bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D metal lattice structure manufacturing with continuous rods
Authors: Khoda Bashir , Ahsan A. M. M. Nazmul , Shovon Abu N. , Alam Adeeb I.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new possibility of fabricating a metal lattice structure with a continuous rod is demonstrated. A multi-layer, periodic, and aperiodic lattice structure can be manufactured with a continuous thin rod by bending it with a repetitive pattern. However, joining their nodes are challenging and an important problem to solve. This paper is investigating the joining of nodes in a loose lattice structure by delivering materials through the dipping process. Both liquid state (epoxy) and solid-state (inorganic particles) joining agents are considered for polymer–metal and metal–metal bonding, respectively. Liquid Carrier Systems (LCS) are designed considering their rheological behavior. We found 40% solid loading with the liquid carrier system provides sufficient solid particles transfer at dipping and join the lattice node using transient liquid phase bonding (TLP). 3D metal lattice structures are constructed, and their mechanical properties are investigated. The lattice structure shows comparable strength even with smaller relative density (< 10%). The strength and elastic modulus of all the fabricated samples decreases with the increase in cell size, which is consistent with the traditional wisdom.
Gene expression profiling of protease and non-protease genes in Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates from dermatophytosis patients by qRT-PCR analysis
Authors: Datt Shyama , Das Shukla , Ahmad Ansari M. , Sharma Rahul , Datt Thakur , Bhattacharya S. N.
Published: January 2021

Trichophyton mentagrophytes secretes Metallocarboxypeptidase A and B of the M14 family as endoproteases and exoprotease. T. mentagrophytes produce Metalloprotease 3 and 4 which degrades the protein into the short peptides and amino acids. To understand the host fungal relationship and identification of such genes expressed during infection is utmost important. T. mentagrophytes encodes some proteins which are associated with the glyoxylate cycle. The glyoxylate cycle enzymes have been involving in virulence of dermatophytes and their up-regulation during dermatophytes growth on keratin. On comparing the expression level of virulence protease and non-protease genes, we observed, among exoprotease protease genes, Metallocarboxypeptidase B was strongly up regulated (134.6 fold high) followed by Metallocarboxypeptidase A (115.6 fold high) and Di-peptidyl-peptidases V (10.1 fold high), in dermatophytic patients as compared to ATCC strain. Furthermore, among endoprotease, Metalloprotease 4 was strongly up regulated (131.6 fold high) followed by Metalloprotease 3 (16.7 fold high), in clinical strains as compared to T. mentagrophytes ATCC strain. While among non-protease genes, Citrate Synthase was highly expressed (118 fold high), followed by Isocitrate Lyase (101.6 fold high) and Malate Synthase (52.9 fold high). All the studied virulence genes were considered the best suitable ones by geNorm, Best keeper, Norm Finder and Ref finder.
Smoking, urinary cotinine levels and incidence of visual impairment
Authors: Han So Young , Chang Yoosoo , Shin Hocheol , Choi Chul Young , Ryu Seungho
Published: January 2021

The longitudinal relationship between smoking status and risk of developing visual impairment (VI) remains unclear. We examined the relationship of smoking status and urinary cotinine level, an objective measure of smoking, with incidence of VI. This cohort study included 279,069 individuals free of VI who were followed for up to 8.8 years (median 4.8 years). VI was defined as when bilateral visual acuity was worse than 0.5 (cutoffs of 0.3 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution). During 1,324,429.8 person-years of follow-up, 7852 participants developed new-onset bilateral VI. Self-reported current smoking status was associated with increased risk of developing VI in both men and women, with a stronger association in women (P for interaction = 0.01). Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident VI comparing current smokers to never-smokers were 1.14 (1.04–1.25) in men and 1.52 (1.28–1.80) in women. Urinary cotinine levels of ≥ 100 ng/ml were significantly associated with increased risk of incident VI, and these associations remained when introducing changes in urinary cotinine and other confounders during follow-up as time-varying covariates. Cigarette smoking assessed based on self-report and urinary cotinine level was associated with increased incidence of VI. Our findings identify smoking as an independent risk factor for VI.
Metagenomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and normal mucosa reveals differences in the microbiome of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Debesa-Tur Gabriela , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Ruiz-Ruiz Susana , Castillejo Adela , Latorre Amparo , Soto José Luis , Moya Andrés
Published: January 2021

An increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and other types of tumor is associated to Lynch syndrome (LS), an inherited condition caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair genes. We selected a cohort of LS patients that had developed CRC and had undergone surgical resection. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from matched colorectal and normal mucosa were used for genomic DNA extraction with a commercial kit and sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. A metagenomic approach enabled the taxonomic and functional identification of the microbial community and associated genes detected in the specimens. Slightly lower taxonomic diversity was observed in the tumor compared to the non-tumor tissue. Furthermore, the most remarkable differences between tumors and healthy tissue was the significant increase in the genus Fusobacterium in the former, in particular the species F. nucleatum, as well as Camplylobacter or Bacteroides fragilis, in accordance with previous studies of CRC. However, unlike prior studies, the present work is not based on directed detection by qPCR but instead uses a metagenomic approach to retrieve the whole bacterial community, and addresses the additional difficulty of using long-term stored FFPE samples.
Deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis in screening breast ultrasound to reduce false-positive diagnoses
Authors: Kim Soo -Yeon , Choi Yunhee , Kim Eun -Kyung , Han Boo-Kyung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Choi Ji Soo , Chang Jung Min
Published: January 2021

A major limitation of screening breast ultrasound (US) is a substantial number of false-positive biopsy. This study aimed to develop a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis (DL-CAD)-based diagnostic model to improve the differential diagnosis of screening US-detected breast masses and reduce false-positive diagnoses. In this multicenter retrospective study, a diagnostic model was developed based on US images combined with information obtained from the DL-CAD software for patients with breast masses detected using screening US; the data were obtained from two hospitals (development set: 299 imaging studies in 2015). Quantitative morphologic features were obtained from the DL-CAD software, and the clinical findings were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a DL-CAD-based nomogram, and the model was externally validated using data collected from 164 imaging studies conducted between 2018 and 2019 at another hospital. Among the quantitative morphologic features extracted from DL-CAD, a higher irregular shape score (P = .018) and lower parallel orientation score (P = .007) were associated with malignancy. The nomogram incorporating the DL-CAD-based quantitative features, radiologists’ Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS) final assessment (P = .014), and patient age (P < .001) exhibited good discrimination in both the development and validation cohorts (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.89 and 0.87). Compared with the radiologists’ BI-RADS final assessment, the DL-CAD-based nomogram lowered the false-positive rate (68% vs. 31%, P < .001 in the development cohort; 97% vs. 45% P < .001 in the validation cohort) without affecting the sensitivity (98% vs. 93%, P = .317 in the development cohort; each 100% in the validation cohort). In conclusion, the proposed model showed good performance for differentiating screening US-detected breast masses, thus demonstrating a potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies.
Preoperative detection of KRAS mutated circulating tumor DNA is an independent risk factor for recurrence in colorectal cancer
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Yokoyama Shozo , Matsuda Kenji , Tamura Koichi , Mitani Yasuyuki , Iwamoto Hiromitsu , Mizumoto Yuki , Murakami Daisuke , Kitahata Yuji , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: January 2021

Preoperative ctDNA status in relation to recurrence in cases of CRC remains unclear. We examined preoperative ctDNA detection by targeting KRAS gene mutations as a predictive marker for recurrence after CRC surgery. We measured the preoperative KRAS mutated ctDNA status and analyzed the correlation with clinicopathologic features of 180 patients that underwent surgery for CRC. We studied the association between preoperative KRAS mutated ctDNA and postoperative recurrence in patients (n = 150) that underwent radical surgery. KRAS mutated ctDNA was detected in 59 patients (32.8%). Median mutant allele frequency of KRAS in ctDNA was 0.20%. KRAS status in ctDNA and lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were not significantly different. Among patients that underwent radical resection, recurrence occurred in 21 (14.0%, median follow-up 24 months). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, preoperative detection of KRAS mutated ctDNA was associated with inferior recurrence-free interval (RFI) (p = 0.002) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.025). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, preoperative detection of KRAS mutated ctDNA was an independent factor related to both RFI (HR = 3.08; p = 0.012) and RFS (HR = 2.18; p = 0.044). Preoperative measurement of KRAS mutated ctDNA could be useful to decide postoperative treatment.
Vision is protected against blue defocus
Authors: Benedi-Garcia Clara , Vinas Maria , Dorronsoro Carlos , Burns Stephen A. , Peli Eli , Marcos Susana
Published: January 2021

Due to chromatic aberration, blue images are defocused when the eye is focused to the middle of the visible spectrum, yet we normally are not aware of chromatic blur. The eye suffers from monochromatic aberrations which degrade the optical quality of all images projected on the retina. The combination of monochromatic and chromatic aberrations is not additive and these aberrations may interact to improve image quality. Using Adaptive Optics, we investigated the optical and visual effects of correcting monochromatic aberrations when viewing polychromatic grayscale, green, and blue images. Correcting the eye’s monochromatic aberrations improved optical quality of the focused green images and degraded the optical quality of defocused blue images, particularly in eyes with higher amounts of monochromatic aberrations. Perceptual judgments of image quality tracked the optical findings, but the perceptual impact of the monochromatic aberrations correction was smaller than the optical predictions. The visual system appears to be adapted to the blur produced by the native monochromatic aberrations, and possibly to defocus in blue.
Role of PAI-1 in hepatic steatosis and dyslipidemia
Authors: Levine Joshua A. , Oleaga Carlota , Eren Mesut , Amaral Ansel P. , Shang Meng , Lux Elizabeth , Khan Sadiya S. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Omura Yasuhiro , Pamir Nathalie , Hay Joshua , Barish Grant , Miyata Toshio , Tavori Hagai , Fazio Sergio , Vaughan Douglas E.
Published: January 2021

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a functional biomarker of the metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have demonstrated that PAI-1 is a mechanistic contributor to several elements of the syndrome, including obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance. Here we show that PAI-1 is also a critical regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism. RNA sequencing revealed that PAI-1 directly regulates the transcriptional expression of numerous genes involved in mammalian lipid homeostasis, including PCSK9 and FGF21. Pharmacologic or genetic reductions in plasma PAI-1 activity ameliorates hyperlipidemia in vivo. These experimental findings are complemented with the observation that genetic deficiency of PAI-1 is associated with reduced plasma PCSK9 levels in humans. Taken together, our findings identify PAI-1 as a novel contributor to mammalian lipid metabolism and provides a fundamental mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of one of the most pervasive medical problems worldwide.
Effect of CYP2C19 genotypes on tamoxifen metabolism and early-breast cancer relapse
Authors: Sanchez-Spitman A. B. , Swen J. J. , Dezentjé V. O. , Moes D. J. A. R. , Gelderblom H. , Guchelaar H. J.
Published: January 2021

CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 might influence tamoxifen metabolism and clinical outcome. Our aim was to investigate the effect of CYP2C19 genotypes on tamoxifen concentrations and metabolic ratios (MRs) and breast cancer recurrence in a large cohort of Caucasian women. Genetic variants (CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes), tamoxifen and metabolites concentrations, baseline characteristics, and breast cancer recurrence from the CYPTAM study (NTR1509) were used. CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 genotypes were evaluated as alleles and as groups based on CYP2D6 genotypes (high, intermediate and low activity). Log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to evaluate differences in recurrence defined as relapse-free survival (RFS). Classification tree analyses (CTAs) were conducted to assess the levels of interactions per polymorphism (CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes) on endoxifen concentrations. No differences in mean concentrations and MRs were observed when comparing CYP2C19 genotypes (CYP2C19*1/*1; CYP2C19*1/*2; CYP2C19*2/*2; CYP2C19*1/*17; CYP2C19*17/*17; CYP2C19*2/*17). Only significant differences (p value < 0.05) in mean concentrations and MRs were observed when comparing tamoxifen activity groups (high, intermediate and low activity). A log-rank test did not find an association across CYP2C19 genotypes (p value 0.898). CTAs showed a significant relationship between CYP2D6 and endoxifen (p value < 0.0001), but no association with CYP2C19 genotypes was found. CYP2C19 polymorphisms do not have a significant impact on tamoxifen metabolism or breast cancer relapse.
Wetland hydroperiod predicts community structure, but not the magnitude of cross-community congruence
Authors: Daniel Jody , Rooney Rebecca C.
Published: January 2021

A major focus in community ecology is understanding how biological interactions and environmental conditions shape horizontal communities. However, few studies have explored whether cross-community interactions are consistent or non-stationary across environmental gradients. Using the relative abundance of birds, aquatic macroinvertebrates and plants, we examined how cross-community congruence varied between short and long-hydroperiod prairie pothole wetlands in southern Alberta. These wetlands are structured by their hydroperiod: the length of time that ponded water is present in the wetland. We compared the strength of cross-community congruence and the strength of congruence between each horizontal community and wetland hydroperiod in wetlands that typically contain ponded water throughout the year to wetlands that dry up every summer. The strength of cross-community relationships was similar between more permanent and more ephemeral wetland classes, suggesting that biological interactions have a near equivalent role in shaping community composition, regardless of hydroperiod. However, because cross-community congruence, measured as the Procrustes pseudo-R value, was, on average, 77% ± SE 12% greater than that between each horizontal community and measures of wetland hydroperiod, we concluded that community structure is not shaped by hydroperiod alone. We attribute the observed cross-community congruence to (1) plants and aquatic macroinvertebrates influence birds through habitat and food provisioning, and (2) birds influence plants and aquatic macroinvertebrates by dispersing their propagules.
Thousands of high-quality sequencing samples fail to show meaningful correlation between 5S and 45S ribosomal DNA arrays in humans
Authors: Hall Ashley N. , Turner Tychele N. , Queitsch Christine
Published: January 2021

The ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) are tandemly arrayed in most eukaryotes and exhibit vast copy number variation. There is growing interest in integrating this variation into genotype–phenotype associations. Here, we explored a possible association of rDNA copy number variation with autism spectrum disorder and found no difference between probands and unaffected siblings. Because short-read sequencing estimates of rDNA copy number are error prone, we sought to validate our 45S estimates. Previous studies reported tightly correlated, concerted copy number variation between the 45S and 5S arrays, which should enable the validation of 45S copy number estimates with pulsed-field gel-verified 5S copy numbers. Here, we show that the previously reported strong concerted copy number variation may be an artifact of variable data quality in the earlier published 1000 Genomes Project sequences. We failed to detect a meaningful correlation between 45S and 5S copy numbers in thousands of samples from the high-coverage Simons Simplex Collection dataset as well as in the recent high-coverage 1000 Genomes Project sequences. Our findings illustrate the challenge of genotyping repetitive DNA regions accurately and call into question the accuracy of recently published studies of rDNA copy number variation in cancer that relied on diverse publicly available resources for sequence data.
Understanding structural and molecular properties of complexes of nucleobases and Au13 golden nanocluster by DFT calculations and DFT-MD simulation
Authors: Hashemkhani Shahnazari Ghazaleh , Darvish Ganji Masoud
Published: January 2021

The characterization of the complexes of biomolecules and nanostructures is highly interesting and benefits the rational development and design of nano-materials and nano-devices in nano-biotechnology. In this work, we have used dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) as well as DFT based molecular dynamics simulations to provide an atomistic understanding of interaction properties of DNA nucleobases and Au13 nanocluster. Various active sites of interacting molecules considering their relative orientation and distance are explored. Our goal is to stimulate the binding characteristics between two entities and evaluate this through the interaction energy, the charge transfer, the electronic structure, and the specific role of the molecular properties of the nucleobase–Au13 system. The primary outcomes of this comprehensive research illuminated that nucleic bases have potent affinity for binding to the Au cluster being chemisorption type and following the trend: Adenine > Cytosine > Guanine > Thymine. The AIM analysis indicated that the binding nature of the interacting species was predominantly partial covalent and high polar. We discuss the bearing of our findings in view of gene-nanocarrier, biosensing applications as well as nanodevices for sequencing of DNA.
The Aβ(1–38) peptide is a negative regulator of the Aβ(1–42) peptide implicated in Alzheimer disease progression
Authors: Quartey Maa O. , Nyarko Jennifer N. K. , Maley Jason M. , Barnes Jocelyn R. , Bolanos Maria A. C. , Heistad Ryan M. , Knudsen Kaeli J. , Pennington Paul R. , Buttigieg Josef , De Carvalho Carlos E. , Leary Scot C. , Parsons Matthew P. , Mousseau Darrell D.
Published: January 2021

The pool of β-Amyloid (Aβ) length variants detected in preclinical and clinical Alzheimer disease (AD) samples suggests a diversity of roles for Aβ peptides. We examined how a naturally occurring variant, e.g. Aβ(1–38), interacts with the AD-related variant, Aβ(1–42), and the predominant physiological variant, Aβ(1–40). Atomic force microscopy, Thioflavin T fluorescence, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, and surface plasmon resonance reveal that Aβ(1–38) interacts differently with Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) and, in general, Aβ(1–38) interferes with the conversion of Aβ(1–42) to a β-sheet-rich aggregate. Functionally, Aβ(1–38) reverses the negative impact of Aβ(1–42) on long-term potentiation in acute hippocampal slices and on membrane conductance in primary neurons, and mitigates an Aβ(1–42) phenotype in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aβ(1–38) also reverses any loss of MTT conversion induced by Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) in HT-22 hippocampal neurons and APOE ε4-positive human fibroblasts, although the combination of Aβ(1–38) and Aβ(1–42) inhibits MTT conversion in APOE ε4-negative fibroblasts. A greater ratio of soluble Aβ(1–42)/Aβ(1–38) [and Aβ(1–42)/Aβ(1–40)] in autopsied brain extracts correlates with an earlier age-at-death in males (but not females) with a diagnosis of AD. These results suggest that Aβ(1–38) is capable of physically counteracting, potentially in a sex-dependent manner, the neuropathological effects of the AD-relevant Aβ(1–42).
Degree day-based model predicts pink bollworm phenology across geographical locations of subtropics and semi-arid tropics of India
Authors: Fand Babasaheb B. , Nagrare V. S. , Bal S. K. , Naik V. Chinna Babu , Naikwadi B. V. , Mahule D. J. , Gokte-Narkhedkar Nandini , Waghmare V. N.
Published: January 2021

There is a global concern about the effects of climate change driven shifts in species phenology on crop pests. Using geographically and temporally extensive data set of moth trap catches and temperatures across the cotton growing states of India, we predicted the phenology of cotton pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). Our approach was centered on growing degree days (GDD), a measure of thermal accumulation that provides a mechanistic link between climate change and species’ phenology. The phenology change was predicted by calculating absolute error associated with DD and ordinal date, an alternative predictor of phenology, for peak moth abundance. Our results show that GDD outperformed the ordinal dates in predicting peak moth abundance in 6 out of 10 selected locations. Using established thresholds of 13.0/34.0 °C, mean DD accumulated between the consecutive moth peaks across different years were estimated at 504.05 ± 4.84. Seven generations were determined for pink bollworm in a cropping season, the length of which varied between 35 and 73 days in response to temperature. Pink bollworm population reached its peak during third generation which can be the target for management actions. The study provides essential information for developing pink bollworm management strategies under climate change.
Metabarcoding profiling of microbial diversity associated with trout fish farming
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed A. A. , Magdy Mahmoud
Published: January 2021

Earthy and musty off-flavors are routinely observed in farmed trout worldwide. The microbial association to the production of those off-flavors was previously reported. The current manuscript aimed to catalog the microbial enrichment (eukaryotes and prokaryotes) in semi-intensive aquaculture freshwater sources that might influence the trout aquaculture quality production. The 16S rRNA and ITS metabarcoding analyses were applied on the inflow- and pond-water samples from trout farms previously recorded a malodor fish products and located alongside Moosach and Sempt Rivers in Bavaria province, Germany. The results showed that more than 99% of the detected prokaryotic OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Unit identification) were bacteria as of ~ 75.57% were Proteobacteria, and ~ 14.4% were Bacteroidetes. Meanwhile, 118 out of 233 of the eukaryotic OTUs were known species. Of these, ~ 45% were plant pathogens, and ~ 28% were mushroom/yeasts. Based on the comparative analysis between inflow- and pond-water samples, several pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms that affect the trout aquaculture water quality and industry have been detected, including the malodor-producing microorganisms, e.g., Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteria, along with fish infectious microorganisms, e.g., Chilodonella cyprinid, Metschnikowia bicuspidate. Additionally, the effect of the human- and industrial-related activities around the sampling area on the microbiota of the investigated farms were highlighted.
Ethanol exposure drives colon location specific cell composition changes in a normal colon crypt 3D organoid model
Authors: Devall Matthew , Plummer Sarah J. , Bryant Jennifer , Jennelle Lucas T. , Eaton Stephen , Dampier Christopher H. , Huyghe Jeroen R. , Peters Ulrike , Powell Steven M. , Casey Graham
Published: January 2021

Alcohol is a consistently identified risk factor for colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its effect on normal colon crypt cells remains poorly understood. We employed RNA-sequencing to asses transcriptomic response to ethanol exposure (0.2% vol:vol) in 3D organoid lines derived from healthy colon (n = 34). Paired regression analysis identified 2,162 differentially expressed genes in response to ethanol. When stratified by colon location, a far greater number of differentially expressed genes were identified in organoids derived from the left versus right colon, many of which corresponded to cell-type specific markers. To test the hypothesis that the effects of ethanol treatment on colon organoid populations were in part due to differential cell composition, we incorporated external single cell RNA-sequencing data from normal colon biopsies to estimate cellular proportions following single cell deconvolution. We inferred cell-type-specific changes, and observed an increase in transit amplifying cells following ethanol exposure that was greater in organoids from the left than right colon, with a concomitant decrease in more differentiated cells. If this occurs in the colon following alcohol consumption, this would lead to an increased zone of cells in the lower crypt where conditions are optimal for cell division and the potential to develop mutations.
A novel deep learning-based quantification of serial chest computed tomography in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Pan Feng , Li Lin , Liu Bo , Ye Tianhe , Li Lingli , Liu Dehan , Ding Zezhen , Chen Guangfeng , Liang Bo , Yang Lian , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: January 2021

This study aims to explore and compare a novel deep learning-based quantification with the conventional semi-quantitative computed tomography (CT) scoring for the serial chest CT scans of COVID-19. 95 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and a total of 465 serial chest CT scans were involved, including 61 moderate patients (moderate group, 319 chest CT scans) and 34 severe patients (severe group, 146 chest CT scans). Conventional CT scoring and deep learning-based quantification were performed for all chest CT scans for two study goals: (1) Correlation between these two estimations; (2) Exploring the dynamic patterns using these two estimations between moderate and severe groups. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between these two estimation methods was 0.920 (p < 0.001). predicted pulmonary involvement (CT score and percent of pulmonary lesions calculated using deep learning-based quantification) increased more rapidly and reached a higher peak on 23rd days from symptom onset in severe group, which reached a peak on 18th days in moderate group with faster absorption of the lesions. The deep learning-based quantification for COVID-19 showed a good correlation with the conventional CT scoring and demonstrated a potential benefit in the estimation of disease severities of COVID-19.
Structure and spectroscopy of methionyl-methionine for aquaculture
Authors: Parker Stewart F. , Funnell Nicholas P. , Shankland Kenneth , Kabova Elena A. , Häußner Thomas , Hasselbach Hans-Joachim , Braune Sascha , Kobler Christoph , Albers Peter W.
Published: January 2021

The amino acid l-methionine is an essential amino acid and is commonly used as a feed supplement in terrestrial animals. It is less suitable for marine organisms because it is readily excreted. It is also highly water soluble and this results in loss of the feed and eutrophication of the water. To address these problems, the dipeptide dl-methionyl-dl-methionine (trade name: AQUAVI Met-Met) has been developed as a dedicated methionine source for aquaculture. The commercial product is a mixture of a racemic crystal form of d-methionyl-d-methionine/l-methionyl-l-methionine and a racemic crystal form of d-methionyl-l-methionine/l-methionyl-d-methionine. In this work, we have computationally, structurally, spectroscopically and by electron microscopy characterised these materials. The microscopy and spectroscopy demonstrate that there is no interaction between the dd–ll and dl–ld racemates on any length scale from the macroscopic to the nanoscale.
Comprehensive impedance investigation of low-cost anion exchange membrane electrolysis for large-scale hydrogen production
Authors: Vincent Immanuel , Lee Eun-Chong , Kim Hyung-Man
Published: January 2021

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis is a promising solution for large-scale hydrogen production from renewable energy resources. However, the performance of AEM electrolysis is still lower than what can be achieved with conventional technologies. The performance of AEM electrolysis is limited by integral components of the membrane electrode assembly and the reaction kinetics, which can be measured by ohmic and charge transfer resistances. We here investigate and then quantify the contributions of the ohmic and charge transfer resistances, and the rate-determining steps, involved in AEM electrolysis by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. The factors that have an effect on the performance, such as voltage, flow rate, temperature and concentration, were studied at 1.5 and 1.9 V. Increased voltage, flow rate, temperature and concentration of the electrolyte strongly enhanced the anodic activity. We observed that here the anodic reaction offered a greater contribution to the overpotential than the cathode did.
The isolation of a DNA aptamer to develop a fluorescent aptasensor for the thiamethoxam pesticide
Authors: Luo Yu , Jin Ziying , Wang Jine , Ding Pi , Pei Renjun
Published: January 2021

Fluorescence intensity increased by the target released FAM-aptamer from the complex of FAM-aptamer and quenching strand.
A batch microfabrication of a microfluidic electrochemical sensor for rapid chemical oxygen demand measurement
Authors: Yin Jiawen , Zhang Zan , Zhang Xin , Mai Yuliang , Luan Anbo , Xu Baojian , Jin Qinghui
Published: January 2021

A batch microfabrication of a microfluidic electrochemical COD sensor was fabricated. Miniaturization, low cost and the integration of three electrodes on the sensor chip. A shorter time (2 s) for organic matter digestion.
Enhanced reversibility and electrochemical window of Zn-ion batteries with an acetonitrile/water-in-salt electrolyte
Authors: Song Xueyang , He Huibing , Aboonasr Shiraz Mohammad Hossein , Zhu Hongzheng , Khosrozadeh Ali , Liu Jian
Published: January 2021

An acetonitrile/water-in-salt (AWIS) hybrid electrolyte suppressed Zn dendrite formation, prolonged the lifetime of the Zn anode, and extended the working voltage window of Zn–MnO2 batteries from 1.8 V to 2.2 V.
Photothermal catalysts for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Liu Huimin , Shi Lizi , Zhang Qijian , Qi Ping , Zhao Yonghua , Meng Qingrun , Feng Xiaoqian , Wang Huan , Ye Jinhua
Published: January 2021

Photothermal catalysts for hydrogenation reactions are summarized for a better understanding of the photothermal catalytic systems.
RuCo alloy trifunctional electrocatalysts with ratio-dependent activity for Zn–air batteries and self-powered water splitting
Authors: Pei Yu , He Wangtao , Wang Minmin , Wang Jin , Sun Tongming , Hu Lanping , Zhu Jinlin , Tan Yanfeng , Wang Jiacheng
Published: January 2021

Herein, we reported a RuCo alloy with nitrogen-doped porous carbon (RuCo/NPC) as efficient trifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries and water splitting.
Multi-phonon proton transfer pathway in a molecular organic ferroelectric crystal
Authors: Okenyi Matthew T. O. , Ratcliff Laura E. , Walsh Aron
Published: January 2021

Computer simulations reveal how the ferroelectric transition in croconic acid crystals involves many degrees of freedom.
Theoretical study on substrate recognition and catalytic mechanisms of gephyronic acid dehydratase DH1
Authors: Liu Lei , Yu Qian , Zhang Haoqing , Tao Wentao , Wang Rufan , Bai Linquan , Zhao Yi-Lei , Shi Ting
Published: January 2021

The bifunctional dehydratase GphF DH1 catalyzes both the dehydration of β-hydroxy and the double bond isomerization with the energy barrier of 27.0 kcal mol−1 and 17.2 kcal mol−1 respectively.
The effect of the calcium dopant on the activity and selectivity of gold catalysts supported on SBA-15 and Nb-containing SBA-15 in methanol oxidation
Authors: Wisniewska Joanna , Sobczak Izabela , Ziolek Maria
Published: January 2021

Gold catalysts based on SBA-15, NbSBA-15 (Nb introduced in one pot synthesis) and Nb2O5/SBA-15 (prepared by impregnation of SBA-15) were doped with calcium species introduced before Au loading and were tested in gas-phase methanol oxidation.
Degradation pathways of a highly active iron(iii) tetra-NHC epoxidation catalyst
Authors: Dyckhoff Florian , Schlagintweit Jonas F. , Bernd Marco A. , Jakob Christian H. G. , Schlachta Tim P. , Hofmann Benjamin J. , Reich Robert M. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: January 2021

Elucidation of different decomposition pathways of a highly active tetradentate iron–NHC epoxidation catalyst reveals direct carbene oxidation to be the decisive cause of catalyst degradation.
Formation, structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of beeswax oleogels prepared with tea polyphenol loaded gelators
Authors: Shang Junge , Zhong Fang , Zhu Song , Huang Dejian , Li Yue
Published: January 2021

In this study, a tea polyphenol (TP) loaded beeswax gelator (TP gelator) was constructed and incorporated into soybean oil to improve the oxidative stability of oleogels.
Improved synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXenes resulting in exceptional electrical conductivity, high synthesis yield, and enhanced capacitance
Authors: Shayesteh Zeraati Ali , Mirkhani Seyyed Alireza , Sun Pengcheng , Naguib Michael , Braun Paul V. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: January 2021

EN-MILD approach for Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesis with an ultrahigh electrical conductivity of about 2.4 × 104 S cm−1.
Thermo-osmosis in hydrophilic nanochannels: mechanism and size effect
Authors: Chen Wei Qiang , Sedighi Majid , Jivkov Andrey P.
Published: January 2021

Mechanistic understanding of thermo-osmosis at nano scale is linked with non-equilibrium thermodynamics of the phenomenon. Fluid molecules at the boundary layers of solid surfaces experience a driving force which generates thermo-osmotic flow.
Enhanced relaxivity of GdIII-complexes with HP-DO3A-like ligands upon the activation of the intramolecular catalysis of the prototropic exchange
Authors: Lattuada Luciano , Horváth Dávid , Colombo Serra Sonia , Fringuello Mingo Alberto , Minazzi Paolo , Bényei Attila , Forgács Attila , Fedeli Franco , Gianolio Eliana , Aime Silvio , Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Baranyai Zsolt
Published: January 2021

The simple modification of the hydroxypropyl arm in Gd(HP-DO3A) complex allows to achieve an increased relaxivity by the activation of the intramolecular catalysis of the proton exchange process.
Peptide modified manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles as a sensitive fluorescence nanosensor for non-invasive detection of trypsin activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fu Yu , Liu Lin , Li Xiaodong , Chen Hongda , Wang Zhenxin , Yang Wensheng , Zhang Hua , Zhang Huimao
Published: January 2021

A fluorescence nanosensor has been proposed for detecting trypsin activity through the peptide substrate of trypsin on manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles.
Evaporation-induced alterations in oscillation and flow characteristics of a sessile droplet on a rose-mimetic surface
Authors: Kabi Prasenjit , Razdan Vishank , Roy Durbar , Bansal Lalit , Sahoo Sumita , Mukherjee Rabibrata , Chaudhuri Swetaprovo , Basu Saptarshi
Published: January 2021

Strategic control of evaporation dynamics can help control oscillation modes and internal flow field in an oscillating sessile droplet.
Cross-linked polyelectrolyte microspheres: preparation and new insights into electro-surface properties
Authors: Shevchenko Natalia , Tomšík Elena , Laishevkina Svetlana , Iakobson Olga , Pankova Galina
Published: January 2021

The aim of the investigation is to demonstrate the fundamental possibility of polyelectrolyte microsphere formation with a high density of charged groups.
Laser-assisted fabrication of flexible monofilament fiber supercapacitors
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi , Jang Jina , Lee Yoonjae , Choi Seung Tae , In Jung Bin
Published: January 2021

A laser-assisted method for the fabrication of a flexible fiber supercapacitor (SC) and serially connected SCs within a seamless monofilament unit.
Charge separation in hybrid metal–organic framework films for enhanced catalytic CO2 conversion
Authors: Guo Yi , Gao Bin , Deng Zheng , Liu Yu , Peng Xinsheng , Zhao Yanli
Published: January 2021

A three-dimensional porous metal–organic framework-based hybrid film is prepared through a solid conversion process, demonstrating high photocatalytic performance for CO2 conversion under mild conditions.
Modification of magnetic molybdenum disulfide by chitosan/carboxymethylcellulose with enhanced dispersibility for targeted photothermal-/chemotherapy of cancer
Authors: Xie Meng , Li Jiaqian , Deng Tongtong , Yang Na , Yang Mei
Published: January 2021

mMoS2–CS/CMC with enhanced stability and intratumoral accumulation was synthesized for targeted photothermal-chemo combination therapy.
NIR-II light triggered nitric oxide release nanoplatform combined chemo-photothermal therapy for overcoming multidrug resistant cancer
Authors: Wang Jin , Wu Canchen , Qin Xiru , Huang Youyou , Zhang Jianan , Chen Tingting , Wang Yang , Ding Yue , Yao Yong
Published: January 2021

A tumor-targeting NO gas-releasing nanoplatform showed on-demand NO release under NIR-II laser irradiation for inhibition of P-glycoprotein expression to augment chemo-photothermal combinational therapy of multidrug resistance cancer.
MD simulation study on defect evolution and doping efficiency of p-type doping of 3C-SiC by Al ion implantation with subsequent annealing
Authors: Wu Jintong , Xu Zongwei , Liu Lei , Hartmaier Alexander , Rommel Mathias , Nordlund Kai , Wang Tao , Janisch Rebecca , Zhao Junlei
Published: January 2021

For the first time, the doping efficiency and defect evolution of p-type doping by aluminum in SiC are clarified and distinguished by an MD study.
Heterostructured plasmonic memristors with tunable opto-synaptic functionalities
Authors: Karbalaei Akbari Mohammad , Ramachandran Ranjith K. , Detavernier Christophe , Hu Jie , Kim Joondong , Verpoort Francis , Zhuiykov Serge
Published: January 2021

The N2incorporation into an atomically-thin In2O3film at Au/In2O3–TiO2heterointerfaces enabled the synergistic improvement of the long-term plasticity (LTP) of artificial metal oxide optical synapses.
A novel hybrid termination structure for vertical gallium nitride Schottky barrier diode by using technology computer aided design simulation
Authors: Li Jian , Lin Feng , Chen Yong , He Wei , Liu Xinke
Published: January 2021

Gallium nitride based high‐power electronic devices are now in full swing. However, the phenomenon that the gallium nitride Schottky diodes break down prematurely without reaching the gallium nitride material limit is unsolved. This paper proposes a novel hybrid termination structure for vertical gallium nitride Schottky diodes to improve breakdown voltage. This work is carried out to simulate the breakdown voltage and reverse characteristics of the vertical gallium nitride Schottky diode by using technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation. Under the same testing conditions, we demonstrate that compared with the control vertical Schottky diode, the breakdown voltage of the proposed Schottky diode can be significantly advanced, which has increased by 350 V and reached 850 V.
Relation between AGN type and host galaxy properties
Authors: Masoura V. A. , Mountrichas G. , Georgantopoulos I. , Plionis M.
Published: January 2021

We use 3213 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the XMM-XXL northern field to investigate the relation of AGN type with host galaxy properties. Applying a Bayesian method, we derive the hardness ratios, and through these the hydrogen column density (NH) for each source. We consider those with NH > 1021.5 cm−2 as absorbed sources (type 2). We examine the star formation rate (SFR) and the stellar mass (M*) distributions for both absorbed and unabsorbed sources. Our work indicates that there is no significant link between AGN type and these host galaxy properties. Next, we investigate whether the AGN power, as represented by its X-ray luminosity (LX) correlates with any deviation of the host galaxy’s place from the so-called main sequence of galaxies, and we examine this separately for the obscured and the unobscured AGN populations. To take into account the effect of M* and redshift on SFR, we use the normalised SFR (SFRnorm). We find that the correlation between LX and SFRnorm follows approximately the same trend for both absorbed and unabsorbed sources, a result that favours the standard AGN unification models. Finally, we explore the connection between the obscuration (NH) and the SFR. We find that there is no relation between them, suggesting that obscuration is not related to the large-scale SFR in the galaxy.
X-ray and ultraviolet observations of the eclipsing cataclysmic variables OV Bootis and SDSS J103533.02+055158.3 with degenerate donors
Authors: Schwope Axel , Worpel Hauke , Traulsen Iris
Published: January 2021

Context.The majority of cataclysmic variables are predicted to be post-period minimum systems with degenerate donor stars, the period bouncers. Owing to their intrinsic faintness, however, only a handful of these systems have so far been securely identified.

Aims.We want to study the X-ray properties of two eclipsing period bouncers, OV Bootis and SDSS J103533.02+055158.3, that were selected for this study due to their proximity to Earth.

Methods.We have obtainedXMM-Newtonphase-resolved X-ray and ultraviolet observations of the two objects for spectral and timing analysis.

Results.Owing to a recent dwarf nova outburst OV Bootis was much brighter than SDSS J103533.02+055158.3 at X-ray and ultraviolet wavelengths and the eclipse could be studied in some detail. An updated eclipse ephemeris was derived. The X-rays were shown to originate close to the white dwarf, the boundary layer, with significant absorption affecting its spectrum. There was no absorption in SDSS J103533.02+055158.3, despite being observed at the same inclination indicating different shapes of the disk and the disk rim. The white-dwarf temperature was re-determined for both objects: the white dwarf in OV Bootis was still hot (23 000 K) five months after a dwarf nova outburst, and the white dwarf in SDSS J103533.02+055158.3 hotter than assumed previously (Teff = 11 500 K).

Conclusions.All three cataclysmic variables with degenerate donors studied so far in X-rays, including SDSS J121209.31+013627.7, were clearly discovered in X-rays and revealed mass accretion ratesṀ= 8 × 10−15− 4 × 10 − 13M⊙yr−1. If their X-ray behavior is representative of the subpopulation of period bouncers, the all-sky X-ray surveys with eROSITA together with comprehensive follow-up will uncover new objects in sufficient number to address the remaining questions concerning late-stage cataclysmic variable evolution.
Two geometric lemmas for𝒮N−1-valued maps and an application to the homogenization of spin systems
Authors: Braides Andrea , Vallocchia Valerio
Published: January 2021

We prove two geometric lemmas for𝒮N−1-valued functions that allow to modify sequences of lattice spin functions on a small percentage of nodes during a discrete-to-continuum process so as to have a fixed average. This is used to simplify known formulas for the homogenization of spin systems.
Review on fabrication methods of SrTiO3-based two dimensional conductive interfaces
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Shuanhu , Zhao Yang , Jin Kexin
Published: January 2021

The SrTiO3-based two dimensional conductive interfaces have attracted considerable attention in the last decade owing to the emergence of novel physical phenomena. These heterointerfaces are generally formed by depositing the films on SrTiO3 substrates. Particularly, the controllable and precise characteristics of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) allow the deposition of an atomically flat oxide films and control the growth layer-by-layer. Recently, the deposition methods of atomic layer deposition (ALD) and spin coating have exhibited an excellent practicability and many interesting results are obtained by analyzing the chemical reaction pathway. In addition, the surface treatment methods (such as high vacuum annealing, Ar+ ion irradiation and photoirradiation etc.) can also obtain the two dimensional conductive SrTiO3 effectively. Furthermore, owing to the difference of fabrication method, the SrTiO3-based two dimensional conductive interfaces significantly show different performances of the same oxides. Thus, this review compares the characteristics of different methods in preparing the SrTiO3-based interfaces. The appropriate method and process is the precondition to obtain high-quality oxide films and establish the foundation for the development of oxide and interface electronics.
Le patient-expert
Authors: Friconneau Marguerite , Archer Annie , Malaterre Jeanne , Salama Françoise , Ouillade Marie-Christine
Published: January 2021

Dans les maladies rares, l’expertise est limitée, les connaissances restreintes, les parcours de soins incertains et les traitements inexistants ou peu efficaces. Pour améliorer les prises en charge, il est nécessaire de tirer parti de toutes les expertises disponibles, y compris celles des malades, certains d’entre eux étant devenus de véritables patients-experts.
L'horloge biologique du muscle
Authors: Mayeuf-Louchart Alicia
Published: January 2021

L’horloge biologique joue un rôle essentiel dans le contrôle de l’activité musculaire, en dissociant temporellement les fonctions métaboliques du muscle squelettique. Les capacités musculaires en réponse à l’exercice sont également circadiennes. Des perturbations des rythmes biologiques, telles que celles retrouvées chez les travailleurs postés affectent la fonction musculaire et sont associées au développement de la sarcopénie.
L’Homme Gelé (渐冻人) et le déficit en cristalline αB
Authors: Urtizberea J. Andoni , Kaplan Jean-Claude
Published: January 2021

La philosophie confucéenne nous enseigne que la recherche de la vérité n’emprunte pas toujours un chemin rectiligne. L’observation clinique présentée ici l’illustre parfaitement. Il y est question d’un enfant souffrant d’une maladie neuromusculaire rare (en chinois, le mot myopathie se traduit par 渐冻人 soit « homme gelé ») chez qui fut suspecté un déficit en cristalline αB. Les auteurs profitent de l’occasion pour mettre le projecteur sur la Chine, ce grand pays qui n’a pas attendu Alain Peyrefitte pour s’éveiller ou, plus exactement, se réveiller. à la lumière de missions passées et récentes dans l’ex-Empire du Milieu, le point est fait sur les enjeux médico-scientifiques mais aussi sociétaux de ce pays en passe de devenir, peut-être, un géant dans le domaine des maladies neuromusculaires.
Hommage à Georges Serratrice (1927-2019)
Authors: Pouget Jean
Published: January 2021

Il y a tout juste un an disparaissait Georges Serratrice, un des pères fondateurs de la myologie française. Il était grand temps que les Cahiers de Myologie honorent sa mémoire. Jean Pouget, son disciple et ami très proche, lui rend ici un hommage vibrant et tout empli d’humanité.