bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jatropha curcasortholog oftomato MADS-box gene 6(JcTM6) promoter exhibits floral-specific activity inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Jing-Xian , Ming Xin , Tao Yan-Bin , Xu Zeng-Fu 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundJatropha curcasL., a perennial oilseed plant, is considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production. Genetic modification of flowering characteristics is critical forJatrophabreeding. However, analysis of floral-specific promoters inJatrophais limited.MethodsIn this study, we isolated theJatrophaortholog ofTM6(JcTM6) gene fromJatrophaflower cDNA library and detected the expression pattern ofJcTM6gene by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We isolated a 1.8-kb fragment from the 5’ region of theJcTM6gene and evaluated its spatiotemporal expression pattern inArabidopsisusing theβ-glucuronidase(GUS) reporter gene andArabidopsis ATP/ADP isopentenyltransferase 4(AtIPT4) gene, respectively.ResultsJcTM6was identified as a flower-specific gene inJatropha. As expected,JcTM6promoter was only active in transgenicArabidopsisflowers with the strongest activity in stamens. Moreover,JcTM6:AtIPT4transgenicArabidopsisshowed a phenotype of large flowers without any alterations in other organs. Furthermore, deletion of the region from –1,717 to –876 bp resulted in the disappearance of promoter activity in stamens but an increase in promoter activity in young leaves, sepals, and petals. Deletion analysis suggests that the –1,717- to –876-bp promoter fragment contains regulatory elements that confer promoter activity in stamens and inhibit activity in young leaves, sepals, and petals.
Experimental evaluation of the structural performance of foundation beams under RC shear walls with door openings
Authors: Suzuki Suguru , Sanada Yasushi , Toshikatsu Ichinose , Kusuhara Fumio , Takahashi Susumu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aspect ratio of a foundation beam under a multistory wall with door openings is extremely small, similar to those of beams between door openings in upper stories, and therefore the shear failure of such a foundation beam during an earthquake is a concern as it can lead to the failure of beams in upper stories. This study conducted static loading tests of foundation beam specimens under shear walls with door openings to investigate their structural performance. This paper reports the experimental results including the restoring force characteristics and cracking pattern in the beam specimens. Furthermore, an ultimate strength evaluation method for the foundation beams under shear walls with door openings is proposed.
Correlates of polyneuropathy in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kühn Eva , Averdunk Paulina , Huckemann Sophie , Müller Katharina , Biesalski Anne‐Sophie , Hof zum Berge Florian , Motte Jeremias , Fisse Anna Lena , Schneider‐Gold Christiane , Gold Ralf , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Tönges Lars 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have demonstrated a high prevalence of polyneuropathy (PNP) and pronounced alpha‐Synuclein pathology in dermal nerve fibers already at early disease stages. The aim of this study was to analyze associations between the prevalence and severity of PNP with nonmotor and motor symptoms in PD patients.MethodsFifty PD patients were characterized comprehensively for the presence of clinical symptoms (nonmotor and motor), electrophysiologic alterations and – for the first time – using high‐resolution ultrasound of peripheral nerves.ResultsSixty‐two percent of PD patients showed electrophysiological pathology of PNP. The prevalence of patient‐reported PNP symptoms was 86% and was particularly present in patients with longer disease duration, compromised scores of nonmotor and motor symptoms as well as with a negative evaluation of quality of life. Seventy‐five percent of patients showed morphologic alterations similar to axonal PNP in high‐resolution ultrasound compared to healthy controls.InterpretationThe study demonstrates the high burden of peripheral nervous system disease in Parkinson's disease. It advocates further studies to delineate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in order to optimize treatment approaches for PD, including the associated PNP.
Ag2S Nanoheaters with Multiparameter Sensing for Reliable Thermal Feedback during In Vivo Tumor Therapy
Authors: Shen Yingli , Santos Harrisson D. A. , Ximendes Erving C. , Lifante José , Sanz‐Portilla Ana , Monge Luis , Fernández Nuria , Chaves‐Coira Irene , Jacinto Carlos , Brites Carlos D. S. , Carlos Luís D. , Benayas Antonio , Iglesias‐de la Cruz M. Carmen , Jaque Daniel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe emergence of luminescence nanothermometry in bio and nanomedicine has enabled achievements outside the reach of conventional techniques. For instance, it has provided real‐time monitoring of in vivo thermal therapies of tumors, a mandatory requirement for these techniques to work safely and efficiently. However, the reliability of intratumoral thermal readings is currently in question due to the presence of artefacts caused by the inhomogeneous optical properties of biological tissues. This work demonstrates how it is possible to avoid, under specific conditions, these artefacts and reach precise and reliable in vivo intratumoral thermal feedback during in vivo photothermal treatments. The method proposed is based on the use of luminescent nanoparticles capable of multiparametric thermal sensing. The results demonstrate how the convergence of the different thermal readouts becomes a solid indicator of their reliability. It is shown how this new approach makes possible precise (thermal uncertainties below 1 °C) intratumoral thermal feed‐back, while simple, efficient, and minimally invasive in vivo thermal treatments of surface tumors is carried out. Results included in this work provide an ingenious route toward the consolidation of luminescence nanothermometry as a convincing technique for high sensitivity preclinical thermal sensing, while also constituting a step toward improved photothermal therapies.
Phase Separation of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers Mechanically Stiffens Fibrin Clots
Authors: Urosev Ivan , Lopez Morales Joanan , Nash Michael A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFibrin (Fb) networks self‐assemble through the coagulation cascade and serve as the structural foundation of blood clots. Following severe trauma or drug therapy, reduced integrity of Fb networks can lead to formation of clots with inadequate mechanical properties. A key feature of therapeutic interventions for hemostasis is therefore the ability to restore mechanical strength to clots formed under coagulopathic conditions. Here, an intrinsically disordered protein based on an elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) sequence is described, which specifically binds Fb and modulates its mechanical properties. Hemostatic ELPs (hELPs) are designed containing N‐ and C‐terminal peptide tags that are selectivity recognized by human transglutaminase factor XIIIa and covalently linked into fibrin networks via the natural coagulation cascade. Phase separation of hELPs above their lower critical solution temperature leads to stiffening and rescue of clot biophysical properties under simulated conditions of dilutive coagulopathy. In addition to phase‐dependent stiffening, the resulting hELP‐Fb networks exhibit resistance to plasmin degradation, reduced pore sizes, and accelerated gelation rate following initiation of clotting. These results demonstrate the ability of protein‐based phase separation to modulate the physical and biochemical properties of blood clots and suggest protein phase separation as a new mechanism for achieving hemostasis in clinical settings.
Isoelectric Si Heteroatoms as Electron Traps for N2 Fixation and Activation
Authors: Zhai Guang‐Yao , Xu Dong , Zhang Shi‐Nan , Xue Zhong‐Hua , Su Hui , Yu Qiu‐Ying , Wang Hong‐Hui , Lin Xiu , Lin Yun‐Xiao , Sun Lu‐Han , Li Xin‐Hao , Chen Jie‐Sheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDoping the host materials with either electron‐rich heteroatoms or electron‐deficient heteroatoms have been applied as a straightforward and main‐stream method to modify the electronic structures and boost the electrochemical activity for various reactions, including nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR). As the third type of dopants, isoelectric heteroatoms (exemplified with Si atoms in carbon framework in this work) have been designed as highly efficient active centers for NRR. As the same group element with a different size and electronegativity to carbon support, the isoelectric Si heteroatom (Iso‐e Si) creates localized singularities with a lone orbital that can act as an electron trap for pre‐adsorbed N2 molecules through coulomb interaction and thus facilitates the following activation process for NRR. Iso‐e Si atom thus functions as a special type of metal‐free single atom‐based electrocatalyst to largely boost the faradaic efficiency of pristine carbon support for NRR by a factor of 12, giving a remarkably high turnover frequency value of 0.52 h−1, comparable to atomically dispersed transition metal‐based electrocatalysts.
Impact of host genetics on gut microbiome: Take‐home lessons from human and mouse studies
Authors: Cahana Inbal , Iraqi Fuad A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe intestinal microbiome has emerged as an important component involved in various diseases. Therefore, the interest in understanding the factors shaping its composition is growing. The gut microbiome, often defined as a complex trait, contains diverse components and its properties are determined by a combination of external and internal effects. Although much effort has been invested so far, it is still difficult to evaluate the extent to which human genetics shape the composition of the gut microbiota. However, in mouse studies, where the environmental factors are better controlled, the effect of the genetic background was significant. The purpose of this paper is to provide a current assessment of the role of human host genetics in shaping the gut microbiome composition. Despite the inconsistency of the reported results, it can be estimated that the genetic factor affects a portion of the microbiome. However, this effect is currently lower than the initial estimates, and it is difficult to separate the genetic influence from the environmental effect. Additionally, despite the differences between the microbial composition of humans and mice, results from mouse models can strengthen our knowledge of host genetics underlying the human gut microbial variation.
Plasmonic Hot Electrons from Oxygen Vacancies for Infrared Light‐Driven Catalytic CO2 Reduction on Bi2O3−x
Authors: Li Yingxuan , Wen Miaomiao , Wang Ying , Tian Guang , Wang Chuanyi , Zhao Jincai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCurrent plasmonic photocatalysts are mainly based on noble metal nanoparticles and rarely work in the infrared (IR) light range. Herein, cost‐effective Bi2O3−x with oxygen vacancies was formed in situ on commercial bismuth powder by calcination at 453.15 K in atmosphere. Interestingly, defects introduced into Bi2O3−x simultaneously induced a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the wavelength range of 600–1400 nm and enhanced the adsorption for CO2 molecules, which enabled efficient photocatalysis of CO2‐to‐CO (ca. 100 % selectivity) even under low‐intensity near‐IR light irradiation. Significantly, the apparent quantum yield for CO evolution at 940 nm reached 0.113 %, which is approximately 4 times that found at 450 nm. We also showed that the unique LSPR allows for the realization of a nearly linear dependence of photocatalytic CO production rate on light intensity and operating temperature. Finally, based on an IR spectroscopy study, an oxygen‐vacancy induced Mars‐van Krevlen mechanism was proposed to understand the CO2 reduction reactions.
Targeting RNA G‐Quadruplex in SARS‐CoV‐2: A Promising Therapeutic Target for COVID‐19?
Authors: Zhao Chuanqi , Qin Geng , Niu Jingsheng , Wang Zhao , Wang Chunyu , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 has become a global threat. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing innovative treatments are extremely urgent. G‐quadruplexes (G4s) are important noncanonical nucleic acid structures with distinct biofunctions. Four putative G4‐forming sequences (PQSs) in the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome were studied. One of them (RG‐1), which locates in the coding sequence region of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N), has been verified to form a stable RNA G4 structure in live cells. G4‐specific compounds, such as PDP (pyridostatin derivative), can stabilize RG‐1 G4 and significantly reduce the protein levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 N by inhibiting its translation both in vitro and in vivo. This result is the first evidence that PQSs in SARS‐CoV‐2 can form G4 structures in live cells, and that their biofunctions can be regulated by a G4‐specific stabilizer. This finding will provide new insights into developing novel antiviral drugs against COVID‐19.
Activating Chalcogen Bonding (ChB) in Alkylseleno/Alkyltelluroacetylenes toward Chalcogen Bonding Directionality Control
Authors: Dhaka Arun , Jeannin Olivier , Jeon Ie‐Rang , Aubert Emmanuel , Espinosa Enrique , Fourmigué Marc 
Published: September 2020

AbstractActivation of a deep electron‐deficient area on chalcogen atoms (Ch=Se, Te) is demonstrated in alkynyl chalcogen derivatives, in the prolongation of the (C≡)C−Ch bond. The solid‐state structures of 1,4‐bis(methylselenoethynyl)perfluorobenzene (1Se) show the formation of recurrent chalcogen‐bonded (ChB) motifs. Association of 1Se and the tellurium analogue 1Te with 4,4′‐bipyridine and with the stronger Lewis base 1,4‐di(4‐pyridyl)piperazine gives 1:1 co‐crystals with 1D extended structures linked by short and directional ChB interactions, comparable to those observed with the corresponding halogen bond (XB) donor, 1,4‐bis(iodoethynyl)‐perfluorobenzene. This “alkynyl” approach for chalcogen activation provides the crystal‐engineering community with efficient, and neutral ChB donors for the elaboration of supramolecular 1D (and potentially 2D or 3D) architectures, with a degree of strength and predictability comparable to that of halogen bonding in iodoacetylene derivatives.
A Unified Strategy for Arylsulfur(VI) Fluorides from Aryl Halides: Access to Ar‐SOF3 Compounds
Authors: Wang Lin , Cornella Josep 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA convenient protocol to selectively access various arylsulfur(VI) fluorides from commercially available aryl halides in a divergent fashion is presented. Firstly, a novel sulfenylation reaction with the electrophilic N‐(chlorothio)phthalimide (Cl‐S‐Phth) and arylzinc reagents afforded the corresponding Ar‐S‐Phth compounds. Subsequently, the S(II) atom was selectively oxidized to distinct fluorinated sulfur(VI) compounds under mild conditions. Slight modifications on the oxidation protocol permit the chemoselective installation of 1, 3, or 4 fluorine atoms at the S(VI) center, affording the corresponding Ar‐SO2F, Ar‐SOF3, and Ar‐SF4Cl. Of notice, this strategy enables the effective introduction of the rare and underexplored ‐SOF3 moiety into various (hetero)aryl groups. Reactivity studies demonstrate that such elusive Ar‐SOF3 can be utilized as a linchpin for the synthesis of highly coveted aryl sulfonimidoyl fluorides (Ar‐SO(NR)F).
A New Class of NIR‐II Gold Nanocluster‐Based Protein Biolabels for In Vivo Tumor‐Targeted Imaging
Authors: Song Xiaorong , Zhu Wei , Ge Xiaoguang , Li Renfu , Li Shihua , Chen Xian , Song Jibin , Xie Jianping , Chen Xueyuan , Yang Huanghao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe design of bright NIR‐II luminescent nanomaterials that enable efficient labelling of proteins without disturbing their physiological properties in vivo is challenging. We developed an efficient strategy to synthesize bright NIR‐II gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) protected by biocompatible cyclodextrin (CD). Leveraging the ultrasmall size of Au NCs (<2 nm) and strong macrocycle‐based host–guest chemistry, the as‐synthesized CD‐Au NCs can readily label proteins/antibodies. Moreover, the labelled proteins/antibodies enable highly efficient in vivo tracking during blood circulation, without disturbing their biodistribution and tumor targeting ability, thus leading to a sensitive tumor‐targeted imaging. CD‐Au NCs are stable in the harsh biological environment and show good biocompatibility and high renal clearance efficiency. Therefore, the NIR‐II biolabels developed in this study provide a promising platform to monitor the physiological behavior of biomolecules in living organisms.
Polypropylene oxide/polyethylene oxide‐cellulose hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels as drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Prusty Kalyani , Swain Sarat K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article deals with the synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels through the combination of cellulose (C), polypropylene oxide/poly ethylene oxide (PPO/PEO), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by in situ polymerization technique for the in vitro release of ornidazole drugs. The structure of the resulted materials is identified using SEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, and TGA spectroscopic techniques. The resulting structure, morphology, thermo responsive property, water retention, and swelling behavior of hydrogels are investigated. The rheological measurement is studied to establish the enhancement of the viscoelasticity and stiffness of hydrogels. The antibacterial activity of the biodegradable silver hybrid nanocomposite hydrogel is investigated by inhibition zone method against gram positive and negative bacteria. Maximum drug release of 96.4% is recorded at 7.4 pH in 5 h. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the hybrid nanocomposite hydrogel are verified using mouse fibroblast cell line L‐929 (ATCC CCL‐1) cells for their possible use as controlled drug delivery vehicles. The nontoxic nature makes the materials more biocompatible and suitable to apply in the biological systems. Therefore, nontoxic and biocompatible natures of present materials with improved thermal and rheological properties support for their possible uses as drug delivery vehicles.
CR composites with improved processing safety crosslinked via Heck's reaction
Authors: Dziemidkiewicz Anna , Maciejewska Magdalena 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to optimize the composition of the chloroprene rubber (CR) composites crosslinked via the Heck‐type reaction to ensure their safe processing at elevated temperature. The developed curing system consisting of iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)) and triethanolamine (TEOA) demonstrates high activity and more eco‐friendly composition in comparison with metal oxide system, commercially used for CR crosslinking. However, the high activity of Fe(acac)/TEOA system results in a short scorch time, which is the greatest disadvantage regarding the safe processing of CR rubber and thus, must be improved. Therefore, CR compounds with Fe(acac) in the presence of different additives were studied. The longest scorch times (t02) were observed for rubber compounds with urotropine (U), N‐cyclohexyl‐2‐benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS) or salicylic acid. Moreover, vulcanizates containing these additives exhibited higher tensile strengths and elongation at breaks compared to CR crosslinked with Fe(acac)/TEOA system.
Preoperative MRI for predicting pathological changes associated with surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Omiya K , Hiramatsu K , Kato T , Shibata Y , Yoshihara M , Aoba T , Arimoto A , Ito A 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Severe inflammation with necrosis and fibrosis of the gallbladder in acute cholecystitis increases operative difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aimed to assess the use of preoperative MRI in predicting pathological changes of the gallbladder associated with surgical difficulty.

Methods
Patients who underwent both preoperative MRI and early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis between 2012 and 2018 were identified retrospectively. On the basis of the layered pattern of the gallbladder wall on MRI, patients were classified into three groups: high signal intensity (HSI), intermediate signal intensity (ISI), and low signal intensity (LSI). The endpoint was the presence of pathological changes of the gallbladder associated with surgical difficulty, such as necrosis, abscess formation and fibrosis.

Results
Of 229 eligible patients, pathological changes associated with surgical difficulty were found in 17 (27 per cent) of 62 patients in the HSI group, 84 (85 per cent) of 99 patients in the ISI group, and 66 (97 per cent) of 68 patients in the LSI group (P &lt; 0·001). For detecting these changes, intermediate to low signal intensity of the gallbladder wall had a sensitivity of 90 (95 per cent c.i. 84 to 94) per cent, specificity of 73 (60 to 83) per cent and accuracy of 85 (80 to 90) per cent.

Conclusion
Preoperative MRI predicted pathological changes associated with surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.
Anterior cingulate gamma‐aminobutyric acid concentrations and electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Erchinger Vera J. , Miller Jeremy , Jones Thomas , Kessler Ute , Bustillo Juan , Haavik Jan , Petrillo Jonathan , Ziomek Gregory , Hammar Åsa , Oedegaard Ketil J. , Calhoun Vince D. , McClintock Shawn M. , Ersland Lars , Oltedal Leif , Abbott Christopher C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe anticonvulsant hypothesis posits that ECT’s mechanism of action is related to enhancement of endogenous anticonvulsant brain mechanisms. Results of prior studies investigating the role of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma‐aminobutyric acid (“GABA+”, GABA and coedited macromolecules) in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression remain inconclusive. The aim of our study was to investigate treatment‐responsive changes of GABA+ in subjects with a depressive episode receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).MethodsIn total, 41 depressed subjects (DEP) and 35 healthy controls (HC) were recruited at two independent sites in Norway and the USA. MEGA‐PRESS was used for investigation of GABA+ in the anterior cingulate cortex. We assessed longitudinal and cross‐sectional differences between DEP and HC, as well as the relationship between GABA+ change and change in depression severity and number of ECTs. We also assessed longitudinal differences in cognitive performance and GABA+ levels.ResultsDepressive episode did not show a difference in GABA+ relative to HC (t71 = −0.36, p = .72) or in longitudinal analysis (t36 = 0.97, p = .34). Remitters and nonremitters did not show longitudinal (t36 = 1.12, p = .27) or cross‐sectional differences in GABA+. GABA+ levels were not related to changes in antidepressant response (t35 = 1.12, p = .27) or treatment number (t36 = 0.05, p = .96). An association between cognitive performance and GABA+ levels was found in DEP that completed cognitive effortful testing (t18 = 2.4, p = .03).ConclusionOur results failed to support GABA as a marker for depression and abnormal mood state and provide no support for the anticonvulsant hypothesis of ECT. ECT‐induced change in GABA concentrations may be related to change in cognitive function.