bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatic windows for human migration out of Africa in the past 300,000 years
Authors: Beyer Robert M. , Krapp Mario , Eriksson Anders , Manica Andrea
Published: August 2021

Whilst an African origin of modern humans is well established, the timings and routes of their expansions into Eurasia are the subject of heated debate, due to the scarcity of fossils and the lack of suitably old ancient DNA. Here, we use high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstructions to estimate how difficult it would have been for humans in terms of rainfall availability to leave the African continent in the past 300k years. We then combine these results with an anthropologically and ecologically motivated estimate of the minimum level of rainfall required by hunter-gatherers to survive, allowing us to reconstruct when, and along which geographic paths, expansions out of Africa would have been climatically feasible. The estimated timings and routes of potential contact with Eurasia are compatible with archaeological and genetic evidence of human expansions out of Africa, highlighting the key role of palaeoclimate variability for modern human dispersals.
Li-ion storage properties of two-dimensional titanium-carbide synthesized via fast one-pot method in air atmosphere
Authors: Ma Guoliang , Shao Hui , Xu Jin , Liu Ying , Huang Qing , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Simon Patrice , Lin Zifeng
Published: August 2021

Structural bidimensional transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXenes) have drawn the attention of the material science research community thanks to their unique physical-chemical properties. However, a facile and cost-effective synthesis of MXenes has not yet been reported. Here, using elemental precursors, we report a method for MXene synthesis via titanium aluminium carbide formation and subsequent in situ etching in one molten salt pot. The molten salts act as the reaction medium and prevent the oxidation of the reactants during the high-temperature synthesis process, thus enabling the synthesis of MXenes in an air environment without using inert gas protection. Cl-terminated Ti3C2Tx and Ti2CTx MXenes are prepared using this one-pot synthetic method, where the in situ etching step at 700 °C requires only approximately 10 mins. Furthermore, when used as an active material for nonaqueous Li-ion storage in a half-cell configuration, the obtained Ti2CTx MXene exhibits lithiation capacity values of approximately 280 mAh g−1 and 160 mAh g−1 at specific currents of 0.1 A g−1 and 2 A g−1, respectively.
Ten-eleven translocation 1 mediated-DNA hydroxymethylation is required for myelination and remyelination in the mouse brain
Authors: Zhang Ming , Wang Jian , Zhang Kaixiang , Lu Guozhen , Liu Yuming , Ren Keke , Wang Wenting , Xin Dazhuan , Xu Lingli , Mao Honghui , Xing Junlin , Gao Xingchun , Jin Weilin , Berry Kalen , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Wu Shengxi , Lu Q. Richard , Zhao Xianghui
Published: August 2021

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins, the dioxygenase for DNA hydroxymethylation, are important players in nervous system development and diseases. However, their role in myelination and remyelination after injury remains elusive. Here, we identify a genome-wide and locus-specific DNA hydroxymethylation landscape shift during differentiation of oligodendrocyte-progenitor cells (OPC). Ablation of Tet1 results in stage-dependent defects in oligodendrocyte (OL) development and myelination in the mouse brain. The mice lacking Tet1 in the oligodendrocyte lineage develop behavioral deficiency. We also show that TET1 is required for remyelination in adulthood. Transcriptomic, genomic occupancy, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) profiling reveal a critical TET1-regulated epigenetic program for oligodendrocyte differentiation that includes genes associated with myelination, cell division, and calcium transport. Tet1-deficient OPCs exhibit reduced calcium activity, increasing calcium activity rescues the differentiation defects in vitro. Deletion of a TET1-5hmC target gene, Itpr2, impairs the onset of OPC differentiation. Together, our results suggest that stage-specific TET1-mediated epigenetic programming and intracellular signaling are important for proper myelination and remyelination in mice.
The landscape of alternative polyadenylation in single cells of the developing mouse embryo
Authors: Agarwal Vikram , Lopez-Darwin Sereno , Kelley David R. , Shendure Jay
Published: August 2021

3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) post-transcriptionally regulate mRNA stability, localization, and translation rate. While 3′-UTR isoforms have been globally quantified in limited cell types using bulk measurements, their differential usage among cell types during mammalian development remains poorly characterized. In this study, we examine a dataset comprising ~2 million nuclei spanning E9.5–E13.5 of mouse embryonic development to quantify transcriptome-wide changes in alternative polyadenylation (APA). We observe a global lengthening of 3′ UTRs across embryonic stages in all cell types, although we detect shorter 3′ UTRs in hematopoietic lineages and longer 3′ UTRs in neuronal cell types within each stage. An analysis of RNA-binding protein (RBP) dynamics identifies ELAV-like family members, which are concomitantly induced in neuronal lineages and developmental stages experiencing 3′-UTR lengthening, as putative regulators of APA. By measuring 3′-UTR isoforms in an expansive single cell dataset, our work provides a transcriptome-wide and organism-wide map of the dynamic landscape of alternative polyadenylation during mammalian organogenesis.
Completely non-fused electron acceptor with 3D-interpenetrated crystalline structure enables efficient and stable organic solar cell
Authors: Ma Lijiao , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhu Jincheng , Wang Jingwen , Ren Junzhen , Zhang Jianqi , Hou Jianhui
Published: August 2021

Non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) based on non-fused conjugated structures have more potential to realize low-cost organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. However, their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) are much lower than those of the fused-ring NFAs. Herein, a new bithiophene-based non-fused core (TT-Pi) featuring good planarity as well as large steric hindrance was designed, based on which a completely non-fused NFA, A4T-16, was developed. The single-crystal result of A4T-16 reveals that a three-dimensional interpenetrating network can be formed due to the compact π–π stacking between the adjacent end-capping groups. A high PCE of 15.2% is achieved based on PBDB-TF:A4T-16, which is the highest value for the cells based on the non-fused NFAs. Notably, the device retains ~84% of its initial PCE after 1300 h under the simulated AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW cm−2). Overall, this work provides insight into molecule design of the non-fused NFAs from the aspect of molecular geometry control.
Cas9-derived peptides presented by MHC Class II that elicit proliferation of CD4+ T-cells
Authors: Simhadri Vijaya L. , Hopkins Louis , McGill Joseph R. , Duke Brian R. , Mukherjee Swati , Zhang Kate , Sauna Zuben E.
Published: August 2021

CRISPR–Cas9 mediated genome editing offers unprecedented opportunities for treating human diseases. There are several reports that demonstrate pre-existing immune responses to Cas9 which may have implications for clinical development of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene therapy. Here we use 209 overlapping peptides that span the entire sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a cohort of donors with a distribution of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) alleles comparable to that in the North American (NA) population to identify the immunodominant regions of the SaCas9 protein. We also use an MHC Associated Peptide Proteomics (MAPPs) assay to identify SaCas9 peptides presented by MHC Class II (MHC-II) proteins on dendritic cells. Using these two data sets we identify 22 SaCas9 peptides that are both presented by MHC-II proteins and stimulate CD4+ T-cells.
Neutralization of MERS coronavirus through a scalable nanoparticle vaccine
Authors: Mohsen Mona O. , Rothen Dominik , Balke Ina , Martina Byron , Zeltina Vilija , Inchakalody Varghese , Gharailoo Zahra , Nasrallah Gheyath , Dermime Said , Tars Kaspars , Vogel Monique , Zeltins Andris , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: August 2021

MERS-CoV continues to cause human outbreaks, so far in 27 countries worldwide following the first registered epidemic in Saudi Arabia in 2012. In this study, we produced a nanovaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs are safe vaccine platforms as they lack any replication-competent genetic material, and are used since many years against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis E virus (HEV) and human papilloma virus (HPV). In order to produce a vaccine that is readily scalable, we genetically fused the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of MERS-CoV spike protein into the surface of cucumber-mosaic virus VLPs. The employed CuMVTT-VLPs represent a new immunologically optimized vaccine platform incorporating a universal T cell epitope derived from tetanus toxin (TT). The resultant vaccine candidate (mCuMVTT-MERS) is a mosaic particle and consists of unmodified wild type monomers and genetically modified monomers displaying RBM, co-assembling within E. coli upon expression. mCuMVTT-MERS vaccine is self-adjuvanted with ssRNA, a TLR7/8 ligand which is spontaneously packaged during the bacterial expression process. The developed vaccine candidate induced high anti-RBD and anti-spike antibodies in a murine model, showing high binding avidity and an ability to completely neutralize MERS-CoV/EMC/2012 isolate, demonstrating the protective potential of the vaccine candidate for dromedaries and humans.
Intrinsic activation of β-catenin signaling by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated exon skipping contributes to immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Akasu Masafumi , Shimada Shu , Kabashima Ayano , Akiyama Yoshimitsu , Shimokawa Masahiro , Akahoshi Keiichi , Kudo Atsushi , Yamaoka Shoji , Tanabe Minoru , Tanaka Shinji
Published: August 2021

Comprehensive analysis of clinical samples has recently identified molecular and immunological classification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the CTNNB1 (β-catenin)-mutated subtype exhibits distinctive characteristics of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. For clarifying the molecular mechanisms, we first established human and mouse HCC cells with exon 3 skipping of β-catenin, which promoted nuclear translocation and activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, by using newly developed multiplex CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering system. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated downregulation of immune-associated gene sets in the HCC cells with activated β-catenin signaling. Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles between HCC cells harboring wild-type and exon 3 skipping β-catenin elucidated that the expression levels of four cytokines were commonly decreased in human and mouse β-catenin-mutated HCC cells. Public exome and transcriptome data of 373 human HCC samples showed significant downregulation of two candidate cytokine genes, CCL20 and CXCL2, in HCC tumors with β-catenin hotspot mutations. T cell killing assays and immunohistochemical analysis of grafted tumor tissues demonstrated that the mouse Ctnnb1Δex3 HCC cells evaded immunosurveillance. Taken together, this study discovered that cytokine controlled by β-catenin signaling activation could contribute to immune evasion, and provided novel insights into cancer immunotherapy for the β-catenin-mutated HCC subtype.
Evaluation of a mechanical lung model to test small animal whole body plethysmography
Authors: Hülsmann Swen , Khan Amara , Hagos Liya , Hindermann Martin , Nägel Torsten , Dullin Christian
Published: August 2021

Whole-body plethysmography (WBP) is an established method to determine physiological parameters and pathophysiological alteration of breathing in animals and animal models of a variety of diseases. Although frequently used, there is ongoing debate about what exactly is measured by whole-body-plethysmography and how reliable the data derived from this method are. Here, we designed an artificial lung model that enables a thorough evaluation of different predictions about and around whole-body plethysmography. Using our lung model, we confirmed that during WBP two components contribute to the pressure changes detected in the chamber: (1) the increase in the pressure due to heating and moistening of the air during inspiration, termed conditioning; (2) changes in the chamber pressure that depend on airway resistance. Both components overlap and contribute to the temporal pressure-profile measured in the chamber or across the wall of the chamber, respectively. Our data showed that a precise measurement of the breathing volume appears to be hindered by at least two factors: (1) the unknown relative contribution of each of these two components; (2) not only the air in the inspired volume is conditioned during inspiration, but also air within the residual volume and dead space that is recruited during inspiration. Moreover, our data suggest that the expiratory negative pressure peak that is used to determine the enhanced pause (Penh) parameter is not a measure for airway resistance as such but rather a consequence of the animal’s response to the airway resistance, using forced or active expiration to overcome the resistance by a higher thoracic pressure.
State selective fragmentation of doubly ionized sulphur dioxide
Authors: Jarraya M. , Wallner M. , Nyman G. , Yaghlane S. Ben , Hochlaf M. , Eland J. H. D. , Feifel R.
Published: August 2021

Using multi-electron–ion coincidence measurements combined with high level calculations, we show that double ionisation of SO2at 40.81 eV can be state selective. It leads to high energy products, in good yield, via a newly identified mechanism, which is likely to apply widely to multiple ionisation by almost all impact processes.
Ag nanoparticles immobilized on new magnetic alginate halloysite as a recoverable catalyst for reduction of nitroaromatics in aqueous media
Authors: Mohammadi Pourya , Heravi Majid , Daraie Mansoureh
Published: August 2021

Amines can be applied in the synthesis of various important compounds such as dyes, drugs, polymers, pharmaceutical products, and biologically active materials. The significant subject in the preparation of amines is the selection of the most effective heterogeneous catalyst to get the best catalytic efficiency, stability, recoverability, and reusability. For this target, we prepared new alginate magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst by stabilization of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of the halloysite (HS) [HS-Alginate-Ag/Fe3O4]. Several detection methods confirmed the production of HS-Alginate-Ag/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst and the results obtained were well explained in the context. HS-Alginate-Ag/Fe3O4 presented good catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of nitro compounds using NaBH4 as the reducing agent and hydrogen donor. The good activity and durability of this catalyst can be attributed to the good dispersion and nano-sized particle of silver nanoparticles.
Establishment and genetic characterization of cell lines derived from proliferating nasal polyps and sinonasal inverted papillomas
Authors: Nukpook Thawaree , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Kiyono Tohru , Kasemsiri Pornthep , Teeramatwanich Watchareporn , Vatanasapt Patravoot , Chaiwiriyakul Surachat , Ungarreevittaya Piti , Kampan Jureeporn , Muisuk Kanha , Pientong Chamsai
Published: August 2021

To better understand the pathogenesis of nasal polyps (NPs) and sinonasal inverted papillomas (SIPs), we aimed to establish cell lines from fresh tissues of NPs and SIPs and characterize them. Primary cell cultures were obtained from two NP tissues (NP2 and NP3) and one SIP tissue (IP4). All the cells were polygonal in shape, expressed cytokeratin 14, and had normal diploid chromosome status. HPV58 DNA was detected in NP3. To obtain immortal primary cells, NP2 and IP4 cells were transduced with a combination of mutant CDK4, cyclinD1 and TERT. These cells were thereafter named NP2/K4DT and IP4/K4DT, respectively. HPV58-positive NP3 cells were transduced with TERT alone, the resulting cells named NP3/T. Phenotypic and genotypic identity of original tissues and derived cells was investigated. All the cell cultures with transgenes were confirmed to be derived from their parental cells and primary tumor tissues by analysis of short tandem repeats (STR) and maintained in vitro growth, genetic profiles and gene expression characteristics of the primary cells. These virtually immortalized cells, as well as the primary cells, have potential as in vitro models for studying the pathogenesis of NPs and SIPs and for preclinical study to develop new therapeutic agents.
Molecular coupling competing with defects within insulator of the magnetic tunnel junction-based molecular spintronics devices
Authors: Tyagi Pawan , Brown Hayden , Grizzle Andrew , D’Angelo Christopher , Dahal Bishnu R.
Published: August 2021

Nearly 70 years old dream of incorporating molecule as the device element is still challenged by competing defects in almost every experimentally tested molecular device approach. This paper focuses on the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based molecular spintronics device (MTJMSD) method. An MTJMSD utilizes a tunnel barrier to ensure a robust and mass-producible physical gap between two ferromagnetic electrodes. MTJMSD approach may benefit from MTJ's industrial practices; however, the MTJMSD approach still needs to overcome additional challenges arising from the inclusion of magnetic molecules in conjunction with competing defects. Molecular device channels are covalently bonded between two ferromagnets across the insulating barrier. An insulating barrier may possess a variety of potential defects arising during the fabrication or operational phase. This paper describes an experimental and theoretical study of molecular coupling between ferromagnets in the presence of the competing coupling via an insulating tunnel barrier. We discuss the experimental observations of hillocks and pinhole-type defects producing inter-layer coupling that compete with molecular device elements. We performed theoretical simulations to encompass a wide range of competition between molecules and defects. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) was used for investigating the defect-induced inter-layer coupling on MTJMSD. Our research may help understand and design molecular spintronics devices utilizing various insulating spacers such as aluminum oxide (AlOx) and magnesium oxide (MgO) on a wide range of metal electrodes. This paper intends to provide practical insights for researchers intending to investigate the molecular device properties via the MTJMSD approach and do not have a background in magnetic tunnel junction fabrication.
3D printing fluorescent material with tunable optical properties
Authors: Ruiz Alberto J. , Garg Sadhya , Streeter Samuel S. , Giallorenzi Mia K. , LaRochelle Ethan P. M. , Samkoe Kimberley S. , Pogue Brian W.
Published: August 2021

The 3D printing of fluorescent materials could help develop, validate, and translate imaging technologies, including systems for fluorescence-guided surgery. Despite advances in 3D printing techniques for optical targets, no comprehensive method has been demonstrated for the simultaneous incorporation of fluorophores and fine-tuning of absorption and scattering properties. Here, we introduce a photopolymer-based 3D printing method for manufacturing fluorescent material with tunable optical properties. The results demonstrate the ability to 3D print various individual fluorophores at reasonably high fluorescence yields, including IR-125, quantum dots, methylene blue, and rhodamine 590. Furthermore, tuning of the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients is demonstrated within the relevant mamalian soft tissue coefficient ranges of 0.005–0.05 mm−1 and 0.2–1.5 mm−1, respectively. Fabrication of fluorophore-doped biomimicking and complex geometric structures validated the ability to print feature sizes less than 200 μm. The presented methods and optical characterization techniques provide the foundation for the manufacturing of solid 3D printed fluorescent structures, with direct relevance to biomedical optics and the broad adoption of fast manufacturing methods in fluorescence imaging.
Ternary optimization for designing metasurfaces
Authors: Hojjati Azin , Soleimani Mohammad , Nayyeri Vahid , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: August 2021

A fully automated approach for designing metasurfaces whose unit cell may include metallic vias is proposed. Towards this aim, a ternary version of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed in order to find the optimal metallic pattern and via-hole positions simultaneously. In the proposed design method, the upper surface of the unit cell is first pixelated. One of the possible three states of a metallic covered pixel, an uncovered etched pixel and a pixel containing a centered metalized via-hole is assigned to each pixel. The optimal state of each pixel is then determined by utilizing a ternary PSO algorithm to achieve favorable design goals. This method can be used for designing various metasurfaces as well as other via-assisted electromagnetic structures. As a proof of concept, the proposed method was applied to design two surfaces: a frequency selective surface with a minimum resonance frequency, and a linear-to-circular polarization converter with a maximum polarization conversion bandwidth. Comparison of the results with previous works confirms the efficiency and capability of the proposed method to design diverse metasurfaces in an automated fashion without the need for any theoretical or physical model.
Decreased PGC1β expression results in disrupted human erythroid differentiation, impaired hemoglobinization and cell cycle exit
Authors: Sen Taha , Chen Jun , Singbrant Sofie
Published: August 2021

Production of red blood cells relies on proper mitochondrial function, both for their increased energy demands during differentiation and for proper heme and iron homeostasis. Mutations in genes regulating mitochondrial function have been reported in patients with anemia, yet their pathophysiological role often remains unclear. PGC1β is a critical coactivator of mitochondrial biogenesis, with increased expression during terminal erythroid differentiation. The role of PGC1β has however mainly been studied in skeletal muscle, adipose and hepatic tissues, and its function in erythropoiesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that perturbed PGC1β expression in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from both bone marrow and cord blood results in impaired formation of early erythroid progenitors and delayed terminal erythroid differentiation in vitro, with accumulations of polychromatic erythroblasts, similar to MDS-related refractory anemia. Reduced levels of PGC1β resulted in deregulated expression of iron, heme and globin related genes in polychromatic erythroblasts, and reduced hemoglobin content in the more mature bone marrow derived reticulocytes. Furthermore, PGC1β knock-down resulted in disturbed cell cycle exit with accumulation of erythroblasts in S-phase and enhanced expression of G1-S regulating genes, with smaller reticulocytes as a result. Taken together, we demonstrate that PGC1β is directly involved in production of hemoglobin and regulation of G1-S transition and is ultimately required for proper terminal erythroid differentiation.
Impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on hepatic CYP2C9 expression and activity in Hungarian subjects
Authors: Fekete Ferenc , Mangó Katalin , Déri Máté , Incze Evelyn , Minus Annamária , Monostory Katalin
Published: August 2021

CYP2C9, one of the most abundant hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, is involved in metabolism of 15–20% of clinically important drugs (warfarin, sulfonylureas, phenytoin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs). To avoid adverse events and/or impaired drug-response, CYP2C9 pharmacogenetic testing is recommended. The impact of CYP2C9 polymorphic alleles (CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3) and phenoconverting non-genetic factors on CYP2C9 function and expression was investigated in liver tissues from Caucasian subjects (N = 164). The presence of CYP2C9*3 allele was associated with CYP2C9 functional impairment, and CYP2C9*2 influenced tolbutamide 4′-hydroxylase activity only in subjects with two polymorphic alleles, whereas the contribution of CYP2C8*3 was not confirmed. In addition to CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms, non-genetic factors (co-medication with CYP2C9-specific inhibitors/inducers and non-specific factors including amoxicillin + clavulanic acid therapy or chronic alcohol consumption) contributed to the prediction of hepatic CYP2C9 activity; however, a CYP2C9 genotype–phenotype mismatch still existed in 32.6% of the subjects. Substantial variability in CYP2C9 mRNA levels, irrespective of CYP2C9 genotype, was demonstrated; however, CYP2C9 induction and non-specific non-genetic factors potentially resulting in liver injury appeared to modify CYP2C9 expression. In conclusion, complex implementation of CYP2C9 genotype and non-genetic factors for the most accurate estimation of hepatic CYP2C9 activity may improve efficiency and safety of medication with CYP2C9 substrate drugs in clinical practice.
Heat hardening enhances mitochondrial potential for respiration and oxidative defence capacity in the mantle of thermally stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Georgoulis Ioannis , Feidantsis Konstantinos , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Kakale Asimina , Bock Christian , Pörtner Hans O. , Sokolova Inna M. , Michaelidis Basile
Published: August 2021

Ectotherms are exposed to a range of environmental temperatures and may face extremes beyond their upper thermal limits. Such temperature extremes can stimulate aerobic metabolism toward its maximum, a decline in aerobic substrate oxidation, and a parallel increase of anaerobic metabolism, combined with ROS generation and oxidative stress. Under these stressful conditions, marine organisms recruit several defensive strategies for their maintenance and survival. However, thermal tolerance of ectothermic organisms may be increased after a brief exposure to sub-lethal temperatures, a process known as "hardening". In our study, we examined the ability ofM. galloprovincialisto increase its thermal tolerance under the effect of elevated temperatures (24, 26 and 28 °C) through the "hardening" process. Our results demonstrate that this process can increase the heat tolerance and antioxidant defense of heat hardened mussels through more efficient ETS activity when exposed to temperatures beyond 24 °C, compared to non-hardened individuals. Enhanced cell protection is reflected in better adaptive strategies of heat hardened mussels, and thus decreased mortality. Although hardening seems a promising process for the maintenance of aquacultured populations under increased seasonal temperatures, further investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating mussels’ heat resistance is required.
Right versus left ventricular remodeling in heart failure due to chronic volume overload
Authors: Havlenova Tereza , Skaroupkova Petra , Miklovic Matus , Behounek Matej , Chmel Martin , Jarkovska Dagmar , Sviglerova Jitka , Stengl Milan , Kolar Michal , Novotny Jiri , Benes Jan , Cervenka Ludek , Petrak Jiri , Melenovsky Vojtech
Published: August 2021

Mechanisms of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in heart failure (HF) are poorly understood. RV response to volume overload (VO), a common contributing factor to HF, is rarely studied. The goal was to identify interventricular differences in response to chronic VO. Rats underwent aorto-caval fistula (ACF)/sham operation to induce VO. After 24 weeks, RV and left ventricular (LV) functions, gene expression and proteomics were studied. ACF led to biventricular dilatation, systolic dysfunction and hypertrophy affecting relatively more RV. Increased RV afterload contributed to larger RV stroke work increment compared to LV. Both ACF ventricles displayed upregulation of genes of myocardial stress and metabolism. Most proteins reacted to VO in a similar direction in both ventricles, yet the expression changes were more pronounced in RV (pslope: < 0.001). The most upregulated were extracellular matrix (POSTN, NRAP, TGM2, CKAP4), cell adhesion (NCAM, NRAP, XIRP2) and cytoskeletal proteins (FHL1, CSRP3) and enzymes of carbohydrate (PKM) or norepinephrine (MAOA) metabolism. Downregulated were MYH6 and FAO enzymes. Therefore, when exposed to identical VO, both ventricles display similar upregulation of stress and metabolic markers. Relatively larger response of ACF RV compared to the LV may be caused by concomitant pulmonary hypertension. No evidence supports RV chamber-specific regulation of protein expression in response to VO.
CD8+ T lymphocyte is a main source of interferon-gamma production in Takayasu’s arteritis
Authors: Ren Yan-Long , Li Tao-Tao , Cui Wei , Zhao Li-Min , Gao Na , Liao Hua , Zhang Jiang-Hui , Zhu Jun-Ming , Qiao Zhi-Yu , Guo Shi-Chao , Pan Li-Li
Published: August 2021

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK). However, the source of IFN-γ in TAK patients is not fully clear. We aimed to investigate the source of IFN-γ in TAK. 60 TAK patients and 35 health controls were enrolled. The lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry, cytokines were detected by Bio-plex. The correlation among lymphocyte subsets, cytokines and disease activity indexes was analyzed by person correlation. The level of serum IFN-γ in TAK patients was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3+IFN-γ+ cells in peripheral blood CD3+ cells was significantly higher in TAK patients than that of healthy control group (P = 0.002). A higher proportion of CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ cells/CD3+IFN-γ+ cells (40.23 ± 11.98% vs 35.12 ± 11.51%, P = 0.049), and a significantly lower CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+/ CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ ratio (1.34 ± 0.62% vs 1.80 ± 1.33%, P = 0.027) were showed in the TAK group than that of control group. The CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+/CD3+IFN-γ+ ratio was positively correlated with CD3+IFN-γ+cells/ CD3+cells ratio (r = 0.430, P = 0.001), serum IFN-γ level (r = 0.318, P = 0.040) and IL-17 level (r = 0.326, P = 0.031). It was negatively correlated with CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+/CD3+IFN-γ+ ratio (r = − 0.845, P < 0.001). IFN-γ secreted by CD3+CD8 + T cells is an important source of serum IFN-γ in TAK patients.
Dual-pulse photoactivated atomic force microscopy
Authors: Park Byullee , Lee Seunghyun , Kwon Jimin , Kim Woojo , Jung Sungjune , Kim Chulhong
Published: August 2021

Photoactivated atomic force microscopy (pAFM), which integrates light excitation and mechanical detection of the deflections of a cantilever tip, has become a widely used tool for probing nanoscale structures. Raising the illuminating laser power is an obvious way to boost the signal-to-noise ratio of pAFM, but strong laser power can damage both the sample and cantilever tip. Here, we demonstrate a dual-pulse pAFM (DP-pAFM) that avoids this problem by using two laser pulses with a time delay. The first laser heats the light absorber and alters the local Grüneisen parameter value, and the second laser boosts the mechanical vibration within the thermal relaxation time. Using this technique, we successfully mapped the optical structures of small-molecule semiconductor films. Of particular interest, DP-pAFM clearly visualized nanoscale cracks in organic semiconductor films, which create crucial problems for small-molecule semiconductors. DP-pAFM opens a promising new optical avenue for studying complex nanoscale phenomena in various research fields.
Tumour-on-chip microfluidic platform for assessment of drug pharmacokinetics and treatment response
Authors: Petreus Tudor , Cadogan Elaine , Hughes Gareth , Smith Aaron , Pilla Reddy Venkatesh , Lau Alan , O’Connor Mark James , Critchlow Susan , Ashford Marianne , Oplustil O’Connor Lenka
Published: August 2021

Microphysiological in vitro systems are platforms for preclinical evaluation of drug effects and significant advances have been made in recent years. However, existing microfluidic devices are not yet able to deliver compounds to cell models in a way that reproduces the real physiological drug exposure. Here, we introduce a novel tumour-on-chip microfluidic system that mimics the pharmacokinetic profile of compounds on 3D tumour spheroids to evaluate their response to the treatments. We used this platform to test the response of SW620 colorectal cancer spheroids to irinotecan (SN38) alone and in combination with the ATM inhibitor AZD0156, using concentrations mimicking mouse plasma exposure profiles of both agents. We explored spheroid volume and viability as a measure of cancer cells response and changes in mechanistically relevant pharmacodynamic biomarkers (γH2AX, cleaved-caspase 3 and Ki67). We demonstrate here that our microfluidic tumour-on-chip platform can successfully predict the efficacy from in vivo studies and therefore represents an innovative tool to guide drug dose and schedules for optimal efficacy and pharmacodynamic assessment, while reducing the need for animal studies.
Long-term stable compressive elastocaloric cooling system with latent heat transfer
Authors: Bachmann Nora , Fitger Andreas , Maier Lena Maria , Mahlke Andreas , Schäfer-Welsen Olaf , Koch Thomas , Bartholomé Kilian
Published: August 2021

Elastocaloric cooling systems can evolve into an environmentally friendly alternative to compressor-based cooling systems. One of the main factors preventing its application is a poor long-term stability of the elastocaloric material. This especially applies to systems that work with tensile loads and which benefit from the large surface area for heat transfer. Exerting compressive instead of tensile loads on the material increases long-term stability—though at the expense of cooling power density. Here, we present a heat transfer concept for elastocaloric systems where heat is transferred by evaporation and condensation of a fluid. Enhanced heat transfer rates allow us to choose the sample geometry more freely and thereby realize a compression-based system showing unprecedented long-term stability of 107 cycles and cooling power density of 6270 W kg−1.
Photochemistry of carbon nitrides and heptazine derivatives
Authors: Hwang Doyk , Schlenker Cody W.
Published: August 2021

This article highlights the photochemistry of heptazine derivatives, a structural monomer unit of carbon nitride photocatalysts.
Enantioselective synthesis of 1-aminoindene derivatives via asymmetric Brønsted acid catalysis
Authors: Wu Xiang , Ding Du , Zhang Ying , Jiang Hua-Jie , Wang Tao , Zhao Li-Ping
Published: August 2021

A catalytic asymmetric iminium ion cyclization reaction of simple 2-alkenylbenzaldimines using a BINOL-derived chiral N-triflyl phosphoramide was described. The corresponding 1-aminoindenes and tetracyclic 1-aminoindanes are formed in good yields and high enantioselectivities.
A Rh-substituted polyoxometalate with an acetate-modified building block {As2W22O76(CH3COO)2}
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhang Xue , Wan Rong , Li Huafeng , Hong Yumei , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: August 2021

The first example of Rh-substituted organic–inorganic hybrid arsenotungstate [H2N(CH3)2]8{[Na(H2O)4]NaAs2W22(CH3COO)2O76 Rh2(N(CH3)2)2}·H2O (1) has been synthesized and the Rh–As bond has been first presented in POM chemistry.
Covalent and non-covalent interactions of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside with milk proteins revealed modifications in protein conformational structures, digestibility, and allergenic characteristics
Authors: Zhang Qiaozhi , Cheng Zhouzhou , Chen Ruyan , Wang Yanbo , Miao Song , Li Zhenxing , Wang Shunyu , Fu Linglin
Published: August 2021

Currently, there is a need to explore the effects of different types of protein–anthocyanin complexations, as well as the possible changes in the nutrition and allergenicity of the formed complexes.
Identification and detection of bioactive compounds in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using a gas sensor array based on molecularly imprinted polymer quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Hardoyono Fajar , Windhani Kikin
Published: August 2021

Four bioactive compounds in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) have been identified using a gas sensor array based on a molecularly imprinted polymer-quartz crystal microbalance (MIP-QCM).
Iron catalyzed β-C(sp2)–H alkylation of enamides
Authors: Bertho Sylvain , Maazaoui Radhouan , Torun Damla , Dondasse Ismaël , Abderrahim Raoudha , Nicolas Cyril , Gillaizeau Isabelle
Published: August 2021

An attractive and cheap alternative approach was developed for the β-C(sp2)–H (fluoro)alkylation of a range of cyclic and acyclic non-aromatic enamides using either FeCl2 as a catalyst or a stoichiometric amount of nontoxic iron powder.
Self-driven SnS1−xSex alloy/GaAs heterostructure based unique polarization sensitive photodetectors
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Gao Wei , He Mengjie , Zhang Shuai , Huang Ying , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Luo Dongxiang , Wu Fugen , Xia Congxin , Li Jingbo
Published: August 2021

The growth of 2D SnS1−xSex (x = 0, 0.5, 1) nanosheets and the construction of a hybrid SnS0.5Se0.5/GaAs heterostructure based self-driven photodetector with high photosensitivity.
A silyl ether-protected building block for O-GlcNAcylated peptide synthesis to enable one-pot acidic deprotection
Authors: Yan Bingjia , Li Wenyi , Hackenberger Christian P. R.
Published: August 2021

In this report, we introduce a novel building block for Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) of β-linked O-GlcNAcylated peptides.
Recent advances and future challenges in the synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines
Authors: Shabalin Dmitrii A.
Published: August 2021

The present review is focused on recent advances (2015–present) in the synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines (also known as Kröhnke pyridines).
Inspired by mussel adhesive protein: hydrophilic cationic copoly(2-oxazoline)s carrying catecholic side chains
Authors: Lüdecke Nils , Schlaad Helmut
Published: August 2021

The cationic ring-opening copolymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and 3,4-dimethoxyaryl-substituted 2-oxazolines yields gradient or random copolymers, which can be converted into adhesive copolymers carrying catecholic and cationic groups.
The influences of monomer structure and solvent on the radical copolymerization of tertiary amine and PEGylated methacrylates
Authors: Quiñonez-Angulo Priscila , Hutchinson Robin A. , Licea-Claveríe Ángel , Saldívar-Guerra Enrique , Zapata-González Iván
Published: August 2021

This work presents a meticulous and rigorous investigation of reactivity ratios of commonly used monomers (PEGMA, DEAEMA, and DMAEMA) with high importance for stimuli-responsive materials; a copolymerization mini-library with 9 systems is reported.
Surface-initiated mechano-ATRP as a convenient tool for tuning of bidisperse magnetorheological suspensions toward extreme kinetic stability
Authors: Cvek Martin , Kollar Jozef , Mrlik Miroslav , Masar Milan , Suly Pavol , Urbanek Michal , Mosnacek Jaroslav
Published: August 2021

Magnetic NPs graftedviamechano-ATRP served as a powerful agent for enhancing performance and stability of magnetorheological suspensions.
Selective oxidation of alcohol-d1 to aldehyde-d1 using MnO2
Authors: Okamura Hironori , Yasuno Yoko , Nakayama Atsushi , Kumadaki Katsushi , Kitsuwa Kohei , Ozawa Keita , Tamura Yusaku , Yamamoto Yuki , Shinada Tetsuro
Published: August 2021

A facile method for deutrium incorporation into aldehydes by mild reduction of NaBD4 of aldehydes and MnO2 oxidation (98% D) is disclosed.
Homogeneous molecular catalysis of the electrochemical reduction of N2O to N2: redox vs. chemical catalysis
Authors: Deeba Rana , Chardon-Noblat Sylvie , Costentin Cyrille
Published: August 2021

Homogeneous electrochemical catalysis of N2O reduction to N2 is investigated with a series of organic catalysts and rhenium and manganese bipyridyl carbonyl complexes.
ArGSLab: a tool for analyzing experimental or simulated particle networks
Authors: Immink Jasper N. , Maris J. J. Erik , Capellmann Ronja F. , Egelhaaf Stefan U. , Schurtenberger Peter , Stenhammar Joakim
Published: August 2021

ArGSLab extracts backbones from colloidal networks, which can in turn be analyzed, and visualized as for instance above. The software can handle both microscopy images and coordinate data as input.
DNA fragmentation in complicated flow fields created by micro-funnel shapes
Authors: Wu Shuyi , Fu Tengfei , Qiu Renhui , Xu Luping
Published: August 2021

The significant effect of the micro-funnel shape on DNA fragmentation performance was systematically investigated by experiments and numerical simulations.
Rational design of an Fe cluster catalyst for robust nitrogen activation
Authors: Dai Tianyi , Lang Xingyou , Wang Zhili , Wen Zi , Jiang Qing
Published: August 2021

A robust N2 activation mode is proposed via transferring electrons to the N2–π* orbitals, py and pz.
A novel video noise reduction method based on PDE, adaptive grouping, and thresholding techniques
Authors: Yahya Ali Abdullah , Tan Jieqing , Hu Min
Published: August 2021

Undoubtedly, video block‐matching and 3D filtering (VBM3D) has achieved a significant improvement in video denoising. Nevertheless, in practice, failure to distinguish between the different noise areas, ignoring noise variances and pixel intensity, false‐similar patches, and poor matching are the challenges faced by the VBM3D filter. To avoid these drawbacks, a new video denoising algorithm is proposed. This algorithm based on the nature of the noise areas and the spatial distance between the reference block and its candidate blocks. In the algorithm, hard‐thresholding in VBM3D is replaced by adaptive filtering. In this adaptive filter, soft‐thresholding is applied to the heavily contaminated areas, whereas anisotropic diffusion filter is applied to the slight‐noise areas. Applying adaptive filtering creates a balance between noise removal and edges conservation. To avert the occurrence of the poor choice of the threshold, noise variances, clean image coefficients, and pixel intensity are taken into consideration during computing the proposed adaptive threshold. Due to the strong possibility of similar correlative blocks happening in the vicinity, an adaptive grouping technique is proposed to compute the distance between a reference block and its candidate blocks. Applying this technique helps to reduce the occurrence of false‐similar blocks and poor matching.
An XMM–Newton catalogue of BL Lacs
Authors: de la Calle Pérez I. , Álvarez Crespo N. , Racero E. , Rouco A.
Published: August 2021

Aims. We present an XMM–Newton catalogue of BL Lac X-ray, optical, and UV properties based on cross-correlation with the 1151 BL Lacs listed in the fifth edition of the Roma–BZCAT.

Methods. We searched for the X-ray counterparts to these objects in the field of view of all pointed observations in the XMM–Newton archive over nearly 20 years of mission. The cross-correlation yields a total of 310 XMM–Newton fields which correspond to 103 different BL Lacs. We homogeneously analysed data from the three EPIC cameras (X-ray) and OM (optical/UV) using the XMM–Newton SAS software, and produced images, light curves, and spectral products for BL Lacs detected in any of the three EPIC cameras. We tested two different phenomenological models, log parabola and power law, with different variations of the absorbing column density and extracted their parameters. We derived time-variability information from the light curves following well-established statistical methods and quantified variability through statistical indicators. OM magnitudes and fluxes were computed wherever possible.

Results. We see that the log parabola model is preferred over the power law model for sources showing higher fluxes, which might indicate that curvature is intrinsic to BL Lacs and is only seen when the flux is high. We present the results of our analysis as a catalogue of X-ray spectral properties of the sample in the 0.2–10 keV energy band as well as in the optical/UV band. We complete the catalogue with multi-wavelength information at radio and γ-ray energies.
Spatially resolved X-ray spectra of the galactic SNR G18.95-1.1: SRG/eROSITA view
Authors: Bykov A. M. , Uvarov Y. A. , Churazov E. M. , Gilfanov M. R. , Medvedev P. S.
Published: August 2021

Aims. We study the X-ray emission of the galactic supernova remnant (SNR) G18.95-1.1 with the eROSITA telescope on board the Spectrum Röntgen Gamma (SRG) orbital observatory. In addition to the pulsar wind nebula that was previously identified and examined by ASCA and Chandra, we study the X-ray spectra of the bright SNR ridge, which is resolved into a few bright clumps.

Methods. The wide field of view and the large collecting area in the 0.2-2.3 keV energy range of SRG/eROSITA allowed us to perform spatially resolved spectroscopy of G18.95-1.1.

Results. The X-ray ridge of G18.95-1.1 is asymmetric, indicating either supernova ejecta asymmetry or their interaction with a cloud. The X-ray dim northern regions outside the pulsar wind nebula can be described by a thin thermal plasma emission with a temperature ~0.3keV and a solar composition. The X-ray spectra of a few bright clumps located along the southern ridge may be satisfactorily approximated by a single thermal component of the Si-rich ejecta at the collisional ionization equilibrium with a temperature of about 0.3 keV. The bright ridge can be alternatively fit with a single component that is not dominated by equilibrium ejecta with T ~ 0.6 keV. The high ratio of the derived Si/O abundances indicates that the ejecta originated in deep layers of the progenitor star. The plasma composition of a southern Si-rich clump and the bright ridge are similar to what was earlier found in the Vela shrapnel A and G.
Mo/W/Al doped tin oxide thin films: exploring optical and mechanical properties for transparent protective coating applications
Authors: Rajeswari Parnandi Venkata , Raghava Yadavalli Venkata Pavana Kumar , Tripathy Sumanta Kumar , Raja Rao Nidasanametla Soma Sundara Venkata
Published: August 2021

For the last few years research has been intensified in exploring and improving mechanical properties of tin oxide thin films besides the optical and electrical ones that enhances the film's functionality and broadens its application purview. The present investigation reports a comprehensive study on the effect of Mo, W, and Al doping on optoelectronic and mechanical properties of tin oxide thin films. The films exhibited an optical transparency over 350–400 nm with an average transmission of 85–98% at 550 nm and mechanical hardness spanning over 2–8 GPa, and electrically resistivity in the range 900–200 Ωm, based on the dopant used and its content. Compared to bare tin oxide film, the doped films exhibited a decrease in optical transparency with an improvement in the hardness. 10 wt.% Mo doped tin oxide film exhibited good average optical transparency 72% at 550 nm, highest elastic recovery of 70%, highest hardness 8.0 ± 0.5 GPa and reduced-modulus of 89 ± 0.5 GPa of all the films. The investigation demonstrates a simple technique of producing mechanically hard tin oxide thin films useful as transparent protective coatings.
Validation of the Mental Toughness Measure of Athletes and Non-athletes with the Structural Equation Model
Authors: Ben Chelbi Issam Eddine , Alem Jaouad , Boudhiba Driss , Hamrouni Sabeur , Khalifa Riadh , Chortane Sabri Gaied
Published: August 2021

The use of structural equation models (SEM) in scientific research perform a promising methodological and empirical direction to validate the measurement of psychological constructs. The aim of this paper is to validate the measurement of mental toughness of athletes and non-athletes with SEM. The sample consisted of 853 Tunisian participants (444 males and 409 females; 409 athletes and 444 non-athletes), aged 14 to 27 years (M=20.38 SD=4.12). The sample completed the Arabic translated questionnaire of Clough, Earle [1] which measures six components of their mental toughness. The SEM approved a good model fit (χ²=1146.33; df =1065; CFI=.93; SRMR=.063; RMSEA=.009) which allows for a valid Arabic-speaking measure of the six components of mental toughness.