bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XROMM and diceCT reveal a hydraulic mechanism of tongue base retraction in swallowing
Authors: Orsbon Courtney P. , Gidmark Nicholas J. , Gao Tingran , Ross Callum F.
Published: May 2020

During primate swallowing, tongue base retraction (TBR) drives the food bolus across the oropharynx towards the esophagus and flips the epiglottis over the laryngeal inlet, protecting against penetration and aspiration of food into the airway. Despite the importance of TBR for swallowing performance, the mechanics of TBR are poorly understood. Using biplanar videoradiography (XROMM) of four macaque monkeys, we tested theextrinsic muscle shortening hypothesis, which posits that shortening of the hyoglossus and styloglossus muscles pulls the tongue base posteriorly, and themuscular hydrostatorintrinsic tongue muscle hypothesis, which suggests that, because the tongue is composed of incompressible fluid, intrinsic muscle shortening increases tongue length and displaces the tongue base posteriorly. Our data falsify these hypotheses. Instead we suggest a novelhydraulic mechanismof TBR: shortening and rotation of suprahyoid muscles compresses the tongue between the hard palate, hyoid and mouth floor, squeezing the midline tongue base and food bolus back into the oropharynx. Our hydraulic mechanism is consistent with available data on human tongue swallowing kinematics. Rehabilitation for poor tongue base retraction might benefit from including suprahyoid muscle exercises during treatment.
Levonorgestrel correlates with less weight gain than other progestins during hormonal replacement therapy in Turner Syndrome patients
Authors: Mathez Andréia Latanza Gomes , Monteagudo Patrícia Teófilo , do Nascimento Verreschi Ieda Therezinha , Dias-da-Silva Magnus Régios
Published: May 2020

Turner Syndrome (TS) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Furthermore, TS women need hormone replacement therapy (HRT), of which progestins can influence body weight. We aimed to analyze the metabolic and weight profile in a cohort of 111 TS women. They started receiving estrogen at 15.8 (±3.6) years old, with no change in hypertension, dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia incidence but with a tendency to increase overweight (p = 0.054). As the first used type of progestin, most had received cycles of 10 days per month of medroxyprogesterone (MPA) or levonorgestrel (LNG), then shifted to micronized progesterone (MP), which has currently become the most used one. By multiple linear regression analysis, we found that the prolonged use of MPA, LNG, or MP showed no metabolic change except for weight gain. The percentage of annual BMI increment was positive for all progestins used in TS women (MPA 2.2 ± 2.2; LNG 0.2 ± 1.2; and MP 2.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2), but LNG seemed to best prevent on weight gain over time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, metabolic comorbidities are prevalent in TS even before the HRT regimen, and LNG performed better on less weight gain than MPA and MP in our cohort of the TS population.
Machine-learning based exploration of determinants of gray matter volume in the KORA-MRI study
Authors: Galiè Franziska , Rospleszcz Susanne , Keeser Daniel , Beller Ebba , Illigens Ben , Lorbeer Roberto , Grosu Sergio , Selder Sonja , Auweter Sigrid , Schlett Christopher L. , Rathmann Wolfgang , Schwettmann Lars , Ladwig Karl-Heinz , Linseisen Jakob , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Stoecklein Sophia
Published: May 2020

To identify the most important factors that impact brain volume, while accounting for potential collinearity, we used a data-driven machine-learning approach. Gray Matter Volume (GMV) was derived from magnetic resonance imaging (3T, FLAIR) and adjusted for intracranial volume (ICV). 93 potential determinants of GMV from the categories sociodemographics, anthropometric measurements, cardio-metabolic variables, lifestyle factors, medication, sleep, and nutrition were obtained from 293 participants from a population-based cohort from Southern Germany. Elastic net regression was used to identify the most important determinants of ICV-adjusted GMV. The four variables age (selected in each of the 1000 splits), glomerular filtration rate (794 splits), diabetes (323 splits) and diabetes duration (122 splits) were identified to be most relevant predictors of GMV adjusted for intracranial volume. The elastic net model showed better performance compared to a constant linear regression (mean squared error = 1.10 vs. 1.59, p < 0.001). These findings are relevant for preventive and therapeutic considerations and for neuroimaging studies, as they suggest to take information on metabolic status and renal function into account as potential confounders.
Regulation of vitamin D system in skeletal muscle and resident myogenic stem cell during development, maturation, and ageing
Authors: Srikuea Ratchakrit , Hirunsai Muthita , Charoenphandhu Narattaphol
Published: May 2020

Skeletal muscle exhibits enormous plasticity throughout life, however, less is known regarding how the stages of growth regulate its local vitamin D system. Herein, we investigated serum 25(OH)D3 and Ca2+ levels along with the vitamin D system in skeletal muscle and resident myogenic stem cells of male C57BL/6 mice during development, maturation, and ageing. Compared with development, significant increases in vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein expression in mature and aged muscles were associated with increased serum 25(OH)D3 and centronucleated fibres, respectively. The substantial increase in VDR protein expression in aged muscle was also related to reduced downstream mTOR signalling protein expression which was more pronounced in fast-glycolytic compared to slow-oxidative muscles. Intriguingly, serum Ca2+ and vitamin D-metabolising enzyme (CYP27B1 and CYP24A1) levels in skeletal muscle were not different across age. In primary cell culture, nuclear VDR protein was expressed in undifferentiated skeletal muscle stem cells (SMSC) after 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Additionally, a diminished response to 1α,25(OH)2D3 was observed with age as there was a rapid commitment of SMSC towards differentiation under growth-stimulating conditions. Collectively, understanding the local vitamin D system in skeletal muscle could help develop effective interventions for vitamin D supplementation to improve skeletal muscle mass and function during ageing.
Complex Impedance Analyses of Li doped ZnO Electrolyte Materials
Authors: Shawuti Shalima , Sherwani Atta ur Rehman , Can Musa Mutlu , Gülgün Mehmet Ali
Published: May 2020

The recent studies indicate that internal point defects in solid electrolytes modify the electronic and ionic conductivity and relaxation mechanism of solid oxide fuel cells. We focused on synthesis of Lithium (Li) doped Zn1-xCoxO (x = 0.00, and 0.10) nanoparticles employing chemical synthesis technique with a reflux setup under constant Argon gas flow. The structural characterizations were performed by x-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Then, Rietveld refinements were performed to investigate the replacement of Li atom amount in ZnO lattice. Moreover, the variations in ionic conduction dependent on 5, 10 and 20 mol% Li doped ZnO were analysed via ac impedance spectroscopy. The complex measurements were performed in an intermediate temperature range from 100 °C to 400 °C. Ac conductivity responses of each sample were disappeared at a certain temperature due to becoming electronic conductive oxides. However, this specific temperature was tuned to high temperature by Li doping amount in ZnO lattice. Furthermore, the activation energy change by Li dopant amount implied the tuneable ionic conduction mechanism.
Clues of in vivo nuclear gene regulation by mitochondrial short non-coding RNAs
Authors: Passamonti Marco , Calderone Marco , Delpero Manuel , Plazzi Federico
Published: May 2020

Gene expression involves multiple processes, from transcription to translation to the mature, functional peptide, and it is regulated at multiple levels. Small RNA molecules are known to bind RNA messengers affecting their fate in the cytoplasm (a process generically termed ‘RNA interference’). Such small regulatory RNAs are well-known to be originated from the nuclear genome, while the role of mitochondrial genome in RNA interference was largely overlooked. However, evidence is growing that mitochondrial DNA does provide the cell a source of interfering RNAs. Small mitochondrial highly transcribed RNAs (smithRNAs) have been proposed to be transcribed from the mitochondrion and predicted to regulate nuclear genes. Here, for the first time, we show in vivo clues of the activity of two smithRNAs in the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. Moreover, we show that smithRNAs are present and can be annotated in representatives of the three main bilaterian lineages; in some cases, they were already described and assigned to a small RNA category (e.g., piRNAs) given their biogenesis, while in other cases their biogenesis remains unclear. If mitochondria may affect nuclear gene expression through RNA interference, this opens a plethora of new possibilities for them to interact with the nucleus and makes metazoan mitochondrial DNA a much more complex genome than previously thought.
Arabinogalactan-proteins of Zostera marina L. contain unique glycan structures and provide insight into adaption processes to saline environments
Authors: Pfeifer Lukas , Shafee Thomas , Johnson Kim L. , Bacic Antony , Classen Birgit
Published: May 2020

Seagrasses evolved from monocotyledonous land plants that returned to the marine habitat. This transition was accomplished by substantial changes in cell wall composition, revealing habitat-driven adaption to the new environment. Whether arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), important signalling molecules of land plants, are present in seagrass cell walls is of evolutionary and plant development interest. AGPs of Zostera marina L. were isolated and structurally characterised by analytical and bioinformatics methods as well as by ELISA with different anti-AGP antibodies. Calcium-binding capacity of AGPs was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and microscopy. Bioinformatic searches of the Z. marina proteome identified 9 classical AGPs and a large number of chimeric AGPs. The glycan structures exhibit unique features, including a high degree of branching and an unusually high content of terminating 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid (4-OMe GlcA) residues. Although the common backbone structure of land plant AGPs is conserved in Z. marina, the terminating residues are distinct with high amounts of uronic acids. These differences likely result from the glycan-active enzymes (glycosyltransferases and methyltransferases) and are essential for calcium-binding properties. The role of this polyanionic surface is discussed with regard to adaption to the marine environment.
Lactate preconditioning promotes a HIF-1α-mediated metabolic shift from OXPHOS to glycolysis in normal human diploid fibroblasts
Authors: Kozlov Alexandra M. , Lone Asad , Betts Dean H. , Cumming Robert C.
Published: May 2020

Recent evidence has emerged that cancer cells can use various metabolites as fuel sources. Restricting cultured cancer cells to sole metabolite fuel sources can promote metabolic changes leading to enhanced glycolysis or mitochondrial OXPHOS. However, the effect of metabolite-restriction on non-transformed cells remains largely unexplored. Here we examined the effect of restricting media fuel sources, including glucose, pyruvate or lactate, on the metabolic state of cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Fibroblasts cultured in lactate-only medium exhibited reduced PDH phosphorylation, indicative of OXPHOS, and a concurrent elevation of ROS. Lactate exposure primed fibroblasts to switch to glycolysis by increasing transcript abundance of genes encoding glycolytic enzymes and, upon exposure to glucose, increasing glycolytic enzyme levels. Furthermore, lactate treatment stabilized HIF-1α, a master regulator of glycolysis, in a manner attenuated by antioxidant exposure. Our findings indicate that lactate preconditioning primes fibroblasts to switch from OXPHOS to glycolysis metabolism, in part, through ROS-mediated HIF-1α stabilization. Interestingly, we found that lactate preconditioning results in increased transcript abundance of MYC and SNAI1, key facilitators of early somatic cell reprogramming. Defined metabolite treatment may represent a novel approach to increasing somatic cell reprogramming efficiency by amplifying a critical metabolic switch that occurs during iPSC generation.
Neck circumference is associated with adipose tissue content in thigh skeletal muscle in overweight and obese premenopausal women
Authors: Arias Tellez Maria Jose , Silva Analiza M. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Martins Sandra S. , Palmeira António L. , Branco Teresa L. , Minderico Claudia S. , Rocha Paulo M. , Themudo-Barata José , Teixeira Pedro J. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: May 2020

Neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as a simple and practical tool, independently associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the association of NC with inter-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is still to be determined. We aimed to examine the association of NC with thigh IMAT, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured with computed tomography (CT) in overweight/obese women. 142 premenopausal overweight and obese Caucasian women participated in this cross-sectional study. NC was measured with an inextensible metallic tape above the thyroid cartilage according to International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. Thigh IMAT and VAT volumes were measured with a single cross-sectional CT. Regarding the covariates, fat mass (FM) was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity was objectively measured with accelerometry. NC was positively associated with thigh IMAT and VAT volumes (standardized β coefficient: β = 0.45, P-value = ≤0.001, β = 0.60, P = ≤ 0.001; respectively), which persisted after adjusting for age, height, overall FM or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Our findings show that NC is associated with thigh IMAT volume in overweight and obese premenopausal Caucasian women, regardless of the amount of lower-body fatness. These results suggest underscoring the relevance of NC as a marker of adipose tissue content in thigh skeletal muscle.
Hyperpolarization of the subthalamic nucleus alleviates hyperkinetic movement disorders
Authors: Tai Chun-Hwei , Pan Ming-Kai , Tseng Sheng-Hong , Wang Tien-Rei , Kuo Chung-Chin
Published: May 2020

Modulation of subthalamic nucleus (STN) firing patterns with injections of depolarizing currents into the STN is an important advance for the treatment of hypokinetic movement disorders, especially Parkinson’s disease (PD). Chorea, ballism and dystonia are prototypical examples of hyperkinetic movement disorders. In our previous study, normal rats without nigro-striatal lesion were rendered hypokinetic with hyperpolarizing currents injected into the STN. Therefore, modulation of the firing pattern by injection of a hyperpolarizing current into the STN could be an effective treatment for hyperkinetic movement disorders. We investigated the effect of injecting a hyperpolarizing current into the STNs of two different types of hyperkinetic animal models and a patient with an otherwise uncontrollable hyperkinetic disorder. The two animal models included levodopa-induced hyperkinetic movement in parkinsonian rats (L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia model) and hyperkinesia induced by an intrastriatal injection of 3-nitropropionic acid (Huntington disease model), covering neurodegeneration-related as well as neurotoxin-induced derangement in the cortico-subcortical re-entrant loops. Delivering hyperpolarizing currents into the STN readily alleviated the hyperkinetic behaviors in the two animal models and in the clinical case, with an evident increase in subthalamic burst discharges in electrophysiological recordings. Application of a hyperpolarizing current into the STN via a Deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode could be an effective general therapy for a wide spectrum of hyperkinetic movement disorders.
Generation of E-band metasurface-based vortex beam with reduced divergence angle
Authors: Chung Hyeongju , Kim Daeik , Sawant Ashwini , Lee Ingeun , Choi Eunmi , Lee Jongwon
Published: May 2020

Vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have attracted considerable attention for the development of high-capacity wireless communication systems due to their infinite sets of orthogonal modes. However, the practical applications of Laguerre-Gaussian type vortex beams are limited due to the fact that the divergence angle increases as the order of the OAM mode increases. In this work, we present metasurfaces that generate vortex beams carrying OAM modes with reduced divergence angles in the E-band frequency range. The metasurfaces were designed using eight different meta-atom phase elements, including a spiral phase distribution for OAM modes l = 1 and 2, a phase gradient array to avoid interference with the source beam, and a lens pattern array to reduce the divergence angle. Through simulation and experimental measurement, it was confirmed that the divergence angle of the vortex beam generated by the metasurface with the lens pattern was reduced from 13° to 9° and 14° to 11° for OAM modes l = 1 and 2, respectively, in comparison with the metasurface without the lens pattern. Our results provide new design methods for various applications based on OAM multiplexing especially in high frequency E-band range.
The absence of BBSome function decreases synaptogenesis and causes ectopic synapse formation in the retina
Authors: Hsu Ying , Garrison Janelle E. , Seo Seongjin , Sheffield Val C.
Published: May 2020

Photoreceptors possess ribbon synapses distinct from the conventional synapses in the brain. Little is known about the function of the BBSome, a complex integral in ciliary and intracellular trafficking, in ribbon synaptic formation. We performed immunohistochemistry using retinas from Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) mouse models and found that BBS mutant animals have significantly fewer ribbon synapses in the outer plexiform layer and increased ectopic synapses in the outer nuclear layer compared to controls. Many ectopic synapses in BBS mutant retinas are associated with horizontal cell axonal processes that aberrantly intrude into the outer nuclear layer. To determine whether this horizontal cell phenotype is a consequence of retinal degeneration, we examined this phenotype in mice with photoreceptor-specific inactivation of the BBSome induced by Cre recombinase driven by the rhodopsin promoter. At three months of age, despite retinal degeneration, Bbs8floxed/floxed; Rho-Cre+ mice lack the aberrant intrusion of horizontal cell processes. At 6 months, some horizontal cell processes intrude into the outer nuclear layer in Bbs8floxed/floxed; Rho-Cre+ mice, but the phenotype does not recapitulate the phenotypic severity observed in young congenital BBS mutant mice. Therefore, the lack of BBSome function negatively impacts retinal synaptogenesis, and causes horizontal cell defects in a potentially cell-autonomous fashion.
Plasmonic enhancement of betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cells via tailored bimodal size distribution of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sreeja S. , Pesala Bala
Published: May 2020

Natural pigment-based photosensitizers are an attractive pathway for realizing low cost and environmentally friendly solar cells. Here, broadband light-harvesting is achieved using two natural pigments, betanin and lawsone, absorbing in the green and blue region of the solar spectrum respectively. The use of bimodal size distribution of AgNPs tailored for each of the pigments to further increase their efficiency is the key feature of this work. This study demonstrates a significant enhancement in current-density, voltage, and efficiency by 20.1%, 5.5%, and 28.6% respectively, in a betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cell, via plasmonic enhancement using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The optimum sizes of the nanoparticles have been calculated by studying their optical response and electric field profiles using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations, aimed at matching their resonant wavelengths with the absorption bands of the dyes. Simulations show that AgNPs of diameters 20 nm and 60 nm are optimum for enhanced absorption by lawsone and betanin respectively. The FDTD simulations of the plasmonic photoelectrodes demonstrated 30% and 15% enhancement in the power absorption by betanin and lawsone at the LSPR peaks of the 60 nm and 20 nm AgNPs respectively. An optimum overall concentration of 2% (v/v) and a ratio of 4:1 (20 nm:60 nm) of the bimodal distribution of the AgNPs, was determined for incorporation in the photoanodes. An average efficiency of 1.02 ± 0.006% was achieved by the betanin-lawsone co-sensitized solar cell with the bimodal distribution of AgNPs, compared to 0.793 ± 0.006% achieved by the non-plasmonic solar cell of otherwise identical configuration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the incorporation of the bimodal distribution of AgNPs in the solar cells also enabled enhanced electron lifetime and reduced recombination compared to the non-plasmonic counterpart, thereby improving the charge transfer. The plasmonic enhancement methodology presented here can be applied to further improve the efficiency of other natural dye-sensitized solar cells.
In vitro evaluation of Penicillium chrysogenum Snef1216 against Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode)
Authors: Sikandar Aatika , Zhang Mengyue , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Fan Haiyan , Xuan Yuanhu , Chen Lijie , Duan Yuxi
Published: May 2020

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is chief plant parasitic nematode of various crops globally. Meanwhile, the negative side effects on human health and environmental concerns associated with haphazard uses of chemical nematicides. Hence, the search for a safe and effective approach is more relevant. The present study was aimed to evaluate the nematicidal potential of Snef1216 (Penicillium chrysogenum) against M. incognita at different concentrations (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and with the nutritious medium. The egg hatching inhibition and mortality of second stage juveniles of M. incognita were assessed after 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h exposure. Results revealed that egg hatching inhibition and percent mortality of M. incognita increased with increasing concentration and exposure time. The highest mortality of juveniles was recorded at 100% conc. i.e., 24.20%, 36%, 66%, 78% and 97.8% at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The highest ovicidal activity was recorded at 100% concentration with 5.20% of eggs hatching. The outcome suggested that Snef1216 (P. chrysogenum) resulted in the lowest LC50 value was recorded as 3718.496 at 6 h exposure period followed by 10479.87, 11186.682, 14838.58 and 24001.430 at 72, 12, 48 and 24 h respectively via ovicidal assay. Whereas, in the larvicidal assay, the lowest LC50 value demonstrated at 72 h being 17.628% exposure period followed by 28.345, 50.490, 215.710 and 482.595% at 48, 24, 12 and 6 h respectively. It is concluded that Snef1216 has potential being used as a biocontrol agent against M. incognita and can serve as a source of a novel nematicidal agent of fungal origin.
Doping effect in graphene-graphene oxide interlayer
Authors: Haidari Mohd Musaib , Kim Hakseong , Kim Jin Hong , Park Minwoo , Lee Hoonkyung , Choi Jin Sik
Published: May 2020

Interlayer coupling in graphene-based van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures plays a key role in determining and modulating their physical properties. Hence, its influence on the optical and electronic properties cannot be overlooked in order to promote various next-generation applications in electronic and opto-electronic devices based on the low-dimensional materials. Herein, the optical and electrical properties of the vertically stacked large area heterostructure of the monolayer graphene transferred onto a monolayer graphene oxide film are investigated. An effective and stable p-doping property of this structure is shown by comparison to that of the graphene device fabricated on a silicon oxide substrate. Through Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations of the charge transport characteristics, it is found that graphene is affected by sustainable p-doping effects induced from underneath graphene oxide even though they have weak interlayer interactions. This finding can facilitate the development of various fascinating graphene-based heterostructures and extend their practical applications in integrated devices with advanced functionalities.
In vitro Studies on The Inhibition of Replication of Zika and Chikungunya Viruses by Dolastane Isolated from Seaweed Canistrocarpus cervicornis
Authors: Cirne-Santos Claudio Cesar , de Souza Barros Caroline , de Oliveira Mariana Cavalcante , Rabelo Vitor Won-Held , Azevedo Renata Campos , Teixeira Valeria Laneuville , Ferreira Davis Fernandes , de Palmer Paixão Izabel Christina Nunes
Published: May 2020

The lack of vaccines and antiviral treatment, along with the increasing number of cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections, emphasize the need for searching for new therapeutic strategies. In this context, the marine brown seaweed Canistrocarpus cervicornis has been proved to hold great antiviral potential. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the anti-ZIKV and anti-CHIKV activity of a marine dolastane isolated from brown seaweed C. cervicornis and its crude extract. Vero cells were used in antiviral assays, submitted to ZIKV and CHIKV, and treated with different concentrations of C. cervicornis extract or dolastane. The crude extract of C. cervicornis showed inhibitory activities for both ZIKV and CHIKV, with EC50 values of 3.3 μg/mL and 3.1 μg/mL, respectively. However, the isolated dolastane showed a more significant and promising inhibitory effect (EC50 = 0.95 µM for ZIKV and 1.3 µM for CHIKV) when compared to both the crude extract and ribavirin, which was used as control. Also, the dolastane showed a very potent virucidal activity against CHIKV and was able to inhibit around 90% of the virus infectivity at 10 μM. For the ZIKV, the effects were somewhat lower, although interesting, at approximately 64% in this same concentration. Further, we observed that both the extract and the dolastane were able to inhibit the replication of ZIKV and CHIKV at different times of addition post-infection, remaining efficient even if added after 8 hours post-infection, but declining soon after. A synergistic effect using sub-doses of the extract and isolates was associated with ribavirin, inhibiting above 80% replication even at the lowest concentrations. Therefore, this work has unveiled the anti-ZIKV and CHIKV potential of C. cervicornis crude extract and an isolated dolastane, which, in turn, can be used as a preventive or therapeutic strategy in the future.
Author Correction: WDR1 is a novel EYA3 substrate and its dephosphorylation induces modifications of the cellular actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Mentel Mihaela , Ionescu Aura E. , Puscalau-Girtu Ioana , Helm Martin S. , Badea Rodica A. , Rizzoli Silvio O. , Szedlacsek Stefan E.
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Interfacial modification by multifunctional octocrylene for high efficiency and stable planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Huang Yinyi , Li Shina , Wu Chaorong , Wang Shuo , Wang Chengyan , Ma RuiXin
Published: May 2020

Interfacial modification of the perovskite surface with octocrylene (2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl-2-propenoate, OCT) is capable of enhancing humidity stability and passivating the defects of perovskite films.
Talc-like hybrids: influence of the synthesis
Authors: Bruneau Marion , Brendle Jocelyne , Bennici Simona , Limousy Lionel , Pluchon Sylvain
Published: May 2020

Adding water to the synthesis medium leads to the formation of hybrids with low polycondensation, high crystallinity and high thermal stability.
A NIR fluorescent probe based on phenazine with a large Stokes shift for the detection and imaging of endogenous H2O2 in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Yan Yongchao , Liu Lingyan , Li Chenglin , Yang Zhicheng , Yi Tao , Hua Jianli
Published: May 2020

A NIR fluorescent probe PCN-BP with a large Stokes shift was developed. It displayed fluorescence enhancement and color change after H2O2 was added. Moreover, it was employed for the exogenous and endogenous imaging of H2O2 in RAW 264.7 cells.
A cost-effective fluorescence biosensor for cocaine based on a “mix-and-detect” strategy
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Zhou Hui , Han Qianjin , Lin Xuelian , Han Dongxue , Li Xun
Published: May 2020

The efficient detection of illicit drugs such as cocaine continues to be important for the fight against drug trafficking.
Dicalcium silicate microparticles modulate the differential expression of circRNAs and mRNAs in BMSCs and promote osteogenesisviacirc_1983–miR-6931–Gas7 interaction
Authors: Zhong Wenchao , Li Xingyang , Pathak Janak L. , Chen Liangjiao , Cao Wei , Zhu Mingjing , Luo Qianting , Wu Antong , Chen Yunxin , Yi Lingbo , Ma Manyuan , Zhang Qingbin
Published: May 2020

Among C2S-induced differentially expressed circRNAs, circ_1983 is involved in osteogenesisviacirc_1983–miR-6931–Gas7 ceRNA interaction-mediated Runx2 upregulation.
Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4+1] spiroannulation via site-selective aromatic C(sp2)–H functionalization and dearomatization of phenol derivatives
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Tang Zhiqiong , Zhang Junliang , Liu Lu
Published: May 2020

A novel gold(i)-catalyzed chemo- and site-selective cascade C–H functionalization/dearomatization of naphthols or phenols with o-alkynylaryl-α-diazoesters has been developed.
An inverse opal Cu2Nb34O87 anode for high-performance Li+ storage
Authors: Zhu Xiangzhen , Liang Guisheng , Fu Qingfeng , Li Renjie , Chen Yongjun , Bi Yicheng , Pan Duo , Das Rajib , Lin Chunfu , Guo Zhanhu
Published: May 2020

Inverse opal Cu2Nb34O87 with highly-ordered macropores and thin walls is exploited as a practical anode material for high-performance Li+ storage.
Self-assembly of chimeric peptides toward molecularly defined hexamers with controlled multivalent ligand presentation
Authors: Yuan Xiushuang , Jiang Linhai , Chen Weike , Song Bo , Chen Wei , Zuo Xiaobing , Sun Xiankai , Li Xiaopeng , Kirshenbaum Kent , Luo Shizhong , Dong He
Published: May 2020

In this work, we report the self-assembly of chimeric peptides in which two distinctly folded domains can be organized into a finite peptide hexamer with precise control over multivalent ligand presentation and enhanced tumor cell targeting.
Temperature sensitive water-in-water emulsions
Authors: Pavlovic Marko , Plucinski Alexander , Zeininger Lukas , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J.
Published: May 2020

Temperature sensitive water-in-water (W/W) emulsions are described utilizing the thermal induced conformation change of tailored thermoresponsive block copolymers to reversibly stabilize and destabilize water–water interfaces.
Chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of atropisomeric ortho-formyl naphthamides
Authors: Gao Zeng , Qian Jinlong , Yang Huameng , Hang Xiao-Chun , Zhang Jinlong , Jiang Gaoxi
Published: May 2020

A chiral BrBrønstednsted acid (CBA) catalysis strategy was developed for readily scalable dynamic kinetic resolution of challenging ortho-formyl naphthamides with pyrrolylanilines.
X-Ray fluorescence microscopy reveals that rhenium(i) tricarbonyl isonitrile complexes remain intact in vitro
Authors: Konkankit Chilaluck C. , Lovett James , Harris Hugh H. , Wilson Justin J.
Published: May 2020

An endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducing rhenium isonitrile complex was investigated for its axial ligand stability in living cells using X-ray fluorescence microscopy.
A pH-triggered G-triplex switch with K+ tolerance
Authors: Gao Heng , Zheng Xiong , Yang Tong , Zhang Qingqing , Yan Chenxiao , Zhou Xiaoshun , Shao Yong
Published: May 2020

A K+-tolerant G-triplex (G3) switch is pH triggered by a ligand, enabling reversible iminium-alkanolamine conversion for the G3 structuring and destructuring cycle.
Synthesis of multisubstituted cycloalkenes through carbomagnesiation of strained cycloalkynes
Authors: Tamura Yuya , Minami Yasunori , Nishiyama Yoshitake , Sakata Yuki , Karaki Fumika , Hosoya Takamitsu , Yoshida Suguru
Published: May 2020

An efficient synthetic method of cycloalkenes via the generation of cycloalkynes and carbomagnesiation is described. Further reactions with various electrophiles enabled us to prepare diverse cycloalkene derivatives having a fully substituted alkene structure.
Nanoparticle–cell–nanoparticle communication by stigmergy to enhance poly(I:C) induced apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Ultimo Amelia , de la Torre Cristina , Giménez Cristina , Aznar Elena , Coll Carmen , Marcos M. Dolores , Murguía José R. , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Sancenón Félix
Published: May 2020

Nanoparticle–cell–nanoparticle communication by stigmergy was demonstrated using two capped nanodevices.
Oxa-[3+3] annulation of MBH-carbonates of propiolaldehydes with α-nitro/bromo ketones to access 2H-pyrans
Authors: Reddy Chada Raji , Patil Amol D. , Mohammed Siddique Z.
Published: May 2020

Alkyne-assisted metal-free oxa-[3+3] annulation of MBH-carbonates of propiolaldehydes with α-nitro/bromo ketones to access alkynyl 2H-pyrans is described. The products allowed further annulations to obtain diverse pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-ones.
Supramolecular architecture and electrical conductivity in organic semiconducting thin films
Authors: Diego Fernandes José , Maximino Mateus D. , Braunger Maria Luisa , Pereira Matheus S. , de Almeida Olivati Clarissa , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Alessio Priscila
Published: May 2020

Organic thin films supramolecular architecture plays an essential factor in the performance of optical and electronic organic devices.
Detection of electric-quadrupole transitions in water vapour near 5.4 and 2.5 μm
Authors: Campargue Alain , Solodov Alexander M. , Solodov Alexander A. , Yachmenev Andrey , Yurchenko Sergei N.
Published: May 2020

Electric-quadrupole transitions, presently detected by Fourier transform spectroscopy, contribute to the infrared absorption spectrum of water vapor.
Charge transport in hybrid platinum/molecule/graphene single molecule junctions
Authors: He Chunhui , Zhang Qian , Gao Tingwei , Liu Chenguang , Chen Zhenyu , Zhao Cezhou , Zhao Chun , Nichols Richard J. , Dappe Yannick J. , Yang Li
Published: May 2020

The single molecule conductance of hybrid platinum/alkanedithiol/graphene junctions has been investigated with a focus on understanding the influence of employing two very different contact types, namely the relatively weak van der Waals coupling at the graphene interface and the strong bond dipole at the Pt–S interface.
Inelastic neutron scattering: a novel approach towards determination of equilibrium isotopic fractionation factors. Size effects on heat capacity and beta-factor of diamond
Authors: Shiryaev Andrey A. , Polyakov Veniamin B. , Rols Stephane , Rivera Antonio , Shenderova Olga
Published: May 2020

Inelastic neutron scattering is a novel method for determination of thermodynamic and isotopic properties of nanoparticles. Influence of surface can be evaluated. The Cv of nanodiamonds is higher and the β-factor is lower than those of bulk diamond.
Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks with hierarchical porosity
Authors: Liang Rong-Ran , Jiang Shu-Yan , A Ru-Han , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2020

This review highlights the state-of-the-art progress achieved in two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with hierarchical porosity, an emerging class of COFs constructed by integrating different types of pores into one framework.
Mono- and bimetallic metal catalysts based on Ni and Ru supported on alumina-coated monoliths for CO2 methanation
Authors: Bustinza Ainhoa , Frías Marina , Liu Yuefeng , García-Bordejé Enrique
Published: May 2020

A bimetallic catalyst consisting of Ni nanoparticles interspersed with atomic Ru on alumina coated monolith afforded higher activity than other mono and bimetallic catalysts in CO2 methanation, providing low pressure drop at high space velocity.
Nickel catalysed construction of benzazoles via hydrogen atom transfer reactions
Authors: Bains Amreen K. , Dey Dhananjay , Yadav Sudha , Kundu Abhishek , Adhikari Debashis
Published: May 2020

An air-stable nickel catalyst that promotes two consecutive HAT-mediated dehydrogenations towards furnishing benzazoles.
Molecular-like selectivity emerges in nanocrystal chemistry
Authors: Chen Alexander N. , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: May 2020

Applying the molecular concepts of regioselectivity and chemoselectivity to nanocrystal chemistry is giving access to complex nanostructures with spatial precision.
Efficient direct seawater electrolysers using selective alkaline NiFe-LDH as OER catalyst in asymmetric electrolyte feeds
Authors: Dresp Sören , Ngo Thanh Trung , Klingenhof Malte , Brückner Sven , Hauke Philipp , Strasser Peter
Published: May 2020

Increasing the performance of seawater electrolyser and enabling direct natural seawater feed by asymmetric electrolyte flow scheme.
Seasonal variability of trace elements in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a coastal city of northern Poland – profile analysis and source identification
Authors: Siudek Patrycja
Published: May 2020

A large group of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn) was measured for the first time in 226 air samples collected at the coastal monitoring station in Gdynia (northern Poland), in the period from January 12th to August 30th, 2019.
A novel method for screening deep eutectic solvent to recycle the cathode of Li-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Shubin , Zhang Zuotai , Lu Zhouguang , Xu Zhenghe
Published: May 2020

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a green alternative technology, exhibit great potential to recycle valuable elements from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Rapid mechanoenzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass without bulk water or chemical pre-treatment
Authors: Hammerer Fabien , Ostadjoo Shaghayegh , Dietrich Karolin , Dumont Marie-Josée , Del Rio Luis F. , Friščić Tomislav , Auclair Karine
Published: May 2020

Enzymes can be used in moist solid reaction mixtures to effectively depolymerize biomass to fermentable sugars.
Carbon dot-based composites for catalytic applications
Authors: Chen Bin Bin , Liu Meng Li , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: May 2020

We summarize the construction methods and influencing factors of CDs-based composites and discuss their catalytic applications, including photocatalysis, chemical catalysis, peroxidase-like catalysis, Fenton-like catalysis and electrocatalysis.
Influence of the molecular motifs of mannan and xylan populations on their recalcitrance and organization in spruce softwoods
Authors: Martínez-Abad Antonio , Jiménez-Quero Amparo , Wohlert Jakob , Vilaplana Francisco
Published: May 2020

Sequential subcritical water extraction reveals the presence of mannan and xylan populations in spruce softwood with distinct molecular motifs and recalcitrance.
Nonconventional luminophores with unprecedented efficiencies and color-tunable afterglows
Authors: Wang Yunzhong , Tang Saixing , Wen Yating , Zheng Shuyuan , Yang Bing , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: May 2020

Highly efficient nonconventional luminophores with unprecedented efficiency of up to 87.5% and readily tunable p-RTP were developed.
Synthesis of p-menthane-3,8-diol from citronellal over lignin-derived carbon acid catalysts
Authors: Kurnia Irwan , Yoshida Akihiro , Chaihad Nichaboon , Prakoso Tirto , Li Shasha , Du Xiao , Hao Xiaogang , Abudula Abuliti , Guan Guoqing
Published: May 2020

Sustainable carbon acid catalysts exhibited high-performance in the conversion of citronellal to p-menthane-3,8-diol via a carbocation-hydration pathway.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel nicotinamide derivatives as potential histone deacetylase-3 inhibitors
Authors: Hamoud Mohamed M. S. , Pulya Sravani , Osman Nermine A. , Bobde Yamini , Hassan Abdalla E. A. , Abdel-Fattah Hanan A. , Ghosh Balaram , Ghanim Amany M.
Published: May 2020

The selected nicotinamide-based HDACi displayed selectivity towards HDAC3 over pan HDAC and exhibited potent cytotoxicity against the used cell lines.
Antioxidant properties of ethenyl indole: DPPH assay and TDDFT studies
Authors: Kumar Jagdeep , Kumar Naresh , Sati Nitin , Hota Prasanta Kumar
Published: May 2020

Ethenyl indole exhibits antioxidant activity in a substituent dependent manner. Ethenyls bearing strong electron withdrawing substituents show weak or no antioxidant activities, whereas ethenyls with electron donating substituents exhibit antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin E.
Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of novel tetrameric Ln2Mn2 and ring-like Ln4Mn4 clusters
Authors: Yin Jia-Jia , Chen Cheng , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Zheng Jun , Zheng Xiu-Ying , Shao Feng
Published: May 2020

Two series of heterometallic Ln–Mn clusters Ln2Mn2 and Ln4Mn4 were successfully synthesized in the presence of alcohol ligands, and the magnetic coupling interaction between metal ions were characterized by theoretical calculations.
Biocompatible double network poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)–Al3+/poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties, self-recovery and self-healing ability
Authors: Jing Zhanxin , Xian Xueying , Huang Qiuhong , Chen Qiurong , Hong Pengzhi , Li Yong , Shi Aihua
Published: May 2020

Biocompatible double network PAmAA–Al3+/PVA/GO nanocomposite hydrogels based on non-covalent interactions were synthesized, and the non-covalent interactions endow the materials with good self-recovery and self-healing performances.
Light-promoted copper-catalyzed cage C-arylation of o-carboranes: facile synthesis of 1-aryl-o-carboranes and o-carborane-fused cyclics
Authors: Ni Hangcheng , Lu Zhenpin , Xie Zuowei
Published: May 2020

Light-promoted, copper catalyzed cage C–H arylation of o-carboranes with aryl halides has been achieved, leading to the facile synthesis of a variety of 1-aryl-o-carboranes and o-carborane-fused cyclics.
The structure of the metastable K18Ta5Zr5F63 phase
Authors: Boča Miroslav , Molokeev Maxim , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Kubíková Blanka , Netriová Zuzana
Published: May 2020

Various (Zr/Ta)Fn polyhedra were detected in metastable K18Ta5Zr5F63 phase showing thermal and time instability.
Microfluidic-mediated nano-drug delivery systems: from fundamentals to fabrication for advanced therapeutic applications
Authors: Ma Qingming , Cao Jie , Gao Yang , Han Shangcong , Liang Yan , Zhang Tingting , Wang Xinyu , Sun Yong
Published: May 2020

Microfluidics-mediated NDDS show uniform morphology, size and size distribution, reduced batch-to-batch variations and controllable drug delivering capacity.
Ice-assisted synthesis of functional nanomaterials: the use of quasi-liquid layers as nanoreactors and reaction accelerators
Authors: Kim Kyoungwook , Park Moon Jeong
Published: May 2020

Ice-assisted synthesis for the development of tailor-made materials with desired morphology and properties.
Analysis of rapid culture of high-efficiency nitrifying bacteria and immobilized filler application for the treatment of municipal wastewater
Authors: Wang Shaolun , Yang Hong , Zhang Fan , Zhou Yakun , Wang Jiawei , Liu Zongyue , Su Yang
Published: May 2020

This research proposed an improved method to solve the nitrification problem.
Titanium carbide ceramic nanocrystals to enhance the physicochemical properties of natural rubber composites
Authors: Jayasinghe J. M. A. R. B. , De Silva Rangika T. , de Silva K. M. Nalin , de Silva Rohini M. , Silva Vinod Asantha
Published: May 2020

The mechanical strength of natural rubber (NR) was enhanced by incorporating novel titanium carbide (TiC) nanocrystals as a filling material.
Synthesis, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities, and molecular docking studies of a novel compound based on combination of flurbiprofen and isoniazide
Authors: Asghar Amina , Yousuf Muhammad , Fareed Ghulam , Nazir Rabia , Hassan Abida , Maalik Aneela , Noor Tayyaba , Iqbal Naseem , Rasheed Lubna
Published: May 2020

A novel compound (1) shows ∼2.5 and ∼1.7 times enhanced AChE inhibition activity and BuChE inhibition activity respectively compared to flurbiprofen and standard drug (i.e.physostigmine). It has also been confirmed by comparative AutoDock studies.
The effects of Stone–Wales defects on the thermal properties of bilayer armchair graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Xingli , Zhang Jinglan , Yang Ming
Published: May 2020

We investigate the influence of Stone–Wales (S–W) defects on the thermal properties of bilayer graphene nanoribbons (BGNRs) with armchair edges by nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (NEMD).
Promoting the photocatalytic activity of Bi4Ti3O12 microspheres by incorporating iron
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Ma Zhen
Published: May 2020

Small amounts of Fe(NO3)3 were added to the synthesis mixture prior to the hydrothermal synthesis of Bi4Ti3O12 microspheres.
A gradient screening approach for retired lithium-ion batteries based on X-ray computed tomography images
Authors: Ran Aihua , Chen Shuxiao , Zhang Siwei , Liu Siyang , Zhou Zihao , Nie Pengbo , Qian Kun , Fang Lu , Zhao Shi-Xi , Li Baohua , Kang Feiyu , Zhou Xiang , Sun Hongbin , Zhang Xuan , Wei Guodan
Published: May 2020

Accurate and efficient screening of retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles is crucial to guarantee reliable secondary applications such as in energy storage, electric bicycles, and smart grids.
Correction: Seeking potent anti-tubercular agents: design and synthesis of substituted-N-(6-(4-(pyrazine-2-carbonyl)piperazine/homopiperazine-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)benzamide derivatives as anti-tubercular agents
Authors: Srinivasarao Singireddi , Nandikolla Adinarayana , Suresh Amaroju , Van Calster Kevin , De Vooght Linda , Cappoen Davie , Ghosh Balaram , Aggarwal Himanshu , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan , Gowri Chandra Sekhar Kondapalli Venkata
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Seeking potent anti-tubercular agents: design and synthesis of substituted-N-(6-(4-(pyrazine-2-carbonyl)piperazine/homopiperazine-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)benzamide derivatives as anti-tubercular agents’ by Singireddi Srinivasarao et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 12272–12288, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA01348J.
Correction: Effects of deterioration and mildewing on the quality of wheat seeds with different moisture contents during storage
Authors: Wang Ruolan , Liu Lulu , Guo Yapeng , He Xin , Lu Qian
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Effects of deterioration and mildewing on the quality of wheat seeds with different moisture contents during storage’ by Ruolan Wang et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 14581–14594, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00542H.
Stimulus-responsive surface-enhanced Raman scattering: a “Trojan horse” strategy for precision molecular diagnosis of cancer
Authors: Zhang Cai , Cui Xiaoyu , Yang Jie , Shao Xueguang , Zhang Yuying , Liu Dingbin
Published: May 2020

A stimulus-responsive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SR-SERS) technique was developed to selectively profile the comprehensive molecular phenotype of tumor tissues.
Concerted aryl-sulfur reductive elimination from PNP pincer-supported Co(iii) and subsequent Co(i)/Co(iii) comproportionation
Authors: Foley Bryan J. , Palit Chandra Mouli , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Zhou Jia , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: May 2020

This report discloses a combined experimental and computational study aimed at understanding C–S reductive elimination from Co(iii) supported by a diarylamido/bis(phosphine) PNP pincer ligand.
Grafting polysiloxane onto ultrafiltration membranes to optimize surface energy and mitigate fouling
Authors: Tran Thien , Chen Xiaoyi , Doshi Sarthak , Stafford Christopher M. , Lin Haiqing
Published: May 2020

Polysiloxane was covalently grafted onto membrane surfaces using dopamine to adjust surface energy and mitigate antifouling properties for water purification.