bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective assessment of tumor regression in post-neoadjuvant therapy resections for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: comparison of multiple tumor regression grading systems
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Ohkubo Satoshi , Nakano-Narusawa Yuko , Fukumura Yuki , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Sahara Yatsuka , Kawanishi Aya , Takahashi Shinichiro , Arai Tomio , Kojima Motohiro , Mino-Kenudson Mari
Published: October 2020

Neoadjuvant therapy is increasingly used to control local tumor spread and micrometastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Pathology assessments of treatment effects might predict patient outcomes after surgery. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the reproducibility and prognostic performance of commonly used tumor regression grading systems, namely College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Evans’ grading system. Further, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center group (MDA) and the Japan Pancreas Society (JPS) have introduced other grading systems, while we recently proposed a new, simple grading system based on the area of residual tumor (ART). Herein, we aimed to assess and compare the reproducibility and prognostic performance of the modified ART grading system with those of the four grading systems using a multicenter cohort. The study cohort consisted of 97 patients with PDAC who had undergone post-neoadjuvant pancreatectomy at four hospitals. All patients were treated with gemcitabine and S-1 (GS)-based chemotherapies with/without radiation. Two pathologists individually evaluated tumor regression in accordance with the CAP, Evans’, JPS, MDA and ART grading systems, and interobserver concordance was compared between the five systems. The ART grading system was a 5-tiered system based on a number of 40× microscopic fields equivalent to the surface area of the largest ART. Furthermore, the final grades, which were either the concordant grades of the two observers or the majority grades, including those given by the third observer, were correlated with patient outcomes in each system. The interobserver concordance (kappa value) for Evans’, CAP, MDA, JPS and ART grading systems were 0.34, 0.50, 0.65, 0.33, and 0.60, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that higher ART grades were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (p = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.005), while the other grading systems did not show significant association with patient outcomes. The present study revealed that the ART grading system that was designed to be simple and more objective has achieved high concordance and showed a prognostic value; thus it may be most practical for assessing tumor regression in post-neoadjuvant resections for PDAC.
Markers of neutrophil activation and extracellular traps formation are predictive of appendicitis in mice and humans: a pilot study
Authors: Boettcher Michael , Esser Melina , Trah Julian , Klohs Stefan , Mokhaberi Nariman , Wenskus Julia , Trochimiuk Madgalena , Appl Birgit , Reinshagen Konrad , Raluy Laia Pagerols , Klinke Michaela
Published: October 2020

Appendicitis is one of the most frequent emergencies in pediatric surgery, yet current biomarkers for diagnosis are unspecific and have low predictive values. As neutrophils and extracellular traps (ETs) are an essential component of the immune defense against bacterial infections, and appendicitis is considered an inflammation reaction of the appendix, we hypothesized that neutrophil activation and NET formation play an essential role in appendicitis development and maintenance. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to establish a murine model of appendicitis and to evaluate ETs markers to diagnose appendicitis in mice and humans. The study used 20 (12 appendicitis- and 8 controls) 6-week old mice which underwent advanced appendicitis induction using a modified caecal ligation puncture procedure. During the study, cell-free DNA, neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and citrullinated Histone H3 (H3cit) were assessed. Additionally, samples of 5 children with histologically confirmed appendicitis and 5 matched controls with catarrhal appendicitis, were examined for the same biomarkers. Moreover, NE, MPO, and H3cit were assessed histologically via immunofluorescence in mice and humans. All mice in the appendicitis group developed an advanced form of appendicitis with focal peritonitis. In mice and humans with appendicitis, markers of neutrophil activation and ETs formation (especially cfDNA, NE and H3cit) were significantly elevated in blood and tissue compared to controls. Ultimately, biomarkers correlated extremely well with tissue expression and thus disease severity. It appears that neutrophil activation and possibly NETs contribute to appendicitis development and biomarkers of neutrophil activation and ET formation reflect disease severity and thus could be used as biomarkers for appendicitis. However, large prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm our findings.
MutSignatures: an R package for extraction and analysis of cancer mutational signatures
Authors: Fantini Damiano , Vidimar Vania , Yu Yanni , Condello Salvatore , Meeks Joshua J.
Published: October 2020

Cancer cells accumulate somatic mutations as result of DNA damage, inaccurate repair and other mechanisms. Different genetic instability processes result in characteristic non-random patterns of DNA mutations, also known as mutational signatures. We developed mutSignatures, an integrated R-based computational framework aimed at deciphering DNA mutational signatures. Our software provides advanced functions for importing DNA variants, computing mutation types, and extracting mutational signatures via non-negative matrix factorization. Specifically, mutSignatures accepts multiple types of input data, is compatible with non-human genomes, and supports the analysis of non-standard mutation types, such as tetra-nucleotide mutation types. We applied mutSignatures to analyze somatic mutations found in smoking-related cancer datasets. We characterized mutational signatures that were consistent with those reported before in independent investigations. Our work demonstrates that selected mutational signatures correlated with specific clinical and molecular features across different cancer types, and revealed complementarity of specific mutational patterns that has not previously been identified. In conclusion, we propose mutSignatures as a powerful open-source tool for detecting the molecular determinants of cancer and gathering insights into cancer biology and treatment.
Qualitative and quantitative differences in endometrial inflammatory gene expression precede the development of bovine uterine disease
Authors: Brewer Amy , Cormican Paul , Lim Joseph J. , Chapwanya Aspinas , O’Farrelly Cliona , Meade Kieran G.
Published: October 2020

The transcriptome of the endometrium early postpartum was profiled to determine if inflammatory gene expression was elevated in cows which subsequently developed uterine disease. Endometrial cytobrush samples were collected at 7 days postpartum (DPP) from 112 Holstein–Friesian dairy cows, from which 27 were retrospectively chosen for RNA-seq on the basis of disease classification [ten healthy and an additional 17 diagnosed with cytological endometritis (CYTO), or purulent vaginal discharge (PVD)] at 21 DPP. 297 genes were significantly differentially expressed between cows that remained healthy versus those that subsequently developed PVD, including IL1A and IL1B (adjusted p < 0.05). In contrast, only 3 genes were significantly differentially expressed in cows which subsequently developed CYTO. Accounting for the early physiological inflammatory status present in cows which do not develop disease enhanced the detection of differentially expressed genes associated with CYTO and further expression profiling in 51 additional cows showed upregulation of multiple immune genes, including IL1A, IL1B and TNFA. Despite the expected heterogeneity associated with natural infection, enhanced activation of the inflammatory response is likely a key contributory feature of both PVD and CYTO development. Prognostic biomarkers of uterine disease would be particularly valuable for seasonal-based dairy systems where any delay to conception undermines sustainability.
GSK-3β activation is required for ZIP-induced disruption of learned fear
Authors: Song Sukwoon , Kim Jihye , Park Kyungjoon , Lee Junghwa , Park Sewon , Lee Sukwon , Kim Jeongyeon , Hong Ingie , Song Beomjong , Choi Sukwoo
Published: October 2020

The myristoylated zeta inhibitory peptide (ZIP), which was originally developed as a protein kinase C/Mζ (PKCζ/PKMζ) inhibitor, is known to produce the loss of different forms of memories. However, ZIP induces memory loss even in the absence of PKMζ, and its mechanism of action, therefore, remains elusive. Here, through a kinome-wide screen, we found that glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) was robustly activated by ZIP in vitro. ZIP induced depotentiation (a cellular substrate of memory erasure) of conditioning-induced potentiation at LA synapses, and the ZIP-induced depotentiation was prevented by a GSK-3β inhibitor, 6-bromoindirubin-3-acetoxime (BIO-acetoxime). Consistently, GSK-3β inhibition by BIO-acetoxime infusion or GSK-3β knockdown by GSK-3β shRNA in the LA attenuated ZIP-induced disruption of learned fear. Furthermore, conditioned fear was decreased by expression of a non-inhibitable form of GSK-3β in the LA. Our findings suggest that GSK-3β activation is a critical step for ZIP-induced disruption of memory.
Strap muscle invasion in differentiated thyroid cancer does not impact disease-specific survival: a population-based study
Authors: Yoon Ja Kyung , Lee Jandee , Kim Eun-Kyung , Yoon Jung Hyun , Park Vivian Youngjean , Han Kyunghwa , Kwak Jin Young
Published: October 2020

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8thTNM staging system of differentiated thyroid cancer defines gross strap muscle invasion as T3b stage. However, the impact of strap muscle invasion on disease-specific survival (DSS) remains controversial. To elucidate the survival impact of strap muscle invasion of any degree in thyroid cancers, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973–2018) was queried for thyroid cancer only patients on July 2019 (n = 19,914). The Cox proportional hazard analysis with multivariable adjustment revealed that strap muscle invasion was not a significant factor for DSS in tumors equal to or smaller than 40 mm (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.620 [confidence interval (CI) 0.917 – 2.860];p = 0.097). The competing risk analysis with multivariable adjustment showed that strap muscle invasion did not significantly impact DSS regardless of tumor size or cause of death (cancer-caused death (Subdistribution HR (SDHR) = 1.567 [CI 0.984 – 2.495];p = 0.059); deaths to other causes (SDHR = 1.155 [CI 0.842 – 1.585];p = 0.370). A “modified” staging schema discarding strap muscle invasion as a T stage criterion showed better 10-year DSS distinction between T stages. The modified staging schema may better reflect cancer-caused death risk and may prevent potential overstaging.
Addition of anaerobic electron acceptors to solid media did not enhance growth of 125 spacecraft bacteria under simulated low-pressure Martian conditions
Authors: Schwendner Petra , Jobson Mary-Elizabeth , Schuerger Andrew C.
Published: October 2020

To protect Mars from microbial contamination, research on growth of microorganisms found in spacecraft assembly clean rooms under simulated Martian conditions is required. This study investigated the effects of low atmospheric pressure on the growth of chemoorganotrophic spacecraft bacteria and whether the addition of Mars relevant anaerobic electron acceptors might enhance growth. The 125 bacteria screened here were recovered from actual Mars spacecraft. Growth at 7 hPa, 0 °C, and a CO2-enriched anoxic atmosphere (called low-PTA conditions) was tested on five TSA-based media supplemented with anaerobic electron acceptors. None of the 125 spacecraft bacteria showed active growth under the tested low-PTA conditions and amended media. In contrast, a decrease in viability was observed in most cases. Growth curves of two hypopiezotolerant strains, Serratia liquefaciens and Trichococcus pasteurii, were performed to quantify the effects of the added anaerobic electron acceptors. Slight variations in growth rates were determined for both bacteria. However, the final cell densities were similar for all media tested, indicating no general preference for any specific anaerobic electron acceptor. By demonstrating that a broad diversity of chemoorganotrophic and culturable spacecraft bacteria do not grow under the tested conditions, we conclude that there may be low risk of growth of chemoorganotrophic bacteria typically recovered from Mars spacecraft during planetary protection bioburden screenings.
The association between thyroid function biomarkers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Albrecht Diana , Ittermann Till , Thamm Michael , Grabe Hans-Jörgen , Bahls Martin , Völzke Henry
Published: October 2020

The relation between thyroid function biomarkers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents is currently unclear. Cross-sectional data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Baseline) was analyzed to assess the association between thyroid function biomarkers and ADHD in a population-based, nationally representative sample. The study cohort included 11,588 children and adolescents with 572 and 559 having an ADHD diagnosis or symptoms, respectively. ADHD symptoms were assessed through the Inattention/Hyperactivity subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. ADHD diagnosis was determined by a physician or psychologist. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations were determined enzymatically. Adjusted regression models were used to relate serum TSH, fT3, and fT4 with risk for ADHD diagnosis or symptoms. In children, a 1 mIU/l higher TSH was related to a 10% lower risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.00) of ADHD diagnosis. We found a significant positive association between fT3 and continuously assessed ADHD symptoms in children (β 0.08; 95% CI 0.03–0.14). Our results suggest that physical maturity may influence the association between thyroid function biomarkers and risk for ADHD.
Increased intestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Stan Tiberiu Loredan , Soylu-Kucharz Rana , Burleigh Stephen , Prykhodko Olena , Cao Ling , Franke Naomi , Sjögren Marie , Haikal Caroline , Hållenius Frida , Björkqvist Maria
Published: October 2020

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive, multifaceted neurodegenerative disease associated with weight loss and gut problems. Under healthy conditions, tight junction (TJ) proteins maintain the intestinal barrier integrity preventing bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen to the systemic circulation. Reduction of TJs expression in Parkinson’s disease patients has been linked with increased intestinal permeability—leaky gut syndrome. The intestine contains microbiota, most dominant phyla being Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes; in pathogenic or disease conditions the balance between these bacteria might be disrupted. The present study investigated whether there is evidence for an increased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Our data demonstrate that decreased body weight and body length in R6/2 mice is accompanied by a significant decrease in colon length and increased gut permeability compared to wild type littermates, without any significant changes in the protein levels of the tight junction proteins (occludin, zonula occludens). Moreover, we found an altered gut microbiota in R6/2 mice with increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased of Firmicutes. Our results indicate an increased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis in R6/2 mice and further studies investigating the clinical relevance of these findings are warranted.
Experimental observations and density functional simulations on the structural transition behavior of a two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide
Authors: Liu W. , Duan Z. , Zhang C. , Hu X. X. , Cao J. B. , Liu L. J . , Lin L.
Published: October 2020

In this work, we show an obvious evidence of nondestructive Raman spectra for the structural transition, i.e., the existence of a charge density wave (CDW) in monolayer 2H-TaS2, which can exhibit a much higher transition temperature than bulk and results in additional vibrational modes, indicating strong interactions with light. Furthermore, we reveal that the degenerate breath and wiggle modes of 2H-TaS2 originated from the periodic lattice distortion can be probed using the optical methods. Since recently several light-tunable devices have been proposed based on the CDW phase transition of 1 T-TaS2, our study and in particular, the theoretical results will be very helpful for understanding and designing electronic devices based on the CDW of 2H-TaS2.
Reduction of charge offset drift using plasma oxidized aluminum in SETs
Authors: Hong Yanxue , Stein Ryan , Stewart M. D. , Zimmerman Neil M. , Pomeroy J. M.
Published: October 2020

Aluminum oxide ($${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

)-based single-electron transistors (SETs) fabricated in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers using in situ plasma oxidation show excellent stabilities over more than a week, enabling applications as tunnel barriers, capacitor dielectrics or gate insulators in close proximity to qubit devices. Historically, $${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

-based SETs exhibit time instabilities due to charge defect rearrangements and defects in $${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

often dominate the loss mechanisms in superconducting quantum computation. To characterize the charge offset stability of our $${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

-based devices, we fabricate SETs with sub-1 e charge sensitivity and utilize charge offset drift measurements (measuring voltage shifts in the SET control curve). The charge offset drift ($$\Delta {Q_0}$$

Δ

Q
0

) measured from the plasma oxidized $${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

SETs in this work is remarkably reduced (best $$\Delta {Q_0}=0.13 \, \hbox {e} \, \pm \, 0.01 \, \hbox {e}$$

Δ

Q
0

=
0.13

e

±

0.01

e

over $$\approx 7.6$$

≈
7.6

days and no observation of $$\Delta {Q_0}$$

Δ

Q
0

exceeding $$1\, \hbox {e}$$

1

e

), compared to the results of conventionally fabricated $${\text {AlO}}_x$$

AlO
x

tunnel barriers in previous studies (best $$\Delta {Q_0}=0.43 \, \hbox {e} \, \pm \, 0.007 \, \hbox {e}$$

Δ

Q
0

=
0.43

e

±

0.007

e

over $$\approx 9$$

≈
9

days and most $$\Delta {Q_0}\ge 1\, \hbox {e}$$

Δ

Q
0

≥
1

e

within one day). We attribute this improvement primarily to using plasma oxidation, which forms the tunnel barrier with fewer two-level system (TLS) defects, and secondarily to fabricating the devices entirely within a UHV system.
DNA metabarcoding to unravel plant species composition in selected herbal medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) of Thailand
Authors: Urumarudappa Santhosh Kumar J. , Tungphatthong Chayapol , Prombutara Pinidphon , Sukrong Suchada
Published: October 2020

Traditional medicines are widely traded across the globe and have received considerable attention in the recent past, with expectations of heightened demand in the future. However, there are increasing global concerns over admixture, which can affect the quality, safety, and efficacy of herbal medicinal products. In this study, we aimed to use DNA metabarcoding to identify 39 Thai herbal products on the Thai National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and assess species composition and admixture. Among the products, 24 samples were in-house-prepared formulations, and 15 samples were registered formulations. In our study, DNA metabarcoding analysis using ITS2 and rbcL barcode regions were employed to identify herbal ingredients mentioned in the products. The nuclear region, ITS2, was able to identify herbal ingredients in the products at the genus- and family-levels in 55% and 63% of cases, respectively. The chloroplast gene, rbcL, enabled genus- and family-level identifications in 58% and 73% of cases, respectively. In addition, plant species were detected in larger numbers (Family identified, absolute %) in registered herbal products than in in-house-prepared formulations. The level of fidelity increases concerns about the reliability of the products. This study highlights that DNA metabarcoding is a useful analytical tool when combined with advanced chemical techniques for the identification of plant species in highly processed, multi-ingredient herbal products.
The impact of social ties and SARS memory on the public awareness of 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak
Authors: Chen Haohui , Paris Cecile , Reeson Andrew
Published: October 2020

This study examines publicly available online search data in China to investigate the spread of public awareness of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. We found that cities that had previously suffered from SARS (in 2003–04) and have greater migration ties to Wuhan had earlier, stronger and more durable public awareness of the outbreak. Our data indicate that 48 such cities developed awareness up to 19 days earlier than 255 comparable cities, giving them an opportunity to better prepare. This study suggests that it is important to consider memory of prior catastrophic events as they will influence the public response to emerging threats.
Effect of bentonite as a soil amendment on field water-holding capacity, and millet photosynthesis and grain quality
Authors: Mi Junzhen , Gregorich Edward G. , Xu Shengtao , McLaughlin Neil B. , Liu Jinghui
Published: October 2020

A field experiment was conducted in a semi-arid region in northern China to evaluate the effects of bentonite soil amendment on field water-holding capacity, plant available water, and crop photosynthesis and grain quality parameters for millet [Setaria italic (L.) Beauv.] production over a 5-year period. Treatments included six rates of bentonite amendments (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 Mg ha−1) applied only once in 2011. The application of bentonite significantly (P < 0.05) increased field water-holding capacity and plant available water in the 0–40 cm layer. Bentonite also significantly (P < 0.05) increased the emergence rate, above-ground dry matter accumulation (AGDM), net photosynthesis rate (Pr), transpiration rate (Tr), soil and plant analysis development (SPAD) and leaf water use efficiency (WUE). It also increased grain quality parameters including grain protein, fat and fiber content. Averaged over all the years, the optimum rate of bentonite was 24 Mg ha−1 for all plant growth and photosynthesis parameters except for grain quality where 18 Mg ha−1 bentonite had the greatest effect. This study suggests that bentonite application in semi-arid regions would have beneficial effects on crop growth and soil water-holding properties.
Effects of C-type natriuretic peptide on meiotic arrest and developmental competence of bovine oocyte derived from small and medium follicles
Authors: Jia Zhenwei , Wang Xueli
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on meiotic arrest and developmental competence of bovine oocyte derived from follicles of different sizes. Collected immature cumulus-oocyte complexes from small follicles (< 3 mm) and medium follicles (3–8 mm) were cultured for 6 h in basal medium supplementated without or with 200 nM CNP. We observed that CNP effectively sustained meiotic arrest at germinal vesicle stage in in vitro cultured bovine oocytes from follicles of different sizes. Moreover, CNP treatment significantly improved the levels of cGMP in both cumulus cells and oocytes, as well as the levels of cAMP in oocytes regardless of follicle size. Based on the above results, we tested the effect of a novel in vitro maturation (IVM) system based on CNP-pretreatment, including a pre-IVM phase for 6 h using 200 nM CNP, followed by a extended IVM phase for 28 h, on developmental competence of bovine oocyte derived from small follicles (< 3 mm) and medium follicles (3–8 mm) compared to standard IVM system. The results showed that athough the novel IVM system based on CNP-pretreatment enhanced the developmental potencial of oocytes obtained from large follicles, but had no effect on the developmental comptence of oocytes obtained from small follicles.
Prediction of rupture risk in cerebral aneurysms by comparing clinical cases with fluid–structure interaction analyses
Authors: Cho Kwang-Chun , Yang Hyeondong , Kim Jung-Jae , Oh Je Hoon , Kim Yong Bae
Published: October 2020

Cerebral aneurysms should be treated on the basis of accurate rupture risk prediction. Nowadays, the rupture risk in aneurysms has been estimated using hemodynamic parameters. In this paper, we suggest a new way to predict the rupture risks in cerebral aneurysms by using fluid–structure interaction (FSI) analysis for better decision-making regarding treatment. A patient-specific model was constructed using digital subtraction angiography of 51 cerebral aneurysms. For each model, a thin-walled area (TWA) was first predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and then the highest equivalent strain in the TWA was calculated with FSI by varying wall thicknesses and mechanical properties. A critical curve was made from 16 FSI results for each patient-specific model to estimate the rupture risk. On average, the equivalent strains of the ruptured aneurysms were higher than those of the unruptured aneurysms. Furthermore, the patterns of critical curves between unruptured and ruptured aneurysms were clearly distinguishable. From the rupture risk evaluation based on the cut-off value, 24 of the 27 unruptured aneurysms and 15 of the 24 ruptured aneurysms were matched with actual-clinical setting cases. The critical curve proposed in the present study could be an effective tool for the prediction of the rupture risk of aneurysm.
The effect of phosphorus on solidification behaviour of undercooled Al–70 wt.%Si alloys
Authors: Dang Bo , Jian Zengyun , Xu Junfeng
Published: October 2020

Effect of refining element phosphorus (P) on the morphology of the primary silicon in the Al–70 wt.%Si alloy was investigated via the electromagnetic levitation (EML) technique. The morphology and microstructure were analyzed by using high-speed video (HSV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the morphology of primary silicon transformed from dendrites with several branches to blocky shape, and then to equiaxed grains in Al–70 wt.%Si and Al–70 wt.%Si–1.0 wt.%P alloys with increasing of undercooling. The nucleation number and nucleation rate increased exponentially with the increase of undercooling for both alloys. Finally, the growth velocity of primary silicon was discussed in combination with classical theory.
Deep-learning-based real-time prediction of acute kidney injury outperforms human predictive performance
Authors: Rank Nina , Pfahringer Boris , Kempfert Jörg , Stamm Christof , Kühne Titus , Schoenrath Felix , Falk Volkmar , Eickhoff Carsten , Meyer Alexander
Published: October 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication after cardiothoracic surgery. Early prediction of AKI could prompt preventive measures, but is challenging in the clinical routine. One important reason is that the amount of postoperative data is too massive and too high-dimensional to be effectively processed by the human operator. We therefore sought to develop a deep-learning-based algorithm that is able to predict postoperative AKI prior to the onset of symptoms and complications. Based on 96 routinely collected parameters we built a recurrent neural network (RNN) for real-time prediction of AKI after cardiothoracic surgery. From the data of 15,564 admissions we constructed a balanced training set (2224 admissions) for the development of the RNN. The model was then evaluated on an independent test set (350 admissions) and yielded an area under curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval) of 0.893 (0.862–0.924). We compared the performance of our model against that of experienced clinicians. The RNN significantly outperformed clinicians (AUC = 0.901 vs. 0.745, p < 0.001) and was overall well calibrated. This was not the case for the physicians, who systematically underestimated the risk (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the RNN was superior to physicians in the prediction of AKI after cardiothoracic surgery. It could potentially be integrated into hospitals’ electronic health records for real-time patient monitoring and may help to detect early AKI and hence modify the treatment in perioperative care.
Quantitative and ultrasensitive detection of brombuterol by a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (FLIA) using AgMBA@Au–Ab as an immunoprobe
Authors: Huang Wen , Guo Enhui , Li Jianguo , Deng Anping
Published: October 2020

Brombuterol, a new emerging β-adrenergic agonist which has been used as an additive in animal feed, is potential harm to consumers, thus it is required to develop sensitive, simple and rapid analytical methods to monitor brombuterol residue.
Accelerated denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification for rapid and accurate detection of canine parvovirus
Authors: Hou Jie , Li Yang , Ma Cuiping , Shi Chao
Published: October 2020

A novel nucleic acid amplification technology, accelerated denaturation bubble-mediated strand exchange amplification (ASEA), could detect canine parvovirus (CPV) genomic DNA at a concentration of 8.0 × 10–18 M within 16.6 min.
Preparation of a boronate-affinity monolithic column for adsorption of nucleosides
Authors: Liu Dan , Meng Lili , Huang Liping , Luo Shipeng , Zhang Guohua
Published: October 2020

The synthesis process of boronic acid–chitosan complex.
Lithium-enriched graphite anode surfaces investigated using nuclear reaction analysis
Authors: Chebuske Matthew , Higashiya Seiichiro , Flottman Spencer , Bakhru Hassaram , Antonopoulos Byron , Paschos Odysseas , Gittleson Forrest S. , Efstathiadis Harry
Published: October 2020

Non-destructive Li nuclear reaction analyses were used to profile the Li distribution at the surfaces of graphitic Li-ion battery anodes.
Synthesis of nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocubes with tuneable dimensions via temperature-controlled Ni2+-citrate complexation
Authors: Keßler Sascha , González-Rubio Guillermo , Reinalter Elrike Rea , Kovermann Michael , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2020

Facile temperature-controlled synthesis of size-tuneable nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocubes to form highly ordered superstructures.
Mitochondria-targeting NO gas nanogenerator for augmenting mild photothermal therapy in the NIR-II biowindow
Authors: Wu Canchen , Wang Danqi , Cen Moupan , Cao Leyu , Ding Yue , Wang Jin , Yuan Xiaolei , Wang Yang , Chen Tingting , Yao Yong
Published: October 2020

A mitochondria-targeting NO gas-releasing nanoplatform based on CuS-nanoplates has been designed for augmenting photothermal therapy by the synergistic effect.
Visualizing antithrombin-binding 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate motifs on cell surfaces
Authors: Kalita Mausam , Chua Jie Shi , Boothello Rio S. , Joice April , Antelope Orlando , Roy Anindita , Anandh Babu Pon Velayutham , Saijoh Yukio , Desai Umesh R. , Kuberan Balagurunathan
Published: October 2020

To map the cellular topography of the rare 3-O-sulfated structural motif of heparan sulfate (HS), we constructed quantum dot-based probes for antithrombin and FGF2, which reveal widely different distribution of the targeted HS motifs.
Selenium vacancy triggered atomic disordering of Co0.85Se nanoparticles towards a highly-active electrocatalyst for water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Xu Qiucheng , Hu Yanjie , Jiang Hao , Li Chunzhong
Published: October 2020

A moderate VSe degree can optimize the atomic disordering and electronic structure of Co-centers, remarkably enhancing the alkaline OER performance of Co0.85Se.
Polyselenonium salts: synthesis through sequential selenium-epoxy ‘click’ chemistry and Se-alkylation
Authors: Eom Taejun , Khan Anzar
Published: October 2020

With the help of amphiphilic homopolymers, this work explores the ‘click’ nature of the selenium-epoxy reaction, alkylation of the seleno-ethers as a means to prepare cationic polymers, and the antibacterial activity of polyselenonium salts.
Palladium nanoparticle loaded β-cyclodextrin monolith as a flow reactor for concentration enrichment and conversion of pollutants based on molecular recognition
Authors: Mizuno Shunsuke , Asoh Taka-Aki , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

A palladium nanoparticle immobilized β-cyclodextrin cross-linked polymer monolith not only adsorbed pollutants to the residual concentration with no environmental effect, but also converted them into concentrated useful substances.
Computational design of Janus polymersomes with controllable fission from double emulsions
Authors: Li Shanlong , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: October 2020

Through dissipative particle dynamics simulations, we design a novel approach to fabricating Janus polymersomes with controllable fission through double emulsions.
Bifunctional Fe(ii) spin crossover-complexes based on ω-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl) carboxylic acids
Authors: Zeni Willi , Seifried Marco , Knoll Christian , Welch Jan M. , Giester Gerald , Stöger Berthold , Artner Werner , Reissner Michael , Müller Danny , Weinberger Peter
Published: October 2020

Carboxylic acid functionalized tetrazoles form Fe(ii) spin crossover materials governed by H-bonding networks.
Metal–organic frameworks for C2H2/CO2separation
Authors: Fu Xing-Ping , Wang Yu-Ling , Liu Qing-Yan
Published: October 2020

A summary of important advancements in C2H2/CO2separation using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is presented in this perspective article. The structure-activity relationship of MOFs has been discussed in detail.
Variable dimensionality in ‘hollow’ hybrid tin iodide perovskites
Authors: McNulty Jason A. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Lightfoot Philip
Published: October 2020

Layered and 3D ‘hollow’ tin iodide perovskites are isolated from the same reaction mixture: the 3D compound is favoured at prolonged reaction times.
Ferrocene as a highly volatile solid additive in non-fullerene organic solar cells with enhanced photovoltaic performance
Authors: Ye Linglong , Cai Yunhao , Li Chao , Zhu Lei , Xu Jinqiu , Weng Kangkang , Zhang Kangning , Huang Miaofei , Zeng Min , Li Tengfei , Zhou Erjun , Tan Songting , Hao Xiaotao , Yi Yuanping , Liu Feng , Wang Zhaohui , Zhan Xiaowei , Sun Yanming
Published: October 2020

Ferrocene was introduced as a solid additive in organic solar cells (OSCs). The use of ferrocene provides PM6:Y6 based device with improved performance and stability, demonstrating its great potential in the fabrication of efficient and stable OSCs.
Effect of polyphenols isolated from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatascv. Ayamurasaki) on the microbiota and the biomarker of colonic fermentation in rats fed with cellulose or inulin
Authors: Kilua Aldrine , Han Kyu-Ho , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: October 2020

A polyphenol-rich diet has been associated with various health benefits such as the reduction of putrefactive products and increasing the level of intestinal immunity related substances.
Fabrication of lignin nanospheres by emulsification in a binary γ-valerolactone/glycerol system and their application as a bifunctional reducer and carrier for Pd nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Pang Tairan , Chen Shilin , Sui Wenjie , Si Chuanling , Ni Yonghao
Published: October 2020

Lignin nanosphere was prepared using green binary γ-valerolactone/glycerol system and then employed as a reducer and carrier for Pd nanoparticles.
Organotypic primary blood vessel models of clear cell renal cell carcinoma for single-patient clinical trials
Authors: Virumbrales-Muñoz María , Chen Jiong , Ayuso Jose , Lee Moonhee , Abel E. Jason , Beebe David J.
Published: October 2020

Identification and testing of personalized anti-angiogenic treatments for clear cell renal cell carcinoma using patient-derived microfluidic models of normal and tumor-associated blood vessels.
[24]Crown-8-modified carbon nanotubes for templating metal deposition and active materials for pseudocapacitors
Authors: Zhou Ruitao , Tang Fung-Kit , Sun Raymond Wai-Yin , Tse Man Kin , Chen Yujie , Chan Albert Sun Chi , Chen Shengzhou , Zhu Xunjin , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: October 2020

A uniform nickel film could be coated on crown ether-modified carbon nanotubes (c-CNTs) by electroless deposition.
Novel pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives containing pharmacophores of both hydrazine and diphenyl ether as potential antifungal agents: design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and 3D-QSAR study
Authors: Hu Hao-Ran , Wang An , Qiu Ling-Ling , Wang Xiao-Bin , Chen Min , Lu Ai-Min , Yang Chun-Long
Published: October 2020

Novel pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives were designed based on natural products. Some synthesized compounds showed excellent antifungal activity. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe mycelium morphology. 3D-QSAR was also studied.
Singlet and triplet states of the sandwich-type Be2B6 and Be2B7+ clusters. A test for the electron counting rules of aromaticity
Authors: Đorđević Slađana , Radenković Slavko
Published: October 2020

The studied complexes exhibit double aromaticity in their triplet states in line with the predictions of Hückel and Baird's rules.
Fabrication of dual-phase TiO2/WO3 with post-illumination photocatalytic memory
Authors: Mokhtarifar Maryam , Nguyen Duc Trung , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Kaveh Reyhaneh , Asa Marco , Sakar Mohan , Pedeferri MariaPia , Do Trong-On
Published: October 2020

This study describes the synthesis of TiO2/WO3 composite systems with a varying concentration of WO3 by a glucose-template assisted method and demonstrates their round-the-clock photoactivity performance towards the degradation of methanol (MeOH) under illumination and dark conditions.
Bridging the gap between natural product synthesis and drug discovery
Authors: Truax Nathanyal J. , Romo Daniel
Published: October 2020

Various synthetic strategies have been developed to explore natural products as an enduring source of chemical information useful for probing biological relevant chemical space and impacting drug discovery.
MoS2 nanosheets grown on hollow carbon spheres as a strong polysulfide anchor for high performance lithium sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Miaoran , Peng Huiyuan , Pei Yang , Wang Fang , Zhu Ying , Shi Ruyue , He Xuexia , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zonghuai , Sun Jie
Published: October 2020

The MoS2 nanosheets grown at the surface of hollow carbon spheres with uniform morphology exhibit excellent electrochemical properties and strong adsorption ability on lithium polysulfides.
An in situ and real time study of the formation of CdSe NCs
Authors: Palencia Cristina , Seher Robert , Krohn Jan , Thiel Felix , Lehmkühler Felix , Weller Horst
Published: October 2020

In situ studies are crucial to demonstrate that magic-size clusters are always intermediates in the formation of regular NCs.
Recent developments in the synthesis and applications of chiral ferrocene ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Cunningham Laura , Benson Annette , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: October 2020

This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and application of ferrocene-containing chiral ligands and organocatalysts in asymmetric catalysis.
3D printed nanocomposites using polymer grafted graphene oxide prepared by multicomponent Passerini reaction
Authors: Wang Guannan , Raju Raju , Cho Kiho , Wong Sandy , Prusty B. Gangadhara , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: October 2020

The surface of commercial graphene oxide was modified with polymers using Passerini reaction, which enhances the compatibility between nanoparticles and 3D printing resin.
Sodium alginate/collagen composite multiscale porous scaffolds containing poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres fabricated based on additive manufacturing technology
Authors: Liu Shuifeng , Huang Da , Hu Yang , Zhang Jiancheng , Chen Bairui , Zhang Hongwu , Dong Xianming , Tong Rongbiao , Li Yiheng , Zhou Wuyi
Published: October 2020

Biocompatible porous scaffolds with adjustable pore structures, appropriate mechanical properties and drug loading properties are important components of bone tissue engineering.
Synthesis of a three-dimensional cross-linked Ni–V2O5 nanomaterial in an ionic liquid for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Yu , Gao Dongru , Guan Ruxin , Li Hongwei , Li Ning , Li Guixian , Li Shiyou
Published: October 2020

A three-dimensional cross-linked Ni–V2O5 nanomaterial with a particle size of 250–300 nm was successfully prepared in a 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole bromide ionic liquid (IL).
Mechanism of phosphate removal from aqueous solutions by biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron
Authors: Ma Fengfeng , Zhao Baowei , Diao Jingru , Jiang Yufeng , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the removal mechanism of phosphate by rape straw biochar (RSBC) supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI).
Supramolecular thermogels from branched PCL-containing polyurethanes
Authors: Lin Qianyu , Lim Jason Y. C. , Xue Kun , Chee Celestine P. T. , Loh Xian Jun
Published: October 2020

Polymer branching exerts notable influence on the spontaneous temperature-triggered self-assembly of amphiphilic polymers into micelles and thermogels in water.
Fabrication of an antimony doped tin oxide–graphene nanocomposite for highly effective capacitive deionization of saline water
Authors: Ren Long , Xu Bin , Wang Guodong , Yin Xiaoshuang , Liu Ying , Yang Wenzhong , Chen Yun
Published: October 2020

Antimony doped tin oxide–graphene nanocomposites synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach displayed good specific capacity and electrosorptive capacity.
Eight-step total synthesis of (+)-crambescin A
Authors: Gao Zhenhua , Li Junchen , Song Yunyang , Bi Xiaojing , Meng Xiangyan , Guo Yongbiao
Published: October 2020

Here we implement a novel asymmetric Biginelli reaction strategy to achieve enantiospecific total synthesis of (+)-crambescin A in only 8 steps from the abundant and inexpensive aliphatic aldehyde, urea and methyl 3-oxobutanoate.
Reappraising Schmidpeter's bis(iminophosphoranyl)phosphides: coordination to transition metals and bonding analysis
Authors: Normand Adrien T. , Sosa Carrizo E. Daiann , Magnoux Corentin , Lobato Esteban , Cattey Hélène , Richard Philippe , Brandès Stéphane , Devillers Charles H. , Romieu Anthony , Le Gendre Pierre , Fleurat-Lessard Paul
Published: October 2020

The synthesis, characterization and computational analysis of a range of bis(iminophosphoranyl)phosphide (BIPP) group 4 and coinage metals complexes is reported. White phosphorus was used to install the central phosphorus atom.
High performance binder-free Fe–Ni hydroxides on nickel foam prepared in piranha solution for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Shin Choel-Hwan , Wei Yi , Park Gisang , Kang Joonhee , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: October 2020

A novel binder-free Fe–Ni hydroxide-loaded nickel foam (NF) electrode is prepared by simple corrosion of NF in a home-made piranha solution containing Fe3+ and exhibits remarkable electrochemical OER activity and long-term stability.
Correction: Gradient formation and charge carrier dynamics of CuBiI4 based perovskite-like solar cells
Authors: Yu Haili , Zhang Busheng , Qi Ruijuan , Qu Nannan , Zhao Chaoliang , Lei Yan , Yang Xiaogang , Zheng Zhi
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Gradient formation and charge carrier dynamics of CuBiI4 based perovskite-like solar cells’ by Haili Yu et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2020, 4, 2800–2807, DOI: 10.1039/C9SE01288E.
A fast adaptive gating system based on the reconfigurable morphology of liquid metal via an electric field on porous surfaces
Authors: Wang Fuping , Zhang Qiuya , Li Yan , Tian Di , Zhang Xiaofang , Tian Dongliang , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2020

A strategy to achieve switchable morphology of LMs on a hierarchical structured surface was demonstrated via varying the electric field, which can be used as a gating system, and has potential in the fields of microfluidic manipulation and devices, etc.
Designing a slope-dominated hybrid nanostructure hard carbon anode for high-safety and high-capacity Na-ion batteries
Authors: Jin Qianzheng , Wang Kangli , Li Wei , Li Haomiao , Feng Pingyuan , Zhang Zhuchan , Wang Wei , Zhou Min , Jiang Kai
Published: October 2020

A slope-dominated mechanism is designed by preparing hybrid nanostructure carbon materials using a CVD-like method which provides hard carbon with excellent rate performances and high average discharge potential as an anode for Na-ion batteries.
Tunable luminescent lead bromide complexes
Authors: Chin Sang-Hyun , Choi Jin Woo , Hu Ziqi , Mardegan Lorenzo , Sessolo Michele , Bolink Henk J.
Published: October 2020

Efficient emission from lead bromide in polyethylene glycol is tuned from orange to green by alkylammonium salts, which influence the particular lead bromide complex formation.
High performance self-powered photodetection with a low detection limit based on a two-dimensional organometallic perovskite ferroelectric
Authors: Ma Yu , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Yi , Han Shiguo , Li Yaobin , Xu Zhiyun , Guo Wuqian , Luo Junhua , Hong Maochun , Sun Zhihua
Published: October 2020

Self-powered photodetection with an extremely low detection limit of 82 nW cm−2 is achieved in a 2D hybrid perovskite ferroelectric. This result sheds light on future advances of ferroelectrics toward smart optoelectronic device applications.
Epigenetic modification of BDNF mediates neuropathic pain via miR-30a-3p/EP300 axis in CCI rats
Authors: Tan Ming , Shen Lulu , Hou Yayun
Published: October 2020

Recent investigation of microRNAs on chronic pain has developed a breakthrough in neuropathic pain management. In the present study, decreased expression of miR-30a-3p was reported using qRT-PCR analysis and loss of miR-30a-3p promoted neuropathic pain progression in sciatic nerve chronic constrictive injury rats through determining the pain threshold. We predicted miR-30a-3p could target E-cadherin transcriptional activator (EP300) via bioinformatics analysis. Meanwhile, we found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuropathic pain. Here, we exhibited that EP300 epigenetically up-regulated BDNF via enhancing acetylated histone H3 and H4 on the promoter. For another, miR-30a-3p was able to modify the level of BDNF and acetylated histone H3 and H4. Loss of miR-30a-3p enhanced EP300 and BDNF colocalization in CCI rats. Subsequently, it was shown that increased EP300 induced neuropathic pain by an enhancement of neuronal BDNF level in vivo. To sum up, it was revealed that epigenetic modification of BDNF promoted neuropathic pain via EP300 induced by miR-30a-3p in CCI rats.