bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal feature learning with reservoir computing for T-cell segmentation in live-cell $$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$ fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Hadaeghi Fatemeh , Diercks Björn-Philipp , Schetelig Daniel , Damicelli Fabrizio , Wolf Insa M. A. , Werner René
Published: April 2021

Advances in high-resolution live-cell$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+imaging enabled subcellular localization of early$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+signaling events in T-cells and paved the way to investigate the interplay between receptors and potential target channels in$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+release events. The huge amount of acquired data requires efficient, ideally automated image processing pipelines, with cell localization/segmentation as central tasks. Automated segmentation in live-cell cytosolic$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+imaging data is, however, challenging due to temporal image intensity fluctuations, low signal-to-noise ratio, and photo-bleaching. Here, we propose a reservoir computing (RC) framework for efficient and temporally consistent segmentation. Experiments were conducted with Jurkat T-cells and anti-CD3 coated beads used for T-cell activation. We compared the RC performance with a standard U-Net and a convolutional long short-term memory (LSTM) model. The RC-based models (1) perform on par in terms of segmentation accuracy with the deep learning models for cell-only segmentation, but show improved temporal segmentation consistency compared to the U-Net; (2) outperform the U-Net for two-emission wavelengths image segmentation and differentiation of T-cells and beads; and (3) perform on par with the convolutional LSTM for single-emission wavelength T-cell/bead segmentation and differentiation. In turn, RC models contain only a fraction of the parameters of the baseline models and reduce the training time considerably.
Strain effects on polycrystalline germanium thin films
Authors: Imajo Toshifumi , Suemasu Takashi , Toko Kaoru
Published: April 2021

Polycrystalline Ge thin films have attracted increasing attention because their hole mobilities exceed those of single-crystal Si wafers, while the process temperature is low. In this study, we investigate the strain effects on the crystal and electrical properties of polycrystalline Ge layers formed by solid-phase crystallization at 375 °C by modulating the substrate material. The strain of the Ge layers is in the range of approximately 0.5% (tensile) to -0.5% (compressive), which reflects both thermal expansion difference between Ge and substrate and phase transition of Ge from amorphous to crystalline. For both tensile and compressive strains, a large strain provides large crystal grains with sizes of approximately 10 μm owing to growth promotion. The potential barrier height of the grain boundary strongly depends on the strain and its direction. It is increased by tensile strain and decreased by compressive strain. These findings will be useful for the design of Ge-based thin-film devices on various materials for Internet-of-things technologies.
Quantum chemical calculation studies toward microscopic understanding of retention mechanism of Cs radioisotopes and other alkali metals in lichens
Authors: Suno Hiroya , Machida Masahiko , Dohi Terumi , Ohmura Yoshihito
Published: April 2021

We evaluate stability of cesium (Cs) and other alkali-metal cation complexes of lichen metabolites in both gas and aqueous phases to discuss why lichens can retain radioactive Cs in the thalli over several years. We focus on oxalic acid, (+)-usnic acid, atranorin, lecanoric acid, and protocetraric acid, which are common metabolite substances in various lichens including, e.g., Flavoparmelia caperata and Parmotrema tinctorum retaining Cs in Fukushima, Japan. By performing quantum chemical calculations, their gas-phase complexation energies and aqueous-solution complexation free energies with alkali-metal cations are computed for their neutral and deprotonated cases. Consequently, all the molecules are found to energetically favor cation complexations and the preference order is Li$$^+>$$

+

>

Na$$^+>$$

+

>

K$$^+>$$

+

>

Rb$$^+>$$

+

>

Cs$$^+$$

+

for all conditions, indicating no specific Cs selectivity but strong binding with all alkali cations. Comparing complexation stabilities among these metabolites, lecanoric and protocetraric acids seen in medullary layer are found to keep higher affinity in their neutral case, while (+)-usnic acid and atranorin in upper cortex exhibit rather strong affinity only in deprotonated cases through forming stable six atoms’ ring containing alkali cation chelated by two oxygens. These results suggest that the medullary layer can catch all alkali cations in a wide pH range around the physiological one, while the upper cortex can effectively block penetration of metal ions when the metal stress grows. Such insights highlight a physiological role of metabolites like blocking of metal-cation migrations into intracellular tissues, and explain long-term retention of alkali cations including Cs in lichens containing enough such metabolites to bind them.
The anisotropic field of ensemble coding
Authors: Pascucci David , Ruethemann Nadia , Plomp Gijs
Published: April 2021

Human observers can accurately estimate statistical summaries from an ensemble of multiple stimuli, including the average size, hue, and direction of motion. The efficiency and speed with which statistical summaries are extracted suggest an automatic mechanism of ensemble coding that operates beyond the capacity limits of attention and memory. However, the extent to which ensemble coding reflects a truly parallel and holistic mode of processing or a non-uniform and biased integration of multiple items is still under debate. In the present work, we used a technique, based on a Spatial Weighted Average Model (SWM), to recover the spatial profile of weights with which individual stimuli contribute to the estimated average during mean size adjustment tasks. In a series of experiments, we derived two-dimensional SWM maps for ensembles presented at different retinal locations, with different degrees of dispersion and under different attentional demands. Our findings revealed strong spatial anisotropies and leftward biases in ensemble coding that were organized in retinotopic reference frames and persisted under attentional manipulations. These results demonstrate an anisotropic spatial contribution to ensemble coding that could be mediated by the differential activation of the two hemispheres during spatial processing and scene encoding.
Development of a theoretical model for upright postural control in lower limb prosthesis users
Authors: Rusaw David F. , Alinder Rasmus , Edholm Sigurd , Hallstedt Karin L. L. , Runesson Jessika , Barnett Cleveland T.
Published: April 2021

Methods used to assess quiet standing in unilateral prosthesis users often assume validity of an inverted pendulum model despite this being shown as invalid in some instances. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the validity of a proposed unilaterally-constrained pin-controller model in explaining postural control in unilateral prosthesis users. Prosthesis users were contrasted against the theoretical model as were able-bodied controls that stood on a platform which unilaterally constrained movement of the CoP. All participants completed bouts of quiet standing with eyes open, eyes closed and with feedback on inter-limb weight bearing asymmetry. Correlation coefficients were used to infer inverted pendulum behavior in both the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions and were derived from both kinematic (body attached markers) and kinetic (centre of pressure) experimental data. Larger, negative correlation coefficients reflected better model adherence, whilst low or no correlation reflected poorer model adherence. Inverted pendulum behavior derived from kinematic data, indicated coefficients of high magnitude in both mediolateral (all cases range 0.71–0.78) and anteroposterior (0.88–0.91) directions, irrespective of groups. Inverted pendulum behavior derived from kinetic data in the anteroposterior direction indicated validity of the model with large negative coefficients associated with the unconstrained/intact limbs (prosthesis users: − 0.45 to − 0.65, control group: − 0.43 to − 0.72), small coefficients in constrained/prosthetic limbs (prosthesis users: − 0.02 to 0.07, control group: 0.13–0.26) and large negative coefficients in combined conditions (prosthesis users: − 0.36 to − 0.56, control group: − 0.71 to − 0.82). For the mediolateral direction, coefficients were negligible for individual limbs (0.03–0.17) and moderate to large negative correlations, irrespective of group (− 0.31 to − 0.73). Data suggested both prosthesis users’ and able-bodied individuals’ postural control conforms well to that predicted by a unilaterally-constrained pin-controller model, which has implications for the fundamental control of posture in transtibial prosthesis users.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the encystment-related lncRNA expression profile and coexpressed mRNAs in Pseudourostyla cristata
Authors: Pan Nan , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhang Wen , Ni Bing , Fan Xinpeng , Chen Jiwu
Published: April 2021

Ciliated protozoans form dormant cysts for survival under adverse conditions. The molecular mechanisms regulating this process are critical for understanding how single-celled eukaryotes adapt to the environment. Despite the accumulated data on morphology and gene coding sequences, the molecular mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate ciliate encystment remains unknown. Here, we first detected and analyzed the lncRNA expression profile and coexpressed mRNAs in dormant cysts versus vegetative cells in the hypotrich ciliate Pseudourostyla cristata by high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR. A total of 853 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Compared to vegetative cells, 439 and 414 lncRNAs were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, while 47 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in dormant cysts. A lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network was constructed, and the possible roles of lncRNAs were screened. Three of the identified lncRNAs, DN12058, DN20924 and DN30855, were found to play roles in fostering encystment via their coexpressed mRNAs. These lncRNAs can regulate a variety of physiological activities that are essential for encystment, including autophagy, protein degradation, the intracellular calcium concentration, microtubule-associated dynein and microtubule interactions, and cell proliferation inhibition. These findings provide the first insight into the potentially functional lncRNAs and their coexpressed mRNAs involved in the dormancy of ciliated protozoa and contribute new evidence for understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating encystment.
High-throughput enrichment and isolation of megakaryocyte progenitor cells from the mouse bone marrow
Authors: Bush Lucas M. , Healy Connor P. , Marvin James E. , Deans Tara L.
Published: April 2021

Megakaryocytes are a rare population of cells that develop in the bone marrow and function to produce platelets that circulate throughout the body and form clots to stop or prevent bleeding. A major challenge in studying megakaryocyte development, and the diseases that arise from their dysfunction, is the identification, classification, and enrichment of megakaryocyte progenitor cells that are produced during hematopoiesis. Here, we present a high throughput strategy for identifying and isolating megakaryocytes and their progenitor cells from a heterogeneous population of bone marrow samples. Specifically, we couple thrombopoietin (TPO) induction, image flow cytometry, and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify and enrich for megakaryocyte progenitor cells that are capable of self-renewal and directly differentiating into mature megakaryocytes. This enrichment strategy distinguishes megakaryocyte progenitors from other lineage-committed cells in a high throughput manner. Furthermore, by using image flow cytometry with PCA, we have identified a combination of markers and characteristics that can be used to isolate megakaryocyte progenitor cells using standard flow cytometry methods. Altogether, these techniques enable the high throughput enrichment and isolation of cells in the megakaryocyte lineage and have the potential to enable rapid disease identification and diagnoses ahead of severe disease progression.
Impact of kidney size on mortality in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Chen Chun-Hao , Chen Chao-Yu , Yu Mei-Ching , Fu Jen-Fen , Hou Yi-Chou , Wang I.-Kuan , Chih Yu-Hsin , Weng Cheng-Hao , Huang Wen-Hung , Hsu Ching-Wei , Tam Frederick W. K. , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: April 2021

Although patients with diabetes mellitus mostly present with enlarged or normal-sized kidneys throughout their life, a small proportion of patients have small kidneys. This longitudinal study enrolled 83 diabetic patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) between 2015 and 2019. Patients were stratified into two groups, those with enlarged or normal (n = 67) or small (n = 16) kidneys, based on their kidney sizes before dialysis. Patients with small kidney size were not only older (76.63 ± 10.63 vs. 68.03 ± 11.26 years, P = 0.007), suffered longer duration of diabetes mellitus (272.09 ± 305.09 vs. 151.44 ± 85.31 month, P = 0.006) and predominantly female (75.0 vs. 41.8%, P = 0.017), but also had lower serum levels of creatinine (9.63 ± 2.82 vs. 11.74 ± 3.32 mg/dL, P = 0.022) and albumin (3.23 ± 0.67 vs. 3.60 ± 0.47 g/dL, P = 0.010) than patients with enlarged or normal kidney size. At the end of analysis, 14 (16.9%) patients died. Patients with small kidney size demonstrated higher all-cause (50.0 vs. 9.0%, P < 0.001) and infection-related (43.8 vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001) mortality than patients with enlarged or normal kidney size. In a multivariate-logistic-regression model, small kidney size was a powerful predictor of mortality (odds ratio 6.452, 95% confidence interval 1.220–34.482, P = 0.028). Diabetic patients with small kidney size at the beginning of PD carry a substantial risk for mortality.
Identification and distribution of novel badnaviral sequences integrated in the genome of cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Authors: Muller Emmanuelle , Ullah Ihsan , Dunwell Jim M. , Daymond Andrew J. , Richardson Megan , Allainguillaume Joël , Wetten Andy
Published: April 2021

Theobroma cacao is one of the most economically important tropical trees, being the source of chocolate. As part of an ongoing study to understand the diversity of the badnavirus complex, responsible for the cacao swollen shoot virus disease in West Africa, evidence was found recently of virus-like sequences in asymptomatic cacao plants. The present study exploited the wealth of genomic resources in this crop, and combined bioinformatic, molecular, and genetic approaches to report for the first time the presence of integrated badnaviral sequences in most of the cacao genetic groups. These sequences, which we propose to name eTcBV for endogenous T. cacao bacilliform virus, varied in type with each predominating in a specific genetic group. A diagnostic multiplex PCR method was developed to identify the homozygous or hemizygous condition of one specific insert, which was inherited as a single Mendelian trait. These data suggest that these integration events occurred before or during the species diversification in Central and South America, and prior to its cultivation in other regions. Such evidence of integrated sequences is relevant to the management of cacao quarantine facilities and may also aid novel methods to reduce the impact of such viruses in this crop.
Sarcoma IL-12 overexpression facilitates NK cell immunomodulation
Authors: Rademacher Mary Jo , Cruz Anahi , Faber Mary , Oldham Robyn A. A. , Wang Dandan , Medin Jeffrey A. , Schloemer Nathan J.
Published: April 2021

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an inflammatory cytokine that has demonstrated efficacy for cancer immunotherapy, but systemic administration has detrimental toxicities. Lentiviral transduction eliciting IL-12-producing human sarcoma for autologous reintroduction provides localized delivery for both innate and adaptive immune response augmentation. Sarcoma cell lines and primary human sarcoma samples were transduced with recombinant lentivirus engineering expression of human IL-12 (hu-IL-12). IL-12 expressing sarcomas were assessed in vitro and in vivo following implantation into humanized NSG and transgenic human IL-15 expressing (NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15)) murine models. Lentiviral transduction (LV/hu-IL-12) of human osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, as well as low-passage primary human sarcomas, engendered high-level expression of hu-IL-12. Hu-IL-12 demonstrated functional viability, eliciting specific NK cell-mediated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release and cytotoxic growth restriction of spheroids in vitro. In orthotopic xenograft murine models, the LV/hu-IL-12 transduced human sarcoma produced detectable IL-12 and elicited an IFN-γ inflammatory immune response specific to mature human NK reconstitution in the NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) model while restricting tumor growth. We conclude that LV/hu-IL-12 transduction of sarcoma elicits a specific immune reaction and the humanized NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) xenograft, with mature human NK cells, can define in vivo anti-tumor effects and systemic toxicities. IL-12 immunomodulation through autologous tumor transduction and reintroduction merits exploration for sarcoma treatment.
Estimation of carbon dioxide emissions from the megafires of Australia in 2019–2020
Authors: Shiraishi Tomohiro , Hirata Ryuichi
Published: April 2021

Catastrophic fires occurred in Australia between 2019 and 2020. These fires burned vast areas and caused extensive damage to the environment and wildlife. In this study, we estimated the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these fires using a bottom-up method involving the improved burnt area approach and up-to-date remote sensing datasets to create monthly time series distribution maps for Australia from January 2019 to February 2020. The highest monthly CO2 emissions in Australia since 2001 were recorded in December 2019. The estimated annual CO2 emissions from March 2019 to February 2020 in Australia were 806 ± 69.7 Tg CO2 year−1, equivalent to 1.5 times its total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) in 2017. New South Wales (NSW) emitted 181 ± 10.2 Tg CO2 month−1 in December 2019 alone, representing 64% of the average annual emissions of Australia from 2001–2018. The negative correlation observed between CO2 emissions and precipitation for 2001–2020 was 0.51 for Australia. Lower than average precipitation and fires in high biomass density areas caused significant CO2 emissions. This study helps to better assess the performance of climate models as a case study of one of the major events caused by climate.
Exploring the biomechanical responses of human cupula by numerical analysis of temperature experiments
Authors: Wu Xiang , Yu Shen , Shen Shuang , Liu Wenlong
Published: April 2021

The vestibular receptor of cupula acts an important role in maintaining body balance. However, the cupula buried in the semicircular canals (SCCs) will be destroyed if it is detached from the relevant environment. The mechanical properties of human cupula still remain ambiguous. In this paper, we explored the cupula responses changing with temperature by experiments and numerical simulation of SCCs model. We obtained 3 volunteers’ nystagmus induced by constant angular acceleration when the temperature of volunteers’ SCCs was 36 °C and 37 °C respectively. The slow-phase velocity of 3 volunteers decreased by approximately 3°/s when the temperature of SCCs reduced by 1 °C, which corresponded to the reduction of cupula deformation by 0.3–0.8 μm in the numerical model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the variation of endolymphatic properties induced by temperature reduction on cupula deformation through numerical simulation. We found that the decrease of cupula deformation was not caused by the change of endolymphatic properties, but probably by the increase of cupula’s elastic modulus. With the temperature reducing by 1 °C, the cupula’s elastic modulus may increase by 6–20%, suggesting that the stiffness of cupula is enhanced. This exploration of temperature characteristic of human cupula promotes the research of alleviating vestibular diseases.
Absent in melanoma 2 suppresses gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration via inactivation of AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Dong , Zou Junwei , Dai Jun , Cheng Zhengwu
Published: April 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and poses a great threat to public health. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), a member of the pyrin-HIN family proteins, plays various roles across different types of cancers. However, the possible role of AIM2 in GC, as well as the underling mechanisms, are equivocal and need to be further explored. Herein, we identified that AIM2 expression was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues. Furthermore, loss of AIM2 was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor, node, metastases (TNM) staging, as well as poor prognosis in GC patients. Knockdown of AIM2 in GC cells significantly promoted cellular proliferation and migration, whereas AIM2 overexpression did the opposite. Mechanistically, we discovered that AIM2 regulates the AKT signaling pathway. In fact, the enhanced proliferation and migration ability induced by AIM2 knockdown was partially impaired in cells treated with the AKT inhibitor. Overall, our findings suggests that AIM2 is an independent prognostic marker and highlights a new entry point for targeting the AIM2/AKT signaling axis for GC treatment.
Patch test of dental materials in Oral Lichen Planus with considering the role of saliva
Authors: Agha-Hosseini Farzaneh , Gholamrezayi Elahe , Moosavi Mahdieh-Sadat
Published: April 2021

Lichen planus is the most common skin disease that affects the oral mucosa. Oral Lichen Planus is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. In the current study, for the first time, an oral cavity condition in skin patch tests with adding saliva is simulated. In addition, the patch results are compared with healthy subjects. Forty-one OLP patients and 63 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. All participants were provided with patch tests, including allergens, in combination with saliva in chambers. Allergens from the European baseline (standard) series selected according to the most prevalent positive results in the previous study were applied. Positive results of Mercury and Cobalt tests were significantly higher in the case group. In this study, the differentiation of patients with lichen planus and lichenoid was identified according to the Van der Meij & Van der Waal criteria. The patch test was conducted for healthy individuals as well. The most important of all was the use of patients' saliva in the patch test, done for the first time in this field. In the case of OLP, a patch test can help identify positive reactions to dental materials; thus, the replacement of dental restorations may be needed.
A clinical scoring system for predicting tumor recurrence after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for 3 cm or less hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Yong Zhu , He Kun , Huang Rui Qin , Liu Li Wen , Ye Shao Wei , Qian Jun Lin , Peng Peng , Luo Qi Jie , Wang Ze Liang , Hu Ze Min
Published: April 2021

Preoperative prediction of tumor recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is helpful for clinical decision-making before treatment. A total of 162 patients with HCC of 3 cm or less who were completely ablated by percutaneous RFA were divided into a derivation cohort (n = 108) and a validation cohort (n = 54). Based on X-Tiles software, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis and COX multivariate analysis to obtain valuable predictive indicators, a clinical scoring system for predicting tumor recurrence was established. In the verall cohort, derivation cohort and validation cohort, we found circulating tumor cells (CTC) > 2/3.2 mL, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL, and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) > 40 mAU/mL, maximum tumor diameter > 20 mm, and the number of multiple tumors (≥ 2) are independent risk factors affecting tumor recurrence. Each independent risk factor was assigned a score of 1 to construct a predictive clinical scoring system, and X-Tiles software was used to divide the clinical score into a low-risk group (0 score–1 score), a medium-risk group (2 scores–3 scores), and a high-risk group (4 scores–5 scores). The cumulative tumor recurrence rates of patients in the low-risk group, middle-risk group, and high-risk group in 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 19.4%/27.5%/30.9%, 37.0%/63.2%/79.9% and 68.2%/100%/100%, respectively (Low-risk group vs medium-risk group: P < 0.001; medium-risk group vs high-risk group: P < 0.001). This clinical scoring system can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC of 3 cm or smaller undergoing percutaneous RFA, which has certain application value for making preoperative clinical decisions.
Bioallethrin enhances generation of ROS, damages DNA, impairs the redox system and causes mitochondrial dysfunction in human lymphocytes
Authors: Arif Amin , Quds Ruhul , Mahmood Riaz
Published: April 2021

Bioallethrin is a synthetic pesticide that is widely used to control insect pests. The wide use of bioallethrin has resulted in inevitable human exposure. In this study we report the effect of different concentrations of bioallethrin (10 to 200 µM, 2 h at 37 °C) on human lymphocytes under in vitro conditions. Bioallethrin treatment resulted in loss of cell viability (> 30% at 200 µM bioallethrin). Oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were significantly increased accompanied by lower ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. Enhanced ROS generation was observed through fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Bioallethrin-induced oxidative stress also compromised the antioxidant defence as it reduced antioxidant capacity of cells and inhibited major antioxidant enzymes. Biomolecular modifications and systemic toxicity by bioallethrin resulted in plasma membrane damage with mitochondrial depolarization. Comet assay showed nuclear DNA fragmentation and strand scission with significant increase in tail length and olive tail moment. Apoptosis and necrosis of cells was confirmed through acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining and visualization under fluorescence microscope. Thus, bioallethrin causes oxidative damage and compromises the antioxidant system leading to DNA damage, cellular and organelle toxicity, resulting in apoptosis and necrosis of human lymphocytes.
A longitudinal analysis of brain extracellular free water in HIV infected individuals
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Faiyaz Abrar , Wang Lu , Zhuang Yuchuan , Murray Kyle D. , Descoteaux Maxime , Tivarus Madalina E. , Weber Miriam T. , Zhong Jianhui , Qiu Xing , Schifitto Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces inflammation in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Recent studies demonstrated that diffusion MRI based extracellular free water (FW) modeling can be sensitive to neuroinflammation. Here, we investigate the FW in HIV-infection, its temporal evolution, and its association with blood markers, and cognitive scores. Using 96 age-matched participants, we found that FW was significantly elevated in grey and white matter in cART-naïve HIV+ compared to HIV-uninfected (HIV−) individuals at baseline. These increased FW values positively correlated with neurofilament light chain (NfL) and negatively correlated with CD4 counts. FW in grey and white matter, as well as NfL decreased in the HIV+ after 12 weeks of cART treatment. No significant FW differences were noted between the HIV+ and HIV− cohorts at 1 and 2-year follow-up. Results suggest that FW elevation in cART-naïve HIV+ participants is likely due to neuroinflammation. The correlation between FW and NfL, and the improvement in both FW and NfL after 12 weeks of cART treatment further reinforces this conclusion. The longer follow-up at 1 and 2 years suggests that cART helped control neuroinflammation as inferred by FW. Therefore, FW could be used as a biomarker to monitor HIV-associated neuroinflammation.
Intravital imaging of real-time endogenous actin dysregulation in proximal and distal tubules at the onset of severe ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Corridon Peter R. , Karam Shurooq H. , Khraibi Ali A. , Khan Anousha A. , Alhashmi Mohamed A.
Published: April 2021

Severe renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to acute and chronic kidney dysfunction. Cytoskeletal modifications are among the main effects of this condition. The majority of studies that have contributed to the current understanding of IRI have relied on histological analyses using exogenous probes after the fact. Here we report the successful real-time visualization of actin cytoskeletal alterations in live proximal and distal tubules that arise at the onset of severe IRI. To achieve this, we induced fluorescent actin expression in these segments in rats with hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD). Using intravital two-photon microscopy we then tracked and quantified endogenous actin dysregulation that occurred by subjecting these animals to 60 min of bilateral renal ischemia. Rapid (by 1-h post-reperfusion) and significant (up to 50%) declines in actin content were observed. The decline in fluorescence within proximal tubules was significantly greater than that observed in distal tubules. Actin-based fluorescence was not recovered during the measurement period extending 24 h post-reperfusion. Such injury decimated the renal architecture, in particular, actin brush borders, and hampered the reabsorptive and filtrative capacities of these tubular compartments. Thus, for the first time, we show that the combination of HGD and intravital microscopy can serve as an experimental tool to better understand how IRI modifies the cytoskeleton in vivo and provide an extension to current histopathological techniques.
Anxiolytic effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic in healthy females (18–25 years) with corresponding changes in gut bacterial composition
Authors: Johnstone Nicola , Milesi Chiara , Burn Olivia , van den Bogert Bartholomeus , Nauta Arjen , Hart Kathryn , Sowden Paul , Burnet Philip W. J. , Cohen Kadosh Kathrin
Published: April 2021

Current research implicates pre- and probiotic supplementation as a potential tool for improving symptomology in physical and mental ailments, which makes it an attractive concept for clinicians and consumers alike. Here we focus on the transitional period of late adolescence and early adulthood during which effective interventions, such as nutritional supplementation to influence the gut microbiota, have the potential to offset health-related costs in later life. We examined multiple indices of mood and well-being in 64 healthy females in a 4-week double blind, placebo controlled galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) prebiotic supplement intervention and obtained stool samples at baseline and follow-up for gut microbiota sequencing and analyses. We report effects of the GOS intervention on self-reported high trait anxiety, attentional bias, and bacterial abundance, suggesting that dietary supplementation with a GOS prebiotic may improve indices of pre-clinical anxiety. Gut microbiota research has captured the imagination of the scientific and lay community alike, yet we are now at a stage where this early enthusiasm will need to be met with rigorous research in humans. Our work makes an important contribution to this effort by combining a psychobiotic intervention in a human sample with comprehensive behavioural and gut microbiota measures.
The impact of rare and low-frequency genetic variants in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
Authors: Bisgin Atil , Sonmezler Ozge , Boga Ibrahim , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has uncovered hundreds of common and rare genetic variants involved in complex and rare diseases including immune deficiencies in both an autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant pattern. These rare variants however, cannot be classified clinically, and common variants only marginally contribute to disease susceptibility. In this study, we evaluated the multi-gene panel results of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and argue that rare variants located in different genes play a more prominent role in disease susceptibility and/or etiology. We performed NGS on DNA extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes from 103 patients using a panel of 19 CVID-related genes: CARD11, CD19, CD81, ICOS, CTLA4, CXCR4, GATA2, CR2, IRF2BP2, MOGS, MS4A1, NFKB1, NFKB2, PLCG2, TNFRSF13B, TNFRSF13C, TNFSF12, TRNT1 and TTC37. Detected variants were evaluated and classified based on their impact, pathogenicity classification and population frequency as well as the frequency within our study group. NGS revealed 112 different (a total of 227) variants with under 10% population frequency in 103 patients of which 22(19.6%) were classified as benign, 29(25.9%) were classified as likely benign, 4(3.6%) were classified as likely pathogenic and 2(1.8%) were classified as pathogenic. Moreover, 55(49.1%) of the variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance. We also observed different variant frequencies when compared to population frequency databases. Case–control data is not sufficient to unravel the genetic etiology of immune deficiencies. Thus, it is important to understand the incidence of co-occurrence of two or more rare variants to aid in illuminating their potential roles in the pathogenesis of immune deficiencies.
Additive-induced miscibility regulation and hierarchical morphology enable 17.5% binary organic solar cells
Authors: Lv Jie , Tang Hua , Huang Jiaming , Yan Cenqi , Liu Kuan , Yang Qianguang , Hu Dingqin , Singh Ranbir , Lee Jawon , Lu Shirong , Li Gang , Kan Zhipeng
Published: April 2021

Herein, a facile and effective strategy is demonstrated to unleash the full potential of existing photoactive materials.
Dietary choline and betaine intake and risk of hypertension development: a 7.4-year follow-up
Authors: Golzarand Mahdieh , Bahadoran Zahra , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: April 2021

The evidence for a linkage between dietary intake of choline and betaine, a choline metabolism product, and the risk of hypertension (HTN) is limited.
Continuous gas-phase synthesis of core–shell nanoparticles via surface segregation
Authors: Snellman Markus , Eom Namsoon , Ek Martin , Messing Maria E. , Deppert Knut
Published: April 2021

A continuous gas-phase synthesis method is employed to generate Cu@Ag core–shell nanoparticles with uniform size, composition, and bimetallic configuration. We discuss how the bimetallic morphology can also be tuned into a quasi-Janus structure.
A new molecular material as a dopant-free hole-transporting layer for stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Rui , Shao Jiang-Yang , Yu Bingcheng , Li Hongshi , Zhong Yu-Wu , Shi Jiangjian , Luo Yanhong , Wu Huijue , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: April 2021

In this work, a new small molecular material, 9,9′-(pyrene-1,6-diyldimethylylidene)bis[N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-fluorene-2,7-diamine] (PFD), as a hole-transporting layer was designed for perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Quality assessment of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) roe oil before and after refining
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Wei Wei , Huang Luyao , Zheng Tingting , Zhong Rongbin , Pang Jie , Chen Lijiao , Cheng Wenjian , Liang Peng
Published: April 2021

This research aimed to assess the quality of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) roe oil before and after refining.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of the amyloid-β peptide revealed by Markov state models based on MD data in agreement with experiment
Authors: Paul Arghadwip , Samantray Suman , Anteghini Marco , Khaled Mohammed , Strodel Birgit
Published: April 2021

The convergence of MD simulations is tested using varying measures for the intrinsically disordered amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). Markov state models show that 20–30 μs of MD is needed to reliably reproduce the thermodynamics and kinetics of Aβ.
Observation of liquid–liquid phase separation of ataxin-3 and quantitative evaluation of its concentration in a single droplet using Raman microscopy
Authors: Murakami Kazuki , Kajimoto Shinji , Shibata Daiki , Kuroi Kunisato , Fujii Fumihiko , Nakabayashi Takakazu
Published: April 2021

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays an important role in a variety of biological processes. We have established a method to quantify a single droplet formed by LLPS using the Raman band of water as an internal standard.
Celebrating a Century of Excellence in Chemistry at Xiamen University
Authors: Cheng Jun , Ren Bin
Published: April 2021

Guest Editors Jun Cheng and Bin Ren introduce the Celebrating a Century of Excellence in Chemistry at Xiamen University themed collection.
Hydrogenation of 4-nitrochlorobenzene catalysed by cobalt nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped activated carbon
Authors: Villora-Picó J. J. , Campello-Gómez I. , Serrano-Ruiz J. C. , Pastor-Blas M. M. , Sepúlveda-Escribano A. , Ramos-Fernández E. V.
Published: April 2021

The hydrogenation of nitroarenes to produce the corresponding amines using dihydrogen as reducing agent has an important industrial role, since it allows to obtain important added-value products.
TiO2 with controllable oxygen vacancies for efficient isopropanol degradation: photoactivity and reaction mechanism
Authors: Wu Shuyang , Ishisone Kana , Sheng Yuan , Manuputty Manoel Y. , Kraft Markus , Xu Rong
Published: April 2021

Flame-synthesized TiO2−x with controllable defects exhibits a remarkable photooxidation efficiency of gaseous isopropanol with the reaction mechanism investigated.
Sulfur doped ruthenium nanoparticles as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Ling Cong , Li Hong-Bao , Yuan Cheng-Zong , Yang Zhengkun , Chong Han-Bao , Qian Xiao-Jun , Lu Xiao-Jie , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Xu An-Wu
Published: April 2021

Sulfur-doped ruthenium ultrafine nanoparticles is obtained via a simple solvothermal procedure, which shows excellent hydrogen evolution performance in alkaline media.
Nanocavity-enriched Co3O4@ZnCo2O4@NC porous nanowires derived from 1D metal coordination polymers for fast Li+diffusion kinetics and super Li+storage
Authors: Wang Haibin , Zheng Yongjun , Peng Zilin , Liu Xinlong , Qu Chen , Huang Zhiyin , Cai Zelin , Fan Haosen , Zhang Yufei
Published: April 2021

Nanocavity-enriched Co3O4@ZnCo2O4@NC porous nanowires have been prepared by a two-step annealing process of one-dimensional coordination polymer precursors.
Hierarchical hollow BiFeO3 microcubes with enhanced acetone gas sensing performance
Authors: Yu Qiuci , Zhang Yuchi , Xu Yan
Published: April 2021

Hierarchical BiFeO3 nano-microstructures are developed with high and reproducible acetone-sensing properties for unique interior loose and porous structures.
Rigid anchoring of highly crystallized and uniformly dispersed Pd nanocrystals on carbon fibers for ambient electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia
Authors: Wang Yingchao , Ma Zizai , Liu Kai , Yang Xiaowei , Wang Jianxing , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2021

Highly crystallized and uniformly dispersed Pd nanocrystals anchored on carbon fibers for efficient electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia.
Stabilization of pentazolate anions in the high-pressure compounds Na2N5and NaN5and in the sodium pentazolate framework NaN5·N2
Authors: Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Batyrev Iskander G. , Mahmood Mohammad F. , Goncharov Alexander F.
Published: April 2021

Three oxygen-free pentazolate salts Na2N5, NaN5and NaN5·N2were synthesized from sodium azide NaN3and molecular nitrogen N2at 50 GPa.
Metalloligands based on Robson-type amino-thiophenolato macrocycles for assembly of heterotrimetallic complexes
Authors: Schmorl Sara , Naumov Sergej , Abel Bernd , Börner Martin , Pöppl Andreas , Kersting Berthold
Published: April 2021

The bridging thiolate sulfur atoms in macrocyclic Ni and Co complexes exhibit metalloligand behaviour, forming adducts with various cuprate ions.
Tuning luminescence of didysprosium single-molecule magnets with a π-conjugated/non-conjugated bridging ligand
Authors: Liu Yang , Lyu Bang-Heng , Du Shan-Nan , Huang Guo-Zhang , Ruan Ze-Yu , Wu Si-Guo , Liu Jun-Liang , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: April 2021

After changing the bridging ligand from π-conjugated to non-conjugated in didysprosium single-molecule magnets, the luminescence becomes enhanced and well-resolved, which helped us to investigate the magneto-optical correlation and the energy levels.
In vitro colonic fermentation of red kidney beans depends on cotyledon cells integrity and microbiota adaptation
Authors: Rovalino-Córdova Ana M. , Fogliano Vincenzo , Capuano Edoardo
Published: April 2021

This study describes how bean cells intactness and microbiota adaptation to a bean diet modulates the fermentation of its constituents.
A review of the latest research on Mpro targeting SARS-COV inhibitors
Authors: Yang Huihui , Yang Jinfei
Published: April 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is still spreading at an alarming rate and has caused huge loss of life and economic damage worldwide.
Alginate as a green inhibitor of barite nucleation and crystal growth
Authors: Geng Xi , Sosa Ricardo D. , Reynolds Michael A. , Conrad Jacinta C. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2021

Combined macroscopic and microscopic experiments reveal that alginate is a potent inhibitor of both nucleation and growth of barite crystals.
Assembling organic–inorganic building blocks for high-capacity electrode design
Authors: Zhao Xiaolin , Hu Zhongli , Li Yining , Wang Youwei , Song Erhong , Zhang Li , Liu Jianjun
Published: April 2021

The local structure composition of inorganic and organic building blocks could deliver a high specific capacity through cooperatively activating the redox of the metal cation and organic anion.
Detection of wavelength in the range from ultraviolet to near infrared light using two parallel PtSe2/thin Si Schottky junctions
Authors: Yang Wen-Hua , Jiang Xin-Yuan , Xiao Yu-Tian , Fu Can , Wan Jian-Kun , Yin Xiang , Tong Xiao-Wei , Wu Di , Chen Li-Miao , Luo Lin-Bao
Published: April 2021

A new wavelength sensor based on two identical PtSe2/thin Si Schottky junctions that are able to distinguish wavelength in the range of UV-NIR (265–1050 nm) was proposed.
Emerging indocyanine green-integrated nanocarriers for multimodal cancer therapy: a review
Authors: Gowsalya Karunanidhi , Yasothamani Vellingiri , Vivek Raju
Published: April 2021

Nanotechnology is a branch of science dealing with the development of new types of nanomaterials by several methods.
Covalent modification of franckeite with maleimides: connecting molecules and van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Villalva Julia , Moreno-Da Silva Sara , Villa Palmira , Ruiz-González Luisa , Navío Cristina , Garcia-Orrit Saül , Vega-Mayoral Víctor , Cabanillas-González Juan , Castellanos-Gomez Andrés , Giovanelli Emerson , Pérez Emilio M.
Published: April 2021

We show that thiol–ene-like “click” chemistry can be used to decorate franckeite, a naturally occurring van der Waals heterostructure with maleimide reagents. In this way, we provide a pathway towards 2D–2D–0D mixed-dimensional heterostructures.
Correction: 4-Aminocoumarin derivatives: synthesis and applications
Authors: Sadeghpour Mahdieh , Olyaei Abolfazl , Adl Alireza
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘4-Aminocoumarin derivatives: synthesis and applications’ by Mahdieh Sadeghpour et al., New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 5744–5763, DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ00614B.
Biocompatible BSA–MnO2 nanoparticles for in vivo timely permeability imaging of blood–brain barrier and prediction of hemorrhage transformation in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Hou Wenjing , Jiang Yingzong , Xie Guangchao , Zhao Lu , Zhao Fangshi , Zhang Xuejun , Sun Shao-Kai , Yu Chunshui , Pan Jinbin
Published: April 2021

Biocompatible BSA–MnO2 nanoparticles hold an attractive potential as alternative MR nanoprobes for the theranostics of stroke.
Correction: Polydimethylsiloxane-based superhydrophobic membranes: fabrication, durability, repairability, and applications
Authors: Liu Maolin , Luo Yuanfang , Jia Demin
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Polydimethylsiloxane-based superhydrophobic membranes: fabrication, durability, repairability, and applications’ by Maolin Liu et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 2370–2380, DOI: 10.1039/C9PY01861A.
(S)TEM-EELS as an advanced characterization technique for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Lei , Li Matthew , Wen Jianguo , Amine Khalil , Lu Jun
Published: April 2021

(Scanning) transmission electron microscopy–electron energy loss spectroscopy is used as an advanced nano-scale characterization method to clarify the ion diffusion, charge transfer and structure change occurring in lithium-ion batteries.
An advanced hybrid supercapacitor constructed from rugby-ball-like NiCo2Se4 yolk–shell nanostructures
Authors: Ameri Bahareh , Mohammadi Zardkhoshoui Akbar , Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed
Published: April 2021

A facile strategy is developed to fabricate rugby-ball-like NiCo2Se4 yolk–shell nanostructures (RB-NCS) as the cathode electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors.
The enhancement of ozone–liquid mass transfer performance in a PTFE hollow fiber membrane contactor using ultrasound as a catalyzer
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Huan , Meng Qingjie , Ren Hongyang , Xiong Mingyang , Gao Chunyang
Published: April 2021

A comprehensive assessment of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber membrane contactor and ultrasound for intensifying ozone–liquid mass transfer was conducted simultaneously.
Regioselective Pd-catalyzed α-alkylation of furans using alkyl iodides
Authors: Yuan Jiaqi , Zhang Xiaofei , Yang Chunhao
Published: April 2021

A practical and regioselective strategy to synthesize α-alkylfurans via Pd-catalyzed direct C–H alkylation using alkyl iodides was developed.
Supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles (SSAs) as nanoscale enhancers of cisplatin anticancer activity
Authors: Dora Nova O. , Blackburn Edith , Boles Jessica E. , Williams George T. , White Lisa J. , Turner Scarlett E. G. , Hothersall J. Daniel , Askwith Trevor , Doolan Jack A. , Mulvihill Daniel P. , Garrett Michelle D. , Hiscock Jennifer R.
Published: April 2021

Herein we show the potential SSA technology towards the development of synergistic next-generation anticancer treatments.
Radiolabelling an18F biologicviafacile IEDDA “click” chemistry on the GE FASTLab™ platform
Authors: Allott Louis , Amgheib Ala , Barnes Chris , Braga Marta , Brickute Diana , Wang Ning , Fu Ruisi , Ghaem-Maghami Sadaf , Aboagye Eric O.
Published: April 2021

A fully automated and efficient radiosynthesis of a novel interleukin-2 radioconjugate from a single FASTLab™ cassette.
Design of BODIPY dyes as triplet photosensitizers: electronic properties tailored for solar energy conversion, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Bassan Elena , Gualandi Andrea , Cozzi Pier Giorgio , Ceroni Paola
Published: April 2021

BODIPYs offer a versatile platform to build organic triplet photosensitisers for PDT, TTA upconversion and photocatalysis. Tuning their properties provides the opportunity of replacing heavy-metal complexes and can lead to improved sustainability.
Wavy graphene sheets from electrochemical sewing of corannulene
Authors: Bruno Carlo , Ussano Eleonora , Barucca Gianni , Vanossi Davide , Valenti Giovanni , Jackson Edward A. , Goldoni Andrea , Litti Lucio , Fermani Simona , Pasquali Luca , Meneghetti Moreno , Fontanesi Claudio , Scott Lawrence T. , Paolucci Francesco , Marcaccio Massimo
Published: April 2021

A bottom-up synthesis of wavy graphene structures obtained through an anodic polymerization process, combined with an electrochemically triggered oxidative cyclodehydrogenation, of the bowl-shaped polyaromatic hydrocarbon corannulene.