bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental selection proposal strategy for recurrent selection in tropical wheat breeding
Authors: Signorini Victor Silva , e Silva Caique Machado , Lima Gabriel Wolter , Vieira Eduardo Filipe Torres , Mezzomo Henrique Caletti , Casagrande Cleiton Renato , Nardino Maicon 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecurrent selection is an effective breeding method for improving complex traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding. In this study, we propose a genitor selection strategy, employing a multi‐trait selection approach and genetic diversity analysis. To evaluate our proposed method, we conducted a lattice design trial during the winter seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, comprising 87 lines and 13 commercial cultivars. It assessed various traits such as plant height, days to heading, wheat leaf rust, tan spot of wheat, a hundred grain mass, hectoliter weight, and grain yield, and the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) was obtained for each trait via restricted maximum likelihood. Next, a genotypic distance matrix, derived from principal component analysis using the BLUP values, was computed to perform hierarchical clustering via the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. The selection of superior genotypes was made utilizing the multi‐trait genotype‐ideotype distance index, resulting in the identification of eight lines and two commercial cultivars as candidates. Furthermore, the genetic diversity analysis revealed distinct clusters among the selected genotypes. To assess the divergence of the chosen genitors, this study proposes a complementarity matrix using factor analysis. Our results indicate that this selection strategy effectively directed the identification of the best and divergent genitors. The complementarity matrix developed in this paper to evaluate the crossings proposal can also be used to evaluate combinations in any panel selected via a multi‐trait approach and can be easily applied and interpreted by breeders of various programs.
Phenotypic heterogeneity associated with KIF21A: Two new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Bhola Priya T. , Mishra Radha , Posey Jennifer E. , Hamilton Leslie E. , Graham Gail E. , Punetha Jaya ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Lupski James R. , Boycott Kym M. , D'Amours Damien , Kernohan Kristin D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOur understanding of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the clinical spectrum of rare diseases continues to expand. Thorough phenotypic descriptions and model organism functional studies are valuable tools in dissecting the biology of the disease process. Kinesin genes are well known to be associated with specific disease phenotypes and a subset of kinesin genes, including KIF21A, have been associated with more than one disease. Here we report two patients with KIF21A variants identified by exome sequencing; one with biallelic variants, supporting a novel KIF21A related syndrome with recessive inheritance and the second report of this condition, and another with a heterozygous de novo variant allele representing a phenotypic expansion of the condition described to date. We provide detailed phenotypic information on both families, including a novel neuropathology finding of neuroaxonal dystrophy associated with biallelic variants in KIF21A. Additionally, we studied the dominant variant in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to assess variant pathogenicity and found that this variant appears to impair protein function. KIF21A associated disease has mounting evidence for phenotypic heterogeneity; further patients and study of an allelic series are required to define the phenotypic spectrum and further explore the molecular etiology for each of these conditions.
Relative Contributions of Mixed Pathologies to Cognitive and Functional Symptoms in Brain Donors Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts
Authors: Saltiel Nicole , Tripodis Yorghos , Menzin Talia , Olaniyan Aliyah , Baucom Zach , Yhang Eukyung , Palmisano Joseph N. , Martin Brett , Uretsky Madeline , Nair Evan , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Shah Arsal , Nicks Raymond , Nowinski Christopher , Cantu Robert C. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Dwyer Brigid , Katz Douglas I. , Stern Robert A. , Alvarez Victor E. , Huber Bertrand , Boyle Patricia A. , Schneider Julie A. , Mez Jesse , McKee Ann C. , Alosco Michael L. , Stein Thor D. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveExposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) is associated with later‐life cognitive symptoms and neuropathologies, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Cognitive decline in community cohorts is often due to multiple pathologies; however, the frequency and contributions of these pathologies to cognitive impairment in people exposed to RHI are unknown. Here, we examined the relative contributions of 13 neuropathologies to cognitive symptoms and dementia in RHI‐exposed brain donors.MethodsNeuropathologists examined brain tissue from 571 RHI‐exposed donors and assessed for the presence of 13 neuropathologies, including CTE, Alzheimer disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD), and transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) inclusions. Cognitive status was assessed by presence of dementia, Functional Activities Questionnaire, and Cognitive Difficulties Scale. Spearman rho was calculated to assess intercorrelation of pathologies. Additionally, frequencies of pathological co‐occurrence were compared to a simulated distribution assuming no intercorrelation. Logistic and linear regressions tested associations between neuropathologies and dementia status and cognitive scale scores.ResultsThe sample age range was 18–97 years (median = 65.0, interquartile range = 46.0–76.0). Of the donors, 77.2% had at least one moderate–severe neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular pathology. Stage III–IV CTE was the most common neurodegenerative disease (43.1%), followed by TDP‐43 pathology, AD, and hippocampal sclerosis. Neuropathologies were intercorrelated, and there were fewer unique combinations than expected if pathologies were independent (p < 0.001). The greatest contributors to dementia were AD, neocortical LBD, hippocampal sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and CTE.InterpretationIn this sample of RHI‐exposed brain donors with wide‐ranging ages, multiple neuropathologies were common and correlated. Mixed neuropathologies, including CTE, underlie cognitive impairment in contact sport athletes. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:314–324
Correspondence between Electrostatics and Contact Mechanics with Further Results in Equilibrium Charge Distributions
Authors: Batle Josep , Vlasiuk Oleksandr , Ciftja Orion 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt is common in mesoscopic systems to find instances where several charges interact among themselves. These particles are usually confined by an external potential that shapes the symmetry of the equilibrium charge configuration. In the case of classical charges moving on a plane and repelling each other via the Coulomb potential, they possess a ground state à la Thomson or Wigner crystal. As the number of particles N increases, the number of local minima grows exponentially and direct or heuristic optimization methods become prohibitively costly. Therefore the only feasible approximation to the problem is to treat the system in the continuum limit. Since the underlying framework is provided by potential theory, we shall by‐pass the corresponding mathematical formalism and list the most common cases found in the literature. Then we prove a (albeit known) mathematical correspondence that will enable us to re‐discover analytical results in electrostatics. In doing so, we shall provide different methods for finding the equilibrium surface density of charges, analytical and numerical. Additionally, new systems of confined charges in three‐dimensional surfaces will be under scrutiny. Finally, we shall highlight exact results regarding a modified power‐law Coulomb potential in the d‐dimensional ball, thus generalizing the existing literature.
Embedding Hydrogen Atom Transfer Moieties in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic C−H Functionalization
Authors: Pang Huaji , Liu Gang , Huang Dekang , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhao Xiaodong , Wang Wanqin , Xiang Yonggang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts for a wide range of relatively simple organic reactions, whereas their application in complex organic transformations, like site‐selective functionalization of unactivated C−H bonds, is underexplored, which can be mainly attributed to the lack of highly active organophotocatalytic cores. Herein through bonding oxygen atoms at the N‐terminus of quinolines in nonsubstituted quinoline‐linked COFs (NQ−COFs), we successfully realized the embedding of active hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) moieties into the skeleton of COFs. This novel designed COF (NQ−COFE5−O), serving as both an excellent photosensitizer and HAT catalyst, exhibited much higher efficiency in C−H functionalization than the corresponding NQ−COFE5. Specially, we evaluated the photocatalytic performance of NQ−COFE5−O on ten different substrates, including quinolines, benzothiazole, and benzoxazole, all of which were transferred to desired products in moderate to high yields (up to 93 %). Furthermore, the as‐synthesized NQ−COFE5−O displayed excellent photostability and could be reused with negligible loss of activity for five catalytic cycles.
Metal‐DNA Nanocomplexes Enhance Chemo‐dynamic Therapy by Inhibiting Autophagy‐Mediated Resistance
Authors: Gu Chao , Liu Xueliang , Luo Lei , Chen Jingqi , Zhou Xiao , Chen Ganghui , Huang Xin , Yu Lu , Chen Qian , Yang Yu , Yang Yang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractChemo‐dynamic therapy (CDT) based on the Fenton or Fenton‐like reaction has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, autophagy‐mediated self‐protection mechanisms of cancer cells pose a significant challenge to the efficacy of CDT. Herein, we developed metal‐DNA nanocomplexes (DACs‐Mn) to enhance CDT via DNAzyme inhibition of autophagy. Specifically, Mn‐based catalyst in DACs‐Mn was used to generate highly hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) that kill cancer cells, while the ATG5 DNAzyme incorporated into DACs‐Mn inhibited the expression of autophagy‐associated proteins, thereby improving the efficacy of CDT. By disrupting the self‐protective pathway of cells under severe oxidative stress, this novel approach of DACs‐Mn was found to synergistically enhance CDT in both in vitro and in vivo models, effectively amplifying tumor‐specific oxidative damage. Notably, the Metal‐DNA nanocomplexes can also induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis. Specifically, in a bilateral tumor model in mice, the combined approach of CDT and autophagy inhibition followed by immune checkpoint blockade therapy shown significant potential as a novel and effective treatment modality for primary and metastatic tumors.
Exploitation of Catalytic Dyads by Short Peptide‐Based Nanotubes for Enantioselective Covalent Catalysis
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Goswami Surashree , Singh Priyanshu , Das Dibyendu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExtant enzymes with precisely arranged multiple residues in their three‐dimensional binding pockets are capable of exhibiting remarkable stereoselectivity towards a racemic mixture of substrates. However, how early protein folds that possibly featured short peptide fragments facilitated enantioselective catalytic transformations important for the emergence of homochirality still remains an intriguing open question. Herein, enantioselective hydrolysis was shown by short peptide‐based nanotubes that could exploit multiple solvent‐exposed residues to create chiral binding grooves to covalently interact and subsequently hydrolyse one enantiomer preferentially from a racemic pool. Single or double‐site chiral mutations led to opposite but diminished and even complete loss of enantioselectivities, suggesting the critical roles of the binding enthalpies from the precise localization of the active site residues, despite the short sequence lengths. This work underpins the enantioselective catalytic prowess of short peptide‐based folds and argues their possible role in the emergence of homochiral chemical inventory.
Effects of uniaxial tensile strain on the release of small molecules from silicone rubber
Authors: Du Yongcan , Mefford O. Thompson 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSilicone rubber materials may be subject to mechanical strains which can affect the transport properties of small molecules loaded in the materials such as plasticizers and active molecules, hence deteriorating their intended mechanical properties or affecting their performance as carriers of active molecules. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of mechanical strains on transport of small molecules in the silicone rubber matrix. In this work, silicone rubber sheets loaded with 2 wt% triacetin were stretched and held at four different lengths up to 125% engineering strain. The mass transfer coefficients and diffusion coefficients of triacetin in the strained silicone rubber were determined by monitoring the release of triacetin using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. It was found that there was no significant change of diffusion coefficient as the applied strain increased, which might result from two microstructure changes that had conflicting effects on diffusion: chain orientation and free volume deformation.
Quality parameters for the medicinal plant Drosera rotundifolia L.: A new approach with established techniques
Authors: Gerschler Sandy , Neumann Niclas , Schultze Nadin , Guenther Sebastian , Schulze Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMonographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) are the basis for quality control of medicinal plants and therefore important to ensure the consistency, quality, safety, and efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals. The traditional medicinal plant sundew (Drosera sp.) has disappeared from therapy due to nature conservation, but can now be cultivated sustainably on rewetted peatland. However, currently there is no valid Ph. Eur. monograph for the quality control of Droserae herba. In this study, sundew material from different species and sources was investigated with the aim of developing quality control methods based on the Ph. Eur. and defining a uniform quality standard for Droserae herba. It was possible to distinguish between sundew species of different quality, using macroscopic, microscopic, and chromatographic methods. Special emphasis was laid on the content of flavonoids and naphthoquinones as important quality parameters as their content differed between the sundew species. The differences in content and toxicity result in the recommendation that only round‐leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.) should be used as a medicinal plant for the production of phytopharmaceuticals in the future.
Interaction Mechanisms Between Nitrogen‐Containing Groups and Alkali Metals with Molecular Model System of HATCN**
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lian Xu , Yu Xiaojiang , Niu Yuxiang , Yang Jinlin , Ding Yishui , Chen Wei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTo enable the practical implementation of alkali metal batteries (AMBs), significant endeavors have been focused on enhancing the stability of alkali metal anodes (AMAs) using a range of strategies, such as optimizing electrolyte compositions, constructing anode deposition hosts, and establishing artificial protective layers. Despite significant progress in enhancing battery performance, limited attention has been given to comprehending the interaction mechanisms between alkali metals and protective materials, which is pivotal for the informed development of novel protective materials. Thus, aiming to enhance the comprehension of interaction processes between AMAs and organic protective materials containing various nitrogen groups, we conducted a mechanism study utilizing 1,4,5,8,9,11‐hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile (HATCN) as the model material, based on in‐situ x‐ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), and near edge x‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through the investigation of interaction processes between HATCN and Li/Na, we find that Li or Na interacts with the two different nitrogen‐containing groups of HATCN in the same order: preferentially interacts with the inner imine groups of HATCN before interacting with the outer nitrile groups. Interestingly, our findings also reveal that the two distinct nitrogen‐containing groups exhibit a smaller difference in their sodiophilicity compared to their difference in lithiophilicity. These valuable insights shed light on the intricate interactions between nitrogen‐containing protective materials and AMAs, paving the way for the development of more effective protective materials in the future.
Fluorescent carbon dots synthesized by waste wind turbine blade for photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Wang Congling , Yang Lilin , Chu Kunyu , Xu Jun , Wang Dongzhi , Zhao Weilin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeveloping novel waste recycling strategies has become a feasible solution to overcome environmental pollution. In this work, a method of using waste wind turbine blade (WTB) as a carbon source to synthesize blue fluorescent carbon dots (B‐CDs) by hydrothermal treatment is proposed. B‐CDs are spherical and have an average particle size of 5.2 nm. The surface is rich in C–O, C=O, −CH3, and N–H bond functional groups, containing five elements: C, O, N, Si, and Ca. The optimal emission wavelength of B‐CDs is 463 nm, corresponding to an excitation wavelength of 380 nm. Notably, a relatively high quantum yield of 29.9% and a utilization rate of 40% were obtained. In addition, B‐CDs can serve as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue dye, with a degradation efficiency of 64% under 40‐min irradiation conditions. The presence of holes has a significant influence on the degradation process.
Advanced control strategies for continuous capture of monoclonal antibodies based upon biolayer interferometry
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Austerjost Jonas , Lemke Johannes , Krasov Yuri , Popov Vasiliy , Pollard David , Kampmann Markus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe semi and fully continuous production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been gaining traction as a lower cost, and efficient production of mAbs to broaden patient access. To be truly flexible and adaptive to process demands, the industry has lacked sufficient advanced control strategies. The variation of the upstream product concentration typically cannot be handled by the downstream capture step, which is configured for a constant feed concentration and fixed binding capacity. This inflexibility leads to losses of efficiency and product yield.This study shows that these challenges can be overcome by a novel advanced control strategy concept that includes dynamic control throughout a perfusion bioreactor, with cell retention by alternating tangential flow, integrated with simulated moving bed (SMB) multi‐column chromatography. The automation workflow and advanced control strategy were implemented through the use of a visual programming development environment. This enabled dynamic flow control across the upstream and downstream process integrated with a dynamic column loading of the SMB. A sensor prototype, based on continuous biolayer interferometry measurements was applied to detect mAb breakthrough within the last column flow‐through to manage column switching. This novel approach provided higher specificity and lower background signal compared to commonly used spectroscopy methods, resulting in an optimized resin utilization while simultaneously avoiding product loss. The dynamic loading was found to provide a twofold increase of the mAb concentration in the eluate compared to a conservative approach with a predefined recipe with similar impurity removal. This concept shows that advanced control strategies can lead to significant process efficiency and yield improvement.
Blockage of EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways synergize the antitumor effect of temozolomide by reprogramming energy metabolism in glioblastoma
Authors: Cui Xiaoteng , Zhao Jixing , Li Guanzhang , Yang Chao , Yang Shixue , Zhan Qi , Zhou Junhu , Wang Yunfei , Xiao Menglin , Hong Biao , Yi Kaikai , Tong Fei , Tan Yanli , Wang Hu , Wang Qixue , Jiang Tao , Fang Chuan , Kang Chunsheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundMetabolism reprogramming plays a vital role in glioblastoma (GBM) progression and recurrence by producing enough energy for highly proliferating tumor cells. In addition, metabolic reprogramming is crucial for tumor growth and immune‐escape mechanisms. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification and EGFR‐vIII mutation are often detected in GBM cells, contributing to the malignant behavior. This study aimed to investigate the functional role of the EGFR pathway on fatty acid metabolism remodeling and energy generation.MethodsClinical GBM specimens were selected for single‐cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis. A metabolism‐associated RTK‐fatty acid‐gene signature was constructed and verified. MK‐2206 and MK‐803 were utilized to block the RTK pathway and mevalonate pathway induced abnormal metabolism. Energy metabolism in GBM with activated EGFR pathway was monitored. The antitumor effect of Osimertinib and Atorvastatin assisted by temozolomide (TMZ) was analyzed by an intracranial tumor model in vivo.ResultsGBM with high EGFR expression had characteristics of lipid remodeling and maintaining high cholesterol levels, supported by the single‐cell RNA sequencing and metabolomics of clinical GBM samples. Inhibition of the EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways could remodel energy metabolism by repressing the tricarboxylic acid cycle and modulating ATP production. Mechanistically, the EGFR/AKT pathway upregulated the expressions of acyl‐CoA synthetase short‐chain family member 3 (ACSS3), acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 3 (ACSL3), and long‐chain fatty acid elongation‐related gene ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2) in an NF‐κB‐dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of the mevalonate pathway reduced the EGFR level on the cell membranes, thereby affecting the signal transduction of the EGFR/AKT pathway. Therefore, targeting the EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways enhanced the antitumor effect of TMZ in GBM cells and animal models.ConclusionsOur findings not only uncovered the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming in EGFR‐activated GBM but also provided a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for clinical GBM management.
Arduino practice judgment system based on function execution log in virtual execution environment
Authors: Seo Kangbok , Kim Junhyung , Lee Woojin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecently, automatic judgment systems have been widely used in various computer science lectures, and these systems are mainly developed for languages with a console‐based practice environment. On the other hand, embedded systems such as Arduino are executed in a hardware‐based environment and their verification is conducted by manually checking the operation of the hardware. Therefore, it is not easy to automatically judge the Arduino system developed by students. In the embedded system, hardware and software have to be developed at the same time, and it increases effort and time for the instructors to teach students, especially in practice‐based learning. The study in this article proposes an Arduino practice judgment system based on the function execution log in virtual execution environment. It performs both Fritzing‐based hardware configuration checking and source code testing based on virtual execution environment, where hardware operations are replaced by mock‐up functions. In addition, more diverse practices are possible by providing an experimental environment where students can freely enter input data and check the results. A case study shows that the developed system can be applied to the lectures and help reduce instructors' work and increase students' understanding through the system.