bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diploid genomic architecture of Nitzschia inconspicua, an elite biomass production diatom
Authors: Oliver Aaron , Podell Sheila , Pinowska Agnieszka , Traller Jesse C. , Smith Sarah R. , McClure Ryan , Beliaev Alex , Bohutskyi Pavlo , Hill Eric A. , Rabines Ariel , Zheng Hong , Allen Lisa Zeigler , Kuo Alan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Allen Andrew E. , Hazlebeck David , Allen Eric E.
Published: August 2021

A near-complete diploid nuclear genome and accompanying circular mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes have been assembled from the elite commercial diatom species Nitzschia inconspicua. The 50 Mbp haploid size of the nuclear genome is nearly double that of model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, but 30% smaller than closer relative Fragilariopsis cylindrus. Diploid assembly, which was facilitated by low levels of allelic heterozygosity (2.7%), included 14 candidate chromosome pairs composed of long, syntenic contigs, covering 93% of the total assembly. Telomeric ends were capped with an unusual 12-mer, G-rich, degenerate repeat sequence. Predicted proteins were highly enriched in strain-specific marker domains associated with cell-surface adhesion, biofilm formation, and raphe system gliding motility. Expanded species-specific families of carbonic anhydrases suggest potential enhancement of carbon concentration efficiency, and duplicated glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis pathways across cytosolic and organellar compartments may enhance peak metabolic output, contributing to competitive success over other organisms in mixed cultures. The N. inconspicua genome delivers a robust new reference for future functional and transcriptomic studies to illuminate the physiology of benthic pennate diatoms and harness their unique adaptations to support commercial algae biomass and bioproduct production.
Evidence for UV-green dichromacy in the basal hymenopteran Sirex noctilio (Siricidae)
Authors: Guignard Quentin , Spaethe Johannes , Slippers Bernard , Strube-Bloss Martin , Allison Jeremy D.
Published: August 2021

A precondition for colour vision is the presence of at least two spectral types of photoreceptors in the eye. The order Hymenoptera is traditionally divided into the Apocrita (ants, bees, wasps) and the Symphyta (sawflies, woodwasps, horntails). Most apocritan species possess three different photoreceptor types. In contrast, physiological studies in the Symphyta have reported one to four photoreceptor types. To better understand the evolution of photoreceptor diversity in the Hymenoptera, we studied the Symphyta Sirex noctilio, which belongs to the superfamily Siricoidea, a closely related group of the Apocrita suborder. Our aim was to (i) identify the photoreceptor types of the compound eye by electroretinography (ERG), (ii) characterise the visual opsin genes of S. noctilio by genomic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses and (iii) analyse opsin mRNA expression. ERG measurements revealed two photoreceptor types in the compound eye, maximally sensitive to 527 and 364 nm. In addition, we identified three opsins in the genome, homologous to the hymenopteran green or long-wavelength sensitive (LW) LW1, LW2 and ultra-violet sensitive (UV) opsin genes. The LW1 and UV opsins were found to be expressed in the compound eyes, and LW2 and UV opsins in the ocelli. The lack of a blue or short-wavelength sensitive (SW) homologous opsin gene and a corresponding receptor suggests that S. noctilio is a UV-green dichromate.
Structure of the master regulator Rns reveals an inhibitor of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli virulence regulons
Authors: Midgett Charles R. , Talbot Kacey Marie , Day Jessica L. , Munson George P. , Kull F. Jon
Published: August 2021

Enteric infections caused by the gram-negative bacteria enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Vibrio cholerae, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella enterica are among the most common and affect billions of people each year. These bacteria control expression of virulence factors using a network of transcriptional regulators, some of which are modulated by small molecules as has been shown for ToxT, an AraC family member from V. cholerae. In ETEC the expression of many types of adhesive pili is dependent upon the AraC family member Rns. We present here the 3 Å crystal structure of Rns and show it closely resembles ToxT. Rns crystallized as a dimer via an interface similar to that observed in other dimeric AraC’s. Furthermore, the structure of Rns revealed the presence of a ligand, decanoic acid, that inhibits its activity in a manner similar to the fatty acid mediated inhibition observed for ToxT and the S. enterica homologue HilD. Together, these results support our hypothesis that fatty acids regulate virulence controlling AraC family members in a common manner across a number of enteric pathogens. Furthermore, for the first time this work identifies a small molecule capable of inhibiting the ETEC Rns regulon, providing a basis for development of therapeutics against this deadly human pathogen.
Reliability of self-reported questionnaire for epidemiological investigation of Helicobacter pylori eradication in a population-based cohort study
Authors: Sasaki Yu , Abe Yasuhiko , Shoji Masakuni , Mizumoto Naoko , Takeda Hiroaki , Oizumi Harufumi , Yaoita Takao , Sawada Norie , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Saito Eiko , Watanabe Masafumi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Konta Tsuneo , Kayama Takamasa , Tsugane Shoichiro , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Inoue Manami
Published: August 2021

General population-based cohort studies provide solid evidence on mass Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication effects. Self-reported questionnaires are occasionally used in such studies to ascertain the HP eradication history. However, reports on the reliability of these questionnaires are lacking. This general population-based cohort study included 899 individuals with HP infection at the baseline survey who were reported to have eradicated it at the 5-year follow-up survey. Of these, the medical records of 280 patients were available for investigation, and the HP eradication status of 93 individuals was ascertained. Their medical records were reviewed, and the reliability of the self-reported questionnaire responses was assessed. Of the 91 individuals who successfully eradicated HP based on the medical records, 90 (98.9%) answered the self-reported questionnaire correctly, with an unweighted kappa value of 0.661 (p < 0.001). The difference between the self-reported and medical records age at eradication was within a 1-year range in most participants (86.8%). Similarly, the HP eradication procedure and the outcomes were reasonably matched. In conclusion, the responses to the self-reported HP eradication questionnaire were almost consistent with the medical records. Thus, HP eradication history assessment by a self-reported questionnaire is reliable for an epidemiological study in the general population.
A stacking ensemble deep learning approach to cancer type classification based on TCGA data
Authors: Mohammed Mohanad , Mwambi Henry , Mboya Innocent B. , Elbashir Murtada K. , Omolo Bernard
Published: August 2021

Cancer tumor classification based on morphological characteristics alone has been shown to have serious limitations. Breast, lung, colorectal, thyroid, and ovarian are the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. Precise classification of cancers into their types is considered a vital problem for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this paper, we proposed a stacking ensemble deep learning model based on one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) to perform a multi-class classification on the five common cancers among women based on RNASeq data. The RNASeq gene expression data was downloaded from Pan-Cancer Atlas usingGDCqueryfunction of theTCGAbiolinkspackage in theRsoftware. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) as feature selection method. We compared the results of the new proposed model with and without LASSO with the results of the single 1D-CNN and machine learning methods which include support vector machines with radial basis function, linear, and polynomial kernels; artificial neural networks; k-nearest neighbors; bagging trees. The results show that the proposed model with and without LASSO has a better performance compared to other classifiers. Also, the results show that the machine learning methods (SVM-R, SVM-L, SVM-P, ANN, KNN, and bagging trees) with under-sampling have better performance than with over-sampling techniques. This is supported by the statistical significance test of accuracy where thep-values for differences between the SVM-R and SVM-P, SVM-R and ANN, SVM-R and KNN are found to bep = 0.003,p =  < 0.001, andp =  < 0.001, respectively. Also, SVM-L had a significant difference compared to ANNp = 0.009. Moreover, SVM-P and ANN, SVM-P and KNN are found to be significantly different withp-valuesp =  < 0.001 andp =  < 0.001, respectively. In addition, ANN and bagging trees, ANN and KNN were found to be significantly different withp-valuesp =  < 0.001 andp = 0.004, respectively. Thus, the proposed model can help in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer in women, and hence aid in designing early treatment strategies to improve survival.
Evaluation of neurotrophic factors and education level as predictors of cognitive decline in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Requena-Ocaña Nerea , Araos Pedro , Flores María , García-Marchena Nuria , Silva-Peña Daniel , Aranda Jesús , Rivera Patricia , Ruiz Juan Jesús , Serrano Antonia , Pavón Francisco Javier , Suárez Juan , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando
Published: August 2021

Cognitive reserve (CR) is the capability of an individual to cope with a brain pathology through compensatory mechanisms developed through cognitive stimulation by mental and physical activity. Recently, it has been suggested that CR has a protective role against the initiation of substance use, substance consumption patterns and cognitive decline and can improve responses to treatment. However, CR has never been linked to cognitive function and neurotrophic factors in the context of alcohol consumption. The present cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the association between CR (evaluated by educational level), cognitive impairment (assessed using a frontal and memory loss assessment battery) and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Our results indicated that lower educational levels were accompanied by earlier onset of alcohol consumption and earlier development of alcohol dependence, as well as impaired frontal cognitive function. They also suggest that CR, NT-3 and BDNF may act as compensatory mechanisms for cognitive decline in the early stages of AUD, but not in later phases. These parameters allow the identification of patients with AUD who are at risk of cognitive deterioration and the implementation of personalized interventions to preserve cognitive function.
Encapsulation of bacteriophage cocktail into chitosan for the treatment of bacterial diarrhea
Authors: Rahimzadeh Golnar , Saeedi Majid , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Hashemi Seyyed Mohammad Hassan , Babaei Amirhossein , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Kamel Kosar , Asare-Addo Kofi , Nokhodchi Ali
Published: August 2021

The therapeutic effectiveness of a chitosan encapsulated bacteriophage cocktail as a smart biocontrol agent was evaluated in this study to be used as a preventative and treatment option for gastrointestinal infections. To evaluate the effect of the bacteriophage formulation on the treatment of gastrointestinal infection, rats were infected with Salmonella enterica, Shigella flexneri, and Escherichia coli. The rats were weighed and their stools cultured. The results showed that the group which had the chitosan encapsulated bacteriophage cocktail did not lose weight after 3 days and had significantly lower group weight changes. Weight loss was significant in the rats that had cefixime administered instead. Positive cultured stools were reduced after 4 days compared to 2 days in the treated group with the chitosan encapsulated bacteriophage cocktail. The chitosan encapsulated bacteriophage cocktail can therefore be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections.
Blood biomarkers of progressive atherosclerosis and restenosis after stenting of symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis
Authors: Haidegger Melanie , Kneihsl Markus , Niederkorn Kurt , Deutschmann Hannes , Mangge Harald , Vetta Christian , Augustin Michael , Wünsch Gerit , Fandler-Höfler Simon , Horner Susanna , Enzinger Christian , Gattringer Thomas
Published: August 2021

In-stent restenosis (ISR) represents a major complication after stenting of intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS). Biomarkers derived from routine blood sampling including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) have been associated with progressive atherosclerosis. We investigated the role of CRP, NLR, PLR and MPV on the development of intracranial ISR and recurrent stroke risk. We retrospectively included all patients who had undergone stenting of symptomatic ICAS at our university hospital between 2005 and 2016. ISR (≥ 50% stenosis) was diagnosed by regular Duplex sonography follow-up studies and confirmed by digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography (mean follow-up duration: 5 years). Laboratory parameters were documented before stenting, at the time of restenosis and at last clinical follow-up. Of 115 patients (mean age: 73 ± 13 years; female: 34%), 38 (33%) developed ISR. The assessed laboratory parameters did not differ between patients with ISR and those without (p > 0.1). While ISR was associated with the occurrence of recurrent ischemic stroke (p = 0.003), CRP, NLR, PLR and MPV were not predictive of such events (p > 0.1). Investigated blood biomarkers of progressive atherosclerosis were not predictive for the occurrence of ISR or recurrent ischemic stroke after ICAS stenting during a 5-year follow-up.
Statistical morphological analysis reveals characteristic paraspinal muscle asymmetry in unilateral lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Xiao Yiming , Fortin Maryse , Ahn Joshua , Rivaz Hassan , Peters Terry M. , Battié Michele C.
Published: August 2021

Growing evidence suggests an association of lumbar paraspinal muscle morphology with low back pain (LBP) and lumbar pathologies. Unilateral spinal disorders provide unique models to study this association, with implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and management. Statistical shape analysis is a technique that can identify signature shape variations related to phenotypes but has never been employed in studying paraspinal muscle morphology. We present the first investigation using this technique to reveal disease-related paraspinal muscle asymmetry, using MRIs of patients with a single posterolateral disc herniation at the L5-S1 spinal level and unilateral leg pain. Statistical shape analysis was conducted to reveal disease- and phenotype-related morphological variations in the multifidus and erector spinae muscles at the level of herniation and the one below. With the analysis, shape variations associated with disc herniation were identified in the multifidus on the painful side at the level below the pathology while no pathology-related asymmetry in cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration was found in either muscle. The results demonstrate higher sensitivity and spatial specificity for the technique than typical CSA and fatty infiltration measures. Statistical shape analysis holds promise in studying paraspinal muscle morphology to improve our understanding of LBP and various lumbar pathologies.
Assessing the predictability of existing water-to-enamel geolocation models against known human teeth
Authors: Ueda Momoko , Bell Lynne S.
Published: August 2021

Stable isotope analysis of human tissues has become a valuable tool for mapping human geolocation. This study adds to the existing knowledge of the relationship between oxygen stable isotopes in human enamel and drinking water by presenting enamel oxygen values in clinic-extracted human dental enamel with known provenance. The results from this study indicate that the theoretical isotopic relationship between enamel and drinking water oxygen is weak at the city and country-level. Differences of up to 15‰ were observed between predicted drinking water oxygen values using existing models and observed values, highlighting the complexity of using water/enamel conversion equations. The lower isotopic boundary of enamel oxygen values is now understood for Metro Vancouver at δ18Oc(VPDB) = – 11.0‰ and presents the possibility of using stable isotope analysis as an exclusionary tool where individuals falling below threshold value can be identified as non-local. Overall, this study’s results support the development of geographical reference maps for human enamel oxygen.
Analysis of volatiles from feces of released Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) in Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera: Gasterophilidae) spawning habitat
Authors: Zhou Ran , Yang Jianming , Zhang Ke , Qi Yingjie , Ma Wei , Wang Zhenbiao , Ente Make , Li Kai
Published: August 2021

The absolute dominant species that infests wild population of Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) is Gasterophilus pecorum, and feces of released Przewalski’s horse, a habitat odor, plays an important role in mating and ovipositing locations of G. pecorum. To screen out unique volatiles for attracting G. pecorum, volatiles from fresh feces of released horses at stages of pre-oviposition (PREO), oviposition (OVIP), and post-oviposition (POSO) of G. pecorum, and feces with three different freshness states (i.e., Fresh, Semi-fresh, and Dry) at OVIP were collected by dynamic headspace adsorption and determined by automatic thermal desorption GC–MS. Results show that there were significant differences in fecal volatiles within both test conditions. Of the five most abundant volatiles from the five individual samples, the most important volatile was ammonium acetate at OVIP/Fresh, followed by acetophenone (Semi-fresh), toluene (PREO, OVIP and POSO), butanoic acid (OVIP and Semi-fresh), acetic acid (PREO, POSO and Semi-fresh), 1,6-octadiene,3,7-dimethyl-,(S)- (PREO, OVIP and POSO), 1,5,9-undecatriene,2,6,10-trimethyl-,(Z)- (PREO and Semi-fresh) and caprolactam (all conditions), which seem to be critical substances in oviposition process of G. pecorum. The findings may be beneficial to development of G. pecorum attractants, facilitating prevention and control of infection by G. pecorum to released Przewalski’s horse.
Modeling and analysis of high aspect ratio wing considering random structural parameters
Authors: Fu Bangsheng , Yang Ya , Qi Hui , Xu Jiangtao , Wang Shaobo
Published: August 2021

With the application of advanced composite materials in High-Aspect-Ratio wings (HARW), the randomness of structural parameters, such as elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio, is enhanced. Hence, in order to explore the whole picture of aeroelastic problems, it is of great significance to study the role of random structural parameters in aeroelastic problems. In this paper, the dynamic response of flexible HARW considering random structural parameters is analyzed. An aeroelastic model of a one-dimensional cantilevered Euler–Bernoulli beam considering aerodynamic forces acting on the wing is established based on Hamilton's principle. Adopted the idea of simplifying calculation, the effect of random structural parameters is analyzed. Then, considering the elastic modulus and torsional stiffness as continuously one-dimensional random field functions, and discretized by local method. The first and second order recursive stochastic nonlinear finite element equations of wing are derived by using perturbation method. Based on it, statistical expression of aeroelastic effects of the wing is derived. Monte Carlo method is adopted to verify the effectiveness of the method. Numerical simulations indicate that the method proposed can well mirror the statistical characteristics of aeroelastic response.
Comparison of different approaches to estimate bark volume of industrial wood at disc and log scale
Authors: Berendt Ferréol , de Miguel-Diez Felipe , Wallor Evelyn , Blasko Lubomir , Cremer Tobias
Published: August 2021

Within the wood supply chain, the measurement of roundwood plays a key role due to its high economic impact. While wood industry mainly processes the solid wood, the bark mostly remains as an industrial by-product. In Central Europe, it is common that the wood is sold over bark but that the price is calculated on a timber volume under bark. However, logs are often measured as stacks and, thus, the volume includes not only the solid wood content but also the bark portion. Mostly, the deduction factors used to estimate the solid wood content are based on bark thickness. The aim of this study was to compare the estimation of bark volume from scaling formulae with the real bark volume, obtained by xylometric technique. Moreover, the measurements were performed using logs under practice conditions and using discs under laboratory conditions. The mean bark volume was 6.9 dm3 and 26.4 cm3 for the Norway spruce logs and the Scots pine discs respectively. Whereas the results showed good performances regarding the root mean square error, the coefficient of determination (R2) and the mean absolute error for the volume estimation of the total volume of discs and logs (over bark), the performances were much lower for the bark volume estimations only.
Increased renal function decline in fast metabolizers using extended-release tacrolimus after kidney transplantation
Authors: Thölking Gerold , Filensky Brigitte , Jehn Ulrich , Schütte-Nütgen Katharina , Koch Raphael , Kurschat Christine , Pavenstädt Hermann , Suwelack Barbara , Reuter Stefan , Kuypers Dirk
Published: August 2021

Fast metabolism of immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac) is associated with decreased kidney function after renal transplantation (RTx) compared to slow metabolizers. We hypothesized, by analogy, that fast metabolism of extended-release tacrolimus (ER-Tac) is associated with worse renal function. We analyzed data from patients who underwent RTx at three different transplant centers between 2007 and 2016 and received an initial immunosuppressive regimen with ER-Tac, mycophenolate, and a corticosteroid. Three months after RTx, a Tac concentration to dose ratio (C/D ratio) < 1.0 ng/ml · 1/mL defined fast ER-Tac metabolism and ≥ 1.0 ng/ml · 1/mL slow metabolism. Renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR), first acute rejection (AR), conversion from ER-Tac, graft and patient survival were observed up to 60-months. 610 RTx patients were divided into 192 fast and 418 slow ER-Tac metabolizers. Fast metabolizers showed a decreased eGFR at all time points compared to slow metabolizers. The fast metabolizer group included more patients who were switched from ER-Tac (p < 0.001). First AR occurred more frequently (p = 0.008) in fast metabolizers, while graft and patient survival rates did not differ between groups (p = 0.529 and p = 0.366, respectively). Calculation of the ER-Tac C/D ratio early after RTx may facilitate individualization of immunosuppression and help identify patients at risk for an unfavorable outcome.
Modulation of salt-induced stress impact in Gladiolus grandiflorus L. by exogenous application of salicylic acid
Authors: Ferdosi Malik Fiaz Hussain , Shoaib Amna , Habib Salma , Khan Kashif Ali
Published: August 2021

Salinity is challenging threats to the agricultural system and leading cause of crop loss. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important endogenous signal molecule, which by regulating growth and physiological processes improves the plant ability to tolerate salt stress. Considering the prime importance of Gladiolus grandiflorus (L.) in the world’s cut-flower market, the research work was undertaken to elucidate salinity tolerance in G. grandiflorus by exogenous application of SA irrigated with saline water. Results revealed that increasing salinity (EC: 2, 4 and 6 dS m–1) considerably altered morpho-growth indices (corm morphology and plant biomass) in plants through increasing key antioxidants including proline content and enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase), while negatively affected the total phenolic along with activity of defense-related enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and polyphenol oxidase activity). SA application (50–200 ppm) in non-saline control or saline conditions improved morpho-physiological traits in concentration-dependent manners. In saline conditions, SA minimized salt-stress by enhancing chlorophyll content, accumulating organic osmolytes (glycine betaine and proline content), total phenolic, and boosting activity of antioxidant and defense-related enzymes. Principle component analysis based on all 16 morphological and physiological variables generated useful information regarding the classification of salt tolerant treatment according to their response to SA. These results suggest SA (100 or 150 ppm) could be used as an effective, economic, easily available and safe phenolic agent against salinity stress in G. grandiflorus.
Correlation of choriocapillaris hemodynamic data from dynamic indocyanine green and optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Teo Kelvin Yi Chong , Tun Sai Bo Bo , Busoy Joanna Marie , Barathi Veluchamy A. , Spaide Richard F.
Published: August 2021

To investigate the correlation between posterior pole choroidal blood flow evaluated with digital subtraction indocyanine green angiography and enface optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Imaging in animal study. The anatomy of 2 cynomogulus monkeys was studied. Each monkey was given a 0.75 mg/kg injection of indocyanine green in the saphenous vein. The dynamic angiographic filling sequence was recorded at 15 frames per second using the Heidelberg Spectralis. After image registration, sequential frame subtraction was used to image the dye front moving through the choroid. The OCTA was obtained by frame averaging nine separate choriocapillaris slab flow images obtained from the Zeiss Plex Elite 9000. Posterior pole choriocapillaris filling pattern in relation to the choriocapillaris anatomy as imaged by OCTA. In the posterior pole, the choriocapillaris fills in the pattern of discrete units with variable sizes and shapes. The cycle of dye filling begins in the peripapillary area and progresses toward the periphery in a wavelike manner. This filling pattern repeats in a cyclical manner, consistent with the cardiac cycle. OCTA shows a uniform mesh of vessels. While OCTA shows a uniform meshwork appearance of the choriocapillaris, the dynamic dye angiography suggests an irregular configuration of functional units partitioned by pressure gradients as opposed to structural boundaries. Disturbance of local perfusion pressure within choroidal vasculature may result in abnormal flow patterns, which could be evaluated in the clinic using commercially available equipment.
Reproductive and environmental exposures and the breast cancer risk in Taiwanese women
Authors: Wu Hui-Chen , Yang Hwai-I. , Lin Po-Han , Chen Chien-Jen , Santella Regina M. , Terry Mary Beth
Published: August 2021

Breast cancer (BC) incidence is increasing around the globe, including in Taiwan, though the cause of the increasing incidence is less clear. We followed up 11,296 Taiwanese females who did not have BC at baseline, and ascertained new invasive BC (N = 351) through data linkage to the National Cancer Registry from 1991 to 2018 to examine whether reproductive, lifestyle and environmental risk factors including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were associated with BC risk. We conducted a nested case–control study using baseline blood available from a total of 305 women with BC and 598 women without BC matched on time in cohort. We examined the association of PAH-albumin adducts and BC risk using conditional logistic regression models. Age at menarche (HR 0.6 (95% CI 0.5–0.9) for ≥ 15 vs. < 13 years) and multiparity were associated with BC risk (HR 2.0 (95% CI 1.4–2.8), 2.8 (1.9–4.2), and 2.4 (1.0–5.0) for 3–4, 1–2 and 0 live birth, compared with women ≥ 5 births). PAH-albumin adducts were not associated with BC risk. Given the increasing BC incidence in Taiwan, there is a need to identify environmental factors that are important to this population.
Spatially controlled epitaxial growth of 2D heterostructures via defect engineering using a focused He ion beam
Authors: Heilmann Martin , Deinhart Victor , Tahraoui Abbes , Höflich Katja , Lopes J. Marcelo J.
Published: August 2021

The combination of two-dimensional (2D) materials into heterostructures enables the formation of atomically thin devices with designed properties. To achieve a high-density, bottom-up integration, the growth of these 2D heterostructures via van der Waals epitaxy (vdWE) is an attractive alternative to the currently mostly employed mechanical transfer, which is problematic in terms of scaling and reproducibility. Controlling the location of the nuclei formation remains a key challenge in vdWE. Here, a focused He ion beam is used to deterministically place defects in graphene substrates, which serve as preferential nucleation sites for the growth of insulating, 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Therewith a mask-free, selective-area vdWE (SAvdWE) is demonstrated, in which nucleation yield and crystal quality of h-BN are controlled by the ion beam parameters used for defect formation. Moreover, h-BN grown via SAvdWE is shown to exhibit electron tunneling characteristics comparable to those of mechanically transferred layers, thereby lying the foundation for a reliable, high-density array fabrication of 2D heterostructures for device integration via defect engineering in 2D substrates.
Inhibitory effects of fermented Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) juice on high-fat diet-induced obesity associated with white adipose tissue browning and gut microbiota modulation in mice
Authors: Guo Xiao , Cao Xuedan , Fang Xiugui , Guo Ailing , Li Erhu
Published: August 2021

In this study, Ougan juice (OJ) and lactic acid bacteria fermented Ougan juice (FOJ) were investigated individually for their capability of preventing obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice.
Sensitive osteosarcoma diagnosis through five-base telomerase product-triggered CRISPR-Cas12a enhanced rolling circle amplification
Authors: Zhou Xing , Zhang Jun-Liang , Chang Meng-Han , Fan Gen-Tao , Liu Xiao-Zhou , Wu Su-jia , Shi Xin
Published: August 2021

CRISPR-Cas12a assisted rolling circle amplification for sensitive osteosarcoma diagnosis.
Terbium doping of graphitic carbon nitride endows a highly sensitive ratiometric fluorescence assay of alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Zhang Shang-Qing , Liu Xun , Sun Qi-Xuan , Chen Ming-Li , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: August 2021

Terbium doped g-C3N4 produces two exceptional emissions with extremely narrow peaks with FWHM < 12 nm and a large Stokes shift of >200 nm. Its modification with HOOC–PEG–COOH endows a ratiometric fluorescence sensitive assay of alkaline phosphatase.
Correction: Optochemical control of transcription by the use of 7-deaza-adenosine-based diarylethenes
Authors: Büllmann Simon M. , Kolmar Theresa , Slawetzki Philip , Wald Simon , Jäschke Andres
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Optochemical control of transcription by the use of 7-deaza-adenosine-based diarylethenes’ by Simon M. Büllmann et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 6596–6599, DOI 10.1039/D1CC02639A.
Effect of water nanoconfinement on the dynamic properties of paramagnetic colloidal complexes
Authors: Bergamasco Luca , Morciano Matteo , Fasano Matteo
Published: August 2021

We analyze the tumbling motion of a solvated paramagnetic complex close to confining particles. Molecular dynamics data is interpretedviamechanistic modeling, towards design of improved nanovectors for local enhancement of relaxation properties.
Bishop's hat silicene: a planar square silicon bilayer decorated with adatoms
Authors: Borlido Pedro , Marques Miguel A. L. , Botti Silvana
Published: August 2021

We study a family of 2D silicon structures based on the silicene square bilayer. The addition of adatoms in the center of the squares greatly stabilizes the structures.
An experimental and master-equation modeling study of the kinetics of the reaction between resonance-stabilized (CH3)2CCHCH2 radical and molecular oxygen
Authors: Joshi Satya P. , Pekkanen Timo T. , Seal Prasenjit , Timonen Raimo S. , Eskola Arkke J.
Published: August 2021

Five-carbon-size allylic radicals are reactive toward O2 under low-temperature combustion conditions.
Molecular dynamics simulations of hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine)–graphene oxide nanocomposites as dye adsorbents for water purification
Authors: Tanis I. , Kostarellou E. , Karatasos K.
Published: August 2021

Molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous graphene oxide/hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) nanocomposites, demonstrated the potential of these systems to physically adsorb “methylene blue” dye molecules, for water purification purposes.
Kinetics of photon upconversion by triplet–triplet annihilation: a comprehensive tutorial
Authors: Murakami Yoichi , Kamada Kenji
Published: August 2021

Kinetics of triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion is organized from the basics for non-experts and experts. From self-consistent analyses of the tangled photophysical events, many important and useful relations are derived and summarized.
The important role of non-covalent interactions for the vibrational circular dichroism of lactic acid in aqueous solution
Authors: Jähnigen Sascha , Sebastiani Daniel , Vuilleumier Rodolphe
Published: August 2021

We present a computational study of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) in solutions of (S)-lactic acid, relying on ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and full solvation with bulk water.
Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, a flavone derived fromTetrastigma hemsleyanum, suppresses lung adenocarcinomaviathe calcium signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yonglu , Yu Xin , Wang Yaxuan , Zheng Xiaodong , Chu Qiang
Published: August 2021

An elder is fishing on the sea, iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis is his gear, and he explores the mechanism of THTF anti-tumor effects, as DEPs are most accumulated in the calcium signaling pathway (CSP), closely associated with cytoskeletal proteins.
Effect of roasting conditions on cocoa bioactivity and gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Maldonado-Mateus Lida Yaneth , Perez-Burillo Sergio , Lerma-Aguilera Alberto , Hinojosa-Nogueira Daniel , Ruíz-Pérez Sonia , Gosalbes María José , Francino M. Pilar , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Pastoriza de la Cueva Silvia
Published: August 2021

Cocoa is a highly consumed food with beneficial effects on human health.
Controlling bacterial contamination during fuel ethanol fermentation using thermochemically depolymerized lignin bio-oils
Authors: Kalinoski Ryan M. , Li Wenqi , Mobley Justin K. , Chen Xiaowen , Nokes Sue E. , Lynn Bert C. , Shi Jian
Published: August 2021

Lignin bio-oils with selective antimicrobial properties against lactic acid bacteria were prepared by depolymerizing corn stover lignin with peracetic acid. Bio-oil treatments significantly increased ethanol yields of contaminated fermentations.
Organic reactions in aqueous media catalyzed by nickel
Authors: Satpute Dinesh Parshuram , Vaidya Gargi Nikhil , Lokhande Shyam Kumar , Shinde Sangita Dattatray , Bhujbal Shivkanya Madhavrao , Chatterjee Deep Rohan , Rana Pooja , Venkatesh Ashwini , Nagpure Mithilesh , Kumar Dinesh
Published: August 2021

This review highlights the nickel-catalyzed organic reactions in aqueous media with special focus on the mechanistic course of catalytic reactions and their applications.
MXene quantum dot rivet reinforced Ni–Co LDH for boosting electrochemical activity and cycling stability
Authors: Song Lili , Zhu Shifan , Tong Le , Wang Wandi , Ouyang Chun , Xu Feng , Wang Yuqiao
Published: August 2021

MXene quantum dots (MQDs) were anchored on the surface of Ni–Co LDH via the surface spatial confinement effect to boost the electrochemical activity and stability.
Ni-MOF-74 derived nickel phosphide and In2O3 form S-scheme heterojunction for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jiang Xudong , Li Mei , Li Hongying , Jin Zhiliang
Published: August 2021

The composite structure of Ni2P/In2O3 constructs an S-scheme heterojunction that transfers useless electrons and holes to the composite interface for consumption.The loading of In2O3 further increases the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity.
Fabrication of nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbons from Sargassum as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Feiqiang , Zhan Yinbo , Jia Xiaopeng , Zhou Huiming , Liang Shuang , Qian Lin
Published: August 2021

The as-synthesized N0.67@SAC showed a large specific surface area of 2928.78 m2 g−1 and high capacitance of 481 F g−1.
Differences in SMA-like polymer architecture dictate the conformational changes exhibited by the membrane protein rhodopsin encapsulated in lipid nano-particles
Authors: Grime Rachael L. , Logan Richard T. , Nestorow Stephanie A. , Sridhar Pooja , Edwards Patricia C. , Tate Christopher G. , Klumperman Bert , Dafforn Tim R. , Poyner David R. , Reeves Philip J. , Wheatley Mark
Published: August 2021

Using the GPCR rhodopsin as an exemplar, SMA SMI and DIBMA constitute a ‘tool-kit’ of structurally-related solubilising polymers, with each providing different advantages for studying membrane proteins encapsulated in lipid particles.
Unexpected phosphorus doping routine of planar silicon nanowires for integrating CMOS logics
Authors: Sun Ying , Qian Wentao , Liu Shuaishuai , Dong Taige , Wang Junzhuan , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji , Yu Linwei
Published: August 2021

Complementary doping control in silicon nanowire (SiNW) channels is crucial for the construction of high-performance CMOS logics.
Scalable 18F processing conditions for copper-mediated radiofluorination chemistry facilitate DoE optimization studies and afford an improved synthesis of [18F]olaparib
Authors: Bowden Gregory D. , Chailanggar Nantanat , Pichler Bernd J. , Maurer Andreas
Published: August 2021

Simple, fast and reliable [18F]fluoride processing that is compatible with both “aliquoted” small-scale DoE optimization and “full-batch” automated radiosyntheses.
Highly photoluminescent poly(norbornene)s carrying platinum–acetylide complex moieties in their side chains: evaluation of oxygen sensing and TTA–UC
Authors: Sotani Taichi , Mizokuro Toshiko , Yajima Tatsuo , Sogawa Hiromitsu , Sanda Fumio
Published: August 2021

Poly(norbornene)s carrying platinum–acetylide complex moieties change their photoluminescence colors in response to oxygen. The polymers serve as excellent sensitizers of TTA–UC with 9,10-diphenylanthracene.
Accommodating sodium into three-dimensional hosts with a nanoscale sodiophilic layer towards stable pre-stored Na metal anodes
Authors: Liang Juli , Wu Wenwei , Chao Yang , Li Yilong , Wu Junfei , Xie Yulu , Wu Xuehang
Published: August 2021

ZnO nanosheets improve the sodiophilicity of Ni foam and the reaction products effectively regulate the SEI composition.
Template-assisted synthesis of Ag/AgCl hollow microcubes and their composition-dependent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of phenol
Authors: Lou Shiyun , Chen Qinglan , Wang Wan , Wang Yongqiang , Zhou Shaomin
Published: August 2021

Ag/AgCl hollow microcubes with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity were synthesized by the template method, and the charge transfer process was proposed.
Fabrication of a hybrid ultrafiltration membrane based on MoS2 modified with dopamine and polyethyleneimine
Authors: Wen Xin , He Can , Hai Yuyan , Liu Xiaofan , Ma Rui , Sun Jianyu , Yang Xue , Qi Yunlong , Chen Jingyun , Wei Hui
Published: August 2021

The hydrophobicity of ultrafiltration membranes is the main cause of membrane fouling and reduced permeability, so it is necessary to improve the hydrophilicity and anti-fouling performance of ultrafiltration membrane materials.
The facile synthesis of core–shell PtCu nanoparticles with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability in the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Tuo Yongxiao , Lu Qing , Chen Chen , Liu Tenglong , Pan Yuan , Zhou Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2021

A series of PtCu bimetallic nanoparticles with different Pt/Cu ratios was synthesizedviaa facile synthetic strategy to optimize the utilization of Pt atoms. Pt1Cu3/CB showed excellent HER performance under acidic and alkaline conditions.
Electrochemical characterization of and theoretical insight into a series of 2D MOFs, [M(bipy)(C4O4)(H2O)2]·3H2O (M = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3) and Zn (4)), for chemical sensing applications
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ting , Huang Ssu-Chia , Lu Shih-I. , Wang Hsiao-Hsun , Chang Tsai-Wen , Wang Chih-Chieh , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chuang Yu-Chun
Published: August 2021

Framework-to-metal charge transfer of the MOF materials results in enhancing electrochemical sensing ability to nitrofurazone.
Recent progress of effect of crystal structure on luminescence properties of Ce3+–Eu2+Co-doped phosphors
Authors: Zheng Mingjie , Wang Zhijun , Wang Xuejiao , Cui Jia , Yao Yao , Zhang Mengya , Yang Zhibin , Cao Lingwei , Li Panlai
Published: August 2021

Effect of crystal structure on luminescence properties of Ce3+–Eu2+co-doped phosphors.
MOF-derived Co@C nanoparticle anchored aramid nanofiber (ANF) aerogel for superior microwave absorption capacity
Authors: Hao Xin
Published: August 2021

The prepared Co@C/ANF aerogel is deemed to be a promising candidate for the next-generation of lightweight, reproducible, and high-performance MA materials.
Tuning the microstructural and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanocomposites by Cu2+ doping
Authors: Hua Jie , Cheng Zeyuan , Chen Zihang , Dong He , Li Peiding , Wang Jin
Published: August 2021

The Cu2+ doping content in Co1−xCuxFe2O4/SiO2 plays an important role in tuning hyperfine interaction and magnetic properties.
Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems as promising carriers for patients with COVID-19
Authors: Abd Elkodous M. , Olojede S. O. , Morsi Mahmoud , El-Sayyad Gharieb S.
Published: August 2021

We propose a consideration of Avigan-loaded nano-emulsions as a promising nano-based delivery system for the treatment of COVID-19.
Uptake of carbon nanodots into human AML cells in comparison to primary hematopoietic cells
Authors: Nollmann Cathrin , Wimmenauer Christian , Fasbender Stefan , Mayer Saskia , Caddedu Ron-Patrick , Jäger Paul , Heinzel Thomas , Haas Rainer
Published: August 2021

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) comprise a class of next generation nanomaterials with a wide variety of potential applications.
Two-photon excitable boron complex based on tridentate imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligand for heavy-atom-free mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Hoshi Keita , Itaya Masami , Tahara Koki , Matsumoto Airi , Tabata Atsuhi , Nagamune Hideaki , Yoshida Yasushi , Hase Eiji , Minamikawa Takeo , Yasui Takeshi , Katayama Tetsuro , Furube Akihiro , Minagawa Keiji , Imada Yasushi , Yagishita Fumitoshi
Published: August 2021

We have synthesized a cyan fluorescent boron complex based on a tridentate imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligand.
Me3SiSiMe2(OnBu): a disilane reagent for the synthesis of diverse silacycles via Brook- and retro-Brook-type rearrangement
Authors: Xu Yankun , Xu Weiwei , Chen Xinyang , Luo Xiai , Lu Haiyan , Zhang Minghao , Yang Xiumei , Deng Guobo , Liang Yun , Yang Yuan
Published: August 2021

A readily available disilane Me3SiSiMe2(OnBu) as a silylene source has been developed for the synthesis of diverse silacycles via Brook- and retro-Brook-type rearrangement.
Efficient artificial light-harvesting systems based on aggregation-induced emission in supramolecular gels
Authors: Ma Xinxian , Qiao Bo , Yue Jinlong , Yu JingJing , Geng Yutao , Lai Yingshan , Feng Enke , Han Xinning , Liu Minghua
Published: August 2021

Based on a acyl hydrazone supramolecular organogel with rhodamine B and acridine red as acceptors. Both the G2@gel-RhB and G2@gel-acridine red systems showed high levels of energy-transfer efficiency and high fluorescence quantum yields.
A flexible cofacial Fe porphyrin dimer as an extremely efficient and selective electrocatalyst for the CO2 to CO conversion in non-aqueous and aqueous media
Authors: Mohamed Eman A. , Zahran Zaki N. , Naruta Yoshinori
Published: August 2021

A cofacial iron porphyrin dimer with a flexible structure (f-Fe2PD) showed extremely efficient CO2-to-CO conversion in aqueous and nonaqueous media compared to the one with a rigid structure (r-Fe2PD) and reported catalysts.
In situsurface-enhanced Raman spectroelectrochemistry reveals the molecular conformation of electrolyte additives in Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Chenbo , Fan Chenghao , Cortés Emiliano , Xie Wei
Published: August 2021

In situsurface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals that the adsorption orientation of rhodamine B on the surface of graphite is modulated by the applied potential, drastically altering the cycle performance and rate capability of Li/graphite cells.
An ultra‐fast protection scheme for normally‐on wide bandgap devices
Authors: Tan Qiuyang , Narayanankutty Gopika , Narayanan E. M. Sankara
Published: August 2021

Here, an ultra‐fast protection scheme that is dedicated to depletion‐mode (d‐mode) devices is proposed. The key to the d‐mode device gate drive design is the negative supply and overcurrent protection, due to the safety concern for d‐mode devices when a failure happens in power conversion applications. This work evaluates specific requirement of d‐mode devices, such as the isolated negative power supply and short‐circuit protection. Normally‐on d‐mode GaN devices have lower on‐resistance and minimal dead time in comparison with enhancement‐mode (e‐mode) GaN devices, which can further reduce the switching loss and conduction loss. Both simulation and experimental verification are conducted in this work to evaluate the performance of the proposed protection scheme. The proposed desaturation scheme can wipe out the overcurrent event within 341 ns. Furthermore, the proposed negative power supply scheme can sustain its output for 60.5 ms, providing sufficient action time for the control unit to isolate the converter.
Optimal operation and management of multi‐microgrids using blockchain technology
Authors: Ghotbabadi Misagh Dehghani , Dehnavi Saeed Daneshvar , Fotoohabadi Hadi , Mehrjerdi Hasan , Chabok Hossein
Published: August 2021

This paper tries to address the optimal operation of networked microgrid from the reliability perspective in a correlated atmosphere for the wind generators. The suggested approach performs based on unscented transformation in the form of a nonlinear projection and the heuristic method as the optimizer. The proposed structure is arranged as a complex constraint optimization problem with several targets seeing the varied objectives such as energy not supplied, system interruption frequency, system interruption duration and energy losses. Owing to the interrelated natural surroundings of multi‐microgrids, it is a necessity for the microgrids to let the each other access the operation info and with the central unit. In this situation, it is quite wise to provide a secured construction made of the blockchain for the assurance of the reliability and adequate security of data sharing in the microgrids. With the aim of validation of the proposed model, an IEEE standard system is considered and divided into four interrelated microgrids with one side connection to the main grid. The simulation results show the high capability of the proposed framework for enhancing the operation and reliability indices. Moreover, it is seen that almost 0.6% and 0.77% additional cost is imposed to the system in the deterministic framework in the first and second scenarios, respectively.