this study, we found that 4HNE attenuated tube formation which indicates decreased angiogenesis. Next, we found that 4HNE has significantly downregulated the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2 (P < .05 for mRNA and P = .005 for protein), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT 1) (P < 0.0005 for mRNA), and Ets‐related gene (ERG) (P < 0.0001 for mRNA and P < 0.005 for protein) in MCECs compared with control. ALDH 2 inhibition by DSF potentiated 4HNE‐induced decrease in angiogenesis (P < 0.05 vs 4HNE at 2 h and P < 0.0005 vs 4HNE at 4 h) by decreasing the expressions of VEGFR2 (P < 0.005 for both mRNA and protein), SIRT 1 (P < 0.05), and ERG (P < 0.005) relative to 4HNE alone. Thus, we conclude that ALDH2 acts as a proangiogenic signaling molecule by alleviating the antiangiogenic effects of 4HNE in MCECs.
Chemoenzymatic Preparation of Functional Click‐Labeled Messenger RNA
Authors: Croce Stefano , Serdjukow Sascha , Carell Thomas , Frischmuth Thomas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSynthetic mRNAs are promising candidates for a new class of transformative drugs that provide genetic information for patients’ cells to develop their own cure. One key advancement to develop so‐called druggable mRNAs was the preparation of chemically modified mRNAs, by replacing standard bases with modified bases, such as uridine with pseudouridine, which can ameliorate the immunogenic profile and translation efficiency of the mRNA. Thus the introduction of modified nucleobases was the foundation for the clinical use of such mRNAs. Herein we describe modular and simple methods to chemoenzymatically modify mRNA. Alkyne‐ and/or azide‐modified nucleotides are enzymatically incorporated into mRNA and subsequently conjugated to fluorescent dyes using click chemistry. This allows visualization of the labeled mRNA inside cells. mRNA coding for the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) was chosen as a model system and the successful expression of eGFP demonstrated that our modified mRNA is accepted by the translation machinery.