bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-cell adhesion strength and contact density drops in the M phase of cancer cells
Authors: Ungai-Salánki Rita , Haty Eleonóra , Gerecsei Tamás , Francz Barbara , Béres Bálint , Sztilkovics Milán , Székács Inna , Szabó Bálint , Horvath Robert 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe high throughput, cost effective and sensitive quantification of cell adhesion strength at the single-cell level is still a challenging task. The adhesion force between tissue cells and their environment is crucial in all multicellular organisms. Integrins transmit force between the intracellular cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. This force is not only a mechanical interaction but a way of signal transduction as well. For instance, adhesion-dependent cells switch to an apoptotic mode in the lack of adhesion forces. Adhesion of tumor cells is a potential therapeutic target, as it is actively modulated during tissue invasion and cell release to the bloodstream resulting in metastasis. We investigated the integrin-mediated adhesion between cancer cells and their RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif displaying biomimetic substratum using the HeLa cell line transfected by the Fucci fluorescent cell cycle reporter construct. We employed a computer-controlled micropipette and a high spatial resolution label-free resonant waveguide grating-based optical sensor calibrated to adhesion force and energy at the single-cell level. We found that the overall adhesion strength of single cancer cells is approximately constant in all phases except the mitotic (M) phase with a significantly lower adhesion. Single-cell evanescent field based biosensor measurements revealed that at the mitotic phase the cell material mass per unit area inside the cell-substratum contact zone is significantly less, too. Importantly, the weaker mitotic adhesion is not simply a direct consequence of the measured smaller contact area. Our results highlight these differences in the mitotic reticular adhesions and confirm that cell adhesion is a promising target of selective cancer drugs as the vast majority of normal, differentiated tissue cells do not enter the M phase and do not divide.
A forward genetic screen identifies modifiers of rocaglate responsiveness
Authors: Shen Leo , Pugsley Lauren , Cencic Regina , Wang HanChen , Robert Francis , Naineni Sai Kiran , Sahni Ananya , Morin Geneviève , Zhang Wenhan , Nijnik Anastasia , Porco John A. , Langlais David , Huang Sidong , Pelletier Jerry 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRocaglates are a class of eukaryotic translation initiation inhibitors that are being explored as chemotherapeutic agents. They function by targeting eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4A, an RNA helicase critical for recruitment of the 40S ribosome (and associated factors) to mRNA templates. Rocaglates perturb eIF4A activity by imparting a gain-of-function activity to eIF4A and mediating clamping to RNA. To appreciate how rocaglates could best be enabled in the clinic, an understanding of resistance mechanisms is important, as this could inform on strategies to bypass such events as well as identify responsive tumor types. Here, we report on the results of a positive selection, ORFeome screen aimed at identifying cDNAs capable of conferring resistance to rocaglates. Two of the most potent modifiers of rocaglate response identified were the transcription factors FOXP3 and NR1I3, both of which have been implicated in ABCB1 regulation—the gene encoding P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Pgp has previously been implicated in conferring resistance to silvestrol, a naturally occurring rocaglate, and we show here that this extends to additional synthetic rocaglate derivatives. In addition, FOXP3 and NR1I3 impart a multi-drug resistant phenotype that is reversed upon inhibition of Pgp, suggesting a potential therapeutic combination strategy.
Evaluation of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with HIV infection
Authors: Arnaiz de las Revillas F. , Gonzalez-Quintanilla V. , Parra J. A. , Palacios E. , Gonzalez-Rico C. , Armiñanzas C. , Gutiérrez-Cuadra M. , Oterino A. , Fariñas-Alvarez C. , Fariñas M. C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related clinical and analytical parameters and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis as well as endothelial dysfunction. This was a prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients who underwent intima media thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium scoring to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction, the breath holding index, flow-mediated dilation and the concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were measured. Patients with an IMT ≥ 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/μl, and those with an IMT < 0.9 mm had an average of 715.4 ± 389.92 CD4/μl (p = 0.04). Patients with a low calcium score had a significantly higher average CD4 cell value and lower zenith viral load (VL) than those with a higher score (707.7 ± 377.5 CD4/μl vs 477.23 ± 235.7 CD4/μl (p = 0.01) and 7 × 104 ± 5 × 104 copies/ml vs 23.4 × 104 ± 19 × 104 copies/ml (p = 0.02)). The number of early EPCs in patients with a CD4 nadir < 350/µl was lower than that in those with a CD4 nadir ≥ 350 (p = 0.03). In HIV-positive patients, low CD4 cell levels and high VL were associated with risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. HIV patients with CD4 cell nadir < 350/µl may have fewer early EPCs.
COVID-19 early detection for imbalanced or low number of data using a regularized cost-sensitive CapsNet
Authors: Javidi Malihe , Abbaasi Saeid , Naybandi Atashi Sara , Jampour Mahdi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWith the presence of novel coronavirus disease at the end of 2019, several approaches were proposed to help physicians detect the disease, such as using deep learning to recognize lung involvement based on the pattern of pneumonia. These approaches rely on analyzing the CT images and exploring the COVID-19 pathologies in the lung. Most of the successful methods are based on the deep learning technique, which is state-of-the-art. Nevertheless, the big drawback of the deep approaches is their need for many samples, which is not always possible. This work proposes a combined deep architecture that benefits both employed architectures of DenseNet and CapsNet. To more generalize the deep model, we propose a regularization term with much fewer parameters. The network convergence significantly improved, especially when the number of training data is small. We also propose a novel Cost-sensitive loss function for imbalanced data that makes our model feasible for the condition with a limited number of positive data. Our novelties make our approach more intelligent and potent in real-world situations with imbalanced data, popular in hospitals. We analyzed our approach on two publicly available datasets, HUST and COVID-CT, with different protocols. In the first protocol of HUST, we followed the original paper setup and outperformed it. With the second protocol of HUST, we show our approach superiority concerning imbalanced data. Finally, with three different validations of the COVID-CT, we provide evaluations in the presence of a low number of data along with a comparison with state-of-the-art.
Genotoxicity of physical silver nanoparticles, produced by the HVAD method, for Chinchilla lanigera genome
Authors: Grzesiakowska Anna , Kasprowicz Marek Jan , Kuchta-Gładysz Marta , Rymuza Katarzyna , Szeleszczuk Olga 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEach year, growing demand for silver nanoparticles (AgNP) contributes to the search for alternative methods of their production. Stable AgNP with antibacterial properties, low toxicity to the environment and living organisms are especially valued. In the study presented here, an attempt was made to assess the toxicity of two AgNP solutions produced using the HVAD method to the Chinchilla lanigera genome. The AgNO3 solution was the indicator and reference for the harmfulness of AgNP. The study was carried out in vitro on bone marrow cells isolated from Chinchilla lanigera bones. The genotoxicity was assessed by comet assay, following the treatment of cells with three silver solutions: unstable and sodium citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles, as well as silver nitrate at three concentrations (5, 10 and 20 µg/L), after 3, 6 and 24 h. Based on the percentage of the DNA content in the comet tail and the tail moment, an increase in cell DNA integrity disruption was demonstrated in all tested variants: of solution, exposure time and concentration, compared to the control sample. A statistically significant correlation was determined between the level of induced DNA breaks and the concentration of the active solutions and the duration of their activity. A solution of silver nanoparticles stabilized with sodium citrate was shown to have the most harmful effect on bone marrow cells. Silver nitrate demonstrated a level of toxicity similar to these particles. Further studies are necessary to directly compare the genotoxic properties of AgNP produced using the HVAD method and the chemical method under the same conditions.
Shotgun-based proteomics of extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease reveals biomarkers involved in immunological and coagulation pathways
Authors: Nielsen Jonas Ellegaard , Honoré Bent , Vestergård Karsten , Maltesen Raluca Georgiana , Christiansen Gunna , Bøge Anna Uhd , Kristensen Søren Risom , Pedersen Shona 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and without readily available clinical biomarkers. Blood-derived proteins are routinely used for diagnostics; however, comprehensive plasma profiling is challenging due to the dynamic range in protein concentrations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can cross the blood–brain barrier and may provide a source for AD biomarkers. We investigated plasma-derived EV proteins for AD biomarkers from 10 AD patients, 10 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients, and 9 healthy controls (Con) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The ultracentrifuged EVs were washed and confirmed according to the MISEV2018 guidelines. Some AD patients presented with highly elevated FXIIIA1 (log2 FC: 4.6, p-value: 0.005) and FXIIIB (log2 FC: 4.9, p-value: 0.018). A panel of proteins was identified discriminating Con from AD (AUC: 0.91, CI: 0.67–1.00) with ORM2 (AUC: 1.00, CI: 1.00–1.00), RBP4 (AUC: 0.99, CI: 0.95–1.00), and HYDIN (AUC: 0.89, CI: 0.72–1.00) were found especially relevant for AD. This indicates that EVs provide an easily accessible matrix for possible AD biomarkers. Some of the MCI patients, with similar protein profiles as the AD group, progressed to AD within a 2-year timespan.
Understanding adsorption geometry of organometallic molecules on graphite
Authors: Oh Seungtaek , Seo Jungyoon , Choi Giheon , Lee Hwa Sung 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo comprehensively investigate the adsorption geometries of organometallic molecules on graphene, Cp*Ru+ fragments as an organometallic molecule is bound on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and imaged at atomic resolution using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). Atomic resolution imaging through STM shows that the Cp*Ru+ fragments are localized above the hollow position of the hexagonal structure, and that the first graphene layer adsorbed with the fragments on the graphite redeveloped morphologically to minimize its geometric energy. For a better understanding of the adsorption site and molecular geometry, experimental results are compared with computed calculations for the graphene surface with Cp*Ru+ fragments. These calculations show the adsorption geometries of the fragment on the graphene surface and the relationship between the geometric energy and molecular configuration. Our results provide the chemical anchoring geometry of molecules on the graphene surface, thereby imparting the theoretical background necessary for controlling the various properties of graphene in the future.
Differential evolution-based optimization of corn stalks black liquor decolorization using active carbon and TiO2/UV
Authors: Nechita Mircea Teodor , Suditu Gabriel Dan , Puițel Adrian Cătălin , Drăgoi Elena Niculina 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, the active carbon adsorption and TiO2/UV decolorization of black liquor were studied through experimental analysis (planned using Design of Experiments), modelling and optimization (with Response Surface Method and Differential Evolution). The aim is to highlight the importance of optimization methods for increasing process efficiency. For active carbon adsorption, the considered process parameters were: quantity of active carbon, dilution, and contact time. For TiO2 promoted photochemical decolorization the process parameters were: TiO2 concentration, UV path length and irradiation time. The determined models had an R squared of 93.82% for active carbon adsorption and of 92.82% for TiO2/UV decolorization. The optimization of active carbon resulted in an improvement from 83.08% (corresponding to 50 g/L quantity of active carbon, 30 min contact time and 200 dilution) to 100% (corresponding to multiple combinations). The optimization of TiO2/UV decolorization indicated an increase of efficiency from 36.63% (corresponding to 1 g/L TiO2 concentration, 60 min irradiation time and 5 cm UV path length) to 46.83% (corresponding to 0.4 g/L TiO2 concentration, 59.99 min irradiation time and 2.85 cm UV path length). These results show that the experiments and the subsequent standard RSM optimization can be further improved, leading to better performance.
Customer demand-driven low-carbon vehicles combined strategy and route optimisation integrated decision
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Liu Xiaobing , Islam Sardar M. N. , Yu Xueqiao , Miao Qiqi , Chen Yapin , Lin Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWith the optimal operating cost and optimal carbon emission target of the chemical logistics companies, a low-carbon routing optimisation with a multi-energy type vehicle combined problem is proposed by considering the concept of the logistics companies’ low-carbon behaviour. An integrated decision-making of multi-energy type vehicles combined strategy and route optimisation based on customer demand is presented, and an improved genetic algorithm is designed. A case study is then applied based on the data collected from the case research. The effectiveness of the improved genetic algorithm is tested. The two joint objectives of operating cost and carbon emission are examined through the cost analysis of environmental energy vehicles and traditional energy vehicles in different combination scenarios. The case analysis shows that a rational multi-energy type vehicle combination with route optimisation has a significant correlation with the operating cost and carbon emissions, while the environmental vehicle purchasing cost reduction and subsidy policy affect the operating cost.
Continuous biosorption of acid red 27 azo dye by Eichhornia crassipes leaves in a packed-bed column
Authors: Ramírez-Rodríguez Allan Eduardo , Morales-Barrera Liliana , Cristiani-Urbina Eliseo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, the biosorption behavior of acid red 27 (AR27) dye using Eichhornia crassipes leaves (LECs) in a packed-bed column was investigated by varying relevant operational parameters and assessment of mathematical models. Results showed that the zero-charge point of LECs was 2.37 and that optima pH and volumetric flux of the influent solution for AR27 biosorption were 2.0 and $$56.5\ \hbox {L}/\hbox {m}^{2}\cdot \hbox {h}$$

56.5

L
/

m
2

·
h

, respectively. The maximum specific and volumetric biosorption capacities were observed at influent AR27 concentrations and with LEC bed heights ranging between 50 and 400 mg/L and 2 and 8 cm, respectively. It was also found that if LEC bed height was increased and volumetric flux and AR27 concentration of the influent solution decreased, service and saturation time increased. Modeling results revealed that the Thomas, bed depth service time, Yoon–Nelson, dose-response, and logistic models accurately described the dynamic performance of the packed-bed column in terms of pH, AR27 concentration, and volumetric flux of influent AR27 solution, as well as that of LEC bed height. The findings revealed that LECs exhibited remarkable potential for the biosorption of AR27 from aqueous solutions in a packed-bed column and could potentially be useful for the treatment of AR27-laden wastewater.
Effects of early energy intake on neonatal cerebral growth of preterm newborn: an observational study
Authors: Boscarino Giovanni , Di Chiara Maria , Cellitti Raffaella , De Nardo Maria Chiara , Conti Maria Giulia , Parisi Pasquale , Spalice Alberto , Di Mario Chiara , Ronchi Benedetta , Russo Alessia , De Luca Francesca , Pangallo Ida , Terrin Gianluca 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCurrent guidelines for preterm newborns recommend high energy nutrition soon after birth in order to limit growth retardation. However, long-term effects of this nutritional approach are still debated, and it has been demonstrated that cerebral growth depends on protein intake in early life. A negative impact of early high energy intake by parenteral nutrition (PN) has been reported for patients in critically ill conditions, observed in intensive care unit. We aimed at evaluating the impact of energy intake on cerebral growth in preterm neonates early in life. We included preterm newborns with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight (BW) < 1500 g. Measurement of cerebral structures was performed by cranial Ultrasonography (cUS) between 3 and 7 days of life (DOL, T0) and at 28 DOL (T1). We evaluated the relation between energy intake and cerebral growth in the first 28 DOL. We observed in 109 preterm newborns a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation between energy intake received by PN and right caudate head growth (r = − 0.243*) and a positive correlation between total energy intake and transverse cerebellum diameter (r = 0.254*). Multivariate analysis showed that energy intake administered by enteral nutrition (EN), independently increased growth of left caudate head (β = 0.227*) and height cerebellar vermis (β = 0.415*), while PN independently affected growth of both right and left caudate head (β = − 0.164* and β = − 0.228*, respectively) and cerebellum transverse diameter (β = − 0.849*). The route of energy administration may exert different effects on cerebral growth in early life. High energy intake administered through EN seems to be positively correlated to cerebral growth; conversely, PN energy intake results in a poorer cerebral growth evaluated with cUS.
Temperature and precipitation effects on the isotopic composition of global precipitation reveal long-term climate dynamics
Authors: Vystavna Y. , Matiatos I. , Wassenaar L. I. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEarth’s climate history is traced through the long-term covariance between the isotopic (δ18O) composition of archived meteoric waters (groundwater, ice cores) with air temperature (T) and amount of precipitation (P). To assess recent multi-decadal climatic changes, we analysed δ18O, T and P, and the relationships between these parameters at 20 stations having 60 years of continuous monthly isotopic records. Using nonparametric regressions and time series modelling we found significant linear and non-linear relationships for δ18O with T and P and showed that the δ18O dependency on these two parameters varied over decadal scales, thereby revealing complex relationships related to recycled moisture, large-scale convective processes and atmospheric-oceanic oscillations. Due to multiple factors controlling the δ18O composition of precipitation including P and T effects, we found that time-varying relationships between δ18O in precipitation P and T were better explained using the non-linear regressions. Our results affirmed that δ18O distributions in global precipitation are integrative indicators of climate dynamics whose patterns can be applied to better understand region-specific climatic changes in the present, past, and future.
High turn-over rates at the upper range limit and elevational source-sink dynamics in a widespread songbird
Authors: Grüebler Martin U. , von Hirschheydt Johann , Korner-Nievergelt Fränzi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe formation of an upper distributional range limit for species breeding along mountain slopes is often based on environmental gradients resulting in changing demographic rates towards high elevations. However, we still lack an empirical understanding of how the interplay of demographic parameters forms the upper range limit in highly mobile species. Here, we study apparent survival and within-study area dispersal over a 700 m elevational gradient in barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) by using 15 years of capture-mark-recapture data. Annual apparent survival of adult breeding birds decreased while breeding dispersal probability of adult females, but not males increased towards the upper range limit. Individuals at high elevations dispersed to farms situated at elevations lower than would be expected by random dispersal. These results suggest higher turn-over rates of breeding individuals at high elevations, an elevational increase in immigration and thus, within-population source-sink dynamics between low and high elevations. The formation of the upper range limit therefore is based on preference for low-elevation breeding sites and immigration to high elevations. Thus, shifts of the upper range limit are not only affected by changes in the quality of high-elevation habitats but also by factors affecting the number of immigrants produced at low elevations.
Venous puncture wound hemostasis results in a vaulted thrombus structured by locally nucleated platelet aggregates
Authors: Rhee Sung W. , Pokrovskaya Irina D. , Ball Kelly K. , Ling Kenny , Vedanaparti Yajnesh , Cohen Joshua , Cruz Denzel R. D. , Zhao Oliver S. , Aronova Maria A. , Zhang Guofeng , Kamykowski Jeffrey A. , Leapman Richard D. , Storrie Brian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPrimary hemostasis results in a platelet-rich thrombus that has long been assumed to form a solid plug. Unexpectedly, our 3-dimensional (3D) electron microscopy of mouse jugular vein puncture wounds revealed that the resulting thrombi were structured about localized, nucleated platelet aggregates, pedestals and columns, that produced a vaulted thrombus capped by extravascular platelet adherence. Pedestal and column surfaces were lined by procoagulant platelets. Furthermore, early steps in thrombus assembly were sensitive to P2Y12 inhibition and late steps to thrombin inhibition. Based on these results, we propose a Cap and Build, puncture wound paradigm that should have translational implications for bleeding control and hemostasis.
Efficient production of vindoline from tabersonine by metabolically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Huang Ying , Jiang Lihong , Dong Chang , Gou Yuanwei , Lian Jiazhang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVindoline is a plant derived monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA) with potential therapeutic applications and more importantly serves as the precursor to vinblastine and vincristine. To obtain a yeast strain for high yield production of vindoline from tabersonine, multiple metabolic engineering strategies were employed via the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated multiplex genome integration technology in the present study. Through increasing and tuning the copy numbers of the pathway genes, pairing cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) with appropriate cytochrome P450 reductases (CPRs), engineering the microenvironment for functional expression of CYPs, enhancing cofactor supply, and optimizing fermentation conditions, the production of vindoline was increased to a final titer as high as ∼16.5 mg/L, which is more than 3,800,000-fold higher than the parent strain and the highest tabersonine to vindoline conversion yield ever reported. This work represents a key step of the engineering efforts to establish de novo biosynthetic pathways for vindoline, vinblastine, and vincristine.