bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ibrutinib does not prevent kidney fibrosis following acute and chronic injury
Authors: Belliere Julie , Casemayou Audrey , Colliou Eloïse , El Hachem Hélène , Kounde Clément , Piedrafita Alexis , Feuillet Guylène , Schanstra Joost P. , Faguer Stanislas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRecent studies suggested that ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, developed for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, may prevent NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, IL-1β secretion and subsequent development of inflammation and organ fibrosis. The role of NLRP3 has been underlined in the various causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), a pathology characterized by high morbimortality and risk of transition toward chronic kidney disease (CKD). We therefore hypothesized that the BTK-inhibitor ibrutinib could be a candidate drug for AKI treatment. Here, we observed in both an AKI model (glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis) and a model of rapidly progressive kidney fibrosis (unilateral ureteral obstruction), that ibrutinib did not prevent inflammatory cell recruitment in the kidney and fibrosis. Moreover, ibrutinib pre-exposure led to high mortality rate owing to severer rhabdomyolysis and AKI. In vitro, ibrutinib potentiated or had no effect on the secretion of IL-1β by monocytes exposed to uromodulin or myoglobin, two danger-associated molecule patterns proteins involved in the AKI to CKD transition. According to these results, ibrutinib should not be considered a candidate drug for patients developing AKI.
Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruits
Authors: Rusin Monika , Domagalska Joanna , Rogala Danuta , Razzaghi Mehdi , Szymala Iwona 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChemical contamination of foods pose a significant risk to consumers. A source of this risk is due to the consumption of products contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The aim of the study was to research the levels of Cd and Pb contamination of selected species of vegetables and fruits in the form of fresh, frozen, dried and processed products. The goal was to verify which of these food groups was more contaminated with heavy metals. The study covered 370 samples of fruits and vegetables including apples, pears, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, as well as beetroots, celeries, carrots and tomatoes. The content of Cd and Pb was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Quantitative results were analyzed using statistical models: analysis of variance, outlier analysis, post-hoc multiple comparison Tukey test. The tests showed that the levels of Cd and Pb concentration in samples of fresh, processed, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables varied substantially. The highest concentrations were recorded in dried products. Several fruit and vegetable samples exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations of Cd and Pb. The contamination of these products could be a significant source of consumer exposure to heavy metals when these products are a part of the diet.
A cell-free assay implicates a role of sphingomyelin and cholesterol in STING phosphorylation
Authors: Takahashi Kanoko , Niki Takahiro , Ogawa Emari , Fumika Kiku , Nishioka Yu , Sawa Masaaki , Arai Hiroyuki , Mukai Kojiro , Taguchi Tomohiko 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStimulator of interferon genes (STING) is essential for the type I interferon response induced by microbial DNA from virus or self-DNA from mitochondria/nuclei. In response to emergence of such DNAs in the cytosol, STING translocates from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, and activates TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Activated TBK1 then phosphorylates STING at Ser365, generating an interferon regulatory factor 3-docking site on STING. How this reaction proceeds specifically at the TGN remains poorly understood. Here we report a cell-free reaction in which endogenous STING is phosphorylated by TBK1. The reaction utilizes microsomal membrane fraction prepared from TBK1-knockout cells and recombinant TBK1. We observed agonist-, TBK1-, “ER-to-Golgi” traffic-, and palmitoylation-dependent phosphorylation of STING at Ser365, mirroring the nature of STING phosphorylation in vivo. Treating the microsomal membrane fraction with sphingomyelinase or methyl-β-cyclodextrin, an agent to extract cholesterol from membranes, suppressed the phosphorylation of STING by TBK1. Given the enrichment of sphingomyelin and cholesterol in the TGN, these results may provide the molecular basis underlying the specific phosphorylation reaction of STING at the TGN.
Nickel-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Reductive Hydroarylation of Styrenes
Authors: He Yuli , Zhu Shaolin , Xue Yuhang , Chen Jian , Song Peihong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report a ligand-controlled nickel-catalyzed reductive hydroarylation of styrenes with predictable and controllable regioselectivity. With a diamine ligand, the reaction produces selective linear hydroarylation products. Alternatively, with a chiral PyrOx ligand, branch-selective enantioenriched 1,1-diarylalkane products are obtained. Preliminary mechanistic results are consistent with a reductive Heck process.
3C-SiC-induced peak emission intensity in photoluminescence spectrum of SiC/SiO2 core–shell nanowires using first-principles calculations
Authors: Hsu Song-Ming , Chiou Shan-Haw , Chi Chong-Chi , Chen Bo-Yu , Ouyang Chuenhou (Hao) 
Published: June 2021

In light of the recent publication of a report on the preparation of crystalline silicon carbide nanowires (NWs) covered with silicon oxide (SiC/SiO2) core–shell nanowires at low temperature, this study uses first-principles calculations based on the related transmission electron microscope micrographs to study hydrogen-passivated 3C-, 2H-, 4H-, and 6H-SiC NWs and their combinations. The aim is to examine charge transfers at the 2H/3C and the 2H/4H/3C interfaces in case there is no limit to periodicity. The orbital wavefunctions in the calculated interfaces exhibited changes from valence band maximum to conduction band minimum. The results of the photoluminescence spectrum showed a peak at a wavelength of 392 nm in terms of the intensity of emission, where this has been expected for such microstructures. Zhang et al. claimed that the source of this peak lies in nanoscale 6H-SiC layers, but our simulations based on experimental measurements indicate that it likely originates in 3C-SiC nanowires with a diameter of 1.5 nm.
Meeting the unmet needs of clinicians from AI systems showcased for cardiology with deep-learning–based ECG analysis
Authors: Elul Yonatan , Rosenberg Aviv A. , Schuster Assaf , Bronstein Alex M. , Yaniv Yael 
Published: June 2021

Significance
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, particularly deep learning, has gained considerable attention recently. Although some works boast superior capabilities compared to clinicians, actual deployments of AI systems in the clinic are scarce. We describe four important gaps on the machine-learning side responsible for this discrepancy by first formulating them in a way that is actionable by AI researchers and then systematically addressing these needs. Aiming beyond the search for better model architectures or improved accuracy, we focus directly on the challenges of clinical usefulness as stated by medical professionals in the literature. Our results show that deep-learning systems can be robust, trustworthy, explainable, and transparent while retaining the superior level of performance these algorithms are known for.
Measuring social equity in urban energy use and interventions using fine-scale data
Authors: Tong Kangkang , Ramaswami Anu , Xu Corey (Kewei) , Feiock Richard , Schmitz Patrick , Ohlsen Michael 
Published: June 2021

Significance
Cities seek income and racial equity in residential low-carbon energy efficiency and conservation programs. However, empirical data are limited; prior analyses suggest disparity in energy use intensity (EUI) by income is ∼25% (i.e., 25% greater EUI in low- versus high-income homes), while racial disparities are unquantified. New empirical fine spatial scale energy use data covering all ∼200,000 households in two US cities, along with separation of temperature-sensitive EUI, reveal large EUI disparities by income (27 to 167%) and race (40 to 156%). These disparities are up to a factor of five greater than the 25% income disparity previously reported. New analytics provide key insights on energy use inequality unpacking race and income, informing spatial prioritization for equitable energy efficiency investments.
Neolecanium cornuparvum (Magnolia scale).
Authors: Whittaker Angela 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Magnolia scale, Neolecanium cornuparvum, is a scale insect that is native to the eastern USA, where it is a widely distributed pest of wild and ornamental Magnolia in landscapes and nurseries. In general, non-native species of Magnolia tend to be more susceptible to attack than native US species. N. cornuparvum has also been reported on Wisteria in Connecticut. The genus and species were first reported from Canada from a specimen of N. cornuparvum collected in 1998 in southern Ontario, where the insect is now an established pest of Magnolia, having probably been spread via the plant trade. An infestation of scale insects believed to be N. cornuparvum was first observed in Hawaii on Sesbania tomentosa on Kauai in August 2004; it had significant adverse effects on this endangered species.
Quadrastichus erythrinae (Erythrina gall wasp).
Authors: Tung Gene-Sheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Unusual growths, caused by Erythrina gall wasp (Quadrastichus erythrinae), on leaves and young shoots of coral trees (Erythrina spp). alerts to the presence of this emerging invasive species. Quadrastichus erythrinae measures a mere 1.5 mm and may be spread easily via infected leaves from infected Erythrina specimens.
Wheat streak mosaic virus (wheat streak).
Authors: Byamukama Emmanuel , Price Jacob , Rush Charlie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

WSMV is an obligate parasite which infects wheat and other cereal crops and causes significant losses in production throughout many regions of the world. It is not listed as an invasive species, but introduction of the virus to other regions is possible due to a low occurrence of seed transmission. It is believed that WSMV entered the USA in the late 1800s (Reitz and Heyne, 1944; Ross, 1969) from Turkey and then moved into Canada and down into the southern states of the Great Plains as well as Mexico (Sanchez-Sanchez et al., 2001). The introduction of WSMV into Argentina and Australia is reported to be due to infected seed from both Mexico and the USA (Dwyer et al., 2007). Wheat streak is now commonly found throughout many countries and is one of the most common wheat viruses throughout the Central and Western Great Plains of the USA (Burrows et al., 2009).
Pomacea canaliculata (golden apple snail).
Authors: Cowie Rob , Joshi Ravi , Litsinger James 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

P. canaliculata is a freshwater snail native to parts of Argentina and Uruguay. The distribution of P. canaliculata has been steadily increasing since its introduction to Asia, primarily as a human food resource but perhaps also by the aquarium trade, beginning around 1979 or 1980 (Mochida, 1991; Halwart, 1994a; Cowie, 2002; Joshi and Sebastian, 2006). Once introduced to an area, it spreads rapidly through bodies of water such as canals and rivers and during floods. It feeds on aquatic plants and can devastate rice (in South-east Asia), taro (in Hawaii) and other aquatic or semi-aquatic crops. It may out-compete native apple snails (Halwart, 1994a; Warren, 1997), prey on native fauna (Wood et al., 2005, 2006) and alter natural ecosystem function (Carlsson et al. 2004a). It is also an important vector of various parasites including the nematode Angiostrongyulus cantonensis, which causes human eosinophillic meningitis (Lv et al., 2011; Yang et al., 2013).It is listed among '100 of the world's worst invasive species' (Lowe et al., 2000). In the United States its transport between states is restricted (Gaston, 2006), as is its transport between islands in the Hawaiian archipelago (Tamaru et al., 2006). It is listed as a quarantine pest in Malaysia (Yahaya et al., 2006) and in Japan. Australia has strong quarantine restrictions and is particularly concerned about P. canaliculata (Cowie, 2005).
Judd-Ofelt, radiative properties of Sm3+ ions doped PVA+PEG complex polymer films from spectral analysis
Authors: Krishna V Vinay , Bindu S Hima , Raju D Siva , Raju Ch Linga 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A trivalent rare earth ion Sm3+ (1-5 mol %) doped Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) complex polymer blends were synthesized by using solution casting technique. The spectroscopic characteristics behaviour and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters, oscillatory strengths and radiative properties of the prepared polymer blends were investigated with the help of optical absorption and photoluminescence spectral studies. Well defined UV-VIS-NIR optical absorption bands pertaining Sm3+ ions are observed in optical absorption spectrum and these bands has been assigned to their respective electronic transitions. The theoretical oscillatory strengths (f
cal) and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) network framing theory were adopted to evaluate J-O intensity parameters Ω
λ (λ=2,4,6) from the experimental oscillatory strengths (f
exp). The covalent characteristic nature of the Sm3+ ions with surrounding ligands within the host polymer matrix was confirmed through bonding parameter (δ). The coordinated environment of Sm3+ ions and the key significant J-O intensity parameters are used for calculation of spectroscopic radiative properties. Photoluminescence spectrum is obtained and the highly intensified emission peak is observed for the transition 4G5/2→6H7/2 at 595 nm under 401 nm excitation wavelengths. The CIE colour coordinate diagram shows that the present complex polymer films incorporated with Sm3+ ions are acting as perfect and highly stable material for active reddish-orange emissions.
Aging and oxidative stress alter DNA repair mechanisms in male germ cells of superoxide dismutase-1 null mice
Authors: Nguyen-Powanda Paulina , Robaire Bernard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The efficiency of antioxidant defense system decreases with aging, thus resulting in high levels of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in spermatozoa. This damage can lead to genetic disorders in the offspring. There are limited studies investigating the effects of the total loss of antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), in male germ cells as they progress through spermatogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of aging and removing SOD1 (in male germ cells of SOD1-null (Sod1−/−) mice) in order to determine the potential mechanism(s) of DNA damage in these cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the germ cells of aged wild-type (WT) and Sod1−/− mice of all age. Immunostaining of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, a marker of base excision repair (BER), increased in aged WT and young Sod1−/− mice. In contrast, immunostaining intensity of DNA ligase 4 and RAD51 Recombinase, markers of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), and homologous recombination (HR), respectively, decreased in aged and Sod1−/− mice. Gene expression analysis showed similar results with altered mRNA expression of these key DNA repair transcripts in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids of aged and Sod1−/− mice. Our study indicates that DNA repair pathway markers of BER, NHEJ, and HR are differentially regulated as a function of aging and oxidative stress in spermatocytes and spermatids, and aging enhances the repair response to increased oxidative DNA damage, whereas impairments in other DNA repair mechanisms may contribute to the increase in DNA damage caused by aging and the loss of SOD1.
Microstimulation of the Premotor Cortex of the Cat Produces Phase-Dependent Changes in Locomotor Activity
Authors: Fortier-Lebel Nicolas , Nakajima Toshi , Yahiaoui Nabiha , Drew Trevor 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To determine the functional organization of premotor areas in the cat pericruciate cortex we applied intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) within multiple cytoarchitectonically identified subregions of areas 4 and 6 in the awake cat, both at rest and during treadmill walking. ICMS in most premotor areas evoked clear twitch responses in the limbs and/or head at rest. During locomotion, these same areas produced phase-dependent modifications of muscle activity. ICMS in the primary motor cortex (area 4γ) produced large phase-dependent responses, mostly restricted to the contralateral forelimb or hindlimb. Stimulation in premotor areas also produced phase-dependent responses that, in some cases, were as large as those evoked from area 4γ. However, responses from premotor areas had more widespread effects on multiple limbs, including the ipsilateral limbs, than did stimulation in 4γ. During locomotion, responses in both forelimb and hindlimb muscles were evoked from cytoarchitectonic areas 4γ, 4δ, 6aα, and 6aγ. However, the prevalence of effects in a given limb varied from one area to another. The results suggest that premotor areas may contribute to the production, modification, and coordination of activity in the limbs during locomotion and may be particularly pertinent during modifications of gait.
In Vivo Super-Resolution Track-Density Imaging for Thalamic Nuclei Identification
Authors: Basile Gianpaolo Antonio , Bertino Salvatore , Bramanti Alessia , Ciurleo Rosella , Anastasi Giuseppe Pio , Milardi Demetrio , Cacciola Alberto 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The development of novel techniques for the in vivo, non-invasive visualization and identification of thalamic nuclei has represented a major challenge for human neuroimaging research in the last decades. Thalamic nuclei have important implications in various key aspects of brain physiology and many of them show selective alterations in various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. In addition, both surgical stimulation and ablation of specific thalamic nuclei have been proven to be useful for the treatment of different neuropsychiatric diseases. The present work aimed at describing a novel protocol for histologically guided delineation of thalamic nuclei based on short-tracks track-density imaging (stTDI), which is an advanced imaging technique exploiting high angular resolution diffusion tractography to obtain super-resolved white matter maps. We demonstrated that this approach can identify up to 13 distinct thalamic nuclei bilaterally with very high inter-subject (ICC: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.998) and inter-rater (ICC:0.981; 95% CI:0.963–0.989) reliability, and that both subject-based and group-level thalamic parcellation show a fair share of similarity to a recent standard-space histological thalamic atlas. Finally, we showed that stTDI-derived thalamic maps can be successfully employed to study structural and functional connectivity of the thalamus and may have potential implications both for basic and translational research, as well as for presurgical planning purposes.
Outer membrane vesicles as versatile tools for therapeutic approaches
Authors: Zingl Franz G , Leitner Deborah R , Thapa Himadri B , Schild Stefan 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBudding of the bacterial surface results in the formation and secretion of outer membrane vesicles, which is a conserved phenomenon observed in Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies highlight that these sphere-shaped facsimiles of the donor bacterium's surface with enclosed periplasmic content may serve multiple purposes for their host bacterium. These include inter- and intraspecies cell–cell communication, effector delivery to target cells and bacterial adaptation strategies. This review provides a concise overview of potential medical applications to exploit outer membrane vesicles for therapeutic approaches. Due to the fact that outer membrane vesicles resemble the surface of their donor cells, they represent interesting nonliving candidates for vaccine development. Furthermore, bacterial donor species can be genetically engineered to display various proteins and glycans of interest on the outer membrane vesicle surface or in their lumen. Outer membrane vesicles also possess valuable bioreactor features as they have the natural capacity to protect, stabilize and enhance the activity of luminal enzymes. Along these features, outer membrane vesicles not only might be suitable for biotechnological applications but may also enable cell-specific delivery of designed therapeutics as they are efficiently internalized by nonprofessional phagocytes. Finally, outer membrane vesicles are potent modulators of our immune system with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. A deeper understanding of immunoregulatory effects provoked by different outer membrane vesicles is the basis for their possible future applications ranging from inflammation and immune response modulation to anticancer therapy.
Protecting IP Licenses and Jointly Owned IP in the Age of COVID-19: Insolvency and Force Majeure Events under Japanese Law
Authors: Matsumoto Kei , Rademacher Christoph , Suga Ayako 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This article provides an overview and discussion of a multitude of issues that are relevant for IP licensing under Japanese law. The authors recap the results of the legislative process that predominantly addressed the IP licensee’s position in the case of a licensor's insolvency, including the 2020 amendment to the Japanese Copyright Act, and examine whether a comprehensive reform of IP licensing regulations in Japan would be preferable to also offering better protection to trademarks, trade secrets and data licensees. Given that Japanese companies often agree on jointly owning IP generated in the process of software development and other co-development projects, we analyze the risks of joint ownership compared to non-exclusive licenses. To further illustrate such risks that may be even more significant in cross-border constellations, we conduct a comparative study on the actions that a party commissioning the development of new software can take without obtaining the software developer’s consent under Japanese, US and German patent and copyright law. Furthermore, we examine certain unresolved issues that may arise in the case of a party’s insolvency or the impact of force majeure events, and provide suggestions on how to address these when drafting and negotiating IP license agreements.
Proper Assignation of Reactivation in a COVID-19 Recurrence Initially Interpreted as a Reinfection
Authors: Pérez-Lago Laura , Martínez-Lozano Helena , Pajares Díaz Jose Antonio , Díaz Gómez Arantxa , Machado Marina , Sola-Campoy Pedro J , Herranz Marta , Buenestado-Serrano Sergio , Valerio Maricela , Olmedo María , Andrés Zayas Cristina , Comas Iñaki , González Candelas Fernando , Bañares Rafael , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia , García de Viedma Darío 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A 77-year-old man (case R) with previous diagnosis of a mild COVID-19 episode was hospitalized 35 days later. On day 23 postadmission, he developed a second COVID-19 episode, now severe, and finally died. Initially, case R’s COVID-19 recurrence was interpreted as a reinfection due to the exposure to a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR–positive roommate. However, whole-genome sequencing indicated that case R’s recurrence corresponded to a reactivation of the strain involved in his first episode. Case R’s reactivation had major consequences, leading to a more severe episode, and causing subsequent transmission to another 2 hospitalized patients, 1 of them with fatal outcome.