bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deficits in olfactory sensitivity in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease revealed by plethysmography of odor-evoked sniffing
Authors: Johnson Michaela E. , Bergkvist Liza , Mercado Gabriela , Stetzik Lucas , Meyerdirk Lindsay , Wolfrum Emily , Madaj Zachary , Brundin Patrik , Wesson Daniel W.
Published: June 2020

Hyposmia is evident in over 90% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A characteristic of PD is intraneuronal deposits composed in part of α-synuclein fibrils. Based on the analysis of post-mortem PD patients, Braak and colleagues suggested that early in the disease α-synuclein pathology is present in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, as well as the olfactory bulb and anterior olfactory nucleus, and then later affects other interconnected brain regions. Here, we bilaterally injected α-synuclein preformed fibrils into the olfactory bulbs of wild type male and female mice. Six months after injection, the anterior olfactory nucleus and piriform cortex displayed a high α-synuclein pathology load. We evaluated olfactory perceptual function by monitoring odor-evoked sniffing behavior in a plethysmograph at one-, three- and six-months after injection. No overt impairments in the ability to engage in sniffing were evident in any group, suggesting preservation of the ability to coordinate respiration. At all-time points, females injected with fibrils exhibited reduced odor detection sensitivity, which was observed with the semi-automated plethysmography apparatus, but not a buried pellet test. In future studies, this sensitive methodology for assessing olfactory detection deficits could be used to define how α-synuclein pathology affects other aspects of olfactory perception and to clarify the neuropathological underpinnings of these deficits.
Nano-scale structure and mechanical properties of ASR products under saturated and dry conditions
Authors: Wu Huite , Pan Jianwen , Wang Jinting
Published: June 2020

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) widely occurs in concrete, resulting in durability problem and premature loss in serviceability of infrastructures all over the world. Understanding of the properties of ASR products, especially at micro scale level, helps mitigation of deterioration in concrete structures. In this study, the nano-scale structure and mechanical properties of the ASR products under dry and saturated conditions are investigated. The scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer with X-ray (SEM-EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM), as well as the nanoindentation are applied to the ASR products. The experimental observation indicates the effect of water on the micromorphology and nano-scale mechanical properties of ASR products. Water makes contribution to the transformation of ASR products from solid to viscous gels and the decrease in the Young’s modulus and hardness of ASR products. The testing results reveal the correlation between nano-scale structure and mechanical properties and improve the understanding of the micromechanical behavior of ASR products.
One-step sorting of single-walled carbon nanotubes using aqueous two-phase extraction in the presence of basic salts
Authors: Podlesny Blazej , Shiraki Tomohiro , Janas Dawid
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate a simple one-step approach to separate (6,5) CNTs from raw material by using the aqueous two-phase extraction method. To reach this goal, stable and inexpensive K2CO3, Na2CO3, Li2CO3, and K3PO4 basic salts are used as modulators of the differentiation process. Under the appropriate parameters, near monochiral fractions become available for straightforward harvesting. In parallel, we show that the isolation process is strongly affected not only by pH but by the inherent nature of the introduced chemical species as well. The results of our study also reveal that the commonly used ingredients of the biphasic system make a strong contribution to the course of the separation by having far from neutral pH values themselves.
Cerebral macro- and microcirculatory blood flow dynamics in successfully treated chronic hypertensive patients with and without white mater lesions
Authors: Müller Martin , Österreich Mareike , Lakatos Lehel , Hessling Alexander von
Published: June 2020

The mechanisms of high blood pressure (HBP) -related brain pathology progression remain relatively unclear. We investigated whether lowering BP in chronic HBP patients normalizes cerebral perfusion dynamics at resistance vessel and capillary levels. Sixty-seven patients with HBP and 49 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent simultaneous recordings of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV), BP, and end-tidal CO2 concentration. Thirty-four controls and 28 patients underwent additional near-infrared spectroscopy recordings (oxygenated [O2Hb] and deoxygenated [HHb] hemoglobin). Degree of microcirculatory white matter lesions was graded by Fazekas scale. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) was assessed by transfer function analysis. BP was successfully lowered (patients = 89 ± 15 mm Hg, controls = 87 ± 17), but cerebrovascular resistance was higher in BP patients (p < 0.05). BP-CBFV phase was lower in very low frequency (VLF) (left/right: 48 ± 20°/44 ± 17; controls: 61 ± 20/60 ± 21; p < 0.001) and low frequency (LF) (34 ± 14/35 ± 14; controls: 48 ± 20/44 ± 17; p < 0.05) ranges. Gain was higher in VLF range (in %/ mm Hg 0.56 ± 0.44/0.59 ± 0.49; controls: 0.32 ± 0.29/0.34 ± 0.32; p ≤ 0.005). BP-CBFV phase and gain did not differ across Fazekas groups. Across all patients, the capillary phases and gains (CBFV-[O2Hb], CBFV-[HHb]) were comparable to controls. Successfully treated chronic HBP results in normal brain capillary hemodynamics while the resistance vessel state is disturbed (phase decrease, gain increase).
Real-time observation of molecular flattening and intersystem crossing in [(DPEPhos)Cu(i)(PyrTet)] via ultrafast UV/Vis- and mid-IR spectroscopy on solution and solid samples
Authors: Grupe Merten , Bäppler Florian , Theiß Maximilian , Busch Jasmin M. , Dietrich Fabian , Volz Daniel , Gerhards Markus , Bräse Stefan , Diller Rolf
Published: June 2020

Spotlight on a photoexcited heteroleptic Cu(i) complex: elucidation of ultrafast electronic and structural dynamics.
Microflow in a rhythmically expanding alveolar chip with dynamic similarity
Authors: Lv Huimin , Dong Jun , Qiu Yan , Yang Yue , Zhu Yonggang
Published: June 2020

Flow patterns in the alveoli are investigated using an alveolar microchip and stagnation saddle points are revealed experimentally.
Naturally occurring [4 + 2] type terpenoid dimers: sources, bioactivities and total syntheses
Authors: Liu Bo , Fu Shaomin , Zhou Chengying
Published: June 2020

This review article highlights recent progress on their sources, bioactivities, biosynthetic hypotheses and total chemical syntheses of naturally occurring [4 + 2] type terpenoid dimers.
A target-mediated fuel-initiated molecular machine for high-sensitive fluorescence assay of the ZIKV gene via strand displacement reaction-based signal recovery and cycling amplification
Authors: Song Chunyuan , Sun Yuzhou , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Tao , Wang Yingxin , Liu Ying , Wang Lianhui
Published: June 2020

A target-mediated fuel-initiated molecular machine was proposed for the high-sensitive fluorescence assay of the ZIKV gene via strand displacement reaction-based signal recovery and cycling amplification.
Artificial neural network employment for element determination in Mugil cephalus by ICP OES in Pontal Bay, Brazil
Authors: Batista Milana Aboboreira Simões , Santos Luana Novaes , Chagas Bruna Cirineu , Lôbo Ivon Pinheiro , Novaes Cleber Galvão , Guedes Wesley Nascimento , de Jesus Raildo Mota , Amorim Fábio Alan Carqueija , Pacheco Clissiane Soares Viana , Moreira Luana Santos , da Silva Erik Galvão Paranhos
Published: June 2020

Mixture design applied to sample preparation of Mugil cephalus and exploratory evaluation of the concentrations of chemical elements using Kohonen Self-Organizing Map (KSOM) combined with Artificial Neural Network (ANNs).
Development of a simple method to quantify fipronil and its intermediates in soil
Authors: Tomazini Rafaella , Grosseli Guilherme Martins , Nara Ribeiro de Sousa Diana , Fadini Pedro Sergio , Talarico Saia Flávia , Langenhoff Alette , van der Zaan Bas , Mozeto Antonio Aparecido
Published: June 2020

Rapid and simple method to quantify fipronil and intermediates from soil.
A carbon nanomaterial derived from a nanoscale covalent organic framework for photothermal therapy in the NIR-II biowindow
Authors: Guan Qun , Zhou Le-Le , Zhou Li-Na , Li Mengdi , Qin Guo-Xin , Li Wen-Yan , Li Yan-An , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: June 2020

A nanoscale carbon nanomaterial was synthesized through pyrolysis of its NCOF precursor, and the obtained carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) can be highly efficient NIR-II photothermal agents for antitumor treatment via PTT.
A NaNi0.5Mn0.5SnxO2 cathode with anti-structural deformation enhancing long lifespan and super power for a sodium ion battery
Authors: Meng Yiming , An Juan , Chen Lei , Chen Guorong , Shi Liyi , Lu Mi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: June 2020

Introduction of Sn4+ enlarges the interlayer spacing and builds a heteroatomic skeleton preventing multiphase transition of O3-NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 for a sodium ion battery.
Pure-phase β-Mn2V2O7 interconnected nanospheres as a high-performance lithium ion battery anode
Authors: Xia Dawei , Xu Songzi , Wang Wenbin , Wang Dongdong , Wu Mengqiang , Gong Feng
Published: June 2020

Guidelines for pure-phase β-Mn2V2O7 synthesis as a stable lithium ion battery anode are primarily provided.
But-3-ene-1,3-disulfonyl difluoride (BDF): a highly selective SuFEx clickable hub for the quick assembly of sultam-containing aliphatic sulfonyl fluorides
Authors: Li Chen , Zheng Yujie , Rakesh K. P. , Qin Hua-Li
Published: June 2020

A versatile SuFEx clickable hub, but-3-ene-1,3-disulfonyl difluoride (BDF), was designed for selectively constructing 4-, 5- and 6-membered sultam-containing aliphatic sulfonyl fluorides.
Electrochemiluminescent detection of glucose in human serum by BODIPY-based chemodosimeters for hydrogen peroxide using accelerated self-immolation of boronates
Authors: Namkoong Yon , Oh Jinrok , Hong Jong-In
Published: June 2020

BODIPY-based ECL chemodosimeters for H2O2 were developed and applied for glucose detection in human serum in combination with GOx.
Partial Cu ion exchange induced triangle hexagonal Mn0.45Cu0.05Cd0.5S nanocrystals for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Qi Yanqing , Qi Shaopeng , Tan Lu , Liu Guoning , Yang Jinfan , Li Binnan , Lou Yongbing , Chen Jinxi , Zhao Yixin
Published: June 2020

High crystallinity triangle hexagonal Mn0.45Cu0.05Cd0.5S nanocrystals were obtained by partial Cu ion exchange treatment on colloidal pristine Mn0.5Cd0.5S nanorods for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Mechanochemical cocrystallization to improve the physicochemical properties of chlorzoxazone
Authors: Roy Parag , Ghosh Animesh
Published: June 2020

Cocrystals of chlorzoxazone prepared by mechanochemical cocrystallization with picolinic acid to improve the physicochemical properties.
Dimensional evolution in hydrated K+-bearing uranyl sulfates: from 2D-sheets to 3D-frameworks
Authors: Kornyakov Ilya V. , Tyumentseva Olga S. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V.
Published: June 2020

Six new uranyl compounds were synthesized within the K+-bearing uranyl sulfate system. An unexpected example of dimensional evolution is demonstrated.
An optimal architecture of magneto-plasmonic core–shell nanoparticles for potential photothermal applications
Authors: Hadilou Naby , Souri Somayeh , Navid H. A. , Sadighi Bonabi Rasoul , Anvari Abbas , Palpant Bruno
Published: June 2020

In this work, the shape-dependent optical responses of Fe3O4@Au and Fe3O4@Ag are comprehensively investigated using the discrete dipole approximation.
On the nonadiabatic collisional quenching of OH(A) by H2: a four coupled quasi-diabatic state description
Authors: Malbon Christopher L. , Zhao Bin , Guo Hua , Yarkony David R.
Published: June 2020

12A, 22A, and 32A electronic states of OH(A) + H2 where conical intersections facilitate the quenching of OH(A) by H2.
Characterization of three phases of liquid carbon by tight-binding molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Cheng Rong , Lu Wen-Cai , Ho K. M. , Wang C. Z.
Published: June 2020

We have performed tight-binding molecular dynamics simulations to study the structures and properties of liquid carbon with the density ranging from 1.4 to 3.5 g cm−3, and identified three liquid carbon phases at different density regime.
Contact electrification between identical polymers as the basis for triboelectric/flexoelectric materials
Authors: Šutka Andris , Mālnieks Kaspars , Lapčinskis Linards , Timusk Martin , Kalniņš Kaspars , Kovaļovs Andrejs , Bitenieks Juris , Knite Māris , Stevens Daniel , Grunlan Jaime
Published: June 2020

Fluctuation in the surface irregularities is found to be the reason for surface charge formation by contacting two identical polymers. Higher surface charge is shown to correlate with higher disparity in porosity or surface roughness.
Ultrafast capture of electrons ejected by photoionization leading to the formation of a charge-separated state at a high energy level
Authors: Kawakami Tomomi , Koga Masafumi , Sotome Hikaru , Miyasaka Hiroshi
Published: June 2020

Photoionization-driven electron transfer realizes ultrafast formation of the charge-separated state at a high energy level beyond the traditional framework.
Rate coefficients and product branching ratios for (E)-2-butenal + H reactions
Authors: Passos Maiara Oliveira , Lins Igor Araujo , Alves Tiago Vinicius
Published: June 2020

Thermal rate constants for the hydrogen abstraction reactions of (E)-2-butenal by hydrogen atoms were calculated, for the first time, using the multipath canonical variational theory with small-curvature tunneling (MP-CVT/SCT).
Improved stability and efficiency of polymer-based selenium solar cells through the usage of tin(iv) oxide in the electron transport layers and the analysis of aging dynamics
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Yu Fei , Fan Weijun , Zhang Qichun
Published: June 2020

Well-performing SSCs with SnO2 as the ETL and P3HT as the HTL, showing a long-term stability (more than 1500 h) were fabricated. Moreover, the aging process of the SSCs was analyzed in detail to explore the factors that affect the device behaviors.
Correction: Editorial Perspectives: 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): what is its fate in urban water cycle and how can the water research community respond?
Authors: Naddeo Vincenzo , Liu Haizhou
Published: June 2020

Correction for ‘Editorial Perspectives: 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): what is its fate in urban water cycle and how can the water research community respond?’ by Vincenzo Naddeo et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2020, 6, 1213–1216. DOI: 10.1039/D0EW90015J.
Efficient conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates at room temperature catalyzed by Al-salen and imidazolium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquids
Authors: Liu Jia , Yang Guoqiang , Liu Ying , Zhang Dejin , Hu Xingbang , Zhang Zhibing
Published: June 2020

Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides at room temperature in the absence of a solvent has been achieved by using Al-salen complexes as catalysts and imidazolium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquids as cocatalysts.
The preparation of a core–shell stationary phase by the in situ polymerization of a hydrophilic polymer on the surface of silica and its chromatographic performance
Authors: Fan Chao , Tang Hao , Wang Licheng , Li Yijing , Wang Xusheng , Wang Shuai , Liang Xiaojing
Published: June 2020

A method for the in situ polymerization of polymers on a silica surface was developed.
A reasonable design of polypyrrole nanotubes interconnected Ni–Co layered double hydroxide-based composites via ZIF templates for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Hai-Ning , Zou Yan-Hong , Sun Hong-Xu , Lin Zhao-Xin , Wang Fei , Meng Xing
Published: June 2020

Hybrids PPy/Ni–Co LDH are used for supercapacitors and show high specific capacitances via synergistic effects between Ni–Co LDH and PPy.
Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical sensor enabled by a target-induced signal quencher release strategy
Authors: Zhang Lina , Xue Jie , Gao Chaomin , Xu Meiling , Zhao Peini , Ge Shenguang , Yu Jinghua
Published: June 2020

In this work, a target-induced signal quencher release strategy was proposed to construct a sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor.
All-nitrogen ion-based compounds as energetic oxidizers: a theoretical study on [N5+][NO3−], [N5+][N(NO2)2−], [NO2+][N5−] and NO2–N3
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Pengcheng , Lin Qiuhan , Lu Ming
Published: June 2020

The first four all-nitrogen pieces based energetic oxidizers, [N5+][NO3−], [N5+][N(NO2)2−], [NO2+][N5−] and NO2–N3 (N4O2), were studied.
Supercapattery and full-cell lithium-ion battery performances of a [Ni(Schiff base)]-derived Ni/NiO/nitrogen-doped carbon heterostructure
Authors: Archana S. , Athika M. , Elumalai P.
Published: June 2020

[Ni(Schiff base)]-derived Ni/NiO on the conductive carbon network is explored as an electrode material for high-performance supercapatteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Supercapacitor and non-enzymatic biosensor application of an Mn2O3/NiCo2O4 composite material
Authors: Mary A. Juliet Christina , Shalini S. Siva , Balamurugan R. , Harikrishnan M. P. , Bose A. Chandra
Published: June 2020

Energy storage mechanism and catalytic performance of the Mn2O3/NiCo2O4 composite material.
Studies of the stability, nucleophilic substitution reactions, DNA/BSA interactions, cytotoxic activity, DFT and molecular docking of some tetra- and penta-coordinated gold(iii) complexes
Authors: Radisavljević Snežana , Đeković Kesić Ana , Ćoćić Dušan , Puchta Ralph , Senft Laura , Milutinović Milena , Milivojević Nevena , Petrović Biljana
Published: June 2020

The stability in water and at pH = 7.2, substitution reactions with Tu, 5’-GMP, GSH andl-Met, DNA/BSA interactions, cytotoxicity, DFT and molecular docking of gold(iii) complexes with phenanthroline derivatives as inert ligands were studied.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity: development and prospects
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Dong Delu , Xia Meihui , Yang Yimeng , Wang Jiabin , Su Jing , Sun Liankun , Yu Huimei
Published: June 2020

Signaling pathways regulating redox reactions are activated to balance the redox status and maintain the normal function of cells.
Simultaneous determination of chlorine and sulfur in geochemical reference samples by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Wen-Zhi , Lu Bing , Lv Sheng-Nan , Zhou Chuan-Fang , Yang Yuan
Published: June 2020

Study on spectral line shifts and matrix effects of different inorganic sulfur species and geochemical reference samples by WD-XRF.
A self-assembled urchin-like TiO2@Ag–CuO with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward tetracycline hydrochloride degradation
Authors: Zhu Yin'an , Pan Ye , Zhang Enming , Dai Weiji
Published: June 2020

A two-step approach based on alloy ribbon for preparing a ternary hetero-junction with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward tetracycline hydrochloride degradation.
Understanding of the aging pattern in quantum dot light-emitting diodes using low-frequency noise
Authors: Lee Kookjin , Yun Jinyoung , Lee Suhyeon , Song Jaeick , Kim Yeonsu , Kwak Jeonghun , Kim Gyu-Tae
Published: June 2020

The negative and positive aging effects of quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) have received considerable attention in recent years and various analysis methods have been discussed.
Benchmarked capacitive performance of a 330 μm-thick NaxV2O5/CC monolithic electrode via synergism of a hierarchical pore structure and ultrahigh-mass-loading
Authors: Chen Ying-Chu , Hsu Yu-Kuei
Published: June 2020

Synergistic effect of ultrahigh-mass-loading and hierarchical pore structure endows the 330 μm-thick NaxV2O5/CC monolithic electrode with outstanding energy storage performance at not only the electrode- but also the device-level, respectively.
Anomalous restoration of sp2 hybridization in graphene functionalization
Authors: Chae Subin , Le Thanh-Hai , Park Chul Soon , Choi Yunseok , Kim Semin , Lee Unhan , Heo Eunseo , Lee Haney , Kim Yoong Ahm , Kwon Oh Seok , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: June 2020

The functionalization of nanocarbon materials such as graphene has attracted considerable attention over the past decades.
Manganese(iii)-promoted tandem phosphinoylation/cyclization of 2-arylindoles/2-arylbenzimidazoles with disubstituted phosphine oxides
Authors: Jiang Shuai-Shuai , Xiao Yu-Ting , Wu Yan-Chen , Luo Shu-Zheng , Song Ren-Jie , Li Jin-Heng
Published: June 2020

A simple and practical manganese(iii)-promoted tandem phosphinoylation/cyclization of 2-arylindoles/2-arylbenzimidazoles with disubstituted phosphine oxides was developed.
When Mayo falls short (Ctr ≫ 1): the use of cumulative chain length distribution data in the determination of chain transfer constants (Ctr) for radical polymerizations
Authors: Donald Matt K. , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: June 2020

A method to determine chain transfer constants in free radical polymerizations that are >1 using molecular weight distribution data.
Enhancing the toughness of composites via dynamic thiol–thioester exchange (TTE) at the resin–filler interface
Authors: Sowan Nancy , Lu Yinan , Kolb Kevin J. , Cox Lewis M. , Long Rong , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: June 2020

An adaptive interface employing thiol-thioester exchange (TTE) at the resin-filler interface is introduced to promote interfacial stress relaxation and improve the mechanical performance of thermosetting composites.
Chemistry outreach as a community of practice: investigating the relationship between student-facilitators’ experiences and boundary processes in a student-run organization
Authors: Santos-Díaz Stephanie , Towns Marcy H.
Published: June 2020

Previous work on chemistry outreach has mainly focused on designing and implementing demonstrations for outreach. Recent studies indicate student organizations are at the forefront of chemistry outreach and described their outreach practices and conceptual understanding of demonstrations. However, more research is needed regarding the experiences of facilitators leading outreach events to understand their motivation, what they are gaining from participating, how they are contributing to the community,etc.By providing this information, we can give more structure to outreach initiatives as an informal learning environment. This work is part of a larger study that explores the relationship between leadership in student organizations and chemistry outreach events. Here, we present how diversity plays a role in chemistry outreach, as informed by interviews involving nine graduate students who actively participated in outreach. Communities of practice (CoP) has been used as a framework to describe learning environments and student organizations participating in outreach can be thought of as a CoP. The findings suggest diversity and inclusion influence boundary processes of the student organization as a CoP. Specifically, students’ prior experiences related to gender, race/ethnicity, education and other outreach events play a role in their purpose for doing chemistry outreach, how they contribute to planning of events and how they interact with the audience of outreach events.
Flow and deformation characteristics of a flexible microfluidic channel with axial gradients in wall elasticity
Authors: Karan Pratyaksh , Das Sankha Shuvra , Mukherjee Rabibrata , Chakraborty Jeevanjyoti , Chakraborty Suman
Published: June 2020

Axial gradients in wall elasticity may have significant implications in the deformation and flow characteristics of a narrow fluidic conduit, bearing far-reaching consequences in physiology and bio-engineering.
Fractional viscoelastic models for power-law materials
Authors: Bonfanti A. , Kaplan J. L. , Charras G. , Kabla A.
Published: June 2020

Power law materials exhibit a rich range of behaviours interpolating continuously from the linear elastic to the linear viscous responses.
Flip-flop asymmetry of cholesterol in model membranes induced by thermal gradients
Authors: Carter James W. , Gonzalez Miguel A. , Brooks Nicholas J. , Seddon John M. , Bresme Fernando
Published: June 2020

Thermal gradients induce flip-flop asymmetry of cholesterol in lipid membranes.
DhHP-6 ameliorates hepatic oxidative stress and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus through the PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathway
Authors: Wang Kai , Liang Yuting , Su Yu , Wang Liping
Published: June 2020

Insulin resistance is one major features of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Deuterohemin-βAla-His-Thr-Val-Glu-Lys (DhHP-6), a novel microperoxidase mimetic designed and synthesized based on microperoxidase 11 (MP-11), can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo. In our previous studies, we showed that oral DhHP-6 could reduce blood glucose and improve insulin resistance. To investigate the mechanisms of how DhHP-6 ameliorates oxidative stress and insulin resistance, we established T2DM mouse models and glucosamine-induced HepG2 cell insulin resistance models. The results suggested that DhHP-6 decreased blood glucose, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibited glycogen synthesis in T2DM mice. In addition, DhHP-6 improved insulin resistance by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in T2DM mice. Furthermore, DhHP-6 also activated PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathway in glucosamine-induced HepG2 cells. However, LY294002 did not completely inhibit AKT phosphorylation, and partially inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, whilst compound C only partially reduced AMPK phosphorylation, and also partially inhibited AKT phosphorylation, suggesting that AKT and AMPK interact to improve insulin resistance. Thus, these data suggest that DhHP-6 attenuates insulin resistance via the PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathway.
Inhibition of lncRNA DILC attenuates neuropathic pain via the SOCS3/JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Yujie , Feng Lu , Ren Shichao , Zhang Yingxiu , Xue Jing
Published: June 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been involved in the development of multiple pathological processes including neuropathic pain. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of lncRNA down-regulated in liver cancer stem cells (DILC) in the progression of neuropathic pain and its underlying mechanism. Neuropathic pain rat model was established with the bilateral chronic constriction injury (bCCI) method. The results from quantitative PCR analysis in the spinal cord showed that DILC was significantly up-regulated in rats with bCCI compared with the sham group. DILC down-regulation mediated by intrathecal administration of DILC siRNA significantly increased the mechanical shrinkage threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal threshold latency (PWTL), decreased the positive frequency for nerve sensitivity to cold and suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes in bCCI rats. Down-regulation of DILC induced suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) expression and inhibited the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in spinal cord tissues. Western blotting showed that down-regulation of DILC by DILC siRNA transfection induced SOCS3 expression and inhibited the expression of p-Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2) and p-STAT3 and their downstream genes in primary microglia. Furthermore, down-regulation of DILC increased the viability of primary microglia, suppressed apoptosis, and inhibited the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in microglia. In contrast, overexpression of DILC showed the opposite functions to those of DILC knockdown. In conclusion, silence of lncRNA DILC attenuates neuropathic pain via SOCS3-induced suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with prognosis and immunomodulatory in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Authors: Xiang Zi-jun , Hu Tao , Wang Yun , Wang Hao , Xu Lin , Cui Ning
Published: June 2020

Although the oncological outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have markedly improved over the past decade, the survival prediction is still challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and analyze the relationship of between the NLR and immune cells phenotypes in patients with PDAC. Sixty-seven consecutive patients with PDAC were recruited in this study. Life-table estimates of survival time were calculated according to the Kaplan and Meier methodology. The phenotypic T cells subclasses were evaluated by flow cytometry. All the 67 patients in this study were treated with surgical resection and among them, 46 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was performed to compare prognostic value of NLR with CA199. We found that the Harrell's area under ROC (AUROC) for the NLR to predict overall survival (OS) (0.840; 95% CI, 0.766–0.898) was significantly higher than that of the CA199 levels. After that we stratified all patients into NLR > 2.5 (n = 42) and NLR ≤ 2.5 (n = 25) groups according to the OS of patients with PDAC. Survival analysis showed that patients with NLR ≤ 2.5 had significantly favorable OS and progressive free survival (PFS) compared with patients with NLR > 2.5. The CD3+ and CD8+/CD28+ T cell subsets were significantly increased in patients with NLR ≤ 2.5 (P<0.05), while the CD8+/CD28- and CD4+/CD25+ cell subsets were significantly decreased in patients with NLR ≤ 2.5 (P<0.05). In conclusion, a high NLR value independently predicts poor survival in patients with PDAC after surgical resection. The NLR was closely related with immune cells phenotypes The NLR may help oncologists evaluate outcomes of patients received surgical resection and chemotherapy to choose alternative therapies for patients with high NLR value.
Innate immune receptors in type 1 diabetes: the relationship to cell death-associated inflammation
Authors: Kim Tae Kang , Lee Myung-Shik
Published: June 2020

The importance of innate immunity in host defense and inflammatory responses has been clearly demonstrated after the discovery of innate immune receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) or Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein (Nod)-like receptors (NLRs). Innate immunity also plays a critical role in diverse pathological conditions including autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). In particular, the role of a variety of innate immune receptors in T1D has been demonstrated using mice with targeted disruption of such innate immune receptors. Here, we discuss recent findings showing the role of innate immunity in T1D that were obtained mostly from studies of genetic mouse models of innate immune receptors. In addition, the role of innate immune receptors involved in the pathogenesis of T1D in sensing death-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from dead cells or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) will also be covered. Elucidation of the role of innate immune receptors in T1D and the nature of DAMPs sensed by such receptors may lead to the development of new therapeutic modalities against T1D.
BMP9 is a potential therapeutic agent for use in oral and maxillofacial bone tissue engineering
Authors: Liu Liu , Chen Yue , Song Dongzhe , Huang Dingming
Published: June 2020

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is often challenging due to defective bone healing owing to the microbial environment of the oral cavity, the additional involvement of teeth and esthetic concerns. Insufficient bone volume as a consequence of aging and some oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, such as tumor resection of the jaw, may further impact facial esthetics and cause the failure of certain procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial implantation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9 (BMP9) is one of the most effective BMPs to induce the osteogenic differentiation of different stem cells. A large cross-talk network that includes the BMP9, Wnt/β, Hedgehog, EGF, TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways finely regulates osteogenesis induced by BMP9. Epigenetic control during BMP9-induced osteogenesis is mainly dependent on histone deacetylases (HDACs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which adds another layer of complexity. As a result, all these factors work together to orchestrate the molecular and cellular events underlying BMP9-related tissue engineering. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent BMP9 pathways, with a particular focus on cross-talk and cross-regulation between BMP9 and other major signaling pathways in BMP9-induced osteogenesis. Furthermore, recently discovered epigenetic regulation of BMP9 pathways and the molecular and cellular basis of the application of BMP9 in tissue engineering in current oral and maxillofacial surgery and other orthopedic-related clinical settings are also discussed.
Covid-19: the renin–angiotensin system imbalance hypothesis
Authors: Lanza Katharina , Perez Lucas G. , Costa Larissa B. , Cordeiro Thiago M. , Palmeira Vitria A. , Ribeiro Victor T. , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: June 2020

The emergency of SARS-CoV-2 in China started a novel challenge to the scientific community. As the virus turns pandemic, scientists try to map the cellular mechanisms and pathways of SARS-CoV-2 related to the pathogenesis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). After transmembrane angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been found to be SARS-CoV-2 receptor, we hypothesized an immune-hematological mechanism for Covid-19 based on renin–angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance to explain clinical, laboratory and imaging findings on disease course. We believe that exaggerated activation of ACE/Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin Type 1 (AT1) receptor RAS axis in line with reduction of ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor may exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Covid-19. In this perspective, we discuss potential mechanisms and evidence on this hypothesis.
Implementation Strategies for the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), Part I: Quantitative Analysis of IDDSI Performance Among Varied Participants
Authors: Rule David W. , Kelchner Lisa , Mulkern Ashley , Couch Sarah , Silbert Noah , Welden Kathy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is an international standardized framework for texture-modified diets (TMDs). However, user accuracy in conducting IDDSI testing methods are unknown. The aims of this study were threefold: (a) to describe performance on two tasks (an IDDSI knowledge quiz and a TMD sample classification task), (b) to determine interrater and intrarater agreement for classification task performance, and (c) to determine predictive relationships between socioeconomic factors or prior knowledge on task performance.

Method

Sixty-eight participants were recruited, including health care professionals and non–health care-related individuals. A mixed between-subjects and within-subject design was used. All participants completed a baseline knowledge quiz, 30 min of self-study using the
IDDSI.org
curriculum, a post self-study knowledge quiz, and a TMD classification task of 21 TMD samples with representation across all IDDSI levels. Data were collected via electronic survey.

Results

There was a significant increase (
p
< .001) between pre and post self-study knowledge quiz scores. On the classification task, unmodified foods and drinks were most accurately classified with thickened liquids (IDDSI Levels 1, 2, 3) most inaccurately classified. At baseline, moderate interrater agreement was found with intrarater agreement ranging from fair to almost perfect among identical samples. No significant predictive relationships were found between classification task performance and socioeconomic status or prior experience.

Conclusions

Thirty minutes of self-study using the online
IDDSI.org
curriculum improved baseline IDDSI knowledge check performance. Overall accuracy of TMD classification was low and warrants further evaluation given potential adverse health outcomes secondary to inappropriate TMD presentation. Given no predictive relationships between socioeconomic factors and prior experience on task performance, the IDDSI curriculum and classification task appear accessible to various users, including non–health care-related participants. Future studies should more closely observe testing behavior to further characterize variation in participants' use of the testing methods.
The VMC survey
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Cioni Maria-Rosa L. , Niederhofer Florian , Bekki Kenji , Bell Cameron P. M. , de Grijs Richard , Diaz Jonathan , El Youssoufi Dalal , Emerson Jim , Groenewegen Martin A. T. , Ivanov Valentin D. , Matijevic Gal , Oliveira Joana M. , Petr-Gotzens Monika G. , Queiroz Anna B. A. , Ripepi Vincenzo , van Loon Jacco Th.
Published: June 2020

Context. The Magellanic Clouds are a nearby pair of interacting dwarf galaxies and satellites of the Milky Way. Studying their kinematic properties is essential to understanding their origin and dynamical evolution. They have prominent tidal features and the kinematics of these features can give hints about the formation of tidal dwarfs, galaxy merging and the stripping of gas. In addition they are an example of dwarf galaxies that are in the process of merging with a massive galaxy.

Aims. The goal of this study is to investigate the kinematics of the Magellanic Bridge, a tidal feature connecting the Magellanic Clouds, using stellar proper motions to understand their most recent interaction.

Methods. We calculated proper motions based on multi-epoch Ks-band aperture photometry, which were obtained with the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA), spanning a time of 1−3 yr, and we compared them with Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) proper motions. We tested two methods for removing Milky Way foreground stars using Gaia DR2 parallaxes in combination with VISTA photometry or using distances based on Bayesian inference.

Results. We obtained proper motions for a total of 576 411 unique sources over an area of 23 deg2 covering the Magellanic Bridge including mainly Milky Way foreground stars, background galaxies, and a small population of possible Magellanic Bridge stars (< 15 000), which mostly consist of giant stars with 11.0 <  Ks <  19.5 mag. The first proper motion measurement of the Magellanic Bridge centre is 1.80 ± 0.25 mas yr−1 in right ascension and −0.72 ± 0.13 mas yr−1 in declination. The proper motion measurements of stars along the Magellanic Bridge from the VISTA survey of the Magellanic Cloud system (VMC) and Gaia DR2 data confirm a flow motion from the Small to the Large Magellanic Cloud. This flow can now be measured all across the entire length of the Magellanic Bridge.

Conclusions. Our measurements indicate that the Magellanic Bridge is stretching. By converting the proper motions to tangential velocities, we obtain ∼110 km s−1 in the plane of the sky. Therefore it would take a star roughly 177 Myr to cross the Magellanic Bridge.
Variability of OB stars from TESS southern Sectors 1–13 and high-resolution IACOB and OWN spectroscopy
Authors: Burssens S. , Simón-Díaz S. , Bowman D. M. , Holgado G. , Michielsen M. , de Burgos A. , Castro N. , Barbá R. H. , Aerts C.
Published: June 2020

Context.The lack of high-precision long-term continuous photometric data for large samples of stars has impeded the large-scale exploration of pulsational variability in the OB star regime. As a result, the candidates for in-depth asteroseismic modelling have remained limited to a few dozen dwarfs. The TESS nominal space mission has surveyed the southern sky, including parts of the galactic plane, yielding continuous data across at least 27 d for hundreds of OB stars.

Aims.We aim to couple TESS data in the southern sky with ground-based spectroscopy to study the variability in two dimensions, mass and evolution. We focus mainly on the presence of coherent pulsation modes that may or may not be present in the predicted theoretical instability domains and unravel all frequency behaviour in the amplitude spectra of the TESS data.

Methods.We compose a sample of 98 OB-type stars observed by TESS in Sectors 1–13 and with available multi-epoch, high-resolution spectroscopy gathered by the IACOB and OWN surveys. We present the short-cadence 2 min light curves of dozens of OB-type stars, which have one or more spectra in the IACOB or OWN database. Based on these light curves and their Lomb–Scargle periodograms, we performed variability classification and frequency analysis. We placed the stars in the spectroscopic Hertzsprung–Russell diagram to interpret the variability in an evolutionary context.

Results.We deduce the diverse origins of the mmag-level variability found in all of the 98 OB stars in the TESS data. We find among the sample several new variable stars, including three hybrid pulsators, three eclipsing binaries, high frequency modes in a Be star, and potential heat-driven pulsations in two Oe stars.

Conclusions.We identify stars for which future asteroseismic modelling is possible, provided mode identification is achieved. By comparing the position of the variables to theoretical instability strips, we discuss the current shortcomings in non-adiabatic pulsation theory and the distribution of pulsators in the upper Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
The Carnegie Supernova Project II
Authors: Stritzinger M. D. , Taddia F. , Fraser M. , Tauris T. M. , Suntzeff N. B. , Contreras C. , Drybye S. , Galbany L. , Holmbo S. , Morrell N. , Phillips M. M. , Prieto J. L. , Anais J. , Ashall C. , Baron E. , Burns C. R. , Hoeflich P. , Hsiao E. Y. , Karamehmetoglu E. , Moriya T. J. , Botticella M. T. , Campillay A. , Castellón S. , González C. , Pumo M. L. , Torres-Robledo S.
Published: June 2020

We present multiwavelength observations of two gap transients that were followed by the Carnegie Supernova Project-II. The observations are supplemented with data obtained by a number of different programs. Here in the first of two papers, we focus on the intermediate-luminosity red transient (ILRT) designated SNhunt120, while in a companion paper we examine the luminous red novae AT 2014ej. Our data set for SNhunt120 consists of an early optical discovery, estimated to be within three days after outburst, the subsequent optical and near-infrared broadband followup extending over a period of about two months, two visual and two near-infrared wavelength spectra, and Spitzer Space Telescope observations extending from early (+28 d) to late (+1155 d) phases. SNhunt120 resembles other ILRTs such as NGC 300-2008-OT and SN 2008S, and like these other ILRTs, SNhunt120 exhibits prevalent mid-infrared emission at both early and late phases. From the comparison of SNhunt120 and other ILRTs to electron-capture supernova simulations, we find that the current models underestimate the explosion kinetic energy and thereby produce synthetic light curves that overestimate the luminosity. Finally, examination of pre-outburst Hubble Space Telescope images yields no progenitor detection.
The Carnegie Supernova Project II
Authors: Stritzinger M. D. , Taddia F. , Fraser M. , Tauris T. M. , Contreras C. , Drybye S. , Galbany L. , Holmbo S. , Morrell N. , Pastorello A. , Phillips M. M. , Pignata G. , Tartaglia L. , Suntzeff N. B. , Anais J. , Ashall C. , Baron E. , Burns C. R. , Hoeflich P. , Hsiao E. Y. , Karamehmetoglu E. , Moriya T. J. , Bock G. , Campillay A. , Castellón S. , Inserra C. , González C. , Marples P. , Parker S. , Reichart D. , Torres-Robledo S. , Young D. R.
Published: June 2020

We present optical and near-infrared broadband photometry and optical spectra of AT 2014ej from the Carnegie Supernova Project-II. These observations are complemented with data from the CHilean Automatic Supernova sEarch, the Public ESO Spectroscopic Survey of Transient Objects, and from the Backyard Observatory Supernova Search. Observational signatures of AT 2014ej reveal that it is similar to other members of the gap-transient subclass known as luminous red novae (LRNe), including the ubiquitous double-hump light curve and spectral properties similar to that of LRN SN 2017jfs. A medium-dispersion visual-wavelength spectrum of AT 2014ej taken with the Magellan Clay telescope exhibits a P Cygni Hα feature characterized by a blue velocity at zero intensity of ≈110 km s−1 and a P Cygni minimum velocity of ≈70 km s−1. We attribute this to emission from a circumstellar wind. Inspection of pre-outbust Hubble Space Telescope images yields no conclusive progenitor detection. In comparison with a sample of LRNe from the literature, AT 2014ej lies at the brighter end of the luminosity distribution. Comparison of the ultra-violet, optical, infrared light curves of well-observed LRNe to common-envelope evolution models from the literature indicates that the models underpredict the luminosity of the comparison sample at all phases and also produce inconsistent timescales of the secondary peak. Future efforts to model LRNe should expand upon the current parameter space we explore here and therefore may consider more massive systems and a wider range of dynamical timescales.
Climate-induced cyclical properties of regional wine production using a time-frequency approach in Douro and Minho Wine Regions
Authors: Cunha Mario , Richter Christian
Published: June 2020

The impact of climate on wine production (WP) temporal cycles in Douro (DR) and Vinhos Verdes (VVR) wine regions for a period of about 80 years, characterized by strong technological trend and climate variability, was modelled. The cyclical properties of WP, and which cycles are determined by spring temperature (ST) and soil water during summer (SW), were identified. It was achieved by applying a time-frequency approach, which is based on Kalman filter in the time domain. The time-varying autoregressive model can explain more than 67% (DR) and 95% (VVR) of the WP’ variability and the integration of the ST and mainly SW increase the models’ reliability. The results were then transferred into the frequency domain, and can show that WP in both regions is characterized by two cycles close to 5-6 and 2.5 years around the long run trend. The ST and SW showed great capacity to explain the cyclicality of WP in the studied regions being the coherence temporarily much more stable in VVR than in the DR, where a shift of the relative importance away from ST to SW can be recognized. This could be an indicator of lower impact of the foreseen hot and dry climate scenarios on WP in the regions with a maritime climate, such as the VVR, compared with hot and dry wine regions. Despite the marked differences in the two studied regions on ecological, viticulture practices and technological trend, the modelling approach based on time-frequency proved to be an efficient tool to infer the impact of climate on the dynamics of cyclical properties of regional WP, foreseeing its generalized use in other regions. This modelling approach can be an important tool for planning in the wine industry as well as for mitigation strategies facing the scenarios that combine technological progress and climate change.