bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep learning approach to identifying immunogold particles in electron microscopy images
Authors: Jerez Diego , Stuart Eleanor , Schmitt Kylie , Guerrero-Given Debbie , Christie Jason M. , Hahn William E. , Kamasawa Naomi , Smirnov Michael S.
Published: April 2021

Electron microscopy (EM) enables high-resolution visualization of protein distributions in biological tissues. For detection, gold nanoparticles are typically used as an electron-dense marker for immunohistochemically labeled proteins. Manual annotation of gold particle labels is laborious and time consuming, as gold particle counts can exceed 100,000 across hundreds of image segments to obtain conclusive data sets. To automate this process, we developed Gold Digger, a software tool that uses a modified pix2pix deep learning network capable of detecting and annotating colloidal gold particles in biological EM images obtained from both freeze-fracture replicas and plastic sections prepared with the post-embedding method. Gold Digger performs at near-human-level accuracy, can handle large images, and includes a user-friendly tool with a graphical interface for proof reading outputs by users. Manual error correction also helps for continued re-training of the network to improve annotation accuracy over time. Gold Digger thus enables rapid high-throughput analysis of immunogold-labeled EM data and is freely available to the research community.
A 300-GHz low-cost high-gain fully metallic Fabry–Perot cavity antenna for 6G terahertz wireless communications
Authors: Aqlan Basem , Himdi Mohamed , Vettikalladi Hamsakutty , Le-Coq Laurent
Published: April 2021

A low-cost, compact, and high gain Fabry–Perot cavity (FPC) antenna which operates at 300 GHz is presented. The antenna is fabricated using laser-cutting brass technology. The proposed antenna consists of seven metallic layers; a ground layer, an integrated stepped horn element (three-layers), a coupling layer, a cavity layer, and an aperture-frequency selective surface (FSS) layer. The proposed aperture-FSS function acts as a partially reflective surface, contributing to a directive beam radiation. For verification, the proposed sub-terahertz (THz) FPC antenna prototype was developed, fabricated, and measured. The proposed antenna has a measured reflection coefficient below − 10 dB from 282 to 304 GHz with a bandwidth of 22 GHz. The maximum measured gain observed is 17.7 dBi at 289 GHz, and the gain is higher than 14.4 dBi from 285 to 310 GHz. The measured radiation pattern shows a highly directive pattern with a cross-polarization level below − 25 dB over the whole band in all cut planes, which confirms with the simulation results. The proposed antenna has a compact size, low fabrication cost, high gain, and wide operating bandwidth. The total height of the antenna is 1.24 $${\lambda }_{0}$$

λ
0

($${\lambda }_{0}$$

λ
0

at the design frequency, 300 GHz) , with a size of 2.6 mm × 2.6 mm. The proposed sub-THz waveguide-fed FPC antenna is suitable for 6G wireless communication systems.
Gene expression profiles of YAP1, TAZ, CRB3, and VDR in familial and sporadic multiple sclerosis among an Iranian population
Authors: Khalilian Sheyda , Hojati Zohreh , Dehghanian Fariba , Shaygannejad Vahid , Imani Seyedeh Zahra Hosseini , Kheirollahi Majid , Khorrami Mehdi , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: April 2021

Alterations in the regulatory mechanisms that control the process of myelination in the nervous system, may lead to the impaired myelination in the Multiple sclerosis. The Hippo pathway is an important mediator of myelination in the nervous system and might contribute to the pathophysiology of MS. This study examined via qPCR the RNA expression of YAP1, TAZ, and CRB3 as the key effectors of the Hippo pathway and also, VDR in the peripheral blood of 35 sporadic, 37 familial MS patients; and also 34 healthy first-degree relatives of the familial MS patients (HFR) and 40 healthy individuals without a family history of the disease (control). The results showed the increased expression of VDR in the sporadic group, as compared to other groups. There was also an increased expression of TAZ in the familial and HFR groups, as compared to the control group. The familial and sporadic patients displayed a significantly lower level of expression of YAP1 in comparison to the HFR group. The increased expression level in the sporadic patients and control group, as compared to the HFR group, was seen in CRB3. We also assessed different clinical parameters and MRI characteristics of the patients. Overall, these findings suggest that Hippo pathway effectors and also VDR gene may play a potential role in the pathophysiology of the sporadic and familial forms of MS. Confirmation of different gene expression patterns in sporadic and familial MS groups may have obvious implications for the personalization of therapies in the disease.
Physiological and pharmacological stimulation for in vitro maturation of substrate metabolism in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lopez Colleen A. , Al-Siddiqi Heba Hussain A. A. , Purnama Ujang , Iftekhar Sonia , Bruyneel Arne A. N. , Kerr Matthew , Nazir Rabia , da Luz Sousa Fialho Maria , Malandraki-Miller Sophia , Alonaizan Rita , Kermani Fatemeh , Heather Lisa C. , Czernuszka Jan , Carr Carolyn A.
Published: April 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) enable human cardiac cells to be studied in vitro, although they use glucose as their primary metabolic substrate and do not recapitulate the properties of adult cardiomyocytes. Here, we have explored the interplay between maturation by stimulation of fatty acid oxidation and by culture in 3D. We have investigated substrate metabolism in hiPSC-CMs grown as a monolayer and in 3D, in porous collagen-derived scaffolds and in engineered heart tissue (EHT), by measuring rates of glycolysis and glucose and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and changes in gene expression and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. FAO was stimulated by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), using oleate and the agonist WY-14643, which induced an increase in FAO in monolayer hiPSC-CMs. hiPSC-CMs grown in 3D on collagen-derived scaffolds showed reduced glycolysis and increased FAO compared with monolayer cells. Activation of PPARα further increased FAO in cells on collagen/elastin scaffolds but not collagen or collagen/chondroitin-4-sulphate scaffolds. In EHT, FAO was significantly higher than in monolayer cells or those on static scaffolds and could be further increased by culture with oleate and WY-14643. In conclusion, a more mature metabolic phenotype can be induced by culture in 3D and FAO can be incremented by pharmacological stimulation.
Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery after strenuous exercise depends on skeletal muscle size and stem cell characteristics
Authors: Baumert Philipp , Temple S. , Stanley J. M. , Cocks M. , Strauss J. A. , Shepherd S. O. , Drust B. , Lake M. J. , Stewart C. E. , Erskine R. M.
Published: April 2021

Hamstring muscle injury is highly prevalent in sports involving repeated maximal sprinting. Although neuromuscular fatigue is thought to be a risk factor, the mechanisms underlying the fatigue response to repeated maximal sprints are unclear. Here, we show that repeated maximal sprints induce neuromuscular fatigue accompanied with a prolonged strength loss in hamstring muscles. The immediate hamstring strength loss was linked to both central and peripheral fatigue, while prolonged strength loss was associated with indicators of muscle damage. The kinematic changes immediately after sprinting likely protected fatigued hamstrings from excess elongation stress, while larger hamstring muscle physiological cross-sectional area and lower myoblast:fibroblast ratio appeared to protect against fatigue/damage and improve muscle recovery within the first 48 h after sprinting. We have therefore identified novel mechanisms that likely regulate the fatigue/damage response and initial recovery following repeated maximal sprinting in humans.
Cuticular hydrocarbons for identifying Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Authors: Moore Hannah E. , Hall Martin J. R. , Drijfhout Falko P. , Cody Robert B. , Whitmore Daniel
Published: April 2021

The composition and quantity of insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) can be species-specific as well as sexually dimorphic within species. CHC analysis has been previously used for identification and ageing purposes for several insect orders including true flies (Diptera). Here, we analysed the CHC chemical profiles of adult males and females of eleven species of flesh flies belonging to the genusSarcophagaMeigen (Sarcophagidae), namelySarcophaga africa(Wiedemann),S. agnataRondani,S. argyrostomaRobineau-Desvoidy,S. carnaria(Linnaeus),S. crassipalpisMacquart,S. melanuraMeigen,S. pumilaMeigen,S. teretirostrisPandellé,S. subvicinaRohdendorf,S. vagansMeigen andS. variegata(Scopoli). Cuticular hydrocarbons extracted from pinned specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London using a customised extraction technique were analysed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Time of preservation prior to extraction ranged between a few weeks to over one hundred years. CHC profiles (1) allowed reliable identification of a large majority of specimens, (2) differed between males and females of the same species, (3) reliably associated males and females of the same species, provided sufficient replicates (up to 10) of each sex were analysed, and (4) identified specimens preserved for up to over one hundred years prior to extraction.
The riddle of orange–red luminescence in Bismuth-doped silica glasses
Authors: Laguta Oleksii V. , Razdobreev Igor M.
Published: April 2021

For over the past two decades it has been believed that the intense orange-red photoluminescence in Bismuth-doped materials originates from Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ions. Based on the results from magnetic circular polarization experiments, we demonstrate that this hypothesis fails for Bismuth-doped silica glasses. Our findings contradict the generally accepted statement that the orange-red luminescence arises from $$^{2}P_{3/2}(1)$$

2

P

3
/
2

(
1
)

$$\rightarrow$$
→
$$^{2}P_{1/2}$$

2

P

1
/
2

transition in a divalent Bismuth ion. The degree of magnetic circular polarization of this luminescence exhibits non-monotonic temperature and field dependencies, as well as sign reversal. This complex behaviour cannot be explained under the assumption of a single Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ion. The detailed analysis enables us to construct a consistent diagram of energy levels involved in the magneto-optical experiments and propose a new interpretation of the nature of orange-red luminescence in Bismuth-doped silica glass. A centre responsible for this notorious photoluminescence must be an even-electron system with an integer total spin, presumably a dimer of Bismuth ions or a complex consisting of Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

and an oxygen vacancy.
Basmisanil, a highly selective GABAA-α5 negative allosteric modulator: preclinical pharmacology and demonstration of functional target engagement in man
Authors: Hipp Joerg F. , Knoflach Frederic , Comley Robert , Ballard Theresa M. , Honer Michael , Trube Gerhard , Gasser Rodolfo , Prinssen Eric , Wallace Tanya L. , Rothfuss Andreas , Knust Henner , Lennon-Chrimes Sian , Derks Michael , Bentley Darren , Squassante Lisa , Nave Stephane , Nöldeke Jana , Wandel Christoph , Thomas Andrew W. , Hernandez Maria-Clemencia
Published: April 2021

GABAA-α5 subunit-containing receptors have been shown to play a key modulatory role in cognition and represent a promising drug target for cognitive dysfunction, as well as other disorders. Here we report on the preclinical and early clinical profile of a novel GABAA-α5 selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM), basmisanil, which progressed into Phase II trials for intellectual disability in Down syndrome and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Preclinical pharmacology studies showed that basmisanil is the most selective GABAA-α5 receptor NAM described so far. Basmisanil bound to recombinant human GABAA-α5 receptors with 5 nM affinity and more than 90-fold selectivity versus α1, α2, and α3 subunit-containing receptors. Moreover, basmisanil inhibited GABA-induced currents at GABAA-α5 yet had little or no effect at the other receptor subtypes. An in vivo occupancy study in rats showed dose-dependent target engagement and was utilized to establish the plasma exposure to receptor occupancy relationship. At estimated receptor occupancies between 30 and 65% basmisanil attenuated diazepam-induced spatial learning impairment in rats (Morris water maze), improved executive function in non-human primates (object retrieval), without showing anxiogenic or proconvulsant effects in rats. During the Phase I open-label studies, basmisanil showed good safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers at maximum GABAA-α5 receptor occupancy as confirmed by PET analysis with the tracer [11C]-Ro 15-4513. An exploratory EEG study provided evidence for functional activity of basmisanil in human brain. Therefore, these preclinical and early clinical studies show that basmisanil has an ideal profile to investigate potential clinical benefits of GABAA-α5 receptor negative modulation.
Lipids and organic acids in three gut locations affect feed efficiency of commercial pigs as revealed by LC–MS-based metabolomics
Authors: Ye Yong , Wu Jie , Quan Jianping , Ding Rongrong , Yang Ming , Wang Xingwang , Zhou Shenping , Zhuang Zhanwei , Huang Sixiu , Gu Ting , Hong Lingjun , Zheng Enqin , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Jie
Published: April 2021

Feed efficiency (FE) is an important economic indicator in pig production. Improving the FE of commercial pigs is an important strategy for minimizing pig production costs and providing sustainability to the pig industry. In this study, nontargeted LC–MS metabolomics was performed on the contents of the three intestine segments (ileum, cecum and colon) of high-FE and low-FE pigs to explore the effects of small-molecule metabolites in pig intestine on pig FE. A total of 225 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs in the 30–100 kg stage were sorted based on FE, and 20 pigs with extreme phenotypes were selected, with 10 in each group. A total of 749 metabolites were identified, of which 15, 38 and 11 differed between high-FE and low-FE pigs in ileum, cecum and colon, respectively. These candidate biomarkers mainly comprised lipids and organic acids, which could partially explain the FE difference between the two groups. Among the identified differential metabolites, the lipids are mainly involved in combatting inflammation and oxidation in the ileum and cecum and in bile acid metabolism and vitamin D absorption in the cecum. A difference in organic acids was mainly observed in the hindgut, which is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. This comprehensive study provides new insight into the biochemical mechanisms associated with pig FE.
Evaluation of tear osmolarity measured by I-Pen osmolarity system in patients with dry eye
Authors: Park Jongyeop , Choi Youngjoo , Han Gyule , Shin Eunhae , Han Jisang , Chung Tae-Young , Lim Dong Hui
Published: April 2021

This retrospective comparative study was to evaluate tear osmolarity measured by I-Pen osmolarity system (I-MED Pharma Inc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada) in healthy subjects without dry eye disease (DED) and patients with DED, and its association with other ocular surface parameters. This study comprised 65 eyes of 65 patients. The ocular surface parameters including tear osmolarity with I-Pen osmometer of the patients who visited the refractive surgery center of Samsung Medical Center between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 were retrospectively collected. The subjects were divided as asymptomatic normal group and symptomatic dry eye group. The distribution of tear osmolarity and its association with other ocular surface parameters were evaluated. Total thirty-two patients (32 eyes) were included in the control group, and 33 patients (33 eyes) were included in the DED group. Tear osmolarity was significantly higher in the DED group. Tear osmolarity was negatively correlated with tear break-up time, and the Schirmer test, and was positively correlated with Ocular Surface Disease Index symptom score. The cut-off value of 318 mOsm/L showed a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 90.6% for diagnosing DED. The I-Pen osmometer can be considered suitable for use in the clinical setting, with good performance in DED diagnosis.
Actin cytoskeletal inhibitor 19,20-epoxycytochalasin Q sensitizes yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and secondarily through disruption of lipid homeostasis
Authors: Watchaputi Kwanrutai , Somboon Pichayada , Phromma-in Nipatthra , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok , Soontorngun Nitnipa
Published: April 2021

Repetitive uses of antifungals result in a worldwide crisis of drug resistance; therefore, natural fungicides with minimal side-effects are currently sought after. This study aimed to investigate antifungal property of 19, 20-epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), derived from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC 1067 of tropical forests. In a model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ECQ is more toxic in the erg6∆ strain, which has previously been shown to allow higher uptake of many hydrophilic toxins. We selected one pathway to study the effects of ECQ at very high levels on transcription: the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, which is unlikely to be the primary target of ECQ. Ergosterol serves many functions that cholesterol does in human cells. ECQ’s transcriptional effects were correlated with altered sterol and triacylglycerol levels. In the ECQ-treated Δerg6 strain, which presumably takes up far more ECQ than the wild-type strain, there was cell rupture. Increased actin aggregation and lipid droplets assembly were also found in the erg6∆ mutant. Thereby, ECQ is suggested to sensitize yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and consequently but not primarily led to disruption of lipid homeostasis. Investigation of cytochalasins may provide valuable insight with potential biopharmaceutical applications in treatments of fungal infection, cancer or metabolic disorder.
The benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, berberine and coptisine, act against camptothecin-resistant topoisomerase I mutants
Authors: Inoue Naomi , Terabayashi Takeshi , Takiguchi-Kawashima Yuri , Fujinami Daisuke , Matsuoka Shigeru , Kawano Masanori , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Tsumura Hiroshi , Ishizaki Toshimasa , Narahara Hisashi , Kohda Daisuke , Nishida Yoshihiro , Hanada Katsuhiro
Published: April 2021

DNA replication inhibitors are utilized extensively in studies of molecular biology and as chemotherapy agents in clinical settings. The inhibition of DNA replication often triggers double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) at stalled DNA replication sites, resulting in cytotoxicity. In East Asia, some traditional medicines are administered as anticancer drugs, although the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects are not entirely understood. In this study, we screened Japanese herbal medicines and identified two benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), berberine and coptisine. These alkaloids mildly induced DSBs, and this effect was dependent on the function of topoisomerase I (Topo I) and MUS81-EME1 structure-specific endonuclease. Biochemical analysis revealed that the action of BIAs involves inhibiting the catalytic activity of Topo I rather than inducing the accumulation of the Topo I-DNA complex, which is different from the action of camptothecin (CPT). Furthermore, the results showed that BIAs can act as inhibitors of Topo I, even against CPT-resistant mutants, and that the action of these BIAs was independent of CPT. These results suggest that using a combination of BIAs and CPT might increase their efficiency in eliminating cancer cells.
Memory and superposition in a superspin glass
Authors: Peddis D. , Trohidou K. N. , Vasilakaki M. , Margaris G. , Bellusci M. , Varsano F. , Hudl M. , Yaacoub N. , Fiorani D. , Nordblad P. , Mathieu R.
Published: April 2021

The non-equilibrium dynamics of the superspin glass state of a dense assembly of ~ 2 nm MnFe2O4nanoparticles was investigated by means of magnetization, ac susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements and compared to the results of Monte Carlo simulations for a mesoscopic model that includes particles morphology and interparticle interactions. The zero-field cooled (ZFC), thermoremanent (TRM), and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) were recorded after specific cooling protocols and compared to those of archetypal spin glasses and their dimensionality. The system is found to display glassy magnetic features. We illustrate in detail, by a number of experiments, the dynamical properties of the low-temperature superspin glass phase. We observe that these glassy features are quite similar to those of atomic spin glasses. Some differences are observed, and interestingly, the non-atomic nature of the superspin glass is also reflected by an observed superspin dimensionality crossover. Monte Carlo simulations—that explicitly take into account core and surface contributions to the magnetic properties of these ultrasmall nanoparticles in direct contact, as well as interparticle interactions—evidence effects of the interplay between (intraparticle) core/surface exchange coupling and (interparticle) dipolar and exchange interactions.
Retraction Note: PPP1, a plant-specific regulator of transcription controls Arabidopsis development and PIN expression
Authors: Benjamins René , Barbez Elke , Ortbauer Martina , Terpstra Inez , Lucyshyn Doris , Moulinier-Anzola Jeanette , Khan Muhammad Asaf , Leitner Johannes , Malenica Nenad , Butt Haroon , Korbei Barbara , Scheres Ben , Kleine-Vehn Jürgen , Luschnig Christian
Published: April 2021

Editor's Note: this Article has been retracted; the Retraction Note is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87406-5.
Dimeric mimetic of BDNF loop 4 promotes survival of serum-deprived cell through TrkB-dependent apoptosis suppression
Authors: Zainullina L. F. , Vakhitova Yu. V. , Lusta A. Yu. , Gudasheva T. A. , Seredenin S. B.
Published: April 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the regulation of neuronal cell growth, differentiation, neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. Although aberrant BDNF/TrkB signaling is implicated in several neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, neurotrophin-based therapy is challenging and is limited by improper pharmacokinetic properties of BDNF. Dimeric dipeptide compound GSB-106 (bis-(N-monosuccinyl-l-seryl-l-lysine) hexamethylenediamide) has earlier been designed to mimic the TrkB-interaction 4 loop of BDNF. It displayed protective effect in various cell-damaging models in vitro. Animal studies uncovered antidepressive and neuroprotective properties upon GSB-106 per os administration. Current study shows that GSB-106 acts similarly to BDNF, promoting survival of serum-deprived neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells. 100 nmol concentration of GSB-106 provided maximum neurotrophic effect, which corresponds to about 37% of the maximum effect provided by BDNF. Protective properties of GSB-106 arise from its ability to counteract cell apoptosis via activation of TrkB-dependent pro-survival mechanisms, including inactivation of pro-apoptotic BAD protein and suppression of caspases 9 and 3/7. Thus, our study has characterized neurotrophic activity of small dimeric compound GSB-106, which mimics certain biological functions of BDNF and neurotrophin-specific protective mechanisms. GSB-106 also displays similarities to some known low weight peptide and non-peptide TrkB ligands.
Seed-to-seed early-season cold resiliency in sorghum
Authors: Emendack Yves , Sanchez Jacobo , Hayes Chad , Nesbitt Matthew , Laza Haydee , Burke John
Published: April 2021

Early planted sorghum usually experiences cooler day/night temperatures, which may result in delayed growth, floral initiation, and infertile pollen, limiting productivity in high altitudes and temperate regions. Genetic variability for cold tolerance in sorghum has been evaluated by characterizing germination, emergence, vigor, and seedling growth under sub-optimal temperatures. However, the compounded effect of early season cold on plant growth and development and subsequent variability in potential grain yield losses has not been evaluated. Agro-morphological and physiological responses of sorghum grown under early-, mid-, and standard planting dates in West Texas were characterized from seed-to-seed. A set of diverse lines and hybrids with two major sources of tolerance, and previously selected for seedling cold tolerance were used. These were evaluated with a standard commercial hybrid known for its seedling cold tolerance and some cold susceptible breeding lines as checks. Variabilities in assessed parameters at seedling, early vegetative, and maturity stages were observed across planting dates for genotypes and sources of cold tolerance. Panicle initiation was delayed, and panicle size reduced, resulting in decreased grain yields under early and mid-planting dates. Coupled with final germination percent, panicle width and area were significant unique predictors of yield under early and mid-planting dates. Significant variability in performance was observed not only between cold tolerant and susceptible checks, but noticeably between sources of cold tolerance, with the Ethiopian highland sources having lesser yield penalties than their Chinese counterparts. Thus, screening for cold tolerance should not be limited to early seedling characterization but should also consider agronomic traits that may affect yield penalties depending on the sources of tolerance.
Drone approach parameters leading to lower stress sheep flocking and movement: sky shepherding
Authors: Yaxley Kate J. , Joiner Keith F. , Abbass Hussein
Published: April 2021

Consumer groups are pressuring modern farmers to be more efficient with a focus on better animal welfare. Herding risks farmer lives, involves stress from farm dogs, and if not performed often and intelligently, risks neglect. We examined the behavioural and physiological response of twelve Dorper sheep (Ovies aries) to a drone to adapt mathematical models of shepherding to the new dimension. The model aims to make it feasible for artificial intelligence to improve the autonomy of farmers and pilots in shepherding from the sky. Sheep acclimatised quickly and positively to the drone initiating drive of a flock, regardless of drone speed. Our results demonstrate that stimulating sheep auditory awareness during herding from the sky leads to varying sheep responses. When controlled, these auditory cues can maintain safer distances between the drone and the sheep, offering great potential for the agriculture industry. We outline our ongoing research plans to achieve more autonomous sky shepherding that is compassionate to animal welfare and trusted by farmers and the consuming public.
Author Correction: Gamma Attenuation Coefficients of Nano Cadmium Oxide/High density Polyethylene Composites
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Elzaher Mohamed Abd , Badawi Mohamed S. , Alabsy Mahmoud T. , Alharshan Gharam A. , Aloraini Dalal A.
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Genetic variants of programmed cell death 1 are associated with HBV infection and liver disease progression
Authors: Hoan Nghiem Xuan , Huyen Pham Thi Minh , Binh Mai Thanh , Trung Ngo Tat , Giang Dao Phuong , Linh Bui Thuy , Dung Dang Thi Ngoc , Pallerla Srinivas Reddy , Kremsner Peter G. , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Bang Mai Hong , Song Le Huu
Published: April 2021

The inhibitory effects of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) modulates T-cell depletion. T-cell depletion is one of the key mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence, in particular liver disease progression and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case–control study aimed to understand the significance of PD-1 polymorphisms (PD-1.5 and PD-1.9) association with HBV infection risk and HBV-induced liver disease progression. Genotyping of PD-1.5 and PD-1.9 variants was performed by direct Sanger sequencing in 682 HBV-infected patients including chronic hepatitis (CHB, n = 193), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 183), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 306) and 283 healthy controls (HC). To analyze the association of PD-1 variants with liver disease progression, a binary logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender, was performed using different genetic models. The PD-1.9 T allele and PD-1.9 TT genotype are significantly associated with increased risk of LC, HCC, and LC + HCC. The frequencies of PD-1.5 TT genotype and PD-1.5 T allele are significantly higher in HCC compared to LC patients. The haplotype CT (PD-1.5 C and PD-1.9 T) was significantly associated with increased risk of LC, HCC, and LC + HCC. In addition, the TC (PD-1.5 T and PD-1.9 C) haplotype was associated with the risk of HCC compared to non-HCC. The PD-1.5 CC, PD-1.9 TT, genotype, and the CC (PD-1.5 C and PD-1.9) haplotype are associated with unfavorable laboratory parameters in chronic hepatitis B patients. PD-1.5 and PD1.9 are useful prognostic predictors for HBV infection risk and liver disease progression.
Multiple dehydrogenation of fluorene cation and neutral fluorene using the statistical molecular fragmentation model
Authors: Désesquelles Pierre , Van-Oanh Nguyen-Thi , Xu Lejin , Luo Yining , Mai Tam V.-T. , Huynh Lam K. , Domin Dominik
Published: April 2021

The statistical molecular fragmentation model was used to analyze the 306 fragmentation channels (containing 611 different species) that result from the fluorene (C13H10+) cation losing up to three hydrogen atoms (neutral radicals and/or a proton).
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of monofluoroalkenes and gem-difluoroalkenes: advances and perspectives
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Juan , Cheng Ya-Min , Zhao Xiao-Wei , Cao Zhong-Yan , Xiao Xiao , Xu Ying
Published: April 2021

The latest achievements in the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of both monofluoro- and gem-difluoroalkenes are discussed.
Influence of neodymium substitution on structural, magnetic and spectroscopic properties of Ni–Zn–Al nano-ferrites
Authors: Amri N. , Massoudi J. , Nouri K. , Triki M. , Dhahri E. , Bessais L.
Published: April 2021

The incorporation of Nd3+ in the Ni–Zn–Al ferrite spinel causes an improvement in magnetic parameters. Spectroscopic properties were discussed based on FTIR and Raman measurements and proved the purity and good crystallization of the samples.
Wet-etched asymmetric spherical nanoparticles with controllable pit structures and application in non-aqueous foams
Authors: Li Gen , Wang Keliang , Lu Chunjing
Published: April 2021

Asymmetrical spherical particles with pit structures were prepared by using NH4F to perform wet etching on particles. Additionally, the effective etched particles show better foaming performance than non-etched particles in the non-aqueous phase.
Electrochemical sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for imidacloprid determination
Authors: Bruzaca Evellin E. S. , de Oliveira Raissa C. , Duarte Mateus S. S. , Sousa Camila P. , Morais Simone , Correia Adriana N. , de Lima-Neto Pedro
Published: April 2021

A simple and robust sensor (fMWCNT–Nafion®0.5%/GCE) for determination of imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid, was developed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNT) and Nafion®.
Polymer-capped CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for the sensitive detection of Cu2+and Hg2+and the quenching mechanism
Authors: Zhou Quanxiu , Li Zhaofa , Wang Qunfang , Peng Liang , Luo Shihe , Gu Feng Long
Published: April 2021

Polymer-capped QDs are proposed as fluorescent probes to detect Cu2+and Hg2+simultaneously. The experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate that the fluorescence quenching mechanisms of the two ions are different.
A photo-triggered antifungal nanoplatform with efflux pump and heat shock protein reversal activity for enhanced chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy
Authors: Yang Dongliang , Tu Yuexing , Wang Xiaorui , Cao Changyu , Hu Yanling , Shao Jinjun , Weng Lixing , Mou Xiaozhou , Dong Xiaochen
Published: April 2021

A photo-triggered release antifungal platform with efflux pump and heat shock protein reversal activity was developed to enhance chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy.
Confronting molecular rotors and self-quenched dimers as fluorogenic BODIPY systems to probe biotin receptors in cancer cells
Authors: Fam Kyong T. , Saladin Lazare , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Collot Mayeul
Published: April 2021

Two fluorogenic systems based on BODIPY have been confronted as probes for biotin receptor in live cells. The self-quenched dimer that lights up in the non-polar membrane was found to be more efficient than the viscosity-sensitive molecular rotor.
Zinc-catalyzed C–H alkenylation of quinoline N-oxides with ynones: a new strategy towards quinoline-enol scaffolds
Authors: Hu Yan , Nan Jiang , Gong Xue , Zhang Jiawen , Yin Jiacheng , Ma Yangmin
Published: April 2021

A zinc-catalyzed C–H alkenylation of quinoline N-oxides with ynones has been developed to rapidly assemble a broad collection of valuable quinoline-enol organic architectures.
The Hantzsch reaction for nitrogen-13 PET: preparation of [13N]nifedipine and derivatives
Authors: Blower Julia E. , Ma Michelle T. , Al-Salemee Fahad A. I. , Gee Antony D.
Published: April 2021

The Hantzsch reaction was adapted to allow the rapid radiosynthesis of 13N-labelled 1,4-dihydropyridines, including [13N]nifedipine, for preclinical PET imaging.
An oxo(corrolato)chromium(v) complex selectively kills cancer cells by inducing DNA damage
Authors: Pradhan Nitika , Garai Antara , Patra Bratati , Kar Sanjib , Maiti Prasanta K.
Published: April 2021

A chromium(v)–oxo corrole complex induces cell death in cancer cell lines but has no effect in normal cells. It was also observed that the complex cleaves the DNA derived from cancer cell lines but not the DNA derived from normal cells.
Unique and generic structural features of cholinium amino acid-based biocompatible ionic liquids
Authors: Dhattarwal Harender S. , Kashyap Hemant K.
Published: April 2021

Amino acid anions govern the nanoscale structure in cholinium amino acid-based ionic liquids.
Reactions of nickel(0) with organochlorides, organobromides, and organoiodides: mechanisms and structure/reactivity relationships
Authors: Greaves Megan E. , Johnson Humphrey Elliot L. B. , Nelson David J.
Published: April 2021

The reactions of nickel(0) complexes with phosphine, bipyridine-type, and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands with aryl, vinyl, and alkyl halides is reviewed.
Toxicity of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from black shale natural-gas wells influenced by well maturity and chemical additives
Authors: Aghababaei Mina , Luek Jenna L. , Ziemkiewicz Paul F. , Mouser Paula J.
Published: April 2021

Hydraulic fracturing of deep shale formations generates large volumes of wastewater that are managed through treatment, reuse, or disposal. These wastewaters contain toxic substances that can be released to the environment through accidental spills.
Investigating the effect of species-specific calibration on the quantitative imaging of iron at mg kg−1 and selenium at μg kg−1 in tissue using laser ablation with ICP-QQQ-MS
Authors: Billimoria Kharmen , Douglas David N. , Huelga-Suarez Gonzalo , Collingwood Joanna F. , Goenaga-Infante Heidi
Published: April 2021

An insight into the effect of species-specific calibration on the accuracy of the LA-ICP-MS data for tissue Fe and Se at concentrations relevant to neurodegenerative models.
High-throughput organ-on-chip platform with integrated programmable fluid flow and real-time sensing for complex tissue models in drug development workflows
Authors: Azizgolshani H. , Coppeta J. R. , Vedula E. M. , Marr E. E. , Cain B. P. , Luu R. J. , Lech M. P. , Kann S. H. , Mulhern T. J. , Tandon V. , Tan K. , Haroutunian N. J. , Keegan P. , Rogers M. , Gard A. L. , Baldwin K. B. , de Souza J. C. , Hoefler B. C. , Bale S. S. , Kratchman L. B. , Zorn A. , Patterson A. , Kim E. S. , Petrie T. A. , Wiellette E. L. , Williams C. , Isenberg B. C. , Charest J. L.
Published: April 2021

96 microfluidic devices with independent electrical readouts are coupled with 192 micropumps to make a high-throughput organ-on-chip platform.
A self-assembling, biporous, metal-binding covalent organic framework and its application for gas separation
Authors: Spaulding Veronica , Zosel Katarina , Duong Phuoc H. H. , Li-Oakey Katie D. , Parkinson Bruce A. , Gomez-Gualdron Diego A. , Hoberg John O.
Published: April 2021

A self-assembling, biporous covalent organic framework has been constructed from a single monomer and applied to gas separations. Coordination of transition metals in the monomer leads to highly ordered arrangements of metals in the 2D-materials.
The fabrication of monodisperse polypyrrole/SBA-15 composite for the selective removal of Cr(vi) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Wang Liang , Gao Peng , Liu Mengxin , Huang Ziqing , Lan Shixia , Li Yue , Rao Wenhui , Liu Yuanli , Du Rui , Yu Chuanbai
Published: April 2021

Monodisperse polypyrrole/SBA-15 composite (PPy/SBA-15) was fabricated by in situ polymerization and used for Cr(vi) adsorption from aqueous solution.
Preponderant role of pentafluorophenyl moieties for tuning the electronic properties of extended benzodifuran-azomethine derivatives
Authors: Moussallem Chady , Allain Magali , Gohier Frédéric , Frère Pierre
Published: April 2021

Ecofriendly syntheses of imino-benzodifuran derivatives with AAA, AAD and DAD characters tuned by pentafluorophenyl and dimethylamino groups.
Gigantic electro-chemo-mechanical properties of nanostructured praseodymium doped ceria
Authors: Tinti Victor Buratto , Kabir Ahsanul , Han Jin Kyu , Molin Sebastian , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

Some oxygen defective fluorites are non-Newnham electrostrictors, i.e., the electromechanical response does not depend on their dielectric properties.
Close-spaced thermally evaporated 3D Sb2Se3 film for high-rate and high-capacity lithium-ion storage
Authors: Li Wangyang , Deng Liying , Wang Xinghui , Cao Jiaqi , Xie Yonghui , Zhang Qiaoli , Zhang Hong , Deng Hui , Cheng Shuying
Published: April 2021

A 3D-structured Sb2Se3 film (3D-SSF) with controllable microstructures was developed through a modified close-spaced rapid thermal evaporation to form an additive-free anode with current-regulated high-rate Li-ion storage.
Tailoring the selectivity of phenanthroline derivatives for the partitioning of trivalent Am/Eu ions – a relativistic DFT study
Authors: Ebenezer Cheriyan , Vijay Solomon Rajadurai
Published: April 2021

Preferential binding of actinides over lanthanides using tailored phenanthroline derivative ligands through relativistic DFT calculations.
Low-cost and multi-level structured NiFeMn alloy@NiFeMn oxyhydroxide electrocatalysts for highly efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Ge Zeyu , Wang Fei , Guo Junji , Ma Jungang , Yu Chunyan , Zhong Aihua , Xie Yizhu
Published: April 2021

NiFeMn alloy@NiFeMn oxyhydroxide was fabricated by electrodeposition, which reveals exceptional electrocatalytic property toward overall water splitting owing to the extraordinary multi-level structure.
Bromine anion mediated epitaxial growth of core–shell Pd@Ag towards efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Wu Yinqiong , Zeng Jiachang , Yang Yang , Li Zhaojie , Zhang Wenbiao , Li Dan , Gao Qingsheng
Published: April 2021

A Br− mediated epitaxy growth is proposed to fabricate core–shelled Pd@Ag electrocatalysts highly active for CO2 reduction.
Decarboxylative C–H alkylation of heteroarenes by copper catalysis
Authors: Zhu Xiaolong , Li Xuan , Li Xuehao , Lv Jian , Sun Kai , Song Xiuyan , Yang Daoshan
Published: April 2021

A copper-catalyzed decarboxylative C–H alkylation of heteroarenes with alkyl carboxylic acids has been realized.
α-Trideuteration of methylarenes
Authors: Tie Lin , Shan Xiang-Huan , Qu Jian-Ping , Kang Yan-Biao
Published: April 2021

An efficient and practical transition metal free α-trideuteration of methylarenes was developed.
Recent advances in annulation reactions based on zwitterionic π-allyl palladium and propargyl palladium complexes
Authors: Niu Ben , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: April 2021

Carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds could be constructed through the palladium-catalyzed annulation reactions of zwitterionic π-allyl palladium or propargyl palladium complexes with unsaturated electrophiles.
Effect of relative percentage of acid and base sites on the side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol
Authors: Li Huijun , Wang Bin , Wen Yueli , Hao Chunyao , Liu Yuhua , Huang Wei
Published: April 2021

For the side chain alkylation of toluene with methanol, middle base sites can improve the selectivity of styrene and ethylbenzene. With enough middle base sites on the catalysts, strong base sites benefit the selectivity of styrene.
Efficient charge separation and transfer of a TaON/BiVO4 heterojunction for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Li Na , Jiang Yi , Wang Xiaodi , Hu Chongyang , Jiang Wenchao , Li Siyuan , Xia Lixin
Published: April 2021

TaON/BiVO4 heterojunction electrodes exhibited significant enhancement in the photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
Synthesis and characterization of a new ZIF-67@MgAl2O4 nanocomposite and its adsorption behaviour
Authors: Davoodi Mehdi , Davar Fatemeh , Rezayat Mohammad R. , Jafari Mohammad T. , Bazarganipour Mehdi , Shalan Ahmed Esmail
Published: April 2021

New nanocomposite of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67@magnesium aluminate spinel (ZIF-67@MgAl2O4) has been fabricated by a simple method at room temperature with different weight ratios.
Efficient non-metal based conducting polymers for photocatalytic hydrogen production: comparative study between polyaniline, polypyrrole and PEDOT
Authors: El-Bery Haitham M. , Salah Mahmoud R. , Ahmed Seddique M. , Soliman Soliman A.
Published: April 2021

Incorporation of conducting polymers (CPs) with TiO2is considered a promising pathway toward the fabrication of highly efficient non-metal based photocatalysts.
A reusable catalyst based on CuO hexapods and a CuO–Ag composite for the highly efficient reduction of nitrophenols
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Meng Yuxi , Ning Yuxue , Wheatley Andrew E. H. , Chai Fang
Published: April 2021

Schematic illustration for the process of preparing CuO hexapods and CuO–Ag composite, and their application in catalytically reducing 4-NP and K3(Fe(CN)6).
Dynamic stabilisation during the drainage of thin film polymer solutions
Authors: Chatzigiannakis Emmanouil , Vermant Jan
Published: April 2021

Using a dynamic thin film balance we elucidate how osmotic stresses arising because of concentration gradients affect the drainage and lifetime of films consisting of polymer solutions under confinement.
Tissue adhesive hydrogel bioelectronics
Authors: Li Shengnan , Cong Yang , Fu Jun
Published: April 2021

This review describes the recent progress in tissue adhesive hydrogel bioelectronics.
End-functionalization of dithiarubicene: modulation of optoelectronic properties by metal-catalyzed coupling reactions and device application
Authors: Tsukamoto Kenji , Takagi Koji , Yamamoto Keitaro , Ie Yutaka , Fukushima Takanori
Published: April 2021

In order to modulate the optoelectronic properties of dithiarubicene (DTR) by end-functionalization and reveal the structure–property relationship in detail, we have carried out a set of metal-catalyzed coupling reactions.
Musical Hearing and Musical Experience in Second Language English Vowel Acquisition
Authors: Jekiel Mateusz , Malarski Kamil
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Former studies suggested that music perception can help produce certain accentual features in the first and second language (L2), such as intonational contours. What was missing in many of these studies was the identification of the exact relationship between specific music perception skills and the production of different accentual features in a foreign language. Our aim was to verify whether empirically tested musical hearing skills can be related to the acquisition of English vowels by learners of English as an L2 before and after a formal accent training course.

Method

Fifty adult Polish speakers of L2 English were tested before and after a two-semester accent training in order to observe the effect of musical hearing on the acquisition of English vowels. Their L2 English vowel formant contours produced in consonant–vowel–consonant context were compared with the target General British vowels produced by their pronunciation teachers. We juxtaposed these results with their musical hearing test scores and self-reported musical experience to observe a possible relationship between successful L2 vowel acquisition and musical aptitude.

Results

Preexisting rhythmic memory was reported as a significant predictor before training, while musical experience was reported as a significant factor in the production of more native-like L2 vowels after training. We also observed that not all vowels were equally acquired or affected by musical hearing or musical experience. The strongest estimate we observed was the closeness to model before training, suggesting that learners who already managed to acquire some features of a native-like accent were also more successful after training.

Conclusions

Our results are revealing in two aspects. First, the learners' former proficiency in L2 pronunciation is the most robust predictor in acquiring a native-like accent. Second, there is a potential relationship between rhythmic memory and L2 vowel acquisition before training, as well as years of musical experience after training, suggesting that specific musical skills and music practice can be an asset in learning a foreign language accent.
Speech Intensity Response to Altered Intensity Feedback in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Senthinathan Anita , Adams Scott , Page Allyson D. , Jog Mandar
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Hypophonia (low speech intensity) is the most common speech symptom experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (IWPD). Previous research suggests that, in IWPD, there may be abnormal integration of sensory information for motor production of speech intensity. In the current study, intensity of auditory feedback was systematically manipulated (altered in both positive and negative directions) during sensorimotor conditions that are known to modulate speech intensity in everyday contexts in order to better understand the role of auditory feedback for speech intensity regulation.

Method

Twenty-six IWPD and 24 neurologically healthy controls were asked to complete the following tasks: converse with the experimenter, start vowel production, and read sentences at a comfortable loudness, while hearing their own speech intensity randomly altered. Altered intensity feedback conditions included 5-, 10-, and 15-dB reductions and increases in the feedback intensity. Speech tasks were completed in no noise and in background noise.

Results

IWPD displayed a reduced response to the altered intensity feedback compared to control participants. This reduced response was most apparent when participants were speaking in background noise. Specific task-based differences in responses were observed such that the reduced response by IWPD was most pronounced during the conversation task.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that IWPD have abnormal processing of auditory information for speech intensity regulation, and this disruption particularly impacts their ability to regulate speech intensity in the context of speech tasks with clear communicative goals (i.e., conversational speech) and speaking in background noise.