bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crayfish hemocytes develop along the granular cell lineage
Authors: Li Fang , Zheng Zaichao , Li Hongyu , Fu Rongrong , Xu Limei , Yang Feng
Published: June 2021

Despite the central role of hemocytes in crustacean immunity, the process of hemocyte differentiation and maturation remains unclear. In some decapods, it has been proposed that the two main types of hemocytes, granular cells (GCs) and semigranular cells (SGCs), differentiate along separate lineages. However, our current findings challenge this model. By tracking newly produced hemocytes and transplanted cells, we demonstrate that almost all the circulating hemocytes of crayfish belong to the GC lineage. SGCs and GCs may represent hemocytes of different developmental stages rather than two types of fully differentiated cells. Hemocyte precursors produced by progenitor cells differentiate in the hematopoietic tissue (HPT) for 3 ~ 4 days. Immature hemocytes are released from HPT in the form of SGCs and take 1 ~ 3 months to mature in the circulation. GCs represent the terminal stage of development. They can survive for as long as 2 months. The changes in the expression pattern of marker genes during GC differentiation support our conclusions. Further analysis of hemocyte phagocytosis indicates the existence of functionally different subpopulations. These findings may reshape our understanding of crustacean hematopoiesis and may lead to reconsideration of the roles and relationship of circulating hemocytes.
Gelsolin and dCryAB act downstream of muscle identity genes and contribute to preventing muscle splitting and branching in Drosophila
Authors: Bertin Benjamin , Renaud Yoan , Jagla Teresa , Lavergne Guillaume , Dondi Cristiana , Da Ponte Jean-Philippe , Junion Guillaume , Jagla Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

A combinatorial code of identity transcription factors (iTFs) specifies the diversity of muscle types in Drosophila. We previously showed that two iTFs, Lms and Ap, play critical role in the identity of a subset of larval body wall muscles, the lateral transverse (LT) muscles. Intriguingly, a small portion of ap and lms mutants displays an increased number of LT muscles, a phenotype that recalls pathological split muscle fibers in human. However, genes acting downstream of Ap and Lms to prevent these aberrant muscle feature are not known. Here, we applied a cell type specific translational profiling (TRAP) to identify gene expression signatures underlying identity of muscle subsets including the LT muscles. We found that Gelsolin (Gel) and dCryAB, both encoding actin-interacting proteins, displayed LT muscle prevailing expression positively regulated by, the LT iTFs. Loss of dCryAB function resulted in LTs with irregular shape and occasional branched ends also observed in ap and lms mutant contexts. In contrast, enlarged and then split LTs with a greater number of myonuclei formed in Gel mutants while Gel gain of function resulted in unfused myoblasts, collectively indicating that Gel regulates LTs size and prevents splitting by limiting myoblast fusion. Thus, dCryAB and Gel act downstream of Lms and Ap and contribute to preventing LT muscle branching and splitting. Our findings offer first clues to still unknown mechanisms of pathological muscle splitting commonly detected in human dystrophic muscles and causing muscle weakness.
Impairing flow-mediated endothelial remodeling reduces extravasation of tumor cells
Authors: Follain Gautier , Osmani Naël , Gensbittel Valentin , Asokan Nandini , Larnicol Annabel , Mercier Luc , Garcia-Leon Maria Jesus , Busnelli Ignacio , Pichot Angelique , Paul Nicodème , Carapito Raphaël , Bahram Seiamak , Lefebvre Olivier , Goetz Jacky G.
Published: June 2021

Tumor progression and metastatic dissemination are driven by cell-intrinsic and biomechanical cues that favor the growth of life-threatening secondary tumors. We recently identified pro-metastatic vascular regions with blood flow profiles that are permissive for the arrest of circulating tumor cells. We have further established that such flow profiles also control endothelial remodeling, which favors extravasation of arrested CTCs. Yet, how shear forces control endothelial remodeling is unknown. In the present work, we aimed at dissecting the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving blood flow-dependent endothelial remodeling. Transcriptomic analysis of endothelial cells revealed that blood flow enhanced VEGFR signaling, among others. Using a combination of in vitro microfluidics and intravital imaging in zebrafish embryos, we now demonstrate that the early flow-driven endothelial response can be prevented upon specific inhibition of VEGFR tyrosine kinase and subsequent signaling. Inhibitory targeting of VEGFRs reduced endothelial remodeling and subsequent metastatic extravasation. These results confirm the importance of VEGFR-dependent endothelial remodeling as a driving force of CTC extravasation and metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, the present work suggests that therapies targeting endothelial remodeling might be a relevant clinical strategy in order to impede metastatic progression.
Computational biomechanical modelling of the rabbit cranium during mastication
Authors: Watson Peter J. , Sharp Alana C. , Choudhary Tarun , Fagan Michael J. , Dutel Hugo , Evans Susan E. , Gröning Flora
Published: June 2021

Although a functional relationship between bone structure and mastication has been shown in some regions of the rabbit skull, the biomechanics of the whole cranium during mastication have yet to be fully explored. In terms of cranial biomechanics, the rabbit is a particularly interesting species due to its uniquely fenestrated rostrum, the mechanical function of which is debated. In addition, the rabbit processes food through incisor and molar biting within a single bite cycle, and the potential influence of these bite modes on skull biomechanics remains unknown. This study combined the in silico methods of multi-body dynamics and finite element analysis to compute musculoskeletal forces associated with a range of incisor and molar biting, and to predict the associated strains. The results show that the majority of the cranium, including the fenestrated rostrum, transmits masticatory strains. The peak strains generated over all bites were found to be attributed to both incisor and molar biting. This could be a consequence of a skull shape adapted to promote an even strain distribution for a combination of infrequent incisor bites and cyclic molar bites. However, some regions, such as the supraorbital process, experienced low peak strain for all masticatory loads considered, suggesting such regions are not designed to resist masticatory forces.
Publisher Correction: Resting state alpha oscillatory activity is a valid and reliable marker of schizotypy
Authors: Trajkovic Jelena , Di Gregorio Francesco , Ferri Francesca , Marzi Chiara , Diciotti Stefano , Romei Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Coordinated gas release among the physostomous fish sprat (Sprattus sprattus)
Authors: Kaartvedt Stein , Ugland Karl I. , Heuschele Jan , Solberg Ingrid
Published: June 2021

Previous experimental studies suggest that the production of sound associated with expelling gas from an open swimbladder may play a role in communication. This would suggest non-random gas release. We used deployed echosounders to study patterns of gas release among a fjord population of sprat (Sprattus sprattus). The echosounder records concurrently revealed individual fish and their release of gas. The gas release primarily occurred at night, partly following recurrent temporal patterns, but also varying between nights. In testing for non-randomness, we formulated a data-driven simulation approach. Non-random gas release scaled with the length of the analyzed time intervals from 1 min to 6 h, and above 30 min the release events in more than 50% of the intervals were significantly connected.
Comparison of the on-line effects of different motor simulation conditions on corticospinal excitability in healthy participants
Authors: Pfenninger C. , Grosprêtre S. , Remontet A. , Lapole T.
Published: June 2021

In healthy participants, corticospinal excitability is known to increase during motor simulations such as motor imagery (MI), action observation (AO) and mirror therapy (MT), suggesting their interest to promote plasticity in neurorehabilitation. Further comparing these methods and investigating their combination may potentially provide clues to optimize their use in patients. To this end, we compared in 18 healthy participants abductor pollicis brevis (APB) corticospinal excitability during MI, AO or MT, as well as MI combined with either AO or MT. In each condition, 15 motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and three maximal M-wave were elicited in the right APB. Compared to the control condition, mean normalized MEP amplitude (i.e. MEP/M) increased during MI (P = .003), MT (P < .001) and MT + MI (P < .001), without any difference between the three conditions. No MEP modulation was evidenced during AO or AO + MI. Because MI provided no additional influence when combined with AO or MT, our results may suggest that, in healthy subjects, visual feedback and unilateral movement with a mirror may provide the greatest effects among all the tested motor simulations.
Diurnal rhythms of urine volume and electrolyte excretion in healthy young men under differing intensities of daytime light exposure
Authors: Nakamoto Isuzu , Uiji Sayaka , Okata Rin , Endo Hisayoshi , Tohyama Sena , Nitta Rina , Hashimoto Saya , Matsushima Yoshiko , Wakimoto Junko , Hashimoto Seiji , Nishiyama Yukiko , Kanikowska Dominika , Negoro Hiromitsu , Wakamura Tomoko
Published: June 2021

In humans, most renal functions, including urine volume and electrolyte excretions, have a circadian rhythm. Light is a strong circadian entrainment factor and daytime-light exposure is known to affect the circadian rhythm of rectal temperature (RT). The effects of daytime-light exposure on the diurnal rhythm of urinary excretion have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to clarify whether and how daytime exposure to bright-light affects urinary excretions. Twenty-one healthy men (21–27 years old) participated in a 4-day study involving daytime (08:00–18:00 h) exposure to two light conditions, Dim (< 50 lx) and Bright (~ 2500 lx), in a random order. During the experiment, RT was measured continuously. Urine samples were collected every 3 ~ 4 h. Compared to the Dim condition, under the Bright condition, the RT nadir time was 45 min earlier (p = 0.017) and sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and uric acid (UA) excretion and urine volumes were greater (allp < 0.001), from 11:00 h to 13:00 h without a difference in total daily urine volume. The present results suggest that daytime bright light exposure can induce a phase shift advance in urine volume and urinary Na, Cl, and UA excretion rhythms.
A new non-classical fold of varroa odorant-binding proteins reveals a wide open internal cavity
Authors: Amigues Beatrice , Zhu Jiao , Gaubert Anais , Arena Simona , Renzone Giovanni , Leone Philippe , Fischer Isabella Maria , Paulsen Harald , Knoll Wolfgang , Scaloni Andrea , Roussel Alain , Cambillau Christian , Pelosi Paolo
Published: June 2021

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), as they occur in insects, form a distinct class of proteins that apparently has no closely related representatives in other animals. However, ticks, mites, spiders and millipedes contain genes encoding proteins with sequence similarity to insect OBPs. In this work, we have explored the structure and function of such non-insect OBPs in the mite Varroa destructor, a major pest of honey bee. Varroa OBPs present six cysteines paired into three disulphide bridges, but with positions in the sequence and connections different from those of their insect counterparts. VdesOBP1 structure was determined in two closely related crystal forms and appears to be a monomer. Its structure assembles five α-helices linked by three disulphide bridges, one of them exhibiting a different connection as compared to their insect counterparts. Comparison with classical OBPs reveals that the second of the six α-helices is lacking in VdesOBP1. Ligand-binding experiments revealed molecules able to bind only specific OBPs with a moderate affinity, suggesting that either optimal ligands have still to be identified, or post-translational modifications present in the native proteins may be essential for modulating binding activity, or else these OBPs might represent a failed attempt in evolution and are not used by the mites.
NetCleave: an open-source algorithm for predicting C-terminal antigen processing for MHC-I and MHC-II
Authors: Amengual-Rigo Pep , Guallar Victor
Published: June 2021

Antigens presented on the cell surface have been subjected to multiple biological processes. Among them, C-terminal antigen processing constitutes one of the main bottlenecks of the peptide presentation pathways, as it delimits the peptidome that will be subjected downstream. Here, we present NetCleave, an open-source and retrainable algorithm for the prediction of the C-terminal antigen processing for both MHC-I and MHC-II pathways. NetCleave architecture consists of a neural network trained on 46 different physicochemical descriptors of the cleavage site amino acids. Our results demonstrate that prediction of C-terminal antigen processing achieves high accuracy on MHC-I (AUC of 0.91), while it remains challenging for MHC-II (AUC of 0.66). Moreover, we evaluated the performance of NetCleave and other prediction tools for the evaluation of four independent immunogenicity datasets (H2-Db, H2-Kb, HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-B:07:02). Overall, we demonstrate that NetCleave stands out as one of the best algorithms for the prediction of C-terminal processing, and we provide one of the first evidence that C-terminal processing predictions may help in the discovery of immunogenic peptides.
Natural variants in SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein pinpoint structural and functional hotspots with implications for prophylaxis and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Pokhrel Suman , Kraemer Benjamin R. , Burkholz Scott , Mochly-Rosen Daria
Published: June 2021

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of pneumonia with severe respiratory distress and outbreaks in Wuhan, China. The rapid and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier during the pandemic, there were limited genetic viral variations. As millions of people became infected, multiple single amino acid substitutions emerged. Many of these substitutions have no consequences. However, some of the new variants show a greater infection rate, more severe disease, and reduced sensitivity to current prophylaxes and treatments. Of particular importance in SARS-CoV-2 transmission are mutations that occur in the Spike (S) protein, the protein on the viral outer envelope that binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (hACE2). Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 441,168 individual virus sequences isolated from humans throughout the world. From the individual sequences, we identified 3540 unique amino acid substitutions in the S protein. Analysis of these different variants in the S protein pinpointed important functional and structural sites in the protein. This information may guide the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics to help arrest the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Integrated network analysis identifying potential novel drug candidates and targets for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Quan Pusheng , Wang Kai , Yan Shi , Wen Shirong , Wei Chengqun , Zhang Xinyu , Cao Jingwei , Yao Lifen
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to identify potential novel drug candidates and targets for Parkinson’s disease. First, 970 genes that have been reported to be related to PD were collected from five databases, and functional enrichment analysis of these genes was conducted to investigate their potential mechanisms. Then, we collected drugs and related targets from DrugBank, narrowed the list by proximity scores and Inverted Gene Set Enrichment analysis of drug targets, and identified potential drug candidates for PD treatment. Finally, we compared the expression distribution of the candidate drug-target genes between the PD group and the control group in the public dataset with the largest sample size (GSE99039) in Gene Expression Omnibus. Ten drugs with an FDR < 0.1 and their corresponding targets were identified. Some target genes of the ten drugs significantly overlapped with PD-related genes or already known therapeutic targets for PD. Nine differentially expressed drug-target genes with p < 0.05 were screened. This work will facilitate further research into the possible efficacy of new drugs for PD and will provide valuable clues for drug design.
A meta-analysis of ozone effect on tooth bleaching
Authors: Dietrich Lia , de Assis Costa Marcelo Dias Moreira , Blumenberg Cauane , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Paranhos Luiz Renato , da Silva Gisele Rodrigues
Published: June 2021

This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of ozone (O3) in the color change of in-office tooth bleaching in vital teeth (TB) and the sensitivity control. Only randomized controlled clinical trials were included. Seven databases were used as primary search sources, and three additional sources were searched to capture the "grey literature" partially. The JBI tool was used to assess the risk of bias. TB was assessed using the ΔELab color change metric comparing tooth color pre- and post-bleaching. We meta-analyzed the ΔELab estimates per method and calculated the absolute standardized mean difference using random-effect models. The GRADE approach assessed the certainty of the evidence. The ΔELab estimates ranged from 1.28 when the O3 was used alone to 6.93 when combined with hydrogen peroxide (HP). Two studies compared O3 and HP alone, but their TB was similar (SMD = − 0.02; 95%CI: − 0.54; 0.49). The bleaching effectiveness for the combination of O3 + HP compared to HP was similar (SMD = 0.38; 95%CI: − 0.04; 0.81). Thus, based on the available literature, our findings suggest that O3 is not superior to the conventional technique using HP on the change of tooth color. The O3 did not present sensitivity when used alone. When O3 was used in combination with HP, patients reported hypersensitivity only when O3 was applied before HP, i.e., no sensitivity was perceived when O3 was applied after HP.
A specific phase of transcranial alternating current stimulation at the β frequency boosts repetitive paired-pulse TMS-induced plasticity
Authors: Nakazono Hisato , Ogata Katsuya , Takeda Akinori , Yamada Emi , Oka Shinichiro , Tobimatsu Shozo
Published: June 2021

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 20 Hz (β) has been shown to modulate motor evoked potentials (MEPs) when paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a phase-dependent manner. Repetitive paired-pulse TMS (rPPS) with I-wave periodicity (1.5 ms) induced short-lived facilitation of MEPs. We hypothesized that tACS would modulate the facilitatory effects of rPPS in a frequency- and phase-dependent manner. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the effects of combined tACS and rPPS. We applied rPPS in combination with peak or trough phase tACS at 10 Hz (α) or β, or sham tACS (rPPS alone). The facilitatory effects of rPPS in the sham condition were temporary and variable among participants. In the β tACS peak condition, significant increases in single-pulse MEPs persisted for over 30 min after the stimulation, and this effect was stable across participants. In contrast, β tACS in the trough condition did not modulate MEPs. Further, α tACS parameters did not affect single-pulse MEPs after the intervention. These results suggest that a rPPS-induced increase in trans-synaptic efficacy could be strengthened depending on the β tACS phase, and that this technique could produce long-lasting plasticity with respect to cortical excitability.
CGRP, adrenomedullin and adrenomedullin 2 display endogenous GPCR agonist bias in primary human cardiovascular cells
Authors: Clark Ashley J. , Mullooly Niamh , Safitri Dewi , Harris Matthew , de Vries Tessa , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Poyner David R. , Gianni Davide , Wigglesworth Mark , Ladds Graham
Published: June 2021

Agonist bias occurs when different ligands produce distinct signalling outputs when acting at the same receptor. However, its physiological relevance is not always clear. Using primary human cells and gene editing techniques, we demonstrate endogenous agonist bias with physiological consequences for the calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CLR. By switching the receptor-activity modifying protein (RAMP) associated with CLR we can “re-route” the physiological pathways activated by endogenous agonists calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), adrenomedullin (AM) and adrenomedullin 2 (AM2). AM2 promotes calcium-mediated nitric oxide signalling whereas CGRP and AM show pro-proliferative effects in cardiovascular cells, thus providing a rationale for the expression of the three peptides. CLR-based agonist bias occurs naturally in human cells and has a fundamental purpose for its existence. We anticipate this will be a starting point for more studies into RAMP function in native environments and their importance in endogenous GPCR signalling.
TNF receptor agonists induce distinct receptor clusters to mediate differential agonistic activity
Authors: Yu Xiaojie , James Sonya , Felce James H. , Kellermayer Blanka , Johnston David A. , Chan H. T. Claude , Penfold Christine A. , Kim Jinny , Inzhelevskaya Tatyana , Mockridge C. Ian , Watanabe Yasunori , Crispin Max , French Ruth R. , Duriez Patrick J. , Douglas Leon R. , Glennie Martin J. , Cragg Mark S.
Published: June 2021

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and natural ligands targeting costimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR) exhibit a wide range of agonistic activities and antitumor responses. The mechanisms underlying these differential agonistic activities remain poorly understood. Here, we employ a panel of experimental and clinically-relevant molecules targeting human CD40, 4-1BB and OX40 to examine this issue. Confocal and STORM microscopy reveal that strongly agonistic reagents induce clusters characterized by small area and high receptor density. Using antibody pairs differing only in isotype we show that hIgG2 confers significantly more receptor clustering than hIgG1 across all three receptors, explaining its greater agonistic activity, with receptor clustering shielding the receptor-agonist complex from further molecular access. Nevertheless, discrete receptor clustering patterns are observed with different hIgG2 mAb, with a unique rod-shaped assembly observed with the most agonistic mAb. These findings dispel the notion that larger receptor clusters elicit greater agonism, and instead point to receptor density and subsequent super-structure as key determinants.
Metabolic contrast agents produced from transported solid 13C-glucose hyperpolarized via dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Capozzi Andrea , Kilund Jan , Karlsson Magnus , Patel Saket , Pinon Arthur Cesar , Vibert François , Ouari Olivier , Lerche Mathilde H. , Ardenkjær-Larsen Jan Henrik
Published: June 2021

Magnetic Resonance Imaging combined with hyperpolarized 13C-labelled metabolic contrast agents produced via dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization can, non-invasively and in real-time, report on tissue specific aberrant metabolism. However, hyperpolarization equipment is expensive, technically demanding and needs to be installed on-site for the end-user. In this work, we provide a robust methodology that allows remote production of the hyperpolarized 13C-labelled metabolic contrast agents. The methodology, built on photo-induced thermally labile radicals, allows solid sample extraction from the hyperpolarization equipment and several hours’ lifetime of the 13C-labelled metabolic contrast agents at appropriate storage/transport conditions. Exemplified with [U-13C, d7]-D-glucose, we remotely produce hyperpolarized 13C-labelled metabolic contrast agents and generate above 10,000-fold liquid-state Magnetic Resonance signal enhancement at 9.4 T, keeping on-site only a simple dissolution device.
2D High-κ Dielectric Ceramic Nanoplatelets for Polymer Nanocomposite Capacitors
Authors: Luo Hang , Chen Sheng , Guo Ru , Zhou Xuefan , Zhang Dou
Published: June 2021

Polymer-based capacitors have found a wide range of applications, including pulse power weapons, power transmission, transformation engineering, and 5G communication due to their high power density, fast charge and discharge speed, and long cycle life. Polymer-based composites with two-dimensional (2D) fillers often exhibit high breakdown strength, low dielectric loss, and high energy density. This chapter provides an overview of the latest developments with regard to the synthesis method of 2D nanoplatelets, the classification of polymer/2D nanoplatelet composites, and the role of the intrinsic properties of anisotropic nanoplatelets for composite design. The design strategies of 2D nanocomposites for dielectric and high energy storage properties are discussed in detail. Finite element simulation and phase-field simulation are used to determine the polarisation and electric filed distribution in the composites, and provide guidance for material design. The incorporation of 2D nanoplatelets into polymers is demonstrated as an effective route to achieve high energy density capacitors. Finally, the outlook and future perspectives for high-κ ceramic/polymer composites are presented.
Transition Metal Carbide (MXene)–Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Kong Jie , Song Yan , Wang Lei , Xu Ben Bin
Published: June 2021

In the past few years, a special exfoliation method has been successfully used to strip a new family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides from the layered MAX phase, called MXenes. These materials have the formula Mn + 1Xn, where M is a transition metal, X is C or N, and n = 1, 2, or 3. MXene is usually covered with functional groups, and thus, the formula Mn + lXnTx is also used, where T represents various functional groups. The as-synthesised MXenes are electronically conducting in addition to being hydrophilic, which is an interesting combination for a ‘conductive clay’. MXenes have already shown promising applications in various fields, such as energy storage, catalysis, and electromagnetic shielding. This chapter introduces the latest research developments related to the synthesis, structure, performance, and application of MXenes. The future vision for MXenes is also forecast.
Molecular mechanisms from insulin-mimetic effect of vitamin D: treatment alternative in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Torres Dominguez Edwin A. , Meza Peñafiel Abigail , Gómez Pedraza Arturo , Martínez Leo Edwin E.
Published: June 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a state of insulin resistance, which leads to metabolic alterations that aggravate the state of health of people.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of combretastatin A-4 sulfamate derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Huang Leilei , Huang Jinwen , Nie Hui , Li Yingzi , Song Lixing , Wu Fanhong
Published: June 2021

A series of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) sulfamate derivatives were synthesized and their structure–activity relationship on tubulin, arylsulfatase and tumor cell antiproliferation inhibition was studied.
Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy by inhibiting HIF-1α to reprogram TAMsviacore-satellite upconverting nanoparticles with curcumin mediated photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Li-Jun , Huang Rui , Shen Yi-Wen , Liu Jie , Wu Ye , Jin Jin-Mei , Zhang Hong , Sun Yun , Chen Hong-Zhuan , Luan Xin
Published: June 2021

Cur–CSNPs mediated PDT suppress TNBC through the synergistic immunotherapeutic effects by suppressing the expression of HIF-1α to reprogram the pro-tumor TAM2 into the anti-tumor TAM1.
Alginate/chitosan-based hydrogel loaded with gene vectors to deliver polydeoxyribonucleotide for effective wound healing
Authors: Jing Xiaodong , Sun Yanzhen , Liu Yang , Ma Xiaoli , Hu Hao
Published: June 2021

The prepared polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)-loaded alginate/chitosan-based hydrogel as a “nanocomposite smart material” combines the advantages of gene vectors and hydrogels and promotes the wound healing process.
Morphogenesis mechanisms in the hydrothermal growth of lead-free BCZT nanostructured multipods
Authors: Hanani Zouhair , Ablouh El-houssaine , Merselmiz Soukaina , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Amjoud M'barek , Mezzane Daoud , Alimoussa Abdelhadi , Lahcini Mohammed , Spreitzer Matjaž , Vengust Damjan , El Marssi Mimoun , Luk'yanchuk Igor A. , Kutnjak Zdravko , Gouné Mohamed
Published: June 2021

The nanostructuring approach may offer a new route to tailor lead-free ferroelectrics with superior energy storage performance for ceramic actuators and capacitors.
Ni(ii) and Co(ii) bis(acetylacetonato) complexes for alkene/vinylsilane silylation and silicone crosslinking
Authors: Puillet Magali , Delorme James , Crozet Delphine , Humbert Matthieu , Gajan David , Bousquié Magali , Blanc Delphine , Raynaud Jean , Monteil Vincent
Published: June 2021

Commercially available Ni(ii) and Co(ii) complexes – M(acac)2 and M(tmhd)2 – exhibit catalytic activity for alkene/vinylsilane dehydrogenative silylation (DS) and hydrosilylation (HS) with tertiary silanes without using any external reducing agents.
Improvement of photoelectrochemical HClO production under visible light irradiation by loading cobalt oxide onto a BiVO4 photoanode
Authors: Okunaka Sayuri , Miseki Yugo , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: June 2021

Loading CoOx species onto BiVO4/WO3 photoanodes was effective to improve the oxidative HClO production from aqueous NaCl solution under simulated solar-light irradiation.
Direct determination of Pb isotope ratios in archaeological materials by coupling liquid chromatography to multicollector ICP-MS
Authors: Alvarez Penanes Pelayo , Moldovan Mariella , Mederos Alfredo , Martín-Ramos Pablo , García Alonso J. Ignacio
Published: June 2021

On-line coupling of HPLC-MC-ICP-MS allows Pb isotope ratio measurements in archaeological samples without prior off-line Pb separation.
Designing organic solvent separation membranes: polymers, porous structures, 2D materials, and their combinations
Authors: Tandel Ameya Manoj , Guo Wenji , Bye Kelly , Huang Liang , Galizia Michele , Lin Haiqing
Published: June 2021

We provide a comprehensive review of advanced membrane materials for organic solvent separations exhibiting superior and robust separation properties, including polymeric architectures and porous materials with well-controlled nanostructures.
Non-doped OLEDs based on tetraphenylethylene phenanthroimidazoles with negligible efficiency roll-off: effects of end group regulated stimulus responsive AIE luminogens
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Thilagavathy Shanmugam , Thanikachalam Venugopal
Published: June 2021

The positional isomers of phenanthroimidazoles, TPE-NPPB and TPE-APPB, have been designed to understand the positional effects of triphenylamine (TPA) and tetraphenylethylene (TPE) units on the aggregation-induced emission and mechanochromism.
Use of curcumin-modified diamond nanoparticles in cellular imaging and the distinct ratiometric detection of Mg2+/Mn2+ ions
Authors: Du Bo-wei , Tien Le Trong , Lin Ching-Chang , Ko Fu-Hsiang
Published: June 2021

An intrinsically luminescent curcumin-modified nanodiamond derivative (ND-Cur) has been synthesized as an effective probe for cell imaging and sensory applications.
Emerging oxidized and defective phases in low-dimensional CrCl3
Authors: Mastrippolito Dario , Ottaviano Luca , Wang Jing , Yang Jinjin , Gao Faming , Ali Mushtaq , D'Olimpio Gianluca , Politano Antonio , Palleschi Stefano , Kazim Shafaq , Gunnella Roberto , Di Cicco Andrea , Sgarlata Anna , Strychalska-Nowak Judyta , Klimczuk Tomasz , Cava Robert Joseph , Lozzi Luca , Profeta Gianni
Published: June 2021

Emerging defect- and oxidation-induced extrinsic phases are discovered in low-dimensional CrCl3.
Synthesis of macroscopic monolithic metal–organic gels for ultra-fast destruction of chemical warfare agents
Authors: Zhou Chuan , Zhang Shouxin , Pan Hongjie , Yang Guang , Wang Lingyun , Tao Cheng-an , Li Heguo
Published: June 2021

For the first time, we report hierarchically porous monolithic UiO-66-X xerogels for ultra-fast destruction of chemical warfare agents. The half-lives of the vesicant agent sulfur mustard (HD) and of the nerve agent VX are as short as 14.4 min and 1.5 min, respectively.
Solvothermal synthesis of octahedral and magnetic CoFe2O4–reduced graphene oxide hybrids and their photo-Fenton-like behavior under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Hu Liling , Li Meng , Cheng Lihong , Jiang Bofan , Ai Jianping
Published: June 2021

Schematic illustration of an active heterogeneous photo-Fenton mechanism based on CoFe2O4–RGO hybrids.
Natural and synthetic flavonoid derivatives as new potential tyrosinase inhibitors: a systematic review
Authors: Obaid Rami J. , Mughal Ehsan Ullah , Naeem Nafeesa , Sadiq Amina , Alsantali Reem I. , Jassas Rabab S. , Moussa Ziad , Ahmed Saleh A.
Published: June 2021

This review revealed that among all the natural and synthetic flavonoids, the inhibitory findings suggest that the flavonol moiety can serve as an effective and a lead structural scaffold for the further development of novel TIs.
Potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro from marine compounds
Authors: Tam Nguyen Minh , Pham Minh Quan , Nguyen Huy Truong , Hong Nam Dao , Hien Nguyen Khoa , Quang Duong Tuan , Thu Phung Huong Thi , Ngo Son Tung
Published: June 2021

Preventing the biological activity of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using natural compounds is of great interest.
In situ tailoring bimetallic–organic framework-derived yolk–shell NiS2/CuS hollow microspheres: an extraordinary kinetically pseudocapacitive nanoreactor for an effective sodium-ion storage anode
Authors: Zhao Wenxi , Wang Xiaodeng , Ma Xiaoqing , Yue Luchao , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Liu Yang , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2021

Yolk–shell NiS2/CuS hollow microspheres as an extraordinary kinetically pseudocapacitive nanoreactor for sodium-ion batteries manifest superb Na+-storage capability, including an ultrahigh ICE of 94.0%, remarkable specific capacity of 410.9 mA h g−1 after 750 cycles at 2.0 A g−1, excellent rate capability, and prolonged cyclability in terms of a remarkable retention of 283.4 mA h g−1 even after 4200 cycles at 20.0 A g−1.
In situ growth of polyoxometalate in COF for trace monitoring of Ag+ and hepatocellular carcinoma biomarker via a dual responsive strategy
Authors: Wang Jinmin , Xu Xin , Zhao Limin , Yan Bing
Published: June 2021

Exploring functionalized-COF materials as chemosensors with high selectivity and low detection limits for biologically and environmentally important analytes is a campaign in the sensing field of COF.
An efficient MAC protocol design for adaptive compressed sensing based underwater WSNs
Authors: Shang Nuonuo , Song Lei
Published: June 2021

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) has become one of the most effective way for underwater exploitation and realtime sensing. Unfortunately, there are many challenges for the UWSNs to cope with, the energy limitation for the sensor nodes, the demand for short data latency and also the packets loss in wireless transmission. In order to solve the mentioned problems, the EMAC‐ACS protocol, an adaptive compressive sensing based efficient medium access control protocol is designed to maximise the bandwidth utilisation. First, a feedback compressive sensing structure is designed for sensor nodes to compress the sampling data. Second, a time divide multiplex access based superframe structure is designed to support the medium access control protocol. Third, considering the energy consumption minimisation, an optimisation problem is formulated to obtain the optimal time slots number and length. Fourth, considering the compression sensing method and packets loss, the slot allocation algorithm is designed to maximise the bandwidth utility. Finally, simulations show that the proposed method perform better than most of the state‐of‐art protocols and also a testbed is built up to shown that the battery life can be prolonged for 11%.
Experimental investigations using quadratic‐tripping characteristics based on alienation/coherence coefficients of voltage and current signals for synchronous generators protection
Authors: Mahmoud Ragab A. , Elwakil Ehab S.
Published: June 2021

A protection scheme is proposed using alienation method derived from coherence model which is a backup protection method for the differential overcurrent protection of synchronous generators. This scheme which is realized by the computational technique based on the alienation coefficients estimated for generator voltage and current signals is considered to be mounted beside the main differential protection system, which operates in the cases that differential protection is unable to detect the internal faults. This novel protection algorithm operates by adjusting the alienation settings of the suggested relay that sends the trip signal to the three‐phase circuit breaker of the protected generator. In the proposed method, fault occurrences can be determined regardless of variations of terminal voltage and current in different working states of synchronous generator. This is done by designing new quadratic‐tripping characteristics based on alienation limits for the electrical signals. To demonstrate the proposed method, a motor‐synchronous generator set with built instrument transformers, for measuring voltage and current data at the generator terminals, are used. Extensive experimental investigations validate the functionality of this novel protection scheme under different abnormal, unbalance and operating conditions for the generator under test.
Effect of TiO2 coating on the surface condition and corona characteristics of positive DC conductors with particle matters
Authors: Xu Pei , Ma Yanxiang , Zhu Jie , Zhao Luxing , Shen Boyang , Bian Xingming
Published: June 2021

Persistent severe smog and dust weather exists in many regions of China. Particles accumulate on the surface of high‐voltage transmission lines, which affects the surface morphology of the transmission line and induces corona discharge. This work mainly studies the influence of electric field and photocatalysis on the corona characteristics of transmission lines. In this work, plasma spraying is used to prepare a dense, smooth and excellent photocatalytic TiO2 coating on the surface of transmission wires. An electron microscope and a white light interference profilometer is used to study the surface condition of the samples. The variation in the surface condition of the samples is observed under different fouling, light time and electric field intensity. The corona characteristics of power transmission lines under different surface conditions are studied. The results show that light and applied electric field promote the photocatalytic effect of TiO2, which helps to decompose the contamination on the surface of power transmission wires and thus reduce the corona discharge of transmission lines. The increase in corona inception voltage reduces the corona current pulse repetition rate and the ion current density during corona discharge.
Integration of gradient guidance and edge enhancement into super‐resolution for small object detection in aerial images
Authors: Mu Jinzhen , Li Shuang , Liu Zongming , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2021

Detecting small objects are difficult because of their poor‐quality appearance and small size, and such issues are especially pronounced for aerial images of great importance. To address the small object detection (SOD) problem, a united architecture that tries to upsample small objects into super‐resolved versions, achieving characteristics similar to those large objects and thus resulting in more discriminative detection is used. For this purpose, a new end‐to‐end multi‐task generative adversarial network (GAN) is proposed. In the architecture, the generator is a super‐resolution (SR) network, and the discriminator is a multi‐task network. In the generator, a gradient guide and an edge‐enhancement strategy are introduced to alleviate structural distortions. In the discriminator, a faster region‐based convolutional neural network (FRCNN) is incorporated for the task of object detection. Specifically, the discriminator outputs a distribution scalar to measure the realness. Then, each super‐resolved image passes through the discriminator with a realness distribution, classification scores, and bounding box regression offsets. Furthermore, the losses of the detection task are backpropagated into the generator during training rather than being optimized independently. Extensive experiments on the challenging cars overhead with context dataset (COWC), detectIon in optical remote sensing images (DIOR), vision meets drones (VisDrone), and dataset for object detection in aerial images (DOTA) demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reconstructing structures while generating natural super‐resolved images and show the superiority of the proposed method in detecting small objects over state‐of‐the‐art detectors.
Part‐level attention networks for cross‐domain person re‐identification
Authors: Zhao Qun , Du Nisuo , Ouyang Zhi , Kang Ning , Liu Ziyan , Wang Xu , He Qing , Xu Yiling , Ge Shichun , Song Jingkuan
Published: June 2021

Person re‐identification (Re‐ID) is in significant demand for intelligent security and single or multiple‐target tracking. However, there are issues in the person Re‐ID tasks, such as sharp decline in cross‐data sets detection accuracy, poor generalization and cross‐domain ability of the model. This work mainly studies the generalization and adaptation of cross‐domain person Re‐ID models. Different from most existing methods for cross‐domain Re‐ID tasks, the authors use diversified spatial semantic feature in pixel‐level learning in the target domain to improve the generality and adaptability of the model. In the case that no information of the target domain is used during the model training, the trained model is directly tested on the data set of the target domain. It has proven effective to add the attention cascade module into the backbone network combining with the part‐level branch. The authors conducted extensive experiments based on the three data sets of Market‐1501, DukeMTMC‐ReID and MSMT17, resulting in both single‐domain and cross‐domain tests with an average improvement of Rank1 and mAP values of about 10% compared with Baseline through the authors' proposed method named Part‐Level Attention Network.
INS/GPS Sensor Fusion based on Adaptive Fuzzy EKF with Sensitivity to Disturbances
Authors: Sabzevari Danial , Chatraei Abbas
Published: June 2021

The estimation accuracy of the inertial navigation system integrated with the global positioning system (GPS) through multiple kinds of Kalman filters (KFs) has been widely considered. Since the classical KFs could not overcome environmental disturbances and noises, adaptive and robust structures are utilised in sensor fusion techniques. Here, different types of adaptive structures have been assumed. The fuzzy inference system benefits the adaption of the measurement covariance matrix, a scale factor employed to tune the process covariance matrix and the Chi‐square algorithm to detect and bound the disturbances. The estimation accuracy and robustness of the adaptive fuzzy extended Kalman filter (AFEKF) are compared with the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and extended Kalman filter (EKF) structure in various scenarios involving position, velocity, attitude, accelerometer and gyroscope bias estimation errors. Likewise, in order to evaluate the AFEKF approach practically, an embedded electronic board is designed involving an ARM microcontroller, an inertial measurement unit sensor, and a GPS receiver, which was installed on a land vehicle. The results demonstrated the superiority of the AFEKF over the UKF and EKF in the case of lower estimation error and higher robustness against disturbances and outliers.
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA)
Authors: Sureshkumar U. , Durkalec A. , Pollo A. , Bilicki M. , Loveday J. , Farrow D. J. , Holwerda B. W. , Hopkins A. M. , Liske J. , Pimbblet K. A. , Taylor E. N. , Wright A. H.
Published: June 2021

Context. Galaxies are biased tracers of the underlying network of dark matter. The strength of this bias depends on various galaxy properties and on redshift. One of the methods used to study these dependences of the bias is measurement of galaxy clustering. Such studies are made using galaxy samples from various catalogues, which frequently bear their own problems related to sample selection methods. It is therefore crucial to understand how sample choice influences clustering measurements and which galaxy property is the most direct tracer of the galaxy environment.

Aims. We investigate how different galaxy properties, such as luminosities in the u, g, r, J, and K bands, stellar mass, star formation rate, and specific star formation rate, trace the environment in the local universe. We also study the effect of survey flux limits on galaxy clustering measurements.

Methods. We measure the two-point correlation function and marked correlation functions using the aforementioned properties as marks. We use a nearly stellar-mass-complete galaxy sample in the redshift range 0.1 < z < 0.16 from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey with a flux limit of r < 19.8. Further, we impose a brighter flux limit of r < 17.8 on our sample and repeated the measurements to study how this affects galaxy clustering analysis. We compare our results to measurements from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with flux limits of r < 17.8 and r < 16.8.

Results. We show that the stellar mass is the most direct tracer of galaxy environment, the K-band luminosity being a good substitute, although such a proxy sample misses close pairs of evolved, red galaxies. We also show that the u-band luminosity can be a proxy to the star formation rate in the context of galaxy clustering. We observe an effect of the survey flux limit on clustering studies; samples with a higher flux limit (smaller magnitude) miss some information about close pairs of starburst galaxies.
Impact Assessment of Eastern Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project Operation on Water Environmental of Dongping Lake
Authors: Bao Yunxiang
Published: June 2021

The Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is a national strategic measure to improve the water supply conditions of the cities along the route, Jiaodong and Huaibei regions. However, the Water Diversion Project not only brings social and economic benefits, but also changes the hydrological situation and ecological environment of water source area, transfer area and receiving area. In this paper, Dongping Lake is selected as the research object. By using the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy evaluation method, the index system of the impact assessment of the Eastern route project on the water environment of Dongping Lake is constructed, and a multi-level fuzzy evaluation model is established to conduct quantitative and qualitative research on the impacts of hydrology, meteorology, water ecological environment, soil and other aspects as well as ecological and economic compensation. The analysis results show that the operation of the Eastern route project has brought some negative effects on Dongping Lake, mainly reflected in the aspects of soil, ecological compensation, hydrology and meteorology, and the negative effects on the water ecological environment are light. By studying the impact of the Eastern route project on the water environment of Dongping Lake, this paper aims to improve the environmental impact assessment system for the water receiving area of the Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and to provide reference for the research on the environmental impact assessment system for other water diversion projects in China.