bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contamination of the slit-lamp breath shield under face-masking conditions: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Sato Ken-ichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective Ophthalmologists have installed breath shields on slit-lamp microscopes to block droplets produced by patients and prevent infection with severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study measured the contamination of one such shield used in clinical practice under face-masking conditions and examined its significance in preventing infection.Methods In this single-center prospective study, measurements were taken at an ophthalmology outpatient unit on 10 weekdays: 5 consultation days and 5 closed days. All patients were required to use face masks, including surgical masks, commercially available cloth masks, and homemade cloth masks. A breath shield, made of polyethylene terephthalate, was hung on the eyepieces of the slit-lamp microscope. Measurement areas of 5 cm2 were set on the patient-side surface of the shield, as well as on the slit-lamp table, where touching was not forbidden. Samples were collected after wiping with 78 vol% ethanol at 9 a.m., at the beginning of office hours. Touching the shield was forbidden during office hours, and the samples were collected again at 5 p.m., at the end of office hours. The total amount of adenosine triphosphate + adenosine diphosphate + adenosine monophosphate was measured as an indicator of the degree of contamination.Results Contamination of the shield had increased by the end of office hours on the consultation days, although the p-value from a paired t-test was slightly above 0.05. In contrast, on days when the department was closed, no difference was observed in the level of contamination between morning and evening. Similarly, the slit-lamp table was significantly contaminated on consultation days, whereas there was no difference in contamination between morning and evening on closed days.Conclusions The results of this study indicate slight contamination of the slit-lamp microscope breath shield by droplets produced by patients who were wearing a face mask.
Discovery of a multi-functional biocatalyst for asymmetric conjugate reduction-reductive amination
Authors: Turner Nicholas , Thorpe Thomas , Marshall James , Harawa Vanessa , Ruscoe Rebecca , Cuetos Anibal , Finnigan James , Angelastro Antonio , Parmeggiani Fabio , Charnock Simon , Howard Roger , Kumar Rajesh , Daniels David , Grogan Gideon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A major challenge in chemical synthesis is to develop catalytic systems that convert simple molecules to complex high-value products. Often these valuable compounds must be manufactured asymmetrically, as their biochemical properties can differ based on the chirality of the molecule. Of great interest are enantioenriched amine diastereomers, which are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals,1 yet their preparation often relies on low-efficiency multi-step synthesis.2 Herein, we report the discovery and characterisation of a multi-functional biocatalyst, which operates using a previously unreported conjugate reduction-reductive amination mechanism. This enzyme (pIR-120), identified within a metagenomic imine reductase (IRED) collection3 and originating from an unclassified Pseudomonas species, possesses an unusual active site architecture that facilitates an amine-activated conjugate alkene reduction followed by reductive amination. This enzyme enables the coupling of a broad selection of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls with amines for the efficient preparation of enantioenriched amine diastereomers. Moreover, employing a racemic substrate partner or conjugated dienyl-ketone provides a means of controlling additional stereocentres using the single catalyst. Mechanistic and structural studies have been carried out to delineate the order of individual steps catalysed by pIR-120 which have led to a proposal for the overall catalytic cycle. This work shows that the IRED family can serve as a platform for facilitating the discovery of further enzymatic activities for application in synthetic biology and organic synthesis.
DNA hyper-methylation associated with schizophrenia may lead to breakdown of self-tolerance
Authors: Wei Hui , Yuan Yanbo , Zhu Caiyun , Ma Mingjie , Yang Fude , Lu Zheng , Wang Chuanyue , Deng Hong , Zhao Jingping , Tian Runhui , Zhu Wanwan , Shen Yan , Yu Xin , Xu Qi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Environmental stressors have effects on the genomic DNA methylation patterns of B lymphocytes in schizophrenia (SCZ), which may therefore perturb the immune homeostasis and trigger autoimmune responses. This study aimed to investigate the global genomic DNA methylation differences in remitters of SCZ (RSCZ) and non-remitters of SCZ (NRSCZ), further their effects on autoimmune responses of target genes. A total of 2722 Chinese Han origin subjects were recruited, including a follow-up cohort and a cross-sectional cohort. We found a DMS of cg14341177 in SCZ which inhibit the mRNA alternative splicing of BICD2, further leading to increased plasma anti-BICD2 IgG autoantibody levels. The levels of cg14341177 methylation and anti-BICD2 IgG decreased significantly in the endpoint samples of RSCZ, but not in NRSCZ. There are strong positive correlations between cg14341177 methylation, anti-BICD2 IgG, and PANSS scores. These data suggest that cg14341177 methylation and anti-BICD2 IgG levels may potentially serve as useful biomarkers.
Bone histology of acipenseriform fishes reveals seasonality during the final years of the Mesozoic.
Authors: Smit Jan , During Melanie , Berruyer Camille , Voeten Dennis , Tafforeau Paul , Sanchez Sophie , Warmerdam Susan Verdegaal , Lubbe Jeroen van der 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Cretaceous-Paleogene (KPg) mass extinction ~66 million years ago (Ma) was triggered by the Chicxulub impact on the present-day Yucatán Peninsula. This event caused the extinction of circa 76% of species, including all non-avian dinosaurs, and represents one of the most selective extinctions to date. The timing of the impact and its aftermath have mainly been studied on millennial timescales, leaving the season of the impact unconstrained. Here, we demonstrate that the impact that caused the KPg mass extinction took place during boreal spring. Osteohistology and stable isotope records of exceptionally preserved dermal and perichondrial bones in acipenseriform fishes from the Tanis impact-induced seiche deposits reveal annual cyclicity across the final years of the Cretaceous. These fishes ultimately perished in boreal spring. Annual life cycles, involving seasonal timing and duration of reproduction, feeding, hibernation, and aestivation, vary strongly across latest Cretaceous biotic diversity. We conclude that the timing of the Chicxulub impact in boreal spring significantly influenced selective biotic survival across the KPg boundary.
Structural basis of human ghrelin receptor signaling by ghrelin and the synthetic agonist ibutamoren
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Liu Heng , Sun Dapeng , Myasnikov Alexander , Damian Marjorie , Baneres Jean-Louis , Sun Ji 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The 'hunger hormone' ghrelin activates the ghrelin receptor GHSR to stimulate food intake and growth hormone secretion and regulate reward signaling. Acylation of ghrelin at Ser3 is required for its agonistic action on GHSR. Synthetic agonists of GHSR are under clinical evaluation for disorders related to appetite and growth hormone dysregulation. Here, we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the GHSR-Gi signaling complex with ghrelin and the non-peptide agonist ibutamoren as an investigational new drug. Our structures together with mutagenesis data reveal the molecular basis for the binding of ghrelin and ibutamoren. The structural comparison suggests a salt bridge and an aromatic cluster near the agonist-binding pocket as important structural motifs in receptor activation. Notable variations of the Gi binding mode are observed in our cryo-EM analysis, indicating the highly dynamic nature of Gi-coupling to GHSR. Our results provide a framework for understanding GHSR signaling and developing new GHSR agonist drugs.
Dysfunction of D2 dopamine receptor expressing neurons underlies manic-like behaviors in mice modeling SHANK3 duplication disorder
Authors: Holder Jimmy , Pang Kaifang , Weiwer Michel , Han Kihoon , Wang Wei , Estiphan Theresa , Vuocolo Blake , Jaunarajs Karen , Holson Edward , Lewis Mike , Xu Qihong , Gale Jennifer , Pedersen Steen , Pautler Robia , Standaert David , Wagner Florence , Liu Zhandong , Zoghbi Huda 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
While the contributions of some genes to neuropsychiatric disorders are clear, the downstream neuronal effects are poorly understood. Over-expression of SHANK3, which encodes a key synaptic protein, causes neuropsychiatric phenotypes in humans and manic-like behavior in mice providing an opportunity to interrogate the role of SHANK3 in a subset of neurons that might underlie the manic-like behavior. Herein, we describe Shank3’s critical role in D2 dopamine receptor (D2dr) neurons and show that Shank3 overexpression causes increased synaptic neurotransmission in D2dr, but not D1dr, expressing striatal medium spiny neurons. Either pharmacologic D2dr inhibition or genetic normalization of Shank3 abundance in D2-neurons ameliorates manic-like behaviors. Integrating bioinformatic analyses of Shank3’s striatal interactome, D1 and D2 dopamine receptor binding proteins, and single-cell RNA-seq datasets, we demonstrate a functional relationship between Shank3 and the D2dr—but not the D1dr. Thus, while Shank3 is over-expressed in both D1 and D2 dopamine receptor expressing striatal neurons, D2 neuronal dysfunction causes manic-like behaviors.
Detection and Characterization of Active Landslides with Multisource SAR Data and Remote Sensing in Western Guizhou, China
Authors: Zhu Yifei , YAO Xin , Yao Leihua , Yao Chuangchuang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The western part of Guizhou is located in the second step of East Asia. Although the area is stratigraphically continuous and the surface is dominated by hard limestone and sandstone, catastrophic landslides often occur, seriously threatening residents' lives and the safety of property. Accurate identification of landslides and analysis of their developmental patterns are vital to prevent and reduce the threat of geological disasters. No active landslide survey data cover this region, so this paper identifies the active landslides in the western part of Guizhou by combining surface deformation information, multitemporal optical remote sensing images, geological lithology, and geomorphic features to obtain deformation information from multisource synthetic aperture radar surface data. This process increases the accuracy and reliability of identifying unstable slopes in areas with dense vegetation and steep terrain. By processing 283 Sentinel-1 and PALSAR-2 synthetic aperture radar data, 588 active landslides, 18 of which are high-risk large-scale landslides (landslide groups), are delineated for the first time in a range of 4.64x104 km2 in the study area. The active landslides mainly include resurrected ancient landslides, reservoir/riverbank landslides, and mining-induced landslides, accounting for 2.4%, 4.1%, and 91.8%, respectively. The spatial distribution of landslides is banded along the cuesta at the edge of an outcrop of coal strata. Landslides are mainly distributed at elevations of 1800–2000 m, with an elevation difference of 50 ~ 100 m and a slope range of 35°~40°. The landslides are characterized by steep slopes, small scales, mass occurrences, and no dominant slope direction, classifying them as cuesta landslides induced by mining disturbance. Furthermore, nuanced remote sensing interpretation of the disaster elements, such as cuesta cliff, tensile cracks, deep and sizeable tensile channels, isolated rock masses, and collapse debris, and their processes of change, reveals that coal mining-disturbed landslides in this region have experienced four primary stages: natural unloading, mining disturbance, displacement acceleration, and slope failure. This is of great significance for understanding the genetic mechanism and developmental patterns, as well as the risk assessment, of this region.
Altered RNA splicing initiates the viral mimicry response from inverted SINEs following type I PRMT inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Arrowsmith Cheryl , Wu Qin , Nie David , alawi Wail , Cruickshank Jennifer , Haight Jillian , Ji YiShuai , Ciamponi Felipe , Shen Yudao , Liu Jing , Chen Jocelyn , Duan Shili , Marhon Sajid , Mehdipour Parinaz , Szewczyk Magdalena , Artun Nergiz , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Lan Xin , Deblois Genevieve , Prinos Panagiotis , Maussirer Katlin , Barsyte-Lovejoy Dalia , Jin Jian , De Carvalho Daniel , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Cescon David , Lupien Mathieu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with the worst prognosis and few effective therapies. Here, we undertook a screen of epigenetic chemical probes to systematically uncover the epigenetic regulators critical for TNBC growth. We identified MS023, an inhibitor of type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), as having anti-tumor growth activity in TNBC in vitro and in vivo. Pathway analysis of TNBC cell lines indicates that the activation of interferon responses pre- and post-MS023 treatment is a functional biomarker and determinant of response; and these observations extend to a panel of patient-derived organoids. Inhibition of type I PRMT triggers an interferon response through the antiviral defense pathway with the induction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The observed dsRNA accumulation is derived, at least in part, from inverted-repeat Alus (IR-Alus), many of which are expressed from retained introns induced by MS023, which inhibits arginine methylation of RNA-binding proteins and alters mRNA splicing machinery. Together, our results represent a shift in understanding the anti-tumor mechanism of type I PRMT inhibitors and provide a novel rationale and biomarker approach for the clinical development of type I PRMT inhibitors.
A Novel Homozygous Missense Mutation of WEE2 Causes Female Infertility Characterized by Fertilization Failure
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Yan Guijun , Zhang Ningyuan , Kong Na , Wu Min , Fang Junshun , Sun Haixiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the genetic cause of infertility in a female patient due to repeated fertilization failure.Methods: Whole exome sequencing was performed to obtain the candidate mutation. Sanger sequencing was used to identify the mutation of the proband and other family members. SIFT, Polyphen-2, and Mutation Taster were used to predict the pathogenicity of mutations. The online software Arpeggio and the mCSM online service were used to analyze the effect of the mutation on protein structure and stability. Results: We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation c.T1199A:p.L400Q (Leu400Gln) in WEE2 gene in a female proband with infertility caused by fertilization failure. Conclusions: We discovered a novel homozygous missense mutation c.T1199A:p.L400Q (Leu400Gln) of the WEE2 gene in an infertile female whose oocytes had undergone complete fertilization failure, either after ICSI or RICSI. Our findings extend the mutant spectrum of WEE2 , a genetic cause for fertilization failure, and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis of the pathogenic causes of infertility.
One-axis Two-wing Guest-Host Strategy for Constructing Ultralong-lifetime Near-infrared Organic Phosphorescence Materials for Bioimaging
Authors: Xiao Fuming , Gao Heqi , Lei Yunxiang , Dai Wenbo , Liu Miao-Chang , Zheng Xiaoyan , Cai Zhengxu , Huang Xiaobo , wu Hua-yue , Ding Dan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Organic near-infrared room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials have unparalleled advantages in bioimaging due to their excellent penetrability. However, limited by the energy gap law, organic matters with long wavelengths (> 700 nm) and long lifetimes (> 100 ms) have not been reported so far. In this work, we have obtained organic RTP materials with long wavelengths (657–732 nm) and long lifetimes (102–324 ms) for the first time through the one-axis two-wing guest-host strategy. The one axis refers to that the guest molecule has sufficient conjugation to reduce the lowest triplet energy level and the two wings refer to that the host assists the guest in exciton transfer and inhibits the non-radiative transition of guest excitons. These materials exhibit good tissue penetration in bioimaging. Thanks to the characteristic of long lifetime and long wavelength emissive RTP materials, the tumor imaging in living mice with a signal to background ratio value as high as 43 is successfully realized. This work provides a practical solution for the construction of organic RTP materials with both long wavelengths and long lifetimes.
The Decoupling of China's Economy-Carbon Emission and Its Driving Factors
Authors: Kuai Peng , Cheng Yao , Zhang Shu'an 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Decoupling between economic growth and carbon emission is a global hot topic. This paper studies China’s economic-carbon decoupling and its driving factors. By using the panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2016, the decoupling index of each province is calculated with the Tapio model. It is found that many provinces have progressed from no decoupling to weak decoupling and then strong decoupling. Then, the econometric models are used to explore the driving factors. Results show that energy structure is the most important factor, followed by GDP per capita and energy intensity, which all increase CO2 emission significantly. The results are robust when tested with GMM, PCSE and FGLS estimation and LMDI decomposition. Further, we conduct a comparative analysis regarding the temporal and spatial characteristics of the above three driving factors to identify their relationship with decoupling, four groups of regions that represent different economic features are selected for the analysis. Heterogeneity effects of the factors among the regions has been observed, based on this we provide targeted strategies for different regions.
A Novel Method of Designing an all Optical 3-Bit Asynchronous Counter
Authors: Garai Manas Kumar , Mandal Mrinal Kanti , GARAI SISIR KUMAR 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In digital signal processing and data communication system in optical domain it is paramount important to count the pulse number of any device or processor and hence optical counter for fast counting. In this letter the authors propose a new method to implement an all-optical 3- bit asynchronous binary counter comprising all-optical T flip flops which works based on the polarization switching characteristics of SOA, and frequency encoded data have been used for communication purpose. Use of Frequency encoding technique in the proposed scheme makes it attractive and effective one in various aspects in wave division multiplexing based communication network. Simulation aided results support the practicability of the proposed scheme.
Using Raw and Thermally Modified Fibrous Clay Minerals as Low Concentration NH4+-N Adsorbents
Authors: Lazaratou Christina Vasiliki , Triantaphyllidou Irene E. , Pantelidis Ioannis , Chalkias Dimitris A. , Kakogiannis George , Vayenas Dimitrios V. , Papoulis Dimitrios 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Raw and modified fibrous clay minerals palygorskite (Pal) and sepiolite (Sep) were tested for their ability to remove ammonium from ammonium polluted water. Palygorskite and sepiolite underwent thermal treatment at 400oC (T-Pal and T-Sep respectively). Raw and thermally treated samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, FT-IR, TGA, zeta potential and XRF. The techniques verified the effect of thermal treatment on samples structures and the enhancement of negative charge. Both raw and thermally-activated materials applied in batch kinetic experiments, and found to be efficient adsorbents in their raw forms, since Pal and Sep achieved 60 and 80% NH4+-N removal respectively within 20 min of contact for initial NH4+-N concentration of 4 mg/L. Similar removal rates were gained for other concentrations representative of contaminated aquifers that were examined, ranging from 1 mg/L to 8 mg/L. Results for the modified T-Pal and T-Sep minerals showed up to 20% higher removal rate. Saturation tests indicated the positive effect of thermal treatment on the minerals since T-Pal and T-Sep removal efficiency reached 85% and remained stable for 24 h. However, competitive ions in real water samples can influence the NH4+-N removal efficiency of the examined samples. In all cases, the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second kinetic models showed better fitted all examined samples thus indicating heterogeneous chemisorption.
Mhealth and Utilization of Health Care Services in Lagos Southwest Nigeria- A Pilot Study
Authors: Osanyin Gbemisola E. , Oluwole Esther O. , Odeseye Adesumbo K. , Afolabi Bosede B. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: A third of pregnant women in Nigeria do not attend Antenatal care, hence this quasi-experimental study was carried out within 500 consenting pregnant women within the 5 administrative zones of Lagos to determine the association between Mhealth services and utilization of antenatal and skilled delivery services amongst pregnant women in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.Methods: Participants were divided into an intervention (who received voice messages) and a control arm (did not receive voice messages). Ownership of a mobile phone and willingness to participate were the selection criteria. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Analysis was by descriptive statistics with 95% CI to identify factors associated with antenatal attendance.Results: Total respondents were 488 (response rate 97.6%). One hundred and fifty-nine (63.8%) of the intervention group found the messages useful. Using the WHO 2016 ANC model, women in the intervention group had a significantly higher frequency of antenatal care attendance than the control group (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in antenatal attendance between the intervention and the controls (p < 0.0001). There was also a significantly lower likelihood of poorly supervised (unskilled) home deliveries within the intervention arm (p=0.011). Conclusion: Mhealth was associated with an increased antenatal attendance and skilled birth attendance at delivery. This has a significant impact in reducing morbidity and mortality indices.