bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Course induced dexterity development and cerebellar grey matter growth of dentistry students: a randomised trial
Authors: Siman Benedek , Janszky Jozsef , Perlaki Gabor , Fazekas Adrien , Sandor Balazs , Katona Krisztian , Marada Gyula , Szanto Ildiko
Published: March 2021

This study primarily focuses on the assessment of dentistry students’ improvement of manual skills resulting from their participation in courses. We aimed to prove that systematic manual skills development significantly improves dexterity. We hypothesized that the dexterity training regimen improves manual dexterity demonstrated by the HAM-Man (Hamburg Assessment Test for Medicine-Manual Dexterity) test scores and CGM (cerebellar grey matter) growth. Thirty volunteers were randomly divided into two equal groups (study and control). Firstly, volunteers were examined by the HAM-Man test and baseline MRI scans. Afterwards, a manual skills development course was launched for the “study group”. Secondly, all the manual skills of the students were evaluated longitudinally, by the HAM-Man test. Simultaneously, the follow-up MRI scans were taken to observe morphologic changes in the cerebellum. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student Paired t-test were used for statistical analyses. Value p < 0.05 was considered significant. After the training, significant growth of CGM as well as improvement on manual skill assessment tests, were found in the study group. Training courses are suitable for preparing students with low levels of dexterity for performing demanding tasks. The improvement is demonstrable by a wire bending test and by bilateral CGM enlargement as well.
Contrast enhanced X-ray computed tomography imaging of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer disease rat model on lab based micro CT system
Authors: Kavkova Michaela , Zikmund Tomas , Kala Annu , Salplachta Jakub , Proskauer Pena Stephanie L. , Kaiser Josef , Jezek Karel
Published: March 2021

Amyloid plaques are small (~ 50 μm), highly-dense aggregates of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein in brain tissue, supposed to play a key role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plaques´ in vivo detection, spatial distribution and quantitative characterization could be an essential marker in diagnostics and evaluation of AD progress. However, current imaging methods in clinics possess substantial limits in sensitivity towards Aβ plaques to play a considerable role in AD screening. Contrast enhanced X-ray micro computed tomography (micro CT) is an emerging highly sensitive imaging technique capable of high resolution visualization of rodent brain. In this study we show the absorption based contrast enhanced X-ray micro CT imaging is viable method for detection and 3D analysis of Aβ plaques in transgenic rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease. Using iodine contrasted brain tissue isolated from the Tg-F344-AD rat model we show the micro CT imaging is capable of precise imaging of Aβ plaques, making possible to further analyze various aspects of their 3D spatial distribution and other properties.
Lgals9 deficiency ameliorates obesity by modulating redox state of PRDX2
Authors: Nunoue Tomokazu , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Teshigawara Sanae , Katayama Akihiro , Nakatsuka Atsuko , Eguchi Jun , Niki Toshiro , Wada Jun
Published: March 2021

The adipose tissue is regarded as an endocrine organ and secretes bioactive adipokines modulating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity. Gal-9 is secreted out upon cell injuries, interacts with T-cell immunoglobulin-3 (Tim-3) and induces apoptosis in activated Th1 cells. Gal-9 also binds to protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), maintains PDI on surface of T cells, and increases free thiols in the disulfide/thiol cycles. To explore the molecular mechanism of obesity, we investigated Gal-9−/− and Gal-9wt/wt C57BL/6J mice fed with high fat-high sucrose (HFHS) chow. Gal-9−/− mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity associated with reduction of epididymal and mesenteric fat tissues and improved glucose tolerance compared with Gal-9wt/wt mice. However, the number of M1, M2 macrophages, and M1/M2 ratio in epididymal fat were unaltered. Under HFHS chow, Gal-9−/− mice receiving Gal-9−/− or Gal-9wt/wt bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) demonstrated significantly lower body weight compared with Gal-9wt/wt mice receiving Gal-9−/− BMCs. We identified the binding between Gal-9 and peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) in sugar chain-independent manner by nanoLC-MS/MS, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assay. In 3T3L1 adipocytes, Gal-9 knockdown shifts PRDX2 monomer (reduced form) dominant from PRDX2 dimer (oxidized form) under oxidative stress with H2O2. The inhibition of Gal-9 in adipocytes may be a new therapeutic approach targeting the oxidative stress and subsequent glucose intolerance in obesity.
Electrostatic wave breaking limit in a cold electronegative plasma with non-Maxwellian electrons
Authors: Elkamash I. S. , Kourakis I.
Published: March 2021

A one-dimensional multifluid hydrodynamic model has been adopted as basis for an investigation of the role of suprathermal electrons on the wave breaking amplitude limit for electrostatic excitations propagating in an electronegative plasma. A three-component plasma is considered, consisting of two inertial cold ion populations of opposite signs, evolving against a uniform background of (non-Maxwellian) electrons. A kappa-type (non-Maxwellian) distribution function is adopted for the electrons. By employing a traveling wave approximation, the first integral for the fluid-dynamical system has been derived, in the form of a pseudo-energy balance equation, and analyzed. The effect of intrinsic plasma parameters (namely the ion density ratio, the ion mass ratio, and the superthermal index of the nonthermal electrons) on the wave breaking amplitude limit is explored, by analyzing the phase space topology of the associated pseudopotential function. Our results are relevant to particle acceleration in Space environments and to recent experiments based on plasma-based accelerator schemes, where the simultaneous presence of negative ions and nonthermal electrons may be observed.
On the morphological relations of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia via the calcaneus: a cadaveric study
Authors: Singh A. , Zwirner J. , Templer F. , Kieser D. , Klima S. , Hammer N.
Published: March 2021

Current treatments of plantar fasciitis are based on the premise that the Achilles tendon (AT) and plantar fascia (PF) are mechanically directly linked, which is an area of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological relationship between the AT and PF. Nineteen cadaveric feet were x-ray imaged, serially sectioned and plastinated for digital image analyses. Measurements of the AT and PF thicknesses and cross-sectional areas (CSA) were performed at their calcaneal insertion. The fiber continuity was histologically assessed in representative subsamples. Strong correlations exist between the CSA of the AT and PF at calcaneal insertion and the CSA of PF’s insertional length (r = 0.80), and between the CSAs of AT’s and PF’s insertional lengths. Further correlations were observed between AT and PF thicknesses (r = 0.62). This close morphological relationship could, however, not be confirmed through x-ray nor complete fiber continuity in histology. This study provides evidence for a morphometric relationship between the AT and PF, which suggests the presence of a functional relationship between these two structures following the biological key idea that the structure determines the function. The observed morphological correlations substantiate the existing mechanical link between the AT and PF via the posterior calcaneus and might explain why calf stretches are a successful treatment option for plantar heel pain.
PIM kinases mediate resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Marayati Raoud , Stafman Laura L. , Williams Adele P. , Bownes Laura V. , Quinn Colin H. , Aye Jamie M. , Stewart Jerry E. , Yoon Karina J. , Anderson Joshua C. , Willey Christopher D. , Beierle Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2021

Despite increasing incidence, treatment for hepatoblastoma has not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Chemotherapeutic strategies continue to rely on cisplatin, as it remains the most active single agent against hepatoblastoma. However, chemoresistance remains a significant challenge with 54–80% of patients developing resistance to chemotherapy after 4–5 cycles of treatment. Stem cell-like cancer cells (SCLCCs) are a subset of cells thought to play a role in chemoresistance and disease recurrence. We have previously demonstrated that Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases, specifically PIM3, play a role in hepatoblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth and maintain the SCLCC phenotype. Here, we describe the development of a cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma xenograft model of the human HuH6 cell line and a patient-derived xenograft, COA67. We provide evidence that these cisplatin-resistant cells are enriched for SCLCCs and express PIM3 at higher levels than cisplatin-naïve cells. We demonstrate that PIM inhibition with AZD1208 sensitizes cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma cells to cisplatin, enhances cisplatin-mediated apoptosis, and decreases the SCLCC phenotype seen with cisplatin resistance. Together, these findings indicate that PIM inhibition may be a promising adjunct in the treatment of hepatoblastoma to effectively target SCLCCs and potentially decrease chemoresistance and subsequent disease relapse.
Stage-dependent effects of intermittent hypoxia influence the outcome of hippocampal adult neurogenesis
Authors: Khuu Maggie A. , Nallamothu Thara , Castro-Rivera Carolina I. , Arias-Cavieres Alejandra , Szujewski Caroline C. , Garcia III Alfredo J.
Published: March 2021

Over one billion adults worldwide are estimated to suffer from sleep apnea, a condition with wide-reaching effects on brain health. Sleep apnea causes cognitive decline and is a risk factor for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Rodents exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH), a hallmark of sleep apnea, exhibit spatial memory deficits associated with impaired hippocampal neurophysiology and dysregulated adult neurogenesis. We demonstrate that IH creates a pro-oxidant condition that reduces the Tbr2+ neural progenitor pool early in the process, while also suppressing terminal differentiation of adult born neurons during late adult neurogenesis. We further show that IH-dependent cell-autonomous hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1a) signaling is activated in early neuroprogenitors and enhances the generation of adult born neurons upon termination of IH. Our findings indicate that oscillations in oxygen homeostasis, such as those found in sleep apnea, have complex stage-dependent influence over hippocampal adult neurogenesis.
Polystyrene microplastic contamination versus microplankton abundances in two lagoons of the Florida Keys
Authors: Badylak Susan , Phlips Edward , Batich Christopher , Jackson Miranda , Wachnicka Anna
Published: March 2021

A microscopic study of microplankton in two coastal lagoons in the Florida Keys coincidently, and unexpectedly, revealed the widespread presence of high concentrations of polystyrene microplastic particles. The polystyrene particles were first observed in the second year of a 2-year study of phytoplankton communities, with peak densities in the spring/summer of 2019 at all ten sampling sites in the two lagoons. Polystyrene particle densities reached levels up to 76,000 L−1. The particles ranged in size from 33 to 190 µm, similar to the size range of microplanktonic algae (20–200 µm). Over the period of peak polystyrene densities, average particle densities were similar to average densities of microplanktonic algae cells. The latter observation highlights the potential significance of the microplastic particles for the ecology of the pristine waters of the Florida Keys, if they persist.
How and why patterns of sexual dimorphism in human faces vary across the world
Authors: Kleisner Karel , Tureček Petr , Roberts S. Craig , Havlíček Jan , Valentova Jaroslava Varella , Akoko Robert Mbe , Leongómez Juan David , Apostol Silviu , Varella Marco A. C. , Saribay S. Adil
Published: March 2021

Sexual selection, including mate choice and intrasexual competition, is responsible for the evolution of some of the most elaborated and sexually dimorphic traits in animals. Although there is sexual dimorphism in the shape of human faces, it is not clear whether this is similarly due to mate choice, or whether mate choice affects only part of the facial shape difference between men and women. Here we explore these questions by investigating patterns of both facial shape and facial preference across a diverse set of human populations. We find evidence that human populations vary substantially and unexpectedly in both the magnitude and direction of facial sexually dimorphic traits. In particular, European and South American populations display larger levels of facial sexual dimorphism than African populations. Neither cross-cultural differences in facial shape variation, sex differences in body height, nor differing preferences for facial femininity and masculinity across countries, explain the observed patterns of facial dimorphism. Altogether, the association between sexual shape dimorphism and attractiveness is moderate for women and weak (or absent) for men. Analysis that distinguishes between allometric and non-allometric components reveals that non-allometric facial dimorphism is preferred in women’s faces but not in faces of men. This might be due to different regimes of ongoing sexual selection acting on men, such as stronger intersexual selection for body height and more intense intrasexual physical competition, compared with women.
Integrative analysis of the microbiome and metabolome in understanding the causes of sugarcane bitterness
Authors: Huang Weijuan , Sun Donglei , Chen Lijun , An Yuxing
Published: March 2021

Plant–microbe interactions can modulate the plant metabolome, but there is no information about how different soil microbiomes could affect the sugarcane metabolome and its quality. Here, we collected soil and stalk samples from bitter sugarcane (BS) and sweet sugarcane (SS) to conduct chemical analysis, microbiome and metabolome analysis. Our data revealed lower species diversity in the BS group than in the SS group, and 18 discriminatory OTUs (relative abundance ≥ 0.01%) were identified. Sugarcane metabolomic analysis indicated the different abundances of 247 metabolites between the two groups in which 22 distinct metabolites involved in two flavonoid biosynthesis pathways were revealed. Integrated analysis between soil microbial taxa, stalk chemical components, and soil properties showed that the flavonoid content in stalks and the nitrogen concentration in soil were highly correlated with the soil microbiome composition. Bacteria at the genus level exhibited greater associations with distinct metabolites, and six genera were independently associated with 90.9% of the sugarcane metabolites that play a major metabolic role in sugarcane. In conclusion, this study provided evidences that the interaction between plant–microbiome can change the plant metabolome.
Endogenous suppression of WNT signalling in human embryonic stem cells leads to low differentiation propensity towards definitive endoderm
Authors: Dziedzicka Dominika , Tewary Mukul , Keller Alexander , Tilleman Laurentijn , Prochazka Laura , Östblom Joel , Couvreu De Deckersberg Edouard , Markouli Christina , Franck Silvie , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Spits Claudia , Zandstra Peter W. , Sermon Karen , Geens Mieke
Published: March 2021

Low differentiation propensity towards a targeted lineage can significantly hamper the utility of individual human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines in biomedical applications. Here, we use monolayer and micropatterned cell cultures, as well as transcriptomic profiling, to investigate how variability in signalling pathway activity between human embryonic stem cell lines affects their differentiation efficiency towards definitive endoderm (DE). We show that endogenous suppression of WNT signalling in hPSCs at the onset of differentiation prevents the switch from self-renewal to DE specification. Gene expression profiling reveals that this inefficient switch is reflected inNANOGexpression dynamics. Importantly, we demonstrate that higher WNT stimulation or inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signalling can overcome the DE commitment blockage. Our findings highlight that redirection of the activity of Activin/NODAL pathway by WNT signalling towards mediating DE fate specification is a vulnerable spot, as disruption of this process can result in poor hPSC specification towards DE.
Publisher Correction: Understanding Factors Leading to Primary Cesarean Section and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (North-Eastern Italy), 2005–2015
Authors: Cegolon L. , Mastrangelo G. , Maso G. , Dal Pozzo G. , Ronfani L. , Cegolon A. , Heymann W. C. , Barbone F.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ocular phenotypes in a mouse model of impaired glucocerebrosidase activity
Authors: Weber Martin , Min Sang-Won , Truong Tom , Hung Jeffrey , Dale Stephanie , Reichelt Mike , Ubhayakar Savita , Cain-Hom Carol , Baca Miriam , Jiang Zhiyu , Li Qingling , Brendza Robert , Lin Han , Kung Chung , Forrest William F. , Quiason-Huynh Cristine , Sandoval Wendy , Chen Buyun , Deng Yuzhong , Easton Amy , Foreman Oded , Sene Abdoulaye , Bingol Baris
Published: March 2021

Mutations in the GBA1 gene encoding glucocerebrosidase (GCase) are linked to Gaucher (GD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Since some GD and PD patients develop ocular phenotypes, we determined whether ocular phenotypes might result from impaired GCase activity and the corresponding accumulation of glucosylceramide (GluCer) and glucosylsphingosine (GluSph) in the Gba1D409V/D409V knock-in (Gba KI/KI; “KI”) mouse. Gba KI mice developed age-dependent pupil dilation deficits to an anti-muscarinic agent; histologically, the iris covered the anterior part of the lens with adhesions between the iris and the anterior surface of the lens (posterior synechia). This may prevent pupil dilation in general, beyond an un-responsiveness of the iris to anti-muscarinics. Gba KI mice displayed atrophy and pigment dispersion of the iris, and occlusion of the iridocorneal angle by pigment-laden cells, reminiscent of secondary open angle glaucoma. Gba KI mice showed progressive thinning of the retina consistent with retinal degeneration. GluSph levels were increased in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, suggesting that accumulation of lipids in the eye may contribute to degeneration in this compartment. We conclude that the Gba KI model provides robust and reproducible eye phenotypes which may be used to test for efficacy and establish biomarkers for GBA1-related therapies.
Air-bridged Schottky diodes for dynamically tunable millimeter-wave metamaterial phase shifters
Authors: Vassos Evangelos , Churm James , Powell Jeff , Viegas Colin , Alderman Byron , Feresidis Alexandros
Published: March 2021

A low loss metamaterial unit cell is presented with an integrated GaAs air-bridged Schottky diode to produce a dynamically tunable reflective phase shifter that is capable of up to 250° phase shift with an experimentally measured average loss of 6.2 dB at V-band. The air-bridged Schottky diode provides a tuneable capacitance in the range between 30 and 50 fF under an applied reverse voltage bias. This can be used to alter the resonant frequency and phase response of a split patch unit cell of a periodic metasurface. The air-bridged diode die, which is flip-chip soldered to the patch, has ultra-low parasitic capacitance and resistance. Simulated and measured results are presented which verify the potential for the attainment of diode switching speeds with acceptable losses at mmWave frequencies. Furthermore the study shows that this diode-based unit cell can be integrated into metamaterial components, which have potential applications in future mmWave antenna beam-steering, intelligent reflecting surfaces for 6G communications, reflect-arrays, transmit-arrays or holographic antennas.
Critical evaluation of deep neural networks for wrist fracture detection
Authors: Raisuddin Abu Mohammed , Vaattovaara Elias , Nevalainen Mika , Nikki Marko , Järvenpää Elina , Makkonen Kaisa , Pinola Pekka , Palsio Tuula , Niemensivu Arttu , Tervonen Osmo , Tiulpin Aleksei
Published: March 2021

Wrist Fracture is the most common type of fracture with a high incidence rate. Conventional radiography (i.e. X-ray imaging) is used for wrist fracture detection routinely, but occasionally fracture delineation poses issues and an additional confirmation by computed tomography (CT) is needed for diagnosis. Recent advances in the field of Deep Learning (DL), a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI), have shown that wrist fracture detection can be automated using Convolutional Neural Networks. However, previous studies did not pay close attention to the difficult cases which can only be confirmed via CT imaging. In this study, we have developed and analyzed a state-of-the-art DL-based pipeline for wrist (distal radius) fracture detection—DeepWrist, and evaluated it against one general population test set, and one challenging test set comprising only cases requiring confirmation by CT. Our results reveal that a typical state-of-the-art approach, such as DeepWrist, while having a near-perfect performance on the general independent test set, has a substantially lower performance on the challenging test set—average precision of 0.99 (0.99–0.99) versus 0.64 (0.46–0.83), respectively. Similarly, the area under the ROC curve was of 0.99 (0.98–0.99) versus 0.84 (0.72–0.93), respectively. Our findings highlight the importance of a meticulous analysis of DL-based models before clinical use, and unearth the need for more challenging settings for testing medical AI systems.
Very long-chain fatty acids are accumulated in triacylglycerol and nonesterified forms in colorectal cancer tissues
Authors: Hama Kotaro , Fujiwara Yuko , Hayama Tamuro , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Nozawa Keijiro , Matsuda Keiji , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Yokoyama Kazuaki
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cancer, and its precise diagnosis is especially important for the development of effective therapeutics. In a series of metabolome analyses, the levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) were shown to be elevated in CRC tissues, although the endogenous form of VLCFA has not been fully elucidated. In this study we analyzed the amount of nonesterified fatty acids, acyl-CoA species, phospholipids and neutral lipids such as cholesterylesters using liquid-chromatography–mass spectrometry. Here we showed that VLCFA were accumulated in triacylglycerol (TAG) and nonesterified forms in CRC tissues. The levels of TAG species harboring a VLCFA moiety (VLCFA-TAG) were significantly correlated with that of nonesterified VLCFA. We also showed that the expression level of elongation of very long-chain fatty acids protein 1 (ELOVL1) is increased in CRC tissues, and the inhibition of ELOVL1 decreased the levels of VLCFA-TAG and nonesterified VLCFA in CRC cell lines. Our results suggest that the upregulation of ELOVL1 contributes to the accumulation of VLCFA-TAG and nonesterified VLCFA in CRC tissues.
Ocular biometric features of pediatric patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor-related syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Lee Byung Joo , Lee Kihwang , Chung Seung Ah , Lim Hyun Taek
Published: March 2021

Ametropia is reported as a common ophthalmic manifestation in craniosynostosis. We retrospectively compared childhood refractive error and ocular biometric features of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-related syndromic craniosynostosis patients with those of non-syndromic craniosynostosis and control subjects. Thirty-six eyes (18 patients) with FGFR-related syndromic craniosynostosis, 76 eyes (38 patients) with non-syndromic craniosynostosis, and 114 eyes (57 patients) of intermittent exotropes were included in the analysis. Mean age at examination was 7.82 ± 2.51 (range, 4–16) years and mean spherical equivalent was -0.09 ± 1.46 Diopter. Mean age and refractive error were not different between groups, but syndromic craniosynostosis patients had significantly longer axial length, lower corneal power, and lower lens power than other groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Axial length was positively correlated and keratometry and lens power were negatively correlated with age in non-syndromic craniosynostosis and controls, while these correlations between age and ocular biometric parameters were not present in the FGFR-related syndromic craniosynostosis. In conclusion, ocular biometric parameters in FGFR-related syndromic craniosynostosis differed from those of non-syndromic craniosynostosis and age-matched controls, and did not show the relations with age, suggesting this cohort may have abnormal refractive growth.
African soil properties and nutrients mapped at 30 m spatial resolution using two-scale ensemble machine learning
Authors: Hengl Tomislav , Miller Matthew A. E. , Križan Josip , Shepherd Keith D. , Sila Andrew , Kilibarda Milan , Antonijević Ognjen , Glušica Luka , Dobermann Achim , Haefele Stephan M. , McGrath Steve P. , Acquah Gifty E. , Collinson Jamie , Parente Leandro , Sheykhmousa Mohammadreza , Saito Kazuki , Johnson Jean-Martial , Chamberlin Jordan , Silatsa Francis B. T. , Yemefack Martin , Wendt John , MacMillan Robert A. , Wheeler Ichsani , Crouch Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Soil property and class maps for the continent of Africa were so far only available at very generalised scales, with many countries not mapped at all. Thanks to an increasing quantity and availability of soil samples collected at field point locations by various government and/or NGO funded projects, it is now possible to produce detailed pan-African maps of soil nutrients, including micro-nutrients at fine spatial resolutions. In this paper we describe production of a 30 m resolution Soil Information System of the African continent using, to date, the most comprehensive compilation of soil samples ($$N \approx 150,000$$N≈150,000) and Earth Observation data. We produced predictions for soil pH, organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N), total carbon, effective Cation Exchange Capacity (eCEC), extractable—phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn)—silt, clay and sand, stone content, bulk density and depth to bedrock, at three depths (0, 20 and 50 cm) and using 2-scale 3D Ensemble Machine Learning framework implemented in the (Machine Learning in ) package. As covariate layers we used 250 m resolution (MODIS, PROBA-V and SM2RAIN products), and 30 m resolution (Sentinel-2, Landsat and DTM derivatives) images. Our fivefold spatial Cross-Validation results showed varying accuracy levels ranging from the best performing soil pH (CCC = 0.900) to more poorly predictable extractable phosphorus (CCC = 0.654) and sulphur (CCC = 0.708) and depth to bedrock. Sentinel-2 bands SWIR (B11, B12), NIR (B09, B8A), Landsat SWIR bands, and vertical depth derived from 30 m resolution DTM, were the overall most important 30 m resolution covariates. Climatic data images—SM2RAIN, bioclimatic variables and MODIS Land Surface Temperature—however, remained as the overall most important variables for predicting soil chemical variables at continental scale. This publicly available 30-m Soil Information System of Africa aims at supporting numerous applications, including soil and fertilizer policies and investments, agronomic advice to close yield gaps, environmental programs, or targeting of nutrition interventions.
Author Correction: Testing for context-dependent effects of prenatal thyroid hormones on offspring survival and physiology: an experimental temperature manipulation
Authors: Hsu Bin-Yan , Sarraude Tom , Cossin-Sevrin Nina , Crombecque Mélanie , Stier Antoine , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
High-dose-rate brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy versus low-dose-rate brachytherapy with or without external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Masui Koji , Suzuki Gen , Aibe Norihiro , Shimizu Daisuke , Kimoto Takuya , Yamada Kei , Ueno Akihisa , Matsugasumi Toru , Yamada Yasuhiro , Shiraishi Takumi , Fujihara Atsuko , Okihara Koji , Yoshida Ken , Nakamura Satoaki
Published: March 2021

To compare the outcomes of localized prostate cancer treatment with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) and low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT), we examined 924 patients treated with HDR-BT + external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and 500 patients treated with LDR-BT ± EBRT using multi-institutional retrospective data. The HDR-BT treated advanced disease with more hormonal therapy than LDR-BT. To reduce background selection bias, we performed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis using propensity scores and excluded patients with T3b-4 disease/ initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels > 50 ng/ml. The actuarial 5-year biochemical control rates (5y-bNED) were 96.3% and 95.7% in the HDR-BT and LDR-BT groups, respectively. The corresponding values were 100% and 96.5% in the low-risk group; 97.4% and 97.1% in the intermediate-risk group (97.2% and 97% in the higher titer group and 97.5% and 94.6% in the lower titer group, respectively); and 95.7% and 94.9% in the selected high-risk group, respectively. IPTW correction indicated no significant difference among the groups. The 5y-bNED in the HDR-BT + EBRT, LDR-BT + EBRT, and LDR-BT alone groups were 96.3%, 95.5%, and 97%, respectively (P = 0.3011). The corresponding values were 97.4%, 94.7%, and 96.6% (P = 0.1004) in the intermediate-risk group (97.5%, 100%, and 94.5% in the lower titer group [P = 0.122] and 97.2%, 96.2%, and 100% [P = 0.664] in the higher titer group, respectively) and 95.7%, 95.5%, and 100% (P = 0.859) in the high-risk group, respectively. The HDR-BT group showed a lower incidence of acute grade ≥ 2 genitourinary toxicities; the incidence of other early and late grade ≥ 2 toxicities were similar between the HDR-BT and LDR-BT groups. Acute genitourinary toxicity predicted the occurrence of late genitourinary toxicity. EBRT increased the risk of grade ≥ 2 gastrointestinal toxicity. HDR-BT + EBRT is a good alternative to LDR-BT ± EBRT for low-, intermediate-, and selected high-risk patients.
Protective effect of titanium tetrafluoride and silver diamine fluoride on radiation-induced dentin caries in vitro
Authors: de Souza Beatriz Martines , Silva Mayara Souza , Braga Aline Silva , Bueno Patrícia Sanches Kerges , da Silva Santos Paulo Sergio , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Magalhães Ana Carolina
Published: March 2021

This in vitro study evaluated the protective effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) varnish and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution on the radiation-induced dentin caries. Bovine root dentin samples were irradiated (70 Gy) and treated as follows: (6 h): 4% TiF4 varnish; 5.42% NaF varnish; 30% SDF solution; placebo varnish; or untreated (negative control). Microcosm biofilm was produced from human dental biofilm (from patients with head-neck cancer) mixed with McBain saliva for the first 8 h. After 16 h and from day 2 to day 5, McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) was replaced daily (37 °C, 5% CO2) (biological triplicate). Demineralization was quantified by transverse microradiography (TMR), while biofilm was analyzed by using viability, colony-forming units (CFU) counting and lactic acid production assays. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). TiF4 and SDF were able to reduce mineral loss compared to placebo and the negative control. TiF4 and SDF significantly reduced the biofilm viability compared to negative control. TiF4 significantly reduced the CFU count of total microorganism, while only SDF affected total streptococci and mutans streptococci counts. The varnishes induced a reduction in lactic acid production compared to the negative control. TiF4 and SDF may be good alternatives to control the development of radiation-induced dentin caries.
The cyclophilin inhibitor NIM-811 increases muscle cell survival with hypoxia in vitro and improves gait performance following ischemia–reperfusion in vivo
Authors: El Baradie Khairat Bahgat Youssef , Khan Mohammad B. , Mendhe Bharati , Waller Jennifer , O’Brien Frederick , Hamrick Mark W.
Published: March 2021

Acute ischemia–reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle is a significant clinical concern in the trauma setting. The mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitor NIM-811 has previously been shown to reduce ischemic injury in the liver and kidney. The effects of this treatment on skeletal muscle are, however, not well understood. We first used an in vitro model of muscle cell ischemia in which primary human skeletal myoblasts were exposed to hypoxic conditions (1% O2 and 5% CO2) for 6 h. Cells were treated with NIM-811 (0–20 µM). MTS assay was used to quantify cell survival and LDH assay to quantify cytotoxicity 2 h after treatment. Results indicate that NIM-811 treatment of ischemic myotubes significantly increased cell survival and decreased LDH in a dose-dependent manner. We then examined NIM-811 effects in vivo using orthodontic rubber bands (ORBs) for 90 min of single hindlimb ischemia. Mice received vehicle or NIM-811 (10 mg/kg BW) 10 min before reperfusion and 3 h later. Ischemia and reperfusion were monitored using laser speckle imaging. In vivo data demonstrate that mice treated with NIM-811 showed increased gait speed and improved Tarlov scores compared to vehicle-treated mice. The ischemic limbs of female mice treated with NIM-811 showed significantly lower levels of MCP-1, IL-23, IL-6, and IL-1α compared to limbs of vehicle-treated mice. Similarly, male mice treated with NIM-811 showed significantly lower levels of MCP-1 and IL-1a. These findings are clinically relevant as MCP-1, IL-23, IL-6, and IL-1α are all pro-inflammatory factors that are thought to contribute directly to tissue damage after ischemic injury. Results from the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that NIM-811 and possibly other mitochondrial permeability transition inhibitors may be effective for improving skeletal muscle salvage and survival after ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Rational design of a HA-AuNPs@AIED nanoassembly for activatable fluorescence detection of HAase and imaging in tumor cells
Authors: Wang Shenglan , Zhang Chong-Hua , Zhang Peisheng , Chen Shu , Song Zhi-ling , Chen Jian , Zeng Rongjin
Published: March 2021

A novel AIE-dot-based nanoprobe HA-AuNPs@AIEDs was designed for activatable fluorescence detection of HAase and imaging in tumor cells.
Defect-engineered porphyrinic metal–organic framework nanoparticles for targeted multimodal cancer phototheranostics
Authors: Wang Chenyuan , Xiong Chuxiao , Li Zhike , Hu Liefeng , Wei Jianshuang , Tian Jian
Published: March 2021

Defect-engineered porphyrinic MOF nanoparticles are fabricated via a facile one-pot protocol using cypate as the co-ligand and modulator. The all-in-one nanoplatform demonstrates multimodal diagnostic imaging and synergistic cancer phototherapy.
Theoretical insights on the excited-state-deactivation mechanisms of protonated thymine and cytosine
Authors: Shahrokh Leila , Omidyan Reza , Azimi Gholamhassan
Published: March 2021

Excited-state deactivation mechanism of protonated cytosine and thymine is investigated based on ab initio and NAMD simulation methods. The ring deformation from C6 region is suggested to play the most prominent role in deactivation mechanism.
Viscosity and liquid–liquid phase separation in healthy and stressed plant SOA
Authors: Smith Natalie R. , Crescenzo Giuseppe V. , Huang Yuanzhou , Hettiyadura Anusha P. S. , Siemens Kyla , Li Ying , Faiola Celia L. , Laskin Alexander , Shiraiwa Manabu , Bertram Allan K. , Nizkorodov Sergey A.
Published: March 2021

Molecular composition, viscosity, and phase state were investigated for secondary organic aerosol derived from synthetic mixtures of volatile organic compounds representing emissions from healthy and aphid-stressed Scots pine trees.
Ultra-long-life and highly reversible Zn metal anodes enabled by a desolvation and deanionization interface layer
Authors: Zhang Xiaotan , Li Jiangxu , Liu Dongyan , Liu Mengke , Zhou Tiansheng , Qi Kaiwen , Shi Lei , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: March 2021

A bifunctional CNG membrane was constructed to achieve dendrite-free and corrosion-free Zn anodes by desolvation and deanionization effects. CNG/Zn anodes could have an ultra-long lifespan of ∼5500 h and a high CE (99.4%).
Novel nitrogen-doped KFeS2/C composites for the efficient removal of Cr(vi)
Authors: Su Qiaohong , Khan Adnan Ali , Su Zhi , Tian Chen , Li Xiaoqin , Gu Jiahua , Zhang Ting , Ahmad Rashid , Su Xintai , Lin Zhang
Published: March 2021

The removal mechanism of nitrogen-doped KFeS2/C composites for Cr(vi) is adsorption and redox reaction, and the redox reaction is dominant.
High content, quantitative AFM analysis of the scalable biomechanical properties of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Gazze Salvatore Andrea , Thomas Samantha J. , Garcia-Parra Jetzabel , James David W. , Rees Paul , Marsh-Durban Victoria , Corteling Randolph , Gonzalez Deyarina , Conlan R. Steven , Francis Lewis W.
Published: March 2021

This work combines high-content AFM with a data extraction tool for rapid analysis of EVs and other nanoparticles. It is applied here to evaluate the effects of two common processing techniques on the biophysical properties of EVs.
Metabolic labeling probes for interrogation of the host–pathogen interaction
Authors: Ignacio Bob J. , Bakkum Thomas , Bonger Kimberly M. , Martin Nathaniel I. , van Kasteren Sander I.
Published: March 2021

Metabolic labeling of intracellular pathogens can provide new methods of studying host pathogen interactions.
A single point mutation converts a proton-pumping rhodopsin into a red-shifted, turn-on fluorescent sensor for chloride
Authors: Tutol Jasmine N. , Lee Jessica , Chi Hsichuan , Faizuddin Farah N. , Abeyrathna Sameera S. , Zhou Qin , Morcos Faruck , Meloni Gabriele , Dodani Sheel C.
Published: March 2021

By utilizing laboratory-guided evolution, we have converted the fluorescent proton-pumping rhodopsin GR fromGloeobacter violaceusinto GR1, a red-shifted, turn-on fluorescent sensor for chloride.
Excellent comprehensive energy storage capabilities achieved in linear polymer composites via inserting acrylic rubber dielectric elastomers
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Yifei , Chen Weixing
Published: March 2021

The maximum energy density of 12.45 J cm−3 has been delivered in the all-polymer composite with hierarchical structure with an ultra-high efficiency of 89%, surpassing the upper limits of the reported multilayered dielectric composites.
Tuning optical properties of nitrogen-doped carbon dots through fluorescence resonance energy transfer using Rhodamine B for the ratiometric sensing of mercury ions
Authors: Muthurasu A. , Ganesh V.
Published: March 2021

Fluorescence emission of a bright blue emitting nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs) is altered with Rhodamine B (RhB) using FRET to yield blue, violet, pink, orange and red emission colors that are explored for the selective sensing of mercury ions.
An improved PD-AsLS method for baseline estimation in EDXRF analysis
Authors: Zhang Qingxian , Li Hui , Xiao Hongfei , Zhang Jian , Li Xiaozhe , Yang Rui
Published: March 2021

The actual X-ray baseline spectrum estimated from PD-AsLS (a) and arPLS (b) with different λ; the estimated baseline from arPLS, PD-AsLS airPLS and AsLS when λ = 10 000 (c); and the details of channels 750 to 1000 (d).
A novel fluorescence probe for the selective detection of cysteine in aqueous solutions and imaging in living cells and mice
Authors: Mei Huihui , Wang Dongmei , Wang Minghui , Gu Xin , Liu Xuejun , Yang Li
Published: March 2021

A novel highly sensitive Cys fluorescent probe Toc-Ac exhibited long wavelength emission (560 nm) and large Stokes shift (∼140 nm) in aqueous solution. The probe was successfully applied in detecting endogenous Cys in living cells and mice.
Quantification of a mercapturate metabolite of the biocides methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone (“M-12”) in human urine using online-SPE-LC/MS/MS
Authors: Schettgen Thomas , Bertram Jens , Weber Till , Kraus Thomas , Kolossa-Gehring Marike
Published: March 2021

A first report on a urinary mercapturate metabolite of the biocides methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone in urine samples of the general population.
Photo-induced mitochondrial DNA damage and NADH depletion by –NO2 modified Ru(ii) complexes
Authors: Qi Shuang , Jin Zhihui , Jian Yao , Hou Yuanjun , Li Chao , Zhao Yao , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: March 2021

Ru(ii) PACT agents with a synchronous photo-catalyzed NADH depletion ability were reported for the first time and displayed good activity towards cisplatin-resistant cancer cells upon one- and two-photon excitation.
Plug-and-play aqueous electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Zhao Boyu , Mohammed Mahir , A. Jones Bryn , Wilson Paul
Published: March 2021

‘Plug-and-play’ simplified electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerisation of PEGA480 under potentiostatic and galvanostatic conditions proceeds with very good control to conversions up to 83%.
Molecular dynamics simulation of shock-induced microscopic bubble collapse
Authors: Zhan Shengpeng , Duan Haitao , Pan Lin , Tu Jiesong , Jia Dan , Yang Tian , Li Jian
Published: March 2021

The process of bubble collapse and a water hammer-like “fist” is formed after a micro-jet-generated bubble collapse, which then forms the effect of secondary water hammer impact.
Hydrogen bonding to metals as a probe for an inverted ligand field
Authors: Pérez-Bitrián Alberto , Baya Miguel , Casas José M. , Martín Antonio , Menjón Babil
Published: March 2021

The M⋯HO axial interaction in the isoleptic and isoelectronic square-planar compounds [(CF3)3Pt(hq)]− and (CF3)3Au(hq) turns from attractive (M = Pt) to repulsive (M = Au), evidencing ligand-field inversion when going from Pt to Au.
Preparation of high-strength and high-toughness sodium alginate fibers based on the study of multi-ion diffusion kinetics in a low temperature dissolution system
Authors: Yan Ming , Shi Junfeng , Liu Lingwei , Zhu Haotong , Tang Song , Zhou Guohang , Zeng Jiexiang , Zhang Hong , Yu Yue , Guo Jing
Published: March 2021

Diffusion kinetics under different coagulation conditions of high-strength and high-toughness sodium alginate fibers obtained through a low temperature dissolution method.
The fabrication of hollow ZrO2nanoreactors encapsulating Au–Fe2O3dumbbell nanoparticles for CO oxidation
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Chunzheng , Yu Hongbo , Wang Shiwei , Li Tong , Yan Bo , Yin Hongfeng
Published: March 2021

Au–Fe2O3@ZrO2yolk–shell nanoreactors demonstrate significantly enhanced catalytic performance as well as ultra-high sintering resistance for CO oxidation.
Heterojunction photocatalysts for artificial nitrogen fixation: fundamentals, latest advances and future perspectives
Authors: Lee Jiale , Tan Lling-Lling , Chai Siang-Piao
Published: March 2021

Heterojunction-type photocatalytic systems are promising nitrogen fixation photocatalysts for sustainable ammonia synthesis. Their fundamentals and application for solar-to-ammonia conversion, along with modification strategies are presented.
Hypervalent iodine(iii)-promoted rapid cascade reaction for the synthesis of unsymmetric azo compounds
Authors: Shen Jiabin , Xu Jun , Zhu Qing , Zhang Pengfei
Published: March 2021

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of unsymmetric azo compounds via a radical activation strategy has been reported. Various aryldiazonium salts and alkenes are well compatible, providing the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.
Constrained beta-amino acid-containing miniproteins
Authors: Drewniak-Świtalska Magda , Barycza Barbara , Rudzińska-Szostak Ewa , Morawiak Paweł , Berlicki Łukasz
Published: March 2021

The impact of constrained beta-amino acid substitutions on the conformational stability of two model miniproteins was evaluated.
Importance of molecular rigidity on reducing the energy losses in organic solar cells: implication from geometric relaxations of A–D–A electron acceptors
Authors: Duan Ruihong , Han Guangchao , Qu Ling-Bo , Yi Yuanping
Published: March 2021

The rigidity of molecular backbones has an important impact on the energy losses in organic solar cells.
Photocatalyst- and additive-free decarboxylative alkylation ofN-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines induced by visible light
Authors: Ma Pengju , Liu Yufei , Chen Lingling , Zhao Xu , Yang Bo , Zhang Junmin
Published: March 2021

A photocatalyst- and additive-free visible light induced decarboxylative alkylation ofN-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines has been developed using tetrachloro-N-hydroxyphthalimide esters as alkylation agents.
The in situ study of surface species and structures of oxide-derived copper catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Chen Chunjun , Yan Xupeng , Wu Yahui , Liu Shoujie , Sun Xiaofu , Zhu Qinggong , Feng Rongjuan , Wu Tianbin , Qian Qingli , Liu Huizhen , Zheng Lirong , Zhang Jing , Han Buxing
Published: March 2021

CuOx species were shown to exist on OD-Cu during the CO2RR, which resulted from the adsorption of preliminary intermediates (such as *CO2 and *OCO−) on Cu instead of on the active sites of the catalyst.
Advancing understanding of actinide(iii) (Ac, Am, Cm) aqueous complexation chemistry
Authors: Jones Zachary R. , Livshits Maksim Y. , White Frankie D. , Dalodière Elodie , Ferrier Maryline G. , Lilley Laura M. , Knope Karah E. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Mocko Veronika , Scott Brian L. , Stein Benjamin W. , Wacker Jennifer N. , Woen David H.
Published: March 2021

Actinide complexation from aqueous acetic acid/acetate buffered solutions is described. The number of water ligands was directly correlated with the acetate concentration and characterized by X-ray absorption and optical spectroscopy.
Broad-band spectroscopy of a vanadyl porphyrin: a model electronuclear spin qudit
Authors: Gimeno Ignacio , Urtizberea Ainhoa , Román-Roche Juan , Zueco David , Camón Agustín , Alonso Pablo J. , Roubeau Olivier , Luis Fernando
Published: March 2021

We show that a sizeable electronuclear entanglement of the S = 1/2 and I = 7/2 spins of a vanadyl porphyrin provides the conditions to act as a universal 4-qubit processor, and thus implement quantum error correction at the molecular level.
Near-infrared luminescent probes for bioimaging and biosensing
Authors: Zhang Fan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2021

Fan Zhang and Ben Zhong Tang introduce the Chemical Science themed issue on Near-infrared luminescent probes for bioimaging and biosensing.
Electron-deficient 4-nitrophthalonitrile passivated efficient perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 22%
Authors: Deng Longhui , Zhang Zhihao , Gao Yifeng , Xiong Qiu , Li Zicheng , Xu Jianbin , Zhang Zilong , Chen Jun , Gao Peng
Published: March 2021

We proved that electron-deficient 4-nitrophthalonitrile with σ–π accepting NO2 and –CN can passivate the charged defects in perovskite solar cells, which achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.1% and improved stability.
Controlling the chirality and number of strands of helices self-assembled from achiral block copolymers confined inside a nanopore: a simulation study
Authors: Hu Xiejun , Wang Zheng , Yin Yuhua , Jiang Run , Li Baohui
Published: March 2021

A chiral patch added to the confining cylindrical nanopore can induce the formation of helical structures from achiral block copolymers and exhibit good control over their chirality and the number of strands.
A 2D MOF-based artificial light-harvesting system with chloroplast bionic structure for photochemical catalysis
Authors: Jiang Zhong Wei , Zhao Ting Ting , Zhen Shu Jun , Li Chun Mei , Li Yuan Fang , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: March 2021

A 2D MOF-based artificial light-harvesting system as chloroplast mimic with high solar spectrum efficiency and energy transfer efficiency shows high-efficiency photocatalytic activity towards artemisinin production.