bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila melanogaster Neprilysin Nepl15 is involved in lipid and carbohydrate storage
Authors: Banerjee Surya , Woods Christine , Burnett Micheal , Park Scarlet J. , Ja William W. , Curtiss Jennifer
Published: January 2021

The prototypical M13 peptidase, human Neprilysin, functions as a transmembrane “ectoenzyme” that cleaves neuropeptides that regulate e.g. glucose metabolism, and has been linked to type 2 diabetes. The M13 family has undergone a remarkable, and conserved, expansion in the Drosophila genus. Here, we describe the function of Drosophila melanogaster Neprilysin-like 15 (Nepl15). Nepl15 is likely to be a secreted protein, rather than a transmembrane protein. Nepl15 has changes in critical catalytic residues that are conserved across the Drosophila genus and likely renders the Nepl15 protein catalytically inactive. Nevertheless, a knockout of the Nepl15 gene reveals a reduction in triglyceride and glycogen storage, with the effects likely occurring during the larval feeding period. Conversely, flies overexpressing Nepl15 store more triglycerides and glycogen. Protein modeling suggests that Nepl15 is able to bind and sequester peptide targets of catalytically active Drosophila M13 family members, peptides that are conserved in humans and Drosophila, potentially providing a novel mechanism for regulating the activity of neuropeptides in the context of lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis.
Sharpness recognition based on synergy between bio-inspired nociceptors and tactile mechanoreceptors
Authors: Parvizi-Fard Adel , Salimi-Nezhad Nima , Amiri Mahmood , Falotico Egidio , Laschi Cecilia
Published: January 2021

Touch and pain sensations are complementary aspects of daily life that convey crucial information about the environment while also providing protection to our body. Technological advancements in prosthesis design and control mechanisms assist amputees to regain lost function but often they have no meaningful tactile feedback or perception. In the present study, we propose a bio-inspired tactile system with a population of 23 digital afferents: 12 RA-I, 6 SA-I, and 5 nociceptors. Indeed, the functional concept of the nociceptor is implemented on the FPGA for the first time. One of the main features of biological tactile afferents is that their distal axon branches in the skin, creating complex receptive fields. Given these physiological observations, the bio-inspired afferents are randomly connected to the several neighboring mechanoreceptors with different weights to form their own receptive field. To test the performance of the proposed neuromorphic chip in sharpness detection, a robotic system with three-degree of freedom equipped with the tactile sensor indents the 3D-printed objects. Spike responses of the biomimetic afferents are then collected for analysis by rate and temporal coding algorithms. In this way, the impact of the innervation mechanism and collaboration of afferents and nociceptors on sharpness recognition are investigated. Our findings suggest that the synergy between sensory afferents and nociceptors conveys more information about tactile stimuli which in turn leads to the robustness of the proposed neuromorphic system against damage to the taxels or afferents. Moreover, it is illustrated that spiking activity of the biomimetic nociceptors is amplified as the sharpness increases which can be considered as a feedback mechanism for prosthesis protection. This neuromorphic approach advances the development of prosthesis to include the sensory feedback and to distinguish innocuous (non-painful) and noxious (painful) stimuli.
Utility of T2-weighted MRI texture analysis in assessment of peripheral zone prostate cancer aggressiveness: a single-arm, multicenter study
Authors: Nketiah Gabriel A. , Elschot Mattijs , Scheenen Tom W. , Maas Marnix C. , Bathen Tone F. , Selnæs Kirsten M. ,   The PCa-MAP Consortium, Attenberger Ulrike I. , Baltzer Pascal A. T. , Bathen Tone F. , Fütterer Jurgen J. , Haider Masoom A. , Helbich Thomas H. , Kiefer Berthold , Maas Marnix C. , Macura Katarzyna J. , Margolis Daniel J. A. , Padhani Anwar R. , Polanec Stephen H. , Praet Marleen , Scheenen Tom W. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Selnæs Kirsten M. , van der Kwast Theodorus H. , Villeirs Geert M. , Viset Trond , von Busch Heninrich
Published: January 2021

T2-weighted (T2W) MRI provides high spatial resolution and tissue-specific contrast, but it is predominantly used for qualitative evaluation of prostate anatomy and anomalies. This retrospective multicenter study evaluated the potential of T2W image-derived textural features for quantitative assessment of peripheral zone prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness. A standardized preoperative multiparametric MRI was performed on 87 PCa patients across 6 institutions. T2W intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram, and T2W textural features were computed from tumor volumes annotated based on whole-mount histology. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate association between textural features and PCa grade groups (i.e. 1–5). Feature utility in differentiating and classifying low-(grade group 1) vs. intermediate/high-(grade group ≥ 2) aggressive cancers was evaluated using Mann–Whitney U-tests, and a support vector machine classifier employing “hold-one-institution-out” cross-validation scheme, respectively. Textural features indicating image homogeneity and disorder/complexity correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with PCa grade groups. In the intermediate/high-aggressive cancers, textural homogeneity and disorder/complexity were significantly lower and higher, respectively, compared to the low-aggressive cancers. The mean classification accuracy across the centers was highest for the combined ADC and T2W intensity-textural features (84%) compared to ADC histogram (75%), T2W histogram (72%), T2W textural (72%) features alone or T2W histogram and texture (77%), T2W and ADC histogram (79%) combined. Texture analysis of T2W images provides quantitative information or features that are associated with peripheral zone PCa aggressiveness and can augment their classification.
A directional 3D neurite outgrowth model for studying motor axon biology and disease
Authors: Spijkers Xandor M. , Pasteuning-Vuhman Svetlana , Dorleijn Jennifa C. , Vulto Paul , Wevers Nienke R. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen
Published: January 2021

We report a method to generate a 3D motor neuron model with segregated and directed axonal outgrowth. iPSC-derived motor neurons are cultured in extracellular matrix gel in a microfluidic platform. Neurons extend their axons into an adjacent layer of gel, whereas dendrites and soma remain predominantly in the somal compartment, as verified by immunofluorescent staining. Axonal outgrowth could be precisely quantified and was shown to respond to the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine in a highly reproducible dose-dependent manner. The model was shown susceptible to excitotoxicity upon exposure with excess glutamate and showed formation of stress granules upon excess glutamate or sodium arsenite exposure, mimicking processes common in motor neuron diseases. Importantly, outgrowing axons could be attracted and repelled through a gradient of axonal guidance cues, such as semaphorins. The platform comprises 40 chips arranged underneath a microtiter plate providing both throughput and compatibility to standard laboratory equipment. The model will thus prove ideal for studying axonal biology and disease, drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
Dlx5-augmentation in neural crest cells reveals early development and differentiation potential of mouse apical head mesenchyme
Authors: Vu Tri H. , Takechi Masaki , Shimizu Miki , Kitazawa Taro , Higashiyama Hiroki , Iwase Akiyasu , Kurihara Hiroki , Iseki Sachiko
Published: January 2021

Neural crest cells (NCCs) give rise to various tissues including neurons, pigment cells, bone and cartilage in the head. Distal-less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) is involved in both jaw patterning and differentiation of NCC-derivatives. In this study, we investigated the differentiation potential of head mesenchyme by forcing Dlx5 to be expressed in mouse NCC (NCCDlx5). In NCCDlx5 mice, differentiation of dermis and pigment cells were enhanced with ectopic cartilage (ec) and heterotopic bone (hb) in different layers at the cranial vertex. The ec and hb were derived from the early migrating mesenchyme (EMM), the non-skeletogenic cell population located above skeletogenic supraorbital mesenchyme (SOM). The ec developed within Foxc1+-dura mater with increased PDGFRα signalling, and the hb formed with upregulation of BMP and WNT/β-catenin signallings in Dermo1+-dermal layer from E11.5. Since dermal cells express Runx2 and Msx2 in the control, osteogenic potential in dermal cells seemed to be inhibited by an anti-osteogenic function of Msx2 in normal context. We propose that, after the non-skeletogenic commitment, the EMM is divided into dermis and meninges by E11.5 in normal development. Two distinct responses of the EMM, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, to Dlx5-augmentation in the NCCDlx5 strongly support this idea.
The combination of the tubulin binding small molecule PTC596 and proteasome inhibitors suppresses the growth of myeloma cells
Authors: Nagai Yurie , Mimura Naoya , Rizq Ola , Isshiki Yusuke , Oshima Motohiko , Rizk Mohamed , Saraya Atsunori , Koide Shuhei , Nakajima-Takagi Yaeko , Miyota Makiko , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Oshima-Hasegawa Nagisa , Muto Tomoya , Tsukamoto Shokichi , Mitsukawa Shio , Takeda Yusuke , Ohwada Chikako , Takeuchi Masahiro , Iseki Tohru , Nakaseko Chiaki , Lennox William , Sheedy Josephine , Weetall Marla , Yokote Koutaro , Iwama Atsushi , Sakaida Emiko
Published: January 2021

The novel small molecule PTC596 inhibits microtubule polymerization and its clinical development has been initiated for some solid cancers. We herein investigated the preclinical efficacy of PTC596 alone and in combination with proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). PTC596 inhibited the proliferation of MM cell lines as well as primary MM samples in vitro, and this was confirmed with MM cell lines in vivo. PTC596 synergized with bortezomib or carfilzomib to inhibit the growth of MM cells in vitro. The combination treatment of PTC596 with bortezomib exerted synergistic effects in a xenograft model of human MM cell lines in immunodeficient mice and exhibited acceptable tolerability. Mechanistically, treatment with PTC596 induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase followed by apoptotic cell death, associated with the inhibition of microtubule polymerization. RNA sequence analysis also revealed that PTC596 and the combination with bortezomib affected the cell cycle and apoptosis in MM cells. Importantly, endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by bortezomib was enhanced by PTC596, providing an underlying mechanism of action of the combination therapy. Our results indicate that PTC596 alone and in combination with proteasome inhibition are potential novel therapeutic options to improve outcomes in patients with MM.
Efficacy of biorational insecticides against Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and their selectivity for its parasitoid Encarsia formosa Gahan on Bt cotton
Authors: Gogi Muhammad Dildar , Syed Ali Hassan , Atta Bilal , Sufyan Muhammad , Arif Muhammad Jalal , Arshad Muhammad , Nawaz Ahmad , Khan Muhammad Ahsan , Mukhtar Adeel , Liburd Oscar Emanuel
Published: January 2021

The toxicity of seven biorational insecticides [five insect growth regulators (Buprofezin, Fenoxycarb, Pyriproxyfen, Methoxyfenozide, and Tebufenozide) and two oil-extracts of neem and bitter gourd seeds] againstBemisia tabaciand their selectivity for its parasitoid,Encarsia formosawere evaluated in laboratory and field conditions for 2 years (2018–2019) in Pakistan. Toxicity results demonstrate that Pyriproxyfen, Buprofezin, and Fenoxycarb proved to be effective (80–91% mortality and 66.3–84.2% population-reduction) againstB. tabacifollowed by Methoxyfenozide, Tebufenozide (50–75% mortality and 47.8–52.4% population-reduction), and then oil-extracts of neem and bitter gourd (25–50% mortality and 36.5–39.8% population-reduction) in the laboratory [72 h post-application exposure interval (PAEI)] and field trails (168 h PAEI), respectively. All tested biorationals, except Methoxyfenozide [(slightly-harmful/Class-II), i.e., causing mortality of parasitoids between a range of 25–50%] and Tebufenozide [(moderately-harmful/Class-III), i.e., causing mortality of parasitoids between the ranges of 51–75%], proved harmless/Class-I biorationals at PAEI of 7-days in the field (parasitism-reduction < 25%) and 3-days in the lab (effect < 30%). In laboratory bioassays, exposure of parasitized-pseudopupae and adult-parasitoids to neem and bitter gourd oils demonstrated that these compounds proved harmless/Class-I biorationals (< 30% mortality). Alternatively, Pyriproxyfen, Buprofezin, Fenoxycarb, Methoxyfenozide, and Tebufenozide were slightly-harmful biorationals (30–79% mortality) against the respective stages ofE. formosa. We conclude that most of the tested biorationals proved harmless or slightly harmful toE. formosa, except tebufenozide after PAEI of 7-days (168 h) in the field and, therefore, may be used strategically in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ofB. tabaci.
Loss of Parkinson’s susceptibility gene LRRK2 promotes carcinogen-induced lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Lebovitz Chandra , Wretham Nicole , Osooly Maryam , Milne Katy , Dash Tia , Thornton Shelby , Tessier-Cloutier Basile , Sathiyaseelan Paalini , Bortnik Svetlana , Go Nancy Erro , Halvorsen Elizabeth , Cederberg Rachel A. , Chow Norman , Dos Santos Nancy , Bennewith Kevin L. , Nelson Brad H. , Bally Marcel B. , Lam Wan L. , Gorski Sharon M.
Published: January 2021

Pathological links between neurodegenerative disease and cancer are emerging. LRRK2 overactivity contributes to Parkinson’s disease, whereas our previous analyses of public cancer patient data revealed that decreased LRRK2 expression is associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The clinical and functional relevance of LRRK2 repression in LUAD is unknown. Here, we investigated associations between LRRK2 expression and clinicopathological variables in LUAD patient data and asked whether LRRK2 knockout promotes murine lung tumorigenesis. In patients, reduced LRRK2 was significantly associated with ongoing smoking and worse survival, as well as signatures of less differentiated LUAD, altered surfactant metabolism and immunosuppression. We identified shared transcriptional signals between LRRK2-low LUAD and postnatal alveolarization in mice, suggesting aberrant activation of a developmental program of alveolar growth and differentiation in these tumors. In a carcinogen-induced murine lung cancer model, multiplex IHC confirmed that LRRK2 was expressed in alveolar type II (AT2) cells, a main LUAD cell-of-origin, while its loss perturbed AT2 cell morphology. LRRK2 knockout in this model significantly increased tumor initiation and size, demonstrating that loss of LRRK2, a key Parkinson’s gene, promotes lung tumorigenesis.
Circulating long non-coding RNAs HOTAIR, Linc-p21, GAS5 and XIST expression profiles in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: association with R-CHOP responsiveness
Authors: Senousy Mahmoud A. , El-Abd Aya M. , Abdel-Malek Raafat R. , Rizk Sherine M.
Published: January 2021

The reliable identification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-specific targets owns huge implications for its diagnosis and treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in DLBCL pathogenesis; however, circulating DLBCL-related lncRNAs are barely investigated. We investigated plasma lncRNAs; HOTAIR, Linc-p21, GAS5 and XIST as biomarkers for DLBCL diagnosis and responsiveness to R-CHOP therapy. Eighty-four DLBCL patients and thirty-three healthy controls were included. Only plasma HOTAIR, XIST and GAS5 were differentially expressed in DLBCL patients compared to controls. Pretreatment plasma HOTAIR was higher, whereas GAS5 was lower in non-responders than responders to R-CHOP. Plasma GAS5 demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.97) whereas a panel of HOTAIR + GAS5 superiorly discriminated responders from non-responders by ROC analysis. In multivariate analysis, HOTAIR was an independent predictor of non-response. Among patients, plasma HOTAIR, Linc-p21 and XIST were correlated. Plasma GAS5 negatively correlated with International Prognostic Index, whereas HOTAIR positively correlated with performance status, denoting their prognostic potential. We constructed the lncRNAs-related protein–protein interaction networks linked to drug response via bioinformatics analysis. In conclusion, we introduce plasma HOTAIR, GAS5 and XIST as potential non-invasive diagnostic tools for DLBCL, and pretreatment HOTAIR and GAS5 as candidates for evaluating therapy response, with HOTAIR as a predictor of R-CHOP failure. We provide novel surrogates for future predictive studies in personalized medicine.
Phanerozoic radiation of ammonia oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Ward L. M. , Johnston D. T. , Shih P. M.
Published: January 2021

The modern nitrogen cycle consists of a web of microbially mediated redox transformations. Among the most crucial reactions in this cycle is the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite, an obligately aerobic process performed by a limited number of lineages of bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). As this process has an absolute requirement for O2, the timing of its evolution—especially as it relates to the Great Oxygenation Event ~ 2.3 billion years ago—remains contested and is pivotal to our understanding of nutrient cycles. To estimate the antiquity of bacterial ammonia oxidation, we performed phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses of AOB. Surprisingly, bacterial ammonia oxidation appears quite young, with crown group clades having originated during Neoproterozoic time (or later) with major radiations occurring during Paleozoic time. These results place the evolution of AOB broadly coincident with the pervasive oxygenation of the deep ocean. The late evolution AOB challenges earlier interpretations of the ancient nitrogen isotope record, predicts a more substantial role for AOA during Precambrian time, and may have implications for understanding of the size and structure of the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle through geologic time.
Avian antimicrobial peptides: in vitro and in ovo characterization and protection from early chick mortality caused by yolk sac infection
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thi Thu , Allan Brenda , Wheler Colette , Köster Wolfgang , Gerdts Volker , Dar Arshud
Published: January 2021

Increasing antibiotic resistance is a matter of grave concern for consumers, public health authorities, farmers, and researchers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as novel and effective non-antibiotic tools to combat infectious diseases in poultry. In this study, we evaluated six avian AMPs including 2 truncated cathelicidins, [CATH-1(6–26) and CATH-2(1–15)], and 4 avian β-defensins (ABD1, 2, 6 and 9) for their bactericidal and immunomodulatory activities. Our findings have shown CATH-1(6–26) and ABD1 being the two most potent avian AMPs effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria investigated in these studies. Moreover, CATH-1(6–26) inhibited LPS-induced NO production and exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity to HD11 cells. While, ABD1 blocked LPS-induced IL-1β gene induction and was non-toxic to HD11 cells. Importantly, in ovo administration of these AMPs demonstrated that ABD1 can offer significant protection from early chick mortality (44% less mortality in ABD1 treated group versus the control group) due to the experimental yolk sac infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Our data suggest that in ovo administration of ABD1 has immunomodulatory and anti-infection activity comparable with CpG ODN. Thus, ABD1 can be a significant addition to potential alternatives to antibiotics for the control of bacterial infections in young chicks.
Pathways to plant domestication in Southeast Anatolia based on new data from aceramic Neolithic Gusir Höyük
Authors: Kabukcu Ceren , Asouti Eleni , Pöllath Nadja , Peters Joris , Karul Necmi
Published: January 2021

Southeast Anatolia is home to some of the earliest and most spectacular Neolithic sites associated with the beginning of cultivation and herding in the Old World. In this article we present new archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological data from Gusir Höyük, an aceramic Neolithic habitation dating to the 12th-late 11th millennia cal BP. Our results show selective use of legume crop progenitors and nuts during the earlier part of this period, followed by the management of cereal and legume crop progenitors from the mid-11th millennium cal BP. This contrasts with data available from other Anatolian habitations indicating broad spectrum plant use with low crop progenitor inputs. Early aceramic Neolithic Anatolian plant and animal exploitation strategies were site-specific, reflecting distinctive identities and culinary choices rather than environmental constraints. A multivariate evaluation of wheat grain metrics alongside botanical and radiometric data indicate that early wheat domestication in southeast Anatolia occurred at a faster pace than predicted by current hypotheses for a protracted transition to farming in Southwest Asia. We argue that this phenomenon is best explained as a corollary of the increasing importance of cereals in feasting at southeast Anatolian sites characterised by increasing architectural complexity and elaboration during the 11th millennium cal BP.
AAV1 is the optimal viral vector for optogenetic experiments in pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Rook Noemi , Tuff John Michael , Isparta Sevim , Masseck Olivia Andrea , Herlitze Stefan , Güntürkün Onur , Pusch Roland
Published: January 2021

Although optogenetics has revolutionized rodent neuroscience, it is still rarely used in other model organisms as the efficiencies of viral gene transfer differ between species and comprehensive viral transduction studies are rare. However, for comparative research, birds offer valuable model organisms as they have excellent visual and cognitive capabilities. Therefore, the following study establishes optogenetics in pigeons on histological, physiological, and behavioral levels. We show that AAV1 is the most efficient viral vector in various brain regions and leads to extensive anterograde and retrograde ChR2 expression when combined with the CAG promoter. Furthermore, transient optical stimulation of ChR2 expressing cells in the entopallium decreases pigeons’ contrast sensitivity during a grayscale discrimination task. This finding demonstrates causal evidence for the involvement of the entopallium in contrast perception as well as a proof of principle for optogenetics in pigeons and provides the groundwork for various other methods that rely on viral gene transfer in birds.
The expression of YWHAZ and NDRG1 predicts aggressive outcome in human prostate cancer
Authors: Lage-Vickers Sofia , Bizzotto Juan , Valacco Maria Pia , Sanchis Pablo , Nemirovsky Sergio , Labanca Estefania , Scorticati Carlos , Mazza Osvaldo , Mitrofanova Antonina , Navone Nora , Vazquez Elba , Cotignola Javier , Gueron Geraldine
Published: January 2021

Some prostate cancers (PCas) are histo-pathologically grouped within the same Gleason Grade (GG), but can differ significantly in outcome. Herein, we aimed at identifying molecular biomarkers that could improve risk prediction in PCa. LC ESI–MS/MS was performed on human PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues and peptide data was integrated with omic analyses. We identified high YWHAZ and NDRG1 expression to be associated with poor PCa prognosis considering all Gleason scores (GS). YWHAZ and NDRG1 defined two subpopulations of PCa patients with high and intermediate risk of death. Multivariable analyses confirmed their independence from GS. ROC analysis unveiled that YWHAZ outperformed GS beyond 60 months post-diagnosis. The genomic analysis of PCa patients with YWHAZ amplification, or increased mRNA or protein levels, revealed significant alterations in key DNA repair genes. We hereby state the relevance of YWHAZ in PCa, showcasing its role as an independent strong predictor of aggressiveness.
Infrared characterization of formation and resonance stabilization of the Criegee intermediate methyl vinyl ketone oxide
Authors: Chung Chen-An , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: January 2021

Methyl vinyl ketone oxide (MVKO) is an important Criegee intermediate in the ozonolysis of isoprene. MVKO is resonance stabilized by its allyl moiety, but no spectral characterization of this stabilization was reported to date. In this study, we photolyzed a mixture of 1,3-diiodo-but-2-ene and O2 to produce MVKO and characterized the syn-trans-MVKO, and tentatively syn-cis-MVKO, with transient infrared spectra recorded using a step-scan Fourier-transform spectrometer. The O‒O stretching band at 948 cm−1 of syn-trans-MVKO is much greater than the corresponding bands of syn-CH3CHOO and (CH3)2COO Criegee intermediates at 871 and 887 cm−1, respectively, confirming a stronger O‒O bond due to resonance stabilization. We observed also iodoalkenyl radical C2H3C(CH3)I upon photolysis of the precursor to confirm the fission of the terminal allylic C‒I bond rather than the central vinylic C‒I bond of the precursor upon photolysis. At high pressure, the adduct C2H3C(CH3)IOO was also observed. The reaction mechanism is characterized.
Metal-free regioselective C–H amination for the synthesis of pyrazole-containing 2H-indazoles
Authors: Wang Kai , Wei Tingting , Zhang Yujia , Hou Jiahao , Bai Renren , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: January 2021

Herein, two different pathways for the synthesis of pyrazole-containing 2H-indazoles under the oxidation of K2S2O8 were reported, affording the desired product in good to excellent yields. And a radical process was included in this transformation.
Sustainable block copolymers of poly(limonene carbonate)
Authors: Neumann Simon , Däbritz Sophia Barbara , Fritze Sophie Edith , Leitner Lisa-Cathrin , Anand Aneesha , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema
Published: January 2021

Ring-opening copolymerization of lactide/lactide derivatives and trans-limonene oxide is used for the synthesis of sustainable block copolymers. The method alters the properties of bio-based, non-food-based poly(limonene carbonate).
Generation of powerful organic electron donors by water-assisted decarboxylation of benzimidazolium carboxylates
Authors: Tintori Guillaume , Fall Arona , Assani Nadhrata , Zhao Yuxi , Bergé-Lefranc David , Redon Sébastien , Vanelle Patrice , Broggi Julie
Published: January 2021

In situ and easy generation of organic electron donors from water-activation of carboxylate precursors allows OED-promoted intermolecular radical addition reactions.
Trimeric and dimeric sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia atrovirens and their cytotoxicities
Authors: Su Li-Hua , Li Tian-Ze , Geng Chang-An , Ma Yun-Bao , Huang Xiao-Yan , Wang Jin-Ping , Zhang Xue-Mei , Chen Ji-Jun
Published: January 2021

Two sesquiterpenoid trimers and two sesquiterpenoid dimers possessing unprecedented scaffolds with a methylene-bridged connection were identified from Artemisia atrovirens. Compound 3 showed obvious cytotoxicity against HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines.
Controlled “off–on” fluorescent probe for the specific detection of hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Zheng Jinrong , Li Jianlong , Luo Hongli , Sun Lingbin , Sang Mangmang , Yu Xiu
Published: January 2021

An Hcy-specific fluorescent probe (HSFP) with excellent selectivity and anti-interference capability was developed for the detection of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Effects of amendments on the bioavailability, transformation and accumulation of heavy metals by pakchoi cabbage in a multi-element contaminated soil
Authors: Li Song , Sun Xiangyang , Li Suyan , Liu Yuanxin , Ma Qixue , Zhou Wenjie
Published: January 2021

The concentration of available arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in CaCl2 extract was effectively decreased by all the amendments, except the available concentration of As was increased by compost–humic acid (T8) in soil.
Adsorption behavior of gardenia yellow pigment on embedded spherical cellulose adsorbent
Authors: Liu Jianting , Yu Zhendong , Li Qiqi , Lv Yuancai , Lin Chunxiang , Huang Jianhui , Liu Yifan , Liu Minghua
Published: January 2021

A spherical cellulose adsorbent embedded with black wattle extract (SABW) was prepared and used to adsorb gardenia yellow pigment (GYP). The result revealed that SABW presented excellent adsorption performance to GYP.
Electrooxidative generation of polymer films from rigid tricarbazole monomers
Authors: Tent Jannis Aron , Ammenhäuser Robin , Braun Marco , Scherf Ullrich
Published: January 2021

Electrooxidative generation of microporous thin films. Triphenylene- and triptycene-cored tricarbazoles have been electropolymerized into thin films. For the aTC-based film intrinsic microporosity is observed.
Understanding the effect of thiophene sulfur on brominated petroleum coke for elemental mercury capture from flue gases
Authors: Xiao Yi , Liu Xiuyun , Diao Yongfa
Published: January 2021

Petroleum coke containing 5.85 wt% S was used to prepare a brominated sorbent to capture Hg from flue gas. HgBr and Hg(Br)Br are the primary chemical forms chemisorbed on the surface of this new carbon-based sorbent, and bind on the carbon site nearest to the S atom.
Singlet fission from upper excited singlet states and polaron formation in rubrene film
Authors: Wu Tong , Ni Wenjun , Gurzadyan Gagik G. , Sun Licheng
Published: January 2021

Femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion and transient absorption pump-probe setups are applied to study the relaxation dynamics of the lower and upper excited singlet electronic states in easy-to-make rubrene films.
Physical aspects of cortical folding
Authors: Greiner Alexander , Kaessmair Stefan , Budday Silvia
Published: January 2021

Swelling polymers reveal that a wrinkling instability with subsequent transition into folding seems to be the driving physical mechanism of cortical folding in the human brain.
Host dependent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution of Ni/TiO2 composites
Authors: Zhou Peng , Wang Shuhua , Zhai Guangyao , Lv Xingshuai , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Zeyan , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: January 2021

The result shows that there is a stronger interaction between Ni and TiO2 when Ni is the host material compared with that with TiO2 as the host material. And the former displays a more obvious promotion effect on the HER performance.
An efficient and robust lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite catalyst as a bifunctional oxygen electrode for reversible solid oxide cells
Authors: Kim Doyeub , Park Jin Wan , Chae Munseok S. , Jeong Incheol , Park Jeong Hwa , Kim Kyeong Joon , Lee Jong Jun , Jung Chanhoon , Lee Chan-Woo , Hong Seung-Tae , Lee Kang Taek
Published: January 2021

A perovskite La0.2Sr0.8Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ catalyst exhibited remarkably high activities for the ORR and OER as a novel bifunctional oxygen electrode for reversible SOCs.
Multiphoton ultraviolet upconversion through selectively controllable energy transfer in confined sensitizing sublattices towards improved solar photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Songbin , Huang Jinshu , Yan Long , Song Nan , Zhang Peng , He Junshan , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2021

A new mechanistic strategy of spatially confining lanthanide emitters inside a sensitizing sublattice was developed to enhance the multiphoton ultraviolet upconversion, showing great promise in frontier fields such as photocatalysis.
The crystalline/amorphous stacking structure of SnO2 microspheres for excellent NO photocatalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Li , Tong Ruobing , Shirsath Sagar E. , Yang Yanling , Dong Guohui
Published: January 2021

Novel crystalline/amorphous stacking structure of SnO2 microsphere provides excellent NO photocatalytic performance by separating the adsorption sites of NO and O2.
Low intensity focused ultrasound responsive microcapsules for non-ablative ultrafast intracellular release of small molecules
Authors: Song Fengyan , Gao Hui , Li Danyang , Petrov Arseniy V. , Petrov Vladimir V. , Wen Dongsheng , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: January 2021

Most PAH/PSS/SiO2 capsules in B50 rat neuronal cells can be ruptured and release rhodamine B (Rh-B) into the cytosol within only 30 s of 0.75 W cm−2 LIFU treatment, while the same LIFU treatment showed no obvious damage to cells.
An ultra-fast, self-powered and flexible visible-light photodetector based on graphene/Cu2O/Cu gradient heterostructures
Authors: Cong Lujia , Zhou Haitao , Chen Mingzhu , Wang Hongbin , Chen He , Ma Jiangang , Yan Siyi , Li Bingsheng , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: January 2021

Graphene/Cu2O/Cu flexible self-powered photodetector has high visible light detection performance. This excellent performance is attributes to the inherent built-in electric field of the Cu2O absorption layer.
A flexible and high-performance electrochromic smart window produced by WO3/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrids
Authors: Nguyen Van-Tam , Min Bok Ki , Kim Seong K. , Yi Yoonsik , Choi Choon-Gi
Published: January 2021

WO3 nanoparticle/Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheet hybrids were prepared to fabricate electrochromic (EC) devices with significantly enhanced EC performance. And a large-sized flexible EC smart window was successfully fabricated and demonstrated.
Synthesis and complexes of a constrained-cavity Schiff-base dipyrrin macrocycle
Authors: van Rees Karlotta , Love Jason B.
Published: January 2021

A one-pot cyclisation/oxidation process results in a new constrained-cavity Schiff-base dipyrrin macrocycle and allows access to Li, Fe, and Zn complexes of this unique chromophore.
Phthalimide-based-SSCF3 reagent for enantioselective dithiotrifluoromethylation
Authors: Gao Wen-Chao , Liu Jianrong , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

A novel dithiotrifluoromethylation reagent phthN-SSCF3 was designed and prepared for the incorporation of a SSCF3 unit into complex molecules and the stereoselective construction of a SSCF3-tethered quaternary carbon center.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of methyl orange adsorption using boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Bangari Raghubeer S. , Yadav Anshul , Sinha Niraj
Published: January 2021

Insights into observed efficient adsorption of methyl orange from water by boron nitride nanosheets are presented using theoretical studies.
Correction: Hydrodynamic interactions in squirmer dumbbells: active stress-induced alignment and locomotion
Authors: Clopés Judit , Gompper Gerhard , Winkler Roland G.
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Hydrodynamic interactions in squirmer dumbbells: active stress-induced alignment and locomotion’ by Judit Clopés et al., Soft Matter, 2020, 16, 10676–10687, DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01569e.
The best place and time to live in the Milky Way
Authors: Spinelli R. , Ghirlanda G. , Haardt F. , Ghisellini G. , Scuderi G.
Published: January 2021

Context.Counted among the most powerful cosmic events, supernovae (SNe) andγ-ray bursts (GRBs) can be highly disruptive for life: Their radiation can be harmful for biota or induce extinction by removing most of the protective atmospheric ozone layer from terrestrial planets (TPs). Nearby high-energy transient astrophysical events have been proposed as possible triggers of mass extinctions on Earth.

Aims.We assess the habitability of the Milky Way (MW) throughout its cosmic history against potentially disruptive astrophysical transients with the aim of identifying the safest places and epochs within our Galaxy. We also test the hypothesis that one long GRB played a leading role in the late Ordovician mass-extinction event (∼445 Myr ago).

Methods.We characterised the habitability of the MW throughout its cosmic history as a function of galactocentric distance of TPs. We estimated the dangerous effects of transient astrophysical events (long and short GRBs and SNe) with a model that connects their rate to the specific star formation and metallicity evolution within the Galaxy throughout its cosmic history. Our model also accounts for the probability that TPs form around FGK and M stars.

Results.Until about six billion years ago, the outskirts of the Galaxy were the safest places to live, despite the relatively low density of TPs. In the last about four billion years, regions between 2 and 8 kpc from the center, which had a higher density of TPs, became the best places for a relatively safer biotic life growth. We confirm the hypothesis that one long GRB played a leading role in the late Ordovician mass-extinction event. In the last 500 Myr, the safest neighborhood in the Galaxy was a region at a distance of 2 to 8 kpc from the Galactic center, whereas the MW outskirts were sterilized by two to five long GRBs.
NGTS-13b: a hot 4.8 Jupiter-mass planet transiting a subgiant star
Authors: Grieves Nolan , Nielsen Louise D. , Vines Jose I. , Bryant Edward M. , Gill Samuel , Bouchy François , Lendl Monika , Bayliss Daniel , Eigmueller Philipp , Segransan Damien , Acton Jack S. , Anderson David R. , Burleigh Matthew R. , Casewell Sarah L. , Chaushev Alexander , Cooke Benjamin F. , Gillen Edward , Goad Michael R. , Günther Maximilian N. , Henderson Beth A. , Hogan Aleisha , Jenkins James S. , Alves Douglas R. , Jordán Andrés , McCormac James , Moyano Maximiliano , Queloz Didier , Raynard Liam , Seidel Julia V. , Smith Alexis M. S. , Tilbrook Rosanna H. , Udry Stephane , West Richard G. , Wheatley Peter J.
Published: January 2021

We report the discovery of the massive hot Jupiter NGTS-13b by the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). The V = 12.7 host star is likely in the subgiant evolutionary phase with logg* = 4.04 ± 0.05, Teff = 5819 ± 73 K, M* = 1.30−0.18+0.11 M⊙, and R* = 1.79 ± 0.06 R⊙. The NGTS detected a transiting planet with a period of P = 4.12 days around the star, which was later validated with the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS; TIC 454069765). We confirm the planet using radial velocities from the CORALIE spectrograph. Using NGTS and TESS full-frame image photometry combined with CORALIE radial velocities, we determine NGTS-13b to have a radius of RP = 1.142 ± 0.046 RJup, a mass of MP = 4.84 ± 0.44 MJup, and an eccentricity of e = 0.086 ± 0.034. Previous studies have suggested that ~4 MJup may be the border separating two formation scenarios (e.g., core accretion and disk instability) and that massive giant planets share similar formation mechanisms as lower-mass brown dwarfs. NGTS-13b is just above 4 MJup, making it an important addition to the statistical sample needed to understand the differences between various classes of substellar companions. The high metallicity of NGTS-13, [Fe/H] = 0.25 ± 0.17, does not support previous suggestions that massive giants are found preferentially around lower metallicity host stars, but NGTS-13b does support findings that more massive and evolved hosts may have a higher occurrence of close-in massive planets than lower-mass unevolved stars.
Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Education
Authors: Madiyal Ananya , Bhat Supriya , Babu G. Subhas , Achalli Sonika
Published: January 2021

With the closure of educational institutions across the world, didactic education has come to a stop from the level of primary education up to the level of professional training. Due to the discovery of a high viral load in saliva, dental schools have been considered as a hub of potential disease transmission. Students have reported anxiety over their safety, availability of learning resources, and retaining their efficiency of patient care after dental schools open. Administrators and educators are scrambling to ensure an effective learning experience while retaining the flexibility to adapt to new challenges. Ensuring a uniform grading system for year-end examinations, exit, and entrance examinations will help young professionals retain their career momentum. Problem-based learning, case-based and team-based learning, objective structured clinical examinations, and flipped classrooms are some of the methods that can be used to continue e-learning among dental students while we learn to live in this “new normal” situation.
Education, Aspiration and aage badhna: The Role of Schooling in Facilitating ‘Forward Movement’ in Rural Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Dost Arshima Champa , Froerer Peggy
Published: January 2021

This article explores the role of education in marginalised young people’s aspirations for aage badhna (forward movement). Drawing on ethnographic research in rural Chhattisgarh, central India, we show how young people’s orientations toward a desired future remain anchored in education, even when possibilities for education-related forward movement become unattainable. The way in which aspirations are translated into locally viable outcomes, we suggest, is inextricably linked to the structural limitations that prevent access to education’s more expansive opportunities and that underpin the possibility of falling behind. Focusing on how young people and their parents navigate this tension, we examine their attachment to the idea that education is necessary to get ahead, even as they fail to access its promised benefits. We suggest that a relational approach is critical to this understanding and argue that the way in which young people frame (and reframe) their aspirations must be understood in relation to both peers and parents, but also in relation to the central role that education plays in viable alternative pathways.
The economic argument for hiring people with disabilities
Authors: Aichner Thomas
Published: January 2021

The question of whether people with disabilities should be hired as employees can be considered from three different perspectives: moral, legal, and economic. From a moral point of view, the question can clearly be answered in the affirmative. After all, respect and charity are among the most important cultural and religious values of our society. If a company does not face up to this moral obligation, the company’s image suffers and there may be social consequences that can result in negative word-of-mouth and lower sales. The legal situation differs between countries but is usually relatively simple and straightforward. In Italy, for example, companies with 15 to 35 employees must employ one person with a disability. For larger companies with 36 to 50 employees, this figure rises to two and with more than 51 employees, a total of 7% of all employees must be disabled. If a company does not comply with this quota system, fines will be imposed. This article deals with the third aspect, which for many companies is most important: the economic one. The central question is whether and under what conditions an employee with a disability can perform just as well or even better than a non-disabled colleague and therefore contribute to the economic success of a business. With a number of examples from research and practice, it is illustrated that economic reasons—in addition to moral arguments and legal obligations—also speak in favor of hiring disabled employees.
Mild and wild ferroelectrics and their potential role in neuromorphic computation
Authors: Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: January 2021

In this Perspective, two interrelated new developments are discussed. The first relates to a much better understanding of the actual movement of domain walls during switching. Ferroelectric and ferroelastic domain movements proceed via the combination of jerky and smooth displacements of domain walls. A careful separation of these two mechanisms into “wild” and “mild” is crucial for the understanding of avalanches in ferroelectrics. Avalanche switching involves jerky domain wall movements and leads to singularities in the switching current. During avalanches, domain walls enhance and localize atomic transport and generate magnetism emerging from mobile kinks in the walls. The second development is based on the transport of dopants inside domain walls during nano-fabrication of devices. Progressing domain walls in electric fields can then—mainly in the case of wild wall movements—connect defect “reservoirs” similar to synapses connecting neurons in the brain. The walls take the role of synapses, and the defect clusters take that of neurons. The combination of fast moving domain walls and chemical transport inside the walls constitutes, therefore, ingredients for memristive device elements in neuromorphic computers. This application is predicted to play a major future role in ferroelectricity.
An interdisciplinary and application-oriented approach to teach microfluidics
Authors: Salek M. Mehdi , Fernandez Vicente , D'souza Glen , Puigmartí-Luis Josep , Stocker Roman , Secchi Eleonora
Published: January 2021

Microfluidics is a relatively novel interdisciplinary research area with broad applications in chemistry, physics, material science, and biology. Despite the rapid growth of the field, students' exposure to microfluidic technologies is still limited and often insufficient to appreciate the advantages over other commonly used technologies. To this end, we designed a five-day course, “Microfluidics for microbial ecology,” in which students with very different backgrounds learn the basics of microfluidic technologies and sample a range of applications in microbial ecology. The course was created for Master and Ph.D. students interested in applying microfluidics to their research and, therefore, followed an application-oriented approach. The presentation of critical aspects of fluid flow phenomena at the microscale and an outline of the advantages and constraints of the technology provide students with the background to design and perform microfluidics-based experiments. In order to improve the effectiveness of learning in a class with diverse interests and backgrounds, two active learning exercises were implemented. The first comprised the design of an individualized microfluidics experiment in parallel with the lectures: students were guided to apply each module to their personalized application and discuss it in groups. The second was a group experimental activity, in which students jointly set up, performed, analyzed, and presented a microfluidics-based experiment. Given the multidisciplinary teaching context, the course was able to foster common conceptual ground and promote discussion among students. This application-oriented approach built upon experimental activities and in-class discussion is well suited to promote learning in a technology-related subject such as microfluidics.
Negator turned intersubjective speech-act adverbial
Authors: Lau Seng-hian
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the non-negating negatorm̄in Taiwanese. With respect to its function, this study argues that it is neither an intensifier nor a rhetorical marker. Furthermore, contrary to prevalent intuition, the combinationm̄-tōis not parallel to the ostensible cognatebújiùin Mandarin Chinese. Instead, the non-negatingm̄is an intersubjective speech-act adverbial affix attaching to the head of FocP (realized astōortsiah) that takes scope over whatever follows. Typologically, this study uncovers another use of non-negating negation in natural languages, and consequently challenges the enterprise pursuing a unified analysis for the phenomena of the so-called expletive negation.
Reception, translation and cultural context
Authors: Broden Thomas F.
Published: January 2021

The initiatives to publish an English translation of the influentialSémantique structurale(1966) by linguist and semiotician A. J. Greimas (1917–1992) provide an instructive case study for the reception of a work in new contexts. The efforts underscore the importance of (dis)connections between cultures’ intellectual traditions and trends, putting in play the relations between continental and American linguistic structuralism, generative semantics, cognitive linguistics, and “French” (post)structuralism throughout the human sciences. The projects also point up the significance of timing and of standards for translation quality – and the possibilities for controversy. In addition to published research, this study draws from archival documents and personal communications with Greimas, his translators and editors, and other principals involved.