bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The change of conditions does not affect Ros87 downhill folding mechanism
Authors: Grazioso Rinaldo , García-Viñuales Sara , D’Abrosca Gianluca , Baglivo Ilaria , Pedone Paolo Vincenzo , Milardi Danilo , Fattorusso Roberto , Isernia Carla , Russo Luigi , Malgieri Gaetano 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDownhill folding has been defined as a unique thermodynamic process involving a conformations ensemble that progressively loses structure with the decrease of protein stability. Downhill folders are estimated to be rather rare in nature as they miss an energetically substantial folding barrier that can protect against aggregation and proteolysis. We have previously demonstrated that the prokaryotic zinc finger protein Ros87 shows a bipartite folding/unfolding process in which a metal binding intermediate converts to the native structure through a delicate barrier-less downhill transition. Significant variation in folding scenarios can be detected within protein families with high sequence identity and very similar folds and for the same sequence by varying conditions. For this reason, we here show, by means of DSC, CD and NMR, that also in different pH and ionic strength conditions Ros87 retains its partly downhill folding scenario demonstrating that, at least in metallo-proteins, the downhill mechanism can be found under a much wider range of conditions and coupled to other different transitions. We also show that mutations of Ros87 zinc coordination sphere produces a different folding scenario demonstrating that the organization of the metal ion core is determinant in the folding process of this family of proteins.
Unconventional magnetization textures and domain-wall pinning in Sm–Co magnets
Authors: Pierobon Leonardo , Kovács András , Schäublin Robin E. , Gerstl Stephan S. A. , Caron Jan , Wyss Urs V. , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Löffler Jörg F. , Charilaou Michalis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSome of the best-performing high-temperature magnets are Sm–Co-based alloys with a microstructure that comprises an $$\hbox {Sm}_2\hbox {Co}_{17}$$

Sm
2

Co
17

matrix and magnetically hard $$\hbox {SmCo}_5$$

SmCo
5

cell walls. This generates a dense domain-wall-pinning network that endows the material with remarkable magnetic hardness. A precise understanding of the coupling between magnetism and microstructure is essential for enhancing the performance of Sm–Co magnets, but experiments and theory have not yet converged to a unified model. Here, transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and nanometer-resolution off-axis electron holography have been combined with micromagnetic simulations to reveal that the magnetization state in Sm–Co magnets results from curling instabilities and domain-wall pinning effects at the intersections of phases with different magnetic hardness. Additionally, this study has found that topologically non-trivial magnetic domains separated by a complex network of domain walls play a key role in the magnetic state by acting as nucleation sites for magnetization reversal. These findings reveal previously hidden aspects of magnetism in Sm–Co magnets and, by identifying weak points in the microstructure, provide guidelines for improving these high-performance magnetic materials.
Chemical composition of Polish propolis and its antiproliferative effect in combination with Bacopa monnieri on glioblastoma cell lines
Authors: Moskwa Justyna , Naliwajko Sylwia K. , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Gromkowska-Kępka Krystyna J. , Nowakowski Patryk , Strawa Jakub W. , Borawska Maria H. , Tomczyk Michał , Socha Katarzyna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPropolis and Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Brahmi) are natural products that contain many active substances and possess anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of Polish propolis extract (PPE) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), B. monnieri extracts (BcH, BcS) by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and mass spectrometry coupled with electrospray ionization (LC–ESI–MS) and finally determine its anti-proliferative potential combined with BcH and BcS in glioblastoma cell lines (T98G, LN-18, U87MG). The antiproliferative activity of PPE, BcH, BcS and their combination (PPE + BcH) was determined by a cytotoxicity test, and DNA binding was determined by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Flavonoids and phenylpropenoids were the main components of PPE. BcH and BcS samples were also successfully analyzed. Their main constituents were saponins such as bacoside A3, bacopaside II, X and bacopasaponin C and its isomer. The inhibitory effects on the viability and proliferation of the tested glioma cells observed after incubation with the combination of PPE and BcH were significantly stronger than the effects of these two extracts separately. These findings suggest that propolis in combination with B. monnieri shows promising anticancer activity for the treatment of glioblastoma. However, further studies are still required.
BRCAness as a prognostic indicator in patients with early breast cancer
Authors: Liu Lei , Matsunaga Yuki , Tsurutani Junji , Akashi-Tanaka Sadako , Masuda Hiroko , Ide Yoshimi , Hashimoto Rikako , Inuzuka Mayuko , Watanabe Chie , Taruno Kanae , Sawada Terumasa , Okuyama Hiromi , Ata Arisa , Kuwayama Takashi , Nakayama Sayuka , Tonouchi Yumi , Nakamura Seigo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBRCAness is defined as a phenotypic copy of germline BRCA mutations, which describes presence of homologous recombination defects in sporadic cancers. We detected BRCAness by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and explored whether BRCAness can be used as a predictor of prognosis. BRCAness status was classified for total 121 breast cancer patients. Forty-eight patients (39.7%) were identified as BRCAness positive. Tumors of BRCAness were more likely to be hormone receptors negative (95.8% vs. 50.7%, P < 0.001), nuclear grade III (76.1% vs. 48.4%, P = 0.001) and triple-negative breast cancer subtype (91.6% vs. 42.5%, P < 0.001). Five-year disease free survival (DFS) (54.0% vs. 88.0%, P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (76.3% vs. 93.1%, P = 0.002) were significantly lower in BRCAness patients. In neoadjuvant chemotherapy subgroup analysis, clinical response rate for taxane-based regimen was significantly lower in BRCAness patients (58.3% vs. 77.8%, P = 0.041). Cox regression multivariate analysis showed that BRCAness was the independent prognostic factor for DFS (HR 2.962, 95%CI 1.184–7.412, P = 0.020), but not for OS (HR 2.681, 95%CI 0.618–11.630, P = 0.188). BRCAness is associated with specific characteristics and may suggest resistance to taxane-based chemotherapy. BRCAness can be used as a negative prognostic indicator for breast cancer.
Effect of foliar and soil application of plant growth promoting bacteria on growth, physiology, yield and seed quality of maize under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Efthimiadou Aspasia , Katsenios Nikolaos , Chanioti Sofia , Giannoglou Marianna , Djordjevic Nikola , Katsaros George 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe use of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) as biostimulants favors the increase of crop productivity and the improvement of yield quality. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the PGPB biostimulants (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megatherium and their mixes) and the application method (foliar and soil) on the growth, the physiology, the yield and the quality of maize. The obtained results showed that A. chroococcum treatment increased the chlorophyll content up to 6.1%, the photosynthetic rate up to 18.4% and the transpiration rate up to 34.3%. The highest maize yields were performed by the treatments B. megatherium (244.67 g) and the mix of A. chroococcum and B. subtilis (1:1) (243.67 g) when applied on the soil. The Soil application of the PGPB resulted in increased yield of maize from 5.5 to 13.4% compared to control treatment. Concerning quality characteristics, B. subtilis treatment increased total solids content in harvested maize seeds by 92%, as well as crude fiber content by 46% compared to control. The results confirmed that the use of PGPB could contribute as a new cultivation practice for sustainable growth, productivity and quality of grain crops.
Acute invariant NKT cell activation triggers an immune response that drives prominent changes in iron homeostasis
Authors: Huang Hua , Zuzarte-Luis Vanessa , Fragoso Gabriela , Calvé Annie , Hoang Tuan Anh , Oliero Manon , Chabot-Roy Geneviève , Mullins-Dansereau Victor , Lesage Sylvie , Santos Manuela M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIron homeostasis is an essential biological process that ensures the tissue distribution of iron for various cellular processes. As the major producer of hepcidin, the liver is central to the regulation of iron metabolism. The liver is also home to many immune cells, which upon activation may greatly impact iron metabolism. Here, we focus on the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a subset of T lymphocytes that, in mice, is most abundant in the liver. Activation of iNKT cells with the prototypical glycosphingolipid antigen, α-galactosylceramide, resulted in immune cell proliferation and biphasic changes in iron metabolism. This involved an early phase characterized by hypoferremia, hepcidin induction and ferroportin suppression, and a second phase associated with strong suppression of hepcidin despite elevated levels of circulating and tissue iron. We further show that these changes in iron metabolism are fully dependent on iNKT cell activation. Finally, we demonstrate that the biphasic regulation of hepcidin is independent of NK and Kupffer cells, and is initially driven by the STAT3 inflammatory pathway, whereas the second phase is regulated by repression of the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway. These findings indicate that iNKT activation and the resulting cell proliferation influence iron homeostasis.
An investigation of reconstituted terlipressin infusion stability for use in hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Bui Thi Ngoc Nhieu , Sandar Su , Luna Giuseppe , Beaman Jasmine , Sunderland Bruce , Czarniak Petra 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a fatal complication of renal dysfunction associated with ascites, liver failure and advanced cirrhosis. Although the best option for long-term survival is liver transplantation, in the critical acute phase, vasoconstrictors are considered first-line supportive agents. Terlipressin is the most widely used vasoconstrictor globally but owing to its short elimination half-life, it is usually administered six hourly by slow intravenous bolus injection. This requires patients to remain in hospital, increasing hospital bed costs and affecting their quality of life. An alternative option for administration of terlipressin is as a continuous infusion using an elastomeric infusor device in the patient’s home. However, stability data on terlipressin in elastomeric infusor devices is lacking. This research aimed to evaluate the stability of terlipressin reconstituted in infusor devices for up to 7 days at 2–8 °C and subsequently at 22.5 °C for 24 h, to mimic home storage and administration temperatures. We report that terlipressin was physically and chemically stable under these conditions; all reconstituted infusor concentrations retained above 90% of the original concentration over the test conditions. No colour change or precipitation in the solutions were evident.
Asymmetric practices of reading and writing shape visuospatial attention and discrimination
Authors: Mendonça Rita , Garrido Margarida V. , Semin Gün R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMovement is generally conceived of as unfolding laterally in the writing direction that one is socialized into. In ‘Western’ languages, this is a left-to-right bias contributing to an imbalance in how attention is distributed across space. We propose that the rightward attentional bias exercises an additional unidirectional influence on discrimination performance thus shaping the congruency effect typically observed in Posner-inspired cueing tasks. In two studies, we test whether faces averted laterally serve as attention orienting cues and generate differences in both target discrimination latencies and gaze movements across left and right hemifields. Results systematically show that right-facing faces (i.e. aligned with the script direction) give rise to an advantage for cue-target pairs pertaining to the right (versus left) side of space. We report an asymmetry between congruent conditions in the form of right-sided facilitation for: (a) response time in discrimination decisions (experiment 1–2) and (b) eye-gaze movements, namely earlier onset to first fixation in the respective region of interest (experiment 2). Left and front facing cues generated virtually equal exploration patterns, confirming that the latter did not prime any directionality. These findings demonstrate that visuospatial attention and consequent discrimination are highly dependent on the asymmetric practices of reading and writing.
Low cost, high performance ultrafiltration membranes from glass fiber-PTFE–graphene composites
Authors: Khan Umar , Biccai Sonia , Boland Conor S. , Coleman Jonathan N. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe development of low-cost ultrafiltration membranes with relatively high flow rate and selectivity is an important goal which could improve access to clean water in the developing world. Here we demonstrate a method to infuse mixtures of graphene nanosheets and Teflon nanoparticles into ultra-cheap glass fibre membranes. Annealing the resultant composites leads to coalescence of the Teflon, resulting in very stable membranes with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. In filtration tests, while adding ~ 10 wt% graphene/Teflon to the glass fibre membrane decreased the flow rate by × 100, the selectivity improved by × 103 compared to the neat glass fibre membrane. This combination of selectively and flow rate was significantly better than any commercial membrane tested under similar circumstances. We found these membranes could remove > 99.99% of 25–250 nm diameter SiC nanoparticles dispersed in ethanol, transmitting only particles with diameters < 40 nm, performance which is superior to commercial alumina membranes. Field trials on dirty canal water showed these composite membranes to remove aluminium to a level × 10 below the EU limit for drinking water and reduce iron and bacteria contents to below detectable levels.
UV induced resistive switching in hybrid polymer metal oxide memristors
Authors: Stathopoulos Spyros , Tzouvadaki Ioulia , Prodromakis Themis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThere is an increasing interest for alternative ways to program memristive devices to arbitrary resistive levels. Among them, light-controlled programming approach, where optical input is used to improve or to promote the resistive switching, has drawn particular attention. Here, we present a straight-forward method to induce resistive switching to a memristive device, introducing a new version of a metal-oxide memristive architecture coupled with a UV-sensitive hybrid top electrode obtained through direct surface treatment with PEDOT:PSS of an established resistive random access memory platform. UV-illumination ultimately results to resistive switching, without involving any additional stimulation, and a relation between the switching magnitude and the applied wavelength is depicted. Overall, the system and method presented showcase a promising proof-of-concept for granting an exclusively light-triggered resistive switching to memristive devices irrespectively of the structure and materials comprising their main core, and, in perspective can be considered for functional integrations optical-induced sensing.
Increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 is the signature of a deteriorated Ca/P balance in ageing laying hens
Authors: Gloux A. , Le Roy N. , Même N. , Piketty M. L. , Prié D. , Benzoni G. , Gautron J. , Nys Y. , Narcy A. , Duclos M. J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe present study concerned the effect of ageing in laying hens, from 23 to 90 weeks of age, on the regulation of Ca metabolism related to the requirement for eggshell mineralization. Samples were collected from parathyroid gland (PG), liver, jejunum, medullary bone (MB) and kidney for a quantitative study of candidate gene expression. Although parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene expression in the PG did not vary with age, a stronger challenge to Ca homeostasis was suggested in aged hens. Indeed gene expression of Ca transporters , Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in the jejunum, and that of transient receptor potential channel subfamily V member 5 (TRPV5) in the kidney decreased. This could exacerbate bone resorption and impair bone accretion, as attested by a higher expression of the Carbonic Anhydrase 2 (CA2) gene and a lower expression of collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) in the MB. The increased expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) in the MB likely contributed to the decreased plasma levels of 1.25(OH)2D3 and the altered expression of target genes under its regulation. Our data highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the osteoporotic syndrome previously documented in aged laying hens, thus providing new perspectives for future interventions.
Blurring of ancient wall paintings caused by binder decay in the pigment layer
Authors: Zheng Lizhen , Wang Zhuorui , Shen Shukun , Xia Yin , Li Yuhu , Hu Daodao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of binder decay rather than a change in the pigments on the blurring of ancient wall paintings was researched. The simulated wall paintings were prepared by brushing an aqueous solution containing gelatine and ochre grains on the surface of cylindrical compressed soil samples. Then, the dried samples were calcined at 650 °C for 2 h to obtain the simulated wall paintings with the degraded binder gelatine. Next, the calcined samples were brushed with a certain amount of acetone solution containing an ionic liquid ([BMIm]PF6) to obtain the corresponding repaired samples. Based on the results from various characterization methods (UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TG), the following conclusions were drawn. The degradation of the binder caused by calcination increases the surface roughness of the painting layer, resulting in enhanced scattering. In this case, because scattering decrease the light absorption by the pigments, even if unchanged pigment exists in the painting layer, its colour can become blurred. The filling of the ionic liquid into the pores caused by gelatine decay in the painting layer can decrease the scattering, and the blurred colour can be restored to some extent. As typical examples, this principle was successfully applied to restore the blurred colour of an ancient Chinese wall painting (Tang Dynasty) and a pottery (Eastern Han Dynasty).
Comprehensive studies on the properties of apple juice treated by non-thermal atmospheric plasma in a flow-through system
Authors: Dzimitrowicz Anna , Bielawska-Pohl Aleksandra , Pohl Pawel , Cyganowski Piotr , Motyka-Pomagruk Agata , Klis Tymoteusz , Policht Malgorzata , Klimczak Aleksandra , Jamroz Piotr 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe present an optimized non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP)-based reaction-discharge system that was applied for a continuous-flow treatment of apple juice (AJ). To optimize this system for a high-throughput production of AJ with ameliorated properties, the effect of several parameters was studied using design of experiments approach followed by the response surface methodology. Additionally, nutritional, physicochemical, microbiological and cytotoxic properties of resulting AJ were assessed. It was established that NTAP treatment of AJ led to rise in concentration of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na and Sr by 8–10% as well as Al, B, Ba, Cu, Mn and Zn by 11–15%. Additionally, the increased total phenolic content by ~ 11% in addition to the prolonged by up to 12 days shelf life of the product were observed. Moreover, it was found that the NTAP-treatment of AJ did not change the structure of organic compounds present in AJ, in addition to its °Brix value, color and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power. Furthermore, AJ subjected to NTAP did not show any cytotoxic activity towards non-malignant human intestinal epithelial cells but exhibited induced cell cytotoxicity in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Our study provided arguments for future introduction of these types of preparations to the global market.
Understanding the mesoscopic scaling patterns within cities
Authors: Dong Lei , Huang Zhou , Zhang Jiang , Liu Yu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnderstanding quantitative relationships between urban elements is crucial for a wide range of applications. The observation at the macroscopic level demonstrates that the aggregated urban quantities (e.g., gross domestic product) scale systematically with population sizes across cities, also known as urban scaling laws. However, at the mesoscopic level, we lack an understanding of whether the simple scaling relationship holds within cities, which is a fundamental question regarding the spatial origin of scaling in urban systems. Here, by analyzing four extensive datasets covering millions of mobile phone users and urban facilities, we investigate the scaling phenomena within cities. We find that the mesoscopic infrastructure volume and socioeconomic activity scale sub- and super-linearly with the active population, respectively. For a same scaling phenomenon, however, the exponents vary in cities of similar population sizes. To explain these empirical observations, we propose a conceptual framework by considering the heterogeneous distributions of population and facilities, and the spatial interactions between them. Analytical and numerical results suggest that, despite the large number of complexities that influence urban activities, the simple interaction rules can effectively explain the observed regularity and heterogeneity in scaling behaviors within cities.
Mucin-2 knockout is a model of intercellular junction defects, mitochondrial damage and ATP depletion in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Borisova Mariya A. , Achasova Kseniya M. , Morozova Ksenia N. , Andreyeva Evgeniya N. , Litvinova Ekaterina A. , Ogienko Anna A. , Morozova Maryana V. , Berkaeva Mariya B. , Kiseleva Elena , Kozhevnikova Elena N. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe disruption of the protective intestinal barrier—the ‘leaky gut’—is a common complication of the inflammatory bowel disease. There is limited data on the mechanisms of the intestinal barrier disruption upon low-grade inflammation characteristic of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission. Thus, animal models that recapitulate the complexity of chronic intestinal inflammation in vivo are of particular interest. In this study, we used Mucin-2 (Muc2) knockout mice predisposed to colitis to study intestinal barrier upon chronic inflammation. We used 4-kDa FITC-Dextran assay and transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate the increased intestinal permeability and morphological defects in intercellular junctions in Muc2 knockout mice. Confocal microscopy revealed the disruption of the apical F-actin cytoskeleton and delocalization of tight junction protein Claudin-3 from the membrane. We further demonstrate mitochondrial damage, impaired oxygen consumption and the reduction of the intestinal ATP content in Muc2 knockout mice. Finally, we show that chemically induced mitochondrial uncoupling in the wild type mice mimics the intestinal barrier disruption in vivo and causes partial loss of F-actin and membrane localization of Claudin-3. We propose that mitochondrial damage and metabolic shifts during chronic inflammation contribute to the leaky gut syndrome in Muc2 knockout animal model of colitis.