bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of the optimizing karyotype by applying AC voltage
Authors: Shams Amir , Ayat Hoda , Ahadi Ali Mohammad 
Published: June 2019

Background: The main problem in the conventional karyotype slide is twisted and folded chromosomes that make it challenging to analyze the karyotype slide. Most of the time karyotype sorting software mistake chromosome with each order. In this study, the alternating current (AC) voltage conducted in order to drag the chromosome on karyotype slides. This method can facilitate the analysis of chromosomes structure by researchers, and karyotype sorting software can perform better and show a more accurate result.
Methods: In this study, the AC ramp voltage has been applied to drag the chromosome on karyotype slides. AC voltage interacts with chromosomes in the slide so the force of electric charge can untwist and unfold chromosomes partially.
Results: Karyotype chromosomes that were under AC voltage showed somewhat lined, and arranged chromosomes compare to conventional karyotype chromosomes.
Conclusions: This method makes the study of the chromosomes structure very easy and more reliable. Hopefully, with the design and development of custom signal generators, the results of the study will be better and more accurate.
Role of Prostaglandins in the Vasodilator Effect of the Aqueous Extract from Artemisia annua Plant in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sadeghimahalli Forouzan , Khaleghzadeh-Ahangar Hossein , Baluchnejadmojarad Tourandokht 
Published: June 2019

Aims: One of the most important causes of mortality is vascular complications resulting from diabetes mellitus. Herbal medicines are commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions in diabetes. Artemisia annua (A. annua) as a medicinal plant has vasculature protective effects in diabetic rats. In the present study, the role of prostaglandins in the vasodilator effect of A. annua aqueous extract in diabetic rats has been studied.
Study Design: This animal study was conducted on diabetic rats. Aqueous extract of Artemisia annua was used for diabetic rats. Then, isolated thoracic aortic rings were exposed to indomethacin and after exposure, the contractile responses were measured.
Methodology: The studied animals were male Wistar rats (n=36) which were randomly divided into intact, untreated-diabetic, and A. annua aqueous extract treated-diabetic groups. For the induction of diabetes, streptozotocin was intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered (60 mg/kg). A. annua extract-treated group received i.p. 100 mg/kg of extract for one month. After one month, the dose contractile response of isolated aortic rings to phenylephrine (doses of 10-9-10-4 mol/L) in the absence and presence of indomethacin as a prostaglandins inhibitor was determined using isolated tissue setup.
Results: Comparison of contractile responses before and after adding indomethacin in treated extract diabetic rats, showed that contractile responses of aorta ring with and without endothelium after adding indomethacin significantly increased at all concentrations of phenylephrine (P<0.05–P<0.0001) while indomethacin in diabetic rats did not effect on contractile response.
Conclusions: Since the vasodilator effect of the aqueous extract of A. annua with a concentration of 100 mg/kg of body weight was pronounced even after endothelium removal, it can be claimed that the vasodilator effects of the extract are related to inhibition of prostaglandin generation both indirectly and directly.
Alternative splicing in human cancer cells is modulated by the amiloride derivative 3,5‐diamino‐6‐chloro‐N‐(N‐(2,6‐dichlorobenzoyl)carbamimidoyl)pyrazine‐2‐carboxide
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chin , Chang Wen‐Hsin , Chang Ya‐Sian , Yang Jinn‐Moon , Chang Chih‐Shiang , Hsu Kai‐Cheng , Chen Yun‐Ti , Liu Ting‐Yuan , Chen Yu‐Chia , Lin Shyr‐Yi , Wu Yang‐Chang , Chang Jan‐Gowth 
Published: June 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) is a process that enables the generation of multiple protein isoforms with different biological properties from a single mRNA. Cancer cells often use the maneuverability conferred by AS to produce proteins that contribute to growth and survival. In our previous studies, we identified that amiloride modulates AS in cancer cells. However, the effective concentration of amiloride required to modulate AS is too high for use in cancer treatment. In this study, we used computational algorithms to screen potential amiloride derivatives for their ability to regulate AS in cancer cells. We found that 3,5‐diamino‐6‐chloro‐N‐(N‐(2,6‐dichlorobenzoyl)carbamimidoyl)pyrazine‐2‐carboxamide (BS008) can regulate AS of apoptotic gene transcripts, including HIPK3, SMAC, and BCL‐X, at a lower concentration than amiloride. This splicing regulation involved various splicing factors, and it was accompanied by a change in the phosphorylation state of serine/arginine‐rich proteins (SR proteins). RNA sequencing was performed to reveal that AS of many other apoptotic gene transcripts, such as AATF, ATM, AIFM1, NFKB1, and API5, was also modulated by BS008. In vivo experiments further indicated that treatment of tumor‐bearing mice with BS008 resulted in a marked decrease in tumor size. BS008 also had inhibitory effects in vitro, either alone or in a synergistic combination with the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents sorafenib and nilotinib. BS008 enabled sorafenib dose reduction without compromising antitumor activity. These findings suggest that BS008 may possess therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
Image quality and radiation dose in planar imaging — Image quality figure of merits from the CDRAD phantom
Authors: Konst Bente , Weedon‐Fekjær Harald , Båth Magnus 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPurposeA contrast‐detail phantom such as CDRAD is frequently used for quality assurance, optimization of image quality, and several other purposes. However, it is often used without considering the uncertainty of the results. The aim of this study was to assess two figure of merits (FOM) originating from CDRAD regarding the variations of the FOMs by dose utilized to create the x‐ray image. The probability of overlapping (assessing an image acquired at a lower dose as better than an image acquired at a higher dose) was determined.MethodsThe CDRAD phantom located underneath 12, 20, and 26 cm PMMA was imaged 16 times at five dose levels using an x‐ray system with a flat‐panel detector. All images were analyzed by CDRAD Analyser, version 1.1, which calculated the FOM inverse image quality figure (IQFinv) and gave contrast detail curves for each image. Inherent properties of the CDRAD phantom were used to derive a new FOM h, which describes the size of the hole with the same diameter and depth that is just visible. Data were analyzed using heteroscedastic regression of mean and variance by dose. To ease interpretation, probabilities for overlaps were calculated assuming normal distribution, with associated bootstrap confidence intervals.ResultsThe proportion of total variability in IQFinv, explained by the dose (R2), was 91%, 85%, and 93% for 12, 20, and 26 cm PMMA. Corresponding results for h were 91%, 89%, and 95%. The overlap probability for different mAs levels was 1% for 0.8 vs 1.2 mAs, 5% for 1.2 vs 1.6 mAs, 10% for 1.6 vs 2.0 mAs, and 10% for 2.0 mAs vs 2.5 mAs for 12 cm PMMA. For 20 cm PMMA, it was 0.5% for 10 vs 16 mAs, 13% for 16 vs 20 mAs, 14% for 20 vs 25 mAs, and 14% for 25 vs 32 mAs. For 26 cm PMMA, the probability varied from 0% to 6% for various mAs levels. Even though the estimated probability for overlap was small, the 95% confidence interval (CI) showed relatively large uncertainties. For 12 cm PMMA, the associated CI for 0.8 vs 1.2 mAs was 0.1–3.2%, and the CI for 1.2 vs 1.6 mAs was 2.1–7.8%.ConclusionsInverse image quality figure and h are about equally related to dose level. The FOM h, which describes the size of a hole that should be seen in the image, may be a more intuitive FOM than IQFinv. However, considering the probabilities for overlap and their confidence intervals, the FOMs deduced from the CDRAD phantom are not sensitive to dose. Hence, CDRAD may not be an optimal phantom to differentiate between images acquired at different dose levels.
Enantioselective Alkenylation of Aldehydes with Protected Propargylic Alcohols in the Presence of a Crown Ether as an Additive
Authors: Maliszewski Benon , Bauer Tomasz 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe enantioselective alkenylation of aldehydes with protected propargylic alcohols catalyzed by chiral amino thiol has been developed. The best results were obtained for the hydrozirconation‐transmetallation to zinc protocol. The key element of the method is the use of crown ethers as an additive. The enantioselectivity of the reaction performed in the presence of the crown ether was substantially higher than in the absence of this additive and the enantiomer ratio reached 98:2.magnified image
Isomerization of Epoxides
Authors: Jat Jawahar L. , Kumar Ganesh 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEpoxides are highly useful synthetic intermediates and they can be synthesized stereo‐ and regioselectively. Due to the strained three‐membered ring, their synthetic utility is limited. In many cases, it would be better to transform epoxides to other stable functional groups which could be used further in the synthesis. This isomerization would offer an alternate pathway to utilize the synthetic potential of epoxides. Despite the potential of such isomerization reactions, they have not been widely explored by chemists. In this review, the methods to isomerize epoxides into stable functional groups such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones as well as trans‐epoxides, both stereo‐ and regioselectively, are discussed.magnified image
Coagulated SnO2 Colloids for High‐Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Negligible Hysteresis and Improved Stability
Authors: Liu Zhongze , Deng Kaimo , Hu Jun , Li Liang 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOrganic–inorganic perovskite solar cells with a planar architecture have attracted much attention due to the simple structure and easy fabrication. However, the power conversion efficiency and hysteresis behavior need to be improved for planar‐type devices where the electron transport layer is vital. SnO2 is a promising alternative for TiO2 as the electron transport layer owing to the high charge mobility and chemical stability, but the hysteresis issue can still remain despite the use of SnO2. Now, a facile and effective method is presented to simultaneously tune the electronic property of SnO2 and passivate the defects at the interface between the perovskite and SnO2. The perovskite solar cells with ammonium chloride induced coagulated SnO2 colloids exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 21.38 % with negligible hysteresis, compared to 18.71 % with obvious hysteresis for the reference device. The device stability can also be significantly improved.
Defluorinative C(sp3)−P Bond Construction for the Synthesis of Phosphorylation gem‐Difluoroalkenes under Catalyst‐ and Oxidant‐Free Conditions
Authors: Li Congyu , Yuan Jing‐Mei , Chen Wenqiang , He Yimiao , Huang Jun , Huang Yanmin , Xiao Qi , Sheng Jiarong , Huang Chusheng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDefluorinative C(sp3)−P bond formation of α‐trifluoromethyl alkenes with phosphine oxides or phosphonates have been achieved under catalyst‐ and oxidant‐free conditions, giving phosphorylation gem‐difluoroalkenes as products. α‐Trifluoromethyl alkenes bearing various of aryl substituents such as halogen, cyano, ester and heterocyclic groups are available in this transformation. The results of control experiments demonstrated that the mechanism of dehydrogenative/defluorinative cross‐coupling reactions was not a radical route, but might be an SN2′ process involving phosphine oxide anion.
Use of biotechnological approaches to add value to rice hulls
Authors: Kuhn Felipe , Berghahn Emílio , Sperotto Raul A. , Granada Camille E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOne of the most common agricultural wastes generated in rice producing countries, rice hull (RH) is considered an environmental problem due to increased rice production and RH accumulation, especially because natural degradation in the environment is very difficult and time‐consuming. Currently, RH is mostly used as bed for broiler chickens or burned for energy generation, two processes that prevent environmental accumulation in a sustainable way, without adding value to the RH. To diversificate its use and effectively add some value to the RH, a pretreatment is frequently needed, allowing the application of several biotechnological approaches. In this review, we gather information about biotechnological uses of crude and processed RH, including their use as fertilizers, filler material in natural rubber and incorporation in cement for civil construction purposes, along with their use in processes as silica extraction and adsorption/removal of environmental contaminants as heavy metals and dyes. Finally, we critically evaluate the data published in the literature, and based on our own findings, we point future directions related to RH biodegradation and further methane production.
Biochemical Characterization of Full‐Length Oncogenic BRAFV600E together with Molecular Dynamics Simulations Provide Insight into the Activation and Inhibition Mechanisms of RAF Kinases
Authors: Cope Nicholas , Novak Borna , Candelora Christine , Wong Kenneth , Cavallo Maria , Gunderwala Amber , Liu Zhiwei , Li Yana , Wang Zhihong 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe most prevalent BRAF mutation, V600E, occurs frequently in melanoma and other cancers. Although extensive progress has been made toward understanding the biology of RAF kinases, little in vitro characterization of full‐length BRAFV600E is available. Herein, we show the successful purification of active, full‐length BRAFV600E from mammalian cells for in vitro experiments. Our biochemical characterization of intact BRAFV600E together with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the BRAF kinase domain and cell‐based assays demonstrate that BRAFV600E has several unique features that contribute to its tumorigenesis. Firstly, steady‐state kinetic analyses reveal that purified BRAFV600E is more active than fully activated wild‐type BRAF; this is consistent with the notion that elevated signaling output is necessary for transformation. Secondly, BRAFV600E has a higher potential to form oligomers, despite the fact that the V600E substitution confers constitutive kinase activation independent of an intact side‐to‐side dimer interface. Thirdly, BRAFV600E bypasses inhibitory P‐loop phosphorylation to enforce the necessary elevated signaling output for tumorigenesis. Together, these results provide new insight into the biochemical properties of BRAFV600E, complementing the understanding of BRAF regulation under normal and disease conditions.
Developing a high‐throughput micromilling protocol for evaluating durum wheat milling performance and semolina quality
Authors: Wang Kun , Taylor Dale , Pozniak Curtis , Fu Bin Xiao 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesEffective and efficient selection of key quality traits is crucial to develop new durum varieties with improved end‐use quality. This study was undertaken to develop a rapid micromilling protocol using a single Brabender Quadrumat Jr. (QJ) semolina mill without purification to predict milling performance and generate semolina for quality analysis.FindingsAfter grinding 200 g of durum wheat with a QJ mill with the reel sifter removed, the resulting wholemeal was sifted through a laboratory sifter equipped with a bottom screen of 180 µm to remove flour and a top screen of 630 µm to retain bran‐rich fraction. Semolina materials between the two screens were collected. A model for predicting semolina yield (R2 = 0.81) was developed based on the amounts of semolina and bran‐rich fraction, thus eliminating the need for additional milling to recover semolina in the bran‐rich fraction. There were highly significant correlations (r > 0.86) for semolina ash, yellowness, yellow pigment content, protein content, wet gluten, and gluten index between semolina prepared with this proposed protocol and those generated with a Allis‐Chalmers mill.ConclusionsThe micromilling protocol developed in this study is rapid and reliable for assessing durum milling performance and for preparing semolina for quality characterization.Significance and noveltyThe proposed protocol modified QJ mill and optimized milling conditions. A robust and simplified model was developed for predicting semolina yield with one‐step milling. It is a useful tool for breeding programs or genetic mapping studies that are usually large in sample number but very limited in sample size.
Excited‐State Kinetics of an Air‐Stable Cyclometalated Iron(II) Complex
Authors: Steube Jakob , Burkhardt Lukas , Päpcke Ayla , Moll Johannes , Zimmer Peter , Schoch Roland , Wölper Christoph , Heinze Katja , Lochbrunner Stefan , Bauer Matthias 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe complex class [Fe(N^N^C)(N^N^N)]+ with an Earth‐abundant metal ion has been repeatedly suggested as a chromophore and potential photosensitizer on the basis of quantum chemical calculations. Synthesis and photophysical properties of the parent complex [Fe(pbpy)(tpy)]+ (Hpbpy=6‐phenyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine and tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) of this new chromophore class are now reported. Ground‐state characterization by X‐ray diffraction, electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, UV/Vis, and X‐ray spectroscopy in combination with DFT calculations proves the high impact of the cyclometalating ligand on the electronic structure. The photophysical properties are significantly improved compared to the prototypical [Fe(tpy)2]2+ complex. In particular, the metal‐to‐ligand absorption extends into the near‐IR and the 3MLCT lifetime increases by 5.5, whereas the metal‐centered excited triplet state is very short‐lived.
Diverse spinal commissural neuron populations revealed by fate mapping and molecular profiling using a novel Robo3Cre mouse
Authors: Tulloch Alastair J. , Teo Shaun , Carvajal Brigett V. , Tessier‐Lavigne Marc , Jaworski Alexander 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe two sides of the nervous system coordinate and integrate information via commissural neurons, which project axons across the midline. Commissural neurons in the spinal cord are a highly heterogeneous population of cells with respect to their birthplace, final cell body position, axonal trajectory, and neurotransmitter phenotype. Although commissural axon guidance during development has been studied in great detail, neither the developmental origins nor the mature phenotypes of commissural neurons have been characterized comprehensively, largely due to lack of selective genetic access to these neurons. Here, we generated mice expressing Cre recombinase from the Robo3 locus specifically in commissural neurons. We used Robo3
Cre mice to characterize the transcriptome and various origins of developing commissural neurons, revealing new details about their extensive heterogeneity in molecular makeup and developmental lineage. Further, we followed the fate of commissural neurons into adulthood, thereby elucidating their settling positions and molecular diversity and providing evidence for possible functions in various spinal cord circuits. Our studies establish an important genetic entry point for further analyses of commissural neuron development, connectivity, and function.
The brain of the tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). VI. The brainstem and cerebellum
Authors: Imam Aminu , Bhagwandin Adhil , Ajao Moyosore S. , Spocter Muhammad A. , Manger Paul R. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe brainstem (midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata) and cerebellum (diencephalic prosomere 1 through to rhombomere 11) play central roles in the processing of sensorimotor information, autonomic activity, levels of awareness and the control of functions external to the conscious cognitive world of mammals. As such, comparative analyses of these structures, especially the understanding of specializations or reductions of structures with functions that have been elucidated in commonly studied mammalian species, can provide crucial information for our understanding of the behavior of less commonly studied species, like pangolins. In the broadest sense, the nuclear complexes and subdivisions of nuclear complexes, the topographical arrangement, the neuronal chemistry, and fiber pathways of the tree pangolin conform to that typically observed across more commonly studied mammalian species. Despite this, variations in regions associated with the locus coeruleus complex, auditory system, and motor, neuromodulatory and autonomic systems involved in feeding, were observed in the current study. While we have previously detailed the unusual locus coeruleus complex of the tree pangolin, the superior olivary nuclear complex of the auditory system, while not exhibiting additional nuclei or having an altered organization, this nuclear complex, particularly the lateral superior olivary nucleus and nucleus of the trapezoid body, shows architectonic refinement. The cephalic decussation of the pyramidal tract, an enlarged hypoglossal nucleus, an additional subdivision of the serotonergic raphe obscurus nucleus, and the expansion of the superior salivatory nucleus, all indicate neuronal specializations related to the myrmecophagous diet of the pangolins.
DiI‐mediated analysis of presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in human postmortem brain tissue
Authors: Das Sujan C. , Chen Danli , Callor William Brandon , Christensen Eric , Coon Hilary , Williams Megan E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMost cognitive and psychiatric disorders are thought to be disorders of the synapse, yet the precise synapse defects remain unknown. Because synapses are highly specialized anatomical structures, defects in synapse formation and function can often be observed as changes in microscale neuroanatomy. Unfortunately, few methods are available for accurate analysis of synaptic structures in human postmortem tissues. Here, we present a methodological pipeline for assessing presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in human postmortem tissue that is accurate, rapid, and relatively inexpensive. Our method uses small tissue blocks from postmortem human brains, immersion fixation, lipophilic dye (DiI) labeling, and confocal microscopy. As proof of principle, we analyzed presynaptic and postsynaptic structures from hippocampi of 13 individuals aged 4 months to 71 years. Our results indicate that postsynaptic CA1 dendritic spine shape and density do not change in adults, while presynaptic DG mossy fiber boutons undergo significant structural rearrangements with normal aging. This suggests that mossy fiber synapses, which play a major role in learning and memory, may remain dynamic throughout life. Importantly, we find that human CA1 spine densities observed using this method on tissue that is up to 28 h postmortem is comparable to prior studies using tissue with much shorter postmortem intervals. Thus, the ease of our protocol and suitability on tissue with longer postmortem intervals should facilitate higher‐powered studies of human presynaptic and postsynaptic structures in healthy and diseased states.