bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A putative merR family transcription factor Slr0701 regulates mercury inducible expression of MerA in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Lingaswamy Bantu , Koduru Tejaswi Naidu , Nagu Prakash Prabhu , Jogadhenu Prakash Syama Sundar 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn cyanobacteria, genes conferring mercury resistance are not organized as mer‐operon, unlike in other bacterial phyla. Synechocystis contains only a putative MerR regulator, Slr0701, and a mercury reductase, MerA, located aside from each other in the genome. The slr0701‐mutant showed reduction in photosynthetic activity and reduced tolerance to mercury compared to the wild‐type. The incubation of wild‐type cells with HgCl2 resulted in the upregulation of slr0701 and slr1849 genes whereas mercury‐induced expression was not observed in the slr0701‐mutant. Slr0701 binds to a conserved cis‐regulatory element located in the upstream of slr1849 and slr0701 ORFs. The same element was also identified in the upstream of other cyanobacterial homologs. Slr0701 binds to cis‐regulatory element with faster association and slower dissociation rates in the presence of HgCl2. Although these genes were constitutively expressed, the addition of HgCl2 enhanced their promoter activity suggesting that mercury‐bound Slr0701 triggers induced expression of these genes. The enhanced promoter activity could be attributed to the observed secondary structural changes in Slr0701 in the presence of HgCl2. For the first time, we demonstrated the mechanism of merA regulation in a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis. Although merA and merR genes are distantly located on the cyanobacterial genome and distinct from other bacterial mer‐operons, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism is conserved.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Rats Causes Cardiac Dysfunction by Inducing Myocardial Insulin Resistance
Authors: Nizami Hina Lateef , Katare Parmeshwar , Prabhakar Pankaj , Kumar Yashwant , Arava Sudheer Kumar , Chakraborty Praloy , Maulik Subir Kumar , Banerjee Sanjay Kumar 
Published: May 2019

ScopeCause‐effect relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic abnormalities remains undefined. The aim is to investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiac failure, through possible involvement in myocardial insulin signaling.Methods and resultsMale SD rats (n = 6) are fed a normal diet (Con), vitamin D‐deficient diet [Con(‐)], or high‐fat, high fructose diet (HFHFrD) for 20 weeks. Cardiac hypertrophy and fetal gene program are confirmed in Con(‐) group. Cardiac dysfunction is assessed by echocardiography. Elevated renin, TGF‐β and collagen‐1α mRNAs, p‐ERK1/2, and perivascular fibrosis indicate cardiac remodeling in Con(‐) group. Increased serum insulin, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and decreased glucose tolerance and HDL cholesterol are observed in Con(‐) rats. Decreased p‐Akt/Akt, GLUT4, SOD2, and catalase, and increased NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 are observed in Con(‐) hearts. In H9c2 cells, calcitriol attenuates palmitate‐induced insulin resistance. VDR‐silenced H9c2 cells show reduced Akt phosphorylation, GLUT4 translocation, and 2‐NBDG uptake. Findings in Con(‐) and HFHFrD groups are comparable.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency in rats mimic high‐fat‐, high‐fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome and cardiac dysfunction. This study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for heart failure, at least in part, through induction of myocardial insulin resistance.
Dystrophin is expressed in smooth muscle and afferent nerve fibers in the rat urinary bladder
Authors: Lionarons Judith M. , Hoogland Govert , Hendriksen Ruben G. F. , Faber Catharina G. , Hellebrekers Danique M. J. , Van Koeveringe Gommert A. , Schipper Sandra , Vles Johan S. H. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionWith increasing life expectancy, comorbidities become overt in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although micturition problems are common, bladder function is poorly understood in DMD. We studied dystrophin expression and multiple isoform involvement in the bladder during maturation to gain insights into their roles in micturition.MethodsDystrophin distribution was evaluated in rat bladders by immunohistochemical colocalization with smooth muscle, interstitial, urothelial, and neuronal markers. Protein levels of Dp140, Dp71, and smooth muscle were quantitated by Western blotting of neonatal to adult rat bladders.ResultsDystrophin colocalized with smooth muscle cells and afferent nerve fibers. Dp71 was expressed two‐ to threefold higher compared with Dp140, independently of age. Age‐related muscle mass changes did not influence isoform expression levels.DiscussionDystrophin is expressed in smooth muscle cells and afferent nerve fibers in the urinary bladder, which underscores that micturition problems in DMD may have not solely a myogenic but also a neurogenic origin. Muscle Nerve 60: 202–210, 2019
Sub‐phenotyping Metabolic Disorders Using Body Composition: An Individualized, Nonparametric Approach Utilizing Large Data Sets
Authors: Linge Jennifer , Whitcher Brandon , Borga Magnus , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThis study performed individual‐centric, data‐driven calculations of propensity for coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), utilizing magnetic resonance imaging‐acquired body composition measurements, for sub‐phenotyping of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsA total of 10,019 participants from the UK Biobank imaging substudy were included and analyzed for visceral and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscle fat infiltration, and liver fat. An adaption of the k‐nearest neighbors algorithm was applied to the imaging variable space to calculate individualized CHD and T2D propensity and explore metabolic sub‐phenotyping within obesity and NAFLD.ResultsThe ranges of CHD and T2D propensity for the whole cohort were 1.3% to 58.0% and 0.6% to 42.0%, respectively. The diagnostic performance, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI), using disease propensities for CHD and T2D detection was 0.75 (0.73‐0.77) and 0.79 (0.77‐0.81). Exploring individualized disease propensity, CHD phenotypes, T2D phenotypes, comorbid phenotypes, and metabolically healthy phenotypes were found within obesity and NAFLD.ConclusionsThe adaptive k‐nearest neighbors algorithm allowed an individual‐centric assessment of each individual’s metabolic phenotype moving beyond discrete categorizations of body composition. Within obesity and NAFLD, this may help in identifying which comorbidities a patient may develop and consequently enable optimization of treatment.
Unmet Need for Workplace Accommodation
Authors: Maestas Nicole , Mullen Kathleen J. , Rennane Stephanie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe use experimental survey methods in a nationally representative survey to test alternative ways of identifying (1) individuals in the population who would be better able to work if they received workplace accommodation for a health condition; (2) the rate at which these individuals receive workplace accommodation; and (3) the rate at which accommodated workers are still working four years later, compared to similar workers who were not accommodated. We find that question order in disability surveys matters. We present suggestive evidence of priming effects that lead people to understate accommodation when first asked about very severe disabilities. We also find a sizeable fraction of workers who report they receive a workplace accommodation for a health problem but do not report work limitations per se. Our preferred estimate of the size of the accommodation‐sensitive population is 22.8 percent of all working‐age adults. We find that 47 to 58 percent of accommodation‐sensitive individuals lack accommodation and would benefit from some kind of employer accommodation to either sustain or commence work. Finally, among accommodation‐sensitive individuals, workers who were accommodated for a health problem in 2014 were 13.2 percentage points more likely to work in 2018 than those who were not accommodated in 2014.
Kratom Use and Toxicities in the United States
Authors: Eggleston William , Stoppacher Robert , Suen Kyle , Marraffa Jeanna M. , Nelson Lewis S. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundKratom is an herbal supplement containing alkaloids with opioid properties. This review was conducted to determine toxicities associated with kratom use in the United States in order to provide insight into its safety as a dietary supplement.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of kratom exposures reported to the National Poison Data System to determine the toxicities associated with kratom use. We also reviewed records from a county medical examiner's office in New York State to identify kratom‐associated fatalities.ResultsA total of 2312 kratom exposures were reported, with 935 cases involving kratom as the only substance. Kratom most commonly caused agitation (18.6%), tachycardia (16.9%), drowsiness (13.6%), vomiting (11.2%), and confusion (8.1%). Serious effects of seizure (6.1%), withdrawal (6.1%), hallucinations (4.8%), respiratory depression (2.8%), coma (2.3%), and cardiac or respiratory arrest (0.6%) were also reported. Kratom was listed as a cause or contributing factor in the death of four decedents identified by the county medical examiner's office.ConclusionsKratom use is increasing and is associated with significant toxicities. Our findings suggest kratom is not reasonably expected to be safe and poses a public health threat due to its availability as an herbal supplement.
Full Logarithmic Conformal Field theory — an Attempt at a Status Report
Authors: Fuchs Jürgen , Schweigert Christoph 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLogarithmic conformal field theories are based on vertex algebras with non‐semisimple representation categories. While examples of such theories have been known for more than 25 years, some crucial aspects of local logarithmic CFTs have been understood only recently, with the help of a description of conformal blocks by modular functors. We present some of these results, both about bulk fields and about boundary fields and boundary states. We also describe some recent progress towards a derived modular functor.This is a summary of work with Terry Gannon, Simon Lentner, Svea Mierach, Gregor Schaumann and Yorck Sommerhäuser.
Retracted: Lipopolysaccharides‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA‐192
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Chuandong , Zhang Hanyang 
Published: May 2019

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS‐sensitive miRNA (miR‐192) and the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 μM significantly attenuated LPS‐induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL‐6 and TNF‐α release. miR‐192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR‐192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR‐192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR‐192. LPS‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR‐192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling.
Investigating variability in cochlear implant electrode array alignment and the potential of visualization guidance
Authors: Yasin Rashid , Dedmon Matthew , Dillon Neal , Simaan Nabil 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundInternal cochlear anatomy is difficult to discern from external inspection, hindering cochlear implant electrode insertion.MethodsA user study characterized the repeatability of standard surgical technique and examined the role of visual inspection and guidance cues in reducing electrode array insertion misalignment.ResultsWithout guidance, a large spread in angles of insertion, up to 30°, was observed, highlighting the need for intraoperative guidance. Visual inspection did not significantly improve overall orientation, suggesting the need for alternate intracochlear visualization methods and/or increased training to effectively improve surgeon understanding of the visualized images. Visual cues and guidance software increased repeatability of surgeon performance, reducing one metric of repeatability to ±2°.ConclusionsThis study establishes a baseline for surgeon variability in cochlear implant insertion and supports the need and lays the groundwork for future intraoperative guidance techniques.
The Role of Awareness of Cross‐Language Suffix Correspondences in Second‐Language Reading Comprehension
Authors: Lam Katie , Chen Xi (Becky) , Deacon S. Hélène 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding text in a second language can be particularly challenging. The authors explored the contribution of morphological awareness in children's first and second languages to development in second‐language reading comprehension. Critically, the authors examined the role of a skill that might be at the heart of these cross‐linguistic connections: awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences. This is the awareness, for instance, that the French suffix ‐eux and the English suffix ‐ous have the same meaning in the two languages, despite the fact that they look and sound different. The authors tested the contributions of each of these morphological skills to French reading comprehension in a study of students with diverse first languages enrolled in a Canadian early French immersion program with instruction entirely in French. Seventy‐five students were tested in grade 2 and again in grade 3. In grade 2, students completed measures of English and French morphological awareness and awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences, along with control measures of nonverbal ability, French vocabulary, and French phonological awareness. In grades 2 and 3, students completed measures of French reading comprehension. The authors found that both English and French morphological awareness were related to grade 3 reading comprehension. Neither relation was significant after the autoregressor. In contrast, awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences predicted individual differences in French reading comprehension, including after autoregressive controls. These findings show the importance of awareness of commonalities between suffixes across languages in enabling the development of French reading comprehension.
Upconversion Nanoplatform for FRET‐Based Sensing of Dopamine and pH
Authors: Kumar Balmiki , Murali Aparna , Giri Supratim 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDopamine (DA) plays a very critical role in controlling the key functionalities, such as in metabolic, memory and behavioural aspects. The deviation from the normal range of concentration has been linked to serious neurological disorders and cancers. Therefore, development of a facile sensing platform with a prospective potential to be applied in the real‐time analysis of DA in vivo holds a great promise. To achieve this, an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) based nanoplatform with mesoporous silica functionality (BSCU‐MS) has been proposed as an efficient DA sensing probe. The UCNP has been tuned to exhibit emission in particular region with high PL intensity that could be selectively absorbed by the DA in quinone form (q‐DA) through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. We showed that the proposed nanoplatforms are capable of detecting DA in a sensitive and very selective manner with the limit of detection (LOD) as 0.63 nM (with S/N=3). Also, owing to the interesting electronic behaviour of DA to undergo pH‐dependent oxidation and reduction process, we also demonstrate the applicability of DA loaded BCSU‐MS for fluorescence‐based pH sensing. We propose that the method described offers a very promising and efficient strategy for the detection of DA‐related diseases and the ensuing physiological pH changes.
In Situ Growth of Layered Double Hydroxides on Sawdust for Pb(II) Adsorption
Authors: Gong Hao , Li Hailong , Tan Li , Liu Mengru 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, waste wood (sawdust) was modified with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to improve its adsorption capacity for Pb(II). The LDHs grew easily and evenly on the sawdust in situ through a hydrothermal method. Then, the functional groups and favorable crystal structures of sawdust/LDHs composites were demonstrated by FTIR and XRD. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of sawdust/LDHs composites for Pb(II) increased by 83.61% compared to sawdust, and the optimum conditions for adsorption were at pH 6 for 180 min with an adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L. Moreover, the behavior of Pb(II) adsorption preferably followed pseudo‐second‐order, Langmuir and Freundlich models, with all the R2 values exceeding 0.97. It was indicated that Pb(II) adsorption occurred on the monolayer and heterogeneous surfaces through chemical bonding and electrostatic interaction. Due to their low cost and high adsorption capacity, the plant‐based composites have great potential in the treatment of lead‐containing wastewater.
DABCO Catalyzed Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy Ketones Derived from α‐Methyl Ketones and Ninhydrin under Microwave Irradiations
Authors: Verma Pratibha , Mishra Ankush , Chauhan Swati , Singh Sundaram , Srivastava Vandana 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMicrowave induced an efficient, green and rapid protocol for the synthesis of 2‐substituted‐2‐hydroxyindan‐1,3‐dione derivatives from the reaction of ninhydrin and ketone by using inexpensive 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) organocatalyst in water has been developed. Mild reaction conditions, shorter reaction time, metal‐free approach, water as a green solvent, scalability and broad substrate scope are the salient features of this protocol.
Near‐Infrared Light Activated Thermosensitive Ion Channel to Remotely Control Transgene System for Thrombolysis Therapy
Authors: Zhang Da , Zhang Cuilin , Lan Shanyou , Huang Yanbing , Liu Jingfeng , Li Juan , Liu Xiaolong , Yang Huanghao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCurrent antithrombotic therapeutic strategies often suffer from severe post‐thrombotic syndromes (PTS), inconvenient daily subcutaneous injections for a long time and short circulation times accompanied by a dose‐dependent risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Aiming at noninvasive, on‐demand, and sustained antithrombotic therapy, a new thrombolysis approach based on the transgene system has been developed to remotely and precisely control the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) by bioengineered cells for antithrombotic therapy both in vitro and in vivo. In this design, the near‐infrared (NIR) light could activate the expression of the thermosensitive TRPV1 channel in response to photothermal responsive nanotransducers to trigger the synthetic signaling pathway to secret uPA. By encapsulating bioengineered cells in injectable hydrogel to ensure long‐term survival and convenience for injection, the engineered cells could noninvasively and precisely control the production of uPA protein in situ via an NIR laser to significantly enhance the thrombolysis therapeutic effects by spatiotemporally controlling the local temperature, in both the microfluidic blood circulation mimic and the murine tail thrombus model. This novel thrombolysis approach could overcome some key limitations that are associated with conventional antithrombotic therapy, thus opening a new direction for developing remotely and precisely controllable continuous thrombolysis through artificially designed signaling.
Boosting ORR/OER Activity of Graphdiyne by Simple Heteroatom Doping
Authors: Gu Jinxing , Magagula Saneliswa , Zhao Jingxiang , Chen Zhongfang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNitrogen‐doped graphdiynes recently emerged as promising metal‐free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. However, which type of N‐dopants contributing to the enhanced catalytic performance and the catalytic performances of other heteroatom‐doped graphdiynes has not been explored systematically. Herein, ORR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performances of X‐doped graphdiynes are examined by means of DFT computations (X = B, N, P, and S). It is revealed that the graphitic S‐doped graphdiyne (Model S1), the sp‐N‐doped graphdiyne (Model N3) and the graphitic P‐doped graphdiyne (Model P1) exhibit comparable or even better ORR/OER activities than Pt/C or RuO2, with ORR activity trend as Model S1 > Pt/C > Model N3 and OER trend as Model P1 > RuO2 > Model N3. The carbon atoms near N‐ and S‐dopants and featuring large positive charge are the ORR active sites in Models N3 and S1, whereas the carbon atoms near N‐ and P‐dopants and possessing high spin are the OER active sites in Models N3 and P1. Overall, this study not only gains deep insights into the catalytic activity of N‐doped graphdiyne for ORR, but also guides developing of graphdiyne‐based ORR/OER catalysts beyond N‐doping.
Controlling fingermark variability for research purposes: A review
Authors: Steiner Romain , Roux Claude , Moret Sebastien 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFingermark detection is a very active field of research in forensic science, with many different strategies currently investigated to always improve detection rate. However, each new technique has first to be optimized, assessed and validated with many fingermarks from multiple donors across a wide variety of substrates before being included into laboratories operating procedures. This process often requires the collaboration of research groups and operational laboratories from different countries, and it takes several years for a new method to be applied routinely in casework. One particular challenge that makes the process from R&D to operations complicated is the significant intrinsic within‐ and between‐source variability of fingermarks. Many studies partially addressing fingermark variability have been reported but a comprehensive approach to the problem is yet to be found. This review describes the factors of fingermark variability and provides an extensive overview of various strategies implemented to control it. The use of artificial fingermarks or simulants, containing some of the most abundant compounds found in fingermark residue has been investigated by some research teams. However, most of these formulations are too simplistic and can only be used to assess a restrictive number of detection techniques, such as amino acid reagents. Practical applications of artificial fingermarks such as test strips and proficiency testing are reviewed. The advantage and challenges of using artificial fingermarks in the first stages of fingermark detection research are presented.This article is categorized under:
Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fingermarks and Other Marks
Approximation of maps into spheres by piecewise-regular maps of class $$C^k$$
Authors: Bilski Marcin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to prove that every continuous map from a compact subset of a real algebraic variety into a sphere can be approximated by piecewise-regular maps of class$${\mathcal {C}}^k,$$Ck,wherekis an arbitrary nonnegative integer.