bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of magnesium reduction on the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Zhang Yue , Liu Fang , Li Qingkui 
Published: July 2021

AbstractConsidering the problem of high oxygen content in industrial niobium powder, the oxygen reduction of high oxygen niobium powder with the addition of magnesium is studied. Based on the thermodynamic analysis of magnesium thermal reduction of niobium powder, the effects of reduction temperature, magnesium addition, reduction time, and reduction atmosphere on the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder are studied. The results show that with an increase in the magnesium addition, the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder gradually decreases to a certain value, and then remains unchanged. In a certain temperature range (953–1203 K), with an increase in the reduction temperature, the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder first decreases, and then increases; the best oxygen content is 356 ppm at 1133 K. With the extension in reduction time (2–6 h), the oxygen content of pickling niobium powder first decreases, and then remains unchanged. Finally, the oxygen content of pickled niobium powder is reduced to approximately 356 ppm at 400% magnesium addition at 1133 K for 4 h.
Understanding the thermodynamic properties of insect swarms
Authors: Reynolds Andy M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSinhuber et al. (Sci Rep 11:3773, 2021) formulated an equation of state for laboratory swarms of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius that holds true when the swarms are driven through thermodynamic cycles by the application external perturbations. The findings are significant because they demonstrate the surprising efficacy of classical equilibrium thermodynamics for quantitatively characterizing and predicting collective behaviour in biology. Nonetheless, the equation of state obtained by Sinhuber et al. (2021) is anomalous, lacking a physical analogue, making its’ interpretation problematic. Moreover, the dynamical processes underlying the thermodynamic cycling were not identified. Here I show that insect swarms are equally well represented as van der Waals gases and I attribute the possibility of thermodynamic cycling to insect swarms consisting of several overlapping sublayers. This brings about a profound change in the understanding of laboratory swarms which until now have been regarded as consisting of non-interacting individuals and lacking any internal structure. I show how the effective interactions can be attributed to the swarms’ internal structure, the external perturbations and to the presence of intrinsic noise. I thereby show that intrinsic noise which is known to be crucial for the emergence of the macroscopic mechanical properties of insect swarms is also crucial for the emergence of their thermodynamic properties as encapsulated by their equation of state.
Marker based enrichment of provitamin A content in two tropical maize synthetics
Authors: Kebede Dejene , Mengesha Wende , Menkir Abebe , Abe Ayodeji , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luisa , Gedil Melaku 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMost of the maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in developing countries have low content of micronutrients including vitamin A. As a result, people who are largely dependent on cereal-based diets suffer from health challenges due to micronutrient deficiencies. Marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS), which increases the frequency of favorable alleles with advances in selection cycle, could be used to enhance the provitamin A (PVA) content of maize. This study was carried out to determine changes in levels of PVA carotenoids and genetic diversity in two maize synthetics that were subjected to two cycles of MARS. The two populations, known as HGA and HGB, and their advanced selection cycles (C1 and C2) were evaluated at Ibadan in Nigeria. Selection increased the concentrations of β-carotene, PVA and total carotenoids across cycles in HGA, while in HGB only α-carotene increased with advances in selection cycle. β-cryptoxanthine increased at C1 but decreased at C2 in HGB. The levels of β-carotene, PVA, and total carotenoids increased by 40%, 30% and 36% respectively, in HGA after two cycles of selection. α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthine content improved by 20% and 5%, respectively after two cycles of selection in HGB. MARS caused changes in genetic diversity over selection cycles. Number of effective alleles and observed heterozygosity decreased with selection cycles, while expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2 in HGA. In HGB, number of effective alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2. In both populations, fixation index increased after two cycle of selections. The greatest part of the genetic variability resides within the population accounting for 86% of the total genetic variance. In general, MARS effectively improved PVA carotenoid content. However, genetic diversity in the two synthetics declined after two cycles of selection.
Comparative assessment of NOIR-SS and ddPCR for ctDNA detection of EGFR L858R mutations in advanced L858R-positive lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Akahori Daisuke , Inoue Yusuke , Inui Naoki , Karayama Masato , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGenotyping epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an essential process to indicate lung adenocarcinoma patients for the most appropriate treatment. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) potentially complements the use of tumor tissue biopsy for identifying genotype-specific mutations in cancer cells. We assessed the performance of a high-fidelity sequencing method that uses molecular barcodes called the nonoverlapping integrated read sequencing system (NOIR-SS) for detecting EGFR L858R-mutated alleles in 33 advanced or recurrent patients with L858R mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma revealed by matched tissue biopsy. We compared NOIR-SS with site-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), which was taken as the reference, in terms of sensitivity and ability to quantify L858R variant allele fractions (VAFs). NOIR-SS and ddPCR had sensitivities of 87.9% (29/33) and 78.8% (26/33) for detecting L858R alleles, respectively. The VAFs measured by each assay were strongly correlated. Notably, one specimen was positive with a VAF of 30.12% for NOIR-SS but marginally positive with that of 0.05% for ddPCR because of a previously poorly recognized mechanism: two-base substitution-induced L858R (c.2573_2574delinsGA). These results indicate that NOIR-SS is a useful method for detecting ctDNA, potentially overcoming a limitation of ddPCR which highly depends on the binding ability of primers to specific targeting sequences.
Distinctive detection of insulinoma using [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT
Authors: Murakami Takaaki , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Hamamatsu Keita , Yamauchi Yuki , Kodama Yuzo , Fujita Naotaka , Fujikura Junji , Shimizu Yoichi , Nakamoto Yuji , Kimura Hiroyuki , Saji Hideo , Inagaki Nobuya 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSpecifying the exact localization of insulinoma remains challenging due to the lack of insulinoma-specific imaging methods. Recently, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)-targeted imaging, especially positron emission tomography (PET), has emerged. Although various radiolabeled GLP-1R agonist exendin-4-based probes with chemical modifications for PET imaging have been investigated, an optimal candidate probe and its scanning protocol remain a necessity. Thus, we investigated the utility of a novel exendin-4-based probe conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET imaging for insulinoma detection. We utilized [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT to visualize mouse tumor models, which were generated using rat insulinoma cell xenografts. The probe demonstrated high uptake value on the tumor as 37.1 ± 0.4%ID/g, with rapid kidney clearance. Additionally, we used Pdx1-Cre;Trp53R172H;Rbf/f mice, which developed endogenous insulinoma and glucagonoma, since they enabled differential imaging evaluation of our probe in functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. In this model, our [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 PET/CT yielded favorable sensitivity and specificity for insulinoma detection. Sensitivity: 30-min post-injection 66.7%, 60-min post-injection 83.3%, combined 100% and specificity: 30-min post-injection 100%, 60-min post-injection 100%, combined 100%, which was corroborated by the results of in vitro time-based analysis of internalized probe accumulation. Accordingly, [18F]FB(ePEG12)12-exendin-4 is a promising PET imaging probe for visualizing insulinoma.
Diagnostic potential of serum extracellular vesicles expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen in urologic malignancies
Authors: Kawakami Kyojiro , Fujita Yasunori , Kato Taku , Horie Kengo , Koie Takuya , Umezawa Keitaro , Tsumoto Hiroki , Miura Yuri , Katagiri Yasuo , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Ohsawa Ikuroh , Mizutani Kosuke , Ito Masafumi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe aimed to develop a sandwich ELISA to detect prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on small extracellular vesicles (EVs) using T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing protein 4 (Tim4) as a capture molecule for EVs and to evaluate its diagnostic potential in urologic malignancies. First, we optimized the conditions for sandwich ELISA measuring the PSMA level on EVs captured from serum by Tim4 and found that the use of highly-purified EVs released from Tim4 that had captured EVs in serum reduced the background. Second, we confirmed its validity by studying mouse xenograft model for prostate cancer (PC). Lastly, we measured PSMA-EVs in serum of patients with urologic malignancies. The PSMA-EV levels were significantly higher in metastatic PC and castration-resistant PC (CRPC) patients than in therapy-naïve PC patients. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, PSMA-EVs were elevated in those with metastasis compared with those without metastasis, which may reflect the development of the neovasculature positive for PSMA in tumors. In conclusion, we developed a sandwich ELISA for detection of PSMA-EVs using highly-purified EVs isolated from serum by Tim4. Our results suggest that PSMA-EVs may be useful to diagnose and monitor not only PC but also RCC and possibly other hypervascular solid tumors.
Photocatalytic activity of twist-angle stacked 2D TaS2
Authors: Kovalska Evgeniya , Roy Pradip Kumar , Antonatos Nikolas , Mazanek Vlastimil , Vesely Martin , Wu Bing , Sofer Zdenek 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe low-cost, efficient photoelectrosensitive electrodes as an alternative to expensive and complex rigid systems are yet in demand for advanced photoresponsive technology. Here, the light-induced efficiency of electrochemically exfoliated TaS2 nanosheets for hydrogen generation catalysis and photodetectors was demonstrated. Mutual twisting of the exfoliated 2H-TaS2 flakes leads to the redistribution of charge density induced by interlayer interaction of the individual nanosheets. External light irradiation on the TaS2 surface influences its conductivity making the material feasible for photoelectrocatalysis and photodetection. The TaS2-based photoelectrocatalyst demonstrates high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity with the onset overpotential below 575 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The TaS2-integrated photodetector in the acidic medium represents its broadband response with the highest photoresponsivity (0.62 mA W−1) toward 420 nm light illumination. This finding will pave the way to a new realization of exfoliated twist-angle stacked TaS2 for photo-induced electrochemistry and sensing.
Mobile health strategies for blood pressure self-management in urban populations with digital barriers: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Olazo Kristan , Rivadeneira Natalie A. , Thatipelli Sneha , Barr-Walker Jill , Fontil Valy , Lyles Courtney R. , Sarkar Urmimala 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMobile health (mHealth) technologies improve hypertension outcomes, but it is unknown if this benefit applies to all populations. This review aimed to describe the impact of mHealth interventions on blood pressure outcomes in populations with disparities in digital health use. We conducted a systematic search to identify studies with systolic blood pressure (SBP) outcomes located in urban settings in high-income countries that included a digital health disparity population, defined as mean age ≥65 years; lower educational attainment (≥60% ≤high school education); and/or racial/ethnic minority (<50% non-Hispanic White for US studies). Interventions were categorized using an established self-management taxonomy. We conducted a narrative synthesis; among randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a six-month SBP outcome, we conducted random-effects meta-analyses. Twenty-nine articles (representing 25 studies) were included, of which 15 were RCTs. Fifteen studies used text messaging; twelve used mobile applications. Studies were included based on race/ethnicity (14), education (10), and/or age (6). Common intervention components were: lifestyle advice (20); provision of self-monitoring equipment (17); and training on digital device use (15). In the meta-analyses of seven RCTs, SBP reduction at 6-months in the intervention group (mean SBP difference = −4.10, 95% CI: [−6.38, −1.83]) was significant, but there was no significant difference in SBP change between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.48). The use of mHealth tools has shown promise for chronic disease management but few studies have included older, limited educational attainment, or minority populations. Additional robust studies with these populations are needed to determine what interventions work best for diverse hypertensive patients.
Development of a mechanistic model to predict synthetic biotic activity in healthy volunteers and patients with phenylketonuria
Authors: Charbonneau Mark R. , Denney William S. , Horvath Nicholas G. , Cantarella Pasquale , Castillo Mary J. , Puurunen Marja K. , Brennan Aoife M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe development of therapeutics depends on predictions of clinical activity from pre-clinical data. We have previously described SYNB1618, an engineered bacterial therapeutic (synthetic biotic) for the treatment of Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disease that leads to accumulation of plasma phenylalanine (Phe) and severe neurological complications. SYNB1618 consumes Phe in preclinical models, healthy human volunteers, and PKU patients. However, it remains unclear to what extent Phe consumption by SYNB1618 in the gastrointestinal tract lowers plasma Phe levels in PKU patients. Here, we construct a mechanistic model that predicts SYNB1618 function in non-human primates and healthy subjects by combining in vitro simulations and prior knowledge of human physiology. In addition, we extend a model of plasma Phe kinetics in PKU patients, in order to estimate plasma Phe lowering by SYNB1618. This approach provides a framework that can be used more broadly to define the therapeutic potential of synthetic biotics.
New and sex-specific migraine susceptibility loci identified from a multiethnic genome-wide meta-analysis
Authors: Choquet Hélène , Yin Jie , Jacobson Alice S. , Horton Brandon H. , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Jorgenson Eric , Avins Andrew L. , Pressman Alice R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMigraine is a common disabling primary headache disorder that is ranked as the most common neurological cause of disability worldwide. Women present with migraine much more frequently than men, but the reasons for this difference are unknown. Migraine heritability is estimated to up to 57%, yet much of the genetic risk remains unaccounted for, especially in non-European ancestry populations. To elucidate the etiology of this common disorder, we conduct a multiethnic genome-wide association meta-analysis of migraine, combining results from the GERA and UK Biobank cohorts, followed by a European-ancestry meta-analysis using public summary statistics. We report 79 loci associated with migraine, of which 45 were novel. Sex-stratified analyses identify three additional novel loci (CPS1, PBRM1, and SLC25A21) specific to women. This large multiethnic migraine study provides important information that may substantially improve our understanding of the etiology of migraine susceptibility.
The methylome of the model arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, shares characteristics with early diverging fungi and Dikarya
Authors: Chaturvedi Anurag , Cruz Corella Joaquim , Robbins Chanz , Loha Anita , Menin Laure , Gasilova Natalia , Masclaux Frédéric G. , Lee Soon-Jae , Sanders Ian R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEarly-diverging fungi (EDF) are distinct from Dikarya and other eukaryotes, exhibiting high N6-methyldeoxyadenine (6mA) contents, rather than 5-methylcytosine (5mC). As plants transitioned to land the EDF sub-phylum, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Glomeromycotina) evolved a symbiotic lifestyle with 80% of plant species worldwide. Here we show that these fungi exhibit 5mC and 6mA methylation characteristics that jointly set them apart from other fungi. The model AMF, R. irregularis, evolved very high levels of 5mC and greatly reduced levels of 6mA. However, unlike the Dikarya, 6mA in AMF occurs at symmetrical ApT motifs in genes and is associated with their transcription. 6mA is heterogeneously distributed among nuclei in these coenocytic fungi suggesting functional differences among nuclei. While far fewer genes are regulated by 6mA in the AMF genome than in EDF, most strikingly, 6mA methylation has been specifically retained in genes implicated in components of phosphate regulation; the quintessential hallmark defining this globally important symbiosis.
14-3-3-protein regulates Nedd4-2 by modulating interactions between HECT and WW domains
Authors: Pohl Pavel , Joshi Rohit , Petrvalska Olivia , Obsil Tomas , Obsilova Veronika 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNeural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 4 ligase (Nedd4-2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets proteins for ubiquitination and endocytosis, thereby regulating numerous ion channels, membrane receptors and tumor suppressors. Nedd4-2 activity is regulated by autoinhibition, calcium binding, oxidative stress, substrate binding, phosphorylation and 14-3-3 protein binding. However, the structural basis of 14-3-3-mediated Nedd4-2 regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we combined several techniques of integrative structural biology to characterize Nedd4-2 and its complex with 14-3-3. We demonstrate that phosphorylated Ser342 and Ser448 are the key residues that facilitate 14-3-3 protein binding to Nedd4-2 and that 14-3-3 protein binding induces a structural rearrangement of Nedd4-2 by inhibiting interactions between its structured domains. Overall, our findings provide the structural glimpse into the 14-3-3-mediated Nedd4-2 regulation and highlight the potential of the Nedd4-2:14-3-3 complex as a pharmacological target for Nedd4-2-associated diseases such as hypertension, epilepsy, kidney disease and cancer.
Long-lived and multiplexed atom-photon entanglement interface with feed-forward-controlled readouts
Authors: Wang Sheng-zhi , Wang Min-jie , Wen Ya-fei , Xu Zhong-xiao , Ma Teng-fei , Li Shu-jing , Wang Hai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuantum interfaces (QIs) that generate entanglement between photonic and spin-wave (atomic memory) qubits are basic building block for quantum repeaters. Realizing ensemble-based repeaters in practice requires quantum memory providing long lifetimes and multimode capacity. Significant progress has been achieved on these separate goals. The remaining challenge is to combine the two attributes into a single QI. Here, by establishing spatial multimode, magnetic-field-insensitive and long-wavelength spin-wave storage in laser-cooled atoms inside a phase-passively-stabilized polarization interferometer, we constructed a multiplexed QI that stores up to three long-lived spin-wave qubits. Using a feed-forward-controlled system, we demonstrated that a multiplexed QI gives rise to a 3-fold increase in the atom–photon (photon–photon) entanglement-generation probability compared with single-mode QIs. For our multiplexed QI, the measured Bell parameter is 2.51±0.01 combined with a memory lifetime of up to 1 ms. This work represents a key step forward in realizing fiber-based long-distance quantum communications.
Nonvolatile magnetoelectric coupling in two-dimensional ferromagnetic-bilayer/ferroelectric van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Sun Wei , Li Hang , Bai Ying , Ren Fengzhu , You Caiyin , Cheng Zhenxiang 
Published: July 2021

The weak interlayer exchange coupling introduced by CrOBr bilayer makes it easier to be regulated by ferroelectric polarization in CrOBr-bilayer/In2Se3 heterostructure.
Function of cofactor Akirin2 in the regulation of gene expression in model human Caucasian neutrophil-like HL60 cells
Authors: Artigas-Jerónimo Sara , Villar Margarita , Estrada-Peña Agustín , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Alberdi Pilar , de la Fuente José 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Akirin family of transcription cofactors are involved throughout the metazoan in the regulation of different biological processes (BPs) such as immunity, interdigital regression, muscle and neural development. Akirin do not have catalytic or DNA-binding capability and exert its regulatory function primarily through interacting proteins such as transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and RNA-associated proteins. In the present study, we focused on the human Akirin2 regulome and interactome in neutrophil-like model human Caucasian promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells. Our hypothesis is that metazoan evolved to have Akirin2 functional complements and different Akirin2-mediated mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression. To address this hypothesis, experiments were conducted using transcriptomics, proteomics and systems biology approaches in akirin2 knockdown and wildtype (WT) HL60 cells to characterize Akirin2 gene/protein targets, functional complements and to provide evidence of different mechanisms that may be involved in Akirin2-mediated regulation of gene expression. The results revealed Akirin2 gene/protein targets in multiple BPs with higher representation of immunity and identified immune response genes as candidate Akirin2 functional complements. In addition to linking chromatin remodelers with transcriptional activation, Akirin2 also interacts with histone H3.1 for regulation of gene expression.
Biochemical composition, transmission and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ahirwar Rajesh , Gandhi Sonu , Komal Komal , Dhaniya Geeta , Tripathi Prem Prakash , Shingatgeri Vyas Madhavrao , Kumar Krishan , Sharma Jai Gopal , Kumar Saroj 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), a novel human coronavirus. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization in March 2020 for its continuous and rapid spread worldwide. Rapidly emerging COVID-19 epicenters and mutants of concerns have created mammoth chaos in healthcare sectors across the globe. With over 185 million infections and approximately 4 million deaths globally, COVID-19 continues its unchecked spread despite all mitigation measures. Until effective and affordable antiretroviral drugs are made available and the population at large is vaccinated, timely diagnosis of the infection and adoption of COVID-appropriate behavior remains major tool available to curtail the still escalating COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an updated overview of various techniques of COVID-19 testing in human samples and also discusses, in brief, the biochemical composition and mode of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. Technological advancement in various molecular, serological and immunological techniques including mainly the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), CRISPR, lateral flow assays (LFAs), and immunosensors are reviewed.