bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
G‐quadruplexes in the monkeypox virus are potential antiviral targets
Authors: Lv Lu , Zhang Leiliang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractMonkeypox virus (MPXV) is a member of Orthopoxvirus in the Poxviridae family, causing a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The number of cases and geographic range has increased significantly in 2022. Identification of MPXV‐specific therapeutic targets is urgent. G‐quadruplex (GQ) secondary structures attract great attention as potential targets for antiviral strategy. Whether GQs are present in the MPXV genome remains inconclusive. In this study, we aim to characterize the GQs encoded by MPXV. Through a series of biophysical experiments, we characterized the formation potential of MPXV‐encoded GQs and evaluated the binding and stabilization abilities of GQ ligands including BRACO‐19, pyridostatin, and TMPyP4 to GQs encoded by MPXV. Moreover, GQ ligands suppressed the gene transcription of MPXV sequences containing GQ. BRACO‐19 and TMPyP4 were able to inhibit vaccinia virus replication. We demonstrated the existence of MPXV GQ and reinforced the idea that GQs could be novel antiviral targets. Targeting these GQ sequences with GQ‐binding molecules may represent a new approach for MPXV therapy.
Antibody response to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Han Pingping , Moran Corey S. , Sulugodu Ramachandra Srinivas , Walsh Laurence J. , Ivanovski Sašo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the antibody responses in non‐invasive gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and unstimulated whole saliva to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike unit 1 receptor‐binding domain (S1‐RBD) protein following administration of the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine.MethodsThis longitudinal study recruited 37 participants with no prior COVID‐19 exposure (eight people recruited prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic – labeled pre‐COVID, 16 vaccinated and 13 non‐vaccinated participants). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine antibody levels against S1‐RBD in saliva (n=90) and GCF (n=80) samples obtained at 1 and 3 weeks after dose 1, and 3 days, 7 days, and 3 weeks after dose 2. To determine previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status, anti‐nucleocapsid (N) Ig levels were determined in samples from the pre‐COVID (saliva as reference), non‐vaccinated (saliva and GCF), and vaccinated (saliva and GCF) participants at 1‐week post‐dose 1 using ELISA.ResultsSalivary levels of anti‐N antibodies measured in samples from vaccinated and nonvaccinated participants were comparable to those in pre‐COVID saliva samples collected between October 2018 and September 2019, thus confirming that all study participants had no prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Overall, the levels of anti‐S1‐RBD antibodies peaked at 3 weeks after dose 2 in both saliva and GCF for all three immunoglobulin isotypes. Notably, the concentration of anti‐S1‐RBD antibodies in GCF was significantly higher than in saliva at all time points.ConclusionThis study establishes GCF and saliva as viable alternative non‐invasive sources to monitor levels of antibodies following vaccination, with GCF demonstrating feasibility as a biofluid source for the detection of antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 S1‐RBD antigen.
The contribution of Friedrich Albert Fallou to modern soil science
Authors: Feller Christian , Aeschlimann Jean‐Paul , Frossard Emmanuel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article deals with Friedrich Albert Fallou (1794–1877), a lawyer by education with a strong interest for soil and geology who published “Pedologie oder allgemeine und besondere Bodenkunde” in 1862, that is, 20 years before Dokuchaev's (1883) “Russian Chernozem.” He is known for having coined the term of “pedology” but his role in the development of the soil science needs recognition, the opinions diverging this far with regard to his importance in terms of pedogenesis, soil profile, soil classification and influence on Dokuchaev. The authors of the present article have translated into French and analyzed in detail each of the chapters constituting the first part (“Allgemeine Bodenkunde” 198 pp.) of his book. These pages include many precise descriptions of the soils in a small area near Fallou's place of residence in a hilly part of Saxony (NE Germany) and bear evidence for his remarkable skills as nature observer. His field experience led him to strongly recommend that soils should be studied in situ, using existing cuts, either natural or artificial. He was first to strive for the “Earth” to be recognized as a “Kingdom” of its own and for the study of the soils to be established as an independent natural science for the benefit of a wide range of potential stakeholders. The present review is intended to demonstrate that despite some shortcomings due to his sticking to a few outdated basic scientific conceptions, Fallou fully deserves to be regarded as an important forerunner of modern soil science.
Revealing the chemical synergism in coloring tomatoes by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Campos Mariana T. C. , Maia Lenize F. , Dos Santos Hélio F. , Edwards Howell G. M. , de Oliveira Luiz F. C. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this work, Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations have been used to identify pigments biosynthesized during the ripening of tomatoes. In situ analysis of the exocarp from tomatoes at six stages of maturation showed Raman bands attributed mainly to carotenes and flavonoids. The Raman spectra of the exocarp in earlier stages (green and breaker) are rich in carotenoids with nine conjugated double bonds, while later stages (light‐red and red) are dominated by ones with 11 conjugated unsaturation. The Raman structural characterization of carotenoids biosynthesized from the phytoene, phytofluene, to β‐carotene is reported for the first time. Changes in carotenoid composition were observed along with the maturation; however, flavonoids/polyphenols that are concomitantly biosynthesized since the green stage presented the same spectral pattern along the process. Here, we present some clues based on Raman spectroscopy of the chemical synergism between carotenoids and flavonoids in coloring tomatoes.
Carbon and nutrient cycling in Antarctic landfast sea ice from winter to summer
Authors: Jones Elizabeth M. , Henley Sian F. , van Leeuwe Maria A. , Stefels Jacqueline , Meredith Michael P. , Fenton Mairi , Venables Hugh J. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeasonal cycling in carbon, alkalinity, and nutrients in landfast sea ice in Hangar Cove, Adelaide Island, West Antarctic Peninsula, were investigated during winter, spring, and summer 2014–2015. Temporal dynamics were driven by changes in the sea‐ice physicochemical conditions, ice‐algal community composition, and organic matter production. Winter sea ice was enriched with dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and inorganic nutrients from organic matter remineralization. Variations in alkalinity (Alk) and DIC indicated that abiotic calcium carbonate (ikaite) precipitation had taken place. Relative to other nutrients, low phosphate (PO4) concentrations potentially resulted from co‐precipitation with ikaite. Seawater flooding and meltwater induced variability in the physical and biogeochemical properties in the upper ice in spring where nutrient resupply supported haptophyte productivity and increased particulate organic carbon (POC) in the interstitial layer. Rapid nitrate (NO3) and DIC (< 165 μmol kg−1) uptake occurred alongside substantial build‐up of algal biomass (746 μg chlorophyll a L−1) and POC (6191 μmol L−1) during summer. Silicic acid drawdown followed NO3 depletion by approximately 1 month with a shift to diatom‐dominated communities. Accumulation of PO4 in the lower ice layers in summer likely resulted from PO4 released during ikaite dissolution in the presence of biofilms. Increased Alk : DIC ratios in the lower ice and under‐ice water suggested that ikaite dissolution buffered against meltwater dilution and enhanced the potential for atmospheric CO2 uptake. This study revealed strong seasonality in carbon and nutrient cycling in landfast sea ice and showed the importance of sea ice in biogeochemical cycling in seasonally ice‐covered waters around Antarctica.
Detection of Lectin Clustering in Self‐Assembled, Glycan‐Functionalized Amphiphiles by Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminophores
Authors: Banger Alexander , Pasch Peter , Blawitzki Luca‐Cesare , Weber Simon , Otten Marius , Monzel Cornelia , Schmidt Stephan , Voskuhl Jens , Hartmann Laura 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAmphiphilic glycan‐functionalized oligomers are derived by solid‐phase polymer synthesis and applied in both, self‐assembled micelles as well as giant unilamellar vesicles, as simplified models of the cell's glycocalyx. Additionally, an aggregation‐induced luminophore is introduced into the amphiphilic glycomacromolecules showing no fluorescence when the molecule is free in solution. Combining glycomacromolecules carrying a binding glycan motif and the luminophore with glycomacromolecules or other amphiphiles with no binding motifs and no luminophore in self‐assembled structures, micelles and vesicles exhibiting no or only very little fluorescence are obtained. Only upon clustering of the binding glycan motifs through interaction with a multivalent lectin receptor, an increase in fluorescence is observed. Thus, clustering events within these self‐assembled structures can be detected and localized.
Synthesis of a DOPO Derivative to Improve the Fire Safety and Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Hua Yifang , Sun Jun , Jiang Shengling , Gu Xiaoyu , Zhang Sheng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) derivative is prepared. At first, an intermediate 4,4'‐((triazole)bis(azaneylylidene)bis(2,6‐dimethoxyphenol)) (SGA) is obtained from the Schiff‐base reaction between syringaldehyde (S) and 3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (GA). The further product DOPO‐SGA is then introduced into epoxy by blending to improve flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The flammability evaluation is implemented by limited oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, and cone calorimeter tests. The presence of 3wt.% DOPO‐SGA increases the LOI to 33.2%, upgrades the UL‐94 rating to V‐0, and reduces the release of smoke and heat of epoxy. The tensile strength and impact strength are also enhanced after the introduction of DOPO‐SGA. The addition of 5% DOPO‐SGA increases the tensile strength and impact strength by 47% and 42%, respectively, compared with that of the control EP sample. It is suggested that the mechanical strengthening is ascribed to the ternary cross‐linked network among epoxy monomer, curing agent, and DOPO‐SGA. This work provides a feasible solution to obtain flame‐retardant epoxy resin with enhanced mechanical performance.
Induced Smectic E Phase in a Binary Blend of Side‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Authors: Hida Naoki , Nakajima Tatsunaga , Hara Mitsuo , Seki Takahiro , Nagano Shusaku 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTwo liquid crystalline polymers containing an azobenzene or cyanobiphenyl mesogenic side chain that adopt smectic A phases are mechanically mixed at 1:1 mesogen molar ratio at an isotropic phase temperature and then cooled. The resultant binary polymer mixture behaves like a single component as revealed by polarized microscopy observation and differential scanning calorimetry, indicating that the binary mixture forms a fully compatible polymer blend. Moreover, the simple polymer blend unexpectedly leads to a higher‐ordered smectic E phase where a herringbone structure is formed with restricted mesogen axis rotation. These results suggest a specific intermolecular interaction between the two mesogens, thereby inducing unusual compatibilized polymer blends and the most ordered liquid crystal (LC) phase.
Anti‐IgLON5 Disease with Isolated Hemichorea: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Grossauer Anna , Hussl Anna , Mahlknecht Philipp , Peball Marina , Heidbreder Anna , Deisenhammer Florian , Djamshidian Atbin , Seppi Klaus , Heim Beatrice 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐IgLON5 disease is an autoimmune encephalopathy with sleep disturbances as a hallmark in the majority of reported cases. Additional clinical symptoms are heterogenous and include movement disorders, bulbar dysfunction, autonomic disorders, and neurocognitive impairment.CaseHere, we report the case of an 87‐year‐old woman presenting with isolated progressive hemichorea. An extensive diagnostic work‐up revealed antibodies against IgLON5 in the serum. Neither history nor polysomnography (PSG) unveiled signs and features of sleep dysfunction typically reported in anti‐IgLON5 disease.Literature ReviewIn an extensive literature review we identified twelve other studies reporting about patients with confirmed anti‐IgLON5 disease and chorea as extrapyramidal movement disorder in their clinical phenotype. Subsequently, clinical characteristics of these patients were carefully evaluated.ConclusionsOur results support the diversity of clinical phenotypes in anti‐IgLON5 disease, adding isolated hemichorea to the spectrum of presenting symptoms. As sleep‐related disorders are often not the leading reason for consultation and only revealed by PSG examination, we suggest that screening for antibodies against IgLON5 should be considered in patients presenting with unexplained movement disorders, including isolated hemichorea.
Test on the law protection of minority investors in China: Perspective of misrepresentation in securities market
Authors: Fang Fang , Tian Wang , Yanfei Zhang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractUnder the background of effectively building the legal system of the capital market and strengthening investor protection, an evaluation of whether China's legal system's reformations have improved investor protection is of great significance. Based on the lawsuits of 663 listed companies from 1997 to 2021, this paper finds the average annual proportion of listed companies punished by the China Securities Regulatory Commission and prosecuted by the investors is 40%, and since 2017, it has stabilized at around 70%. This paper also finds the “head effect” of the number of investors and claims in the misrepresentation cases over the years and the advantages of China Securities Investor Services Center's support in investor protection. Then, the negative binomial regression method is used to empirically find that investor protection gets better and better with the reformation of China's laws. Reformations in the legal system and key provisions have all led to an increase in the number of sued investors and claims. However, the time of legal proceedings only depends on the reform of the entire legal system. Finally, to reduce litigation costs and make all investors actually receive compensation after being infringed, we should establish the class action mechanism in the future reformation of China's legal system.
A novel probe‐fed directional dielectric resonator antenna for mobile communication
Authors: Luo Wei , Jiang Lanlan , Yi Ren 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA directional dielectric resonator antenna (DDRA) for 5G mobile communication system is proposed. The antenna is side‐fed with the metal probe to make it work in quasi‐TEδ11 mode, so as to realize the characteristics of directional radiation. The stacked structure is adopted, and the two side walls of the rectangular dielectric resonator parallel to the microstrip line are grooved to improve the frequency bandwidth of the antenna. Furtherly, the Koch snowflake fractal is used for the second iteration of the top cylindrical dielectric resonator, and the parasitic metal columns inside the DRA are also helpful for the enhancement of bandwidth. The prototype was fabricated and tested to verify the design, and the measured results show −10 dB impedance bandwidth of about 23% and an average gain of 5.2 dBi within the operation band.
Dual imaging modality of fluorescence and transmission X‐rays for gold nanoparticle‐injected living mice
Authors: Kim Taeyun , Lee Woo Seung , Jeon Miyeon , Kim Hyejin , Eom Mingi , Jung Seongmoon , Im Hyung‐Jun , Ye Sung‐Joon 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundX‐ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging for metal nanoparticles (MNPs) is a promising molecular imaging modality that can determine dynamic biodistributions of MNPs. However, it has the limitation that it only provides functional information.PurposeIn this study, we aim to show the feasibility of acquiring functional and anatomic information on the same platform by demonstrating a dual imaging modality of pinhole XRF and computed tomography (CT) for gold nanoparticle (GNP)‐injected living mice.MethodsBy installing a transmission CT detector in an existing pinhole XRF imaging system using a two‐dimensional (2D) cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) gamma camera, XRF and CT images were acquired on the same platform. Due to the optimal X‐ray spectra for XRF and CT image acquisition being different, XRF and CT imaging were performed by 140 and 50 kV X‐rays, respectively. An amount of 40 mg GNPs (1.9 nm in diameter) suspended in 0.20 ml of phosphate‐buffered saline were injected into the three BALB/c mice via a tail vein. Then, the kidney and tumor slices of mice were scanned at specific time points within 60 min to acquire time‐lapse in vivo biodistributions of GNPs. XRF images were directly acquired without image reconstruction using a pinhole collimator and a 2D CZT gamma camera. Subsequently, CT images were acquired by performing CT scans. In order to confirm the validity of the functional information provided by the XRF image, the CT image was fused with the XRF image. After the XRF and CT scan, the mice were euthanized, and major organs (kidneys, tumor, liver, and spleen) were extracted. The ex vivo GNP concentrations of the extracted organs were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and L‐shell XRF detection system using a silicon drift detector, then compared with the in vivo GNP concentrations measured by the pinhole XRF imaging system.ResultsTime‐lapse XRF images were directly acquired without rotation and translation of imaging objects within an acquisition time of 2 min per slice. Due to the short image acquisition time, the time‐lapse in vivo biodistribution of GNPs was acquired in the organs of the mice. CT images were fused with the XRF images and successfully confirmed the validity of the XRF images. The difference in ex vivo GNP concentrations measured by the L‐shell XRF detection system and ICP‐MS was 0.0005–0.02% by the weight of gold (wt%). Notably, the in vivo and ex vivo GNP concentrations in the kidneys of three mice were comparable with a difference of 0.01–0.08 wt%.ConclusionsA dual imaging modality of pinhole XRF and CT imaging system and L‐shell XRF detection system were successfully developed. The developed systems are a promising modality for in vivo imaging and ex vivo quantification for preclinical studies using MNPs. In addition, we discussed further improvements for the routine preclinical applications of the systems.
Structures and functions of cilia during vertebrate embryo development
Authors: Amack Jeffrey D. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCilia are hair‐like structures that project from the surface of cells. In vertebrates, most cells have an immotile primary cilium that mediates cell signaling, and some specialized cells assemble one or multiple cilia that are motile and beat synchronously to move fluids in one direction. Gene mutations that alter cilia structure or function cause a broad spectrum of disorders termed ciliopathies that impact virtually every system in the body. A wide range of birth defects associated with ciliopathies underscores critical functions for cilia during embryonic development. In many cases, the mechanisms underlying cilia functions during development and disease remain poorly understood. This review describes different types of cilia in vertebrate embryos and discusses recent research results from diverse model systems that provide novel insights into how cilia form and function during embryo development. The work discussed here not only expands our understanding of in vivo cilia biology, but also opens new questions about cilia and their roles in establishing healthy embryos.
Model‐informed unsupervised deep learning approaches to frequency and phase correction of MRS signals
Authors: Shamaei Amirmohammad , Starcukova Jana , Pavlova Iveta , Starcuk Zenon 
Published: November 2022

PurposeA supervised deep learning (DL) approach for frequency and phase correction (FPC) of MRS data recently showed encouraging results, but obtaining transients with labels for supervised learning is challenging. This work investigates the feasibility and efficiency of unsupervised deep learning–based FPC.MethodsTwo novel deep learning–based FPC methods (deep learning–based Cr referencing and deep learning–based spectral registration), which use a priori physics domain knowledge, are presented. The proposed networks were trained, validated, and evaluated using simulated, phantom, and publicly accessible in vivo MEGA‐edited MRS data. The performance of our proposed FPC methods was compared with other generally used FPC methods, in terms of precision and time efficiency. A new measure was proposed in this study to evaluate the FPC method performance. The ability of each of our methods to carry out FPC at varying SNR levels was evaluated. A Monte Carlo study was carried out to investigate the performance of our proposed methods.ResultsThe validation using low‐SNR manipulated simulated data demonstrated that the proposed methods could perform FPC comparably with other methods. The evaluation showed that the deep learning–based spectral registration over a limited frequency range method achieved the highest performance in phantom data. The applicability of the proposed method for FPC of GABA‐edited in vivo MRS data was demonstrated. Our proposed networks have the potential to reduce computation time significantly.ConclusionsThe proposed physics‐informed deep neural networks trained in an unsupervised manner with complex data can offer efficient FPC of large MRS data in a shorter time.
Adherence with mycophenolate mofetil in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases in coventry: Signs of progress but challenges remain
Authors: Chauhan Aarti , Bunting Helen , Dubey Shirish 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe study investigated adherence with MMF treatment among patients attending rheumatology clinics at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) with Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs).MethodsThis retrospective study collated hospital pharmacy data in patients who requested the prescription for MMF between January 2015 and December 2018. Clinical data were obtained from paper and electronic notes. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Ethical approval was obtained through Coventry University.ResultsWe recruited 144 patients into this study with age range from 18 to 91 years, including 100 females and 44 males. There were 112 White patients, 22 of South Asian origin, 3 East Asian and 4 black patients. SLE (56), scleroderma (18), mixed connective tissue disease (15), myositis (13), vasculitis (13) were the commonest diagnoses. Overall adherence with Mycophenolate mofetil was 62%. The adherence rates were below 80% for all age groups with ∼60% of patients having adherence levels of >60%. Poor adherence with MMF correlated with 3‐fold increase in risk of flares compared to good adherence (p = 0.002). We also found a significant difference between Asian patients (mean adherence 47%) and White patients (mean adherence 65%, p < 0.001).ConclusionAdherence with MMF has improved considerably compared to historical studies, although these remain suboptimal. Certain population groups such as young adults, elderly and Asian patients continue to have lower adherence and higher risk of flares. Strategies are needed to improve adherence levels overall and specifically in the high‐risk groups to reduce risk of flares and organ damage.