bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene-based association analysis identifies 190 genes affecting neuroticism
Authors: Belonogova Nadezhda M. , Zorkoltseva Irina V. , Tsepilov Yakov A. , Axenovich Tatiana I.
Published: January 2021

Neuroticism is a personality trait, which is an important risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Recent genome-wide studies reported about 600 genes potentially influencing neuroticism. Little is known about the mechanisms of their action. Here, we aimed to conduct a more detailed analysis of genes that can regulate the level of neuroticism. Using UK Biobank-based GWAS summary statistics, we performed a gene-based association analysis using four sets of within-gene variants, each set possessing specific protein-coding properties. To guard against the influence of strong GWAS signals outside the gene, we used a specially designed procedure called “polygene pruning”. As a result, we identified 190 genes associated with neuroticism due to the effect of within-gene variants rather than strong GWAS signals outside the gene. Thirty eight of these genes are new. Within all genes identified, we distinguished two slightly overlapping groups obtained from using protein-coding and non-coding variants. Many genes in the former group included potentially pathogenic variants. For some genes in the latter group, we found evidence of pleiotropy with gene expression. Using a bioinformatics analysis, we prioritized the neuroticism genes and showed that the genes that contribute to neuroticism through their within-gene variants are the most appropriate candidate genes.
Broad specificity of immune helminth scFv library to identify monoclonal antibodies targeting Strongyloides
Authors: Rahumatullah Anizah , Balachandra Dinesh , Noordin Rahmah , Baharudeen Zamrina , Lim Yee Ying , Choong Yee Siew , Lim Theam Soon
Published: January 2021

Antibodies have different chemical properties capable of targeting a diverse nature of antigens. Traditionally, immune antibody libraries are perceived to be disease-specific with a skewed repertoire. The complexity during the generation of a combinatorial antibody library allows for a skewed but diverse repertoire to be generated. Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite that causes strongyloidiasis, a potentially life-threatening disease with a complex diagnosis that impedes effective control and treatment of the disease. This study describes the isolation of monoclonal antibodies against S. stercoralis NIE recombinant protein using an immune antibody phage display library derived from lymphatic filaria-infected individuals. The isolated antibody clones showed both lambda and kappa light chains gene usage, with diverse amino acid distributions. Structural analysis showed that electropositivity and the interface area could determine the binding affinity of the clones with NIE. The successful identification of S. stercoralis antibodies from the filarial immune library highlights the breadth of antibody gene diversification in an immune antibody library that can be applied for closely related infections.
Preventive efficiency of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract in diniconazole fungicide-treated Allium cepa L. roots
Authors: Kalefetoğlu Macar Tuğçe , Macar Oksal , Yalçιn Emine , Çavuşoğlu Kültiğin
Published: January 2021

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant-rich fruits. Diniconazole, a broad-spectrum fungicide, is employed extensively. The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive efficiency of C. mas fruit extract (CME) against the toxic effects of diniconazole on a model organism, Allium cepa L. For this aim, physiological, cytogenetic and biochemical parameters as well as the meristematic cell damages were investigated in A. cepa treated with diniconazole and C. mas extract. A. cepa bulbs were divided into six groups which were treated with tap water, 0.5 g/L CME, 1.0 g/L CME, 100 mg/L diniconazole, 0.5 g/L CME + 100 mg/L diniconazole and 1.0 g/L CME + 100 mg/L diniconazole, respectively. Diniconazole application caused a significant reduction in germination percentage, root elongation and total weight gain. Mitotic index decreased, while chromosomal aberrations increased following diniconazole application. Diniconazole caused significant rises in malondialdehyde content and the total activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes. The meristematic cell damages induced by diniconazole were indistinct transmission tissue, epidermis cell deformation, thickening of the cortex cell wall and flattened cell nucleus. Aqueous C. mas extracts induced a dose-dependent prevention and amelioration in all damages arisen from diniconazole application.
Prevalence of mammary Paget’s disease in urban China in 2016
Authors: Xu Lu , Yin Shilu , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Zhan Siyan , Zhao Zhenmin , Gao Pei
Published: January 2021

No national data have been available on descriptive epidemiology of mammary Paget’s disease (MPD) in China. This population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MPD and its pattens by sex, age and area in China. We conducted a population-based study using data in 2016 from China’s Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, covering approximately 0.43 billion residents. MPD cases were identified based on the diagnostic names and codes in claim data. A total of 825 patients of confirmed diagnosis of MPD were found during the study period. The prevalence of MPD in 2016 was 0.42 per 100,000 population (95% CI 0.19 to 0.73), with marked female predominance. The prevalence rates peaked at 40–59 years and ≥ 80 years in females and males, respectively. The prevalence rates varied among different regions, ranging from 0.06 (95% CI 0.00 to 0.23) in Northeast China to 1.21 (95% CI 0.07 to 3.72) in Northwest China. MPD showed marked female predominance in China. Chinese female patients were much younger, with lower prevalence than that in the United States. Obvious sex difference in the age pattern of MPD prevalence was also observed in China.
Incidence and risk factors predicting deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity following spinal fractures
Authors: Ma Jiangtao , Du Pei , Qin Jin , Zhou Yali , Liang Ningxi , Hu Jinglve , Zhang Yingze , Zhu Yanbin
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of preoperative DVT following spinal fracture and the association between the presence of DVT and risk factors. Ultrasonography and blood analyses were performed preoperatively in patients diagnosed with spinal fracture between October 2014 and December 2018. Univariate analyses were performed on the data of demographics, comorbidities, location of injury, spinal cord injury (SCI) grading and laboratory biomarkers. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to obtain the optimal D-dimer cut-off value for diagnosis. In total, 2432 patients with spinal fractures were included, among whom 108 (4.4%) patients had preoperative DVTs. The average interval between fracture and initial diagnosis of DVT was 4.7 days (median, 2 days), ranging from 0 to 20 days; 78 (72.2%) were diagnosed within 7 days after injury and 67 (62.0%) within 3 days; 19 (17.5%) patients had proximal vein involved and 89 (82.4%) presented in distal veins. Multivariate logistic regression suggested six risk factors independently correlated to DVT, including delay to DUS (in each day) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11), ASA class III–IV (OR = 2.36), ASIA grade (A/B) (OR = 2.36), ALB < 3.5 g/dL (OR = 2.08), HDL-C < 1.1 mmol/L (OR = 1.68) and d-Dimer > 1.08 µg/ml (OR = 2.49).
HLA-DRB1 allelic epitopes that associate with autoimmune disease risk or protection activate reciprocal macrophage polarization
Authors: van Drongelen Vincent , Scavuzzi Bruna Miglioranza , Nogueira Sarah Veloso , Miller Frederick W. , Sawalha Amr H. , Holoshitz Joseph
Published: January 2021

Associations between particular human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and susceptibility to—or protection from—autoimmune diseases have been long observed. Allele-specific antigen presentation (AP) has been widely proposed as a culprit, but it is unclear whether HLA molecules might also have non-AP, disease-modulating effects. Here we demonstrate differential macrophage activation by HLA-DRB1 alleles known to associate with autoimmune disease risk or protection with resultant polarization of pro-inflammatory (“M1”) versus anti-inflammatory (“M2”) macrophages, respectively. RNA-sequencing analyses of in vitro-polarized macrophages in the presence of AP-incompetent short synthetic peptides corresponding to the third allelic hypervariable regions coded by those two HLA-DRB1 alleles showed reciprocal activation of pro- versus anti-inflammatory transcriptomes, with implication of corresponding gene ontologies and upstream regulators. These results identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of differential immune modulation by short HLA-DRB1-coded allelic epitopes independent of AP, and could shed new light on the mechanistic basis of HLA-disease association.
Proteolytic cleavage of HLA class II by human neutrophil elastase in pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Domon Hisanori , Maekawa Tomoki , Isono Toshihito , Furuta Kazuyuki , Kaito Chikara , Terao Yutaka
Published: January 2021

Bacterial and viral respiratory infections can initiate acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neutrophils and their granule enzymes, including neutrophil elastase, are key mediators of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure. Although intracellular neutrophil elastase functions as a host defensive factor against pathogens, its leakage into airway spaces induces degradation of host connective tissue components. This leakage disrupts host innate immune responses via proteolytic cleavage of Toll-like receptors and cytokines. Here, we investigated whether neutrophils possess proteases that cleave adaptive immune molecules. We found that expression of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecule HLA-DP β1 was decreased in THP-1-derived macrophages treated with supernatants from dead neutrophils. This decreased HLA-DP β1 expression was counteracted by treatment with neutrophil elastase inhibitor, suggesting proteolytic cleavage of HLA-DP β1 by neutrophil elastase. SDS-PAGE showed that neutrophil elastase cleaved recombinant HLA-DP α1, -DP β1, -DQ α1, -DQ β1, -DR α, and -DR β1. Neutrophil elastase also cleaved HLA-DP β1 on extracellular vesicles isolated from macrophages without triggering morphological changes. Thus, leakage of neutrophil elastase may disrupt innate immune responses, antigen presentation, and T cell activation. Additionally, inhibition of neutrophil elastase is a potential therapeutic option for treating bacterial and viral pneumonia.
Low dose ultraviolet B irradiation at 308 nm with light-emitting diode device effectively increases serum levels of 25(OH)D
Authors: Lin Ming-Yen , Lim Lee Moay , Tsai Siao-Ping , Jian Feng-Xuan , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Chiu Yi-Wen
Published: January 2021

This animal study aimed to elucidate the relationship of low-dose, narrow-band UVB at 308 nm with vitamin D synthesis. C57BL/6 female mice, at 3 weeks-of-age, were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 6 at each time point of vitamin D measurement), which were: (1) normal diet without UVB irradiation; (2) VDd diet without UVB irradiation; and (3)–(6) VDd diet with 308 nm-UVB irradiation of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μω/cm2, respectively. All of the groups needing UVB irradiation received an exposure of 10 min per day, five days per week, and a duration of 3–5 weeks. The mice recovering from severe VDd (plasma total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level increasing from approximately 3 to over 30 ng/mL) only occurred in groups with a UVB irradiation dosage of either 50 or 100 μω/cm2. The optimal, estimated dosage for mice to recover from severe VDd was 355 mJ/cm2 within 3 weeks. Low-dose, narrow-band UVB irradiation at 308 nm is effective in improving VDd in mice. The results obtained, in addition to the especially small side effects of the above UVB irradiation formula, could be further translated to treating VDd-related disorders.
The physiological correlates of interpersonal space
Authors: Candini Michela , Battaglia Simone , Benassi Mariagrazia , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Frassinetti Francesca
Published: January 2021

Interpersonal space (IPS) is the area around the body that individuals maintain between themselves and others during social interactions. When others violate our IPS, feeling of discomfort rise up, urging us to move farther away and reinstate an appropriate interpersonal distance. Previous studies showed that when individuals are exposed to closeness of an unknown person (a confederate), the skin conductance response (SCR) increases. However, if the SCR is modulated according to participant’s preferred IPS is still an open question. To test this hypothesis, we recorded the SCR in healthy participants when a confederate stood in front of them at various distances simulating either an approach or withdrawal movement (Experiment 1). Then, the comfort-distance task was adopted to measure IPS: participants stop the confederate, who moved either toward or away from them, when they felt comfortable with other’s proximity (Experiment 2). We found higher SCR when the confederate stood closer to participants simulating an IPS intrusion, compared to when the confederate moved farther away. Crucially, we provide the first evidence that SCR, acting as a warning signal, contributes to interpersonal distance preference suggesting a functional link between behavioral components of IPS regulation and the underlying physiological processes.
Author Correction: Let-7 regulates cell cycle dynamics in the developing cerebral cortex and retina
Authors: Fairchild Corinne L. A. , Cheema Simranjeet K. , Wong Joanna , Hino Keiko , Simó Sergi , La Torre Anna
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Elucidation of the mechanism of subunit exchange in αB crystallin oligomers
Authors: Inoue Rintaro , Sakamaki Yusuke , Takata Takumi , Wood Kathleen , Morishima Ken , Sato Nobuhiro , Okuda Aya , Shimizu Masahiro , Urade Reiko , Fujii Noriko , Sugiyama Masaaki
Published: January 2021

AlphaB crystallin (αB-crystallin) is a key protein for maintaining the long-term transparency of the eye lens. In the eye lens, αB-crystallin is a “dynamical” oligomer regulated by subunit exchange between the oligomers. To elucidate the unsettled mechanism of subunit exchange in αB-crystallin oligomers, the study was carried out at two different protein concentrations, 28.5 mg/mL (dense sample) and 0.45 mg/mL (dilute sample), through inverse contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering. Interestingly, the exchange rate of the dense sample was the same as that of the dilute sample. From analytical ultracentrifuge measurements, the coexistence of small molecular weight components and oligomers was detected, regardless of the protein concentration. The model proposed that subunit exchange could proceed through the assistance of monomers and other small oligomers; the key mechanism is attaching/detaching monomers and other small oligomers to/from oligomers. Moreover, this model successfully reproduced the experimental results for both dense and dilute solutions. It is concluded that the monomer and other small oligomers attaching/detaching mainly regulates the subunit exchange in αB-crystallin oligomer.
Comparison of soil and corn residue cutting performance of different discs used for vertical tillage
Authors: Zeng Zhiwei , Thoms Dillon , Chen Ying , Ma Xu
Published: January 2021

High amount of corn (Zea mays L.) residue left in the field interferes with seeding operations, which hinders the viability of conservation agriculture. Vertical tillage is a promising practice in dealing with heavy crop residue, but its effectiveness largely depends on the design and use of tillage machines. In this study, three vertical tillage discs with different shapes, namely notched, plain, and rippled, were tested in a soil bin at two different working depths, shallow (63.5 mm) and deep (127 mm). Corn residues were spread on top of the soil as surface residue. soil cutting forces, soil displacement, and residue mixing with soil, as well as residue cutting were measured. The results showed that the working depth had a stronger effect on the performance of discs as compared to the disc type. No difference in residue cutting was found between the treatments. The deep working depth resulted in 5.1% higher residue mixing, 53.4% greater soil cutting forces, and 34.9% larger soil displacements, as compared to the shallow depth. The rippled disc resulted in the largest soil displacements with the greatest demand in soil cutting forces. Overall, the rippled disc was the most aggressive among the three discs with regard to the performance indicators measured. The results suggested that varying working depth would be an effective approach in changing the soil dynamics and residue cutting performance of the discs for vertical tillage.
Preoperative imaging findings in patients undergoing transcranial magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy
Authors: Gagliardo Cesare , Cannella Roberto , Filorizzo Giuseppe , Toia Patrizia , Salvaggio Giuseppe , Collura Giorgio , Pignolo Antonia , Maugeri Rosario , Napoli Alessandro , D’amelio Marco , Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo , Marrale Maurizio , Iacopino Gerardo Domenico , Catalano Carlo , Midiri Massimo
Published: January 2021

The prevalence and impact of imaging findings detected during screening procedures in patients undergoing transcranial MR-guided Focused Ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) thalamotomy for functional neurological disorders has not been assessed yet. This study included 90 patients who fully completed clinical and neuroradiological screenings for tcMRgFUS in a single-center. The presence and location of preoperative imaging findings that could impact the treatment were recorded and classified in three different groups according to their relevance for the eligibility and treatment planning. Furthermore, tcMRgFUS treatments were reviewed to evaluate the number of transducer elements turned off after marking as no pass regions the depicted imaging finding. A total of 146 preoperative imaging findings in 79 (87.8%) patients were detected in the screening population, with a significant correlation with patients’ age (rho = 483, p < 0.001). With regard of the group classification, 119 (81.5%), 26 (17.8%) were classified as group 1 or 2, respectively. One patient had group 3 finding and was considered ineligible. No complications related to the preoperative imaging findings occurred in treated patients. Preoperative neuroradiological findings are frequent in candidates to tcMRgFUS and their identification may require the placement of additional no-pass regions to prevent harmful non-targeted heating.
Prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Kun Hyung , Lee Chan Kyu , Kim Seon Hee , Kim Youngwoong , Kim Jung Eun , Shin Yu Kyung , Seok Junepill , Cho Hyun Min
Published: January 2021

Chronic post-thoracotomy pain is a debilitating condition after traumatic multiple rib fractures and surgery. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain after traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea and explore factors associated with it. From October 2017 to June 2019, a cross-sectional survey of 100 adults, who had undergone thoracotomy due to traumatic fractures of two or more ribs 2 years to 3 months prior to the survey, was conducted in the regional trauma center in South Korea. In total, 80% and 65% patients reported any level and above moderate chronic pain, respectively. Quality of life was mostly below the normative value of the US general population. Forty-six percent patients had restrictive respiratory dysfunction, and 47% and 59% patients were classified as being at risk of above mild-level anxiety and depression, respectively. More than 70% of patients had a current opioid prescription. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed weak evidence of association between acute, severe postoperative pain and chronic postsurgical pain (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence intervals 0.9 to 6.4). Collectively, chronic post-thoracotomy pain and associated incomplete recovery regarding respiratory, functional, and psychological outcomes were prevalent in patients with traumatic multiple rib fractures in South Korea.
Antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of the dairy bacterium Propionibacterium freudenreichii MJ2 in high-fat diet-induced obese mice by modulating lipid metabolism
Authors: An Mirae , Park Yeon-Hee , Lim Young-Hee
Published: January 2021

Obesity can cause chronic metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of the dairy bacterium P. freudenreichii MJ2 isolated from raw milk using 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Lipid accumulation and the expression levels of genes related to lipid metabolism, such as preadipocytic gene (Pref-1), adipogenic genes (PPARγ and C/EBPα), and lipogenic genes (FAS, SCD-1, and ACC), significantly decreased in heat-killed P. freudenreichii MJ2 (hkMJ2)-treated adipocytes. Live P. freudenreichii MJ2 (MJ2), hkMJ2, and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) decreased body weight gain in HFD-induced obese mice compared with the model group. The liver and epididymal white adipose tissue weights in the MJ2-, hkMJ2- and LP-treated groups were significantly lower than those in the model group. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis significantly decreased and lipolysis (HSL and ATGL) increased in the MJ2-, hkMJ2-, and LP-treated groups. The expression levels of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (CPT-1α and ACOX1) increased in the MJ2-, hkMJ2-, and LP-treated groups. In addition, blood glucose and fasting insulin levels in the MJ2- and hkMJ2-treated groups decreased compared with those in the model group. P. freudenreichii MJ2 ameliorate insulin resistance by obesity. In conclusion, both MJ2 and hkMJ2 alleviate obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Predicting the probability of Gaucher disease in subjects with splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Motta Irene , Consonni Dario , Stroppiano Marina , Benedetto Christian , Cassinerio Elena , Tappino Barbara , Ranalli Paola , Borin Lorenza , Facchini Luca , Patriarca Andrea , Barcellini Wilma , Lanza Federica , Filocamo Mirella , Cappellini Maria Domenica ,   Splenomegaly Gaucher group, Farina Francesca , Codeluppi Katia , Rivolti Elena , Simonetti Federico , Lunghi Francesca , Perrone Tommasina , Sgherza Nicola , Carrai Valentina , Cafro Anna Maria , Cairoli Roberto , Amendola Angela , Trabacchi Elena , Vallisa Daniele , Burgo Ilaria , Federici Augusto Bramante , Carbone Cecilia , D’Adda Mariella , Mannina Donato , Di Giacomo Valeria , Lupparelli Giulia , Lombardo Alessandra
Published: January 2021

Hematologists are frequently involved in the diagnostic pathway of Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) patients since they present several hematological signs. However, GD1 is mainly underdiagnosed because of a lack of awareness. In this multicenter study, we combine the use of a diagnostic algorithm with a simple test (β-glucosidase activity on Dried Blood Spot) in order to facilitate the diagnosis in a population presenting to the hematologist with splenomegaly and/or thrombocytopenia associated with other hematological signs. In this high-risk population, the prevalence of GD1 is 3.3%. We propose an equation that predicts the probability of having GD1 according to three parameters that are routinely evaluated: platelet count, ferritin, and transferrin saturation.
Reactive plasma cleaning and restoration of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Marinov Daniil , de Marneffe Jean-François , Smets Quentin , Arutchelvan Goutham , Bal Kristof M. , Voronina Ekaterina , Rakhimova Tatyana , Mankelevich Yuri , El Kazzi Salim , Nalin Mehta Ankit , Wyndaele Pieter-Jan , Heyne Markus Hartmut , Zhang Jianran , With Patrick C. , Banerjee Sreetama , Neyts Erik C. , Asselberghs Inge , Lin Dennis , De Gendt Stefan
Published: January 2021

The cleaning of two-dimensional (2D) materials is an essential step in the fabrication of future devices, leveraging their unique physical, optical, and chemical properties. Part of these emerging 2D materials are transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). So far there is limited understanding of the cleaning of “monolayer” TMD materials. In this study, we report on the use of downstream H2 plasma to clean the surface of monolayer WS2 grown by MOCVD. We demonstrate that high-temperature processing is essential, allowing to maximize the removal rate of polymers and to mitigate damage caused to the WS2 in the form of sulfur vacancies. We show that low temperature in situ carbonyl sulfide (OCS) soak is an efficient way to resulfurize the material, besides high-temperature H2S annealing. The cleaning processes and mechanisms elucidated in this work are tested on back-gated field-effect transistors, confirming that transport properties of WS2 devices can be maintained by the combination of H2 plasma cleaning and OCS restoration. The low-damage plasma cleaning based on H2 and OCS is very reproducible, fast (completed in a few minutes) and uses a 300 mm industrial plasma etch system qualified for standard semiconductor pilot production. This process is, therefore, expected to enable the industrial scale-up of 2D-based devices, co-integrated with silicon technology.
Author Correction: Subpixel three-dimensional laser imaging with a downscaled avalanche photodiode array using code division multiple access
Authors: Xu Fan , Wang Yuan-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Wang Cai-Yun
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-021-00520-8.
Regeneration of irradiation-damaged esophagus by local delivery of mesenchymal stem-cell spheroids encapsulated in a hyaluronic-acid-based hydrogel
Authors: Kim In Gul , Cho Hana , Shin Jisoo , Cho Jung Ho , Cho Seung-Woo , Chung Eun-Jae
Published: January 2021

This article presented the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA)-gel-encapsulated mesenchymal stem cell spheroids (MSC-SPs) for ultimate treatment of radiation-induced esophageal fibrosis.
Conversion of dilute CO2 to cyclic carbonates at sub-atmospheric pressures by a simple indium catalyst
Authors: Baalbaki Hassan A. , Roshandel Hootan , Hein Jason E. , Mehrkhodavandi Parisa
Published: January 2021

A simple indium halide with an ammonium salt catalyst can catalyze effectively the cycloaddition of epoxide and dilute CO2. A detailed mechanistic investigation is conducted using kinetics, isotope labeling, and in situ NMR and IR experiments.
Portable and sustainable activated carbon-based device for electro-assisted water purification
Authors: Noyhouzer Tomer , Payne Nicholas A. , Moussa Siba , Beaulieu Isabelle , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: January 2021

Schematic representation of a carbon-based portable electrochemical filtration device designed to remove toxic amounts of lead and arsenic found in drinking water.
Therapeutic role ofd-pinitol on experimental colitisviaactivating Nrf2/ARE and PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Lin Yinsi , Wu Yulin , Su Jianhui , Wang Mingqiang , Wu Xiaoli , Su Ziren , Yi Xiaoqing , Wei Long , Cai Jian , Sun Zhanghua
Published: January 2021

d-Pinitol can be a food supplement exerting anti-colitis effectsviaNrf2/ARE and PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling pathways.
Recent progress in two-dimensional materials for terahertz protection
Authors: Pan Jialiang , Hu Haowen , Li Zechen , Mu Jingyang , Cai Yunxiang , Zhu Hongwei
Published: January 2021

Latest advances in THz protection metamaterials and intrinsic materials based on two-dimensional materials are reviewed, and their future developments are prospected.
Efficient incorporation of a polar comonomer for direct synthesis of hyperbranched polar functional ethylene oligomers
Authors: Li Shuaikang , Lu Zhou , Fan Weigang , Dai Shengyu
Published: January 2021

Hyperbranched polar functional ethylene oligomers with very high incorporation can be accessible via ethylene–MA co-oligomerization with iminopyridyl Pd(ii) catalysts.
A novel boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymer with large Stokes shift: AIEE feature and cell imaging application
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Yang Dongliang , Hu Yanling , Deng Yue , Yang Xiaoman , Liu Zhonglin
Published: January 2021

A novel π-extended boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymer with a typical AIEE feature has been successfully synthesized and used for cell imaging application.
Balancing skeleton and functional groups in total syntheses of complex natural products: a case study of tigliane, daphnane and ingenane diterpenoids
Authors: Liu Zhi , Ding† Zhengwei , Chen Kai , Xu Ming , Yu Tao , Tong Guanghu , Zhang Hailong , Li Pengfei
Published: January 2021

The fruitful advancement in synthetic chemistry of the title families of complex diterpenes has stimulated and enjoyed strategic balance between building the skeletons and installing the functional groups.
Recent advances in Rh(iii)/Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/annulation via carbene migratory insertion
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Nunewar Saiprasad , Oluguttula Srilekha , Nanduri Srinivas , Kanchupalli Vinaykumar
Published: January 2021

The review highlighted diverse annulations, including nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur heterocycles and carbocylizations via Rh(iii)/Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/annulation with various arene and carbene precursors.
Recent developments in voltammetric and amperometric sensors for cysteine detection
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Dourandish Zahra , Jahani Peyman Mohammadzadeh , Sheikhshoaie Iran , Beitollahi Hadi , Shahedi Asl Mehdi , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: January 2021

This review article aims to provide an overview of the recent advances in the voltammetric and amperometric sensing of cysteine (Cys).
Synthesis, characterization, and CO2 adsorption properties of metal organic framework Fe-BDC
Authors: Mahdipoor Hamid Reza , Halladj Rouein , Ganji Babakhani Ensieh , Amjad-Iranagh Sepideh , Sadeghzadeh Ahari Jafar
Published: January 2021

The adsorption isotherm of MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 was independent of temperature and the heat of adsorption was considered equal to the activation energy of CO2 chemisorption by NH2 agent.
Mitochondria-targeted curcumin loaded CTPP–PEG–PCL self-assembled micelles for improving liver fibrosis therapy
Authors: Zhang Liqiao , Pan Xiuhua , Xu Lixing , Zhang Linlin , Huang Haiqin
Published: January 2021

A mitochondria-targeting micelle system based on CTPP–PEG–PCL polymer was designed to deliver curcumin to active HSC-T6 cells and prolong the systemic circulation and bioavailability of curcumin in vivo for effective treatment of liver fibrosis.
Chemical characterization, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitory effects of different extracts from one sage (Salvia ceratophyllaL.) from Turkey: open a new window on industrial purposes
Authors: Uysal Sengul , Zengin Gokhan , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Ak Gunes , Ceylan Ramazan , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Uysal Ahmet , Sadeer Nabeelah Bibi , Jekő József , Cziáky Zoltán , Rodrigues Maria João , Yıldıztugay Evren , Elbasan Fevzi , Custodio Luisa
Published: January 2021

Our findings suggested thatSalvia ceratophyllacould be one potential raw material in industrial applications.
High energy density electrolytes for H2/Br2redox flow batteries, their polybromide composition and influence on battery cycling limits
Authors: Küttinger Michael , Wlodarczyk Jakub K. , Daubner Daniela , Fischer Peter , Tübke Jens
Published: January 2021

Polybromides formation in aqueous bromine electrolytes and influence on H2/Br2redox flow battery performance is investigated the first time.
Discovery of rare sulfated N-unsubstituted glucosamine based heparan sulfate analogs selectively activating chemokines
Authors: Jain Prashant , Shanthamurthy Chethan D. , Leviatan Ben-Arye Shani , Woods Robert J. , Kikkeri Raghavendra , Padler-Karavani Vered
Published: January 2021

We report the synthesis of novel HS tetrasaccharides. High throughput screening using glycan microarray and SPR identified the rare HS analog for selectively inhibiting CCL2 mediated cell migration and invasion.
Mechanism of covalent binding of ibrutinib to Bruton's tyrosine kinase revealed by QM/MM calculations
Authors: Voice Angus T. , Tresadern Gary , Twidale Rebecca M. , van Vlijmen Herman , Mulholland Adrian J.
Published: January 2021

QM/MM simulations show that covalent modification of BTK by ibrutinib proceeds via an intramolecular proton transfer from C481 to the acrylamide warhead of ibrutinib, followed by covalent bond formation and subsequent keto–enol tautomerisation.
Phase separation of an active colloidal suspensionviaquorum-sensing
Authors: Jose Francis , Anand Shalabh K. , Singh Sunil P.
Published: January 2021

We present the Brownian dynamics simulation of an active colloidal suspension in two dimensions, where the self-propulsion speed of a colloid is regulated according to the local density sensed by it.
Selective ion transport across a lipid bilayer in a protic ionic liquid
Authors: Bryant Saffron J. , Garcia Alvaro , Clarke Ronald J. , Warr Gregory G.
Published: January 2021

A tethered lipid bilayer assembled in an ionic liquid (IL) preserves selective ion transport by valinomycin and retains its structure upon exchange with aqueous buffer, paving the way for complex, non-aqueous bio-based assemblies.
Er3+ self-sensitized nanoprobes with enhanced 1525 nm downshifting emission for NIR-IIb in vivo bio-imaging
Authors: Wang Wang , Feng Zhe , Li Bai , Chang Yulei , Li Xu , Yan Xu , Chen Runze , Yu Xiaoming , Zhao Huiying , Lu Geyu , Kong Xianggui , Qian Jun , Liu Xiaomin
Published: January 2021

An efficient NIR-IIb nanoprobe was designed with the 1525 nm QY of 13.92% for cerebrovascular microscopy imaging and various physiological dynamic imaging.
Hollow iron oxide nanomaterials: synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications
Authors: Wei Ruixue , Xu Youzhi , Xue Mengzhou
Published: January 2021

This minireview highlights the recent advancement in preparation, functionalization, and biomedical applications of hollow iron oxide nanomaterials.
4-Mercaptobenzoic acid as a MALDI matrix for highly sensitive analysis of metals
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Zhang Shasha , Huang Weini , Wang Ran , Chen Zihan , Cai Zongwei , Lin Zian
Published: January 2021

4-Mercaptobenzoic acid was first introduced as a MALDI matrix for metal analysis. The developed method was successfully applied to the rapid screening and sensitive determination of metals in PM2.5 samples.
Synthesis and coordination of a hybrid phosphinoferrocene sulfonamide ligand
Authors: Varmužová Věra , Horký Filip , Štěpnička Petr
Published: January 2021

A hybrid, phosphinoferrocene sulfonamide ligand was synthesised and studied as a ligand in Pd(ii) complexes, which were structurally characterised. Selected compounds were studied by cyclic voltammetry.
Correction: Spermine-directed supramolecular self-assembly of water-soluble AIE-active tetraphenylethylene: nanobelt, nanosheet, globular and nanotubular structures
Authors: Duc La Duong , Malegaonkar Jotiram N. , Kobaisi Mohammad Al , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Bhosale Sidhanath V. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Spermine-directed supramolecular self-assembly of water-soluble AIE-active tetraphenylethylene: nanobelt, nanosheet, globular and nanotubular structures’ by Duong Duc La et al., New J. Chem., 2018, 42, 15379–15386, DOI: 10.1039/C8NJ02636J.
Quality control of direct cell–mineral adhesion measurements in air and liquid using inverse AFM imaging
Authors: Abu Quba Abd Alaziz , Schaumann Gabriele E. , Karagulyan Mariam , Diehl Doerte
Published: January 2021

Setup for a reliable cell-mineral interaction at the single-cell level, (a) study of the mineral by a sharp tip, (b) study of the bacterial modified probe by a characterizer, (c) cell-mineral interaction, (d) subsequent check of the modified probe.
Isolation of 5′-O-sulfamyladenosine and related 3′-O-β-glucosylated adenosines from the nucleocidin producer Streptomyces calvus
Authors: Feng Xuan , Bello Davide , O'Hagan David
Published: January 2021

The isolation of three adenosine based metabolites 6–8 from Streptomyces calvus is reported.
Exploring the mechanism of aidi injection for lung cancer by network pharmacology approach and molecular docking validation
Authors: Zhuang Zhenjie , Lin Tong , Luo Lixia , Zhou Weixin , Wen Junmao , Huang Haifu , Liu Zhanhua , Lin Lizhu
Published: January 2021

Background. Aidi injection (ADI) is an effective Traditional Chinese medicine preparation widely used for lung cancer. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of ADI on lung cancer remain to be elucidated. Methods. A network pharmacology (NP)-based approach and the molecular docking validation were conducted to explore underlying mechanisms of ADI on lung cancer. The compounds and target genes were screened by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Batman-TCM) database. The STRING database was utilized for protein interaction network construction. The R package clusterProfiler was used for bioinformatics annotation of hub target genes. The gene expression analysis and survival analysis were performed based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The Autodock Vina was used for molecular docking validation. Results. A total of five key compounds with 324 putative target genes were screened out, and 14 hub target genes were identified for treating lung cancer. Six hub genes could influence the survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Of these hub genes, the expression pattern of EGFR, MYC, PIK3CA, and SMAD3 were significantly higher in the LUSC, while PIK3CA and RELA expressed lower in the LUAD group and LUSC group, respectively. These six hub genes had good docking affinity with the key compounds of ADI. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that ADI may exert therapeutic effects on lung cancer by regulating critical pathways including the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions. The present study explored the potential pharmacological mechanisms of ADI on lung cancer, promoting the clinical application of ADI in treating lung cancer, and providing references for advanced researches.
Examining the Relationship Between the Readability and Comprehensibility of Practice Test Questions and Failure Rates on Learner's Permit Knowledge Tests
Authors: Flint Kaitlyn , Spaulding Tammie J.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The readability and comprehensibility of Learner's Permit Knowledge Test practice questions and the relationship with test failure rates across states and the District of Columbia were examined.

Method

Failure rates were obtained from department representatives. Practice test questions were extracted from drivers' manuals and department websites and examined for readability using Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level and comprehensibility using Question Understanding Aid. The influence of readability and comprehensibility on test failure rates was explored.

Results

The average failure rate from reporting jurisdictions was 42.76%. In total, 11 out of 28 jurisdictions reported that test takers fail more than half the time, while 25 out of 28 reported that test takers fail at least a quarter of the time. While 33.09% of the variability in failure rates could be accounted for by syntactic complexity of the questions, 54.18% could be accounted for by the reading ease.

Discussion

With few exceptions, test failure rates are systematically high across the United States. The current findings suggest that these tests may be inappropriately biased against individuals with lower levels of literacy and language ability. Implications for test developers and clinicians are discussed.
One‐to‐one non‐linear transformation for RSS‐based localization with unknown transmit power
Authors: Danaee Meysam Raees
Published: January 2021

For most of the positioning algorithms, based on the received signal strength, the objective function of the estimator is linearized so that the conventional least square algorithm can be executed. This would necessitate using a data model containing many noisy elements which implicitly violates the least squares assumptions. To avoid this violation, an optimized data modelling would have to be set up as shown in this paper. The authors then trivially provide the solution of this new least square problem which is still a primary coarse position estimation because of ignoring the non‐linear relationships existing among parameters of the estimation. To extract quantitative information from these non‐linear relationships, the authors also propose two new signal space points for using Taylor‐series expansion as effectively as possible in accordance of the new data model. The proposed algorithms work without any knowledge about the transmit power. The performance evaluation of the proposed idea indicates that the new suggested estimators perform significantly better than the other existing linear position estimators for a large range of noise variance and path‐loss exponent values.
A full‐reference stereoscopic image quality assessment index based on stable aggregation of monocular and binocular visual features
Authors: Si Jianwei , Yang Huan , Huang Baoxiang , Pan Zhenkuan , Su Honglei
Published: January 2021

In stereoscopic image quality assessment, human visual system has been universally taken into account to detect perceptual characteristics. A novel full‐reference stereoscopic image assessment metric by considering both monocular and binocular visual features of human visual system is proposed. In particular, a new region segmentation algorithm is firstly proposed to divide 3D images into occluded and non‐occluded regions. The just noticeable difference model is employed on the occluded regions to formulate the monocular vision, while the binocular just noticeable difference model is applied to the non‐occluded regions to reveal the binocular vision of the human visual system. In the proposed region segmentation, disparity information and Euclidean distance between stereo pairs are both adopted to solve the unstable segmentation problem of traditional methods. A new pooling strategy based on global edge features is then presented to aggregate the just noticeable difference and binocular just noticeable difference evaluation maps. In addition, some local image features as supplementary of just noticeable difference to describe visual characteristics of the human visual system are also extracted. Finally, an overall quality score is calculated based on the above‐mentioned features to measure the visual quality of distorted stereo pairs. Experimental results show that the proposed metric achieves high consistency with the human visual system, and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art algorithms on stereoscopic image quality assessment.
Single‐active switch high‐voltage gain DC–DC converter using a non‐coupled inductor
Authors: Mizani Amirreza , Ansari Sajad A. , Shoulaie Abbas , Davidson Jonathan N. , Foster Martin P.
Published: January 2021

A single‐active switch high‐voltage gain non‐coupled inductor DC–DC converter is presented. The introduced converter achieves high step‐up gain without using any coupled inductors or transformers, provides high efficiency, and has a simple control system. The converter also achieves low voltage stress on the switch and diodes without clamping circuits, reducing cost, conduction losses, and complexity. The input current of the introduced converter is continuous with low ripple, and is therefore suitable for renewable energy applications in which the fast dynamic response of the converter is necessary. The principle of operation and design considerations of the introduced converter are investigated. A 200 W prototype circuit with 40 kHz switching frequency, 40 V input voltage, and 250 V output voltage is implemented. The prototype operates at 93.2% efficiency, with voltage and current error of less than 4% compared to theoretical values.
A distributed control for accurate active‐power sharing in islanded microgrids subject to clock drifts
Authors: Alfaro Carlos , Castilla Miguel , Camacho Antonio , Marti Pau , Velasco Manel
Published: January 2021

Inverters‐based islanded microgrids are operated by local digital signal processors, driven by their own local clocks. These local clocks have drifts affecting the clock signals which are used to control the inverters in real time. In this scenario, a steady‐state deviation is observed in active power sharing, degrading the microgrid performance. This paper presents a new control scheme that improves the microgrid performance by cancelling the active power sharing error due to clock drifts. The study includes a theoretical stability analysis and a design procedure of the control parameters based on the dynamic characteristics. Finally, selected experimental results are obtained in a laboratory microgrid with four inverters. In this setup, each inverter was equipped with its digital signal processor with drifting local clock.
A new quasi‐Z‐source switched‐boost four‐switch three‐phase inverter with independent shoot‐through and non‐shoot‐through modulation indexes
Authors: Babaee Vandishi Mohammad , Lahooti Eshkevari Alireza , Salemnia Ahmad , Mosallanejad Ali
Published: January 2021

Four‐switch three‐phase inverters (FSTPI) are the cost‐optimised version of two‐level voltage source inverters (TL‐VSI), promoted for low‐power/low‐voltage machine drive systems. Adding impedance‐based networks to the input of conventional VSIs provides both step‐up and step‐down features; however, the shoot‐through (ST) modulation index limits the maximum attainable modulation index. Furthermore, in FSTPI, one switching leg has two series capacitors instead of power switches. Therefore, they are exposed to the voltage imbalance problem. This paper proposes a novel step‐up FSTPI with independent shoot‐through and non‐shoot‐through (NST) modulation indexes, improved boost factor, continuous input current, and high efficiency. This topology incorporates a quasi‐z‐source switched‐boost network with independent power switches and three duty ratios that affords two active states and one shoot‐through event. These features enhance the performance of this topology if compared with former FSTPI and quasi‐z‐source FSTPI. For evaluating the performance of this topology, simulation in MATLAB software and experiment on a prototype have been done. Simulation and experimentation results confirm the proposed topology.
Novel high voltage gain dc–dc converter with dynamic analysis
Authors: Ghaffarpour Mohammad , Ebrahimi Reza , Kojabadi Hossein Madadi , Chang Liuchen , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a non‐isolated dc–dc converter based on a coupled inductor and switch‐capacitor–boosting techniques. The goal of the proposed topology is to increase the voltage gain with low‐duty cycle, so voltage stresses are decreased across power switches and diodes. The power switches are controlled by pulse width modulation. The common ground of input and output of the proposed converter makes it suitable for many applications such as photovoltaic systems. The proposed converter topology is discussed in continuous and discontinuous operation modes. A dynamic analysis of the proposed converter is also provided. Simulation and experimental verifications are presented to prove the effectiveness of the proposed topology.