bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling response to temozolomide in preclinical GL261 glioblastoma with MRI/MRSI using radiomics and signal source extraction
Authors: Núñez Luis Miguel , Romero Enrique , Julià-Sapé Margarida , Ledesma-Carbayo María Jesús , Santos Andrés , Arús Carles , Candiota Ana Paula , Vellido Alfredo
Published: November 2020

Glioblastoma is the most frequent aggressive primary brain tumor amongst human adults. Its standard treatment involves chemotherapy, for which the drug temozolomide is a common choice. These are heterogeneous and variable tumors which might benefit from personalized, data-based therapy strategies, and for which there is room for improvement in therapy response follow-up, investigated with preclinical models. This study addresses a preclinical question that involves distinguishing between treated and control (untreated) mice bearing glioblastoma, using machine learning techniques, from magnetic resonance-based data in two modalities: MRI and MRSI. It aims to go beyond the comparison of methods for such discrimination to provide an analytical pipeline that could be used in subsequent human studies. This analytical pipeline is meant to be a usable and interpretable tool for the radiology expert in the hope that such interpretation helps revealing new insights about the problem itself. For that, we propose coupling source extraction-based and radiomics-based data transformations with feature selection. Special attention is paid to the generation of radiologist-friendly visual nosological representations of the analyzed tumors.
New challenges for efficient usage of Sargassum fusiforme for ruminant production
Authors: Choi You Young , Lee Shin Ja , Lee Ye Jun , Kim Hyun Sang , Eom Jun Sik , Kim Sam Churl , Kim Eun Tae , Lee Sung Sill
Published: November 2020

Sargassum fusiforme, which is a type of brown algae, can provide fiber and minerals to ruminant diets. In this study, dried S. fusiforme was tested in vitro at four different doses 1, 3, 5, and 10% of the total ration for its effect on ruminal fermentation characteristics, and gas profiles when incubated for 72 h. At a level of 1 and 10%, S. fusiforme supplementation augmented total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations compared to that with 0% supplementation. In addition, total gas, methane, and carbon dioxide emissions significantly decreased at 3 and 24 h of incubation at this dose. An in situ trial was performed for 72 h with S. fusiforme to evaluate it as a potential feed ingredient by comparing its degradation parameters with timothy hay (Phleum pretense). 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy profiling was used to identify and quantify metabolites of S. fusiforme. Mannitol, guanidoacetate and ethylene glycol were largely accumulated in S. fusiforme. Moreover, nutritious minerals for feed ingredients were present in S. fusiforme. Whereas a high concentration of arsenic was found in S. fusiforme, it was within the allowable limit for ruminants. Our results suggest that S. fusiforme could represent an alternative, renewable feed ingredient for ruminant diets, with nutritional, as well as environmental, benefits.
LncRNA and mRNA expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Peng Yu , Luo Xuan , Chen Yingying , Peng Linyi , Deng Chuiwen , Fei Yunyun , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yan
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression profile and the potential role of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients. RNA-seq technology was used to detect the differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs between five age-and sex-matched paired pSS patients and healthy control PBMCs. The selected LncRNAs were detected in the validation study by RT-qPCR in 16 paired pSS patients and healthy controls. The GO, KEGG, co-localization, and co-expression analysis were performed to enrich the potential gene functions and pathways. In this study, 44 out of 1772 LncRNAs and 1034 out of 15,424 mRNAs were expressed differentially in the PBMCs of pSS patients. LINC00426, TPTEP1-202, CYTOR, NRIR, and BISPR were validated as aberrantly expressed, and these LncRNAs strongly correlated with disease activity of pSS. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed the significant enrichment of biological processes, cellular components, and molecular function of the up and down-regulated mRNAs, which were mainly concentrated in the immune response and immune system processes. Co-localization and co-expression analysis also revealed that differentially expressed LncRNAs in the PBMCs of pSS were strongly correlated to the mRNA functioning associated with immune response and cell metastasis. Numerous LncRNAs and mRNAs were found differentially expressed in the PBMCs of pSS patients, especially NRIR and BISPR; they interacted with the co-localized and co-expressed mRNAs, which might participate in the pathogenesis of pSS through the NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and other signaling pathways that regulate cell metastasis.
Human transcription factors responsive to initial reprogramming predominantly undergo legitimate reprogramming during fibroblast conversion to iPSCs
Authors: Cevallos Ricardo R. , Edwards Yvonne J. K. , Parant John M. , Yoder Bradley K. , Hu Kejin
Published: November 2020

The four transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC (OSKM) together can convert human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). It is, however, perplexing that they can do so only for a rare population of the starting cells with a long latency. Transcription factors (TFs) define identities of both the starting fibroblasts and the end product, iPSCs, and are also of paramount importance for the reprogramming process. It is critical to upregulate or activate the iPSC-enriched TFs while downregulate or silence the fibroblast-enriched TFs. This report explores the initial TF responses to OSKM as the molecular underpinnings for both the potency aspects and the limitation sides of the OSKM reprogramming. The authors first defined the TF reprogramome, i.e., the full complement of TFs to be reprogrammed. Most TFs were resistant to OSKM reprogramming at the initial stages, an observation consistent with the inefficiency and long latency of iPSC reprogramming. Surprisingly, the current analyses also revealed that most of the TFs (at least 83 genes) that did respond to OSKM induction underwent legitimate reprogramming. The initial legitimate transcriptional responses of TFs to OSKM reprogramming were also observed in the reprogramming fibroblasts from a different individual. Such early biased legitimate reprogramming of the responsive TFs aligns well with the robustness aspect of the otherwise inefficient and stochastic OSKM reprogramming.
Synergistic effects of combinatorial chitosan
and polyphenol biomolecules on enhanced antibacterial activity of biofunctionalized silver
nanoparticles
Authors: Rezazadeh Niloufar Hajarian , Buazar Foad , Matroodi Soheila
Published: November 2020

The present study reports the synergistic antibacterial activity of
biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the aid of a combination of chitosan
and seaweed-derived polyphenols as a green synthetic route. Under optimum synthesis
conditions, the rapid color change from yellowish to dark brown and UV–visible
absorption peak at 425 confirmed the initial formation of AgNPs. DLS, TEM, XRD, and EDX
analyses revealed the spherical shape of pure biogenic AgNPs with a mean diameter size
of 12 nm ± 1.5 nm, and a face-centered cubic crystal structure, respectively. FTIR and
TGA results indicated the significant contribution of chitosan and polyphenol components
into silver ions bioreduction and thermal stability of freshly formed AgNPs. Long-term
colloidal stability of AgNPs was obtained after 6-month storage at room temperature. The
bio-prepared AgNPs possessed a negative surface charge with a zeta potential value of
− 27 mV. In contrast to naked chemical silver nanoparticles, the green Ag nanosamples
demonstrated the distinct synergistic antibacterial in vitro toward all selected human
pathogens presumably due to the presence of high content of biomolecules on their
surface. The results show that synergy between chitosan and polyphenol results in the
enhancement of bactericidal properties of biogenic AgNPs. We also highlighted the
underlying mechanism involved in AgNPs formation based on nucleophile–electrophile
interaction.
First-principles identification of the charge-shifting mechanism and ferroelectricity in hybrid halide perovskites
Authors: Kim Bumseop , Kim Jeongwoo , Park Noejung
Published: November 2020

Hybrid halide perovskite solar cells have recently attracted substantial attention, mainly because of their high power conversion efficiency. Among diverse variants, (CH3NH3)PbI3 and HC(NH2)2PbI3 are particularly promising candidates because their bandgap well matches the energy range of visible light. Here, we demonstrate that the large nonlinear photocurrent in β-(CH3NH3)PbI3 and α-HC(NH2)2PbI3 is mostly determined by the intrinsic electronic band properties near the Fermi level, rooted in the inorganic backbone, whereas the ferroelectric polarization of the hybrid halide perovskite is largely dominated by the ionic contribution of the molecular cation. The spatial charge shift upon excitation is attributed to the charge transfer from iodine to lead atoms in the backbone, which is independent of the presence of the cationic molecules. Our findings can serve as a guiding principle for the design of future materials for halide-perovskite solar cells with further enhanced photovoltaic performance.
Clustering of susceptible individuals within households can drive measles outbreaks: an individual-based model exploration
Authors: Kuylen Elise , Willem Lander , Broeckhove Jan , Beutels Philippe , Hens Niel
Published: November 2020

When estimating important measures such as the herd immunity threshold, and the corresponding efforts required to eliminate measles, it is often assumed that susceptible individuals are uniformly distributed throughout populations. However, unvaccinated individuals may be clustered in a variety of ways, including by geographic location, by age, in schools, or in households. Here, we investigate to which extent different levels of within-household clustering of susceptible individuals may impact the risk and persistence of measles outbreaks. To this end, we apply an individual-based model, Stride, to a population of 600,000 individuals, using data from Flanders, Belgium. We construct a metric to estimate the level of within-household susceptibility clustering in the population. Furthermore, we compare realistic scenarios regarding the distribution of susceptible individuals within households in terms of their impact on epidemiological measures for outbreak risk and persistence. We find that higher levels of within-household clustering of susceptible individuals increase the risk, size and persistence of measles outbreaks. Ignoring within-household clustering thus leads to underestimations of required measles elimination and outbreak mitigation efforts.
Applying tiling and pattern theory in the design of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers for multi-wavelength beam guidance
Authors: Montz Zev , Ishaaya Amiel A.
Published: November 2020

We apply tiling and pattern theory in the design of hollow-core photonic crystal fibers for guiding light in multiple spectral bandgaps. By combining two different glass apexes in a single [36;32.4.3.4] 2-uniform tiling, transmission regions with fundamental, second and third harmonic wavelengths are supported. This cladding design may also be an excellent candidate for high power beam delivery of Er/Yb, Nd:YAG and Ti:Sapphire laser sources.
Articaine in functional NLC show improved anesthesia and anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Gustavo H. , Geronimo Gabriela , García-López Juan P. , Ribeiro Lígia N. M. , de Moura Ludmilla D. , Breitkreitz Márcia C. , Feijóo Carmen G. , de Paula Eneida
Published: November 2020

Anesthetic failure is common in dental inflammation processes, even when modern agents, such as articaine, are used. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are systems with the potential to improve anesthetic efficacy, in which active excipients can provide desirable properties, such as anti-inflammatory. Coupling factorial design (FD) for in vitro formulation development with in vivo zebrafish tests, six different NLC formulations, composed of synthetic (cetyl palmitate/triglycerides) or natural (avocado butter/olive oil/copaiba oil) lipids were evaluated for loading articaine. The formulations selected by FD were physicochemically characterized, tested for shelf stability and in vitro release kinetics and had their in vivo effect (anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect) screened in zebrafish. The optimized NLC formulation composed of avocado butter, copaiba oil, Tween 80 and 2% articaine showed adequate physicochemical properties (size = 217.7 ± 0.8 nm, PDI = 0.174 ± 0.004, zeta potential = − 40.2 ± 1.1 mV, %EE = 70.6 ± 1.8) and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. The anesthetic effect on touch reaction and heart rate of zebrafish was improved to 100 and 60%, respectively, in comparison to free articaine. The combined FD/zebrafish approach was very effective to reveal the best articaine-in-NLC formulation, aiming the control of pain at inflamed tissues.
Relationship between cervical elastography and spontaneous onset of labor
Authors: Yo Yoshie , Kotani Yasushi , Shiro Reona , Yamamoto Kiko , Fujishima Risa , Takaya Hisamitsu , Suzuki Ayako , Shimaoka Masao , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: November 2020

Cervical elastography might be an objective method for evaluating cervical ripening during pregnancy, but its usefulness has not been fully investigated. We examined the significance of cervical elastography in the last trimester of pregnancy. Cervical elastography was performed at weekly checkups after 36 weeks of gestation in 238 cases delivered at our hospital from 2017 to 2018. The correlation with the onset time of natural labor, which is an index for judging maternal delivery preparation status, was examined. A total of 765 examinations were conducted, and cervical stiffness determined by cervical elastography was positively correlated with the Bishop score (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001). When examined separately for each week, only the examinations performed at 39 weeks were associated with the onset of spontaneous labor up to 7 days later (p = 0.0004). Furthermore, when stratified and analyzed by the Bishop score at 39 weeks of gestation, cervical elastography was associated with the occurrence of spontaneous labor pain for up to seven days in the groups with Bishop scores of 3–5 and 6–8 (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.03, respectively). In conclusion, cervical elastography at 39 weeks of pregnancy is useful for judging the delivery time.
The effects of individually designed insoles on pes planus treatment
Authors: Açak Mahmut
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of individually designed insole in pes planus treatment. Designed insoles was adjusted according to height, length and function of the sole of each participant with pes planus in order to improve the physical parameters of them. A total of 34 participants (17 males and 17 females) with pes planus participated in the study. Height, weight, percent body fat, 30-m sprint test, vertical jump, 12-min Cooper test and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measurement were obtained before the study and after 1 year later. Wilcoxon signed rank test was conducted to examine whether there were any differences between the pre- and post-test measurements. It was determined that individually designed insoles reduced body weight and BMI, made positive improvements in 30-m speed, vertical jump and 12-min Cooper scores, and significant decrease in VAS scores. In conclusion, it is seen that individually designed insoles have beneficial role in normalizing forces acting on the foot and improve the physical performance parameters of individuals with pes planus. Future studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of individually designed insoles and prefabricated insoles.
Impact of the severity of restrictive spirometric pattern on nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life: results from a nationally representative database
Authors: Chung Sung Jun , Kim Hwan Il , Yang Bumhee , Kim Taehee , Sim Yun Su , Kang Hyung Koo , Kim Sang-Heon , Yoon Ho Joo , Choi Hayoung , Lee Hyun
Published: November 2020

The general disease burden associated with the restrictive spirometric pattern (RSP) is substantial. However, the impact of RSP by its severity on general health problems and quality of life has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to analyse nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life in subjects who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 according to severity of RSP. Participants were classified as subjects with normal spirometry, those with mild-to-moderate RSP, and those with severe RSP. Poor quality of life was defined as 25th percentile value on the EuroQoL five dimensions (Eq5D) questionnaire index, i.e., 0.90. This study included 23,615 subjects composed of 20,742 with normal spirometry, 2758 with mild-to-moderate RSP, and 115 with severe RSP. The subjects with severe RSP were more likely to have attained lower education levels, had a lower total caloric intake, had less physical activity, had experienced a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and poorer quality of life than those with normal spirometry (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analysis, subjects with a mild-to-moderate RSP and severe RSP were more likely to show decreased total calories (coefficient for change in calorie = − 56.6 kcal and − 286.7 kcal, respectively) than those with normal spirometry; subjects with mild-to-moderate RSP and those with severe RSP were 1.26 times and 1.96 times more likely, respectively, to have a poorer quality of life than those with normal spirometry. Additionally, subjects with mild-to-moderate RSP and those with severe RSP were 0.84 times and 0.36 times less likely, respectively, to have high-intensity physical activity than those with normal spirometry in univariable analysis. The trends of a poorer quality of life and physical activity were only significant in the male subgroups. In conclusion, our study revealed that the severity of general health problems and quality of life reductions are correlated with the severity of RSP, especially in males.
Bushveld superplume drove Proterozoic magmatism and metallogenesis in Australia
Authors: Fiorentini Marco L. , O’Neill Craig , Giuliani Andrea , Choi Eunjoo , Maas Roland , Pirajno Franco , Foley Stephen
Published: November 2020

Large-scale mantle convective processes are commonly reflected in the emplacement of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). These are high-volume, short-duration magmatic events consisting mainly of extensive flood basalts and their associated plumbing systems. One of the most voluminous LIPs in the geological record is the ~ 2.06 billion-year-old Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa (BIC), one of the most mineralised magmatic complexes on Earth. Surprisingly, the known geographic envelope of magmatism related to the BIC is limited to a series of satellite intrusions in southern Africa and has not been traced further afield. This appears inconsistent with the inferred large size of the BIC event. Here, we present new radiometric ages for alkaline magmatism in the Archean Yilgarn Craton (Western Australia), which overlap the emplacement age of the BIC and indicate a much more extensive geographic footprint of the BIC magmatic event. To assess plume involvement at this distance, we present numerical simulations of mantle plume impingement at the base of the lithosphere, and constrain a relationship between the radial extent of volcanism versus time, excess temperature and plume size. These simulations suggest that the thermal influence of large plume events could extend for thousands of km within a few million years, and produce widespread alkaline magmatism, crustal extension potentially leading to continental break-up, and large ore deposits in distal sectors. Our results imply that superplumes may produce very extensive and diverse magmatic and metallogenic provinces, which may now be preserved in widely-dispersed continental blocks.
Author Correction: Sex differences in dendritic spine density and morphology in auditory and visual cortices in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Parker Emily M. , Kindja Nathan L. , Cheetham Claire E. J. , Sweet Robert A.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Normal recognition of famous voices in developmental prosopagnosia
Authors: Tsantani Maria , Cook Richard
Published: November 2020

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is a condition characterised by lifelong face recognition difficulties. Recent neuroimaging findings suggest that DP may be associated with aberrant structure and function in multimodal regions of cortex implicated in the processing of both facial and vocal identity. These findings suggest that both facial and vocal recognition may be impaired in DP. To test this possibility, we compared the performance of 22 DPs and a group of typical controls, on closely matched tasks that assessed famous face and famous voice recognition ability. As expected, the DPs showed severe impairment on the face recognition task, relative to typical controls. In contrast, however, the DPs and controls identified a similar number of voices. Despite evidence of interactions between facial and vocal processing, these findings suggest some degree of dissociation between the two processing pathways, whereby one can be impaired while the other develops typically. A possible explanation for this dissociation in DP could be that the deficit originates in the early perceptual encoding of face structure, rather than at later, post-perceptual stages of face identity processing, which may be more likely to involve interactions with other modalities.
Evaluation of the external validity of a joint structure–function model for monitoring glaucoma progression
Authors: Abu Sampson Listowell , KhalafAllah Mahmoud Tawfik , Racette Lyne
Published: November 2020

The dynamic structure–function (DSF) model was previously shown to have better prediction accuracy than ordinary least square linear regression (OLSLR) for short series of visits. The current study assessed the external validity of the DSF model by testing its performance in an independent dataset (Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study–Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy [OHTS–CSLO] ancillary study; N = 178 eyes), and also on different test parameters in a sample selected from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study or the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (DIGS/ADAGES). Each model was used to predict structure–function paired data at visits 4–7. The resulting prediction errors for both models were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In the independent dataset, the DSF model predicted rim area and mean sensitivity paired measurements more accurately than OLSLR by 1.8–5.5% (p ≤ 0.004) from visits 4–6. Using the DIGS/ADAGES dataset, the DSF model predicted retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and mean deviation paired measurements more accurately than OLSLR by 1.2–2.5% (p ≤ 0. 007). These results demonstrate the external validity of the DSF model and provide a strong basis to develop it into a useful clinical tool.
Factors associated with extremely poor visual outcomes in patients with central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Nagasato Daisuke , Muraoka Yuki , Osaka Rie , Iida-Miwa Yuko , Mitamura Yoshinori , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Kadomoto Shin , Murakami Tomoaki , Ooto Sotaro , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: November 2020

Here, we examined prognostic factors for extremely poor visual outcomes in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in actual practices. We included 150 consecutive eyes with treatment-naïve acute CRVO from four different facilities and observed them for over 24 months. Macular edema (ME) was treated with one or three monthly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (1 or 3 + pro re nata). According to the final Snellen visual acuity (VA), we divided the patients into very poor VA (< 20/200) and control (≥ 20/200) groups and examined risk factors for poor final visual outcomes. The baseline Snellen VA was hand motion to 20/13. The mean number of anti-VEGF injections for ME was 5.3 ± 3.7 during the follow-up period. In total, 49 (32.7%) patients exhibited a very poor final VA; this group comprised significantly older patients with a significantly poorer baseline VA (P < 0.01 for both) than the control group. Comorbid internal carotid artery disease and diabetic retinopathy were significantly associated with a poor final VA. In actual clinical practice, visual outcomes may be extremely poor despite ME treatment in certain patients with CRVO, with advanced age, poor baseline VA, and comorbid internal carotid artery disease and diabetic retinopathy being significant risk factors.
Characterization of Affitin proteolytic digestion in biorelevant media and improvement of their stabilities via protein engineering
Authors: Loussouarn Aurélie , Béhar Ghislaine , Pecorari Frédéric , Croyal Mikael , Renodon-Cornière Axelle
Published: November 2020

Affitins are a novel class of small 7 kDa artificial proteins which can be used as antibody substitutes in therapeutic, diagnostic and biotechnological applications. One challenge for this type of protein agent is their behaviour in the context of oral administration. The digestive system is central, and biorelevant media have fast emerged as relevant and reliable tools for evaluating the bioavailability of drugs. This study describes, for the first time, the stability of Affitins under simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. Affitins appear to be degraded into stable fragments in in vitro gastric medium. We identified cleavage sites generated by pepsin that were silenced by site-directed mutagenesis. This protein engineering allowed us to enhance Affitin properties. We showed that a mutant M1 containing a double mutation of amino acid residues 6 and 7 in H4 and C3 Affitins acquired a resistance against proteolytic digestion. In addition, these mutations were beneficial for target affinity, as well as for production yield. Finally, we found that the mutated residues kept or increased the important pH and temperature stabilities of Affitins. These improvements are particularly sought after in the development of engineered binding proteins for research tools, preclinical studies and clinical applications.
Oral probiotics to reduce vaginal group B streptococcal colonization in late pregnancy
Authors: Farr Alex , Sustr Valentina , Kiss Herbert , Rosicky Ingo , Graf Alexandra , Makristathis Athanasios , Foessleitner Philipp , Petricevic Ljubomir
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of oral probiotics to eradicate vaginal GBS colonization during the third trimester of pregnancy. We screened 1058 women for GBS colonization at 33–37 gestational weeks using a combination of vaginal-to-rectal swab and culture-based methods. Women who tested GBS positive were randomized to either the verum group, receiving a dietary probiotic supplement of four viable strains of Lactobacillus twice-daily for 14 days, or to the placebo group. Women underwent follow-up smears, whereat GBS colonization upon follow-up was considered the primary endpoint. We found that 215 women (20.3%) were positive for GBS upon screening, of which 82 (38.1%) were eligible for study inclusion; 41 (50%) of these were randomized to the verum and placebo groups each. After treatment, 21/33 (63.6%) members of the verum group, and 21/27 (77.8%) of the placebo group were still GBS positive (p = 0.24). Four (9.8%) women in the verum group and one (2.4%) in the placebo group experienced preterm birth (p = 0.20); smokers showed significantly higher rates of preterm birth (p = 0.03). Hence, the findings did not support the hypothesis that oral probiotics can eradicate GBS during pregnancy, although we observed a trend toward reduced GBS persistence after probiotic intake.
A sensitive mNeonGreen reporter system to measure transcriptional dynamics in Drosophila development
Authors: Ceolin Stefano , Hanf Monika , Bozek Marta , Storti Andrea Ennio , Gompel Nicolas , Unnerstall Ulrich , Jung Christophe , Gaul Ulrike
Published: November 2020

The gene regulatory network governing anterior–posterior axis formation in Drosophila is a well-established paradigm to study transcription in developmental biology. The rapid temporal dynamics of gene expression during early stages of development, however, are difficult to track with standard techniques. We optimized the bright and fast-maturing fluorescent protein mNeonGreen as a real-time, quantitative reporter of enhancer expression. We derive enhancer activity from the reporter fluorescence dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution, using a robust reconstruction algorithm. By comparing our results with data obtained with the established MS2-MCP system, we demonstrate the higher detection sensitivity of our reporter. We used the reporter to quantify the activity of variants of a simple synthetic enhancer, and observe increased activity upon reduction of enhancer–promoter distance or addition of binding sites for the pioneer transcription factor Zelda. Our reporter system constitutes a powerful tool to study spatio-temporal gene expression dynamics in live embryos.
Extreme shear-deformation-induced modification of defect structures and hierarchical microstructure in an Al–Si alloy
Authors: Gwalani Bharat , Olszta Matthew , Varma Soumya , Li Lei , Soulami Ayoub , Kautz Elizabeth , Pathak Siddhartha , Rohatgi Aashish , Sushko Peter V. , Mathaudhu Suveen , Powell Cynthia A. , Devaraj Arun
Published: November 2020

Extreme shear deformation is used for several material processing methods and is unavoidable in many engineering applications in which two surfaces are in relative motion against each other while in physical contact. The mechanistic understanding of the microstructural evolution of multi-phase metallic alloys under extreme shear deformation is still in its infancy. Here, we highlight the influence of shear deformation on the microstructural hierarchy and mechanical properties of a binary as-cast Al-4 at.% Si alloy. Shear-deformation-induced grain refinement, multiscale fragmentation of the eutectic Si-lamellae, and metastable solute saturated phases with distinctive defect structures led to a two-fold increase in the flow stresses determined by micropillar compression testing. These results highlight that shear deformation can achieve non-equilibrium microstructures with enhanced mechanical properties in Al–Si alloys. The experimental and computational insights obtained here are especially crucial for developing predictive models for microstructural evolution of metals under extreme shear deformation.
Biosensing based on upconversion nanoparticles for food quality and safety applications
Authors: Peltomaa Riikka , Benito-Peña Elena , Gorris Hans H. , Moreno-Bondi María C.
Published: November 2020

The unique optical properties of UCNPs, in particular the ability for background-free optical detection, bestow great potential for food safety and quality monitoring.
Green synthesis of a deep-ultraviolet carbonized nanoprobe for ratiometric fluorescent detection of feroxacin and enrofloxacin in food and serum samples
Authors: Wang Zhong-Xia , Jin Xing , Wang Wen-Juan , Kong Fen-Ying , Zhu Jing , Li Heng-Ye , Ding Yu-Jie , Wang Wei
Published: November 2020

A sensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for EFC and FXC detection in milk and bovine serum samples based on the internal filtration effect.
Initial oxidation of GaAs(100) under near-realistic environments revealed by in situ AP-XPS
Authors: Toyoshima Ryo , Murakami Shunya , Eguchi Shinsuke , Amemiya Kenta , Mase Kazuhiko , Kondoh Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements under O2 ambient reveal that the initial oxidation of the GaAs(100) surface proceeds with a quasi-barrier-less process, concomintantly with forming an As-rich layer at the bulk-oxide interface.
The crystal growth of ortho- and pyrosilicates from W and Mo crucibles
Authors: Tkachenko S. , Arhipov P. , Gerasymov I. , Galenin E. , Shaposhnyk A. , Hryshyna O. , Mateychenko P. , Boyaryntseva Y. , Zelenskaya O. , Lebbou K. , Grynyov B. , Sidletskiy O.
Published: November 2020

The feasibility to grow bulk La-GPS:Ce scintillation crystals by the Czochralski method using Mo crucibles has been reported.
Photoelectrochemical performance and ultrafast dynamics of photogenerated electrons and holes in highly titanium-doped hematite
Authors: Paradzah Alexander T. , Maabong-Tau Kelebogile , Diale Mmantsae , Krüger Tjaart P. J.
Published: November 2020

We present electron–hole recombination rates in improved hematite photoelectrodes containing pseudobrookite and titania overlayers due to high doping.
The dominance of sulfate over two organic ligands in the solvothermal assembly of an undecanuclear cobaltous cluster: crystallography and mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Li-Ping , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: November 2020

The dominance of coordination affinity of SO42− over two organic ligands in the formation of a [Co11] cluster was found, with proposed assembly mechanism of [Co1] → [Co2] → [Co3] → [Co4] → [Co5] → [Co9] → [Co10] → [Co11] by time-dependent MS tracking.
Highly selective gas sensing enabled by filters
Authors: van den Broek Jan , Weber Ines C. , Güntner Andreas T. , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: November 2020

Sorption, size-selective & catalytic film or particle-bed filters dramatically enhance gas sensor selectivity. We critically review 300+ articles and tutorially give guidelines for systematic filter design in air quality, health & food applications.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of MDCK cell adhesion
Authors: Ye Xuanqing , Wang Jiamin , Qiao Zilin , Yang Di , Wang Jiao , Abudureyimu Ayimuguli , Yang Kun , Feng Yuping , Ma Zhongren , Liu Zhenbin
Published: November 2020

Establishing a stable MDCK suspension cell line by genetic engineering has significant potential to aid industrialization of vaccine production. In this study, quantitative proteomics was used to explore adhesion proteins in MDCK cells.
iDHS-DASTS: identifying DNase I hypersensitive sites based on LASSO and stacking learning
Authors: Zhang Shengli , Duan Zhengpeng , Yang Wenhao , Qian Chenlai , You Yiwei
Published: November 2020

The general framework of our work on iDHS-DASTS.
Amphiphilic cationic cyclodextrin nanovesicles: a versatile cue for guiding cell adhesion
Authors: Valle Francesco , Tortorella Silvia , Scala Angela , Cordaro Annalaura , Barbalinardo Marianna , Biscarini Fabio , Mazzaglia Antonino
Published: November 2020

Amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin nanovesicles have been patterned by lithographically controlled wetting for guiding cell adhesion and delivering entrapped molecules (FITC).
Synthesis, cytotoxic activity, ADMET and molecular docking study of quinoline-based hybrid compounds of 1,5-benzothiazepines
Authors: Ngoc Toan Duong , Thanh Nguyen Dinh , Truong Mai Xuan , Nghia Bang Duong , Thanh Nga Mai , Thi Thu Huong Nguyen
Published: November 2020

Some α,β-unsaturated ketones 4a–g of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one were prepared and converted into a series of new hybrid compounds, quinoline-benzothiazepine 6a–g. Compounds 6d and 6g had the best activity against HepG2 and KB cell lines.
In silicodesign of novel benzohydroxamate-based compounds as inhibitors of histone deacetylase 6 based on 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Chu Han , He Qing-xiu , Wang Juan , Hu Yong , Wang Yuan-qiang , Lin Zhi-hua
Published: November 2020

In silicodesign of benzohydroxamate-based selective HDAC6 inhibitors.
Room-temperature fabrication of SiC microwire photodetectors on rigid and flexible substrates via femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Liang Shuyu , Dai Yunzhi , Wang Gong , Xia Hong , Zhao Jihong
Published: November 2020

Herein, a rapid and eco-friendly method for the fabrication of SiC microwires on rigid or flexible substrates is reported. Via the use of FsLDW, SiC nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid environment are assembled into a single microwire to prepare a high-performance PD.
A fluorimetric testing strip for the visual evaluation of mercury in blood using copper nanoclusters with DMSO-enhanced fluorescence and stability
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Wang Fengxiang , Hua Yue , Liu Huan , Yin Mengyuan , Zhang Chunxian , Zhang Yun , Wang Hua
Published: November 2020

Copper nanoclusters with DMSO-enhanced red fluorescence were coated onto test strips for the fluorimetric evaluation of Hg2+ by triggering the fluorescence quenching.
Sputter deposition of highly active complex solid solution electrocatalysts into an ionic liquid library: effect of structure and composition on oxygen reduction activity
Authors: Manjón Alba Garzón , Löffler Tobias , Meischein Michael , Meyer Hajo , Lim Joohyun , Strotkötter Valerie , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ludwig Alfred , Scheu Christina
Published: November 2020

Complex solid solution electrocatalysts (often called high-entropy alloys) present a new catalyst class with highly promising features due to the interplay of multi-element active sites.
Correction: Direct growth of a porous substrate on high-quality graphene via in situ phase inversion of a polymeric solution
Authors: Qin Yanzhe , Koehler Stephan , Hu Yongyou , Wu Yuqing , Peng Xinwen , Ni Ming
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Direct growth of a porous substrate on high-quality graphene via in situ phase inversion of a polymeric solution’ by Yanzhe Qin et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 4953–4958, DOI: 10.1039/C9NR09693K.
Lipase-catalysed polycondensation of levulinic acid derived diol-diamide monomers: access to new poly(ester-co-amide)s
Authors: Meimoun Julie , Bernhard Yann , Pelinski Lydie , Bousquet Till , Pellegrini Sylvain , Raquez Jean-Marie , De Winter Julien , Gerbaux Pascal , Cazaux Frédéric , Tahon Jean-François , Gaucher Valérie , Chenal Thomas , Favrelle-Huret Audrey , Zinck Philippe
Published: November 2020

A new family of biobased poly(ester-co-amide)s is reported from the enzymatic polycondensation of a library of levulinic acid derived diol-diamide monomers with diesters.
Synthetic developments on the preparation of sulfides from thiol-free reagents
Authors: Batista Gabriel M. F. , de Castro Pedro P. , dos Santos Juliana A. , Skrydstrup Troels , Amarante Giovanni W.
Published: November 2020

This critical review covers the main thiolating reagents with respect to their characteristics and reactivities. In fact, they are complementary to each other and bring different thiolation strategies, avoiding the hazardous thiol derivatives.
Improving the internal quantum efficiency of QD/QW hybrid structures by increasing the GaN barrier thickness
Authors: Jia Zhigang , Hao Xiaodong , Lu Taiping , Dong Hailiang , Jia Zhiwei , Ma Shufang , Liang Jian , Jia Wei , Xu Bingshe
Published: November 2020

High-density V-shaped pits cause that InGaN/GaN multi-quantum well becomes QD/QW hybrid structure, and the internal quantum efficiency of the hybrid structure is improved by increasing the thickness of GaN barrier.
Silver nanoribbons achieved by picosecond ablation using cylindrical focusing and SERS-based trace detection of TNT
Authors: Marrapu Haribabu , Avasarala Ravikiran , Soma Venugopal Rao , Balivada Santosh Kumar , Podagatlapalli Gopala Krishna
Published: November 2020

We synthesised silver nanomaterials by laser ablation of Ag in DDW with ∼2 ps pulses using cylindrical focussing geometry. Ag nanoribbons were obtained at ∼1200 μJ input pulse and were utilized to detect TNTviasurface enhanced Raman scattering studies.
Recent advances in the pharmacological diversification of quinazoline/quinazolinone hybrids
Authors: Auti Prashant S. , George Ginson , Paul Atish T.
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in quinazoline/quinazolinone hybrid heterocycles in medicinal chemistry and their pharmacological diversification.
Efficient N-formylation of primary aromatic amines using novel solid acid magnetic nanocatalyst
Authors: Yadav Jitendra Kumar , Yadav Priyanka , Awasthi Satish K. , Agarwal Alka
Published: November 2020

Sulfonic acid functionalized over biguanidine fabricated silica-coated heterogeneous magnetic nanoparticles (NP@SO3H) have been synthesized, well characterized and explored for the first time, as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for N-formylation of primary amines under mild reaction conditions.
Visible light responsive TiO2 photocatalysts for degradation of indoor acetaldehyde
Authors: Yamazaki Suzuko , Kozasa Keisuke , Okimura Kohshiro , Honda Kensuke
Published: November 2020

Cr doped TiO2 powder and film exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of CH3CHO under indoor LED irradiation.
Mechanical properties of CrFeCoNiCux (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) HEAs from first-principles calculations
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Zhipeng , Xiao Hui , Chen Gang , Fan Touwen , Ma Li
Published: November 2020

Frist-principles calculations combined with exact muffin-tin orbitals and coherent potential approximation methods is conducted to investigate the effects of Cu content on mechanical properties of CrFeCoNiCux (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) HEAs.
Highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells produced by maximizing additive engineering
Authors: Qiu Linlin , Zou Jiacheng , Chen Wei-Hsiang , Dong Lika , Mei Deqiang , Song Lixin , Wang Jieqiong , Jiang Pei-Cheng , Du Pingfan , Xiong Jie
Published: November 2020

The crystallinity of a perovskite film can play a key role in the photovoltaic performance and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Engineering of carbon nanotube-grafted carbon nanosheets encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Bai Yu , Ma Jiahuan , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Wang , Qiao Jinshuo , Cai Huiqun , Sun Kening
Published: November 2020

The introduction of volatile zinc and LDHs improves the exposure of active sites, thereby enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of the hierarchical structural material toward the oxygen evolution reaction.
Anin situsolidifying strategy enabling high-voltage all-solid-state Li-metal batteries operating at room temperature
Authors: Cheng Zhu , Pan Hui , Li Chao , Mu Xiaowei , Du Yueming , Zhang Fan , Zhang Xueping , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen
Published: November 2020

An SPI provides fast interfacial ionic transport and superior stability against both Li metal and high-voltage cathodes.
N-doped hierarchical porous carbon derived from bismuth salts decorated ZIF8 as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction
Authors: Yao Pengfei , Li Tianyu , Qiu Yanling , Zheng Qiong , Zhang Huamin , Yan Jingwang , Li Xianfeng
Published: November 2020

The bismuth salts can not only efficiently destroy the Zn–Nx bond at a relatively low temperature, but also enhance the formation of a conductive and hierarchical porous catalyst.
Exceptional interfacial solar evaporationviaheteromorphic PTFE/CNT hollow fiber arrays
Authors: Li Tiantian , Fang Qile , Wang Jianqiang , Lin Haibo , Han Qiu , Wang Peng , Liu Fu
Published: November 2020

An extra energy field from the absorptive base is created, and 360° evaporation is achieved by a versatile heteromorphic array configuration.
High thermoelectric figure of merit in well optimized YbyCo4Sb12
Authors: Alleno E. , Benyahia M. , Vaney J. B. , Provost K. , Paul-Boncour V. , Monnier J. , Dauscher A. , Lenoir B.
Published: November 2020

By carefully controlling the ytterbium concentration, the power factor has been optimized for YbyCo4Sb12, leading to ZT = 1.4 at 750 K in Yb0.15Co4Sb12.
Achieving crystal-induced room temperature phosphorescence and reversible photochromic properties by strong intermolecular interactions
Authors: Xiao Fuming , Wang Mengzhu , Lei Yunxiang , Dai Wenbo , Zhou Yunbing , Liu Miaochang , Gao Wenxia , Huang Xiaobo , Wu Huayue
Published: November 2020

Three novel D–A-type pyranone–carbazole compounds were found to exhibit crystal-induced room temperature phosphorescence and reversible photochromic activities through strong intermolecular interactions.
High‐temperature dielectric properties and impedance spectroscopy of PbHf1−x Snx O3 ceramics
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Gang , Ge Peng‐Zu , Tang Hui , Tang Xin‐Gui , Zeng Si‐Ming , Jiang Yan‐Ping , Tang Zhen‐Hua , Liu Qiu‐Xiang
Published: November 2020

PbHf1−x Snx O3 (PSH) ceramics were synthesised by a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Dielectric properties were investigated in the temperature range of 20–650°C. As the Sn4+ content goes up, the phase transition temperatures of an antiferroelectric (AFE1) to another intermediate antiferroelectric (AFE2) phase and AFE2 to the paraelectric (PE) phase decrease gradually. When x ≥0.1 for PSH ceramics, the ferroelectric (FE) phase appears around 225°C, and phase transition temperature from FE phase to PE phase goes up with the increasing concentration of Sn4+. Moreover, high‐temperature dielectric relaxation (HTDR) phenomenon can be seen from all samples. Mechanism of HTDR was discussed from impedance spectroscopy and conductivity for PSH ceramics. It was found that three dielectric responses were observed in complex impedance plots and HTDR was involved with the movement of oxygen vacancies. Activation energy calculated from dielectric data suggested that the HTDR was governed by the hopping conduction process.
Optimal operation of multi‐vector energy storage systems with fuel cell cars for cost reduction
Authors: Tang Can , Gu Chenghong , Li Junlong , Dong Shufeng
Published: November 2020

Combined borehole (BH) heat storage systems, batteries and power‐to‐gas system have the potential to shift load, reduce carbon emissions, provide hydrogen for fuel cell cars and save energy costs for end customers on an extended scale. This study proposes an optimal operation strategy for a local multi‐vector energy storage system, which includes batteries, BH thermal storage, the power to the gas system and the fuel cell cars system. These storage systems can be divided into the short‐term storage system and inter‐seasonal storage system or low capacity storage system and high capacity storage system. The optimisation problem is divided into a two‐stage framework, (i) the first stage optimisation is seasonal optimisation, which gives an approximate optimal operation plan for BH heat storage systems in the following year; (ii) the second stage develops a day‐ahead robust optimal plan for all storage systems. Finally, the algorithm will return to seasonal optimisation to update the operation plan for BH heat storage systems to make results more accurate. The test case of eight nodes illustrates that the combined energy system of photovoltaic, heat pump power to gas, BH and batteries can provide hydrogen to fuel cell cars and significantly save power costs for customers with the optimal operation.