bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Correlates of Hemorrhage and Edema Volumes Following Human Intracerebral Hemorrhage Implicate Inflammation, Autophagy, mRNA Splicing, and T Cell Receptor Signaling
Authors: Durocher Marc , Knepp Bodie , Yee Alan , Jickling Glen , Rodriguez Fernando , Ng Kwan , Zhan Xinhua , Hamade Farah , Ferino Eva , Amini Hajar , Carmona-Mora Paulina , Hull Heather , Ander Bradley P. , Sharp Frank R. , Stamova Boryana
Published: November 2020

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and perihematomal edema (PHE) volumes are major determinants of ICH outcomes as is the immune system which plays a significant role in damage and repair. Thus, we performed whole-transcriptome analyses of 18 ICH patients to delineate peripheral blood genes and networks associated with ICH volume, absolute perihematomal edema (aPHE) volume, and relative PHE (aPHE/ICH; rPHE). We found 440, 266, and 391 genes correlated with ICH and aPHE volumes and rPHE, respectively (p < 0.005, partial-correlation > |0.6|). These mainly represented inflammatory pathways including NF-κB, TREM1, and Neuroinflammation Signaling—most activated with larger volumes. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis identified seven modules significantly correlated with these measures (p < 0.05). Most modules were enriched in neutrophil, monocyte, erythroblast, and/or T cell-specific genes. Autophagy, apoptosis, HIF-1α, inflammatory and neuroinflammatory response (including Toll-like receptors), cell adhesion (including MMP9), platelet activation, T cell receptor signaling, and mRNA splicing were represented in these modules (FDR p < 0.05). Module hub genes, potential master regulators, were enriched in neutrophil-specific genes in three modules. Hub genes included NCF2, NCF4, STX3, and CSF3R, and involved immune response, autophagy, and neutrophil chemotaxis. One module that correlated negatively with ICH volume correlated positively with rPHE. Its genes and hubs were enriched in T cell-specific genes including hubs LCK and ITK, Src family tyrosine kinases whose modulation improved outcomes and reduced BBB dysfunction following experimental ICH. This study uncovers molecular underpinnings associated with ICH and PHE volumes and pathophysiology in human ICH, where knowledge is scarce. The identified pathways and hub genes may represent novel therapeutic targets.
Seeing beyond COVID-19: understanding the impact of the pandemic on oncology, and the importance of preparedness
Authors: Carrieri Daniele , Peccatori Fedro Alessandro
Published: November 2020

The impact of this pandemic is not only through COVID-19 itself: the care for non-COVID-19 related conditions has been dramatically curtailed, shaking entire healthcare services around the world. Amongst the non-COVID-19 related conditions, oncology has been disproportionally affected. We discuss how oncology has changed since the acute phase of the pandemic; its impact on clinicians, trainees, and patients; and offer some medical and historical perspectives to reflect on how this impact could be reduced.
Synthesis and Characterization of Montmorillonite-Supported Tio2 Composites for Enhanced UV Absorption
Authors: Kim Daeyoung , Kim Daniel , Kim Jaehwan , Park Changyun , Roh Ki-Min , Kang Il-Mo , Seo Sung Man
Published: November 2020

Titanium dioxide (TiO2, rutile) nanoparticles, inorganic ultraviolet absorbers, are used extensively in sunscreen cosmetics as an inorganic ultraviolet (UV) absorber to prevent skin damage; because of their nanotoxicity, use in combination with a support, such as montmorillonite (Mnt), rather than alone, is suggested. Mnt-supported TiO2 composites (Mnt-TiO2) for sunscreens are most suitable when the particles are spherical and of relatively uniform size, which are normally accomplished by spray drying, but this is difficult to achieve because of the naturally layered structure of Mnt. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to find the ideal characteristics of spray-drying nozzles to produce the desired spherical shape and size distribution of the Mnt-TiO2 composite particles. The starting Mnt was extracted from natural bentonite by particle-size separation. An ultrasonic nozzle in the spray dryer was selected for use in the synthesis of Mnt-TiO2 composites based on the particle-size distribution (PSD) of Mnt prepared using a two-fluid nozzle and an ultrasonic nozzle at 453 K. The incorporation of TiO2 in the final Mnt-TiO2 composites was examined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis. With increasing TiO2 concentration, the TiO2 content and average particle size of the Mnt-TiO2 composites increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that all samples prepared had uniform and nearly spherical shapes. Absorbance of UV by Mnt-TiO2 (5:1) composites was greater than that by either purified Mnts or pure TiO2. The present study demonstrated a simple method, using a spray dryer with an ultrasonic nozzle, to synthesize Mnt-TiO2 composites of uniform size and shape suitable for cosmetic application.
Recent advances in facilitated transport membranes for olefin/paraffin separation
Authors: Cheng Long , Liu Gongping , Jin Wanqin
Published: November 2020

With the development of the petrochemical industry, the demand for light olefins is rapidly increasing. The separation of olefin/paraffin by membrane technology can save energy consumption and improve separation efficiency. This article reviews the latest progress in facilitated transport membranes for olefin/paraffin separation. The separation mechanism and common types of facilitated transport membranes are briefly introduced. Meanwhile, the mechanism of carrier deactivation and the corresponding strategies to improve the stability of the membranes are summarized. In concluding, current developments regarding facilitated transport membranes are summarized and directions for future development are proposed.
Adherence of the General Public to Self-Protection Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jabbari Parnian , Taraghikhah Nazanin , Jabbari Forouq , Ebrahimi Saied , Rezaei Nima
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly growing due to a high level of contagiousness. Different measures have been taken to slow the spread of the virus. Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of these key measures. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated adherence of the general public to use of PPE and their knowledge regarding the rationale behind their use.

Methods:

Two samples were chosen from public places (a subway station and a city store) in Tehran, Iran, one of the countries affected by COVID-19. Individuals were observed for appropriate use of PPE and interviewed regarding their knowledge on some basic self-protection information.

Results:

Approximately half of the 431 participants did not take any measures to ensure hand hygiene, whereas those who did not use respiratory protection were far fewer. A considerable number of individuals, however, did not use these PPE correctly. On the other hand, there was a gap in the knowledge of the general public regarding different aspects of protective measures. The majority of the participants were receptive toward education on preventive measurements through public media.

Conclusion:

Education is an important aspect in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, as it directly increases adherence of the general public to protective measures.
Socialist Threat? Radical Party Entry, Electoral Alliances, and the Introduction of Proportional Representation
Authors: WALTER ANDRÉ
Published: November 2020

A substantial body of research shows that the entry of socialist parties to the electoral arena is linked to major political and economic reforms at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, how socialist parties have affected electoral competition and coordination has never been investigated in detail. Drawing on the debate of the adoption of proportional representation, I employ a regression discontinuity design to estimate the casual effect of socialist entry to the electoral arena on the formation of electoral alliances and the support of established parties. To do so, I use newly collected data for Imperial Germany 1890–1912. I show that established parties facing strong socialist competitors received more endorsement by other non-socialist parties and, as a result, a higher voter share. The findings suggest that established parties were able to mitigate coordination problems within the institutional setting of majoritarian electoral systems.
Two BSHS online alternatives to conventional conferences
Authors: BOON TIM , SLEIGH CHARLOTTE
Published: November 2020

In 2020, the BSHS hosted two major online events, the first of their kind in our collective experience. The first, a Twitter conference, was planned and accomplished before COVID-19 had quite been established as a serious global issue. The conference was planned, rather, as an innovation in travel-free conferencing, something that has been on the BSHS agenda since the IPCC report of 2018, calling for net-zero-carbon activity in all areas by 2050. As we discussed the Twitter conference, and watched the amazing energy, intellect and resourcefulness of its planners and hosts, we quickly saw that online delivery offered other advantages too – chiefly, wider participation. The pandemic offered the society a chance to take these lessons very boldly into the most important event of our scholarly calendar, which usually takes the form of an in-person annual conference, but this time was executed as an online festival.
A Machine Learning‐Based Detection of Earthquake Precursors Using Ionospheric Data
Authors: Akyol A. A. , Arikan O. , Arikan F.
Published: November 2020

Detection of precursors of strong earthquakes is a challenging research area. Recently, it has been shown that strong earthquakes affect electron distribution in the regional ionosphere with indirectly observable changes in the ionospheric delays of GPS signals. Especially, the total electron content (TEC) estimated from GPS data can be used in the seismic precursor detection for strong earthquakes. Although physical mechanisms are not well understood yet, GPS‐based seismic precursors can be observed days prior to the occurrence of the earthquake. In this study, a novel machine learning‐based technique, EQ‐PD, is proposed for detection of earthquake precursors in near real time based on GPS‐TEC data along with daily geomagnetic indices. The proposed EQ‐PD technique utilizes support vector machine (SVM) classifier to decide whether an observed spatiotemporal anomaly is related to an earthquake precursor or not. The data fed to the classifier are composed of spatiotemporal variability map of a region. Performance of the EQ‐PD technique is demonstrated in a case study over a region covering Italy in between the dates of 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2016. The data are partitioned into three nonoverlapping time periods, that are used for training, validation, and test of detecting precursors of earthquakes with magnitudes above 4 in Richter scale. The EQ‐PD technique is able to detect precursors in 17 out of 21 earthquakes while generating 7 false alarms during the validation period of 266 days and 22 out of 24 earthquakes while generating 13 false alarms during the test period of 282 days.
On the Formation of Wedge‐Like Ion Spectral Structures in the Nightside Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Ren Jie , Yang Fan , Yue Chao , Zong Qiu‐Gang , Fu Sui‐Yan , Wang Yongfu
Published: November 2020

Recent observations in the nightside inner magnetosphere have identified a series of wedge‐like spectral structures in the energy‐time spectrograms of oxygen, helium, and hydrogen ion fluxes. Although the shapes and distributions of these structures have been characterized by case and statistical studies, their formation mechanism remains unclear. Here we utilize a particle tracing model to reproduce the wedge‐like structures successively observed by the twin Van Allen Probes. The model suggests that these structures originate from intermittent substorm injection, and it is the accessibility region of these injected ions that determines their shapes. This mechanism is similar to the formation of another kind of structures, the inner magnetospheric nose‐like structures, except that the wedge‐like structures are separated from the tail population by the discontinuation of ion injections. This scenario is also supported by the distribution statistics of wedge‐like structures, which provides new insights into the dynamics of the magnetotail‐inner magnetosphere coupled system.
Baseflow Age Distributions and Depth of Active Groundwater Flow in a Snow‐Dominated Mountain Headwater Basin
Authors: Carroll Rosemary W. H. , Manning Andrew H. , Niswonger Richard , Marchetti David , Williams Kenneth H.
Published: November 2020

Deeper flows through bedrock in mountain watersheds could be important, but lack of data to characterize bedrock properties limits understanding. To address data scarcity, we combine a previously published integrated hydrologic model of a snow‐dominated, headwater basin of the Colorado River with a new method for dating baseflow age using dissolved gas tracers SF6, CFC‐113, N2, and Ar. The original flow model predicts the majority of groundwater flow through shallow alluvium (<8 m) sitting on top of less permeable bedrock. The water moves too quickly and is unable to reproduce observed SF6 concentrations. To match gas data, bedrock permeability is increased to allow a larger fraction of deeper and older groundwater flow (median 112 m). The updated hydrologic model indicates interannual variability in baseflow age (3–12 years) is controlled by the volume of seasonal interflow and tightly coupled to snow accumulation and monsoon rain. Deeper groundwater flow remains stable (11.7 ± 0.7 years) as a function mean historical recharge to bedrock hydraulic conductivity (R/K). A sensitivity analysis suggests that increasing bedrock K effectively moves this alpine basin away from its original conceptualization of hyperlocalized groundwater flow (high R/K) with groundwater age insensitive to changes in water inputs. Instead, this basin is situated close to the precipitation threshold defining recharge controlled groundwater flow conditions (low R/K) in which groundwater age increases with small reductions in precipitation. Work stresses the need to explore alternative methods characterizing bedrock properties in mountain basins to better quantify deeper groundwater flow and predict their hydrologic response to change.
Metastasis-directed therapy for oligometastasis and beyond
Authors: Beckham Thomas H. , Yang T. Jonathan , Gomez Daniel , Tsai C. Jillian
Published: November 2020

Metastasis-directed therapy (MDT)—local therapy that is intended to eradicate specific metastatic lesions—has hitherto been used with varying degrees of clinical efficacy and acceptance as a meaningful therapy for metastatic disease. Over the past 25 years, however, the momentum for using MDT to manage patients with metastatic solid tumours has increased, driven by several factors. Among these factors is the recognition that patients with limited metastatic burden could potentially derive survival benefits from MDT. Furthermore, although current systemic therapies are increasingly effective, they are infrequently curative. In addition, technological advances have broadened the spectrum of metastatic lesions that can be treated with ablative intent. Here we aim to briefly review the status of evidence for the clinical benefit of MDT based on current data mainly from trials in patients with oligometastatic disease, discuss the myriad of clinical states that might fall under and beyond the definition of oligometastasis, review technological advances in MDT and their applications beyond oligometastasis, and discuss the need for the continued co-evolution of MDT and systemic therapy as we seek to understand which patients with metastatic cancer can achieve durable remission and how to optimally manage those who cannot.
Molecularly-porous ultrathin membranes for highly selective organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Huang Tiefan , Moosa Basem A. , Hoang Phuong , Liu Jiangtao , Chisca Stefan , Zhang Gengwu , AlYami Mram , Khashab Niveen M. , Nunes Suzana P.
Published: November 2020

Engineering membranes for molecular separation in organic solvents is still a big challenge. When the selectivity increases, the permeability tends to drastically decrease, increasing the energy demands for the separation process. Ideally, organic solvent nanofiltration membranes should be thin to enhance the permeant transport, have a well-tailored nanoporosity and high stability in harsh solvents. Here, we introduce a trianglamine macrocycle as a molecular building block for cross-linked membranes, prepared by facile interfacial polymerization, for high-performance selective separations. The membranes were prepared via a two-in-one strategy, enabled by the amine macrocycle, by simultaneously reducing the thickness of the thin-film layers (<10 nm) and introducing permanent intrinsic porosity within the membrane (6.3 Å). This translates into a superior separation performance for nanofiltration operation, both in polar and apolar solvents. The hyper-cross-linked network significantly improved the stability in various organic solvents, while the amine host macrocycle provided specific size and charge molecular recognition for selective guest molecules separation. By employing easily customized molecular hosts in ultrathin membranes, we can significantly tailor the selectivity on-demand without compromising the overall permeability of the system.
Evidences for a role of two Y-specific genes in sex determination in Populus deltoides
Authors: Xue Liangjiao , Wu Huaitong , Chen Yingnan , Li Xiaoping , Hou Jing , Lu Jing , Wei Suyun , Dai Xiaogang , Olson Matthew S. , Liu Jianquan , Wang Mingxiu , Charlesworth Deborah , Yin Tongming
Published: November 2020

Almost all plants in the genus Populus are dioecious (i.e. trees are either male or female), but it is unknown whether dioecy evolved in a common ancestor or independently in different subgenera. Here, we sequence the small peritelomeric X- and Y-linked regions of P. deltoides chromosome XIX. Two genes are present only in the Y-linked region. One is a duplication of a non-Y-linked, female-specifically expressed response regulator, which produces siRNAs that block this gene’s expression, repressing femaleness. The other is an LTR/Gypsy transposable element family member, which generates long non-coding RNAs. Overexpression of this gene in A. thaliana promotes androecium development. We also find both genes in the sex-determining region of P. simonii, a different poplar subgenus, which suggests that they are both stable components of poplar sex-determining systems. By contrast, only the duplicated response regulator gene is present in the sex-linked regions of P. davidiana and P. tremula. Therefore, findings in our study suggest dioecy may have evolved independently in different poplar subgenera.
EZH2-mediated PP2A inactivation confers resistance to HER2-targeted breast cancer therapy
Authors: Bao Yi , Oguz Gokce , Lee Wee Chyan , Lee Puay Leng , Ghosh Kakaly , Li Jiayao , Wang Panpan , Lobie Peter E. , Ehmsen Sidse , Ditzel Henrik J. , Wong Andrea , Tan Ern Yu , Lee Soo Chin , Yu Qiang
Published: November 2020

HER2-targeted therapy has yielded a significant clinical benefit in patients with HER2+ breast cancer, yet disease relapse due to intrinsic or acquired resistance remains a significant challenge in the clinic. Here, we show that the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit PPP2R2B is a crucial determinant of anti-HER2 response. PPP2R2B is downregulated in a substantial subset of HER2+ breast cancers, which correlates with poor clinical outcome and resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. EZH2-mediated histone modification accounts for the PPP2R2B downregulation, resulting in sustained phosphorylation of PP2A targets p70S6K and 4EBP1 which leads to resistance to inhibition by anti-HER2 treatments. Genetic depletion or inhibition of EZH2 by a clinically-available EZH2 inhibitor restores PPP2R2B expression, abolishes the residual phosphorylation of p70S6K and 4EBP1, and resensitizes HER2+ breast cancer cells to anti-HER2 treatments both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the same epigenetic mechanism also contributes to the development of acquired resistance through clonal selection. These findings identify EZH2-dependent PPP2R2B suppression as an epigenetic control of anti-HER2 resistance, potentially providing an opportunity to mitigate anti-HER2 resistance with EZH2 inhibitors.
Architecture of a SARS-CoV-2 mini replication and transcription complex
Authors: Yan Liming , Zhang Ying , Ge Ji , Zheng Litao , Gao Yan , Wang Tao , Jia Zhihui , Wang Haofeng , Huang Yucen , Li Mingyu , Wang Quan , Rao Zihe , Lou Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

Non-structural proteins (nsp) constitute the SARS-CoV-2 replication and transcription complex (RTC) to play a pivotal role in the virus life cycle. Here we determine the atomic structure of a SARS-CoV-2 mini RTC, assembled by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, nsp12) with a template-primer RNA, nsp7 and nsp8, and two helicase molecules (nsp13-1 and nsp13-2), by cryo-electron microscopy. Two groups of mini RTCs with different conformations of nsp13-1 are identified. In both of them, nsp13-1 stabilizes overall architecture of the mini RTC by contacting with nsp13-2, which anchors the 5′-extension of RNA template, as well as interacting with nsp7-nsp8-nsp12-RNA. Orientation shifts of nsp13-1 results in its variable interactions with other components in two forms of mini RTC. The mutations on nsp13-1:nsp12 and nsp13-1:nsp13-2 interfaces prohibit the enhancement of helicase activity achieved by mini RTCs. These results provide an insight into how helicase couples with polymerase to facilitate its function in virus replication and transcription.
Transcriptomic analysis of micropapillary high grade T1 urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Bowden Michaela , Nadal Rosa , Zhou Chensheng W. , Werner Lillian , Barletta Justine , Juanpere Nuria , Lloreta Josep , Hernandez-Llodrà Silvia , Morote Juan , de Torres Ines , Orsola Anna , Cejas Paloma , Long Henry , Bellmunt Joaquim
Published: November 2020

No consensus currently exist on the optimal treatment of patients with high-risk nonmuscle invasive (HGT1) micropapillary variant of bladder cancer (MPBC). Transcripsome analysis may allow stratification of MPBC-HGT1 enabling prediction of recurrence and guide therapeutic management for individual patients. Whole transcriptome RNA-Sequencing of tumors from 23 patients with MPBC-HGT1 and 64 conventional urothelial carcinomas (cUC) (reference set) was performed. Differentially expressed genes between MPBC-HGT1 and cUC-HGT1 were explored. Cox proportional hazard models and Kapplan–Meier methods were used to assess the relation between time to progression (TTP) and individual gene expression adjusting for clinical covariates. Over 3000 genes were differentially expressed in MPBC-HGT1 as compared with cUC-HGT1 and a 26-gene signature is characteristic of MPBC within HGT1. A set of three genes; CD36, FAPB3 and RAETE1; were significantly associated with TTP. High expression of FABP3 and CD36 were associated with shorter TTP (p = 0.045 and p = 0.08) as was low expression of RAET1E (p = 0.01). Our study suggest that a 26-gene signature can define MPBC-HGT1 within conventional urothelial carcinomas. A prognostic risk index of three genes (FABP3, CD36 and RAET1E) was found to be associated with shorter TTP and may help classify a group of patients with MPBC-HGT1 with high-risk of early progression. These observations might have implications in terms of radical cystectomy recommendation in MPBC patients.
Ordered arrangement of F4TCNQ anions in three-dimensionally oriented P3HT thin films
Authors: Nagamatsu Shuichi , Pandey Shyam S.
Published: November 2020

An ordered arrangement of electron-accepting molecular dopant, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ), in three-dimensionally (3D) oriented poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) film was clarified. The 3D oriented P3HT thin films prepared by the friction-transfer technique were doped with F4TCNQ by dipping into an acetonitrile solution. The presence of F4TCNQ anions in the 3D oriented P3HT thin films was investigated by polarized ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared absorption spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry, polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and infrared p-polarized multiple-angle incidence resolution spectroscopy (pMAIRS). The F4TCNQ-doped 3D oriented P3HT films showed anisotropic properties in all characterizations. In particular, the anisotropic molecular vibrations from polarized FT-IR and pMAIRS have clearly revealed orientations of polymeric chains and molecular dopant molecules. Considering the results from several independent techniques indicated that F4TCNQ anions in the 3D oriented P3HT were orderly arranged in a 3D manner with respect to the 3D oriented P3HT such that their molecular long-axis parallel to the P3HT backbone, with in-plane molecular orientation. Additionally, the direction of the optical transition moment of the F4TCNQ anion was found to be parallel to the molecular short-axis.
PRMT1 inhibition induces differentiation of colon cancer cells
Authors: Plotnikov Alexander , Kozer Noga , Cohen Galit , Carvalho Silvia , Duberstein Shirly , Almog Ofir , Solmesky Leonardo Javier , Shurrush Khriesto A. , Babaev Ilana , Benjamin Sima , Gilad Shlomit , Kupervaser Meital , Levin Yishai , Gershovits Michael , Ben-Avraham Danny , Barr Haim Michael
Published: November 2020

Differentiation therapy has been recently revisited as a prospective approach in cancer therapy by targeting the aberrant growth, and repairing the differentiation and cell death programs of cancer cells. However, differentiation therapy of solid tumors is a challenging issue and progress in this field is limited. We performed High Throughput Screening (HTS) using a novel dual multiplex assay to discover compounds, which induce differentiation of human colon cancer cells. Here we show that the protein arginine methyl transferase (PRMT) type 1 inhibitor, MS023, is a potent inducer of colon cancer cell differentiation with a large therapeutic window. Differentiation changes in the highly aggressive human colon cancer cell line (HT-29) were proved by proteomic and genomic approaches. Growth of HT-29 xenograft in nude mice was significantly delayed upon MS023 treatment and immunohistochemistry of tumor indicated differentiation changes. These findings may lead to development of clinically effective anti-cancer drugs based on the mechanism of cancer cell differentiation.
Hop bitter acids containing a β-carbonyl moiety prevent inflammation-induced cognitive decline via the vagus nerve and noradrenergic system
Authors: Ano Yasuhisa , Ohya Rena , Yamazaki Takahiro , Takahashi Chika , Taniguchi Yoshimasa , Kondo Keiji , Takashima Akihiko , Uchida Kazuyuki , Nakayama Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

The prevention of age-related cognitive decline and dementia is becoming a high priority because of the rapid growth of aging populations. We have previously shown that hop bitter acids such as iso-α-acids (IAAs) and matured hop bitter acids (MHBAs) activate the vagus nerve and improve memory impairment. Moreover, supplements with MHBAs were shown to improve memory retrieval in older adults. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been entirely elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effects of MHBAs and the common β-tricarbonyl moiety on memory impairment induced by the activation of microglia and the loss of the noradrenergic system. MHBAs and a model compound with β-tricarbonyl moiety were administered to LPS-inoculated mice and 5 × FAD Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice, following the evaluation in behavioral tests and microglial activation. To evaluate the association of noradrenaline with MHBAs effects, mice treated with N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4), a noradrenergic neurotoxin that selectively damages noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus, were subjected to the behavioral evaluation. MHBAs reduced brain inflammation and improved LPS-induced memory impairment. A model compound possessing the β-tricarbonyl moiety improved the LPS-induced memory impairment and neuronal loss via the vagus nerve. Additionally, the protective effects of MHBAs on memory impairment were attenuated by noradrenaline depletion using DSP-4. MHBAs suppressed the activation of microglia and improved the memory impairment in 5 × FAD mice, which was also attenuated by noradrenaline depletion. Treatment with MHBAs increased cholecystokinin production from the intestinal cells. Generally, cholecystokinin activates the vagal nerve, which stimulate the noradrenergic neuron in the locus ceruleus. Taken together, our results reveal that food ingredients such as hop bitter acids with a β-tricarbonyl moiety suppress microglial activation and improve memory impairment induced by inflammation or AD pathology via the activation of the gut-brain axis and noradrenergic system. Supplements with hop bitter acids, including MHBAs, might be a novel approach for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.
Open-label placebos for menopausal hot flushes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pan Yiqi , Meister Ramona , Löwe Bernd , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Buhling Kai J. , Nestoriuc Yvonne
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the efficacy of an open-label placebo (OLP) treatment for menopausal hot flushes. Women with at least five moderate or severe hot flushes per day were allocated to receive four weeks of OLP for twice a day or no-treatment. Intention-to-treat analyses included n = 100 women. In comparison to no-treatment, OLP reduced the log-transformed hot flush composite score (frequency × intensity) (mean difference in change: − 0.32, 95% CI [− 0.43; − 0.21], p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.86), hot flush frequency (− 1.12 [− 1.81; − 0.43], p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.51), and improved overall menopause-related quality of life (− 2.53 [− 4.17; − 0.89], p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.49). Twelve (24%) (vs. three [6%]) patients had 50% lesser hot flushes. Problem rating of hot flushes and subdomains of quality of life did not improve. After four weeks, the OLP group was further divided via randomization to continue or discontinue the treatment. Benefits were maintained at week 8 (log-transformed score: − 0.04 [− 0.06; 0.14], p = 0.45). There was no difference between taking placebos for 8 or 4 weeks (log-transformed score: 0.04 [− 0.17; 0.25], p = 0.73). Results indicate that open-label placebos may be an effective, safe alternative for menopausal hot flushes.
Ultrashort Tetrameric Peptide Nanogels Support Tissue Graft Formation, Wound Healing and 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Arab W. , Hauser C. A. E.
Published: November 2020

Tissue engineering is a promising alternative to organ transplantation, where the number of waiting patients is not supported by the number of available donors. Tissue engineering aims to fabricate functional tissue using biocompatible scaffolds. Nanogels made from self-assembling ultrashort peptides are promising scaffold biomaterials. We focus on two compounds of a novel class of rationally designed tetrameric peptides for biomedical applications that have the advantage of being natural but synthetic hydrogels. These compounds have an innate tendency to self-assemble into nanofibrous hydrogels, which can be used for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) skin grafts, treating full-thickness wounds in minipigs and skeletal muscle tissue proliferation and differentiation. We were able to produce in situ silver nanoparticles within the peptide nanogels, solely through ultraviolet irradiation, with no reducing agent present. Applying the peptide nanogels on full-thickness minipig wounds demonstrated that the scaffolds were biocompatible, with no notable wound inflammation, and comparable to standard care solutions. Interestingly, the peptide scaffolds revealed a high potential to act as antibacterial agents. Microscopic observation demonstrated the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to form tube-like structures within peptide nanogels. Moreover, we successfully produced artificial 3D vascularized skin substitutes using these peptide scaffolds. Additionally, we could demonstrate that both tetrameric peptides support 3D bioprinting, indicating their possible use as future bioinks. We believe that the results described represent an advancement in the context of engineering skin and skeletal muscle tissue, thereby providing the opportunity to rebuild missing, failing, or damaged parts.
Ni-Catalyzed asymmetric reduction of α-keto-β-lactamsviaDKR enabled by proton shuttling
Authors: Wang Fangyuan , Tan Xuefeng , Wu Ting , Zheng Long-Sheng , Chen Gen-Qiang , Zhang Xumu
Published: November 2020

A wide range of α-keto-β-lactams were reduced efficiently and enantioselectively by Ni-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. Phenylphosphinic acid was found to play a pivotal role in the DKR of α-keto-β-lactams by promoting the enolization process.
Synthesis of functionalized cyclopropylboronic esters based on a 1,2-metallate rearrangement of cyclopropenylboronate
Authors: Mizoguchi Haruki , Seriu Masaya , Sakakura Akira
Published: November 2020

A procedure converting tribromocyclopropane to densely functionalized β-selenocyclopropylboronic ester using the 1,2-metallate rearrangement of a boron ate-complex has been developed.
Appropriate regulation of magnesium on hydroxyapatite crystallization in simulated body fluids
Authors: Jiang Shuqin , Cao Yuanyuan , Zong Chenxi , Pang Yuanfeng , Sun Zhiwen
Published: November 2020

The regulation effect of Mg2+ on HAP crystallization is closely related to the adding time of Mg2+. The introduction of Mg2+ in the ACP unstable stage is unable to inhibit HAP crystallization.
SERS activity and spectroscopic properties of Zn and ZnO nanostructures obtained by electrochemical and green chemistry methods for applications in biology and medicine
Authors: Proniewicz Edyta , Tąta Agnieszka , Wójcik Anna , Starowicz Maria , Pacek Joanna , Molenda Marcin
Published: November 2020

This work evaluates the ability of homogeneous, stable, and pure zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs-GS) synthesized by “green chemistry” for the selective detection of four neurotransmitters present in body fluids and promotion of the SERS effect.
Current status and perspectives in oxidative, non-oxidative and CO2-mediated dehydrogenation of propane and isobutane over metal oxide catalysts
Authors: Otroshchenko Tatiana , Jiang Guiyuan , Kondratenko Vita A. , Rodemerck Uwe , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: November 2020

Conversion of propane or isobutane from natural/shale gas into propene or isobutene, which are indispensable for the synthesis of commodity chemicals, is an important environmentally friendly alternative to oil-based cracking processes.
Encapsulated anion-dominated photocatalytic and adsorption performances for organic dye degradation and oxoanion pollutant capture over cationic Cu(i)-organic framework semiconductors
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Lei , Ding Bo , Wang Xiu-Guang , Liu Zheng-Yu , Yang En-Cui , Zhao Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2020

The encapsulated anion effects of microporous MOFs on the dual-functional photocatalytic and absorption performances towards organic dye degradation and oxoanion removal in wastewater are discussed.
A family of rhodium(i) NHC chelates featuring O-containing tethers for catalytic tandem alkene isomerization–hydrosilylation
Authors: Srivastava Ravi , Jakoobi Martin , Thieuleux Chloé , Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra , Camp Clément
Published: November 2020

The catalytic performances in hydrosilylation of alkenes strongly depend on the structure of O-functionalized NHC Rh(i) complexes.
Is it scientifically justifiable to exclude wine and/or unfermented grape derivatives from the diet of consumers with or at risk of developing type-2 diabetes?
Authors: Restani Patrizia , Di Lorenzo Chiara , Fradera Ursula , Stockley Creina S. , Teissedre Pierre-Louis , Ruf Jean-Claude , Iasiello Barbara , Biella Simone , Colombo Francesca , Kosti Rena I.
Published: November 2020

This narrative review investigates whether low/moderate consumption of wine/grape's derivatives can be part of T2D individuals daily diet.
Short-term supplementation of DHA as phospholipids rather than triglycerides improve cognitive deficits induced by maternal omega-3 PUFA deficiency during the late postnatal stage
Authors: Wen Min , Zhao Yingcai , Shi Haohao , Wang Chengcheng , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: November 2020

Cognitive deficiencies caused by maternal omega-3 PUFA deficiency (O-3 Def), are easier reversed when supplementation of DHA as phospholipids than triglycerides, especially during the late postnatal stage.
A rhenium catalyst with bifunctional pyrene groups boosts natural light-driven CO2 reduction
Authors: Qiu Li-Qi , Chen Kai-Hong , Yang Zhi-Wen , He Liang-Nian
Published: November 2020

A rhenium–pyrene catalyst that dramatically promotes sunlight-induced CO2RR efficiency was developed by enhancing intermolecular electron transfer efficiency and visible light-harvesting ability.
Phosphatized mild-prepared-NiCo LDHs cabbage-like spheres exhibit excellent performance as a supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Wang Guorong , Li Yanbing , Zhao Tiansheng , Jin Zhiliang
Published: November 2020

Phosphating treatment can increase the specific capacitance by 1.88 times without destroying the cabbage-like sphere structure of NiCo LDHs.
Efficient TiO2/SubPc photocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes under visible light
Authors: Wang Ya-Fei , Zhang Bing-Bing , Li Zhuo , Wang Bing , Jiao Lin-Yu , Wang Chen , Yang Lin , Ma Hai-Xia , Pang Ling-Yan , Ma Xiao-Xun
Published: November 2020

Degrade pollutants under visible light.
A new spodium bond driven coordination polymer constructed from mercury(ii) azide and 1,2-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine
Authors: Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Lawrence Simon E. , Cisterna Jonathan , Cárdenas Alejandro , Brito Iván , Frontera Antonio , Safin Damir A.
Published: November 2020

In this manuscript, the synthesis and X-ray characterization of a new spodium bond driven coordination polymer constructed from mercury(ii) azide and 1,2-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine are reported.
Fe3+–Co2+ species loaded on carbon as an effective pre-catalyst for oxygen evolution
Authors: Wang Xueyang , Liu Yuanjun , Wei Tiange , Song Xuefeng , Cheng Xiaofang , Shen Xiaoping , Zhu Guoxing
Published: November 2020

An advanced electrocatalyst was synthesized by a one-step synthesis method.
The coenzyme/protein pair and the molecular evolution of life
Authors: Kirschning Andreas
Published: November 2020

Proteins and coenzymes/co-factors represent a chicken and egg problem in the biotic world, and a “retrosynthetic” journey provides insights into molecular evolution and the origin of life.
In-plane β-Co(OH)2/Co3O4hybrid nanosheets for flexible all-solid-state thin-film supercapacitors with high electrochemical performance
Authors: Lou Shanshan , Yang Xueying , Hao Pin , Lei Fengcai , Xie Junfeng , Tang Bo
Published: November 2020

In-plane β-Co(OH)2/Co3O4 hybrid nanosheets with porous surface and controllable composition were fabricated as efficient electrode materials for the all-solid-state thin-film supercapacitors (ASSTFSs).
Microporous silica membranes promote plasmonic nanoparticle stability for SERS detection of uranyl
Authors: Phan Hoa T. , Geng Shenghao , Haes Amanda J.
Published: November 2020

Microporous silica membranes facilitate plasmonic stability of Ag@Au nanoparticles against variations in pH, ionic strength, and temperature for SERS sensing.
Unlocking features of locked-unlocked anionic polymerization
Authors: Li Cun , Leng Xuefei , Han Li , Bai Hongyuan , Yang Lincan , Li Chao , Zhang Songbo , Liu Pibo , Ma Hongwei
Published: November 2020

Unlocking features of the locked-unlocked anionic polymerization were investigated and reported.
Copolymerisation of 1-alkenes with bulky oxygen-containing olefins for dual-stage functionalisation of polyolefins
Authors: Takeuchi Daisuke , Nakamura Makoto , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: November 2020

Pd–Diimine complexes catalyse the copolymerisation of 1-alkenes with olefins having a bulky oxygen-containing substituents, such as cyclic acetal or bicycloorthoester groups, affording the copolymers containing the comonomer unit up to 34%.
Naked micelles: well-defined polymer nanoparticles from photo-cleavable block copolymer micelles
Authors: Quintieri Giada , Gröschel André H.
Published: November 2020

We report that photo-cleaving the corona of block copolymer micelles provides well-defined nanoparticles with surface charges accessible for electrostatic modification.
Modification and hardware implementation of cortex‐like object recognition model
Authors: Mohammadi Anbaran Alireza , Torkzadeh Pooya , Ebrahimpour Reza , Bagheri Nasour
Published: November 2020

Object recognition in the visual cortex of mammals and humans has inspired many computational object recognition models. Hierarchical model and X (HMAX) is a well‐known biologically motivated object recognition model with scale and position tolerance and high accuracy. Due to the computational intensive nature, hardware implementation with massive parallel processing is suggested for real‐time applications. However, it is important to explore algorithmic trade‐offs when mapping an algorithm to are configurable hardware. A direct conversion of the software implementation of an algorithm generally results inefficient hardware resource usage. In this study, the authors propose a novel modification into the HMAX model which makes it suitable for hardware implementation. More precisely, to reduce the number of memory blocks and multipliers of the S2 layer of HMAX produces, they replace the first norm by the second norm, which critically affects the silicon area in an application‐specific integrated circuit implementation or the required resources in field‐programmable gate array (FPGA). To evaluate the proposed model, they implement a pipelined version of the revised model on a mid‐range commercial Xilinx FPGA, i.e. XC6VLX240T platform from a Virtex 6 family of Xilinx using ISE. Compared to the recent hardware implementation of HMAX, the proposed model offers 83% resource degradation in DSP48 slices and 3% in memory blocks.
The LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey: Deep Fields Data Release 1
Authors: Kondapally R. , Best P. N. , Hardcastle M. J. , Nisbet D. , Bonato M. , Sabater J. , Duncan K. J. , McCheyne I. , Cochrane R. K. , Bowler R. A. A. , Williams W. L. , Shimwell T. W. , Tasse C. , Croston J. H. , Goyal A. , Jamrozy M. , Jarvis M. J. , Mahatma V. H. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Smith D. J. B. , Wołowska A. , Bondi M. , Brienza M. , Brown M. J. I. , Brüggen M. , Chambers K. , Garrett M. A. , Gürkan G. , Huber M. , Kunert-Bajraszewska M. , Magnier E. , Mingo B. , Mostert R. , Nikiel-Wroczyński B. , O’Sullivan S. P. , Paladino R. , Ploeckinger T. , Prandoni I. , Rosenthal M. J. , Schwarz D. J. , Shulevski A. , Wagenveld J. D. , Wang L.
Published: November 2020

We present the source associations, cross-identifications, and multi-wavelength properties of the faint radio source population detected in the deep tier of the LOFAR Two Metre Sky Survey (LoTSS): the LoTSS Deep Fields. The first LoTSS Deep Fields data release consists of deep radio imaging at 150 MHz of the ELAIS-N1, Lockman Hole, and Boötes fields, down to RMS sensitives of around 20, 22, and 32 μJy beam−1, respectively. These fields are some of the best studied extra-galactic fields in the northern sky, with existing deep, wide-area panchromatic photometry from X-ray to infrared wavelengths, covering a total of ≈26 deg2. We first generated improved multi-wavelength catalogues in ELAIS-N1 and Lockman Hole; combined with the existing catalogue for Boötes, we present forced, matched aperture photometry for over 7.2 million sources across the three fields. We identified multi-wavelength counterparts to the radio detected sources, using a combination of the Likelihood Ratio method and visual classification, which greatly enhances the scientific potential of radio surveys and allows for the characterisation of the photometric redshifts and the physical properties of the host galaxies. The final radio-optical cross-matched catalogue consists of 81 951 radio-detected sources, with counterparts identified and multi-wavelength properties presented for 79 820 (>97%) sources. We also examine the properties of the host galaxies, and through stacking analysis find that the radio population with no identified counterpart is likely dominated by active galactic nuclei (AGN) atz~ 3−4. This dataset contains one of the largest samples of radio-selected star-forming galaxies and AGN at these depths, making it ideal for studying the history of star-formation, and the evolution of galaxies and AGN across cosmic time.
Experimental hydraulic fracturing of Berea sandstone under triaxial stress state
Authors: Mubarak Hazem , Saji Roshan , Zhu Goulong , Sousa Rita , Sassi Mohamed , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K.
Published: November 2020

In this work, a newly designed experimental setup is used to perform in-lab fracking under controlled triaxial loading on cylindrical cores of Berea sandstone. Fracking tests are conducted at 10 MPa confining pressure, with vertical compressive loading, as well as two horizontal stresses that simulate reservoir triaxial stress state. Multiple injection scenarios are tested to investigate the effect of the pore fluid injection conditions on the fracking and failure mechanisms. In-situ micro-seismic monitoring via eight acoustic emissions sensors is used for logging the fracking events evolution with time. Post-experimental characterization included computational tomography (CT) scanning to characterize the resulting fracture patterns.
Hydration behavior by X-ray diffraction profile fitting of smectite-bearing minerals
Authors: Day-Stirrat Ruarri J. , Bryndzia L. Taras
Published: November 2020

Clay mineral hydration and dehydration processes are reversible at temperatures <100 °C and strongly affect wellbore stability, fines migration, permeability, and dispersion of pore pressure. The hydration behavior of smectite-rich material as a function of relative humidity (activity of water, aw, controlled by salinity) and temperature was studied using in situ X-ray diffraction on a material retrieved from coring in the Gulf of Mexico. X-ray diffraction profile fitting was used to explore the competition for water between hydratable phases across a range of relative humidity, 2 % to 90 %, and temperature, 25°C to 95°C, conditions. X-ray diffraction profile fitting employed a modified multi-specimen approach in which proportions of minerals were modelled using Ca-exchanged preparations in air-dried and ethylene glycol solvated states. Across the range of hydration states, the mineral proportions and crystallographic parameters remained constant from the multi-specimen approach and only the number of water layers in hydratable phases varied. Quantitative clay mineralogy showed a natural material with a discrete smectite component and a mixed-layered illite-smectite, both capable of hydration/dehydration. Results of this study showed the discrete smectite component and the mixed-layered illite-smectite hydrated at different rates with discrete smectite up-taking more water at lower relative humidity than the mixed-layered illite-smectite. Over geological time this study highlights the non-static nature of smectite hydration with implications of long-term creep and permeability behavior.