bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation-free Arabidopsis reveals crucial roles of DNA methylation in regulating gene expression and development
Authors: He Li , Huang Huan , Bradai Mariem , Zhao Cheng , You Yin , Ma Jun , Zhao Lun , Lozano-Durán Rosa , Zhu Jian-Kang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA contribution of DNA methylation to defense against invading nucleic acids and maintenance of genome integrity is uncontested; however, our understanding of the extent of involvement of this epigenetic mark in genome-wide gene regulation and plant developmental control is incomplete. Here, we knock out all five known DNA methyltransferases in Arabidopsis, generating DNA methylation-free plants. This quintuple mutant exhibits a suite of developmental defects, unequivocally demonstrating that DNA methylation is essential for multiple aspects of plant development. We show that CG methylation and non-CG methylation are required for a plethora of biological processes, including pavement cell shape, endoreduplication, cell death, flowering, trichome morphology, vasculature and meristem development, and root cell fate determination. Moreover, we find that DNA methylation has a strong dose-dependent effect on gene expression and repression of transposable elements. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DNA methylation is dispensable for Arabidopsis survival but essential for the proper regulation of multiple biological processes.
Deciphering the mechanism of the Ni-photocatalyzed C‒O cross-coupling reaction using a tridentate pyridinophane ligand
Authors: Na Hanah , Mirica Liviu M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPhotoredox nickel catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy for cross-coupling reactions. Although the involvement of paramagnetic Ni(I)/Ni(III) species as active intermediates in the catalytic cycle has been proposed, a thorough spectroscopic investigation of these species is lacking. Herein, we report the tridentate pyridinophane ligandsRN3 that allow for detailed mechanistic studies of the photocatalytic C–O coupling reaction. The derived (RN3)Ni complexes are active catalysts under mild conditions and without an additional photocatalyst. We also provide direct evidence for the key steps involving paramagnetic Ni species in the proposed catalytic cycle: the oxidative addition of an aryl halide to a Ni(I) species, the ligand exchange/transmetalation at a Ni(III) center, and the C–O reductive elimination from a Ni(III) species. Overall, the present work suggests theRN3 ligands are a practical platform for mechanistic studies of Ni-catalyzed reactions and for the development of new catalytic applications.
Catalyst-controlled functionalization of carboxylic acids by electrooxidation of self-assembled carboxyl monolayers
Authors: Hintz Heather A. , Sevov Christo S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWhile the electrooxidative activation of carboxylic acids is an attractive synthetic methodology, the resulting transformations are generally limited to either homocoupling or further oxidation followed by solvent capture. These reactions require extensive electrolysis at high potentials, which ultimately renders the methodology incompatible with metal catalysts that could possibly provide new and complementary product distributions. This work establishes a proof-of-concept for a rare and synthetically-underutilized strategy for selective electrooxidation of carboxylic acids in the presence of oxidatively-sensitive catalysts that control reaction selectivity. We leverage the formation of self-adsorbed monolayers of carboxylate substrates at the anode to promote selective oxidation of the adsorbed carboxylate over a more easily-oxidized catalyst. Consequently, reactions operate at lower potentials, greater faradaic efficiencies, and improved catalyst compatibility over conventional approaches, which enables reactions to be performed with inexpensive Fe complexes that catalyze selective radical additions to olefins.
Phase 2 study of pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent and residual high-grade meningiomas
Authors: Brastianos Priscilla K. , Kim Albert E. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Lee Eudocia Quant , Wang Nancy , Eichler April F. , Chukwueke Ugonma , Forst Deborah A. , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel C. , Dietrich Jorg , Corbin Zachary , Moliterno Jennifer , Baehring Joachim , White Michael , Lou Kevin W. , Larson Juliana , de Sauvage Magali A. , Evancic Kathryn , Mora Joana , Nayyar Naema , Loeffler Jay , Oh Kevin , Shih Helen A. , Curry William T. , Cahill Daniel P. , Barker Fred G. , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Santagata Sandro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHigh-grade meningiomas are associated with neuro-cognitive morbidity and have limited treatments. High-grade meningiomas harbor an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression may contribute to their aggressive phenotype. Here, we present the results of a single-arm, open-label phase 2 trial (NCT03279692) evaluating the efficacy of pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, in a cohort of 25 evaluable patients with recurrent and progressive grade 2 and 3 meningiomas. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients alive and progression-free at 6 months (PFS-6). Secondary endpoints include progression-free and overall survival, best intracranial response, and toxicity. Our study has met its primary endpoint and achieved a PFS-6 rate of 0.48 (90% exact CI: 0.31–0.66) and a median PFS of 7.6 months (90% CI: 3.4–12.9 months). Twenty percent of patients have experienced one (or more) grade-3 or higher treatment-related adverse events. These results suggest that pembrolizumab exerts promising efficacy on a subset of these tumors. Further studies are needed to identify the biological facets within the meningioma TME that may drive response to immune-based therapies.
Forecasting and modeling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA with a timed intervention model
Authors: Hachtel Gary D. , Stack John D. , Hachtel Jordan A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe propose a novel Timed InterventionS, P, E, I, Q, R, D model for projecting the possible futures of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. The proposed model introduces a series of timed interventions that can account for the influence of real time changes in government policy and social norms. We consider three separate types of interventions: (i) Protective interventions: Where population moves from susceptible to protected corresponding to mask mandates, stay-at-home orders and/or social distancing. (ii) Release interventions: Where population moves from protected to susceptible corresponding to social distancing mandates and practices being lifted by policy or pandemic fatigue. (iii) Vaccination interventions: Where population moves from susceptible, protected, and exposed to recovered (meaning immune) corresponding to the mass immunization of the U.S. Population. By treating the pandemic with timed interventions, we are able to model the pandemic extremely effectively, as well as directly predicting the course of the pandemic under differing sets of intervention schedules. We show that without prompt effective protective/vaccination interventions the pandemic will be extended significantly and result in many millions of deaths in the U.S.
Preparation of Thymus vulgaris (L.) essential oil nanoemulsion and its chitosan encapsulation for controlling mosquito vectors
Authors: Gupta Parisa , Preet Shabad , Ananya  , Singh Navneet 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHere, we report a novel comparative assessment of preparation and characterization of thyme oil nanoemulsion and its chitosan encapsulation using high energy approach for the management of three major mosquito species viz., Anopheles stephensi (Liston,1901), Aedes aegypti (Linn., 1762) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901). The synthesized formulations were analysed for thermodynamic stability, indicating 1:0.5 (oil: surfactant) ratio to be the most stable of thyme oil nanoemulsion while 1:1 (nanoemulsion: chitosan solution) ratio of its chitosan encapsulation. These were further characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy which revealed the size and morphology of the droplets which measured 52.18 ± 4.53 nm for thyme oil nanoemulsion and 50.18 ± 2.32 nm for its chitosan encapsulation. All the droplets were well dispersed with distinct flower-shaped nanoemulsion and somewhat mitochondria like chitosan encapsulation. In-vitro release study of thyme essential oil from its nanoemulsion and chitosan encapsulation showed that 91.68% and 73.41% of the total oil concentration in water was released respectively to the environment after 48 h clearly depicting controlled release in the encapsulation. Assessment of insecticidal potential against selected mosquito species revealed that both the nanoemulsion and its chitosan encapsulation were effective on the major mosquito species. Maximum activity of thyme oil nanoemulsion was noticed against C. tritaeniorhynchus (LC50—22.58 ppm) after 24 h of exposure while it was observed that its chitosan encapsulation was most effective on A. stephensi (LC50—18.88 ppm) after 24 h of exposure. Consistent morphological alterations could be noticed in the larvae of mosquito species. Hence, these nanoemulsions and encapsulations could be further tested for their applications against other insect pests in agriculture.
Media-multitasking and cognitive control across the lifespan
Authors: Matthews Natasha , Mattingley J. B. , Dux P. E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe exponential rise in technology use over the past decade, and particularly during the COIVD-19 pandemic, has been accompanied by growing concern regarding the consequences of this technology use for our cognition. Previous studies on the influence of technology-multitasking (the use of two or more technologies simultaneously) on cognitive performance have provided mixed results. However, these past studies have generally ignored the considerable developmental trajectories that cognitive abilities undergo across the lifespan. In a large community-based science project we investigated the relationship between media-multitasking and cognitive flexibility (multitasking ability) in participants aged 7–70 years. Higher levels of every-day technology multitasking were associated with higher levels of multitasking performance across an age range in which multitasking ability undergoes developmental change. These findings suggest that age is an important moderator of the relationship between technology use and cognition.
A hybrid approach to enhance the lifespan of WSNs in nuclear power plant monitoring system
Authors: Haque Md Ershadul , Hossain Tanvir , Sarker Mahidur R. , Paul Manoranjan , Hoque Md Samiul , Uddin Salah , Suman Abdulla Al , Md Saad Mohamad Hanif , Ul Huque Tanvir 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn recent years, the nuclear power plant has received huge attention as it generates vast amounts of power at a lower cost. However, its creation of radioactive wastes is a major environmental concern. Therefore, the nuclear power plant requires a reliable and uninterrupted monitoring system as an essential part of it. Monitoring a nuclear power plant using wireless sensor networks is a convenient and popular practice now. This paper proposes a hybrid approach for monitoring wireless sensor networks in the context of a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. Our hybrid approach enhances the lifespan of wireless sensor networks reducing power consumption and offering better connectivity of sensors. To do so, it uses both the topology maintenance and topology construction algorithms. We found that the HGETRecRot topology maintenance algorithm enhances the network lifetime compared to other algorithms. This algorithm increases the communication and sensing coverage area but decreases the network performance. We also propose a prediction model, based on linear regression algorithm, that predicts the best combination of topology maintenance and topology construction algorithms.
Intra- and inter-spatial variability of meiofauna in hadal trenches is linked to microbial activity and food availability
Authors: Shimabukuro M. , Zeppilli D. , Leduc D. , Wenzhöfer F. , Berg P. , Rowden A. A. , Glud R. N. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHadal trenches are depocenters for organic material, and host intensified benthic microbial activity. The enhanced deposition is presumed to be reflected in elevated meiofaunal standing-stock, but available studies are ambiguous. Here, we investigate the distribution of meiofauna along the Atacama Trench axis and adjacent abyssal and bathyal settings in order to relate the meiofauna densities to proxies for food availability. Meiofauna densities peaked at the sediment surface and attenuated steeply with increasing sediment depth. The distribution mirrored the vertical profile of the microbial-driven oxygen consumption rate demonstrating a close linkage between microbial activity and meiofauna density. Meiofaunal standing-stock along the trench axis varied by a factor of two, but were markedly higher than values from the abyssal site at the oceanic plate. Overall, meiofaunal densities poorly correlated with common proxies for food availability such as total organic carbon and phytopigments, but strongly correlated with the microbial benthic O2consumption rate. We argue that microbial biomass likely represents an important meiofaunal food source for hadal meiofauna. Observations from three trench systems underlying surface water of highly different productivity confirmed elevated meiofaunal densities at the trench axis as compared to abyssal sites on oceanic plates. Food availability appear to drive elevated abundance and variations in meiofauna densities in hadal sediments.
Dynamic gesture recognition based on 2D convolutional neural network and feature fusion
Authors: Yu Jimin , Qin Maowei , Zhou Shangbo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGesture recognition is one of the most popular techniques in the field of computer vision today. In recent years, many algorithms for gesture recognition have been proposed, but most of them do not have a good balance between recognition efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, proposing a dynamic gesture recognition algorithm that balances efficiency and accuracy is still a meaningful work. Currently, most of the commonly used dynamic gesture recognition algorithms are based on 3D convolutional neural networks. Although 3D convolutional neural networks consider both spatial and temporal features, the networks are too complex, which is the main reason for the low efficiency of the algorithms. To improve this problem, we propose a recognition method based on a strategy combining 2D convolutional neural networks with feature fusion. The original keyframes and optical flow keyframes are used to represent spatial and temporal features respectively, which are then sent to the 2D convolutional neural network for feature fusion and final recognition. To ensure the quality of the extracted optical flow graph without increasing the complexity of the network, we use the fractional-order method to extract the optical flow graph, creatively combine fractional calculus and deep learning. Finally, we use Cambridge Hand Gesture dataset and Northwestern University Hand Gesture dataset to verify the effectiveness of our algorithm. The experimental results show that our algorithm has a high accuracy while ensuring low network complexity.
Modulation of myosin by cardiac myosin binding protein-C peptides improves cardiac contractility in ex-vivo experimental heart failure models
Authors: Hou Luqia , Kumar Mohit , Anand Priti , Chen Yinhong , El-Bizri Nesrine , Pickens Chad J. , Seganish W. Michael , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Swaminath Gayathri 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is an important regulator of sarcomeric function. Reduced phosphorylation of cMyBP-C has been linked to compromised contractility in heart failure patients. Here, we used previously published cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S, surrogates of the regulatory phosphorylation site serine 302, as a tool to determine the effects of modulating the dephosphorylation state of cMyBP-C on cardiac contraction and relaxation in experimental heart failure (HF) models in vitro. Both peptides increased the contractility of papillary muscle fibers isolated from a mouse model expressing cMyBP-C phospho-ablation (cMyBP-CAAA) constitutively. Peptide 302A, in particular, could also improve the force redevelopment rate (ktr) in papillary muscle fibers from cMyBP-CAAA (nonphosphorylated alanines) mice. Consistent with the above findings, both peptides increased ATPase rates in myofibrils isolated from rats with myocardial infarction (MI), but not from sham rats. Furthermore, in the cMyBP-CAAA mouse model, both peptides improved ATPase hydrolysis rates. These changes were not observed in non-transgenic (NTG) mice or sham rats, indicating the specific effects of these peptides in regulating the dephosphorylation state of cMyBP-C under the pathological conditions of HF. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that modulation of cMyBP-C dephosphorylation state can be a therapeutic approach to improve myosin function, sarcomere contractility and relaxation after an adverse cardiac event. Therefore, targeting cMyBP-C could potentially improve overall cardiac performance as a complement to standard-care drugs in HF patients.
Multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing dexamethasone versus placebo in preventing upper airway obstruction after extubation in critically ill children
Authors: Butragueño-Laiseca Laura , Manrique Martín Gema , González Cortés Rafael , Rey Galán Corsino , Martínez de Compañón Martínez de Ma Zuriñe , Gil Antón Javier , Rodríguez Núñez Antonio , M Fernández-Llamazares Cecilia , Manrique-Rodríguez Silvia , López-Herce Cid Jesús 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo analyze the effectiveness of dexamethasone in preventing upper airway obstruction (UAO) symptoms after extubation and the need of reintubation in critically ill children. Multicenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized, phase IV clinical trial involving five pediatric intensive care units. Children between 1 month and 16 years-of-age intubated for more than 48 h were included. Patients were randomized to receive placebo or dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg every 6 h, 6-to-12 h prior to extubation (four doses). 48 h follow-up was carried out after extubation. Severity of UAO symptoms (Taussig score, stridor) and reintubation requirement were compared. 147 patients were randomized (10 were excluded), 70 patients received dexamethasone and 67 placebo. No global differences were found in the presence of stridor or moderate-to-severe UAO symptoms (Taussig ≥ 5), but Taussig ≥ 5 was less frequent in patients less than 2 years-of-age treated with steroids (p = 0.014). Median Taussig score was lower in the dexamethasone group 1 h after extubation, p < 0.001. 27 patients required reintubation, 9 due to UAO: 3 (4.3%) in the dexamethasone group and 6 (8.9%) in the placebo group, p = 0.319. In those intubated > 5 days, reintubation due to UAO was higher in the placebo group (2.4% vs. 14.3, p = 0.052). Nebulized epinephrine and budesonide were required more frequently in the placebo group in the first 2 h (p = 0.041) and 1 h (p = 0.02) after extubation, respectively. No relevant side effects were observed. Dexamethasone prior to extubation did not significantly reduce moderate-severe UAO symptoms, except for patients under 2-years of age. Dexamethasone could decrease Taussig score and the need of rescue therapies, as well as reintubation rates in those intubated for more than 5 days.
Physical characterization of fault rocks within the Opalinus Clay formation
Authors: Orellana Luis Felipe , Nussbaum Christophe , Grafulha Luiz , Henry Pierre , Violay Marie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNear-surface disposal of radioactive waste in shales is a promising option to safeguard the population and environment. However, natural faults intersecting these geological formations can potentially affect the long-term isolation of the repositories. This paper characterizes the physical properties and mineralogy of the internal fault core structure intersecting the Opalinus Clay formation, a host rock under investigation for nuclear waste storage at the Mont Terri Laboratory (Switzerland). We have performed porosity, density, microstructural and mineralogical measurements in different sections of the fault, including intact clays, scaly clays and fault gouge. Mercury intrusion porosimetry analysis reveal a gouge that has a pore network dominated by nanopores of less than 10 nm, yet a high-porosity (21%) and low grain density (2.62 g/cm3) when compared to the intact rock (14.2%, and 2.69 g/cm3). Thus, a more permeable internal fault core structure with respect to the surrounding rock is deduced. Further, we describe the OPA fault gouge as a discrete fault structure having the potential to act as a preferential, yet narrow, and localized channel for fluid-flow if compared to the surrounding rock. Since the fault gouge is limited to a millimetres-thick structure, we expect the barrier property of the geological formation is almost not affected.
Rapid light carbon releases and increased aridity linked to Karoo–Ferrar magmatism during the early Toarcian oceanic anoxic event
Authors: Font Eric , Duarte Luís Vítor , Dekkers Mark J. , Remazeilles Celine , Egli Ramon , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Fantasia Alicia , Ribeiro Joana , Gomes Elsa , Mirão José , Adatte Thierry 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLarge-scale release of isotopically light carbon is responsible for the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event during the Lower Jurassic. Proposed sources include methane hydrate dissociation, volcanogenic outgassing of carbon dioxide and/or thermogenic methane release from the Karoo‐Ferrar magmatic province (southern Africa). Distinct small-scale shifts superimposed on the long-term CIE have been interpreted as rapid methane pulses linked to astronomically forced climate changes. In the Peniche reference section (Portugal), these small-scale shifts correspond to distinct brownish marly layers featuring markedly high mercury (Hg) and magnetic mineral concentration. Total organic carbon and Hg increase are uncorrelated, which suggests input of Hg into the atmosphere, possibly released after the intrusion of the Karoo-Ferrar sills into organic-rich sediments. Enhanced magnetic properties are associated with the presence of martite, washed-in oxidized magnetite, inferred to be due to increased aridity on the continental hinterland. This study provides strong evidence for a direct link between the Karoo-Ferrar magmatism, the carbon-isotope shifts and the resulting environmental changes.