bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NMR Studies on the Interaction between Oncogene RET G‐Quadruplex and Berberine†
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chunxi , Liu Yaping , Lan Wenxian , Wang Renxiao , Huang Shaohua , Cao Chunyang 
Published: July 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionRET G‐quadruplex DNA (G4‐DNA) is formed in the promoter region of RET protein, which is involved in the initiation and progression of human cancers. Berberine inhibits cancer cell growth through interactions with RET G4‐DNA, but how it binds to RET G4‐DNA remains unknown. Previously, we reported that colchicine selectively bound to RET G4‐DNA, but the structural basis of its binding selectivity is still unclear. Here, mainly by NMR, we demonstrated how berberine bound to RET G4‐DNA in a means different from colchicine, and implied several key determinants for small molecules specifically binding to one G4‐DNA.
Synergistic Catalysis with Azomethine Ylides
Authors: Wei Liang , Wang Chun‐Jiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAzomethine ylides are useful intermediates for the rapid construction of chiral N‐containing compounds. However, its synthetic potential has not been fully developed due to the limited reaction models. In combination with synergistic catalysis and azomethine ylide chemistry, we have developed several types of novel catalytic system including Cu/Pd, Cu/Ir and PTC/Ir catalysis, which can convert readily‐available azomethine ylides to various high‐valued molecules such as unnatural α‐amino acids, homoallylic amines and N‐heterocycles. Compared with the traditional mono‐catalysis, the synergistic catalyst system exhibits enhanced catalytic efficiency and chiral induction ability in many cases. In addition, we have demonstrated that these strategies could be applied in the construction of bioactive compounds and natural products.
Morphological identification and systematic classification of mammalian retinal ganglion cells. I. Rabbit retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Famiglietti Edward V. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRetinal ganglion cells (RGCs) convey visual signals to 50 regions of the brain. For reasons of interest and convenience, they constitute an excellent system for the study of brain structure and function. There is general agreement that, absent a complete “parts list,” understanding how the nervous system processes information will remain an elusive goal. Recent studies indicate that there are 30–50 types of ganglion cell in mouse retina, whereas only a few years ago it was still written that mice and the more visually oriented lagomorphs had less than 20 types of RGC. More than 30 years ago, I estimated that rabbits have about 40 types of RGC. The present study indicates that this number is much too low. I have employed the old but powerful method of Golgi‐impregnation to rabbit retina, studying the range of component neurons in this already well‐studied retinal system. Close quantitative and qualitative analyses of 1,142 RGCs in 26 retinas take into account cell body and dendritic field size, level(s) of dendritic stratification in the retina's inner plexiform layer, and details of dendritic branching. Ninety‐one morphologies are recognized. Of these, at least 32 can be correlated with physiologically studied RGCs, dye‐injected for morphological analysis. It is unlikely that rabbits have 91 types of RGC, but is argued here that this number lies between 60 and 70. The present study provides a “yardstick” for measuring the output of future molecular studies that may be more definitive in fixing the number of RGC types in rabbit retina.
Aza‐ and Mixed Thia/Aza‐Macrocyclic Receptors with Quinoline‐Bearing Pendant Arms for Optical Discrimination of Zinc(II) or Cadmium(II) Ions
Authors: Garau Alessandra , Aragoni M. Carla , Arca Massimiliano , Bencini Andrea , Blake Alexander J. , Caltagirone Claudia , Giorgi Claudia , Lippolis Vito , Scorciapino Mariano Andrea 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe synthesis and coordination properties of two fluorescent chemosensors, featuring [9]aneN3 (1,4,7‐triazacyclononane; L1) and [12]aneNS3 (1‐aza‐4,7,10‐trithiacyclododecane; L2) as receptor units, and a quinoline pendant arm with an amide group as a functional group spacer are described. The optical responses of L1 and L2 in the presence of several metal ions were analysed in MeCN/H2O (1 : 4 v/v) solutions. A selective chelation enhancement of fluorescence (CHEF) effect was observed in the presence of Zn2+ in the case of L1, and in the presence of Cd2+ in the case of L2, following the formation of a 1 : 1 and a 1 : 2 metal/ligand complex, respectively, which was also confirmed by potentiometric measurements. 1H and 13C NMR measurements in CD3CN/CDCl3 in combination with molecular mechanics calculations show that for both complexes of L1 and L2 with Zn2+ and Cd2+, respectively, the coordination of the carbonyl group from the pendant arm could be the origin of the observed optical selectivity.
Effect of altered leaf angle on maize stalk lodging resistance
Authors: Xue Jun , Qi Bingqin , Ma Buyi , Li Bixia , Gou Ling 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIncreasing light intensity in the mid and low canopy can improve maize (Zea mays L.) stalk lodging resistance. Field experiments involving altered leaf angle were designed to explore how leaf angle affects the light distribution within the canopy, stalk carbohydrate accumulation, stalk strength formation, and grain yield. When the leaf area was constant and the average leaf angle was decreased by ∼10° above the ear leaves and increased by ∼25° at the ear leaves and below, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at the ear layer increased by 41–62%, and the interception of PAR (IPAR) below the ear increased by 107–229%. Average cellulose content of the third and fourth internodes increased by 13–21%, whereas lignin content increased by 9–30%. The rind penetration strength (RPS) of the third internode increased by 13–21%, whereas the crush strength (CS) of the fourth internode increased by 15–27%. These changes resulted in a reduction of 6–11% in the lodging percentage. The grain yield increased by 15–27% because of increases in kernel number and kernel weight. Therefore, under close planting, selecting a maize ideotype with upright leaves in the upper canopy and flat leaves in the lower canopy is conducive to rational radiation allocation in the maize canopy. This would facilitate structural carbohydrate accumulation and mechanical strength formation while improving lodging resistance and grain yield.
Large‐scale fire rescue in wearable wireless sensor networks: A hole processing and trust value‐based mobile adaptive routing algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lincong , Zhang Ce , Wei Kefeng , Feng Yongxin , Zhang Wenbo 
Published: July 2020

SummaryAdvances in wearable technology and the proliferation of wearable devices have led to the rapid development of wearable wireless sensor networks (WWSNs) in the fields of medical monitoring and disaster relief, which have gradually become a key technology for the Internet of Medical Things. This study focused on the safety of rescuers in the event of a large‐scale fire and applied a WWSN to monitor and transmit their physiological information. User mobility is a huge problem for routing in a WWSN: the topology changes rapidly and routing should be adjusted accordingly, but node movement can easily fracture links that need to be repaired, which takes time and can cause routing holes. Thus, mainstream routing algorithms are presently unsuitable for fire rescue. To solve the routing hole problem, a hole processing and trust value‐based mobile adaptive routing algorithm (MARA) is proposed comprising two parts: location‐aided routing for multiple request zones (LAR‐MRZ) and route maintenance algorithm based on the trust value (RMA‐TV). Simulation results showed that MARA provided an excellent performance in terms of the packet delivery rate and delay and demonstrated good adaptability for a WWSN in a fire scenario.
An evaluation of food addiction as a distinct psychiatric disorder
Authors: Schulte Erica M. , Wadden Thomas A. , Allison Kelly C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the state of the literature for whether food addiction may warrant consideration as a distinct psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) using Blashfield et al.'s (1990; Comprehensive Psychiatry, 31(1), 15–19) five criteria. This framework was utilized because it has recently been applied to examine the diagnostic utility of several eating disorder phenotypes. The criteria are: (a) at least 50 journal articles published on the proposed syndrome in the past 10 years; (b) proposal of diagnostic criteria and assessment measures; (c) clinician reliability in diagnosis; (d) cohesiveness of the proposed diagnostic criteria; and (e) differentiation from similar, existing diagnostic categories.MethodFor each criterion, a literature review was conducted to examine if the minimum qualification had been met, and key findings were discussed.ResultsTwo of the criteria (literature and differentiation) have been empirically supported to extent specified. Two criteria (diagnostic criteria and syndrome) have been partially fulfilled, due to only having self‐report assessment measures and no examination of the odds ratios for meeting more than one symptom, respectively. Clinician reliability has not yet been evaluated.DiscussionThe existing literature suggests that food addiction may warrant consideration as a proposed diagnostic category in the DSM, though future research is needed to fulfill Blashfield et al.'s (1990; Comprehensive Psychiatry, 31(1), 15–19) criteria. The development of a semi‐structured interview would be an impactful contribution for addressing these gaps.
Foraging strategy mediates ectotherm predator–prey responses to climate warming
Authors: Twardochleb Laura A. , Treakle Tyler C. , Zarnetske Phoebe L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractClimate warming and species traits interact to influence predator performance, including individual feeding and growth rates. However, the effects of an important trait—predator foraging strategy—are largely unknown. We investigated the interactions between predator foraging strategy and temperature on two ectotherm predators: an active predator, the backswimmer Notonecta undulata, and a sit‐and‐wait predator, the damselfly Enallagma annexum. In a series of predator–prey experiments across a temperature gradient, we measured predator feeding rates on an active prey species, zooplankton Daphnia pulex, predator growth rates, and mechanisms that influence predator feeding: body speed of predators and prey (here measured as swimming speed), prey encounter rates, capture success, attack rates, and handling time. Overall, warming led to increased feeding rates for both predators through changes to each component of the predator’s functional response. We found that prey swimming speed strongly increased with temperature. The active predator’s swimming speed also increased with temperature, and together, the increase in predator and prey swimming speed resulted in twofold higher prey encounter rates for the active predator at warmer temperatures. By contrast, prey encounter rates of the sit‐and‐wait predator increased fourfold with rising temperatures as a result of increased prey swimming speed. Concurrently, increased prey swimming speed was associated with a decline in the active predator’s capture success at high temperatures, whereas the sit‐and‐wait predator’s capture success slightly increased with temperature. We provide some of the first evidence that foraging traits mediate the indirect effects of warming on predator performance. Understanding how traits influence species’ responses to warming could clarify how climate change will affect entire functional groups of species.
Water Management of PEM Fuel Cell Systems Based on the Humidity Distribution in the Anode Gas Channels
Authors: Grimm M. , Hellmann M. , Kemmer H. , Kabelac S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA proper water management is important for an efficient operation of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell system. The humidity distribution in the anode gas channels is highly dependent on the cathode humidity and the resulting transmembrane water transport. Therefore, it can be assumed that the cell humidification is optimal when the relative anode humidity is nearly 100% and homogeneously distributed.In contrast to state‐of‐the‐art approaches, this study focuses on the humidity distribution on anode side in consideration of the anode recirculation loop.Therefore, a macroscopic 1D+1D simulation model was developed, which simulates humidity profiles along the gas channels with consideration of the transmembrane water transport and the anode gas recirculation.This study shows the impact of relevant input parameters, such as pressure, stoichiometry and cathode inlet humidity.Furthermore, the results show that it is possible to reach a nearly homogeneous humidity distribution along the anode gas channels for automotive fuel cell systems. This can be achieved through appropriate operation conditions, e.g., suitable combination of pressure and stoichiometry, and supportive flow directions of the gases and the coolant. The analysis was made for fuel cells operating at full load at system relevant conditions with and without external humidification.
Does greater unemployment make people thinner in Brazil?
Authors: Triaca Lívia Madeira , Jacinto Paulo de Andrade , França Marco Túlio Aniceto , Tejada César Augusto Oviedo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe study seeks to analyze the impact of macroeconomic conditions on weight measures, such as BMI, overweight, obesity, and severe obesity in Brazil. We examine this relationship in the specific context of a middle‐income country that differs in many aspects from the high‐income countries usually considered in the literature. The study uses the microdata of VIGITEL in the period from 2006 to 2014 and the state unemployment rate as a proxy for macroeconomic conditions. The results showed that the relationship is robust and presents a procyclical pattern—increases in the unemployment rate reduce BMI, and this reduction is observed throughout the entire distribution, with statistically significant effects for measures of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity. These results agree with the findings for the United States but contradict the results found for Finland and Canada.
“Come and talk”: The insolvency judge as de‐escalator
Authors: Hollemans Ruben , van Dijck Gijs 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHow insolvency courts handle conflicts is an important aspect of the Directive on preventive restructuring frameworks and it has become more important in the current COVID‐19 crisis, as a result of which insolvencies are or will be on the rise. Insolvency courts are one of the key actors that can impact the length and costs of conflicts, and, consequently, the effectiveness and efficiency of insolvency proceedings. However, there is a lack of empirical research that examines when, why and how insolvency courts prevent actual or potential conflicts. This article reports the results of an empirical study that explored the strategies used by insolvency judges in the Netherlands to resolve conflicts and to prevent a dispute from becoming one. The results show that insolvency courts deploy “under the radar” mediation‐like strategies to prevent actual and potential conflicts involving insolvency practitioners, enhancing the speed and cost‐effectiveness of the winding‐up of cases in the perceptions of stakeholders. Consequently, insolvency judges do not only act as adjudicators in court proceedings, but also take on mediation‐like roles, at least in some jurisdictions. Limitations and challenges of these roles are discussed. The findings of this study are relevant for determining and regulating the roles and tasks of insolvency judges.
Exosomal secretion may be a self‐protective mechanism of its source cells under environmental stress: A study on human bronchial epithelial cells treated with hydroquinone
Authors: He Zhonghan , Li Yanfeng , Lian Zhenwei , Liu Jin , Xian Hongyi , Jiang Ran , Hu Zuqing , Fang Daokui , Hu Dalin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAccumulating evidence reveals that exosome plays an important role in cell‐to‐cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes by transferring bioactive molecules. However, the role of exosomal secretion in the adaption of its source cells to the stimuli of environmental chemicals remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that the exposure of hydroquinone (HQ; the main bioactive metabolite of benzene) to human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) resulted in decreased ability of cell proliferation and migration, and simultaneously DNA damage and micronuclei formation. Interestingly, when exosomal secretion of HQ treated 16HBE cells was inhibited with the inhibitor GW4869, cellular proliferation and migration were further significantly reduced; concurrently, their DNA damage and micronuclei formation were both further significantly aggravated. Herein, we conclude that exosomal secretion of 16HBE cells may be an important self‐protective function against the toxic effects induced by HQ.
Impact of the CD4:CD8 ratio in bone marrow on stem cell mobilization and engraftment in autologous stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Oka Satoko , Nohgawa Masaharu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBone marrow (BM) damage after previous chemotherapy, such as that involving alkylating agents, and radiation therapy alone cannot explain poor hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization. We examined the T lymphocytes of BM in 67 autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (auto‐PBSCT) patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or multiple myeloma (MM) to establish whether the cellular phenotype predicts mobilization and engraftment between January 2000 and January 2020 at the Japanese Red Cross Society Wakayama Medical Center. The total number of mobilized CD34+ cells was <2 × 106/kg in 30 patients (group A) and ≥2 × 106/kg in 37 (group B). The median absolute number of CD3+CD4+ cells was lower in group A than in group B (P = .013), and the median absolute number of CD3+CD8+ cells was higher in group A than in group B (P = .016). A low CD4:CD8 ratio was observed in all patients in group A, whereas all patients in group B showed a normal CD4:CD8 ratio (P < .001). A strong correlation was found between the CD4:CD8 ratio and median total CD34+ cells yield (r = .723, P < .001). The present results showed that a lower CD4:CD8 ratio correlated with later neutrophil and platelet engraftment (r = .662, P = .007 and r = .571, P = .008, respectively). The present results indicate that the CD4:CD8 ratio in BM contributes to the prediction of mobilization and engraftment in auto‐PBSCT patients.
Characterization of the cellular transport mechanisms for the anti‐cachexia candidate compound TCMCB07
Authors: Hu Yongjun , Gruber Kenneth A. , Smith David E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCachexia is a debilitating, life‐threatening condition whose pathology includes reduced food intake accompanied by hypermetabolism, leading to a catabolic state. The hypothalamic melanocortin system is a critical regulator of metabolic rate with effects being mediated through the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R). MC4R activation is also critical to the initiation and maintenance of cachexia. A major problem in the design of anti‐cachexia drugs has been the need to cross the blood–brain barrier to access the metabolic rate‐controlling centres in the hypothalamus. The overwhelming majority of anti‐cachexia drugs are only effective when administered intracerebroventricularly. TCMCB07 is a cyclic nonapeptide peptide MC4R antagonist with parenteral anti‐cachexia activity in both small and large animal models. This suggests it can cross the blood–brain barrier. The aim of this study was to examine potential transport mechanisms of TCMCB07 furthering its preclinical development for subsequent studies in humans.MethodsIn vitro studies were performed in transporter‐transfected cells to study whether or not TCMCB07 was an inhibitor as well as substrate for OATP1A2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OCT2, OAT1, OAT3, MATE1, MATE2‐K, P‐gp (MDR1), and BCRP. In vivo mass balance studies were also performed in mice to evaluate the absorption and disposition of TCMCB07 after oral and intravenous bolus administrations.ResultsTCMCB07 inhibited the uptake of prototypical substrates in cells transfected with OATP1A2 (IC50 24.0 μM), OATP1B1 (IC50 6.8 μM), OATP1B3 (IC50 307 μM), OATP2B1 (IC50 524 μM), OCT2 (IC50 1,169 μM), MATE1 (IC50 8.7 μM), and MATE2‐K (IC50 20.7 μM) but not in cells transfected with OAT1 and OAT3. TCMCB07 did not affect the P‐gp (MDR1)‐mediated and BCRP‐mediated permeability of prototypical substrates in transfected cells. Importantly, direct evidence was shown for the uptake of TCMCB07 in OATP1A2‐transfected cells (i.e. Vmax 236 pmol/mg, Km 58.4 μM, and Kd 0.39 μL/mg), demonstrating that the nonapeptide was a substrate for this transporter. Mass balance studies demonstrated that 24.2% of TCMCB07 was absorbed orally in vivo (P = 0.0033) and excreted primarily in the bile after both oral and intravenous administrations.ConclusionsOATP1A2 is the transporter responsible for the oral absorption of TCMCB07 in the intestine and for its pharmacologic response in the brain.
Proteomic characterization of kefir milk by two‐dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry
Authors: Santini Giuseppe , Bonazza Francesca , Pucciarelli Stefania , Polidori Paolo , Ricciutelli Massimo , Klimanova Yulia , Silvi Stefania , Polzonetti Valeria , Vincenzetti Silvia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractKefir is a type of fermented milk obtained thanks to the introduction of “kefir grains” in mammalian milk. Kefir grains consist of lactic and acetic acid bacteria and yeasts in alternative proportions that are held together by a matrix of complex sugars known as “kefiran.” Thanks to the fermentative process, the kefir milk is rich in nutraceutical substances such as amino acids, vitamins, and mineral salts. The most valuable compounds of kefir fermentation are mainly lactic acid, exopolysaccharides, and bioactive peptides, the resulting products of proteolytic release from milk proteins (caseins and whey proteins). Among the nutraceutical properties of kefir are antimicrobial and antitumor activity, immunomodulating effect, and cholesterol‐lowering effect. Therefore, in light of these intriguing properties of kefir milk, in this work, a proteomic analysis, by two‐dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry, has been performed. As a result, milk‐derived polypeptides were identified in commercial kefir milk from organic farming. In particular, polypeptides deriving from κ‐, αs1‐, and αs2‐caseins that may have potentially beneficial effects on human health have been detected.