bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On species delimitation, hybridization and population structure of cassava whitefly in Africa
Authors: Elfekih S. , Tay W. T. , Polaszek A. , Gordon K. H. J. , Kunz D. , Macfadyen S. , Walsh T. K. , Vyskočilová S. , Colvin J. , De Barro P. J.
Published: April 2021

The Bemisia cassava whitefly complex includes species that cause severe crop damage through vectoring cassava viruses in eastern Africa. Currently, this whitefly complex is divided into species and subgroups (SG) based on very limited molecular markers that do not allow clear definition of species and population structure. Based on 14,358 genome-wide SNPs from 62 Bemisia cassava whitefly individuals belonging to sub-Saharan African species (SSA1, SSA2 and SSA4), and using a well-curated mtCOI gene database, we show clear incongruities in previous taxonomic approaches underpinned by effects from pseudogenes. We show that the SSA4 species is nested within SSA2, and that populations of the SSA1 species comprise well-defined south-eastern (Madagascar, Tanzania) and north-western (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi) putative sub-species. Signatures of allopatric incipient speciation, and the presence of a ‘hybrid zone’ separating the two putative sub-species were also detected. These findings provide insights into the evolution and molecular ecology of a highly cryptic hemipteran insect complex in African, and allow the systematic use of genomic data to be incorporated in the development of management strategies for this cassava pest.
The 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami-induced sediment remobilization on the Sendai shelf, Japan, from a comparison of pre- and post-tsunami surface sediments
Authors: Ikehara Ken , Irino Tomohisa , Saito Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Tsunamis are generally considered to disturb the seafloor, rework surface sediments, and change seafloor environments. However, the response of the seafloor to such extreme wave events has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we compare the surface sediments before and after the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami on the Sendai shelf and demonstrate that both sandy and muddy sediments were significantly reworked on the shelf. Muddy sediments (> 10 cm thick) were redeposited as graded mud with no or little bioturbation, characterizing the offshore muddy tsunami deposit, while well-sorted sand was found as the sandy tsunami deposit. This redeposited layer could also be retained in the shelf mud sequence. The results imply that the high friction velocity of the tsunami wave and its long-term effect on Sendai Bay might contribute to the large sediment reworking. Part of the resuspended mud moved offshore to the slope area as turbidity currents. Thus, the tsunami is an important mechanism not only for shelf sedimentation but also for deep-sea sedimentation along active plate margins. The detection of134Cs derived from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in the redeposited mud indicates that the suspended shelf water state was maintained for some days after the tsunami.
Nitrogen isotope effects can be used to diagnose N transformations in wastewater anammox systems
Authors: Magyar Paul M. , Hausherr Damian , Niederdorfer Robert , Stöcklin Nicolas , Wei Jing , Mohn Joachim , Bürgmann Helmut , Joss Adriano , Lehmann Moritz F.
Published: April 2021

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) plays an important role in aquatic systems as a sink of bioavailable nitrogen (N), and in engineered processes by removing ammonium from wastewater. The isotope effects anammox imparts in the N isotope signatures (15N/14N) of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate can be used to estimate its role in environmental settings, to describe physiological and ecological variations in the anammox process, and possibly to optimize anammox-based wastewater treatment. We measured the stable N-isotope composition of ammonium, nitrite, and nitrate in wastewater cultivations of anammox bacteria. We find that the N isotope enrichment factor15ε for the reduction of nitrite to N2is consistent across all experimental conditions (13.5‰ ± 3.7‰), suggesting it reflects the composition of the anammox bacteria community. Values of15ε for the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate (inverse isotope effect, − 16 to − 43‰) and for the reduction of ammonium to N2(normal isotope effect, 19–32‰) are more variable, and likely controlled by experimental conditions. We argue that the variations in the isotope effects can be tied to the metabolism and physiology of anammox bacteria, and that the broad range of isotope effects observed for anammox introduces complications for analyzing N-isotope mass balances in natural systems.
Mechanotransduction channel Piezo is widely expressed in the spider, Cupiennius salei, mechanosensory neurons and central nervous system
Authors: Johnson Jessica A. G. , Liu Hongxia , Höger Ulli , Rogers Samantha M. , Sivapalan Kajanan , French Andrew S. , Torkkeli Päivi H.
Published: April 2021

Mechanosensory neurons use mechanotransduction (MET) ion channels to detect mechanical forces and displacements. Proteins that function as MET channels have appeared multiple times during evolution and occur in at least four different families: the DEG/ENaC and TRP channels, as well as the TMC and Piezo proteins. We found twelve putative members of MET channel families in two spider transcriptomes, but detected only one, the Piezo protein, by in situ hybridization in their mechanosensory neurons. In contrast, probes for orthologs of TRP, ENaC or TMC genes that code MET channels in other species did not produce any signals in these cells. An antibody against C. salei Piezo detected the protein in all parts of their mechanosensory cells and in many neurons of the CNS. Unspecific blockers of MET channels, Ruthenium Red and GsMTx4, had no effect on the mechanically activated currents of the mechanosensory VS-3 neurons, but the latter toxin reduced action potential firing when these cells were stimulated electrically. The Piezo protein is expressed throughout the spider nervous system including the mechanosensory neurons. It is possible that it contributes to mechanosensory transduction in spider mechanosensilla, but it must have other functions in peripheral and central neurons.
Role of stromal activin A in human pancreatic cancer and metastasis in mice
Authors: Mancinelli Georgina , Torres Carolina , Krett Nancy , Bauer Jessica , Castellanos Karla , McKinney Ron , Dawson David , Guzman Grace , Hwang Rosa , Grimaldo Sam , Grippo Paul , Jung Barbara
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has extensive stromal involvement and remains one of the cancers with the highest mortality rates. Activin A has been implicated in colon cancer and its stroma but its role in the stroma of PDAC has not been elucidated. Activin A expression in cancer and stroma was assessed in human PDAC tissue microarrays (TMA). Activin A expression in human TMA is significantly higher in cancer samples, with expression in stroma correlated with shorter survival. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) were found to secrete high levels of activin A resulting in PDAC cell migration that is abolished by anti-activin A neutralizing antibody. KPC mice treated with anti-activin A neutralizing antibody were evaluated for tumors, lesions and metastases quantified by immunohistochemistry. KPC mice with increased tumor burden express high plasma activin A. Treating KPC mice with an activin A neutralizing antibody does not reduce primary tumor size but decreases tumor metastases. From these data we conclude that PDAC patients with high activin A expression in stroma have a worse prognosis. PSCs secrete activin A, promoting increased PDAC migration. Inhibition of activin A in mice decreased metastases. Hence, stroma-rich PDAC patients might benefit from activin A inhibition.
An acute phase protein α1-acid glycoprotein mitigates AKI and its progression to CKD through its anti-inflammatory action
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Fujimura Rui , Hiramoto Yuto , Murata Ryota , Nishida Kento , Bi Jing , Imafuku Tadashi , Komori Hisakazu , Maeda Hitoshi , Mukunoki Ayumi , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Tanaka Motoko , Matsushita Kazutaka , Fukagawa Masafumi , Maruyama Toru
Published: April 2021

The molecular mechanism for acute kidney injury (AKI) and its progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) continues to be unclear. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiological role of the acute phase protein α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in AKI and its progression to CKD using AGP KO mice. Plasma AGP levels in WT mice were increased by about 3.5-fold on day 1–2 after renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR), and these values then gradually decreased to the level before renal IR on day 7–14. On day 1 after renal IR, the AGP KO showed higher renal dysfunction, tubular injury and renal inflammation as compared with WT. On day 14, renal function, tubular injury and renal inflammation in WT had recovered, but the recovery was delayed, and renal fibrosis continued to progress in AGP KO. These results obtained from AGP KO were rescued by the administration of human-derived AGP (hAGP) simultaneously with renal IR. In vitro experiments using RAW264.7 cells showed hAGP treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response. These data suggest that endogenously induced AGP in early renal IR functions as a renoprotective molecule via its anti-inflammatory action. Thus, AGP represents a potential target molecule for therapeutic development in AKI and its progression CKD.
On-site processing of single chromosomal DNA molecules using optically driven microtools on a microfluidic workbench
Authors: Masuda Akihito , Takao Hidekuni , Shimokawa Fusao , Terao Kyohei
Published: April 2021

We developed optically driven microtools for processing single biomolecules using a microfluidic workbench composed of a microfluidic platform that functions under an optical microscope. The optically driven microtools have enzymes immobilized on their surfaces, which catalyze chemical reactions for molecular processing in a confined space. Optical manipulation of the microtools enables them to be integrated with a microfluidic device for controlling the position, orientation, shape of the target sample. Here, we describe the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of microtools, the microfluidics workbench, including its microtool storage and sample positioning functions, and the use of this system for on-site cutting of single chromosomal DNA molecules. We fabricated microtools by UV lithography with SU-8 and selected ozone treatments for immobilizing enzymes. The microfluidic workbench has tool-stock chambers for tool storage and micropillars to trap and extend single chromosomal DNA molecules. The DNA cutting enzymes DNaseI and DNaseII were immobilized on microtools that were manipulated using optical tweezers. The DNaseI tool shows reliable cutting for on-site processing. This pinpoint processing provides an approach for analyzing chromosomal DNA at the single-molecule level. The flexibility of the microtool design allows for processing of various samples, including biomolecules and single cells.
Corrosion and transformation of solution combustion synthesized Co, Ni and CoNi nanoparticles in synthetic freshwater with and without natural organic matter
Authors: Khort Alexander , Hedberg Jonas , Mei Nanxuan , Romanovski Valentin , Blomberg Eva , Odnevall Inger
Published: April 2021

Pure metallic Co, Ni, and their bimetallic compositions of Co3Ni, CoNi, and CoNi3 nanomaterials were prepared by solution combustion synthesis. Microstructure, phase composition, and crystalline structure of these nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized along with studies of their corrosion and dissolution properties in synthetic freshwater with and without natural organic matter (NOM). The nanomaterials consisted of aggregates of fine NPs (3–30 nm) of almost pure metallic and bimetallic crystal phases with a thin surface oxide covered by a thin carbon shell. The nanomaterials were characterized by BET surface areas ranging from ~ 1 to 8 m2/g for the Ni and Co NPs, to 22.93 m2/g, 14.86 m2/g, and 10.53 m2/g for the Co3Ni, CoNi, CoNi3 NPs, respectively. More Co and Ni were released from the bimetallic NPs compared with the pure metals although their corrosion current densities were lower. In contrast to findings for the pure metal NPs, the presence of NOM increased the release of Co and Ni from the bimetallic NPs in freshwater compared to freshwater only even though its presence reduced the corrosion rate (current density). It was shown that the properties of the bimetallic nanomaterials were influenced by multiple factors such as their composition, including carbon shell, type of surface oxides, and the entropy of mixing.
Coevolution underlies GPCR-G protein selectivity and functionality
Authors: Seo Min Jae , Heo Joongyu , Kim Kyunghui , Chung Ka Young , Yu Wookyung
Published: April 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate diverse physiological events, which makes them as the major targets for many approved drugs. G proteins are downstream molecules that receive signals from GPCRs and trigger cell responses. The GPCR-G protein selectivity mechanism on how they properly and timely interact is still unclear. Here, we analyzed model GPCRs (i.e. HTR, DAR) and Gα proteins with a coevolutionary tool, statistical coupling analysis. The results suggested that 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and dopamine receptors have common conserved and coevolved residues. The Gα protein also have conserved and coevolved residues. These coevolved residues were implicated in the molecular functions of the analyzed proteins. We also found specific coevolving pairs related to the selectivity between GPCR and G protein were identified. We propose that these results would contribute to better understandings of not only the functional residues of GPCRs and Gα proteins but also GPCR-G protein selectivity mechanisms.
Evaluation of the relationship between previous statin use and thyroid cancer using Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data
Authors: Kim So Young , Song Young Shin , Wee Jee Hye , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Lee Chang-Ho , Song Chang Myeon , Park Bumjung , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: April 2021

The association of thyroid cancer with statin use is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of previous statin use with thyroid cancer in the ≥ 40-year-old population in the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. The 5501 patients in the thyroid cancer group were matched with the 22,004 patients in the non-thyroid cancer group for age, sex, income, and region of residence. Previous statin use during the 2 years before the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was examined. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of previous statin use for thyroid cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression analyses. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted. The thyroid cancer group showed more days of previous statin use than the non-thyroid cancer group (72.3, standard deviation [SD] = 181.2 days vs. 64.3, SD = 174.4 days, P = 0.003). Although the odds of previous statin use for thyroid cancer were high in the crude model (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.04–1.17, P = 0.002), they were low in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.95, P = 0.001). According to age and sex subgroups, the younger (< 60 years old) male group showed lower odds for thyroid cancer according to previous statin use (adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.55–0.88, P = 0.003), but this finding was not observed in other subgroups of older men or in any groups of women. Thyroid cancer was negatively associated with statin use in the previous 2 years in the adjusted model.
The effect of resistance training set configuration on strength and muscular performance adaptations in male powerlifters
Authors: Arazi Hamid , Khoshnoud Amin , Asadi Abbas , Tufano James J.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different set configurations on strength and muscular performance adaptations after an 8-week resistance training program. Twenty-four male powerlifters participated in this study and were randomly assigned to one of two resistance training groups: (1) cluster sets (CS: n = 8), (2), traditional sets (TS: n = 8), and a control group (CG: n = 8). All powerlifters were evaluated for thigh and arm circumference, upper and lower body impulsive activities, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the back squat, bench press, and deadlift prior to and after the 8-week training intervention. After training, both the CS and TS groups increased arm and thigh circumferences and decreased body fat. The CS group resulted in greater increases in upper and lower body impulsive activities than the TS group, respectively. In addition, the CS and TS groups indicated similar changes in 1RM bench press, back squat, and deadlift following the 8 weeks training intervention. These results suggest that cluster sets induce adaptive changes that favor impulsive activities in powerlifters.
Bias-controlled multi-functional transport properties of InSe/BP van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Cho Sang-Hoo , Jang Hanbyeol , Im Heungsoon , Lee Donghyeon , Lee Je-Ho , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Seong Maeng-Je , Lee Byoung Hun , Lee Kayoung
Published: April 2021

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, consisting of a variety of low-dimensional materials, have great potential use in the design of a wide range of functional devices thanks to their atomically thin body and strong electrostatic tunability. Here, we demonstrate multi-functional indium selenide (InSe)/black phosphorous (BP) heterostructures encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride. At a positive drain bias (VD), applied on the BP while the InSe is grounded, our heterostructures show an intermediate gate voltage (VBG) regime where the current hardly changes, working as a ternary transistor. By contrast, at a negative VD, the device shows strong negative differential transconductance characteristics; the peak current increases up to ~5 μA and the peak-to-valley current ratio reaches 1600 at VD = −2 V. Four-terminal measurements were performed on each layer, allowing us to separate the contributions of contact resistances and channel resistance. Moreover, multiple devices with different device structures and contacts were investigated, providing insight into the operation principle and performance optimization. We systematically investigated the influence of contact resistances, heterojunction resistance, channel resistance, and the thickness of BP on the detailed operational characteristics at different VD and VBG regimes.
Patient-derived organoids as a predictive biomarker for treatment response in cancer patients
Authors: Wensink G. Emerens , Elias Sjoerd G. , Mullenders Jasper , Koopman Miriam , Boj Sylvia F. , Kranenburg Onno W. , Roodhart Jeanine M. L.
Published: April 2021

Effective predictive biomarkers are needed to enable personalized medicine and increase treatment efficacy and survival for cancer patients, thereby reducing toxic side effects and treatment costs. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) enable individualized tumour response testing. Since 2018, 17 publications have examined PDOs as a potential predictive biomarker in the treatment of cancer patients. We review and provide a pooled analysis of the results regarding the use of PDOs in individualized tumour response testing, focusing on evidence for analytical validity, clinical validity and clinical utility. We identify future perspectives to accelerate the implementation of PDOs as a predictive biomarker in the treatment of cancer patients.
Population genomics and antimicrobial resistance dynamics of Escherichia coli in wastewater and river environments
Authors: Delgado-Blas Jose F. , Ovejero Cristina M. , David Sophia , Montero Natalia , Calero-Caceres William , Garcillan-Barcia M. Pilar , de la Cruz Fernando , Muniesa Maite , Aanensen David M. , Gonzalez-Zorn Bruno
Published: April 2021

Aquatic environments are key niches for the emergence, evolution and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. However, the population diversity and the genetic elements that drive the dynamics of resistant bacteria in different aquatic environments are still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to understand the population genomics and evolutionary events of Escherichia coli resistant to clinically important antibiotics including aminoglycosides, in anthropogenic and natural water ecosystems. Here we show that less different E. coli sequence types (STs) are identified in wastewater than in rivers, albeit more resistant to antibiotics, and with significantly more plasmids/cell (6.36 vs 3.72). However, the genomic diversity within E. coli STs in both aquatic environments is similar. Wastewater environments favor the selection of conserved chromosomal structures associated with diverse flexible plasmids, unraveling promiscuous interplasmidic resistance genes flux. On the contrary, the key driver for river E. coli adaptation is a mutable chromosome along with few plasmid types shared between diverse STs harboring a limited resistance gene content.
A positive charge region of Salmonella FliI is required for ATPase formation and efficient flagellar protein export
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: April 2021

The FliH2FliI complex is thought to pilot flagellar subunit proteins from the cytoplasm to the transmembrane export gate complex for flagellar assembly in Salmonella enterica. FliI also forms a homo-hexamer to hydrolyze ATP, thereby activating the export gate complex to become an active protein transporter. However, it remains unknown how this activation occurs. Here we report the role of a positively charged cluster formed by Arg-26, Arg-27, Arg-33, Arg-76 and Arg-93 of FliI in flagellar protein export. We show that Arg-33 and Arg-76 are involved in FliI ring formation and that the fliI(R26A/R27A/R33A/R76A/R93A) mutant requires the presence of FliH to fully exert its export function. We observed that gain-of-function mutations in FlhB increased the probability of substrate entry into the export gate complex, thereby restoring the export function of the ∆fliH fliI(R26A/R27A/R33A/R76A/R93A) mutant. We suggest that the positive charge cluster of FliI is responsible not only for well-regulated hexamer assembly but also for substrate entry into the gate complex.
Asymmetric azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition on chiral metal surfaces
Authors: Stolz Samuel , Bauer Michael , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Krane Nils , Bommert Max , Turco Elia , Bassi Nicolò , Kinikar Amogh , Merino-Dìez Néstor , Hany Roland , Brune Harald , Gröning Oliver , Widmer Roland
Published: April 2021

Achieving fundamental understanding of enantioselective heterogeneous synthesis is marred by the permanent presence of multitudinous arrangements of catalytically active sites in real catalysts. In this study, we address this issue by using structurally comparatively simple, well-defined, and chiral intermetallic PdGa{111} surfaces as catalytic substrates. We demonstrate the impact of chirality transfer and ensemble effect for the thermally activated azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition between 3-(4-azidophenyl)propionic acid and 9-ethynylphenanthrene on these threefold symmetric intermetallic surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Specifically, we encounter a dominating ensemble effect for this reaction as on the Pd3-terminated PdGa{111} surfaces no stable heterocoupled structures are created, while on the Pd1-terminated PdGa{111} surfaces, the cycloaddition proceeds regioselectively. Moreover, we observe chirality transfer from the substrate to the reaction products, as they are formed enantioselectively on the Pd1-terminated PdGa{111} surfaces. Our results evidence a determinant ensemble effect and the immense potential of PdGa as asymmetric heterogeneous catalyst.
Coherent control of acoustic phonons in a silica fiber using a multi-GHz optical frequency comb
Authors: Endo Mamoru , Kimura Shota , Tani Shuntaro , Kobayashi Yohei
Published: April 2021

Multi-gigahertz mechanical vibrations that stem from interactions between light fields and matter—known as acoustic phonons—have long been a subject of research. In recent years, specially designed functional devices have been developed to enhance the strength of the light-matter interactions because excitation of acoustic phonons using a continuous-wave laser alone is insufficient. However, the strength of the interaction cannot be controlled appropriately or instantly using these structurally-dependent enhancements. Here we show a technique to control the effective interaction strength that does not operate via the material structure in the spatial domain; instead, the method operates through the structure of the light in the time domain. The effective excitation and coherent control of acoustic phonons in a single-mode fiber using an optical frequency comb that is performed by tailoring the optical pulse train. This work represents an important step towards comb-matter interactions.
Frustrated magnet for adiabatic demagnetization cooling to milli-Kelvin temperatures
Authors: Tokiwa Yoshifumi , Bachus Sebastian , Kavita Kavita , Jesche Anton , Tsirlin Alexander A. , Gegenwart Philipp
Published: April 2021

Generation of very low temperatures has been crucially important for applications and fundamental research, as low-temperature quantum coherence enables operation of quantum computers and formation of exotic quantum states, such as superfluidity and superconductivity. One of the major techniques to reach milli-Kelvin temperatures is adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration. This method uses almost non-interacting magnetic moments of paramagnetic salts where large distances suppress interactions between the moments. The large spatial separations are facilitated by water molecules, with a drawback of reduced stability of the material. Here, we show that the water-free frustrated magnet KBaYb(BO3)2 can be ideal for refrigeration, achieving at least 22 mK. Compared to conventional refrigerants, KBaYb(BO3)2 does not degrade even under high temperatures and ultra-high vacuum. Further, its magnetic frustration and structural randomness enable cooling to temperatures several times lower than the energy scale of magnetic interactions, which is the main limiting factor for the base temperature of conventional refrigerants.
Frequency of use of household products containing VOCs and indoor atmospheric concentrations in homes
Authors: Heeley-Hill Aiden C. , Grange Stuart K. , Ward Martyn W. , Lewis Alastair C. , Owen Neil , Jordan Caroline , Hodgson Gemma , Adamson Greg
Published: April 2021

VOCs are used ubiquitously in consumer products. This population study investigates a wide-range of VOC concentrations indoors and links high butane concentrations with universal and frequent aerosol use.
Machine learning methods for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) genotoxicity prediction
Authors: Kotzabasaki Marianna , Sotiropoulos Iason , Charitidis Costas , Sarimveis Haralambos
Published: April 2021

Schematic representation of the QSAR modeling workflow in this study, which produced the model predicting genotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
Tribocatalytic degradation of dyes by tungsten bronze ferroelectric Ba2.5Sr2.5Nb8Ta2O30submicron particles
Authors: Sun Chaozhong , Guo Xiaoying , Hu Changzheng , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Cheng Zhenxiang , Luo Nengneng
Published: April 2021

Searching for a new approach in environmental remediation in terms of dye degradation is important in industrialized society.
Specific adsorption and determination of aspartame in soft drinks with a zein magnetic molecularly imprinted modified MGCE sensor
Authors: Tan Ling , Li Qing-Yao , Li Yan-Jun , Ma Rong-Rong , He Jia-Yuan , Jiang Zhuang-Fei , Yang Li-Li , Wang Chong-Zhi , Luo Ling , Zhang Qi-Hui , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: April 2021

Schematic representation of the synthesis procedure of ZDM-MIPs.
Quantification of the ion transport mechanism in protective polymer coatings on lithium metal anodes
Authors: Zhou Hongyao , Liu Haodong , Xing Xing , Wang Zijun , Yu Sicen , Veith Gabriel M. , Liu Ping
Published: April 2021

Protective Polymer Coatings (PPCs) protect lithium metal anodes in rechargeable batteries to stabilize the Li/electrolyte interface and to extend the cycle life by reducing parasitic reactions and improving the lithium deposition morphology.
High spatial-resolution imaging of label-freein vivoprotein aggregates by VISTA
Authors: Lin Li-En , Miao Kun , Qian Chenxi , Wei Lu
Published: April 2021

High spatial-resolution label-free imaging ofin vivoprotein aggregates by VISTA for studying the details of amyloid-β plaque morphologies was achieved. Highly multiplex volumetric imaging was achieved by coupling VISTA imaging with U-net feature prediction.
Spatially offset Raman scattering line-mapping as a potential tool for particle size analysis
Authors: Cho Sanghoon , Song Si Won , Kim Hyung Min , Chung Hoeil
Published: April 2021

A spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) line-mapping scheme was explored as a tool for the measurement of particle size.
Photoresponsive transformation from spherical to nanotubular assemblies: anticancer drug delivery using macrocyclic cationic gemini amphiphiles
Authors: Dey Subhasis , Chatterjee Soumya , Patel Anjali , Pradhan Nirmalya , Srivastava Diship , Patra Niladri , Bhattacharyya Arindam , Manna Debasis
Published: April 2021

We developed NIR-light-responsive macrocyclic cationic gemini amphiphiles, one of which displayed various favorable properties of lipids, for example, stable spherical nanoaggregates and high phase transition temperature.
The C(3P) + O2(3Σg−) → CO2 ↔ CO(1Σ+) + O(1D)/O(3P) reaction: thermal and vibrational relaxation rates from 15 K to 20 000 K
Authors: San Vicente Veliz Juan Carlos , Koner Debasish , Schwilk Max , Bemish Raymond J. , Meuwly Markus
Published: April 2021

Reaction and vibrational relaxation rate computed for C(3P) + O2(3Σg−) ↔ CO(1Σ+) + O(1D)/O(3P) for a wide range of temperatures using quasiclassical trajectory calculations on five new potential energy surfaces for different electronic states.
Structured hydroxyapatite composites as efficient solid base catalysts for condensation reactions
Authors: Jose Tharun , Ftouni Jamal , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: April 2021

Herein, we report the use of structured hydroxyapatite composite (SHCs) as highly efficient and recyclable solid base catalysts for various condensation reactions.
Liquid-phase exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets doped with p-type transition metals: a comparative analysis of photocatalytic and antimicrobial potential combined with density functional theory
Authors: Raza Ali , Qumar Usman , Haider Ali , Naz Sadia , Haider Junaid , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Ikram Muhammad , Ali Salamat , Goumri-Said Souraya , Kanoun Mohammed Benali
Published: April 2021

MoS2 nanosheets were developed by undertaking the liquid-phase exfoliation of bulk counterparts.
Multisubstituted C2-symmetric ansa-metallocenes bearing nitrogen heterocycles: influence of substituents on catalytic properties in propylene polymerization at higher temperatures
Authors: Kulyabin Pavel S. , Izmer Vyatcheslav V. , Goryunov Georgy P. , Sharikov Mikhail I. , Kononovich Dmitry S. , Uborsky Dmitry V. , Canich Jo Ann M. , Voskoboynikov Alexander Z.
Published: April 2021

Influence of substituents in zirconocenes of the type Me2Si(2-Alk-4-(N-carbazolyl)Ind)ZrX2 on their catalytic performance was systematically studied in high-temperature propylene polymerization.
The transfer hydrogenation of high concentration levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone catalyzed by glucose phosphate carbamide zirconium
Authors: Wan Feifei , Yang Bo , Zhu Jiekun , Jiang Dabo , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhang Qiao , Chen Shuainan , Zhang Chao , Liu Yachun , Fu Zaihui
Published: April 2021

Newly constructed glucose phosphate carbamide zirconium (GluPC-Zr) is an inexpensive, excellent, and recyclable CTH catalyst for the synthesis of γ-valerolactone (γ-GVL) using high concentrations of levulinic acid (LA ).
Measuring signatures of fuel irradiation in large particle samples
Authors: Hanson Susan K. , Pollington Anthony D.
Published: April 2021

Scaled-down methods for the analysis of single particles of nuclear fuel using chemical purification and isotope dilution mass spectrometry reveal the heterogeneity of burnup and reaction along the axis and radius of a spent fuel rod.
Design of 2D materials – MSi2CxN4−x (M = Cr, Mo, and W; x = 1 and 2) – with tunable electronic and magnetic properties
Authors: Li Bowen , Geng Jiazhong , Ai Haoqiang , Kong Youchao , Bai Haoyun , Lo Kin Ho , Ng Kar Wei , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Pan Hui
Published: April 2021

Novel 2D materials (MSi2CxN4−x) with tunable electronic and magnetic properties.
A one-pot successive cyclization–alkylation strategy for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes
Authors: Cunningham Christopher , Cloyd Matthew , Phillips Aimee , Khan Soha , Whalen Katherine , Kesharwani Tanay
Published: April 2021

A successive one-pot iodocyclization alkylation strategy was developed to synthesize highly functionalized 3-iodobenzo[b]thiophenes derivatives.
Synthetic strategies for hollow particles with open holes on their surfaces
Authors: Zou Hua , Shang Ke
Published: April 2021

The strategies used for the preparation of hollow particles with open holes on their surfaces are summarized systematically.
Bioinspired photocatalytic hedgehog coating for super liquid repellency
Authors: Sarma Jyotirmoy , Guo Zongqi , Dai Xianming
Published: April 2021

Bioinspired hedgehog coating is superomniphobic to liquid with surface tension of 25.3 mN m−1, and repels liquids with surface tensions down to 16 mN m−1 when it is converted to a one-step liquid infused surface utilizing its photocatalytic property.
White light employing luminescent engineered large (mega) Stokes shift molecules: a review
Authors: Mohd Yusof Chan Nadia Nabihah , Idris Azila , Zainal Abidin Zul Hazrin , Tajuddin Hairul Anuar , Abdullah Zanariah
Published: April 2021

Illustration of white light designated with the 1931-CIE coordinate of (0.33, 0.33), and photophysical mechanisms that contribute to large Stoke shift molecules.
Flavonoids of Salvadora persica L. (meswak) and its liposomal formulation as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Owis Asmaa I. , El-Hawary Marwa S. , El Amir Dalia , Refaat Hesham , Alaaeldin Eman , Aly Omar M. , Elrehany Mahmoud A. , Kamel Mohamed S.
Published: April 2021

Several studies are now underway as a worldwide response for the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak; unfortunately, none of them have resulted in an effective treatment.
Boosting light harvesting and charge separation of WO3via coupling with Cu2O/CuO towards highly efficient tandem photoanodes
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud A. , Shen Luying , Zheng Jianming , Xu Chunye
Published: April 2021

A highly efficient photoanode with a tandem structure of ITO/WO3/Cu2O/CuO produces a photocurrent about 1.4 and 5.5 times the measured values for ITO/WO3/Cu2O and ITO/WO3 ones, respectively.
Thermal degradation of mango (Mangifera indica) wood sawdust in a nitrogen environment: characterization, kinetics, reaction mechanism, and thermodynamic analysis
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Mohanty Bikash
Published: April 2021

Kinetic and thermodynamic data were extracted from the pyrolysis of waste MIW sawdust for design and operations of an efficient pyrolysis system.
Recent advances of AIE light-up probes for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Feng Guangxue , Tang Ben Zhong , Liu Bin
Published: April 2021

AIE fluorogens provide new opportunities for the development of light-up probes for photodynamic therapy.
Stealth nanorods via the aqueous living crystallisation-driven self-assembly of poly(2-oxazoline)s
Authors: Finnegan John R. , Pilkington Emily H. , Alt Karen , Rahim Md. Arifur , Kent Stephen J. , Davis Thomas P. , Kempe Kristian
Published: April 2021

Triggered by heating, a poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) block copolymer undergoes seeded growth in water forming length tuneable nanorods. Morphology and composition combine to impart low immune cell association and promising blood circulation lifetimes.
A simple approach making acetylene black electrocatalytically active for flexible rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Deng Jie , Wang Lei , Jin Fangming , Hu Yun Hang
Published: April 2021

A highly-efficient air-electrode material for flexible rechargeable zinc–air batteries is created from simple thermal treatment of acetylene black and polytetrafluoroethylene composites.
Heteroarchitecturing a novel three-dimensional hierarchical MoO2/MoS2/carbon electrode material for high-energy and long-life lithium storage
Authors: Liu Xufei , Mei Peng , Dou Yu , Luo Rui , Yamauchi Yusuke , Yang Yingkui
Published: April 2021

A three-dimensional hierarchical MoO2/MoS2/C heterostructure has been engineered through a facile polymerization–carbonization strategy, which demonstrates high-energy and long-life lithium storage capability as an anode material.
Coverage of capping ligands determining the selectivity of multi-carbon products and morphological evolution of Cu nanocatalysts in electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Oh Yusik , Park Jiwon , Kim Yohan , Shim Minyoung , Kim Taek-Seung , Park Jeong Young , Byon Hye Ryung
Published: April 2021

Ligand-free Cu nanoclusters enabled high multi-carbon production efficiency in electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Magnesium oxide-incorporated electrospun membranes inhibit bacterial infections and promote the healing process of infected wounds
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Haiyan , Xia Changlei , Liu Zhengni , Liu Jiajie , Yin Anlin , Lou Xiangxin , Wang Hongsheng , Mo Xiumei , Wu Jinglei
Published: April 2021

MgO nanoparticle-incorporated membranes effectively suppressed bacterial infection and significantly promoted the healing processes of infected full-thickness wounds in a rat model.
A bioprosthetic heart valve cross-linked by a non-glutaraldehyde reagent with improved biocompatibility, endothelialization, anti-coagulation and anti-calcification properties
Authors: Yu Tao , Yang Wenxuan , Zhuang Weihua , Tian Yuan , Kong Qunshou , Chen Xiaotong , Li Gaocan , Wang Yunbing
Published: April 2021

Compared with Glut-PP, OX-Et-PP exhibits better biocompatibility, enhanced endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation, improved anti-coagulation and anti-calcification property, along with the satisfactory mechanical property.
Injectable poly(γ-glutamic acid)-based biodegradable hydrogels with tunable gelation rate and mechanical strength
Authors: Wei Meng , Hsu Yu-I , Asoh Taka-Aki , Sung Moon-Hee , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

Poly(γ-glutamic acid)-based biodegradable hydrogels with rapid injectable time and tunable mechanical strength were prepared by combining enzymatic crosslinking and Diels–Alder (DA) reaction.
Retraction: Development of functional hydrogels for heart failure
Authors: Han Yanxin , Yang Wengbo
Published: April 2021

Retraction for ‘Development of functional hydrogels for heart failure’ by Yanxin Han et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 1563–1580, DOI: 10.1039/C8TB02591F.
The emergence and origin of broader light emission from two-dimensional layered (C12H25NH3)2MnCl4 at low-temperatures
Authors: Bochalya Madhu , Nivedan Anand , Kumar Sandeep , Singh Arvind , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2021

In (C12H25NH3)2MnCl4, at room temperature, the white light emission spectrum weighs around the green while at temperatures lower than ∼200 K, the spectral weight shifts to longer wavelengths due to the emergence of a much stronger PL peak at ∼700 nm.
Hydroxyurea affects in vitro porcine oocyte maturation through increased apoptosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Gao Wei , Jin Yongxun , Hao Jindong , Huang Siyi , Wang Dongxu , Quan Fushi , Zhang Mingjun , Zhang Jiabao , Ren Wenzhi , Yu Xianfeng
Published: April 2021

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an FDA-approved drug used to treat a variety of diseases, especially malignancies, but is harmful to fertility. We used porcine oocytes as an experimental model to study the effect of HU during oocyte maturation. Exposure of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) to 20 µM (P<0.01) and 50 µM (P<0.001) HU reduced oocyte maturation. Exposure to 20 µM HU induced approximately 1.5- and 2-fold increases in Caspase-3 (P<0.001) and P53 (P<0.01) gene expression levels in cumulus cells, respectively, increased Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and P53 (P<0.001) protein expression levels in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and increased the percentage of apoptotic cumulus cells (P<0.001). In addition, HU decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm) (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and glutathione (GSH) levels (P<0.01 and P<0.001) of both cumulus cells and MII oocytes, while increasing their reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (P<0.001). Following parthenogenetic activation of embryos derived from MII oocytes, exposure to 20 µM HU significantly reduced total blastocyst cell numbers (P<0.001) and increased apoptosis of blastocyst cells (P<0.001). Moreover, HU exposure reduced the rate of development of two-celled, four- to eight-celled, blastocyst, and hatching stages after parthenogenetic activation (P<0.05). Our findings indicate that exposure to 20 µM HU caused significant oxidative stress and apoptosis of MII oocytes during maturation, which affected their developmental ability. These results provide valuable information for safety assessments of HU.
Primary cilia and the DNA damage response: linking a cellular antenna and nuclear signals
Authors: Morrison Ciaran G.
Published: April 2021

The maintenance of genome stability involves integrated biochemical activities that detect DNA damage or incomplete replication, delay the cell cycle, and direct DNA repair activities on the affected chromatin. These processes, collectively termed the DNA damage response (DDR), are crucial for cell survival and to avoid disease, particularly cancer. Recent work has highlighted links between the DDR and the primary cilium, an antenna-like, microtubule-based signalling structure that extends from a centriole docked at the cell surface. Ciliary dysfunction gives rise to a range of complex human developmental disorders termed the ciliopathies. Mutations in ciliopathy genes have been shown to impact on several functions that relate to centrosome integrity, DNA damage signalling, responses to problems in DNA replication and the control of gene expression. This review covers recent findings that link cilia and the DDR and explores the various roles played by key genes in these two contexts. It outlines how proteins encoded by ciliary genes impact checkpoint signalling, DNA replication and repair, gene expression and chromatin remodelling. It discusses how these diverse activities may integrate nuclear responses with those that affect a structure of the cell periphery. Additional directions for exploration of the interplay between these pathways are highlighted, with a focus on new ciliary gene candidates that alter genome stability.
Serpins in cartilage and osteoarthritis: what do we know?
Authors: Wilkinson David J.
Published: April 2021

Serpins (serine proteinase inhibitors) are an ancient superfamily of structurally similar proteins, the majority of which use an elegant suicide inhibition mechanism to target serine proteinases. Despite likely evolving from a single common ancestor, the 36 human serpins have established roles regulating diverse biological processes, such as blood coagulation, embryonic development and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Genetic mutations in serpin genes underpin a host of monogenic disorders — collectively termed the ‘serpinopathies’ — but serpin dysregulation has also been shown to drive pathological mechanisms in many common diseases. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder, characterised by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage. This breakdown of the cartilage is driven by the metalloproteinases, and it has long been established that an imbalance of metalloproteinases to their inhibitors is of critical importance. More recently, a role for serine proteinases in cartilage destruction is emerging; including the activation of latent matrix metalloproteinases and cell-surface receptors, or direct proteolysis of the ECM. Serpins likely regulate these processes, as well as having roles beyond serine proteinase inhibition. Indeed, serpins are routinely observed to be highly modulated in osteoarthritic tissues and fluids by ‘omic analysis, but despite this, they are largely ignored. Confusing nomenclature and an underappreciation for the role of serine proteinases in osteoarthritis (OA) being the likely causes. In this narrative review, serpin structure, biochemistry and nomenclature are introduced, and for the first time, their putative importance in maintaining joint tissues — as well as their dysregulation in OA — are explored.
Linear convergence of accelerated conditional gradient algorithms in spaces of measures
Authors: Pieper Konstantin , Walter Daniel
Published: April 2021

A class of generalized conditional gradient algorithms for the solution of optimization problem in spaces of Radon measures is presented. The method iteratively inserts additional Dirac-delta functions and optimizes the corresponding coefficients. Under general assumptions, a sub-linear [see formula in PDF] rate in the objective functional is obtained, which is sharp in most cases. To improve efficiency, one can fully resolve the finite-dimensional subproblems occurring in each iteration of the method. We provide an analysis for the resulting procedure: under a structural assumption on the optimal solution, a linear [see formula in PDF] convergence rate is obtained locally.
Step-type stereo ecological seaborn construct and plant screening
Authors: De-yong Wang , Jing Wang , Qing-jun Zeng , Kai-fang Deng
Published: April 2021

For the problem of traditional ecological seawall structure, ecological landscape monotonous problems, the stepped stereo ecological seawall integrating defense, ecological and landscape functions is proposed. In order to screen low-conditioned, salt, and suitable plants planted in coastal areas, 6 plants were studied in the form of sewage (Sonneratia, Arundo, Canna, Bischofia, Myriophyllum, Dianella) in different salt concentrations of salt sewage Change Law of Biochemical Indicators. The test results show that the chlorophyll content of Hazang, Mountains and Rusais increased significantly, and the content of malondialdehyde has a significant reduction in trend, indicating that they can thrive in salty sewage, have a high degree of stress resistance, and can be used as the preferred plants for ecological coast.
Study on rainfall infiltration in high groundwater channels
Authors: Chen Hui , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaohui , Song Xingpeng
Published: April 2021

In order to solve the adverse effect that the lining of high groundwater level channels is prone to damage when subjected to heavy rainfall, the response law of internal structural state of high groundwater level channels under different rainfall conditions was studied. Based on the non-seepage seepage theory, the seepage pressure (total water head) in the tunnel under four different rainfall types is analyzed and studied. The results show that the most unfavorable rainfall types for the lining structure safety are the frontal rainfall and uniform type rainfall. Therefore we should pay more attention to the front type and uniform type rainfall from the perspective of seepage. The research results can provide reference for slope and seepage control design of high groundwater level channels.