bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic activity of Pr-modified TiO2 for the degradation of bisphenol A
Authors: Cordeiro Denise S. , Cassio Fernando L. , Ciccotti Larissa , Hewer Thiago L. R. , Corio Paola , Freire Renato S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPraseodymium doped TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the sol–gel method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The effects of the dopant on the crystallite size, specific surface area, average pore diameter, pore volume, and bandgap energy were investigated. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts was evaluated by bisphenol A degradation and mineralization, which is a representative endocrine disruptor. Furthermore, under visible light irradiation the Pr-modified TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency than unmodified TiO2. When praseodymium was loaded (1.0–5.0%) onto the surface of TiO2, the rates of degradation and mineralization were increased 3–5 times.
Biologically effective dose of bromoxynil applied alone and mixed with metribuzin for the control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed in soybean
Authors: Westerveld David B. , Soltani Nader , Hooker David C. , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGlyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed was first confirmed in Ontario in 2010. GR horseweed interference can reduce soybean yield by up to 97%. Bromoxynil is a photosystem II–inhibiting herbicide that is primarily used for annual broadleaf weed control in monocot crops. The objective of this study was to determine the biologically effective dose (BED) of bromoxynil applied alone and when mixed with metribuzin applied preplant for control of GR horseweed in soybean in Ontario. Five field experiments were conducted over a 2-yr period (2019–2020) to determine the predicted dose of bromoxynil with or without metribuzin that would control GR horseweed 50%, 80%, and 95%. No soybean injury was observed. The predicted doses of bromoxynil to achieve 50% and 80% control of GR horseweed were 98 and 277 g ai ha−1, respectively, at 8 wk after application (WAA). When mixed with metribuzin (400 g ai ha−1), the predicted doses of bromoxynil for 50%, 80%, and 95% control of GR horseweed were 10, 25, and 54 g ai ha−1, respectively. Bromoxynil (280 g ai ha−1) plus metribuzin (400 g ai ha−1) controlled GR horseweed 97%, a finding that was similar to the industry standards of saflufenacil + metribuzin (99% control) and glyphosate/dicamba + saflufenacil (100% control) at 8 WAA. This study concludes that bromoxynil + metribuzin applied before planting provides excellent control of GR horseweed in soybean.
Strengthened Causal Connections Between the MJO and the North Atlantic With Climate Warming
Authors: Samarasinghe Savini M. , Connolly Charlotte , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Ebert‐Uphoff Imme , Sun Lantao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhile the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) is known to influence the midlatitude circulation and its predictability on subseasonal‐to‐seasonal timescales, little is known how this connection may change with anthropogenic warming. This study investigates changes in the causal pathways between the MJO and the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) within historical and SSP585 simulations of the Community Earth System Model 2‐Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (CESM2‐WACCM) coupled climate model. Two data‐driven approaches are employed, namely, the STRIPES index and graphical causal models. These approaches collectively indicate that the MJO's influence on the North Atlantic strengthens in the future, consistent with an extended jet‐stream. In addition, the graphical causal models allow us to distinguish the causal pathways associated with the teleconnections. While both a stratospheric and tropospheric pathway connect the MJO to the North Atlantic in CESM2‐WACCM, the strengthening of the MJO‐NAO causal connection over the 21st century is shown to be due exclusively to teleconnections via the tropospheric pathway.
Genetic variation, brain, and intelligence differences
Authors: Deary Ian J. , Cox Simon R. , Hill W. David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIndividual differences in human intelligence, as assessed using cognitive test scores, have a well-replicated, hierarchical phenotypic covariance structure. They are substantially stable across the life course, and are predictive of educational, social, and health outcomes. From this solid phenotypic foundation and importance for life, comes an interest in the environmental, social, and genetic aetiologies of intelligence, and in the foundations of intelligence differences in brain structure and functioning. Here, we summarise and critique the last 10 years or so of molecular genetic (DNA-based) research on intelligence, including the discovery of genetic loci associated with intelligence, DNA-based heritability, and intelligence’s genetic correlations with other traits. We summarise new brain imaging-intelligence findings, including whole-brain associations and grey and white matter associations. We summarise regional brain imaging associations with intelligence and interpret these with respect to theoretical accounts. We address research that combines genetics and brain imaging in studying intelligence differences. There are new, though modest, associations in all these areas, and mechanistic accounts are lacking. We attempt to identify growing points that might contribute toward a more integrated ‘systems biology’ account of some of the between-individual differences in intelligence.
The ER stress response mediator ERO1 triggers cancer metastasis by favoring the angiogenic switch in hypoxic conditions
Authors: Varone Ersilia , Decio Alessandra , Chernorudskiy Alexander , Minoli Lucia , Brunelli Laura , Ioli Federica , Piotti Arianna , Pastorelli Roberta , Fratelli Maddalena , Gobbi Marco , Giavazzi Raffaella , Zito Ester 
Published: February 2021

SummarySolid tumors are often characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment which contributes, through the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1, to the invasion-metastasis cascade. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress also leads tumor cells to thrive and spread by inducing a transcriptional and translational program, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), aimed at restoring ER homeostasis. We studied ERO1 alpha (henceforth ERO1), a protein disulfide oxidase with the tumor-relevant characteristic of being positively regulated by both ER stress and hypoxia. Analysis of the redox secretome indicated that pro-angiogenic HIF-1 targets, were blunted in ERO1-devoid breast cancer cells under hypoxic conditions. ERO1 deficiency reduced tumor cell migration and lung metastases by impinging on tumor angiogenesis, negatively regulating the upstream ATF4/CHOP branch of the UPR and selectively impeding oxidative folding of angiogenic factors, among which VEGF-A. Thus, ERO1 deficiency acted synergistically with the otherwise feeble curative effects of anti-angiogenic therapy in aggressive breast cancer murine models and it might be exploited to treat cancers with pathological HIF-1-dependent angiogenesis. Furthermore, ERO1 levels are higher in the more aggressive basal breast tumors and correlate inversely with the disease- and metastasis-free interval of breast cancer patients. Thus, taking advantage of our in vitro data on ERO1-regulated gene products we identified a gene set associated with ERO1 expression in basal tumors and related to UPR, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, whose levels might be investigated in patients as a hallmark of tumor aggressiveness and orient those with lower levels toward an effective anti-angiogenic therapy.
Single-dose intraoperative radiotherapy during lumpectomy for breast cancer: an innovative patient-centred treatment
Authors: Vaidya Jayant S. , Bulsara Max , Baum Michael , Tobias Jeffrey S. ,   on behalf of the TARGIT-A trial authors, Wenz Frederik , Massarut Samuele , Pigorsch Steffi , Alvarado Michael , Douek Michael , Saunders Christobel , Flyger Henrik L. , Eiermann Wolfgang , Brew-Graves Chris , Williams Norman R. , Potyka Ingrid , Roberts Nicholas , Bernstein Marcelle , Brown Douglas , Sperk Elena , Laws Siobhan , Sütterlin Marc , Corica Tammy , Lundgren Steinar , Holmes Dennis , Vinante Lorenzo , Bozza Fernando , Pazos Montserrat , Le Blanc-Onfroy Magali , Gruber Günther , Polkowski Wojciech , Dedes Konstantin J. , Niewald Marcus , Blohmer Jens , McCready David , Hoefer Richard , Kelemen Pond , Petralia Gloria , Falzon Mary , Joseph David J. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryIn the randomised TARGIT-A trial, risk-adapted targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT) during lumpectomy was non-inferior to whole-breast external beam radiotherapy, for local recurrence. In the long-term, no difference was found in any breast cancer outcome, whereas there were fewer deaths from non-breast-cancer causes. TARGIT-IORT should be included in pre-operative consultations with eligible patients.
The impact of COVID-19 on systemic anticancer treatment delivery in Scotland
Authors: Baxter Mark A. , Murphy John , Cameron David , Jordan Judith , Crearie Christine , Lilley Christina , Sadozye Azmat , Maclean Mary , Hall Peter , Phillips Angela , Greger Alex , Madeleine Jude , Petty Russell D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on systemic anticancer therapy delivery (SACT) is crucial to appreciate the short- and long-term consequences for cancer patients and plan future care. Here, we report real-time national SACT delivery data from NHS Scotland. We demonstrate an initial rapid reduction in patient attendance of 28.7% with subsequent rapid recovery following service redesign. The smallest decrease was seen in breast cancer (19.7%), which also had the most rapid recovery and the largest decrease seen in colorectal cancer (43.4%). Regional variation in the magnitude of impact on SACT delivery was observed, but nadirs occurred at the same time and the rate of recovery was similar across all regions. This recovery reflected a coordinated national approach and associated patient and clinician support structures, which facilitated the creation of COVID-19-protected areas for SACT delivery in Scottish cancer centres enabling rapid sharing of successful and innovative strategies. The data show that these actions have limited the disadvantage to cancer patients.
Genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a glimpse of the future?
Authors: Kupatt Christian , Windisch Alina , Moretti Alessandra , Wolf Eckhard , Wurst Wolfgang , Walter Maggie C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMutations in Dystrophin, one of the largest proteins in the mammalian body, are causative for a severe form of muscle disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), affecting not only skeletal muscle, but also the heart. In particular, exons 45–52 constitute a hotspot for DMD mutations. A variety of molecular therapies have been developed, comprising vectors encoding micro- and minidystrophins as well as utrophin, a protein with partially overlapping functions. With the advent of the CRISPR-Cas9-nuclease, genome editing offers a novel option of correction of the disease-cuasing mutations. Full restoration of the healthy gene by homology directed repair is a rare event. However, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) may restore the reading frame by causing exon excision. This approach has first been demonstrated in mice and then translated to large animals (dogs, pigs). This review discusses the potential opportunities and limitations of genome editing in DMD, including the generation of appropriate animal models as well as new developments in genome editing tools.
TGFβ signalling acts as a molecular brake of myoblast fusion
Authors: Melendez Julie , Sieiro Daniel , Salgado David , Morin Valérie , Dejardin Marie-Julie , Zhou Chan , Mullen Alan C. , Marcelle Christophe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFusion of nascent myoblasts to pre-existing myofibres is critical for skeletal muscle growth and repair. The vast majority of molecules known to regulate myoblast fusion are necessary in this process. Here, we uncover, through high-throughput in vitro assays and in vivo studies in the chicken embryo, that TGFβ (SMAD2/3-dependent) signalling acts specifically and uniquely as a molecular brake on muscle fusion. While constitutive activation of the pathway arrests fusion, its inhibition leads to a striking over-fusion phenotype. This dynamic control of TGFβ signalling in the embryonic muscle relies on a receptor complementation mechanism, prompted by the merging of myoblasts with myofibres, each carrying one component of the heterodimer receptor complex. The competence of myofibres to fuse is likely restored through endocytic degradation of activated receptors. Altogether, this study shows that muscle fusion relies on TGFβ signalling to regulate its pace.
Dual functions of SPOP and ERG dictate androgen therapy responses in prostate cancer
Authors: Bernasocchi Tiziano , El Tekle Geniver , Bolis Marco , Mutti Azzurra , Vallerga Arianna , Brandt Laura P. , Spriano Filippo , Svinkina Tanya , Zoma Marita , Ceserani Valentina , Rinaldi Anna , Janouskova Hana , Bossi Daniela , Cavalli Manuela , Mosole Simone , Geiger Roger , Dong Ze , Yang Cai-Guang , Albino Domenico , Rinaldi Andrea , Schraml Peter , Linder Simon , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Alimonti Andrea , Bertoni Francesco , Moch Holger , Carr Steven A. , Zwart Wilbert , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna , Rubin Mark A. , Udeshi Namrata D. , Theurillat Jean-Philippe P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDriver genes with a mutually exclusive mutation pattern across tumor genomes are thought to have overlapping roles in tumorigenesis. In contrast, we show here that mutually exclusive prostate cancer driver alterations involving the ERG transcription factor and the ubiquitin ligase adaptor SPOP are synthetic sick. At the molecular level, the incompatible cancer pathways are driven by opposing functions in SPOP. ERG upregulates wild type SPOP to dampen androgen receptor (AR) signaling and sustain ERG activity through degradation of the bromodomain histone reader ZMYND11. Conversely, SPOP-mutant tumors stabilize ZMYND11 to repress ERG-function and enable oncogenic androgen receptor signaling. This dichotomy regulates the response to therapeutic interventions in the AR pathway. While mutant SPOP renders tumor cells susceptible to androgen deprivation therapies, ERG promotes sensitivity to high-dose androgen therapy and pharmacological inhibition of wild type SPOP. More generally, these results define a distinct class of antagonistic cancer drivers and a blueprint toward their therapeutic exploitation.
Physical networks from entropy-driven non-covalent interactions
Authors: Yu Anthony C. , Lian Huada , Kong Xian , Lopez Hernandez Hector , Qin Jian , Appel Eric A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhysical networks typically employ enthalpy-dominated crosslinking interactions that become more dynamic at elevated temperatures, leading to network softening. Moreover, standard mathematical frameworks such as time-temperature superposition assume network softening and faster dynamics at elevated temperatures. Yet, deriving a mathematical framework connecting the crosslinking thermodynamics to the temperature-dependent viscoelasticity of physical networks suggests the possibility for entropy-driven crosslinking interactions to provide alternative temperature dependencies. This framework illustrates that temperature negligibly affects crosslink density in reported systems, but drastically influences crosslink dynamics. While the dissociation rate of enthalpy-driven crosslinks is accelerated at elevated temperatures, the dissociation rate of entropy-driven crosslinks is negligibly affected or even slowed under these conditions. Here we report an entropy-driven physical network based on polymer-nanoparticle interactions that exhibits mechanical properties that are invariant with temperature. These studies provide a foundation for designing and characterizing entropy-driven physical crosslinking motifs and demonstrate how these physical networks access thermal properties that are not observed in current physical networks.
A practical solution to pseudoreplication bias in single-cell studies
Authors: Zimmerman Kip D. , Espeland Mark A. , Langefeld Carl D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCells from the same individual share common genetic and environmental backgrounds and are not statistically independent; therefore, they are subsamples or pseudoreplicates. Thus, single-cell data have a hierarchical structure that many current single-cell methods do not address, leading to biased inference, highly inflated type 1 error rates, and reduced robustness and reproducibility. This includes methods that use a batch effect correction for individual as a means of accounting for within-sample correlation. Here, we document this dependence across a range of cell types and show that pseudo-bulk aggregation methods are conservative and underpowered relative to mixed models. To compute differential expression within a specific cell type across treatment groups, we propose applying generalized linear mixed models with a random effect for individual, to properly account for both zero inflation and the correlation structure among measures from cells within an individual. Finally, we provide power estimates across a range of experimental conditions to assist researchers in designing appropriately powered studies.
A multiplex chemiluminescent immunoassay for serological profiling of COVID-19-positive symptomatic and asymptomatic patients
Authors: Grossberg Allison N. , Koza Lilia A. , Ledreux Aurélie , Prusmack Chad , Krishnamurthy Hari Krishnan , Jayaraman Vasanth , Granholm Ann-Charlotte , Linseman Daniel A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic affects more than 81 million people worldwide with over 1.7 million deaths. As the population returns to work, it is critical to develop tests that reliably detect SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Here we present results from a multiplex serology test for assessing the antibody responses to COVID-19. In an initial large cohort, this test shows greater than 99% agreement with COVID-19 PCR test. In a second outpatient cohort consisting of adults and children in Colorado, the IgG responses are more robust in positive/symptomatic participants than in positive/asymptomatic participants, the IgM responses in symptomatic participants are transient and largely fall below the detection limit 30 days after symptom onset, and the levels of IgA against SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain are significantly increased in participants with moderate-to-severe symptoms compared to those with mild-to-moderate symptoms or asymptomatic individuals. Our results thus provide insight into serology profiling and the immune response to COVID-19.
Automating the assessment of biofouling in images using expert agreement as a gold standard
Authors: Mannix Evelyn J. , Wei Susan , A. Woodham Bartholomew , Wilkinson Peter , Robinson Andrew P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBiofouling is the accumulation of organisms on surfaces immersed in water. It is of particular concern to the international shipping industry because it increases fuel costs and presents a biosecurity risk by providing a pathway for non-indigenous marine species to establish in new areas. There is growing interest within jurisdictions to strengthen biofouling risk-management regulations, but it is expensive to conduct in-water inspections and assess the collected data to determine the biofouling state of vessel hulls. Machine learning is well suited to tackle the latter challenge, and here we apply deep learning to automate the classification of images from in-water inspections to identify the presence and severity of fouling. We combined several datasets to obtain over 10,000 images collected from in-water surveys which were annotated by a group biofouling experts. We compared the annotations from three experts on a 120-sample subset of these images, and found that they showed 89% agreement (95% CI: 87–92%). Subsequent labelling of the whole dataset by one of these experts achieved similar levels of agreement with this group of experts, which we defined as performing at most 5% worse (p $$=$$
=
0.009–0.054). Using these expert labels, we were able to train a deep learning model that also agreed similarly with the group of experts (p $$=$$
=
0.001–0.014), demonstrating that automated analysis of biofouling in images is feasible and effective using this method.
Mantle-flow diversion beneath the Iranian plateau induced by Zagros’ lithospheric keel
Authors: Kaviani Ayoub , Mahmoodabadi Meysam , Rümpker Georg , Pilia Simone , Tatar Mohammad , Nilfouroushan Faramarz , Yamini-Fard Farzam , Moradi Ali , Ali Mohammed Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrevious investigation of seismic anisotropy indicates the presence of a simple mantle flow regime beneath the Turkish-Anatolian Plateau and Arabian Plate. Numerical modeling suggests that this simple flow is a component of a large-scale global mantle flow associated with the African superplume, which plays a key role in the geodynamic framework of the Arabia-Eurasia continental collision zone. However, the extent and impact of the flow pattern farther east beneath the Iranian Plateau and Zagros remains unclear. While the relatively smoothly varying lithospheric thickness beneath the Anatolian Plateau and Arabian Plate allows progress of the simple mantle flow, the variable lithospheric thickness across the Iranian Plateau is expected to impose additional boundary conditions on the mantle flow field. In this study, for the first time, we use an unprecedented data set of seismic waveforms from a network of 245 seismic stations to examine the mantle flow pattern and lithospheric deformation over the entire region of the Iranian Plateau and Zagros by investigation of seismic anisotropy. We also examine the correlation between the pattern of seismic anisotropy, plate motion using GPS velocities and surface strain fields. Our study reveals a complex pattern of seismic anisotropy that implies a similarly complex mantle flow field. The pattern of seismic anisotropy suggests that the regional simple mantle flow beneath the Arabian Platform and eastern Turkey deflects as a circular flow around the thick Zagros lithosphere. This circular flow merges into a toroidal component beneath the NW Zagros that is likely an indicator of a lateral discontinuity in the lithosphere. Our examination also suggests that the main lithospheric deformation in the Zagros occurs as an axial shortening across the belt, whereas in the eastern Alborz and Kopeh-Dagh a belt-parallel horizontal lithospheric deformation plays a major role.
A quantum-inspired classifier for clonogenic assay evaluations
Authors: Sergioli Giuseppe , Militello Carmelo , Rundo Leonardo , Minafra Luigi , Torrisi Filippo , Russo Giorgio , Chow Keng Loon , Giuntini Roberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent advances in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) have provided benefits to several computational processes, drastically reducing the time complexity. Another approach of combining quantum information theory with machine learning—without involving quantum computers—is known as Quantum-inspired Machine Learning (QiML), which exploits the expressive power of the quantum language to increase the accuracy of the process (rather than reducing the time complexity). In this work, we propose a large-scale experiment based on the application of a binary classifier inspired by quantum information theory to the biomedical imaging context in clonogenic assay evaluation to identify the most discriminative feature, allowing us to enhance cell colony segmentation. This innovative approach offers a two-fold result: (1) among the extracted and analyzed image features, homogeneity is shown to be a relevant feature in detecting challenging cell colonies; and (2) the proposed quantum-inspired classifier is a novel and outstanding methodology, compared to conventional machine learning classifiers, for the evaluation of clonogenic assays.