bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein S-nitrosation differentially modulates tomato responses to infection by hemi-biotrophic oomycetes of Phytophthora spp.
Authors: Jedelská Tereza , Sedlářová Michaela , Lochman Jan , Činčalová Lucie , Luhová Lenka , Petřivalský Marek
Published: February 2021

Regulation of protein function by reversible S-nitrosation, a post-translational modification based on the attachment of nitroso group to cysteine thiols, has emerged among key mechanisms of NO signalling in plant development and stress responses. S-nitrosoglutathione is regarded as the most abundant low-molecular-weight S-nitrosothiol in plants, where its intracellular concentrations are modulated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase. We analysed modulations of S-nitrosothiols and protein S-nitrosation mediated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase in cultivated Solanum lycopersicum (susceptible) and wild Solanum habrochaites (resistant genotype) up to 96 h post inoculation (hpi) by two hemibiotrophic oomycetes, Phytophthora infestans and Phytophthora parasitica. S-nitrosoglutathione reductase activity and protein level were decreased by P. infestans and P. parasitica infection in both genotypes, whereas protein S-nitrosothiols were increased by P. infestans infection, particularly at 72 hpi related to pathogen biotrophy–necrotrophy transition. Increased levels of S-nitrosothiols localised in both proximal and distal parts to the infection site, which suggests together with their localisation to vascular bundles a signalling role in systemic responses. S-nitrosation targets in plants infected with P. infestans identified by a proteomic analysis include namely antioxidant and defence proteins, together with important proteins of metabolic, regulatory and structural functions. Ascorbate peroxidase S-nitrosation was observed in both genotypes in parallel to increased enzyme activity and protein level during P. infestans pathogenesis, namely in the susceptible genotype. These results show important regulatory functions of protein S-nitrosation in concerting molecular mechanisms of plant resistance to hemibiotrophic pathogens.
A glucose meter interface for point-of-care gene circuit-based diagnostics
Authors: Amalfitano Evan , Karlikow Margot , Norouzi Masoud , Jaenes Katariina , Cicek Seray , Masum Fahim , Sadat Mousavi Peivand , Guo Yuxiu , Tang Laura , Sydor Andrew , Ma Duo , Pearson Joel D. , Trcka Daniel , Pinette Mathieu , Ambagala Aruna , Babiuk Shawn , Pickering Bradley , Wrana Jeff , Bremner Rod , Mazzulli Tony , Sinton David , Brumell John H. , Green Alexander A. , Pardee Keith
Published: February 2021

Recent advances in cell-free synthetic biology have given rise to gene circuit-based sensors with the potential to provide decentralized and low-cost molecular diagnostics. However, it remains a challenge to deliver this sensing capacity into the hands of users in a practical manner. Here, we leverage the glucose meter, one of the most widely available point-of-care sensing devices, to serve as a universal reader for these decentralized diagnostics. We describe a molecular translator that can convert the activation of conventional gene circuit-based sensors into a glucose output that can be read by off-the-shelf glucose meters. We show the development of new glucogenic reporter systems, multiplexed reporter outputs and detection of nucleic acid targets down to the low attomolar range. Using this glucose-meter interface, we demonstrate the detection of a small-molecule analyte; sample-to-result diagnostics for typhoid, paratyphoid A/B; and show the potential for pandemic response with nucleic acid sensors for SARS-CoV-2.
PopDel identifies medium-size deletions simultaneously in tens of thousands of genomes
Authors: Niehus Sebastian , Jónsson Hákon , Schönberger Janina , Björnsson Eythór , Beyter Doruk , Eggertsson Hannes P. , Sulem Patrick , Stefánsson Kári , Halldórsson Bjarni V. , Kehr Birte
Published: February 2021

Thousands of genomic structural variants (SVs) segregate in the human population and can impact phenotypic traits and diseases. Their identification in whole-genome sequence data of large cohorts is a major computational challenge. Most current approaches identify SVs in single genomes and afterwards merge the identified variants into a joint call set across many genomes. We describe the approach PopDel, which directly identifies deletions of about 500 to at least 10,000 bp in length in data of many genomes jointly, eliminating the need for subsequent variant merging. PopDel scales to tens of thousands of genomes as we demonstrate in evaluations on up to 49,962 genomes. We show that PopDel reliably reports common, rare and de novo deletions. On genomes with available high-confidence reference call sets PopDel shows excellent recall and precision. Genotype inheritance patterns in up to 6794 trios indicate that genotypes predicted by PopDel are more reliable than those of previous SV callers. Furthermore, PopDel’s running time is competitive with the fastest tested previous tools. The demonstrated scalability and accuracy of PopDel enables routine scans for deletions in large-scale sequencing studies.
Calculation and interpretation of classical turning surfaces in solids
Authors: Kaplan Aaron D. , Clark Stewart J. , Burke Kieron , Perdew John P.
Published: February 2021

Classical turning surfaces of Kohn–Sham potentials separate classically allowed regions (CARs) from classically forbidden regions (CFRs). They are useful for understanding many chemical properties of molecules but need not exist in solids, where the density never decays to zero. At equilibrium geometries, we find that CFRs are absent in perfect metals, rare in covalent semiconductors at equilibrium, but common in ionic and molecular crystals. In all materials, CFRs appear or grow as the internuclear distances are uniformly expanded. They can also appear at a monovacancy in a metal. Calculations with several approximate density functionals and codes confirm these behaviors. A classical picture of conduction suggests that CARs should be connected in metals, and disconnected in wide-gap insulators, and is confirmed in the limits of extreme compression and expansion. Surprisingly, many semiconductors have no CFR at equilibrium, a key finding for density functional construction. Nonetheless, a strong correlation with insulating behavior can still be inferred. Moreover, equilibrium bond lengths for all cases can be estimated from the bond type and the sum of the classical turning radii of the free atoms or ions.
Author Correction: A nonlinear magnonic nano-ring resonator
Authors: Wang Qi , Hamadeh Abbass , Verba Roman , Lomakin Vitaliy , Mohseni Morteza , Hillebrands Burkard , Chumak Andrii V. , Pirro Philipp
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41524-021-00497-6
The evolving definition of salivary gland stem cells
Authors: Rocchi Cecilia , Barazzuol Lara , Coppes Rob P.
Published: February 2021

Dysfunction of the salivary gland and irreversible hyposalivation are the main side effects of radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer leading to a drastic decrease of the quality of life of the patients. Approaches aimed at regenerating damaged salivary glands have been proposed as means to provide long-term restoration of tissue function in the affected patients. In studies to elucidate salivary gland regenerative mechanisms, more and more evidence suggests that salivary gland stem/progenitor cell behavior, like many other adult tissues, does not follow that of the hard-wired professional stem cells of the hematopoietic system. In this review, we provide evidence showing that several cell types within the salivary gland epithelium can serve as stem/progenitor-like cells. While these cell populations seem to function mostly as lineage-restricted progenitors during homeostasis, we indicate that upon damage specific plasticity mechanisms might be activated to take part in regeneration of the tissue. In light of these insights, we provide an overview of how recent developments in the adult stem cell research field are changing our thinking of the definition of salivary gland stem cells and their potential plasticity upon damage. These new perspectives may have important implications on the development of new therapeutic approaches to rescue radiation-induced hyposalivation.
Brain dynamics of (a)typical reading development—a review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Chyl Katarzyna , Fraga-González Gorka , Brem Silvia , Jednoróg Katarzyna
Published: February 2021

Literacy development is a process rather than a single event and thus should be studied at multiple time points. A longitudinal design employing neuroimaging methods offers the possibility to identify neural changes associated with reading development, and to reveal early markers of dyslexia. The core of this review is a summary of findings from longitudinal neuroimaging studies on typical and atypical reading development. Studies focused on the prediction of reading gains with a single neuroimaging time point complement this review. Evidence from structural studies suggests that reading development results in increased structural integrity and functional specialization of left-hemispheric language areas. Compromised integrity of some of these tracts in children at risk for dyslexia might be compensated by higher anatomical connectivity in the homologous right hemisphere tracts. Regarding function, activation in phonological and audiovisual integration areas and growing sensitivity to print in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex (vOT) seem to be relevant neurodevelopmental markers of successful reading acquisition. Atypical vOT responses at the beginning of reading training and infant auditory brain potentials have been proposed as neuroimaging predictors of dyslexia that can complement behavioral measures. Besides these insights, longitudinal neuroimaging studies on reading and dyslexia are still relatively scarce and small sample sizes raise legitimate concerns about the reliability of the results. This review discusses the challenges of these studies and provides recommendations to improve this research area. Future longitudinal research with larger sample sizes are needed to improve our knowledge of typical and atypical reading neurodevelopment.
Piglet immunization with a spike subunit vaccine enhances disease by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus
Authors: Yu Jieshi , Sreenivasan Chithra , Uprety Tirth , Gao Rongyuan , Huang Chen , Lee Ella J. , Lawson Steven , Nelson Julie , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Kaushik Radhey S. , Nelson Eric , Diel Diego G. , Hause Ben M. , Li Feng , Wang Dan
Published: February 2021

Immunization with an insect cell lysate/baculovirus mixture containing recombinant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spike protein induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies in both mice and piglets. However, immunization of piglets with this vaccine resulted in enhancement of disease symptoms and virus replication in vaccine recipients exposed to PEDV challenge. Thus, these observations demonstrate a previously unrecognized challenge of PEDV vaccine research, which has important implications for coronavirus vaccine development.
Texture-based markers from structural imaging correlate with motor handicap in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Betrouni Nacim , Moreau Caroline , Rolland Anne-Sophie , Carrière Nicolas , Chupin Marie , Kuchcinski Gregory , Lopes Renaud , Viard Romain , Defebvre Luc , Devos David
Published: February 2021

There is a growing need for surrogate biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Structural analysis using magnetic resonance imaging with T1-weighted sequences has the potential to quantify histopathological changes. Degeneration is typically measured by the volume and shape of morphological changes. However, these changes appear late in the disease, preventing their use as surrogate markers. We investigated texture changes in 108 individuals, divided into three groups, matched in terms of sex and age: (1) healthy controls (n = 32); (2) patients with early-stage PD (n = 39); and (3) patients with late-stage PD and severe L-dopa-related complications (n = 37). All patients were assessed in off-treatment conditions. Statistical analysis of first- and second-order texture features was conducted in the substantia nigra, striatum, thalamus and sub-thalamic nucleus. Regions of interest volumetry and voxel-based morphometry were performed for comparison. Significantly different texture features were observed between the three populations, with some showing a gradual linear progression between the groups. The volumetric changes in the two PD patient groups were not significantly different. Texture features were significantly associated with clinical scores for motor handicap. These results suggest that texture features, measured in the nigrostriatal pathway at PD diagnosis, may be useful in predicting clinical progression of motor handicap.
The role of tropical volcanic eruptions in exacerbating Indian droughts
Authors: Fadnavis Suvarna , Müller Rolf , Chakraborty Tanusri , Sabin T. P. , Laakso Anton , Rap Alexandru , Griessbach Sabine , Vernier Jean-Paul , Tilmes Simone
Published: February 2021

The Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is vital for the livelihood of millions of people in the Indian region; droughts caused by monsoon failures often resulted in famines. Large volcanic eruptions have been linked with reductions in ISMR, but the responsible mechanisms remain unclear. Here, using 145-year (1871–2016) records of volcanic eruptions and ISMR, we show that ISMR deficits prevail for two years after moderate and large (VEI > 3) tropical volcanic eruptions; this is not the case for extra-tropical eruptions. Moreover, tropical volcanic eruptions strengthen El Niño and weaken La Niña conditions, further enhancing Indian droughts. Using climate-model simulations of the 2011 Nabro volcanic eruption, we show that eruption induced an El Niño like warming in the central Pacific for two consecutive years due to Kelvin wave dissipation triggered by the eruption. This El Niño like warming in the central Pacific led to a precipitation reduction in the Indian region. In addition, solar dimming caused by the volcanic plume in 2011 reduced Indian rainfall.
Diet and companionship modulate pain via a serotonergic mechanism
Authors: Tran Huy , Sagi Varun , Jarrett Sarita , Palzer Elise F. , Badgaiyan Rajendra D. , Gupta Kalpna
Published: February 2021

Treatment of severe chronic and acute pain in sickle cell disease (SCD) remains challenging due to the interdependence of pain and psychosocial modulation. We examined whether modulation of the descending pain pathway through an enriched diet and companionship could alleviate pain in transgenic sickle mice. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were reduced significantly with enriched diet and/or companionship. Upon withdrawal of both conditions, analgesic effects observed prior to withdrawal were diminished. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) was found to be increased in the spinal cords of mice provided both treatments. Additionally, 5-HT production improved at the rostral ventromedial medulla and 5-HT accumulated at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of sickle mice, suggesting the involvement of the descending pain pathway in the analgesic response. Modulation of 5-HT and its effect on hyperalgesia was also investigated through pharmaceutical approaches. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, showed a similar anti-nociceptive effect as the combination of diet and companionship. Depletion of 5-HT through p-chlorophenylalanine attenuated the anti-hyperalgesic effect of enriched diet and companionship. More significantly, improved diet and companionship enhanced the efficacy of a sub-optimal dose of morphine for analgesia in sickle mice. These findings offer the potential to reduce opioid use without pharmacological interventions to develop effective pain management strategies.
Association of SLC6A4 methylation with long-term outcomes after stroke: focus on the interaction with suicidal ideation
Authors: Kang Hee-Ju , Lee Eun-Hye , Kim Ju-Wan , Kim Sung-Wan , Shin Il-Seon , Kim Joon-Tae , Park Man-Seok , Cho Ki-Hyun , Han Jung-Soo , Lyoo In Kyoon , Kim Jae-Min
Published: February 2021

Serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in cerebrovascular homeostasis and psychiatric disorders, including suicidality. Methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is associated with 5-HT expression. However, the prognostic roles of SLC6A4 methylation and suicidal ideation (SI) in long-term outcomes of stroke have not been evaluated. We investigated the independent and interactive effects of SLC6A4 methylation and SI immediately after stroke on long-term outcomes. Blood SLC6A4 methylation status and SI based on the suicide item of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were assessed in 278 patients at 2 weeks after stroke. After the index stroke, cerebro-cardiovascular events by SLC6A4 methylation status and SI were investigated over an 8–14-year follow-up period and using Cox regression models adjusted for a range of covariates. SLC6A4 hypermethylation and SI within 2 weeks of stroke both predicted worse long-term outcomes, independent of covariates. A significant interaction effect of SI and the methylation status of CpG 4 on long-term stroke outcomes was also identified. The association between SLC6A4 methylation and long-term adverse outcomes may be strengthened in the presence of SI within 2 weeks after stroke. Evaluation of methylation and SI status during the acute phase can be helpful when assessing stroke patients.
Author Correction: Associations between hand function and electrophysiological measurements in hand osteoarthritis patients of different ages with or without carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Han Eun Young , Kim Jinseok , Seo Kyu‑Bum , Jeon Young Tae , Im Sang Hee
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Adaptive hyperparameter updating for training restricted Boltzmann machines on quantum annealers
Authors: Xu Guanglei , Oates William S.
Published: February 2021

Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs) have been proposed for developing neural networks for a variety of unsupervised machine learning applications such as image recognition, drug discovery, and materials design. The Boltzmann probability distribution is used as a model to identify network parameters by optimizing the likelihood of predicting an output given hidden states trained on available data. Training such networks often requires sampling over a large probability space that must be approximated during gradient based optimization. Quantum annealing has been proposed as a means to search this space more efficiently which has been experimentally investigated on D-Wave hardware. D-Wave implementation requires selection of an effective inverse temperature or hyperparameter ($$\beta $$
β
) within the Boltzmann distribution which can strongly influence optimization. Here, we show how this parameter can be estimated as a hyperparameter applied to D-Wave hardware during neural network training by maximizing the likelihood or minimizing the Shannon entropy. We find both methods improve training RBMs based upon D-Wave hardware experimental validation on an image recognition problem. Neural network image reconstruction errors are evaluated using Bayesian uncertainty analysis which illustrate more than an order magnitude lower image reconstruction error using the maximum likelihood over manually optimizing the hyperparameter. The maximum likelihood method is also shown to out-perform minimizing the Shannon entropy for image reconstruction.
Kaiso (ZBTB33) subcellular partitioning functionally links LC3A/B, the tumor microenvironment, and breast cancer survival
Authors: Singhal Sandeep K. , Byun Jung S. , Park Samson , Yan Tingfen , Yancey Ryan , Caban Ambar , Hernandez Sara Gil , Hewitt Stephen M. , Boisvert Heike , Hennek Stephanie , Bobrow Mark , Ahmed Md Shakir Uddin , White Jason , Yates Clayton , Aukerman Andrew , Vanguri Rami , Bareja Rohan , Lenci Romina , Farré Paula Lucia , De Siervi Adriana , Nápoles Anna María , Vohra Nasreen , Gardner Kevin
Published: February 2021

The use of digital pathology for the histomorphologic profiling of pathological specimens is expanding the precision and specificity of quantitative tissue analysis at an unprecedented scale; thus, enabling the discovery of new and functionally relevant histological features of both predictive and prognostic significance. In this study, we apply quantitative automated image processing and computational methods to profile the subcellular distribution of the multi-functional transcriptional regulator, Kaiso (ZBTB33), in the tumors of a large racially diverse breast cancer cohort from a designated health disparities region in the United States. Multiplex multivariate analysis of the association of Kaiso’s subcellular distribution with other breast cancer biomarkers reveals novel functional and predictive linkages between Kaiso and the autophagy-related proteins, LC3A/B, that are associated with features of the tumor immune microenvironment, survival, and race. These findings identify effective modalities of Kaiso biomarker assessment and uncover unanticipated insights into Kaiso’s role in breast cancer progression.
Molecular characterization of a marine turtle tumor epizootic, profiling external, internal and postsurgical regrowth tumors
Authors: Yetsko Kelsey , Farrell Jessica A. , Blackburn Nicholas B. , Whitmore Liam , Stammnitz Maximilian R. , Whilde Jenny , Eastman Catherine B. , Ramia Devon Rollinson , Thomas Rachel , Krstic Aleksandar , Linser Paul , Creer Simon , Carvalho Gary , Devlin Mariana A. , Nahvi Nina , Leandro Ana Cristina , deMaar Thomas W. , Burkhalter Brooke , Murchison Elizabeth P. , Schnitzler Christine , Duffy David J.
Published: February 2021

Sea turtle populations are under threat from an epizootic tumor disease (animal epidemic) known as fibropapillomatosis. Fibropapillomatosis continues to spread geographically, with prevalence of the disease also growing at many longer-affected sites globally. However, we do not yet understand the precise environmental, mutational and viral events driving fibropapillomatosis tumor formation and progression.

Here we perform transcriptomic and immunohistochemical profiling of five fibropapillomatosis tumor types: external new, established and postsurgical regrowth tumors, and internal lung and kidney tumors. We reveal that internal tumors are molecularly distinct from the more common external tumors. However, they have a small number of conserved potentially therapeutically targetable molecular vulnerabilities in common, such as the MAPK, Wnt, TGFβ and TNF oncogenic signaling pathways. These conserved oncogenic drivers recapitulate remarkably well the core pan-cancer drivers responsible for human cancers. Fibropapillomatosis has been considered benign, but metastatic-related transcriptional signatures are strongly activated in kidney and established external tumors. Tumors in turtles with poor outcomes (died/euthanized) have genes associated with apoptosis and immune function suppressed, with these genes providing putative predictive biomarkers.

Together, these results offer an improved understanding of fibropapillomatosis tumorigenesis and provide insights into the origins, inter-tumor relationships, and therapeutic treatment for this wildlife epizootic.
Bisulfite-free epigenomics and genomics of single cells through methylation-sensitive restriction
Authors: Niemöller Christoph , Wehrle Julius , Riba Julian , Claus Rainer , Renz Nathalie , Rhein Janika , Bleul Sabine , Stosch Juliane M. , Duyster Justus , Plass Christoph , Lutsik Pavlo , Lipka Daniel B. , Lübbert Michael , Becker Heiko
Published: February 2021

Single-cell multi-omics are powerful means to study cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Here, we present a single-tube, bisulfite-free method for the simultaneous, genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and genetic variants in single cells: epigenomics and genomics of single cells analyzed by restriction (epi-gSCAR). By applying this method, we obtained DNA methylation measurements of up to 506,063 CpGs and up to 1,244,188 single-nucleotide variants from single acute myeloid leukemia-derived cells. We demonstrate that epi-gSCAR generates accurate and reproducible measurements of DNA methylation and allows to differentiate between cell lines based on the DNA methylation and genetic profiles.
Ultra-sensitive Sb speciation analysis in water samples by magnetic ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and multivariate optimization
Authors: Oviedo María N. , Fiorentini Emiliano F. , Lemos Aldana A. , Wuilloud Rodolfo G.
Published: February 2021

Efficient MIL-DLLME-ETAAS method developed for inorganic Sb speciation analysis.
Mitochondria-targeted inhibitors of the human SIRT3 lysine deacetylase
Authors: Troelsen Kathrin S. , Bæk Michael , Nielsen Alexander L. , Madsen Andreas S. , Rajabi Nima , Olsen Christian A.
Published: February 2021

SIRT3 is a mitochondrial lysine deacetylase enzyme, regulating the activity of numerous mitochondrial proteins. Here, we have designed inhibitors of this enzyme, which exhibit selective inhibition of SIRT3 in cells by specific organelle localizing.
Zeolitic octahedral metal oxide-based membranes for pervaporative desalination of concentrated brines
Authors: Chen Chaomin , Zeng Wenhao , Zhu Qianqian , Zhang Zhenxin , Li Yanshuo , Ueda Wataru
Published: February 2021

A zeolitic octahedral metal oxide based membrane was successfully prepared. The prepared membrane showed high performance for desalination of brines.
Syntheses of a series of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks for efficient UV-light-driven dye degradation: experiment and simulation
Authors: Yuan Fei , Ma Hai-Xia , Yuan Chun-Mei , Zhou Chun-Sheng , Hu Huai-Ming , Kumar Abhinav , Muddassir Mohd
Published: February 2021

Three Ln-MOFs show unique 3,8-connected 3D networks and have been used as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dye methyl violet under UV light.
An insight into the reaction mechanism of CO2 photoreduction catalyzed by atomically dispersed Fe atoms supported on graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Zhao Zhengyan , Liu Wei , Shi Yantao , Zhang Heming , Song Xuedan , Shang Wenzhe , Hao Ce
Published: February 2021

The schematic diagram of the reaction mechanism of the g-C3N4 catalyst for the CO2RR.
A reactive molecular dynamics study on the mechanical properties of a recently synthesized amorphous carbon monolayer converted into a nanotube/nanoscroll
Authors: Pereira Junior Marcelo Lopes , da Cunha Wiliam Ferreira , Galvão Douglas Soares , Ribeiro Junior Luiz Antonio
Published: February 2021

Recently, laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition has been used to synthesize a free-standing, continuous, and stable monolayer amorphous carbon (MAC).
Radical photoinitiation with LEDs and applications in the 3D printing of composites
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Xu Yangyang , Simon-Masseron Angélique , Lalevée Jacques
Published: February 2021

Radical initiation upon LED light irradiation is discussed herein as well as its application in additive manufacturing.
Straightforward preparation of Na2(TiO)SiO4 hollow nanotubes as anodes for ultralong cycle life lithium ion battery
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Xinjian , Sun Xueqin , Zhang Xintao , Kang Litao , Zhou Yanli , Yuan Hua , Jiang Fuyi , Yu Zhipeng , Hou Chuanxin
Published: February 2021

One-dimensional Na2(TiO)SiO4 (SNTO) nanotubes have been successfully synthesized by a straightforward hydrothermal method with the assistance of cetyltetramethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB).
Chemical recovery and browning of Nova Scotia surface waters in response to declining acid deposition
Authors: Redden D. , Trueman B. F. , Dunnington D. W. , Anderson L. E. , Gagnon G. A.
Published: February 2021

Colour, pH, iron, and aluminum are increasing in NS surface waters; iron/aluminum size distributions include at least two colloidal fractions.
Sandalwood seed oil ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance by regulating the JNK/NF-κB inflammatory and PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Huijun , Gao Xiang , Li Kelei , Liu Yandi , Hettiarachichi Dhanushka S. , Sunderland Bruce , Li Duo
Published: February 2021

Sandalwood seed oil improved insulin resistance by activating the PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway and by down-regulating the JNK/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in the liver.
A modular, low footprint and scalable flow platform for the expedient α-aminohydroxylation of enolizable ketones
Authors: Kassin Victor-Emmanuel H. , Morodo Romain , Toupy Thomas , Jacquemin Isaline , Van Hecke Kristof , Robiette Raphaël , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M.
Published: February 2021

Taming reactive α-chloronitroso derivatives in flow for the preparation of advanced value-added chemicals through electrophilic amination.
A microfluidic impedance-based extended infectivity assay: combining retroviral amplification and cytopathic effect monitoring on a single lab-on-a-chip platform
Authors: Purtscher Michaela , Rothbauer Mario , Kratz Sebastian Rudi Adam , Bailey Andrew , Lieberzeit Peter , Ertl Peter
Published: February 2021

We have established a lab-on-a-chip for detection, quantification and monitoring of virus – host cell interactions that are of great importance when evaluating the safety of pharmaceutical products.
A reconfigurable hyperbolic metamaterial perfect absorber
Authors: Behera Jitendra K. , Liu Kuan , Lian Meng , Cao Tun
Published: February 2021

A dynamically reconfigurable perfect absorber operating in the near-infrared region by incorporating chalcogenide glass into hyperbolic metamaterials.
Simple and rapid gas sensing using a single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistor-based logic inverter
Authors: Forel Salomé , Sacco Leandro , Castan Alice , Florea Ileana , Cojocaru Costel Sorin
Published: February 2021

We design a gas sensor by combining two SWCNT-FET devices in an inverter configuration enabling a better system miniaturization together with a reduction of power consumption and ease of data processing.
Stabilization and activation of molecular oxygen at biomimetic tetrapyrroles on surfaces: from UHV to near-ambient pressure
Authors: Vesselli Erik
Published: February 2021

Bridging the pressure gap in surface science has recently allowed the investigationin situof the fundamental properties of biomimetic 2D metallorganic networks, relevant for the adsorption and activation of small strategic ligands like dioxygen.
Regulating the carbon distribution of anode materials in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Miaomiao , Ma Yuanyuan , Chen Junliang , Jiang Wan , Yang Jianping
Published: February 2021

Review focuses on regulating the carbon distributions of anodes in LIBs, and outlines the latest progress in carbon-matrix anodes based on dimensions and functions. Importantly, summaries reflect on how to optimize the carbon-matrix anodes in the future.
Digital counting of single semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for the detection of alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Wang Shumin , Huang Mengna , Hua Jianhao , Wei Lin , Lin Shen , Xiao Lehui
Published: February 2021

The single particle enumeration (SPE) method is proposed for the detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) based on the fluorescence suppression by polydopamine shell on the surface of semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs).
2-Nitroallyl carbonate-based green bifunctional reagents for catalytic asymmetric annulation reactions
Authors: Kostenko Alexey A. , Bykova Kseniya A. , Kucherenko Alexander S. , Komogortsev Andrey N. , Lichitsky Boris V. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: February 2021

2-Nitroallylic carbonates, a new class of “green” 1,3-bielectrophilic reagents, have been prepared and applied for asymmetric synthesis of fused dihydropyrane derivatives.
Visible light photoredox by a (ph,ArNacNac)2Zn photocatalyst: photophysical properties and mechanistic understanding
Authors: Singh Kirti , S. Vidhyalakshmi , Adhikari Debashis
Published: February 2021

A zinc photocatalyst has been developed that shows a ligand-centered, long-lived excited state. Under blue light irradiation, it catalyses ATRA type reactions with styrenes.
Inverted perovskite solar cells based on potassium salt-modified NiOX hole transport layers
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Qiao Hong Wei , Chen Mengjiong , Ge Bing , Yang Shuang , Hou Yu , Yang Hua Gui
Published: February 2021

Potassium salts modified NiOX could improve the perovskite film coverage and reduce trap densities, so as to improve device performance.
Probing the origin of the stereoselectivity and enantioselectivity of cobalt-catalyzed [2 + 2] cyclization of ethylene and enynes
Authors: Lin Lu , Dai Chenshu , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2021

Theoretical calculations reveal the origin of the stereoselectivity and enantioselectivity of cobalt-catalyzed [2 + 2] cyclization of ethylene and enynes.
DFT study of Ni/NHC-catalyzed C–H alkylation of fluoroarenes with alkenes to synthesize fluorotetralins: mechanism, chemoselectivity of C–H vs. C–F bond activation, and regio- and enantioselectivities of C–H bond activation
Authors: Zhao Xia , Xu Jihong , Liu Chengbu , Zhang Dongju
Published: February 2021

DFT calculations clarified the mechanism of Ni/NHC-catalyzed C–H alkylation of alkene tethered fluoroarene and rationalized enantio-, regio- and chemoselectivities.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of PCB 77 using an aptamer-catalytic hairpin assembly in an aquatic environment
Authors: Yuan Lin , Fu Qiang , Zhou Maojuan , Ma Yunqian , Zang Lihua , Qin Yingjian , Ji Dandan , Zhang Fengshan
Published: February 2021

The fluorescence sensing strategy was used to detect PCB77 based on the aptamer-complex and catalytic hairpin assembly.
Polymerizable Gd(iii) building blocks for the synthesis of high relaxivity macromolecular MRI contrast agents
Authors: Berki Thomas R. , Martinelli Jonathan , Tei Lorenzo , Willcock Helen , Butler Stephen J.
Published: February 2021

A new synthetic strategy for the preparation of efficient macromolecular MRI contrast agents is reported.
Design, scope and mechanism of highly active and selective chiral NHC–iridium catalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of a variety of unactivated aminoalkenes
Authors: Foster Daven , Gao Pengchao , Zhang Ziyun , Sipos Gellért , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Nealon Gareth , Falivene Laura , Cavallo Luigi , Dorta Reto
Published: February 2021

Chiral, cationic NHC–iridium complexes are introduced as catalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination reaction of unactivated aminoalkenes.
Coordination-based self-assembled capsules (SACs) for protein, CRISPR–Cas9, DNA and RNA delivery
Authors: Alimi Lukman O. , Alyami Mram Z. , Chand Santanu , Baslyman Walaa , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: February 2021

SACs can be efficiently used to load biologics such as proteins, CRISPR–Cas9, DNA and RNA and release them on-demand.
Albumin-mediated alteration of plasma zinc speciation by fatty acids modulates blood clotting in type-2 diabetes
Authors: Sobczak Amélie I. S. , Katundu Kondwani G. H. , Phoenix Fladia A. , Khazaipoul Siavash , Yu Ruitao , Lampiao Fanuel , Stefanowicz Fiona , Blindauer Claudia A. , Pitt Samantha J. , Smith Terry K. , Ajjan Ramzi A. , Stewart Alan J.
Published: February 2021

Zn2+ is an essential regulator of coagulation. In plasma, Zn2+ availability is fine-tuned by human serum albumin (HSA). Here we show that elevated fatty acid levels contribute to altered coagulation in type-2 diabetes through Zn2+ mishandling by HSA.
Probing sedimentation non-ideality of particulate systems using analytical centrifugation
Authors: Uttinger M. J. , Jung D. , Dao N. , Canziani H. , Lübbert C. , Vogel N. , Peukert W. , Harting J. , Walter J.
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive experimental methodology based on analytical centrifugation is presented for the characterization of hydrodynamic non-ideality of colloidal particles.
Exploring the film growth in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Zhizai , Wang Meng , Wang Qian , Jin Zhiwen
Published: February 2021

The classical theories on the nucleation and growth of perovskite films are explored to provide theoretical support for a better understanding of film growth. We analyse factors affecting film growth, e.g. precursor composition, annealing, substrate, solvent and additives.
A PLGA nanofiber microfluidic device for highly efficient isolation and release of different phenotypic circulating tumor cells based on dual aptamers
Authors: Wu Zeen , Pan Yue , Wang Zhili , Ding Pi , Gao Tian , Li Qing , Hu Mingchao , Zhu Weipei , Pei Renjun
Published: February 2021

Dual aptamer-modified PLGA nanofiber-based microfluidic devices were fabricated to achieve the highly efficient isolation and specific release of epithelial and mesenchymal CTCs.
Armadillo-inspired micro-foldable metal electrodes with a negligible resistance change under large stretchability
Authors: Tan Ziting , Li Hongwei , Niu Zhikai , Chen Xiaosong , Yang Hui , Lv Weibang , Ji Deyang , Li Jie , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: February 2021

Inspired by the animal, armadillo, an elastic micro-foldable structure is firstly developed for constructing an Au electrode with a negligible resistance change and stability under large stretchability.
A visual logic alarm sensor for diabetic patients towards diabetic polyneuropathy based on a metal–organic framework functionalized by dual-cation exchange
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qu Xianglong , Yan Bing
Published: February 2021

Considering that diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a severe complication caused by vitamin B12 (VB12) deficiency of diabetic patients, a visual logic alarm sensor is creatively proposed to realize the prevention and early diagnosis.
The carbene transfer to strong Lewis acids: copper is better than silver
Authors: Mikhaylov Vladimir N. , Kazakov Igor V. , Parfeniuk Tatiana N. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Scheer Manfred , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Balova Irina A.
Published: February 2021

Air-stable copper(i) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes are excellent reagents for carbene transfer to Lewis Acids based on group 13 metals.
Positive impact of chromophore flexibility on the efficiency of red thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials
Authors: Wang Yuan-Yuan , Tong Kai-Ning , Zhang Kai , Lu Chen-Han , Chen Xing , Liang Jing-Xing , Wang Chuan-Kui , Wu Chung-Chih , Fung Man-Keung , Fan Jian
Published: February 2021

The positive impact of chromophore flexibility on the efficiency of TADF materials was demonstrated due to the low reorganization energy and large transition dipole moment.
Metal-free g-C3N4 nanosheets as a highly visible-light-active photocatalyst for thiol–ene reactions
Authors: Zhang Shouren , Yi Wenjing , Guo Yanzhen , Ai Ruoqi , Yuan Zhichao , Yang Baocheng , Wang Jianfang
Published: February 2021

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets are synthesized as photocatalysts for thiol–ene reactions. They are metal-free, highly visible-light active, recyclable and scalable.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of unsaturated macrolides and their hybrid molecules with a C60 fullerene
Authors: Tuktarov Airat R. , Khuzina Liliya L. , Sadretdinova Zarema R. , Makarova Elina Kh. , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , D'yakonov Vladimir A. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: February 2021

Unreported macrodiolides containing a 1Z,5Z-diene fragment have been synthesized. Their hybrid molecules with C60 fullerene was found to significantly increase the cytotoxic effect (from 5 to 170 times) as compared to the initial macrodiolide.
Monofluorine substitution achieved high-Tcdielectric transition in a one-dimensional lead bromide hybrid photoluminescent perovskite semiconductor
Authors: Di Fang-Fang , Peng Hang , Zhang Hua , Huang Xue-Qin , Chen Wu-Jia , Liu Yu-Ling , Tang Yuan-Yuan
Published: February 2021

H/F substitution applied on (TEA)PbBr3gives monofluoride (FTEA)PbBr3, showing evidentTcenhancement, dielectric switching, semiconductor, and photoluminescence properties.
Highly enantioselective access to chiral chromanes and thiochromanes via Cu-catalyzed hydroamination with anthranils
Authors: Gu Xiaodong , Meng Ling , Li Mingliang , Wang Jun (Joelle)
Published: February 2021

Highly efficient and atom-economic asymmetric access to 4-arylamino chromanes and thiochromanes bearing a benzylic alcohol functionality were developed by Cu(i)/(R,R)-Ph-BPE-catalyzed enantioselective hydroamination with anthranils.
Retraction: Circular RNA PTK2 modifies the progression and radiosensitivity in gastric cancer via miR-369-3p/ZEB1 axis
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: February 2021

Retraction of ‘Circular RNA PTK2 modifies the progression and radiosensitivity in gastric cancer via miR-369-3p/ZEB1 axis’ by Yuqiang Liu et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 1711–1723, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08525D.
Retraction: LncRNA ZEB2-AS1 regulates the drug resistance of acute myeloid leukemia via the miR-142-3p/INPP4B axis
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: February 2021

Retraction of ‘LncRNA ZEB2-AS1 regulates the drug resistance of acute myeloid leukemia via the miR-142-3p/INPP4B axis’ by Kai Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 39495–39504, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA07854A.
Tensile elasticity of a freely jointed chain with reversible hinges
Authors: Noh Geunho , Benetatos Panayotis
Published: February 2021

We analyse a modified freely jointed chain model with reversible hinges. The joints between each pair of links can be in one of the two states – a freely rotating hinge or a perfectly stiff link.
Chondroitin sulfate-enriched hierarchical multichannel polydopamine nanoparticles with ultrahigh sorption capacity for separation of low-density lipoprotein
Authors: Cao Jian-Fang , Xu Wang , Zhang Yao-Yao , Shu Yang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: February 2021

A chondroitin sulfate-enriched hierarchical multichannel polydopamine (HMPDA-A-CS15) nanoparticle is developed and it exhibits superior capacity for the selective isolation of low-density lipoprotein.
Lupeol-induced nitric oxide elicits apoptosis-like death within Escherichia coli in a DNA fragmentation-independent manner
Authors: Kim Heesu , Lee Dong Gun
Published: February 2021

Lupeol is known to be plentiful in fruits or plant barks and has an antimicrobial effect, however, its mode of action(s) has yet to be determined. To elucidate lupeol generates nitric oxide (NO), which is recognized for possessing an antimicrobial activity, intracellular NO was measured in Escherichia coli using DAF-FM. Using the properties of NO passing through plasma membrane easily, increased malondialdehyde levels have shown that lupeol causes lipid peroxidation, and the resulting membrane depolarization was confirmed by DiBAC4(3). These data indicated that lupeol-induced NO is related to the destruction of bacterial membrane. Further study was performed to examine whether NO, known as a cell proliferation inhibitor, affects bacterial cell division. As a result, DAPI staining verified that lupeol promotes cell division arrest, and followed by early apoptosis is observed in Annexin V/PI double staining. Even though these apoptotic hallmarks appeared, the endonuclease failed to perform properly with supporting data of decreased intracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+ levels without DNA fragmentation, which is confirmed using a TUNEL assay. These findings indicated that lupeol-induced NO occurs DNA fragmentation-independent bacterial apoptosis-like death (ALD). Additionally, lupeol triggers DNA filamentation and morphological changes in response to DNA repair system called SOS system. In accordance with the fact that ALD deems to SOS response, and that the RecA is considered as a caspase-like protein, increase in caspase-like protein activation occurred in E. coli wild-type, and no ΔRecA mutant. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the antibacterial mode of action(s) of lupeol is an ALD while generating NO.
Use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism
Authors: Speyer Cameron B. , Baleja James D.
Published: February 2021

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been applied in many fields of science and is increasingly being considered as a tool in the clinical setting. This review examines its application for diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). IEMs, whether involving deficiency in the synthesis and degradation of metabolites, or in lipoprotein metabolism, affect nearly 3% of the global population. NMR is a preferred method for comprehensive evaluation of complex biofluids such as blood or urine, as it can provide a relatively unbiased overview of all compounds that are present and does not destroy or otherwise chemically alter the sample. While current newborn screening programs take advantage of other more sensitive methods, such as mass spectrometry, NMR has advantages especially for urine analysis with respect to ease of sample preparation and the reproducibility of results. NMR spectroscopy is particularly compatible with analysis of lipoproteins because it provides information about their size and density, not easily attained by other methods, that can help the clinician to better manage patients with dyslipidemia. We believe that NMR holds great potential for expanding clinical diagnosis in the future, in the field of IEMs and beyond.
Optical emission lines in the most massive galaxies: Morphology, kinematics, and ionisation properties
Authors: Pagotto Ilaria , Krajnović Davor , den Brok Mark , Emsellem Eric , Brinchmann Jarle , Weilbacher Peter M. , Kollatschny Wolfram , Steinmetz Matthias
Published: February 2021

In order to better characterise the upper end of the galaxy stellar mass range, the MUSE Most Massive Galaxies (M3G) Survey targeted the most massive galaxies (M > 1012 M⊙) found in the densest known clusters of galaxies at z ∼ 0.046. The sample is composed of 25 early-type galaxies: 14 brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs), of which 3 are in the densest region of the Shapley super cluster (SSC), and 11 massive satellites in the SSC. In the present work we use MUSE data to derive the spatial distribution and kinematics of the gas and discuss its ionisation mechanism and origin in the optical wavelength range. We fit the continuum of the spectra using an extensive library of single stellar population models and model the emission lines employing up to three Gaussian functions. In the M3G sample, ionised gas was detected in five BCGs, of which one is in the densest region of the SSC, and six massive satellites in the SSC. Among these objects, [O I] and [N I] were detected in three BCGs and one satellite. The gas is centrally concentrated in almost all objects, except for two BCGs that show filaments and two massive satellites with extended emission. Moreover, the emission line profiles of three BCGs present redshifted and/or blueshifted components. The presence of dust was revealed by analysing Balmer line ratios, obtaining a mean E(B − V) of 0.2–0.3. The emission-line diagnostic diagrams show predominately low-ionisation nuclear emission-line regions line ratios with little contamination from star formation. In the M3G sample, the gas was detected in 80% of fast rotators and 35% of slow rotators. The orientations of stellar and gaseous rotations are aligned with respect to each other for 60% of satellites and 25% of BCGs. The presence of misalignments points to an external origin of the gas for three BCGs and two satellites. On the other hand, some of these systems are characterised by triaxial and prolate-like stellar rotation, which could support an internal origin of the gas even in the case of misalignments.