bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Simulations of Hypervelocity Impact Penetration of Asteroids Into the Terrestrial Ocean and Benthic Cratering
Authors: Nishizawa Manabu , Matsui Yohei , Suda Konomi , Saito Takuya , Shibuya Takazo , Takai Ken , Hasegawa Sunao , Yano Hajime
Published: November 2020

Seafloor cratering is an important process that records the impact history of the Earth, affects projectile survivability, and determines the mass of ejecta from benthic rock that is transported to the atmosphere. We report experimental hypervelocity impacts of chondrite and other projectiles (olivine, stainless‐steel, polycarbonate) on a water‐covered iron target to derive a scaling relationship for benthic cratering. In situ observations of 5‐km/s impacts quantify the deceleration of projectiles in the water column by shock‐induced deformation and fragmentation. The minimum water depths at which multiple craters appeared on the benthic target were two and four times the projectile diameter for chondrite and stainless steel, respectively. Based on the observed deceleration of projectiles in water, the cratering efficiency of a benthic target for a given impact velocity is predicted to follow an exponential decay law in terms of water depth normalized by projectile diameter (H/d), given by πv ∝ exp(−(H/d)/κ), when a projectile of original mass collides with the target. Comparing the volume of the largest crater in the experiments and that derived from the scaling relation, mass ratios of the largest projectile fragment to original projectile in the 5‐km/s impact were calculated to be 0.1–0.3 (H/d = 2–6) and 1.0 ± 0.3 (H/d = 5.5) for chondrite and stainless steel, respectively. Using the scaling relationship, the volume of the transient crater on oceanic crust by an asteroid impact is estimated to be smaller than previously predicted by hydrocode simulation when the asteroid fragmentation in the water column controls seafloor cratering.
Global Ocean Mass Change From GRACE and GRACE Follow‐On and Altimeter and Argo Measurements
Authors: Chen Jianli , Tapley Byron , Wilson Clark , Cazenave Anny , Seo Ki‐Weon , Kim Jae‐Seung
Published: November 2020

Satellite altimeter sea surface heights, in combination with Argo ocean temperature and salinity observations, provide an independent measure of global mean ocean mass (GMOM) change. Over the period January 2005 to April 2020, GMOM rates observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow‐On (GFO) range from 1.88 ± 0.10 to 2.63 ± 0.10 mm/year, compared to 2.85 ± 0.37 mm/year from Altimeter‐Argo. Over much of the GRACE era, GRACE GMOM estimates agree well with Altimeter‐Argo over a broadband of frequencies. However, during the late stage of the GRACE mission (after August 2016) and into the GFO era, differences between GRACE/GFO and Altimeter‐Argo GMOM estimates become substantially larger and systematic, which may be related to the single accelerometer mode of operation during late‐stage GRACE and GFO missions and/or errors of Argo and altimeter data.
Correction: Secretome analysis of patient-derived GBM tumorspheres identifies midkine as a potent therapeutic target
Authors: Han Suji , Shin Hyemi , Lee Jin-Ku , Liu Zhaoqi , Rabadan Raul , Lee Jeongwu , Shin Jihye , Lee Cheolju , Yang Heekyoung , Kim Donggeon , Kim Sung Heon , Kim Jooyeon , Oh Jeong-Woo , Kong Doo-Sik , Lee Jung-Il , Seol Ho Jun , Choi Jung Won , Kang Hyun Ju , Nam Do-Hyun
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mutant TP53 interacts with BCAR1 to contribute to cancer cell invasion
Authors: Guo Alvin Kunyao , Itahana Yoko , Seshachalam Veerabrahma Pratap , Chow Hui Ying , Ghosh Sujoy , Itahana Koji
Published: November 2020

Background

Mutant TP53 interacts with other proteins to produce gain-of-function properties that contribute to cancer metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood.

Methods

Using immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays, we evaluated breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1) as a novel binding partner of TP53R273H, a TP53 mutant frequently found in human cancers. The biological functions of their binding were examined by the transwell invasion assay. Clinical outcome of patients was analysed based on TP53 status and BCAR1 expression using public database.

Results

We discovered a novel interaction between TP53R273H and BCAR1. We found that BCAR1 translocates from the cytoplasm into the nucleus and binds to TP53R273H in a manner dependent on SRC family kinases (SFKs), which are known to enhance metastasis. The expression of full-length TP53R273H, but not the BCAR1 binding-deficient mutant TP53R273HΔ102–207, promoted cancer cell invasion. Furthermore, among the patients with mutant TP53, high BCAR1 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis.

Conclusions

The interaction between TP53R273H and BCAR1 plays an important role in enhancing cancer cell invasion. Thus, our study suggests a disruption of the TP53R273H–BCAR1 binding as a potential therapeutic approach for TP53R273H-harbouring cancer patients.
Insights into the role of sialylation in cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Dobie Christopher , Skropeta Danielle
Published: November 2020

Upregulation of sialyltransferases—the enzymes responsible for the addition of sialic acid to growing glycoconjugate chains—and the resultant hypersialylation of up to 40–60% of tumour cell surfaces are established hallmarks of several cancers, including lung, breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. Hypersialylation promotes tumour metastasis by several routes, including enhancing immune evasion and tumour cell survival, and stimulating tumour invasion and migration. The critical role of enzymes that regulate sialic acid in tumour cell growth and metastasis points towards targeting sialylation as a potential new anti-metastatic cancer treatment strategy. Herein, we explore insights into the mechanisms by which hypersialylation plays a role in promoting metastasis, and explore the current state of sialyltransferase inhibitor development.
Understanding the impact of sex and stage differences on melanoma cancer patient survival: a SEER-based study
Authors: Smith Aiden J. , Lambert Paul C. , Rutherford Mark J.
Published: November 2020

Background

This paper investigates the difference in survival of melanoma patients across stage and sex by utilising net survival measures. Metrics are presented at both the individual and population level.

Methods

Flexible parametric models were fitted to estimate life-expectancy metrics to be applied to a group of 104,938 subjects with a melanoma skin cancer diagnosis from 2000 to 2017. Period analysis was used for better predictions for newly diagnosed patients, and missing-stage information was imputed for 9918 patients. Female relative survival was assigned to male subjects to demonstrate the survival discrepancies experienced between sexes.

Results

At the age of 60, males diagnosed at the regional stage lose an average of 4.99 years of life compared to the general population, and females lose 4.79 years, demonstrating the sex variation in expected mortality. In 2017, males contributed 3545 more life years lost than females, and a potential 1931 life years could be preserved if sex differences in survival were eliminated.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the survival differences across population subgroups as a result of a melanoma cancer diagnosis. Females experience better prognosis across age and stage at diagnosis; however, further investigation is necessary to better understand the mechanisms behind this difference.
Heparan sulfate assists SARS-CoV-2 in cell entry and can be targeted by approved drugs in vitro
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Catherine Zhengzheng , Swaroop Manju , Xu Miao , Wang Lihui , Lee Juhyung , Wang Amy Qiu , Pradhan Manisha , Hagen Natalie , Chen Lu , Shen Min , Luo Zhiji , Xu Xin , Xu Yue , Huang Wenwei , Zheng Wei , Ye Yihong
Published: November 2020

The cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as an attractive drug repurposing target for COVID-19. Here we combine genetics and chemical perturbation to demonstrate that ACE2-mediated entry of SARS-Cov and CoV-2 requires the cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) as an assisting cofactor: ablation of genes involved in HS biosynthesis or incubating cells with a HS mimetic both inhibit Spike-mediated viral entry. We show that heparin/HS binds to Spike directly, and facilitates the attachment of Spike-bearing viral particles to the cell surface to promote viral entry. We screened approved drugs and identified two classes of inhibitors that act via distinct mechanisms to target this entry pathway. Among the drugs characterized, Mitoxantrone is a potent HS inhibitor, while Sunitinib and BNTX disrupt the actin network to indirectly abrogate HS-assisted viral entry. We further show that drugs of the two classes can be combined to generate a synergized activity against SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effect. Altogether, our study establishes HS as an attachment factor that assists SARS coronavirus cell entry and reveals drugs capable of targeting this important step in the viral life cycle.
Systematic elucidation of neuron-astrocyte interaction in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using multi-modal integrated bioinformatics workflow
Authors: Mishra Vartika , Re Diane B. , Le Verche Virginia , Alvarez Mariano J. , Vasciaveo Alessandro , Jacquier Arnaud , Doulias Paschalis-Tomas , Greco Todd M. , Nizzardo Monica , Papadimitriou Dimitra , Nagata Tetsuya , Rinchetti Paola , Perez-Torres Eduardo J. , Politi Kristin A. , Ikiz Burcin , Clare Kevin , Than Manuel E. , Corti Stefania , Ischiropoulos Harry , Lotti Francesco , Califano Andrea , Przedborski Serge
Published: November 2020

Cell-to-cell communications are critical determinants of pathophysiological phenotypes, but methodologies for their systematic elucidation are lacking. Herein, we propose an approach for the Systematic Elucidation and Assessment of Regulatory Cell-to-cell Interaction Networks (SEARCHIN) to identify ligand-mediated interactions between distinct cellular compartments. To test this approach, we selected a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in which astrocytes expressing mutant superoxide dismutase-1 (mutSOD1) kill wild-type motor neurons (MNs) by an unknown mechanism. Our integrative analysis that combines proteomics and regulatory network analysis infers the interaction between astrocyte-released amyloid precursor protein (APP) and death receptor-6 (DR6) on MNs as the top predicted ligand-receptor pair. The inferred deleterious role of APP and DR6 is confirmed in vitro in models of ALS. Moreover, the DR6 knockdown in MNs of transgenic mutSOD1 mice attenuates the ALS-like phenotype. Our results support the usefulness of integrative, systems biology approach to gain insights into complex neurobiological disease processes as in ALS and posit that the proposed methodology is not restricted to this biological context and could be used in a variety of other non-cell-autonomous communication mechanisms.
State-of-the-art augmented NLP transformer models for direct and single-step retrosynthesis
Authors: Tetko Igor V. , Karpov Pavel , Van Deursen Ruud , Godin Guillaume
Published: November 2020

We investigated the effect of different training scenarios on predicting the (retro)synthesis of chemical compounds using text-like representation of chemical reactions (SMILES) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) neural network Transformer architecture. We showed that data augmentation, which is a powerful method used in image processing, eliminated the effect of data memorization by neural networks and improved their performance for prediction of new sequences. This effect was observed when augmentation was used simultaneously for input and the target data simultaneously. The top-5 accuracy was 84.8% for the prediction of the largest fragment (thus identifying principal transformation for classical retro-synthesis) for the USPTO-50k test dataset, and was achieved by a combination of SMILES augmentation and a beam search algorithm. The same approach provided significantly better results for the prediction of direct reactions from the single-step USPTO-MIT test set. Our model achieved 90.6% top-1 and 96.1% top-5 accuracy for its challenging mixed set and 97% top-5 accuracy for the USPTO-MIT separated set. It also significantly improved results for USPTO-full set single-step retrosynthesis for both top-1 and top-10 accuracies. The appearance frequency of the most abundantly generated SMILES was well correlated with the prediction outcome and can be used as a measure of the quality of reaction prediction.
Introducing Biomedisa as an open-source online platform for biomedical image segmentation
Authors: Lösel Philipp D. , van de Kamp Thomas , Jayme Alejandra , Ershov Alexey , Faragó Tomáš , Pichler Olaf , Tan Jerome Nicholas , Aadepu Narendar , Bremer Sabine , Chilingaryan Suren A. , Heethoff Michael , Kopmann Andreas , Odar Janes , Schmelzle Sebastian , Zuber Marcus , Wittbrodt Joachim , Baumbach Tilo , Heuveline Vincent
Published: November 2020

We present Biomedisa, a free and easy-to-use open-source online platform developed for semi-automatic segmentation of large volumetric images. The segmentation is based on a smart interpolation of sparsely pre-segmented slices taking into account the complete underlying image data. Biomedisa is particularly valuable when little a priori knowledge is available, e.g. for the dense annotation of the training data for a deep neural network. The platform is accessible through a web browser and requires no complex and tedious configuration of software and model parameters, thus addressing the needs of scientists without substantial computational expertise. We demonstrate that Biomedisa can drastically reduce both the time and human effort required to segment large images. It achieves a significant improvement over the conventional approach of densely pre-segmented slices with subsequent morphological interpolation as well as compared to segmentation tools that also consider the underlying image data. Biomedisa can be used for different 3D imaging modalities and various biomedical applications.
The persistence potential of transferable plasmids
Authors: Wang Teng , You Lingchong
Published: November 2020

Conjugative plasmids can mediate the spread and maintenance of diverse traits and functions in microbial communities. This role depends on the plasmid’s ability to persist in a population. However, for a community consisting of multiple populations transferring multiple plasmids, the conditions underlying plasmid persistence are poorly understood. Here, we describe a plasmid-centric framework that makes it computationally feasible to analyze gene flow in complex communities. Using this framework, we derive the ‘persistence potential’: a general, heuristic metric that predicts the persistence and abundance of any plasmids. We validate the metric with engineered microbial consortia transferring mobilizable plasmids and with quantitative data available in the literature. We believe that our framework and the resulting metric will facilitate a quantitative understanding of natural microbial communities and the engineering of microbial consortia.
99TcO4− removal from legacy defense nuclear waste by an alkaline-stable 2D cationic metal organic framework
Authors: Shen Nannan , Yang Zaixing , Liu Shengtang , Dai Xing , Xiao Chengliang , Taylor-Pashow Kathryn , Li Dien , Yang Chuang , Li Jie , Zhang Yugang , Zhang Mingxing , Zhou Ruhong , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: November 2020

Removal of 99TcO4− from legacy defense nuclear tank waste at Savannah River Site is highly desirable for the purpose of nuclear safety and environmental protection, but currently not achievable given the extreme conditions including high alkalinity, high ionic strength, and strong radiation field. Herein, we present a potential solution to this long-term issue by developing a two-dimensional cationic metal organic framework SCU-103, showing ultrahigh stability in alkaline aqueous media and great resistance to both β and γ radiation. More importantly, it is very effective for 99TcO4− separation from aqueous media as demonstrated by fast exchange kinetics, high sorption capacity, and superior selectivity, leading to the successful removal of 99TcO4− from actual Savannah River Site high level tank waste for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. In addition, the uptake mechanism is comprehensively elucidated by molecular dynamics simulation and density functional theory calculation, showing a unique chemical recognition of anions with low charge density.
Oiling-out effect improves the efficiency of extracting aroma compounds from edible oil
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Sato Yuko , Kamasaka Hiroshi , Kuriki Takashi , Tamura Hirotoshi
Published: November 2020

Volatile compounds in foods are a significant factor that affects food intake and preference. However, volatile components in edible oils are poorly understood due to a strong matrix effect. In this study, we developed a method of extracting volatile compounds from extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) by means of oiling-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (OA-LLE). Consequently, 44 aroma compounds were isolated and identified from only 5 g of EVCO. Various aroma compounds were detected in addition to δ-lactones. The ratio of the natural abundance of the enantiomers of δ-lactones in EVCO was also revealed. Compared with the conventional methods of solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and head-space solid-phase micro extraction (HS-SPME), OA-LLE was able to isolate a wide range and large number of volatile compounds from EVCO without leaving oil residues. Therefore, isolating aroma compounds from edible oil based on the oiling-out effect should provide an innovative extraction method.
S-band hybrid amplifiers based on hydrogenated diamond FETs
Authors: Ciccognani Walter , Colangeli Sergio , Verona Claudio , Di Pietrantonio Fabio , Cannatà Domenico , Benetti Massimiliano , Camarchia Vittorio , Pirola Marco , Longhi Patrick E. , Verona Rinati Gianluca , Marinelli Marco , Limiti Ernesto
Published: November 2020

The first realizations of S-band hybrid amplifiers based on hydrogenated-diamond (H-diamond) FETs are reported. As test vehicles of the adopted H-diamond technology at microwave frequencies, two designs are proposed: one, oriented to low-noise amplification, the other, oriented to high-power operation. The two amplifying stages are so devised as to be cascaded into a two-stage amplifier. The activities performed, from the technological steps to characterization, modelling, design and realization are illustrated. Measured performance demonstrates, for the low-noise stage, a noise figure between 7 and 8 dB in the 2–2.5 GHz bandwidth, associated with a transducer gain between 5 and 8 dB. The OIP3 at 2 GHz is 21 dBm. As to the power-oriented stage, its transducer gain is 5–6 dB in the 2–2.5 GHz bandwidth. The 1-dB output compression point at 2 GHz is 20 dBm whereas the OIP3 is 33 dBm. Cascading the measured S-parameters of the two stages yields a transducer gain of 15 ± 1.2 dB in the 2–3 GHz bandwidth.
A versatile toolbox for semi-automatic cell-by-cell object-based colocalization analysis
Authors: Lunde Anders , Glover Joel C.
Published: November 2020

Differential fluorescence labeling and multi-fluorescence imaging followed by colocalization analysis is commonly used to investigate cellular heterogeneity in situ. This is particularly important when investigating the biology of tissues with diverse cell types. Object-based colocalization analysis (OBCA) tools can employ automatic approaches, which are sensitive to errors in cell segmentation, or manual approaches, which can be impractical and tedious. Here, we present a novel set of tools for OBCA using a semi-automatic approach, consisting of two ImageJ plugins, a Microsoft Excel macro, and a MATLAB script. One ImageJ plugin enables customizable processing of multichannel 3D images for enhanced visualization of features relevant to OBCA, and another enables semi-automatic colocalization quantification. The Excel macro and the MATLAB script enable data organization and 3D visualization of object data across image series. The tools are well suited for experiments involving complex and large image data sets, and can be used in combination or as individual components, allowing flexible, efficient and accurate OBCA. Here we demonstrate their utility in immunohistochemical analyses of the developing central nervous system, which is characterized by complexity in the number and distribution of cell types, and by high cell packing densities, which can both create challenging situations for OBCA.
Phenotypic, genotypic and biochemical changes during pyrethroid resistance selection in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes
Authors: Machani Maxwell G. , Ochomo Eric , Zhong Daibin , Zhou Guofa , Wang Xiaoming , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun , Afrane Yaw A.
Published: November 2020

The directional selection for insecticide resistance due to indiscriminate use of insecticides in public health and agricultural system favors an increase in the frequency of insecticide-resistant alleles in the natural populations. Similarly, removal of selection pressure generally leads to decay in resistance. Past investigations on the emergence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes mostly relied on field survey of resistance in vector populations that typically had a complex history of exposure to various public health and agricultural pest control insecticides in nature, and thus the effect of specific insecticides on rate of resistance emergency or resistance decay rate is not known. This study examined the phenotypic, genotypic, and biochemical changes that had occurred during the process of selection for pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae, the most important malaria vector in Africa. In parallel, we also examined these changes in resistant populations when there is no selection pressure applied. Through repeated deltamethrin selection in adult mosquitoes from a field population collected in western Kenya for 12 generations, we obtained three independent and highly pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae populations. Three susceptible populations from the same parental population were generated by removing selection pressure. These two lines of mosquito populations differed significantly in monooxygenase and beta-esterase activities, but not in Vgsc gene mutation frequency, suggesting metabolic detoxification mechanism plays a major role in generating moderate-intensity resistance or high-intensity resistance. Pre-exposure to the synergist piperonyl butoxide restored the susceptibility to insecticide among the highly resistant mosquitoes, confirming the role of monooxygenases in pyrethroid resistance. The rate of resistance decay to become fully susceptible from moderate-intensity resistance took 15 generations, supporting at least 2-years interval is needed when the rotational use of insecticides with different modes of action is considered for resistance management.
Sweat and saliva cortisol response to stress and nutrition factors
Authors: Pearlmutter Paul , DeRose Gia , Samson Cheyenne , Linehan Nicholas , Cen Yuqiao , Begdache Lina , Won Daehan , Koh Ahyeon
Published: November 2020

Cortisol is a biomarker for stress monitoring; however, the biomedical and clinical relevance is still controversial due to the complexity of cortisol secretion mechanisms and their circadian cycles as well as environmental factors that affect physiological cortisol level, which include individual mood and dietary intake. To further investigate this multifaceted relationship, a human pilot study examined cortisol concentration in sweat and saliva samples collected from 48 college-aged participants during aerobic exercise sessions along with mental distress and nutrition surveys. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays determined highly significant differences between apocrine-dominant sweat (AP), saliva before exercise (SBE), and saliva after exercise (SAE) cortisol concentration (AP-SBE: p = 0.0017, AP-SAE: p = 0.0102). A significantly greater AP cortisol concentration was detected in males compared to females (p = 0.0559), and significant SAE cortisol concentration differences were also recorded between recreational athletes and non-athletes (p = 0.044). However, Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) scores, an examination administered to deduce overall wellness, provided no significant differences between males and females or athletes and non-athletes in distress levels, which statistically signifies a direct relationship to cortisol was not present. For further analysis, dietary intake from all participants was considered to investigate whether a multiplexed association was prevalent between nutrition, mood, and cortisol release. Significant positive correlations between AP cortisol, SAE cortisol, K10 scores, and fat intake among female participants and athletes were discovered. The various machine learning algorithms utilized the extensive connections between dietary intake, overall well-being, sex factors, athletic activity, and cortisol concentrations in various biofluids to predict K10 scores. Indeed, the understanding of physiochemical stress response and the associations between studied factors can advance algorithm developments for cortisol biosensing systems to mitigate stress-based illnesses and improve an individual’s quality of life.
A density-based threshold model for evaluating the separation of particles in heterogeneous mixtures with curvilinear microfluidic channels
Authors: Chen Chun Kwan , Khoo Bee Luan
Published: November 2020

Particle separation techniques play an important role in biomedical research. Inertial focusing based microfluidics using nonlinear channels is one of the promising label-free technologies for biological applications. The particle separation is achieved as a result of the combination of inertial lift force (FL) and Dean drag force (FD). Although the mathematical expressions of FL and FD have been well derived in prior studies, they are still complicated, which limits their popularity in practice. Recent studies modified these expressions through experiments and proposed a threshold model, which assumes that only particles larger than the threshold will be well focused. Although this threshold model has been used in recent studies, two varying versions of the threshold model (TM1 and TM2) prevents standardisation in practice. In addition, both models were developed with regular low-density particles and may not be applicable to samples with higher density or samples with irregular shapes. Here, we evaluated the threshold models with samples of different densities. Based on these evaluations, we derived a modified model (TM4), which additionally considers the factor of particle density to improve the accuracy of existing models. Our results demonstrated that TM4 could more reliably predict the sorting efficiency of samples within a wider density range.
Optimization of membrane dispersion ethanol precipitation process with a set of temperature control improved equipment
Authors: Pan Jingjing , Tai Yanni , Qu Haibin , Gong Xingchu
Published: November 2020

Ethanol precipitation is an important separation and purification process in the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) industry. In the present study, a membrane dispersion micromixer was applied to achieve good mixing for the ethanol precipitation process of Astragali radix concentrate. New experimental apparatus was set up to rapidly lower the temperature of ethanol solution before mixing with the concentrate. Ethanol precipitation process was optimized according to Quality by design concept. To identify critical material attributes (CMAs), ten batches of Astragali radix were used to prepare concentrates. Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside content, the sucrose content, and the electrical conductivity were found to be CMAs after the correlation analysis and stepwise regression modelling. Definitive screening design was used to investigate the relationships among critical process parameters, CMAs, and process critical quality attributes (CQAs). Quadratic models were developed and design space was calculated according to the probability of attaining process CQA standards. A material quality control strategy was proposed. High quality and low quality Astragali radix concentrates can be discriminated by the inequalities. Low quality Astragali radix concentrates should not be released for ethanol precipitation process directly. Verification experiment results indicated accurate models and reliable design space. The temperature control method and control strategy are promising for ethanol precipitation process of other TCMs or foods.
Demonstration of > 2π reflection phase range in optical metasurfaces based on detuned gap-surface plasmon resonators
Authors: Damgaard-Carstensen Christopher , Ding Fei , Meng Chao , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: November 2020

Plasmonic metasurfaces, representing arrays of gap-surface plasmon (GSP) resonators and consisting of arrays of metal nanobricks atop thin dielectric layers supported by thick metal films, constitute an important subclass of optical metasurfaces operating in reflection and enabling the realization of numerous, diverse and multiple, functionalities. The available phase variation range is however limited to being $$<\! 2\pi$$

<

2
π

, a circumstance that complicates the metasurface design for functionalities requiring slowly varying phases over the whole range of $$2\pi$$

2
π

, e.g., in holographic applications. The available phase range also determines the wavelength bandwidth of metasurfaces operating with linearly polarized fields due to the propagation (size-dependent) nature of the reflection phase. We suggest an approach to extend the phase range and bandwidth limitations in the GSP-based metasurfaces by incorporating a pair of detuned GSP resonators into a metasurface elementary unit cell. With detailed simulations related to those for conventional single-resonator metasurfaces and proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrate that the detuned-resonator GSP metasurfaces designed for beam steering at $${900}\,\,\hbox {nm}$$

900

nm

wavelength exhibit the extended reflection phase and operation bandwidth. We believe that the considered detuned-resonator GSP metasurfaces can advantageously be exploited in applications requiring the design of arbitrary phase gradients and/or broadband operation with linearly polarized fields.
Proteomic landscape of TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in renal fibroblasts
Authors: Zhou Shujun , Yin Xiaoke , Mayr Manuel , Noor Mazhar , Hylands Peter J. , Xu Qihe
Published: November 2020

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a premier role in fibrosis. To understand the molecular events underpinning TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis, we examined the proteomic profiling of a TGF-β1-induced in vitro model of fibrosis in NRK-49F normal rat kidney fibroblasts. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that 628 cell-lysate proteins enriched in 44 cellular component clusters, 24 biological processes and 27 molecular functions were regulated by TGF-β1. Cell-lysate proteins regulated by TGF-β1 were characterised by increased ribosomal proteins and dysregulated proteins involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including reduced Aldh3a1 and induced Enpp1 and Impdh2, which were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In conditioned media, 62 proteins enriched in 20 cellular component clusters, 40 biological processes and 7 molecular functions were regulated by TGF-β1. Secretomic analysis and ELISA uncovered dysregulated collagen degradation regulators (induced PAI-1 and reduced Mmp3), collagen crosslinker (induced Plod2), signalling molecules (induced Ccn1, Ccn2 and Tsku, and reduced Ccn3) and chemokines (induced Ccl2 and Ccl7) in the TGF-β1 group. We conclude that TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in renal fibroblasts is an intracellular metabolic disorder and is inherently coupled with inflammation mediated by chemokines. Proteomic profiling established in this project may guide development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies in a network pharmacology approach.
Portuguese wild grapevine genome re-sequencing (Vitis vinifera sylvestris)
Authors: Ramos Miguel J. N. , Coito João L. , Faísca-Silva David , Cunha Jorge , Costa M. Manuela R. , Amâncio Sara , Rocheta Margarida
Published: November 2020

The first genome ofVitis vinifera vinifera(PN40024), published in 2007, boosted grapevine related studies. While this reference genome is a suitable tool for the overall studies in the field, it lacks the ability to unveil changes accumulated duringV. v. viniferadomestication. The subspeciesV. v. sylvestrispreserves wild characteristics, making it a good material to provide insights intoV. v. viniferadomestication. The difference in the reproductive strategy between both subspecies is one of the characteristics that set them apart. WhileV. v. viniferaflowers are hermaphrodite,V. v. sylvestrisis mostly dioecious. In this paper, we compare the re-sequencing of the genomes from a male and a female individual of the wildsylvestris, against the referenceviniferagenome (PN40024). Variant analysis reveals a low number but with high impact modifications in coding regions, essentially non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and frame shifts caused by insertions and deletions. The sex-locus was manually inspected, and the results obtained are in line with the most recent works related with wild grapevine sex. In this paper we also describe for the first time RNA editing in transcripts of 14 genes in the sex-determining region, includingVviYABBYandVviPLATZ.
State-of-the-art and prospects for intense red radiation from core–shell InGaN/GaN nanorods
Authors: Evropeitsev Evgenii A. , Kazanov Dmitrii R. , Robin Yoann , Smirnov Alexander N. , Eliseyev Ilya A. , Davydov Valery Yu. , Toropov Alexey A. , Nitta Shugo , Shubina Tatiana V. , Amano Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Core–shell nanorods (NRs) with InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) are promising for monolithic white light-emitting diodes and multi-color displays. Such applications, however, are still a challenge because intensity of the red band is too weak compared with blue and green. To clarify this problem, we measured photoluminescence of different NRs, depending on power and temperature, as well as with time resolution. These studies have shown that dominant emission bands come from nonpolar and semipolar QWs, while a broad yellow-red band arises mainly from defects in the GaN core. An emission from polar QWs located at the NR tip is indistinguishable against the background of defect-related luminescence. Our calculations of electromagnetic field distribution inside the NRs show a low density of photon states at the tip, which additionally suppresses the radiation of polar QWs. We propose placing polar QWs inside a cylindrical part of the core, where the density of photon states is higher and the well area is much larger. Such a hybrid design, in which the excess of blue radiation from shell QWs is converted to red radiation in core wells, can help solve the urgent problem of red light for many applications of NRs.
Early prediction of necrotizing pneumonia from mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with large pulmonary lesions in children
Authors: Zhou Yunlian , Hu Mengting , Ye Bei , Chen Zhimin , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2020

To compare the different features of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) and non-NP (NNP) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with large pulmonary lesions, and explore the predictor for NP to differentiate from MPP. A retrospective study of MPP patients with large pulmonary lesions hospitalized from January 2008 to December 2019 was enrolled, and clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, radiological findings were analyzed. Of 135 MPP patients with large pulmonary lesions, 56 were in the NP group, 79 were in the NNP group. We found the median length of fever days were much longer in NP group than those in NNP group. Higher levels of WBC, CRP, LDH, IL-6 in NP group were observed. Furthermore, the incidence of pulmonary consolidation was much higher in NP patients than that in NNP patients, while the CT value of large pulmonary lesion was much lower in NP patients. In ROC curve analysis, the cut-off values for the CT value and IFN-γ were 36.43 and 7.25 pg/ml, respectively. NP caused by MPP might be easier to suffer from prolonged clinical course, severe laboratory and radiological findings. CT value of large pulmonary lesions and IFN-γ could be used as biomarkers to predict NP from MPP with large pulmonary lesions in children.
Resistive switching in diamondoid thin films
Authors: Jantayod A. , Doonyapisut D. , Eknapakul T. , Smith M. F. , Meevasana W.
Published: November 2020

The electrical transport properties of a thin film of the diamondoid adamantane, deposited on an Au/W substrate, were investigated experimentally. The current I, in applied potential V, from the admantane-thiol/metal heterstructure to a wire lead on its surface exhibited non-symmetric (diode-like) characteristics and a signature of resistive switching (RS), an effect that is valuable to non-volatile memory applications. I(V) follows a hysteresis curve that passes twice through $$I(0)=0$$

I
(
0
)
=
0

linearly, indicating RS between two states with significantly different conductances, possibly due to an exotic mechanism.
Hemispherical acoustic Luneburg lens with the acoustic Goos–Hänchen shift and Fresnel filtering effect
Authors: Park Choon Mahn , Yim Geo-Su , Cho Kyuman , Lee Sang Hun
Published: November 2020

A two-dimensional (2D) slice of a 3D hemispherical acoustic Luneburg lens using a quasi-conformal transformation and face-centred-orifice-cubic (FCOC) unit cells is designed and fabricated. With the system, the focusing characteristics of acoustic waves with frequencies that satisfy the homogeneous medium condition of the metamaterial are observed, such as focusing of acoustic plane waves at the antipodal point on the transformed surface of the opposite side for the incident direction and focus spreading due to total internal reflection at the focus point. The attenuation losses of the system are measured and compared with those of an untransformed system with respect to frequency. The value of the acoustic Goos–Hänchen shift is determined by comparing the experimental and theoretical and simulated values of the focus points with respect to the incident angle. The effect of acoustic Fresnel filtering due to the angular distribution of the incident waves at the flat surface boundary is verified by comparing the results of the experiment and a simulation.
Cancer-associated hypersialylated MUC1 drives the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages with a pathogenic phenotype
Authors: Beatson Richard , Graham Rosalind , Grundland Freile Fabio , Cozzetto Domenico , Kannambath Shichina , Pfeifer Ester , Woodman Natalie , Owen Julie , Nuamah Rosamond , Mandel Ulla , Pinder Sarah , Gillett Cheryl , Noll Thomas , Bouybayoune Ihssane , Taylor-Papadimitriou Joyce , Burchell Joy M.
Published: November 2020

The tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in the growth and progression of cancer, and the presence of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) is associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that TAMs display transcriptomic, phenotypic, functional and geographical diversity. Here we show that a sialylated tumour-associated glycoform of the mucin MUC1, MUC1-ST, through the engagement of Siglec-9 can specifically and independently induce the differentiation of monocytes into TAMs with a unique phenotype that to the best of our knowledge has not previously been described. These TAMs can recruit and prolong the lifespan of neutrophils, inhibit the function of T cells, degrade basement membrane allowing for invasion, are inefficient at phagocytosis, and can induce plasma clotting. This macrophage phenotype is enriched in the stroma at the edge of breast cancer nests and their presence is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.
A multiplex and fast detection platform for microRNAs based on a self-priming microfluidic chip and duplex-specific nuclease
Authors: Zou Zheyu , Liu Yuanhui , Xia Liping , Hu Zhenming , Yin Juxin , Mu Ying
Published: November 2020

A self-priming microfluidic chip for multiplex and fast detection of microRNAs was developed.
The lipid platform increases the activity of STING agonists to synergize checkpoint blockade therapy against melanoma
Authors: Li Kesang , Ye Yingyi , Liu Liqin , Sha Qian , Wang Xiaolu , Jiao Ting , Zhang Li , Wang Jinyan
Published: November 2020

The response rate to PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy in melanoma remains low due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Particulate kidney extracellular matrix: bioactivity and proteomic analysis of a novel scaffold from porcine origin
Authors: Sobreiro-Almeida Rita , Melica Maria Elena , Lasagni Laura , Osório Hugo , Romagnani Paola , Neves Nuno M.
Published: November 2020

Decellularized matrices are attractive substrates, being able to retain growth factors and proteins present in the native tissue.
Exploring the influence of inhaled liposome membrane fluidity on its interaction with pulmonary physiological barriers
Authors: Zhao Jing , Su Jian , Qin Lu , Zhang Xin , Mao Shirui
Published: November 2020

Liposome membrane fluidity can influence its interaction with pulmonary physiological barriers, including mucus permeation, macrophage uptake and trachea permeation.
Ultrafast formation of an FeOOH electrocatalyst on Ni for efficient alkaline water and urea oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jun-Jun , Bao Wei-Wei , Li Meng-Yang , Yang Chun-Ming , Zhang Nan-Nan
Published: November 2020

The developed UOR electrocatalyst as the anode can provide a current density of 200 mA cm−2 at 1.427 V vs. RHE, as well as remarkable operational stability.
Polyoxometalates with separate lacuna sites
Authors: Wang Wenyan , Izarova Natalya V. , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul
Published: November 2020

Bi-functionalization of Wells–Dawson polyoxotungstates with both phenylphosphonate and rare earth metal ions results in two vacancies that are not neighbored but structurally separated.
Electrochemical transformation of Prussian blue analogues into ultrathin layered double hydroxide nanosheets for water splitting
Authors: Singh Baghendra , Prakash Om , Maiti Pralay , Menezes Prashanth W. , Indra Arindam
Published: November 2020

Electrochemical transformation of Prussian blue analogues into self-supported ultrathin layered double hydroxide nanosheets for improved overall water splitting activity.
Biocatalytic metal–organic framework nanomotors for active water decontamination
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Liu Jian , Li Yong , McDonald James A. , Bin Zulkifli Muhammad Yazid , Khan Stuart J. , Xie Lei , Gu Zi , Kong Biao , Liang Kang
Published: November 2020

Biocatalytic metal–organic framework nanomotors for active removal of heavy metal ions and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in aqueous environments.
Correction: Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses
Authors: Buchner Magnus R.
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses’ by Magnus R. Buchner et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 8895–8907, DOI: 10.1039/D0CC03802D.
The formation mechanism of hollow spherulites and molecular conformation of curcumin and solvate
Authors: Wan Xuxing , Wu Songgu , Wang Yan , Gong Junbo
Published: November 2020

In this study, curcumin 1,4-dioxane solvates (CUR–DIO) were obtained in two molecular ratios of 1 : 1.5 (CUR–DIO-1.5) and 1 : 1 (CUR–DIO-1) at different temperatures.
nanocrystals (0 ≤ x ≤ 1): growth, size control and shell formation on β-NaCeF4:Tb core particles
Authors: Wehmeier Jannis , Haase Markus
Published: November 2020

is an interesting shell material for β-NaREF4 particles of the lighter lanthanides (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd), as variation of its strontium content x allows to vary its lattice parameters and match those of the core material.
Tuning of ORR activity through the stabilization of the adsorbates by hydrogen bonding with substituent groups
Authors: Samala Nagaprasad Reddy , Grinberg Ilya
Published: November 2020

Hydrogen bonding can significantly change the adsorption energies of the ORR intermediates. We focus on hydrogen bonding with hangman type substituent groups to tune the electrocatalytic activity of Mn-corroles towards ORR.
The band structure engineering of fluorine-passivated graphdiyne nanoribbons via doping with BN pairs for overall photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Xu Junkang , Wan Qiang , Wang Zhonghui , Lin Sen
Published: November 2020

B,N co-doped fluorine-passivated graphdiyne nanoribbons are studied as metal-free photocatalysts for overall water splitting.
Stabilizing the OOH* intermediate via pre-adsorbed surface oxygen of a single Ru atom-bimetallic alloy for ultralow overpotential oxygen generation
Authors: Lee Jinsun , Kumar Ashwani , Yang Taehun , Liu Xinghui , Jadhav Amol R , Park G. Hwan , Hwang Yosep , Yu Jianmin , Nguyen Chau TK , Liu Yang , Ajmal Sara , Kim Min Gyu , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: November 2020

Achieving an ultra-low overpotential for oxygen generation over pre-adsorbed surface oxygen on a Ru single atom anchored metal alloy.
Effects of flocculant-modified phosphogypsum on sludge treatment: investigation of the operating parameters, variations of the chemical groups, and heavy metals in the sludge
Authors: Dai Quxiu , Xie Longgui , Ma Liping , Yang Jie , Yang Xinbo , Ren Nanqi , Tian Guocai , Guo Zhiying , Ning Ping
Published: November 2020

Under a modified phosphogypsum (MPG) treatment, the effective removal of bound water and risky heavy metals from sludge has been achieved.
Coding and decoding stray magnetic fields for multiplexing kinetic bioassay platform
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lin Gungun , Chen Yinghui , Mönch Ingolf , Makarov Denys , Walsh Bradley J. , Jin Dayong
Published: November 2020

The stray magnetic fields of hierarchically-assembled magnetic beads are utilised to code and decode information for multiplexed kinetic assays.
Engineered two-dimensional nanomaterials: an emerging paradigm for water purification and monitoring
Authors: Zeng Minxiang , Chen Mingfeng , Huang Dali , Lei Shijun , Zhang Xuan , Wang Ling , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: November 2020

This review aims to comprehensively summarize the significant developments in design strategies, processing approaches, and application-oriented techniques of 2D nanomaterials for water purification and monitoring.
Triptolide: reflections on two decades of research and prospects for the future
Authors: Tong Lu , Zhao Qunfei , Datan Emmanuel , Lin Guo-Qiang , Minn Il , Pomper Martin G. , Yu Biao , Romo Daniel , He Qing-Li , Liu Jun O.
Published: November 2020

This review highlights advances in material sourcing, molecular mechanisms, clinical progress and new drug design strategies for triptolide from a Chinese medicinal herb, along with some prospects for the future course of development of triptolide.
A novel fluorescent covalent organic framework containing boric acid groups for selective capture and sensing of cis-diol molecules
Authors: Chang Zhaosen , Liang Ying , Wang Shunli , Qiu Lu , Lu Yan , Feng Lijuan , Sui Zhuyin , Chen Qi
Published: November 2020

A novel fluorescent covalent organic framework containing boric acid groups was prepared for selective uptake and optical sensing of cis-diol.
Adsorption of proteins on oral Zn2+ doped iron oxide nanoparticles in mouse stomach and in vitro: triggering nanoparticle aggregation
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Gong Jiachun , Tan Weihang , Hu Tingting , Rong Rui , Gui Zongxiang , Nie Kai , Xu Xiaolong
Published: November 2020

Protein adsorption-induced aggregation of Zn0.4Fe2.6O4 nanoparticles had no effect on their magnetic susceptibility.
Bio-based healable non-isocyanate polyurethanes driven by the cooperation of disulfide and hydrogen bonds
Authors: Dong Jincheng , Liu Binyuan , Ding Huining , Shi Junbin , Liu Ning , Dai Bin , Kim Il
Published: November 2020

Novel bio-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes with tunable mechanical and self-healing properties are successfully synthesized.