bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solvent-free microwave synthesis of ultra-small Ru-Mo2C@CNT with strong metal-support interaction for industrial hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wu Xueke , Wang Zuochao , Zhang Dan , Qin Yingnan , Wang Minghui , Han Yi , Zhan Tianrong , Yang Bo , Li Shaoxiang , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractExploring a simple, fast, solvent-free synthetic method for large-scale preparation of cheap, highly active electrocatalysts for industrial hydrogen evolution reaction is one of the most promising work today. In this work, a simple, fast and solvent-free microwave pyrolysis method is used to synthesize ultra-small (3.5 nm) Ru-Mo2C@CNT catalyst with heterogeneous structure and strong metal-support interaction in one step. The Ru-Mo2C@CNT catalyst only exhibits an overpotential of 15 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and exhibits a large turnover frequency value up to 21.9 s−1 under an overpotential of 100 mV in 1.0 M KOH. In addition, this catalyst can reach high current densities of 500 mA cm−2 and 1000 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials of 56 mV and 78 mV respectively, and it displays high stability of 1000 h. This work provides a feasible way for the reasonable design of other large-scale production catalysts.
Synchronization of gene expression across eukaryotic communities through chemical rhythms
Authors: Pérez-García Sara , García-Navarrete Mario , Ruiz-Sanchis Diego , Prieto-Navarro Cristina , Avdovic Merisa , Pucciariello Ornella , Wabnik Krzysztof 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe synchronization is a recurring phenomenon in neuroscience, ecology, human sciences, and biology. However, controlling synchronization in complex eukaryotic consortia on extended spatial-temporal scales remains a major challenge. Here, to address this issue we construct a minimal synthetic system that directly converts chemical signals into a coherent gene expression synchronized among eukaryotic communities through rate-dependent hysteresis. Guided by chemical rhythms, isolated colonies of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae oscillate in near-perfect synchrony despite the absence of intercellular coupling or intrinsic oscillations. Increased speed of chemical rhythms and incorporation of feedback in the system architecture can tune synchronization and precision of the cell responses in a growing cell collectives. This synchronization mechanism remain robust under stress in the two-strain consortia composed of toxin-sensitive and toxin-producing strains. The sensitive cells can maintain the spatial-temporal synchronization for extended periods under the rhythmic toxin dosages produced by killer cells. Our study provides a simple molecular framework for generating global coordination of eukaryotic gene expression through dynamic environment.
Rhythm, reading, and sound processing in the brain in preschool children
Authors: Bonacina Silvia , Huang Stephanie , White-Schwoch Travis , Krizman Jennifer , Nicol Trent , Kraus Nina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA child’s success in school relies on their ability to quickly grasp language and reading skills, the foundations of which are acquired even before entering a formal classroom setting. Previous studies in preschoolers have begun to establish relationships linking beat synchronization, preliteracy skills, and auditory processing. Beat synchronization involves the integration of sensorimotor systems with auditory and cognitive circuits and, therefore calls on many of the same neural networks as language. Using a drumming task, we analyzed the relationship between children’s ability to maintain an isochronous beat with preliteracy skills and frequency following responses (FFRs) in over 150 preschoolers. We show that preschoolers who performed well on the beat synchronization task outscored their peers on all preliteracy measures and had more robust FFRs. Furthermore, the good synchronizers experienced less degradation of certain FFR measures when listening in noise. Together, our results are consistent with the view that rhythm, preliteracy, and auditory processing are interconnected during early childhood.
Curating and comparing 114 strain-specific genome-scale metabolic models of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Renz Alina , Dräger Andreas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a high-priority pathogen causing severe infections with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many S. aureus strains are methicillin-resistant (MRSA) or even multi-drug resistant. It is one of the most successful and prominent modern pathogens. An effective fight against S. aureus infections requires novel targets for antimicrobial and antistaphylococcal therapies. Recent advances in whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput techniques facilitate the generation of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs). Among the multiple applications of GEMs is drug-targeting in pathogens. Hence, comprehensive and predictive metabolic reconstructions of S. aureus could facilitate the identification of novel targets for antimicrobial therapies. This review aims at giving an overview of all available GEMs of multiple S. aureus strains. We downloaded all 114 available GEMs of S. aureus for further analysis. The scope of each model was evaluated, including the number of reactions, metabolites, and genes. Furthermore, all models were quality-controlled using MEMOTE, an open-source application with standardized metabolic tests. Growth capabilities and model similarities were examined. This review should lead as a guide for choosing the appropriate GEM for a given research question. With the information about the availability, the format, and the strengths and potentials of each model, one can either choose an existing model or combine several models to create models with even higher predictive values. This facilitates model-driven discoveries of novel antimicrobial targets to fight multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains.
Triton, a new species-level database of Cenozoic planktonic foraminiferal occurrences
Authors: Fenton Isabel S. , Woodhouse Adam , Aze Tracy , Lazarus David , Renaudie Johan , Dunhill Alexander M. , Young Jeremy R. , Saupe Erin E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPlanktonic foraminifera are a major constituent of ocean floor sediments, and thus have one of the most complete fossil records of any organism. Expeditions to sample these sediments have produced large amounts of spatiotemporal occurrence records throughout the Cenozoic, but no single source exists to house these data. We have therefore created a comprehensive dataset that integrates numerous sources for spatiotemporal records of planktonic foraminifera. This new dataset, Triton, contains >500,000 records and is four times larger than the previous largest database, Neptune. To ensure comparability among data sources, we have cleaned all records using a unified set of taxonomic concepts and have converted age data to the GTS 2020 timescale. Where ages were not absolute (e.g. based on biostratigraphic or magnetostratigraphic zones), we have used generalised additive models to produce continuous estimates. This dataset is an excellent resource for macroecological and macroevolutionary studies, particularly for investigating how species responded to past climatic changes.
Stereoselective synthesis of a 4-⍺-glucoside of valienamine and its X-ray structure in complex with Streptomyces coelicolor GlgE1-V279S
Authors: Si Anshupriya , Jayasinghe Thilina D. , Thanvi Radhika , Kapil Sunayana , Ronning Donald R. , Sucheck Steven J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGlycoside hydrolases (GH) are a large family of hydrolytic enzymes found in all domains of life. As such, they control a plethora of normal and pathogenic biological functions. Thus, understanding selective inhibition of GH enzymes at the atomic level can lead to the identification of new classes of therapeutics. In these studies, we identified a 4-⍺-glucoside of valienamine (8) as an inhibitor of Streptomyces coelicolor (Sco) GlgE1-V279S which belongs to the GH13 Carbohydrate Active EnZyme family. The results obtained from the dose–response experiments show that 8 at a concentration of 1000 µM reduced the enzyme activity of Sco GlgE1-V279S by 65%. The synthetic route to 8 and a closely related 4-⍺-glucoside of validamine (7) was achieved starting from readily available D-maltose. A key step in the synthesis was a chelation-controlled addition of vinylmagnesium bromide to a maltose-derived enone intermediate. X-ray structures of both 7 and 8 in complex with Sco GlgE1-V279S were solved to resolutions of 1.75 and 1.83 Å, respectively. Structural analysis revealed the valienamine derivative 8 binds the enzyme in an E2 conformation for the cyclohexene fragment. Also, the cyclohexene fragment shows a new hydrogen-bonding contact from the pseudo-diaxial C(3)–OH to the catalytic nucleophile Asp 394 at the enzyme active site. Asp 394, in fact, forms a bidentate interaction with both the C(3)–OH and C(7)-OH of the inhibitor. In contrast, compound 7 disrupts the catalytic sidechain interaction network of Sco GlgE1-V279S via steric interactions resulting in a conformation change in Asp 394. These findings will have implications for the design other aminocarbasugar-based GH13-inhibitors and will be useful for identifying more potent and selective inhibitors.
Accelerated burn wound healing with photobiomodulation therapy involves activation of endogenous latent TGF-β1
Authors: Khan Imran , Rahman Saeed Ur , Tang Elieza , Engel Karl , Hall Bradford , Kulkarni Ashok B. , Arany Praveen R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe severity of tissue injury in burn wounds from associated inflammatory and immune sequelae presents a significant clinical management challenge. Among various biophysical wound management approaches, low dose biophotonics treatments, termed Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, has gained recent attention. One of the PBM molecular mechanisms of PBM treatments involves photoactivation of latent TGF-β1 that is capable of promoting tissue healing and regeneration. This work examined the efficacy of PBM treatments in a full-thickness burn wound healing in C57BL/6 mice. We first optimized the PBM protocol by monitoring tissue surface temperature and histology. We noted this dynamic irradiance surface temperature-monitored PBM protocol improved burn wound healing in mice with elevated TGF-β signaling (phospho-Smad2) and reduced inflammation-associated gene expression. Next, we investigated the roles of individual cell types involved in burn wound healing following PBM treatments and noted discrete effects on epithelieum, fibroblasts, and macrophage functions. These responses appear to be mediated via both TGF-β dependent and independent signaling pathways. Finally, to investigate specific contributions of TGF-β1 signaling in these PBM-burn wound healing, we utilized a chimeric TGF-β1/β3 knock-in (TGF-β1Lβ3/Lβ3) mice. PBM treatments failed to activate the chimeric TGF-β1Lβ3/Lβ3 complex and failed to improve burn wound healing in these mice. These results suggest activation of endogenous latent TGF-β1 following PBM treatments plays a key role in burn wound healing. These mechanistic insights can improve the safety and efficacy of clinical translation of PBM treatments for tissue healing and regeneration.
A rapid near-patient detection system for SARS-CoV-2 using saliva
Authors: Toppings Noah B. , Mohon Abu Naser , Lee Yoonjung , Kumar Hitendra , Lee Daniel , Kapoor Ratik , Singh Gurmukh , Oberding Lisa , Abdullah Omar , Kim Keekyoung , Berenger Byron M. , Pillai Dylan R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the use of widespread testing to control the spread of the virus. Presently, the standard molecular testing method (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) is restricted to the laboratory, time-consuming, and costly. This increases the turnaround time for getting test results. This study sought to develop a rapid, near-patient saliva-based test for COVID-19 (Saliva-Dry LAMP) with similar accuracy to that of standard RT-PCR tests. A lyophilized dual-target reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test with fluorometric detection by the naked eye was developed. The assay relies on dry reagents that are room temperature stable. A device containing a centrifuge, heat block, and blue LED light system was manufactured to reduce the cost of performing the assay. This test has a limit of detection of 1 copy/µL and achieved a positive percent agreement of 100% [95% CI 88.43% to 100.0%] and a negative percent agreement of 96.7% [95% CI 82.78–99.92%] relative to a reference standard test. Saliva-Dry LAMP can be completed in 105 min. Precision, cross-reactivity, and interfering substances analysis met international regulatory standards. The combination of ease of sample collection, dry reagents, visual detection, low capital equipment cost, and excellent analytical sensitivity make Saliva-Dry LAMP particularly useful for resource-limited settings.
Ultrasonic microbubble VEGF gene delivery improves angiogenesis of senescent endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Lee Yi-Nan , Wu Yih-Jer , Lee Hsin-I. , Wang Hsueh-Hsiao , Chang Chiung-Yin , Tien Ting-Yi , Lin Chao-Feng , Su Cheng-Huang , Yeh Hung-I. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe therapeutic effects of ultrasonic microbubble transfection (UMT)-based vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) gene delivery on young and senescent endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were investigated. By UMT, plasmid DNA (pDNA) can be delivered into both young EPCs and senescent EPCs. In the UMT groups, higher pDNA-derived protein expression was found in senescent EPCs than in young EPCs. Consistent with this finding, a higher intracellular level of pDNA copy number was detected in senescent EPCs, with a peak at the 2-h time point post UMT. Ultrasonic microbubble delivery with or without VEGF improved the angiogenic properties, including the proliferation and/or migration activities, of senescent EPCs. Supernatants from young and senescent EPCs subjected to UMT-mediated VEGF transfection enhanced the proliferation and migration of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and the supernatant of senescent EPCs enhanced proliferation more strongly than the supernatant from young EPCs. In the UMT groups, the stronger enhancing effect of the supernatant from senescent cells on HAEC proliferation was consistent with the higher intracellular VEGF pDNA copy number and level of protein production per cell in the supernatant from senescent cells in comparison to the supernatant from young EPCs. Given that limitations for cell therapies are the inadequate number of transplanted cells and/or insufficient cell angiogenesis, these findings provide a foundation for enhancing the therapeutic angiogenic effect of cell therapy with senescent EPCs in ischaemic cardiovascular diseases.
The use of air-lift adsorber with a floating filling from a cross-linked chitosan hydrogels for Reactive Black 5 removal
Authors: Jóźwiak Tomasz , Filipkowska Urszula 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work substantially extends knowledge on the possibilities of treating colored industrial wastewater via sorption under flow conditions. The presented study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye sorption from aqueous solutions under dynamic (flow) conditions in an unconventional air-lift type loop reactor with a filling made of hydrogel chitosan sorbents. The dye was removed from mono-component solutions (deionized water + RB5) and synthetic dyeing wastewater containing RB5 dye, NaCl (3 g/L), and an anti-creasing agent—UNICREASE JET (2 g/L). The sorbents tested in the study included: unmodified chitosan (CHs), chitosan ionically cross-linked with sodium citrate (CHs-CIT), and chitosan covalently cross-linked with epichlorohydrin (CHs-ECH). Each experimental series aimed to determine: the bed break-through time (CE = 0.1 C0), time of depletion of the sorbent’s sorption properties (CE = C0), and maximal sorption capacity of the sorbents (Qmax). The data obtained under dynamic conditions were described using Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Bohart–Adams models. The volume of the solution effectively treated in the air-lift reactor was significantly affected by chitosan sorbent type. At C0 = 50 mg RB5/L, the adsorber with the filling made of 1 g d.m. CHs allowed for the effective treatment of 4.6 L of synthetic wastewater (Qmax = 1504.7 mg/g), whereas CHs-ECH ensured 34.6 L of the treated solution (Qmax = 3212.9 mg/g).
Antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L. seeds on the testis of monosodium glutamate challenged rats
Authors: Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Abd El-Rahman Mokhless A. M. , Khalil Nasser S. Abou , Amer Ayman S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely spread food additives that might cause male infertility. However,NigellasativaL. seeds (NSS) could provide a solution. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of NSS on rats ingesting MSG. To achieve this aim, adult male albino rats were randomly equally assigned into three groups for 21 days: control group received no treatment, MSG group received MSG as 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group received MSG as 30 g/kg and NSS as 30 g/kg feed. Testis histomorphometry showed marked deterioration by MSG as atrophic seminiferous tubules with degeneration of their lining cells, damaged Leydig cells and decreased germ cells number. Periodic Acid Schiff stain indicated irregular interrupted basement membranes. Glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and caspase-3 immuno-expressions increased in testicular cells. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in MSG challenged rats along with significant increase in luteinizing hormone levels, whereas NSS normalized this hormonal profile. MSG exposure also caused significantly increased lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione-S-transferase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) whereas nitric oxide and SOD2 were significantly decreased. NSS succeeded in rebalance LPO and TAC and ameliorated the histoarchitectural disturbances. NSS mitigated MSG-induced testicular impairment by its antioxidant and cytoprotective activities.
Pentraxin 3 is a stromally-derived biomarker for detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Goulart Michelle R. , Watt Jennifer , Siddiqui Imran , Lawlor Rita T. , Imrali Ahmet , Hughes Christine , Saad Amina , ChinAleong Joanne , Hurt Chris , Cox Catrin , Salvia Roberto , Mantovani Alberto , Crnogorac-Jurcevic Tatjana , Mukherjee Somnath , Scarpa Aldo , Allavena Paola , Kocher Hemant M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), characterized by dense desmoplastic stroma laid down by pancreatic stellate cells (PSC), has no reliable diagnostic biomarkers for timely detection. A multi-center cohort of PDAC patients and controls (chronic pancreatitis, intra-ductal papillary neoplasms, gallstones and otherwise healthy) donated serum in an ethically approved manner. Serum PTX3 above 4.34 ng/mL has a higher sensitivity (86%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 65–97%) and specificity (86%, 95% CI: 79–91%), positive predictive value (97%) and likelihood ratio (6.05), and is superior when compared to serum CA19-9 and CEA for detection of PDAC. In vitro and ex vivo analyses of PTX3, in human PDAC samples, PSCs, cell lines and transgenic mouse model for PDAC, suggest that PTX3 originates from stromal cells, mainly PSC. In activated PSC, PTX3 secretion could be downregulated by rendering PSC quiescent using all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). PTX3 organizes hyaluronan in conjunction with tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6) and facilitates stellate and cancer cell invasion. In SCALOP clinical trial (ISRCTN96169987) testing chemo-radiotherapy without stromal targeting, PTX3 had no prognostic or predictive role. However, in STARPAC clinical trial (NCT03307148), stromal modulation by ATRA even at first dose is accompanied with serum PTX3 response in patients who later go on to demonstrate disease control but not those in whom the disease progresses. PTX3 is a putative stromally-derived biomarker for PDAC which warrants further testing in prospective, larger, multi-center cohorts and within clinical trials targeting stroma.
Weakening of resistance force by cell–ECM interactions regulate cell migration directionality and pattern formation
Authors: Hagiwara Masaya , Maruyama Hisataka , Akiyama Masakazu , Koh Isabel , Arai Fumihito 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCollective migration of epithelial cells is a fundamental process in multicellular pattern formation. As they expand their territory, cells are exposed to various physical forces generated by cell–cell interactions and the surrounding microenvironment. While the physical stress applied by neighbouring cells has been well studied, little is known about how the niches that surround cells are spatio-temporally remodelled to regulate collective cell migration and pattern formation. Here, we analysed how the spatio-temporally remodelled extracellular matrix (ECM) alters the resistance force exerted on cells so that the cells can expand their territory. Multiple microfabrication techniques, optical tweezers, as well as mathematical models were employed to prove the simultaneous construction and breakage of ECM during cellular movement, and to show that this modification of the surrounding environment can guide cellular movement. Furthermore, by artificially remodelling the microenvironment, we showed that the directionality of collective cell migration, as well as the three-dimensional branch pattern formation of lung epithelial cells, can be controlled. Our results thus confirm that active remodelling of cellular microenvironment modulates the physical forces exerted on cells by the ECM, which contributes to the directionality of collective cell migration and consequently, pattern formation.
Advancing equitable health and well-being across urban–rural sustainable infrastructure systems
Authors: Pearsall Hamil , Gutierrez-Velez Victor Hugo , Gilbert Melissa R. , Hoque Simi , Eakin Hallie , Brondizio Eduardo S. , Solecki William , Toran Laura , Baka Jennifer E. , Behm Jocelyn E. , Brelsford Christa , Hinrichs Clare , Henry Kevin A. , Mennis Jeremy , Roman Lara A. , Rosan Christina , South Eugenia C. , Valletta Rachel D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInfrastructure systems have direct implications for how health and well-being evolve across urban–rural systems. Scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers use domain-specific methods and tools to characterize sectors of infrastructure, but these approaches do not capture the cascading effects across interrelated infrastructure and governance domains. We argue that the development and management of sustainable urban infrastructure must focus on interactions across urban and rural places to advance equitable health and well-being. We call for a research agenda that focuses on urban–rural infrastructure systems, addressing trade-offs and synergies, decision-making, institutional arrangements, and effective co-production of knowledge across the diverse places connected by infrastructure.