bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-structural carbohydrates mediate seasonal water stress across Amazon forests
Authors: Signori-Müller Caroline , Oliveira Rafael S. , Barros Fernanda de Vasconcellos , Tavares Julia Valentim , Gilpin Martin , Diniz Francisco Carvalho , Zevallos Manuel J. Marca , Yupayccana Carlos A. Salas , Acosta Martin , Bacca Jean , Chino Rudi S. Cruz , Cuellar Gina M. Aramayo , Cumapa Edwin R. M. , Martinez Franklin , Mullisaca Flor M. Pérez , Nina Alex , Sanchez Jesus M. Bañon , da Silva Leticia Fernandes , Tello Ligia , Tintaya José Sanchez , Ugarteche Maira T. Martinez , Baker Timothy R. , Bittencourt Paulo R. L. , Borma Laura S. , Brum Mauro , Castro Wendeson , Coronado Eurídice N. Honorio , Cosio Eric G. , Feldpausch Ted R. , Fonseca Letícia d’Agosto Miguel , Gloor Emanuel , Llampazo Gerardo Flores , Malhi Yadvinder , Mendoza Abel Monteagudo , Moscoso Victor Chama , Araujo-Murakami Alejandro , Phillips Oliver L. , Salinas Norma , Silveira Marcos , Talbot Joey , Vasquez Rodolfo , Mencuccini Maurizio , Galbraith David
Published: April 2021

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) are major substrates for plant metabolism and have been implicated in mediating drought-induced tree mortality. Despite their significance, NSC dynamics in tropical forests remain little studied. We present leaf and branch NSC data for 82 Amazon canopy tree species in six sites spanning a broad precipitation gradient. During the wet season, total NSC (NSCT) concentrations in both organs were remarkably similar across communities. However, NSCT and its soluble sugar (SS) and starch components varied much more across sites during the dry season. Notably, the proportion of leaf NSCT in the form of SS (SS:NSCT) increased greatly in the dry season in almost all species in the driest sites, implying an important role of SS in mediating water stress in these sites. This adjustment of leaf NSC balance was not observed in tree species less-adapted to water deficit, even under exceptionally dry conditions. Thus, leaf carbon metabolism may help to explain floristic sorting across water availability gradients in Amazonia and enable better prediction of forest responses to future climate change.
Spatially interacting phosphorylation sites and mutations in cancer
Authors: Huang Kuan-lin , Scott Adam D. , Zhou Daniel Cui , Wang Liang-Bo , Weerasinghe Amila , Elmas Abdulkadir , Liu Ruiyang , Wu Yige , Wendl Michael C. , Wyczalkowski Matthew A. , Baral Jessika , Sengupta Sohini , Lai Chin-Wen , Ruggles Kelly , Payne Samuel H. , Raphael Benjamin , Fenyö David , Chen Ken , Mills Gordon , Ding Li
Published: April 2021

Advances in mass-spectrometry have generated increasingly large-scale proteomics datasets containing tens of thousands of phosphorylation sites (phosphosites) that require prioritization. We develop a bioinformatics tool called HotPho and systematically discover 3D co-clustering of phosphosites and cancer mutations on protein structures. HotPho identifies 474 such hybrid clusters containing 1255 co-clustering phosphosites, including RET p.S904/Y928, the conserved HRAS/KRAS p.Y96, and IDH1 p.Y139/IDH2 p.Y179 that are adjacent to recurrent mutations on protein structures not found by linear proximity approaches. Hybrid clusters, enriched in histone and kinase domains, frequently include expression-associated mutations experimentally shown as activating and conferring genetic dependency. Approximately 300 co-clustering phosphosites are verified in patient samples of 5 cancer types or previously implicated in cancer, including CTNNB1 p.S29/Y30, EGFR p.S720, MAPK1 p.S142, and PTPN12 p.S275. In summary, systematic 3D clustering analysis highlights nearly 3,000 likely functional mutations and over 1000 cancer phosphosites for downstream investigation and evaluation of potential clinical relevance.
Olefin oligomerization by main group Ga3+ and Zn2+ single site catalysts on SiO2
Authors: LiBretto Nicole J. , Xu Yinan , Quigley Aubrey , Edwards Ethan , Nargund Rhea , Vega-Vila Juan Carlos , Caulkins Richard , Saxena Arunima , Gounder Rajamani , Greeley Jeffrey , Zhang Guanghui , Miller Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2021

In heterogeneous catalysis, olefin oligomerization is typically performed on immobilized transition metal ions, such as Ni2+ and Cr3+. Here we report that silica-supported, single site catalysts containing immobilized, main group Zn2+ and Ga3+ ion sites catalyze ethylene and propylene oligomerization to an equilibrium distribution of linear olefins with rates similar to that of Ni2+. The molecular weight distribution of products formed on Zn2+ is similar to Ni2+, while Ga3+ forms higher molecular weight olefins. In situ spectroscopic and computational studies suggest that oligomerization unexpectedly occurs by the Cossee-Arlman mechanism via metal hydride and metal alkyl intermediates formed during olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination elementary steps. Initiation of the catalytic cycle is proposed to occur by heterolytic C-H dissociation of ethylene, which occurs at about 250 °C where oligomerization is catalytically relevant. This work illuminates new chemistry for main group metal catalysts with potential for development of new oligomerization processes.
Two chemically distinct root lignin barriers control solute and water balance
Authors: Reyt Guilhem , Ramakrishna Priya , Salas-González Isai , Fujita Satoshi , Love Ashley , Tiemessen David , Lapierre Catherine , Morreel Kris , Calvo-Polanco Monica , Flis Paulina , Geldner Niko , Boursiac Yann , Boerjan Wout , George Michael W. , Castrillo Gabriel , Salt David E.
Published: April 2021

Lignin is a complex polymer deposited in the cell wall of specialised plant cells, where it provides essential cellular functions. Plants coordinate timing, location, abundance and composition of lignin deposition in response to endogenous and exogenous cues. In roots, a fine band of lignin, the Casparian strip encircles endodermal cells. This forms an extracellular barrier to solutes and water and plays a critical role in maintaining nutrient homeostasis. A signalling pathway senses the integrity of this diffusion barrier and can induce over-lignification to compensate for barrier defects. Here, we report that activation of this endodermal sensing mechanism triggers a transcriptional reprogramming strongly inducing the phenylpropanoid pathway and immune signaling. This leads to deposition of compensatory lignin that is chemically distinct from Casparian strip lignin. We also report that a complete loss of endodermal lignification drastically impacts mineral nutrients homeostasis and plant growth.
Phenological shifts in lake stratification under climate change
Authors: Woolway R. Iestyn , Sharma Sapna , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Debolskiy Andrey , Golub Malgorzata , Mercado-Bettín Daniel , Perroud Marjorie , Stepanenko Victor , Tan Zeli , Grant Luke , Ladwig Robert , Mesman Jorrit , Moore Tadhg N. , Shatwell Tom , Vanderkelen Inne , Austin Jay A. , DeGasperi Curtis L. , Dokulil Martin , La Fuente Sofia , Mackay Eleanor B. , Schladow S. Geoffrey , Watanabe Shohei , Marcé Rafael , Pierson Don C. , Thiery Wim , Jennings Eleanor
Published: April 2021

One of the most important physical characteristics driving lifecycle events in lakes is stratification. Already subtle variations in the timing of stratification onset and break-up (phenology) are known to have major ecological effects, mainly by determining the availability of light, nutrients, carbon and oxygen to organisms. Despite its ecological importance, historic and future global changes in stratification phenology are unknown. Here, we used a lake-climate model ensemble and long-term observational data, to investigate changes in lake stratification phenology across the Northern Hemisphere from 1901 to 2099. Under the high-greenhouse-gas-emission scenario, stratification will begin 22.0 ± 7.0 days earlier and end 11.3 ± 4.7 days later by the end of this century. It is very likely that this 33.3 ± 11.7 day prolongation in stratification will accelerate lake deoxygenation with subsequent effects on nutrient mineralization and phosphorus release from lake sediments. Further misalignment of lifecycle events, with possible irreversible changes for lake ecosystems, is also likely.
Curcumin activates Nrf2 through PKCδ-mediated p62 phosphorylation at Ser351
Authors: Park Jee-Yun , Sohn Hee-Young , Koh Young Ho , Jo Chulman
Published: April 2021

Curcumin, a phytochemical extracted from Curcuma longa rhizomes, is known to be protective in neurons via activation of Nrf2, a master regulator of endogenous defense against oxidative stress in cells. However, the exact mechanism by which curcumin activates Nrf2 remains controversial. Here, we observed that curcumin induced the expression of genes downstream of Nrf2 such as HO-1, NQO1, and GST-mu1 in neuronal cells, and increased the level of Nrf2 protein. Notably, the level of p62 phosphorylation at S351 (S349 in human) was significantly increased in cells treated with curcumin. Additionally, curcumin-induced Nrf2 activation was abrogated in p62 knockout (−/−) MEFs, indicating that p62 phosphorylation at S351 played a crucial role in curcumin-induced Nrf2 activation. Among the kinases involved in p62 phosphorylation at S351, PKCδ was activated in curcumin-treated cells. The phosphorylation of p62 at S351 was enhanced by transfection of PKCδ expression plasmid; in contrast, it was inhibited in cells treated with PKCδ-specific siRNA. Together, these results suggest that PKCδ is mainly involved in curcumin-induced p62 phosphorylation and Nrf2 activation. Accordingly, we demonstrate for the first time that curcumin activates Nrf2 through PKCδ-mediated p62 phosphorylation at S351.
Hybrid quantum annealing via molecular dynamics
Authors: Irie Hirotaka , Liang Haozhao , Doi Takumi , Gongyo Shinya , Hatsuda Tetsuo
Published: April 2021

A novel quantum–classical hybrid scheme is proposed to efficiently solve large-scale combinatorial optimization problems. The key concept is to introduce a Hamiltonian dynamics of the classical flux variables associated with the quantum spins of the transverse-field Ising model. Molecular dynamics of the classical fluxes can be used as a powerful preconditioner to sort out the frozen and ambivalent spins for quantum annealers. The performance and accuracy of our smooth hybridization in comparison to the standard classical algorithms (the tabu search and the simulated annealing) are demonstrated by employing the MAX-CUT and Ising spin-glass problems.
Characterization of higher harmonic modes in Fabry–Pérot microcavity organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Dahal Ekraj , Allemeier David , Isenhart Benjamin , Cianciulli Karen , White Matthew S.
Published: April 2021

Encasing an OLED between two planar metallic electrodes creates a Fabry–Pérot microcavity, resulting in significant narrowing of the emission bandwidth. The emission from such microcavity OLEDs depends on the overlap of the resonant cavity modes and the comparatively broadband electroluminescence spectrum of the organic molecular emitter. Varying the thickness of the microcavity changes the mode structure, resulting in a controlled change in the peak emission wavelength. Employing a silicon wafer substrate with high thermal conductivity to dissipate excess heat in thicker cavities allows cavity thicknesses from 100 to 350 nm to be driven at high current densities. Three resonant modes, the fundamental and first two higher harmonics, are characterized, resulting in tunable emission peaks throughout the visible range with increasingly narrow bandwidth in the higher modes. Angle resolved electroluminescence spectroscopy reveals the outcoupling of the TE and TM waveguide modes which blue-shift with respect to the normal emission at higher angles. Simultaneous stimulation of two resonant modes can produce dual peaks in the violet and red, resulting in purple emission. These microcavity-based OLEDs employ a single green molecular emitter and can be tuned to span the entire color gamut, including both the monochromatic visible range and the purple line.
Trophic indices for micronektonic fishes reveal their dependence on the microbial system in the North Atlantic
Authors: Bode Antonio , Olivar M. Pilar , Hernández-León Santiago
Published: April 2021

The importance of microbes for the functioning of oceanic food webs is well established, but their relevance for top consumers is still poorly appreciated. Large differences in individual size, and consequently in growth rates and the relevant spatial and temporal scales involved, make the integration of microorganisms and large metazoans in a common food web framework difficult. Using stable isotopes, this study estimated the trophic position of 13 species of micronektonic fishes to examine the microbial and metazoan contribution to mid trophic level consumers. Vertically migrant species displayed higher trophic positions than non-migrant species in all depth layers. The estimated trophic positions agreed well with those from the literature, but all species displayed mean increases between 0.5 and 0.8 trophic positions when taking into account microbial trophic steps. Trophic position, but not the relative importance of the microbial food web, increased with individual size, suggesting that current estimates of the trophic position of top consumers and of the length of oceanic food webs are too low because they are based only on metazoan trophic steps. This finding calls for a review of trophic position estimates and of the efficiency of trophic transfers along oceanic food webs.
Photoacoustic needle improves needle tip visibility during deep peripheral nerve block
Authors: Watanabe Kunitaro , Tokumine Joho , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Nakazawa Harumasa , Yamamoto Katsuya , Karasawa Hiroyuki , Nagase Miki , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: April 2021

We developed a novel technology using the photoacoustic effect that improve needle tip visibility. We evaluated whether this technology improves needle tip visibility when performing a deep peripheral nerve block in a cadaver model. A photoacoustic needle was developed using a conventional echogenic needle with an intraluminal optical fiber. A pulsed laser sends light from a source through the fiber, which is converted to ultrasound at the needle tip using the photoacoustic effect. A nerve block expert performed deep nerve blocks using the photoacoustic needle and the ultrasound views recorded, with or without photoacoustic ultrasound at the needle tip. Needle tip visibility was evaluated by questionnaire (Likert scale 1: very poor, 5: very good) completed by anesthesiologists evaluating recorded images. The score was presented as median [first quartile, third quartile]. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. The scores of needle tip visibility with photoacoustic ultrasound from the needle tip (4.3 [4.0, 4.5]) was significantly higher than that without photoacoustic ultrasound (3.5 [3.2, 3.8]) (p < 0.01). Ultrasound emitted at the needle tip using the photoacoustic effect improves needle tip visibility during deep peripheral nerve blocks.

Clinical trial number University Hospital Medical Information Network Center Clinical Trials Registration System (UMIN000036974).
A correlation between grain boundary character and deformation twin nucleation mechanism in coarse-grained high-Mn austenitic steel
Authors: Hung Chang-Yu , Bai Yu , Shimokawa Tomotsugu , Tsuji Nobuhiro , Murayama Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2021

In polycrystalline materials, grain boundaries are known to be a critical microstructural component controlling material’s mechanical properties, and their characters such as misorientation and crystallographic boundary planes would also influence the dislocation dynamics. Nevertheless, many of generally used mechanistic models for deformation twin nucleation in fcc metal do not take considerable care of the role of grain boundary characters. Here, we experimentally reveal that deformation twin nucleation occurs at an annealing twin (Σ3{111}) boundary in a high-Mn austenitic steel when dislocation pile-up at Σ3{111} boundary produced a local stress exceeding the twining stress, while no obvious local stress concentration was required at relatively high-energy grain boundaries such as Σ21 or Σ31. A periodic contrast reversal associated with a sequential stacking faults emission from Σ3{111} boundary was observed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) deformation experiments, proving the successive layer-by-layer stacking fault emission was the deformation twin nucleation mechanism, different from the previously reported observations in the high-Mn steels. Since this is also true for the observed high Σ-value boundaries in this study, our observation demonstrates the practical importance of taking grain boundary characters into account to understand the deformation twin nucleation mechanism besides well-known factors such as stacking fault energy and grain size.
Image motion with color contrast suffices to elicit an optokinetic reflex in Xenopus laevis tadpoles
Authors: Knorr Alexander G. , Gravot Céline M. , Glasauer Stefan , Straka Hans
Published: April 2021

The optokinetic reflex is a closed-loop gaze-stabilizing ocular motor reaction that minimizes residual retinal image slip during vestibulo-ocular reflexes. In experimental isolation, the reflex is usually activated by motion of an achromatic large-field visual background with strong influence of radiance contrast on visual motion estimation and behavioral performance. The presence of color in natural environments, however, suggests that chromatic cues of visual scenes provide additional parameters for image motion detection. Here, we employed Xenopus laevis tadpoles to study the influence of color cues on the performance of the optokinetic reflex and multi-unit optic nerve discharge during motion of a large-field visual scene. Even though the amplitude of the optokinetic reflex decreases with smaller radiance contrast, considerable residual eye movements persist at the ‘point of equiluminance’ of the colored stimuli. Given the color motion preferences of individual optic nerve fibers, the underlying computation potentially originates in retinal circuits. Differential retinal ganglion cell projections and associated ocular motor signal transformation might further reinforce the color dependency in conceptual correspondence with head/body optomotor signaling. Optokinetic reflex performance under natural light conditions is accordingly influenced by radiance contrast as well as by the color composition of the moving visual scene.
Atrial fibrillation and left atrial size and function: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: van de Vegte Yordi J. , Siland Joylene E. , Rienstra Michiel , van der Harst Pim
Published: April 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have enlarged left atria (LA), but prior studies suggested enlarged atria as both cause and consequence of AF. The aim of this study is to investigate the causal association between AF and LA size and function. In the UK Biobank, all individuals with contoured cardiovascular magnetic resonance data were selected. LA maximal volume (LA max), LA minimal volume (LA min), LA stroke volume and LA ejection fraction were measured and indexed to body surface area (BSA). Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed using 84 of the known genetic variants associated with AF to assess the association with all LA size and function in individuals without prevalent AF. A total of 4274 individuals (mean age 62.0 ± 7.5 years, 53.2% women) were included. Mendelian randomization analyses estimated a causal effect between genetically determined AF and BSA-indexed LA max, LA min, and LA ejection fraction, but not between AF and LA stroke volume. Leave-one-out analyses showed that the causal associations were attenuated after exclusion of rs67249485, located nearPITX2gene. Our results suggest that AF causally increases LA size and decreases LA ejection fraction. The AF risk allele of rs67249485, located near the PITX2 gene, contributes strongly to these associations.
A study on visual preference for social stimuli in typical Ecuadorian preschoolers as a contribution to the identification of autism risk factors
Authors: Buffle Paulina , Cavadini Thalia , Posada Andres , Gentaz Edouard
Published: April 2021

The goal of this study was to examine the visual preference towards socially salient stimuli, using a low-cost eye-tracking device in a group of typically developing (TD) Ecuadorian preschoolers aged 11 to 60 months, from rural and urban areas, and from families with low to high socioeconomic status (SES). Series of original stimuli inspired by those used in Western experiments on the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were proposed in two eye-tracking tasks. Two types of movements (human vs. object) were presented in task 1, and dynamic speaking faces in task 2. Parental perceptions of the adaptability of the low-cost eye-tracking device used here were also investigated through a questionnaire. The analyses of mean fixation times showed a visual preference for human movements compared to moving objects whatever age, residency location or SES. In task 2, visual preference for the mouth’s area compared to the eyes’ area was observed in specific conditions, modulated by residency location and SES but not by age. The analyses of the parental perception indicated that the eye-tracking technique is well accepted. The findings suggest that these stimuli, along with the experimental procedure and low-cost eye-tracking device used in the present study may be a relevant tool that can be used in clinical settings as a contribution to the early identification of at-risk factors of ASD in low- and middle-income contexts.
Application of the multiplanar fracture redactor in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails
Authors: Zhao Kuo , Lv Hongzhi , Zhang Chun , Wang Zhongzheng , Hou Zhiyong , Chen Wei , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2021

This prospective study aimed to introduce the application of the multiplanar fracture redactor (MFR) in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails (IMNs). From February to June 2018, a total of 18 patients with tibial shaft fractures were recruited. MFR was used to help achieve the reduction of tibial shaft fractures with IMN in all patients. The demographic and fracture characteristics, surgical data, postoperative complications and prognostic indicators of 16 patients were recorded. All operations were performed under closed reduction, excellent radiological and functional outcomes were observed. The average duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, number of intraoperative assistants, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were 91.2 ± 26.1 min, 95.0 ± 58.3 ml, 19.2 ± 2.3 times, 1 (1–2), and 7.8 ± 2.6 days, respectively. The mean Lysholm Knee Function Score (LKFS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at one year after surgery were 96.8 ± 2.1, 94.8 ± 2.9, and 1 (0–3), respectively. Wound infection, non-union, malunion or complications associated with MFR were not observed in this study. Thus, MFR was a safe and neater method to achieve and maintain the reduction of tibial shaft fractures with IMN.
Prefrontal high definition cathodal tDCS modulates executive functions only when coupled with moderate aerobic exercise in healthy persons
Authors: Thomas Fabian , Steinberg Fabian , Pixa Nils Henrik , Berger Alisa , Cheng Ming-Yang , Doppelmayr Michael
Published: April 2021

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool to enhance cognitive performance. However, its effectiveness has not yet been unequivocally shown. Thus, here we tested whether coupling tDCS with a bout of aerobic exercise (AE) is more effective in modulating cognitive functions than tDCS or AE alone. One hundred twenty-two healthy participants were assigned to five randomized controlled crossover experiments. Two multimodal target experiments (EXP-4: anodal vs. sham tDCS during AE; EXP-5: cathodal vs. sham tDCS during AE) investigated whether anodal (a-tDCS) or cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS) applied during AE over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (left DLPFC) affects executive functioning (inhibition ability). In three unimodal control experiments, the participants were either stimulated (EXP-1: anodal vs. sham tDCS, EXP-2: cathodal vs. sham tDCS) or did AE (EXP-3: AE vs. active control). Participants performed an Eriksen flanker task during ergometer cycling at moderate intensity (in EXP. 3-5). Only c-tDCS during AE had a significant adverse effect on the inhibition task, with decreased accuracy. This outcome provides preliminary evidence that c-tDCS during AE over the left DLPFC might effectively modulate inhibition performance compared to c-tDCS alone. However, more systematic research is needed in the future.
Prevalence and prognostic associations of cardiac abnormalities among hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dy Louie F. , Lintao Ryan C. V. , Cordero Cynthia P. , Cabaluna Ian Theodore G. , Dans Leonila F.
Published: April 2021

Although most patients recover from COVID-19, it has been linked to cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic complications. Despite not having formal criteria for its diagnosis, COVID-19 associated cardiomyopathy has been observed in several studies through biomarkers and imaging. This study aims to estimate the proportion of COVID-19 patients with cardiac abnormalities and to determine the association between the cardiac abnormalities in COVID-19 patients and disease severity and mortality. Observational studies published from December 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020 were obtained from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI) and preprint servers (medRxiv, bioRxiv, ChinaXiv). Studies that have data on prevalence were included in the calculation of the pooled prevalence, while studies with comparison group were included in the calculation of the odds ratio. If multiple tests were done in the same study yielding different prevalence values, the largest one was used as the measure of prevalence of that particular study. Metafor using R software package version 4.0.2 was used for the meta-analysis. A total of 400 records were retrieved from database search, with 24 articles included in the final analysis. Pooled prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in 20 studies was calculated to be 0.31 [95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of (0.23; 0.41)], with statistically significant heterogeneity (percentage of variation or I-squared statistic I2 = 97%, p < 0.01). Pooled analysis of 19 studies showed an overall odds ratio (OR) of 6.87 [95%-CI (3.92; 12.05)] for cardiac abnormalities associated with disease severity and mortality, with statistically significant heterogeneity (I2 = 85%, between-study variance or tau-squared statistic τ2 = 1.1485, p < 0.01). Due to the high uncertainty in the pooled prevalence of cardiac abnormalities and the unquantifiable magnitude of risk (although an increased risk is certain) for severity or mortality among COVID-19 patients, much more long-term prognostic studies are needed to check for the long-term complications of COVID-19 and formalize definitive criteria of “COVID-19 associated cardiomyopathy”.
The impact of damage-associated molecules released from canine tumor cells on gene expression in macrophages
Authors: Eto Shotaro , Yanai Hideyuki , Hangai Sho , Kato Daiki , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: April 2021

Dying or damaged cells that are not completely eradicated by the immune system release their intracellular components in the extracellular space. Aberrant exposure of the damage-associated molecules to the immune system is often associated with inflammation and cancer pathogenesis. Thus, elucidating the role of damage-associated molecules in inducing sterile immune responses is crucial. In this study, we show that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is produced in the supernatants from several types of canine necrotic tumor cell lines. Inhibition of PGE2 production by indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, induces the expression of tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) mRNA in the necrotic tumor cell supernatants. These results comply with the previous observations reported in mouse cell lines. Furthermore, comprehensive ribonucleic acid-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed that three categories of genes were induced by the damage-associated molecules: (i) a group of PGE2-inducible genes, (ii) genes that promote inflammation and are suppressed by PGE2, and (iii) a group of genes not suppressed by PGE2. Collectively, our findings reveal the hitherto unknown immune regulatory system by PGE2 and damage-associated molecules, which may have clinical implications in inflammation and cancer.
Therapeutic effects and outcomes of rescue high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for premature infants with severe refractory respiratory failure
Authors: Hsu Jen-Fu , Yang Mei-Chin , Chu Shih-Ming , Yang Lan-Yan , Chiang Ming-Chou , Lai Mei-Yin , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Pan Yu-Bin , Fu Ren-Huei , Tsai Ming-Horng
Published: April 2021

Despite wide application of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in neonates with respiratory distress, little has been reported about its rescue use in preterm infants. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of HFOV in preterm neonates with refractory respiratory failure and investigate the independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. We retrospectively analyzed data collected prospectively (January 2011–December 2018) in four neonatal intensive care units of two tertiary-level medical centers in Taiwan. All premature infants (gestational age 24–34 weeks) receiving HFOV as rescue therapy for refractory respiratory failure were included. A total of 668 preterm neonates with refractory respiratory failure were enrolled. The median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight were 27.3 (25.3–31.0) weeks and 915.0 (710.0–1380.0) g, respectively. Pre-HFOV use of cardiac inotropic agents and inhaled nitric oxide were 70.5% and 23.4%, respectively. The oxygenation index (OI), FiO2, and AaDO2 were markedly increased after HFOV initiation (all p < 0.001), and can be decreased within 24–48 h (all p < 0.001) after use of HFOV. 375 (56.1%) patients had a good response to HFOV within 3 days. The final in-hospital mortality rate was 34.7%. No association was found between specific primary pulmonary disease and survival in multivariate analysis. We found preterm neonates with gestational age < 28 weeks, occurrences of sepsis, severe hypotension, multiple organ dysfunctions, initial higher severity of respiratory failure and response to HFOV within the first 72 h were independently associated with final in-hospital mortality. The mortality rate of preterm neonates with severe respiratory failure remains high after rescue HFOV treatment. Aggressive therapeutic interventions to treat sepsis and prevent organ dysfunctions are the suggested strategies to optimize outcomes.
COMMD4 functions with the histone H2A-H2B dimer for the timely repair of DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Suraweera Amila , Gandhi Neha S. , Beard Sam , Burgess Joshua T. , Croft Laura V. , Bolderson Emma , Naqi Ali , Ashton Nicholas W. , Adams Mark N. , Savage Kienan I. , Zhang Shu-Dong , O’Byrne Kenneth J. , Richard Derek J.
Published: April 2021

Genomic stability is critical for normal cellular function and its deregulation is a universal hallmark of cancer. Here we outline a previously undescribed role of COMMD4 in maintaining genomic stability, by regulation of chromatin remodelling at sites of DNA double-strand breaks. At break-sites, COMMD4 binds to and protects histone H2B from monoubiquitination by RNF20/RNF40. DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of the H2A-H2B heterodimer disrupts the dimer allowing COMMD4 to preferentially bind H2A. Displacement of COMMD4 from H2B allows RNF20/40 to monoubiquitinate H2B and for remodelling of the break-site. Consistent with this critical function, COMMD4-deficient cells show excessive elongation of remodelled chromatin and failure of both non-homologous-end-joining and homologous recombination. We present peptide-mapping and mutagenesis data for the potential molecular mechanisms governing COMMD4-mediated chromatin regulation at DNA double-strand breaks.
Theoretical and experimental insights into the effects of halogen composition on the thermal decomposition details, as well as the fire-suppressing mechanism and performance of CF3CXCH2 (X = F, Cl, Br)
Authors: Zhou Suting , Yang Qi , Zhang Haijun , Zhou Xiaomeng
Published: April 2021

By using both theoretical and experimental methods, the effects of halogen composition within CF3CXCH2 (X = F, Cl, Br) on their pyrolysis and fire-extinguishing mechanism were investigated.
Metal–organic frameworks as catalytic selectivity regulators for organic transformations
Authors: Guo Jun , Qin Yutian , Zhu Yanfei , Zhang Xiaofei , Long Chang , Zhao Meiting , Tang Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

Selective organic transformations using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-based heterogeneous catalysts have been an intriguing but challenging research topic in both the chemistry and materials communities.
The progression of lipid oxidation, β-carotenes degradation and sensory perception of batch-fried sliced sweet potato crisps during storage
Authors: Agarwal Deepa , Mui Lim , Aldridge Emma , McKinney James , Hewson Louise , Fisk Ian Denis
Published: April 2021

Lipid oxidation markers, degradation markers of β-carotene and changes in sensory properties were tracked in fried sliced sweet potatoes over shelf life and under different frying conditions.
Strategies and methodologies for the construction of spiro-γ-lactams: an update
Authors: Alves Américo J. S. , Alves Nuno G. , Soares Maria I. L. , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D.
Published: April 2021

This review gives an insight into the most recent synthetic methodologies towards spiro-γ-lactams, a class of compounds that are present in a wide range of synthetic bioactive and naturally occurring molecules.
Diagnostic and therapeutic nanoenzymes for enhanced chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Cong Cong , He Yuchu , Zhao Shuxian , Zhang Xuwu , Li Lei , Wang Desong , Liu Lanxiang , Gao Dawei
Published: April 2021

We creatively designed a nanodrug delivery system of MnO2-PTX/Ce6@lips based on the catalytic activity of MnO2 NPs. We synthesized a highly dispersible catalase-like nanozyme and successfully encapsulated it into liposomes.
e-MagnetoMethyl IP: a magnetic nanoparticle-mediated immunoprecipitation and electrochemical detection method for global DNA methylation
Authors: Farhana Fatema Zerin , Umer Muhammad , Saeed Ayad , Pannu Amandeep Singh , Husaini Sediqa , Sonar Prashant , Firoz Shakhawat H. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: April 2021

e-MagnetoMethyl IP is a new method for electrochemical analysis of global DNA methylation. It avoids bisulfite treatment, PCR amplification, and enzyme-based signal generation and can detect differences as low as 5% in global DNA methylation levels.
Theranostic potential of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles with paclitaxel and curcumin against breast carcinoma
Authors: Kim Kyu Ri , You Su Jung , Kim Hyun Joo , Yang Dae Hyeok , Chun Heung Jae , Lee Dongwon , Khang Gilson
Published: April 2021

Self-assembled theranostic hybrid nanoparticles containing dual drugs showed a specific targeting ability for breast carcinoma, and significantly reduced the tumor size due to the synergistic effects of the dual drugs.
Functional ligand directed assembly and electronic structure of Sn18-oxo wheel nanoclusters
Authors: Zhu Yu , Li Qiaohong , Li Dongsheng , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2021

The bilayer hexagonal Sn18-oxo cluster, as the largest tin-oxo wheel, was constructed by a ligand templating method. Moreover, the ligands also show important effects on electronic structure and third-order nonlinear optical property of the wheel.
A semi-crystalline carbonaceous structure as a wide-spectrum-responsive photocatalyst for efficient redox catalysis
Authors: Yang Pengju , Wang Ruonan , Zhang Hongxia , Zhao Jianghong , Wang Peng , Shi Hu , Yang Hengquan
Published: April 2021

A wide-spectrum-responsive carbonaceous photocatalyst was developed for the first time. This carbonaceous structure can efficiently catalyze hydrogen synthesis and benzyl alcohol oxidation under visible light, even under NIR light irradiation.
Guest-selective and reversible magnetic phase switching in a pseudo-pillared-layer porous magnet
Authors: Yoshino Haruka , Tomokage Narumi , Mishima Akio , Le Ouay Benjamin , Ohtani Ryo , Kosaka Wataru , Miyasaka Hitoshi , Ohba Masaaki
Published: April 2021

A novel guest-responsive porous magnet with a flexible pseudo-pillared-layer structure was synthesized and exhibited guest-selective magnetic phase switching prompted by the changes in the interlayer distance arising from water or methanol adsorption/desorption.
Short-wavelength ultraviolet dosimeters based on DNA nanostructure-modified graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Ai Zhaolin , Wang Liqian , Guo Qianying , Kong Derong , Wu Yungen , Liu Yunqi , Wei Dacheng
Published: April 2021

The DNA nanostructure conformation changes with an increase in UVC dose while graphene field-effect transistors convert the response to electrical signals, resulting in sensitive and direct UVC dose detection.
A luminescent metal–organic framework with tetragonal nanochannels as an efficient chemosensor for nitroaromatic explosives detection
Authors: Xie Wei , Jiang Wei , Xu Guang-Juan , Zhang Shu-Ran , Xu Yan-Hong , Su Zhong-Min
Published: April 2021

A 3D MOF with nanosized channels can act as an effective fluorescence probe, showing obvious fluorescence “turn-off” for nitroaromatic explosives.
Intrinsic structural features of coordination polymers make an impact on dye selectivity
Authors: Brahma Rinki , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: April 2021

Differences in hydrogen-bonded assembly help in recognition of dyes.
Rational design of solid-acid catalysts for cellulose hydrolysis using colloidal theory
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Tompsett Geoffrey A. , Granados-Focil Sergio , Lambert Christopher R. , Timko Michael T.
Published: April 2021

DLVO analysis shows that the solid acid catalysts used for cellulose hydrolysis should maximize van der Waals attraction and minimize electrostatic repulsion. High temperature and high shear conditions can promote catalyst–cellulose interaction.
Hygroscopic behavior and chemical reactivity of aerosols generated from mixture solutions of low molecular weight dicarboxylic acids and NaCl
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Li , Lee Ji-Soo , Ro Chul-Un
Published: April 2021

Investigation of laboratory-generated NaCl—dicarboxylic acid mixture aerosols was extensively performed using in situ Raman micro-spectrometry, clearly elucidating their hygroscopic behavior and chemical reactivity.
Trajectory surface-hopping photoinduced dynamics from Rydberg states of trimethylamine
Authors: Pápai Mátyás , Li Xusong , Nielsen Martin M. , Møller Klaus B.
Published: April 2021

Trajectory surface-hopping simulations reveal the excited-state mechanism of trimethylamine, resonantly pumped to the Rydberg 3p manifold. Key mechanistic aspects are internal conversion and vibrational dynamics occurring on sub-ps and ps timescales.
From photosensitizers to light harvesters adapting the molecular structure in all-BODIPY assemblies
Authors: Avellanal-Zaballa Edurne , Prieto-Castañeda Alejandro , Díaz-Norambuena Carolina , Bañuelos Jorge , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , García-Moreno Inmaculada , de la Moya Santiago , Ortiz María J.
Published: April 2021

The designed protocol enables a fine modulation of the photonic performance of BODIPY-based molecular assemblies. The choice of the spacer and building blocks leads to triads featuring tunable singlet oxygen generation and an energy transfer laser.
Response of a Zn(ii)-based metal–organic coordination polymer towards trivalent metal ions (Al3+, Fe3+ and Cr3+) probed by spectroscopic methods
Authors: Daga Pooja , Manna Priyanka , Majee Prakash , Singha Debal Kanti , Hui Sayani , Ghosh Ananta Kumar , Mahata Partha , Mondal Sudip Kumar
Published: April 2021

A Zn-based MOCP showed non-monotonous luminescence responses towards Al3+, Cr3+ and Fe3+ due to complexation based on hard–hard acid–base interactions that resulted in increased rigidity for Al3+ and LMCT using vacant d-orbitals of Cr3+ and Fe3+.
NMR reveals the metabolic changes induced by auranofin in A2780 cancer cells: evidence for glutathione dysregulation
Authors: Ghini Veronica , Senzacqua Tommaso , Massai Lara , Gamberi Tania , Messori Luigi , Turano Paola
Published: April 2021

NMR-based metabolomics is used to characterize the metabolic phenotype of auranofin treatment in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. The most distinctive trait is an early and evident increase of intracellular GSH, a key molecule in cell redox metabolism.
Improved photodegradation of anionic dyes using a complex graphitic carbon nitride and iron-based metal–organic framework material
Authors: Doan Huan V. , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Ting Valeska P. , Guan Shaoliang , Eloi Jean-Charles , Hall Simon R. , Pham Xuan Nui
Published: April 2021

The heterojunction between a metal–organic framework and graphitic carbon nitride can form a novel porous structure which reduces the rate of electron–hole recombination, thus improving the photocatalytic performance of the composite for wastewater treatment.
MOFs industrialization: a complete assessment of production costs
Authors: Severino Maria Inês , Gkaniatsou Effrosyni , Nouar Farid , Pinto Moisés L. , Serre Christian
Published: April 2021

The industrial production of MIL-160(Al), a prototypical metal–organic framework, was analysed by production cost estimation. The scalable synthesis conditions were confirmed in a pilot scale production.
Replacing DMF in solid-phase peptide synthesis: varying the composition of green binary solvent mixtures as a tool to mitigate common side-reactions
Authors: Jadhav Sandip , Martin Vincent , Egelund Peter H. G. , Johansson Castro Henrik , Krüger Tobias , Richner Franziska , Thordal Le Quement Sebastian , Albericio Fernando , Dettner Frank , Lechner Carolin , Schönleber Ralph , Pedersen Daniel Sejer
Published: April 2021

The composition of green binary solvent mixtures is used as a tool to mitigate side-reactions in SPPS.
An approach to separating Pu, U, and Ti from high-purity graphite for isotopic analysis by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Metzger Shalina C. , Manard Benjamin T. , Bostick Debra A. , Ticknor Brian W. , Rogers Kayron T. , McBay Eddy H. , Glasgow David C. , Zirakparvar N. Alex , Hexel Cole R.
Published: April 2021

Purification of plutonium, uranium, and titanium from high-purity graphite for high precision isotopic analysis via MC-ICP-MS.
Automation of peptide desalting for proteomic liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry by centrifugal microfluidics
Authors: Klatt J.-N. , Dinh T. J. , Schilling O. , Zengerle R. , Schmidt F. , Hutzenlaub T. , Paust N.
Published: April 2021

We present a centrifugal microfluidic disk that automates all liquid handling steps required for peptide desalting by solid phase extraction.
An amorphous NiSx film as a robust cocatalyst for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen generation over ultrafine ZnCdS nanoparticles
Authors: Gan Shenglong , Deng Min , Hou Dongfang , Huang Lei , Qiao Xiu-qing , Li Dong-sheng
Published: April 2021

The excellent photocatalytic activity of ultrafine ZnCdS nanoparticles embedded in amorphous NiSx films is ascribed to the synergistic effects of the adequate interface contact and the efficient spatial separation of the charges.
Controllable synthesis of self-templated hierarchical Ni3S2@N-doped carbon for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lu Zheng , Fang Yuan , Zheng Tian , Zhang Zidong , Wang Wenjian , Zhao Rui , Xue Weidong
Published: April 2021

The self-supporting electrode exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability due to 3D structure, modified electronic structure, and rapid charge transfer capability, which opens up a promising avenue for highly efficient OER.
Exploration of the cofactor specificity of wild-type phosphite dehydrogenase and its mutant using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Liu Kunlu , Wang Min , Zhou Yubo , Wang Hongxiang , Liu Yudong , Han Lu , Han Weiwei
Published: April 2021

Phosphite dehydrogenase (Pdh) catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of phosphite to phosphate with the formation of NADH.
Ultrasmall copper nanoclusters with multi-enzyme activities
Authors: Peng Yangbin , Ren Ying , Zhu Hao , An Yu , Chang Baisong , Sun Taolei
Published: April 2021

Ultrasmall copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) can functionally mimic three major antioxidant enzymes, showing impressive intracellular ROS scavenging abilities.
Insights into the climate-driven evolution of gas hydrate-bearing permafrost sediments: implications for prediction of environmental impacts and security of energy in cold regions
Authors: Vasheghani Farahani Mehrdad , Hassanpouryouzband Aliakbar , Yang Jinhai , Tohidi Bahman
Published: April 2021

The present study investigates the evolution of gas hydrate-bearing permafrost sediments against the environmental temperature change.
Layer-structured FeCo bihydroxide as an ultra-stable bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting at high current densities
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Wang Hui , Ji Shan , Wang Xuyun , Linkov Vladimir , Tian Xinlong , Yao Long , Zhao Jiarui , Wang Rongfang
Published: April 2021

A layered FeCo double hydroxide bifunctional water cracking electrocatalyst with ultra-high stability at high current density was developed.
Combinatorial and machine learning approaches for the analysis of Cu2ZnGeSe4: influence of the off-stoichiometry on defect formation and solar cell performance
Authors: Grau-Luque Enric , Anefnaf Ikram , Benhaddou Nada , Fonoll-Rubio Robert , Becerril-Romero Ignacio , Aazou Safae , Saucedo Edgardo , Sekkat Zouheir , Perez-Rodriguez Alejandro , Izquierdo-Roca Victor , Guc Maxim
Published: April 2021

This work provides insights for understanding and further developing the Cu2ZnGeSe4 photovoltaic technology, and gives an example of the potential of combinatorial analysis and machine learning for the study of complex systems in materials research.
Boosting the capacity of biomass-based supercapacitors using carbon materials of wood derivatives and redox molecules from plants
Authors: Wang Tiansheng , Hu Shunyou , Wu Dong , Zhao Weiwei , Yu Wen , Wang Mi , Xu Jie , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: April 2021

A strategy for biomass-based supercapacitors prepared by the hybrid system electrodes made from a biomass-based material sodium lignosulfonate-derived hierarchical porous graphitic carbon (PGLS) and an organic redox compound (alizarin).
A high performance Li-rich β-Li2IrO3 electrode for symmetric lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Lei , Dou Yuhai , Al-Mamun Mohammad , Meng Guowen
Published: April 2021

A high-performance symmetric full lithium ion battery with a simplified fabrication process, high safety and low cost was designed using novel Li-rich β-Li2IrO3 symmetric electrodes, resulting in outstanding electrochemical performance.
Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Biomaterials Science Editor's choice web collection: “Recent advances in microfluidics”
Authors: Chen Guoping
Published: April 2021

Guoping Chen introduces a Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Biomaterials Science Editor's choice web collection on recent advances in microfluidics.
A novel low-powered upconversion strategy to enhance the anti-Stokes shift: cascading one-photon hot-band absorption and triplet sensitization based on Pd(ii)octaethylporphyrin
Authors: Ju Xiaolei , Zhu Lin , Li Lin , Ye Changqing , Liang Zuoqin , Chen Shuoran , Wang Xiaomei
Published: April 2021

Cascading hot-band OPA and triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) were shown to provide a novel low-powered upconversion approach with a larger anti-Stokes shift in a simple way.
Photochromism of neutral spiropyran in the crystalline state at room temperature
Authors: Wu Zhen , Wang Qian , Li Pengyu , Fang Bing , Yin Meizhen
Published: April 2021

Solid-state photochromic materials are very attractive due to their promising future in advanced functional materials with reversible and tunable optical properties.