bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catalysis of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to MeFox facilitates folate biofortification in crops
Authors: Zhang Chunyi , Jiang Ling , Guo Wenzhu , Wang Yanjing , Wen Weiwei , Wang Weixuan , Lian Tong , Liang Qiuju , Liu Ji'an , Liu Haijun , Xue Yuan , Pan Lixu , Liu Qiaoquan , Yin Ping , Zhang Delin , Yan Jianbing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Folate deficiency is a global health problem. Biofortification has been considered a cost-effective means to tackle this problem. Here, we describe the genetic cloning and functional identification of a previously uncharacterised plant protein, designated as CTM, which functions as an enzyme in folate metabolism. Plant CTMs are capable of catalysing 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate to MeFox, a pyrazino-s-triazine derivative of 4α-hydroxy-5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate. The natural asparagine-to-glycine substitution caused by an A-to-G single nucleotide variation in maize CTM enhances its enzymatic activity, as demonstrated by in vitro enzymatic assays and in silico analyses using a maize CTM structure model based on a monomeric sorghum CTM crystal. Loss of the CTM function led to accumulation of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, and overexpression of the maize CTM carrying the G-allele boosted the metabolic flow towards MeFox, and showed no negative impacts on plant growth. Our results suggest that CTM, which has evolved 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate-to-MeFox converting activity in plants, could be valuable for developing folate-biofortified crops to provide an alternative to the challenge presented by the global folate deficiency.
Cholesterol-induced LRP3 downregulation promotes cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis by targeting SDC4
Authors: Cao Chenxi , Shi Yuanyuan , Xin Zhang , Li Qi , Zhang Jiaohao , Zhao Fengyuan , Meng Qingyang , Dai Wenli , Liu Zhenlong , Xiaoning Duan , Zhang Jiying , Fu Xin , Cheng Jin , Xiaoqing Hu , Ao Yingfang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with high cholesterol levels. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that cholesterol metabolism-related gene, LRP3 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 3) is significantly reduced in high-cholesterol diet mouse’s cartilage. By using global Lrp3−/− mice in vivo and LRP3 lentiviral vector-transduced chondrocytes in vitro, we identified that LRP3 positively regulated chondrocyte extracellular matrix metabolism, and its deficiency aggravated the degeneration of OA cartilage. Regardless of diet, LRP3 overexpression in cartilage attenuated anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA progression in rats. Furthermore, LRP3 knockdown upregulated syndecan-4 (SDC4) expression by activating the Ras signaling pathway. We identified SDC4 as a downstream molecular target of LRP3 in OA pathogenesis. Together, these findings suggest that the cholesterol-LRP3-SDC4 axis plays critical roles in the OA development, and the LRP3 gene therapy may provide a new therapeutic regimen for OA treatment.
How Does Industrial Digitalization Affect Enterprise Environmental Performance?
Authors: Wen Huwei , Lee Chien-Chiang , Song Ziyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Despite the increasing use of digital technology in industrial production, how industrial digitalization affects the environmental performance of production activities remains unclear. This research contributes to the literature on the relationship between industrial digitalization and enterprise environmental performance by employing a large sample of Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Results indicate that the environmental performance of manufacturing enterprises has been significantly improved in the process of industrial digital transformation. Structural and technology effects are the influencing mechanisms. Industrial digitalization reduces the production scale of heavy polluting enterprises and improves product innovation and green total factor productivity, but it has an insignificant effect on total factor productivity. Moreover, industrial digitalization improves enterprise environmental performance by introducing front-end cleaner production technologies, rather than by increasing pipe-end pollutant treatment facilities.JEL Classification: Q56, O13, L86
Greater mastery is associated with lower depression risk in a large international cohort of people with multiple sclerosis over 2.5 years
Authors: Neate Sandra , Humam Afaf , Nag Nupur , Jelinek George , Simpson-Yap Steve 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Mastery is the extent to which an individual perceives their life circumstances as being under their control and not predominantly influenced by external factors. The relationship of mastery with clinical outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) has not been well-researched. We assessed the relationships of mastery with fatigue, disability, relapse number, and depression risk among pwMS over 2.5 years’ follow-up. Methods: Data from the Health Outcomes and Lifestyle in a Sample of people with Multiple sclerosis (HOLISM) study, among 839 participants who completed the 2.5 and 5-year reviews, were analysed. Mastery was measured by the Pearlin Mastery Scale, fatigue by Fatigue Severity Scale, depression risk by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and disability by Patient-Determined Disease Steps, and diagnosed relapse number in the previous 12 months was queried. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses were undertaken by log-binomial, log-multinomial, and Poisson regression, as appropriate, adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: Cross-sectionally, pwMS with the highest quartile mastery (>25/28) had 90% lower depression risk, 60% lower frequency of clinically significant fatigue, and 77% fewer with severe disability, all largely robust to adjustment. Prospectively, those in the top two quartiles of mastery (>21-25, >25) had 66% and 74% lower depression risk, robust to adjustment. No significant associations were seen prospectively for change in fatigue, disability, or relapse number, however, and no robust associations of mastery with relapse number. Conclusions: Prospectively, a protective relationship of mastery with subsequent risk of depression was observed, suggesting this may be a point of intervention to improve wellbeing in pwMS.
Cross-Modality Coherent Registration of Whole Mouse Brains
Authors: Peng Hanchuan , Qu Lei , Li Yuanyuan , Xie Peng , Liu Lijuan , Wang Yimin , Wu Jun , Liu Yu , Wang Tao , Li Longfei , Guo Kaixuan , Wan Wan , Ouyang Lei , Xiong Feng , Zheng Yefeng , Xu Fang , Gong Hui , Dong Hongwei , Luo Qingming , Bi Guo-Qiang , Hawrylycz Michael , Zeng Hongkui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recent whole brain mapping projects are collecting large-scale 3D images using powerful and informative modalities, such as STPT, fMOST, VISoR, or MRI. Registration of these multi-dimensional whole-brain images onto a standard atlas is essential for characterizing neuron types and constructing brain wiring diagrams. However, cross-modality image registration is challenging due to intrinsic variations of brain anatomy and artifacts resulted from different sample preparation methods and imaging modalities. We introduced a cross-modality registration method, called mBrainAligner, which uses coherent landmark mapping as well as deep neural networks to align whole mouse brain images to the standard Allen Common Coordinate Framework atlas. We also built a single cell resolution atlas using the fMOST modality, and used our method to generate whole brain map of 3D full single neuron morphology and neuron cell types.
All-optical pulse-train generation and distributed sensing through the temporal analogue of a laser
Authors: Sparapani Alexis Cristian , Fernández Germán , Sánchez Alfredo , Bonetti Juan , Linale Nicolás , Grosz Diego 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We propose a novel scheme for the all-optical generation of pulse trains in optical fibers based on the reflection and refraction of pulses at a time boundary, and the temporal analogue of a laser cavity with gain. Furthermore, this scheme is shown to provide an original and simple way to measure distributed fiber parameters. In particular, we put forth an application of the temporal laser to the distributed sensing of the fiber group-velocity dispersion parameter.
Morphological Variation of the Baka Pygmies’ Deciduous Second Molars&nbsp;
Authors: Šimková Petra G. , Weber Gerhard W. , Ramirez-Rozzi Fernando , Slimani Lotfi , Sadoine Jérémy , Fornai Cinzia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Baka pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-pygmies. However, the Baka’s dental morphology, as several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. In this study we explore the Baka’s upper and lower second deciduous molars variation in comparison to a human sample including Africans, Asians, Europeans, and South Americans by means of 3D geometric morphometrics. We analyzed both the outer and inner aspect of the dental crowns, as well as their general size based on the natural logarithm of centroid sizes. Our results show largely overlapping morphologies between populations, especially for the lower molars. The distal region of the second molars is the most variable, with the Baka’s lower second molars showing the most extreme range of variation for this aspect and in terms of crown height. Upper and lower second molars showed high morphological covariation (RV=0.82). The Baka and South Americans’ second molars were confirmed among the largest in our sample. Despite of the Baka’s particular growth pattern, long-lasting isolation and extreme dental variation, it is not possible to distinguish them from other populations on the basis of their second molar morphology only.
Patterns of Physical Activity Parenting Practices Among Parent-Adolescent Dyads Who Participated in a Cross-Sectional Internet-Based Study
Authors: Thomson Jessica L , Landry Alicia S , Walls Tameka I 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

While research exploring relationships between individual parenting practices and child physical activity (PA) exists, little is known about simultaneous use of practices. Hence, study objectives were to determine patterns of PA parenting practices and their associations with demographic, anthropometric, and PA measures in a large sample of parents and their adolescent children (12–17 years).
Methods

Dyadic survey data from Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE), a cross-sectional, internet-based study, conducted in 2014 were analyzed using latent class analysis on five PA parenting practices – pressuring, guided choice, expectations, facilitation, and modeling. Self-report model covariates included adolescent age and parent and adolescent sex, body mass index category (based on height and weight), legitimacy of parental authority regarding PA (PA-LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA).
Results

Based on 1166 parent-adolescent dyads, four latent classes were identified representing a continuum of practice use (high to low) – Complete Influencers (26%), Facilitating-Modeling Influencers (23%), Pressuring-Expecting Influencers (25%), and Indifferent Influencers (27%). Compared to dyads with parent underweight/healthy weight, dyads with parent overweight/obesity had 84% higher odds of belonging to Indifferent Influencers. Compared to dyads with adolescent underweight/healthy weight, dyads with adolescent overweight/obesity had 50% and 46% lower odds of belonging to Facilitating-Modeling and Indifferent Influencers. Odds of belonging to Pressuring-Expecting and Indifferent Influencers were less than 1% lower for every 1 minute/day increase in parent MVPA and 2% and 4% lower for every 1 minute/day increase in adolescent MVPA. Compared to dyads with high parental and adolescent agreement with PA-LPA, dyads with low agreement had between 3 and 21 times the odds of belonging to one of the other three classes.
Conclusions

Findings suggest that parents utilize distinct patterns of PA practices ranging from use of many, use of some, to low use of any practice and these patterns are differentially associated with parent and adolescent PA. When planning PA interventions, a counseling or intervening approach with parents to use combinations of practices, like facilitation and modeling, to positively influence their adolescents’ and possibly their own participation in PA may prove more efficacious than parental pressuring or lack of practice use.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
The effect of contact areas on seepage behavior in 3D rough fractures under normal stress
Authors: Li Man , Liu Xianshan , Li Yu , Hou Zelin , Qiao Shihao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The investigation of fluid flow in fractured rocks is a key issue in underground engineering. Reservoir sandstones as a case study, three specimens with different roughness using the Brazilian splitting were scanned to get the geometric morphology and aperture distribution, and the fractal dimension was introduced to characterize the fracture roughness. The flow experiments through the rough fractures subjected to different normal stresses were conducted to analyze the influence of the fractal dimension and the contact ratio on the nonlinear flow behavior, proving that the Forchheimer equation could better describe the flow nonlinearity. A modified Bandis model based on the experiments was proposed to calculate the max normal displacement of fracture under different normal stresses. Besides, a new model to forecast the nonlinear coefficient B was developed depending on the fractal dimension and the contact ratio, and a semi-empirical equation was employed to describe the critical Reynolds number. The influence of contact on the seepage path is simulated by COMSOL.
Characterization of Commercial PLGAs by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Jing , Walker Jennifer , Beck-Broichsitter Moritz , Schwendeman Steve 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) is among the most common of biodegradable polymers studied in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering. To facilitate the understanding of the often overlooked PLGA microstructure on important factors affecting PLGA performance, we measured four key parameters of 17 commonly used commercial PLGA polymers (Resomer ®, Expansorb ®, Purasorb ®, Lactel ®, and Wako ® ) by NMR spectroscopy. 1 HNMR and 13 CNMR spectra were used to determine lactic to glycolic ratio (L/G ratio), polymer end-capping, glycolic blockiness ( Rc ), and average glycolic and lactic block lengths ( L G and L L ). In PLGAs with a labeled L/G ratio of 50/50 and acid end capping, the actual lactic content slightly decreased as molecular weight increased in both Resomer ® and Expansorb ®. Whether or not acid- or ester-, termination of these PLGAs was confirmed to be consistent with their brand labels. Moreover, in the ester end-capped 75/25 L/G ratio group, the blockiness value ( Rc ) of Resomer ® RG 756S ( Rc : 1.7) was highest in its group; whereas for the 50/50 acid end-capped group, Expansorb ® DLG 50-2A ( Rc : 1.9) displayed notably higher values than their counterparts. Resomer ® RG 502 ( L L : 2.6, L G : 2.5) and Expansorb ® DLG 50-2E ( L L : 2.5, L G : 2.6) showed the lowest block lengths, suggesting they may undergo a steadier hydrolytic process compared to random, heterogeneously distributed PLGA.
Biodegradation and detoxification of phenanthrene in in-vitro and in-vivo conditions by a newly isolated ligninolytic fungus Coriolopsis byrsina strain APC5 and characterization of their metabolites for environmental safety
Authors: Agrawal Nikki , Kumar Vineet , Shahi Sushil Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recalcitrant organic pollutants generated from agricultural, industrial, and municipal sources, and their strong toxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic properties pose a harmful threat to human beings. The present study delas with the bioremediation of phenanthrene by a ligninolytic fungus, Coriolopsis byrsina strain APC5, isolated from the fruiting body of decayed wood surface. During the experiment, Coriolopsis byrsina strain APC5 was found as a promising organisms for the degradation and detoxification of phenanthrene (PHE) in in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. HPLC analysis showed that the C. byrsina strain degraded 99.90% of 20 mg/L PHE in in-vitro condition wheras 77.48% degradation of 50 mg/L PHE was reported in in-vivo condition. The maximum degradation of PHE was noted at pH 6.0 at 25 ºC temperature under shaking flask conditions. Further GC-MS analysis of fungal treated samples showed detection of 9, 10-Dihydroxy phenanthrene, 2, 2-Diphenic acid, phthalic acid, 4-heptyloxy phenol, benzene octyl and acetic acid anhydride as a metabolic products of degraded PHE. Furthermore, the phytotoxicity evaluation of degraded PHE was observed through the seed germination method using Vigna radiata and Cicer arietinum seeds. The phytotoxicity results showed that the seed germination index and vegetative growth parameters of plants were increased in the degraded PHE soil. As a result, C. byrsina strain APC5 was found to be a potential organism for the degradation and detoxification of PHE without showing any adverse effect of their metabolites.
Adsorption performance and mechanisms of mercaptans removal from gasoline oil using core-shell AC-based adsorbents: Role of intra-particles space
Authors: Ndagijimana Pamphile , Liu Xuejiao , Li Zhiwei , Xing Zhenjiao , Pan Beibei , Yu Guangwei , Wang Yin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sulfur compound detection such as mercaptans in liquid fuels is undesirable because sulfur is the main sourcing emission of sulfur oxide (SOx) into the air. The use of activated carbon (AC) has proven to efficiently remove mercaptans. In the meantime, it is limited by the generation of the second pollution in oil, and the difficulties of recovery and regeneration. To address these issues, a core-shell structured AC with high mechanical strength and big intra-particles space were synthesized and demonstrated to efficiently remove organic pollutants from an aqueous solution without generation of the second pollution in our previous work. However, the performance, characteristics, and mechanism of mercaptans adsorption from gasoline oil by core-shell structured AC was still unclear. In this study, the mercaptans adsorption behaviors using core-shell powdered activated carbon (CSAC) and core-shell granulated activated carbon (CSGAC), along with raw PAC, PAC-core, raw GAC, and GAC-core were carried out. The results showed that both the CSAC and CSGAC adsorbents effectively removed sulfur-based pollutants and were provided with good recovery and recyclability without second pollution in gasoline oil. The CSGAC exhibited a higher mercaptans removal efficiency compared to those of CSAC as a result of the bigger intra-particles space. PAC-based adsorbents, presented the shrinking of removal efficiency after regeneration. The Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherms models were dominated for mercaptans adsorption by both CSAC and CSGAC. Furthermore, the interactions between mercaptans and the composites were probably ascribed to the Van der Waals force, hydrophobic compatibility, pore texture, and π-π dispersion interaction.
Preparation of novel imidazo[1,2-a]indole fluorophore and its application for detecting extreme pH of fungus
Authors: Xu Yanhao , Duan Ruikang , Liu Hao , Xia Chengcai , Duan Guiyun , ge yanqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A novel pH fluorescent probe imidazo[1,2-a]indole derivative is reported. The probe is highly selective to strong acidic pH (pKa = 3.56) with high sensitivity and a fast response time (within 30 s). It is hardly interfered by ordinary metal ions and has good reversibility under strong acid conditions. The probe transfers charge under different pH conditions, and the response mechanism depends on the change of ICT. It can also be used for imaging in strong acidic Saccharomyces cerevisiae and detection of intracellular H+ as well.
ADAM10- and presenilin 1/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT mitigates Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liu Siling , Zhang Zhongyu , Li Lianwei , Yao Li , Ma Zhanshan , Li Jiali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPTPRT (receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase T), as a brain-specific type 1 transmembrane protein, plays an important function in neurodevelopment and synapse formation. However, whether PTPRT-dependent signaling is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive. MethodsWe have begun to address these questions by investigation of the relationship between Ab and PTPRT-dependent signaling in both postmortem human AD brain tissues, APP/PS1 mice, and different cell lines using biochemical and histological methods. Using RNAseq we analyzed gene expression regulated by PTPRT intracellular domain (PICD). We further assessed the function of PICD in AD brain using neuropathology, electrophysiology and animal behavior testing after conduction on APP/PS1 mice with overexpressing PICD in the hippocampus. ResultsA significant downregulation in the levels of Ptprt mRNA and protein was found in both human AD and disease model mouse brains. PTPRT intracellular domain (PICD), which was released from ADAM10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT, efficiently translocated to the nucleus via a conserved nuclear localization signal. Inhibition of nuclear-localization of PICD via the mutation of its nuclear localization signal (NLS) leads to accumulation of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), which is a substrate of PTPRT and eventually resulted in neuronal cell death. RNA sequencing reveals that expression of the PICD alone can profoundly alter the expression of genes associated with synapse function and dephosphorylation et al. Overexpression of PICD alone not only significantly decreases the level of phosph-STAT3Y705 and Ab deposition in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, but also improves synaptic function and behavioral deficits in APP/PS1 mice. ConclusionsAltogether, these findings suggest that a novel role of the ADAM 10- and presenilin 1-/g-secretase-dependent cleavage of PTPRT in the events can mitigate neurodegeneration of AD and moderate Alzheimer’s pathogenesis.
Improvement of the corrosion behavior of AISI 304L stainless steel by deep rolling treatment under cryogenic cooling
Authors: Gharbi Khouloud , Moussa Naoufel Ben , Rhouma Amir Ben , Fredj Nabil Ben 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The effects of deep rolling parameters; particularly, work speed and cooling conditions (dry and cryogenic) on the surface integrity of AISI 304L machined samples and their further impact on uniform and localized corrosion behavior in chloride environment were experimentally investigated in this work. The electrochemical behavior of machined and deep rolled samples was assessed using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests in synthetic seawater. Findings of this study exhibit that grain refinement generated in the surface layers leads to improved corrosion behavior of deep rolled specimens with regard to machining state. In addition, machined samples deep rolled at a speed of 25 m/min, without cooling, showed better corrosion resistance than those processed under cryogenic cooling. However, the application of cryogenic deep rolling at speeds of 75 m/min and 120 m/min significantly enhanced the electrochemical behavior of mechanically treated specimens. It was found that the corrosion behavior of AISI 304L deep rolled components is related to combined factors (surface roughness, strain-induced martensite, microhardness, residual stress). Despite of high amounts of strain-induced martensite that can deteriorate the electrochemical behavior, it was shown that deep rolled specimens under cryogenic cooling with low surface roughness depict better uniform and localized corrosion resistances.