bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heuristic assessment of choices for risk network control
Authors: Brissette Christopher , Niu Xiang , Jiang Chunheng , Gao Jianxi , Korniss Gyorgy , Szymanski Boleslaw K.
Published: April 2021

Data-driven risk networks describe many complex system dynamics arising in fields such as epidemiology and ecology. They lack explicit dynamics and have multiple sources of cost, both of which are beyond the current scope of traditional control theory. We construct the global economy risk network by combining the consensus of experts from the World Economic Forum with risk activation data to define its topology and interactions. Many of these risks, including extreme weather and drastic inflation, pose significant economic costs when active. We introduce a method for converting network interaction data into continuous dynamics to which we apply optimal control. We contribute the first method for constructing and controlling risk network dynamics based on empirically collected data. We simulate applying this method to control the spread of COVID-19 and show that the choice of risks through which the network is controlled has significant influence on both the cost of control and the total cost of keeping network stable. We additionally describe a heuristic for choosing the risks trough which the network is controlled, given a general risk network.
Magnetoinductive waves in attenuating media
Authors: Chu Son , Luloff Mark S. , Yan Jiaruo , Petrov Pavel , Stevens Christopher J. , Shamonina Ekaterina
Published: April 2021

The capability of magnetic induction to transmit signals in attenuating environments has recently gained significant research interest. The wave aspect—magnetoinductive (MI) waves—has been proposed for numerous applications in RF-challenging environments, such as underground/underwater wireless networks, body area networks, and in-vivo medical diagnosis and treatment applications, to name but a few, where conventional electromagnetic waves have a number of limitations, most notably losses. To date, the effects of eddy currents inside the dissipative medium have not been characterised analytically. Here we propose a comprehensive circuit model of coupled resonators in a homogeneous dissipative medium, that takes into account all the electromagnetic effects of eddy currents, and, thereby, derive a general dispersion equation for the MI waves. We also report laboratory experiments to confirm our findings. Our work will serve as a fundamental model for design and analysis of every system employing MI waves or more generally, magnetically-coupled circuits in attenuating media.
The impact of late-career job loss and genetic risk on body mass index: Evidence from variance polygenic scores
Authors: Schmitz Lauren L. , Goodwin Julia , Miao Jiacheng , Lu Qiongshi , Conley Dalton
Published: April 2021

Unemployment shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic have reignited concerns over the long-term effects of job loss on population health. Past research has highlighted the corrosive effects of unemployment on health and health behaviors. This study examines whether the effects of job loss on changes in body mass index (BMI) are moderated by genetic predisposition using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS). To improve detection of gene-by-environment (G × E) interplay, we interacted layoffs from business closures—a plausibly exogenous environmental exposure—with whole-genome polygenic scores (PGSs) that capture genetic contributions to both the population mean (mPGS) and variance (vPGS) of BMI. Results show evidence of genetic moderation using a vPGS (as opposed to an mPGS) and indicate genome-wide summary measures of phenotypic plasticity may further our understanding of how environmental stimuli modify the distribution of complex traits in a population.
Climate change and anthropogenic food manipulation interact in shifting the distribution of a large herbivore at its altitudinal range limit
Authors: Bright Ross Julius G. , Peters Wibke , Ossi Federico , Moorcroft Paul R. , Cordano Emanuele , Eccel Emanuele , Bianchini Filippo , Ramanzin Maurizio , Cagnacci Francesca
Published: April 2021

Ungulates in alpine ecosystems are constrained by winter harshness through resource limitation and direct mortality from weather extremes. However, little empirical evidence has definitively established how current climate change and other anthropogenic modifications of resource availability affect ungulate winter distribution, especially at their range limits. Here, we used a combination of historical (1997–2002) and contemporary (2012–2015) Eurasian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) relocation datasets that span changes in snowpack characteristics and two levels of supplemental feeding to compare and forecast probability of space use at the species’ altitudinal range limit. Scarcer snow cover in the contemporary period interacted with the augmented feeding site distribution to increase the elevation of winter range limits, and we predict this trend will continue under climate change. Moreover, roe deer have shifted from historically using feeding sites primarily under deep snow conditions to contemporarily using them under a wider range of snow conditions as their availability has increased. Combined with scarcer snow cover during December, January, and April, this trend has reduced inter-annual variability in space use patterns in these months. These spatial responses to climate- and artificial resource-provisioning shifts evidence the importance of these changing factors in shaping large herbivore spatial distribution and, consequently, ecosystem dynamics.
Method of lines for analysis of plane wave scattering by periodic arrays of magnetically-biased graphene strips
Authors: Ziaee Bideskan Mehri , Forooraghi Keyvan , Atlasbaf Zahra
Published: April 2021

In this paper, efficient analysis of the plane wave scattering by periodic arrays of magnetically-biased graphene strips (PAMGS) is performed using the semi-numerical, semi-analytical method of lines (MoL). In MoL, all but one independent variable is discretized to reduce a system of partial differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations. Since the solution in one coordinate direction is obtained analytically, this method is time effective with a fast convergence rate. In the case of a multi-layered PAMGS, the governing equations of the problem are discretized concerning periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) in the transverse direction. The reflection coefficient transformation approach is then used to obtain an analytical solution in the longitudinal direction. Here, magnetically-biased graphene strips are modeled as conductive strips with a tensor surface conductivity which is electromagnetically characterized with tensor graphene boundary condition (TGBC). The reflectance and transmittance of different multi-layered PAMGS are carefully obtained and compared with those of other methods reported in the literature. Very good accordance between the results is observed which confirms the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Author Correction: A new SNP genotyping technology Target SNP-seq and its application in genetic analysis of cucumber varieties
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Like , Luo Jiang , Zhao Hong , Zhang Jianan , Wen Changlong
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
An EAV-HP insertion in the promoter region of SLCO1B3 has pleiotropic effects on chicken liver metabolism based on the transcriptome and proteome analysis
Authors: Chen Jianfei , Hua Guoying , Han Deping , Zheng Xiaotong , Dong Xianggui , Wang Shuxiang , Long Junjiang , Zheng Zhonghua , Wang Ailing , Wang Jiankui , Wang Xiaotong , Deng Xuemei
Published: April 2021

Solute carrier organic anion transporter 1B3 (SLCO1B3) is an important liver primarily highly expressed gene, its encoded protein (OATP1B3) involved in the transport of multi-specific endogenous and exogenous substances. We previously reported that an EAV-HP inserted mutation (IM+) in the 5ʹ flanking region of SLCO1B3 was the causative mutation of chicken blue eggs, and a further research showed that IM+ significantly reduced the expression of SLCO1B3 in liver. Herein, we confirmed a cholate response element (IR-1) played an important role in activating SLCO1B3 and in vitro experiments showed that the activation of IR-1 can be significantly reduced by the EAV-HP IM+ . We performed transcriptome and proteomic analysis using the same set of IM+ and IM− liver tissues from Yimeng hens (a Chinese indigenous breed) to study the effect of SLCO1B3 and OATP1B3 expression reduction on chicken liver function. The results showed that common differential expression pathways were screened out from both transcriptome and proteome, in which fatty acid metabolism and drug metabolism—cytochrome P450 were significantly enriched in the KEGG analysis. The lipid-related metabolism was weakened in IM+ group, which was validated by serum biochemical assay. We unexpectedly found that EAV-HP fragment was highly expressed in the liver of the IM+ chickens. We cloned the EAV-HP full-length transcript and obtained the complete open reading frame. It is worth noting that there was some immune related differential expressed genes, such as NFKBIZ, NFKBIA, and IL1RL1, which were higher expressed in the IM+ group, which may due to the high expression of EAV-HP. Our study showed that EAV-HP IM+ reduced the expression of SLCO1B3 in liver, resulting in the decrease of fatty metabolism and exogenous substance transport capacity. The mutation itself also expressed in the liver and may be involved in the immune process. The mechanism needs further study.
Gaussian graphical modeling of the serum exposome and metabolome reveals interactions between environmental chemicals and endogenous metabolites
Authors: Bessonneau Vincent , Gerona Roy R. , Trowbridge Jessica , Grashow Rachel , Lin Thomas , Buren Heather , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Rudel Ruthann A.
Published: April 2021

Given the complex exposures from both exogenous and endogenous sources that an individual experiences during life, exposome-wide association studies that interrogate levels of small molecules in biospecimens have been proposed for discovering causes of chronic diseases. We conducted a study to explore associations between environmental chemicals and endogenous molecules using Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) of non-targeted metabolomics data measured in a cohort of California women firefighters and office workers. GGMs revealed many exposure-metabolite associations, including that exposures to mono-hydroxyisononyl phthalate, ethyl paraben and 4-ethylbenzoic acid were associated with metabolites involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, and perfluoroalkyl substances were linked to bile acids—hormones that regulate cholesterol and glucose metabolism—and inflammatory signaling molecules. Some hypotheses generated from these findings were confirmed by analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel approach to discovering associations between chemical exposures and biological processes of potential relevance for disease causation.
Putative plasmid prophages of Bacillus cereus sensu lato may hold the key to undiscovered phage diversity
Authors: Piligrimova Emma G. , Kazantseva Olesya A. , Kazantsev Andrey N. , Nikulin Nikita A. , Skorynina Anna V. , Koposova Olga N. , Shadrin Andrey M.
Published: April 2021

Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses and the most abundant biological entities on Earth. Temperate bacteriophages can form prophages stably maintained in the host population: they either integrate into the host genome or replicate as plasmids in the host cytoplasm. As shown, tailed temperate bacteriophages may form circular plasmid prophages in many bacterial species of the taxa Firmicutes, Gammaproteobacteria and Spirochaetes. The actual number of such prophages is thought to be underestimated for two main reasons: first, in bacterial whole genome-sequencing assemblies, they are difficult to distinguish from actual plasmids; second, there is an absence of experimental studies which are vital to confirm their existence. In Firmicutes, such prophages appear to be especially numerous. In the present study, we identified 23 genomes from species of the Bacillus cereus group that were deposited in GenBank as plasmids and may belong to plasmid prophages with little or no homology to known viruses. We consider these putative prophages worth experimental assays since it will broaden our knowledge of phage diversity and suggest that more attention be paid to such molecules in all bacterial sequencing projects as this will help in identifying previously unknown phages.
Smoothness correction for better SOFI imaging
Authors: Hugelier Siewert , Vandenberg Wim , Lukeš Tomáš , Grußmayer Kristin S. , Eilers Paul H. C. , Dedecker Peter , Ruckebusch Cyril
Published: April 2021

Sub-diffraction or super-resolution fluorescence imaging allows the visualization of the cellular morphology and interactions at the nanoscale. Statistical analysis methods such as super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) obtain an improved spatial resolution by analyzing fluorophore blinking but can be perturbed by the presence of non-stationary processes such as photodestruction or fluctuations in the illumination. In this work, we propose to use Whittaker smoothing to remove these smooth signal trends and retain only the information associated to independent blinking of the emitters, thus enhancing the SOFI signals. We find that our method works well to correct photodestruction, especially when it occurs quickly. The resulting images show a much higher contrast, strongly suppressed background and a more detailed visualization of cellular structures. Our method is parameter-free and computationally efficient, and can be readily applied on both two-dimensional and three-dimensional data.
A bottom-up model of functional outcome in schizophrenia
Authors: Luo Hongge , Zhao Yanli , Fan Fengmei , Fan Hongzhen , Wang Yunhui , Qu Wei , Wang Zhiren , Tan Yunlong , Zhang Xiujun , Tan Shuping
Published: April 2021

Schizophrenia results in poor functional outcomes owing to numerous factors. This study provides the first test of a bottom-up causal model of functional outcome in schizophrenia, using neurocognition, vocal emotional cognition, alexithymia, and negative symptoms as predictors of functional outcome. We investigated a cross-sectional sample of 135 individuals with schizophrenia and 78 controls. Using a series of structural equation modelling analyses, a single pathway was generated among scores from the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), vocal emotion recognition test, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Brief Negative Symptom Scale, and the Personal and Social Performance Scale. The scores for each dimension of the MCCB in the schizophrenia group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The recognition accuracy for different emotions (anger, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise, and satire, but not calm was significantly lower in the schizophrenia group than in the control group. Moreover, the scores on the three dimensions of TAS were significantly higher in the schizophrenia group than in the control group. On path analysis modelling, the proposed bottom-up causal model showed a strong fit with the data and formed a single pathway, from neurocognition to vocal emotional cognition, to alexithymia, to negative symptoms, and to poor functional outcomes. The study results strongly support the proposed bottom-up causal model of functional outcome in schizophrenia. The model could be used to better understand the causal factors related to the functional outcome, as well as for the development of intervention strategies to improve functional outcomes in schizophrenia.
Author Correction: Establishment, optimisation and quantitation of a bioluminescent murine infection model of visceral leishmaniasis for systematic vaccine screening
Authors: Ong Han Boon , Clare Simon , Roberts Adam Jonathan , Wilson Mary Edythe , Wright Gavin James
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Quantum paradigm of the foldover magnetic resonance
Authors: Bunkov Yu. M. , Kuzmichev A. N. , Safin T. R. , Vetoshko P. M. , Belotelov V. I. , Tagirov M. S.
Published: April 2021

The explosive development of quantum magnonics requires the consideration of several previously known effects from a new angle. In particular, taking into account the quantum behavior of magnons is essential at high excitations of the magnetic system, under the conditions of the so-called phenomenon of “foldover” (bi-stable) magnetic resonance. Previously, this effect was considered in the quasi-classical macrospin approximation. However, at large angles of magnetization precession, the magnon density exceeds the critical value for the formation of a magnon Bose condensate (mBEC). Naturally, this purely quantum phenomenon does not exist in the classical approximation. In addition, mBEC leads to superfluid transfer of magnetization, which suppresses the macroinhomogeneity of the samples. The experiments presented in the article show that quantum phenomena well describes the experimental results of nonlinear magnetic resonance in yttrium iron garnet. Thus, we remove the questions that arose earlier when considering this effect without taking into account quantum phenomena. This discovery paves the way for many quantum applications of supermagnonics, such as the magnetic Josephson effect, long-range spin transport, Q-bits, quantum logic, magnetic sensors, and others.
Ocular growth and metabolomics are dependent upon the spectral content of ambient white light
Authors: Najjar Raymond P. , Chao De La Barca Juan Manuel , Barathi Veluchamy A. , Ho Candice Ee Hua , Lock Jing Zhan , Muralidharan Arumugam R. , Tan Royston K. Y. , Dhand Chetna , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Reynier Pascal , Milea Dan
Published: April 2021

Myopia results from an excessive axial growth of the eye, causing abnormal projection of remote images in front of the retina. Without adequate interventions, myopia is forecasted to affect 50% of the world population by 2050. Exposure to outdoor light plays a critical role in preventing myopia in children, possibly through the brightness and blue-shifted spectral composition of sunlight, which lacks in artificial indoor lighting. Here, we evaluated the impact of moderate levels of ambient standard white (SW: 233.1 lux, 3900 K) and blue-enriched white (BEW: 223.8 lux, 9700 K) lights on ocular growth and metabolomics in a chicken-model of form-deprivation myopia. Compared to SW light, BEW light decreased aberrant ocular axial elongation and accelerated recovery from form-deprivation. Furthermore, the metabolomic profiles in the vitreous and retinas of recovering form-deprived eyes were distinct from control eyes and were dependent on the spectral content of ambient light. For instance, exposure to BEW light was associated with deep lipid remodeling and metabolic changes related to energy production, cell proliferation, collagen turnover and nitric oxide metabolism. This study provides new insight on light-dependent modulations in ocular growth and metabolomics. If replicable in humans, our findings open new potential avenues for spectrally-tailored light-therapy strategies for myopia.
Efficient collection of a large number of mutations by mutagenesis of DNA damage response defective animals
Authors: Suehiro Yuji , Yoshina Sawako , Motohashi Tomoko , Iwata Satoru , Dejima Katsufumi , Mitani Shohei
Published: April 2021

With the development of massive parallel sequencing technology, it has become easier to establish new model organisms that are ideally suited to the specific biological phenomena of interest. Considering the history of research using classical model organisms, we believe that the efficient construction and sharing of gene mutation libraries will facilitate the progress of studies using these new model organisms. Using C. elegans, we applied the TMP/UV mutagenesis method to animals lacking function in the DNA damage response genes atm-1 and xpc-1. This method produces genetic mutations three times more efficiently than mutagenesis of wild-type animals. Furthermore, we confirmed that the use of next-generation sequencing and the elimination of false positives through machine learning could automate the process of mutation identification with an accuracy of over 95%. Eventually, we sequenced the whole genomes of 488 strains and isolated 981 novel mutations generated by the present method; these strains have been made available to anyone who wants to use them. Since the targeted DNA damage response genes are well conserved and the mutagens used in this study are also effective in a variety of species, we believe that our method is generally applicable to a wide range of animal species.
Spin structure factors of doped monolayer Germanene in the presence of spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Azizi Farshad , Rezania Hamed
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present a Kane-Mele model in the presence of magnetic field and next nearest neighbors hopping amplitudes for investigations of the spin susceptibilities of Germanene layer. Green’s function approach has been implemented to find the behavior of dynamical spin susceptibilities of Germanene layer within linear response theoryand in the presence of magnetic field and spin-orbit coupling at finite temperature. Our results show the magnetic excitation mode for both longitudinal and transverse components of spin tends to higher frequencies with spin-orbit coupling strength. Moreover the frequency positions of sharp peaks in longitudinal dynamical spin susceptibility are not affected by variation of magnetic field while the peaks in transverse dynamical susceptibility moves to lower frequencies with magnetic field. The effects of electron doping on frequency behaviors of spin susceptibilities have been addressed in details. Finally the temperature dependence of static spin structure factors due to the effects of spin-orbit coupling, magnetic field and chemical potential has been studied.
Enhancement of tumor tropism of mPEGylated nanoparticles by anti-mPEG bispecific antibody for ovarian cancer therapy
Authors: Lin Wen-Wei , Cheng Yi-An , Li Chia-Ching , Ho Kai-Wen , Chen Huei-Jen , Chen I.-J.u , Huang Bo-Cheng , Liu Hui-Ju , Lu Yun-Chi , Cheng Chiu-Min , Huang Ming-Yii , Lai Hung-Wen , Cheng Tian-Lu
Published: April 2021

Ovarian cancer is highly metastatic, with a high frequency of relapse, and is the most fatal gynecologic malignancy in women worldwide. It is important to elevate the drug susceptibility and cytotoxicity of ovarian cancer cells, thereby eliminating resident cancer cells for more effective therapeutic efficacy. Here, we developed a bispecific antibody (BsAb; mPEG × HER2) that can easily provide HER2+ tumor tropism to mPEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and further increase the drug accumulation in cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, and improve the cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy of HER2+ ovarian tumors. The mPEG × HER2 can simultaneously bind to mPEG molecules on the surface of PLD and HER2 antigen on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. Simply mixing the mPEG × HER2 with PLD was able to confer HER2 specificity of PLD to HER2+ ovarian cancer cells and efficiently trigger endocytosis and enhance cytotoxicity by 5.4-fold as compared to non-targeted PLD. mPEG × HER2-modified PLD was able to significantly increase the targeting and accumulation of HER2+ ovarian tumor by 220% as compared with non-targeted PLD. It could also significantly improve the anti-tumor activity of PLD (P < 0.05) with minimal obvious toxicity in a tumor-bearing mouse model. We believe that the mPEG × HER2 can significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy, potentially reduce the relapse freqency and thereby achieve good prognosis in ovarian cancer patients.
Analysis of the gene transcription patterns and DNA methylation characteristics of triploid sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus)
Authors: Han Lingshu , Sun Yi , Cao Yue , Gao Pingping , Quan Zijiao , Chang Yaqing , Ding Jun
Published: April 2021

Breeding of polyploid aquatic animals is still an important approach and research hotspot for realizing the economic benefits afforded by the improvement of aquatic animal germplasm. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of the growth of triploid sea cucumbers, we performed gene expression and genome-wide comparisons of DNA methylation using the body wall tissue of triploid sea cucumbers using RNA-seq and MethylRAD-seq technologies. We clarified the expression pattern of triploid sea cucumbers and found no dosage effect. DEGs were significantly enriched in the pathways of nucleic acid and protein synthesis, cell growth, cell division, and other pathways. Moreover, we characterized the methylation pattern changes and found 615 differentially methylated genes at CCGG sites and 447 differentially methylated genes at CCWGG sites. Integrative analysis identified 23 genes (such as Guf1, SGT, Col5a1, HAL, HPS1, etc.) that exhibited correlations between promoter methylation and expression. Altered DNA methylation and expression of various genes suggested their roles and potential functional interactions in the growth of triploid sea cucumbers. Our data provide new insights into the epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations of the body wall tissue of triploid sea cucumbers and preliminarily elucidate the molecular mechanism of their growth, which is of great significance for the breeding of fine varieties of sea cucumbers.
Evaluation of 11 SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests by using samples from patients with defined IgG antibody titers
Authors: Lagerqvist Nina , Maleki Kimia T. , Verner-Carlsson Jenny , Olausson Mikaela , Dillner Joakim , Wigren Byström Julia , Monsen Tor , Forsell Mattias , Eriksson Jenny , Bogdanovic Gordana , Muschiol Sandra , Ljunggren Joel , Repo Johanna , Kjerstadius Torbjörn , Muradrasoli Shaman , Brytting Mia , Szekely Björndal Åsa , Åkerlund Thomas , Nilsson Charlotta , Klingström Jonas
Published: April 2021

We evaluated the performance of 11 SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests using a reference set of heat-inactivated samples from 278 unexposed persons and 258 COVID-19 patients, some of whom contributed serial samples. The reference set included samples with a variation in SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers, as determined by an in-house immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The five evaluated rapid diagnostic tests had a specificity of 99.0% and a sensitivity that ranged from 56.3 to 81.6% and decreased with low IFA IgG titers. The specificity was > 99% for five out of six platform-based tests, and when assessed using samples collected ≥ 22 days after symptom onset, two assays had a sensitivity of > 96%. These two assays also detected samples with low IFA titers more frequently than the other assays. In conclusion, the evaluated antibody tests showed a heterogeneity in their performances and only a few tests performed well with samples having low IFA IgG titers, an important aspect for diagnostics and epidemiological investigations.
Optimized beam shaping assembly for a 2.1-MeV proton-accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Torres-Sánchez Pablo , Porras Ignacio , Ramos-Chernenko Nataliya , Arias de Saavedra Fernando , Praena Javier
Published: April 2021

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is facing a new era where different projects based on accelerators instead of reactors are under development. The new facilities can be placed at hospitals and will increase the number of clinical trials. The therapeutic effect of BNCT can be improved if a optimized epithermal neutron spectrum is obtained, for which the beam shape assembly is a key ingredient. In this paper we propose an optimal beam shaping assembly suited for an affordable low energy accelerator. The beam obtained with the device proposed accomplishes all the IAEA recommendations for proton energies between 2.0 and 2.1 MeV. In addition, there is an overall improvement of the figures of merit with respect to BNCT facilities and previous proposals of new accelerator-based facilities.
Deep learning-based automatic meibomian gland segmentation and morphology assessment in infrared meibography
Authors: Setu Md Asif Khan , Horstmann Jens , Schmidt Stefan , Stern Michael E. , Steven Philipp
Published: April 2021

Meibomian glands (MG) are large sebaceous glands located below the tarsal conjunctiva and the abnormalities of these glands cause Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) which is responsible for evaporative dry eye disease (DED). Accurate MG segmentation is a key prerequisite for automated imaging based MGD related DED diagnosis. However, Automatic MG segmentation in infrared meibography is a challenging task due to image artifacts. A deep learning-based MG segmentation has been proposed which directly learns MG features from the training image dataset without any image pre-processing. The model is trained and evaluated using 728 anonymized clinical meibography images. Additionally, automatic MG morphometric parameters, gland number, length, width, and tortuosity assessment were proposed. The average precision, recall, and F1 score were achieved 83%, 81%, and 84% respectively on the testing dataset with AUC value of 0.96 based on ROC curve and dice coefficient of 84%. Single image segmentation and morphometric parameter evaluation took on average 1.33 s. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a validated deep learning-based approach is applied in MG segmentation and evaluation for both upper and lower eyelids.
Improving the torsion performance of IPMC by changing the electrode separation
Authors: Xu Bing , Wang ShiHu , Zhang ZiFeng , Ling Jing , Wu XinTao
Published: April 2021

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are widely studied as actuators and sensors, due to their large bending motion, flexibility and being light-weight. Nowadays, IPMCs are used in the bionic field, for example, to achieve bending and twisting movements of wings and fins. In this paper, a method is proposed to optimize the torsion performance of IPMCs by changing the electrode separation. The IPMCs with patterned electrode fabricated by masking technique are proposed to accomplish twisting motion. The result indicates that the torsion performance is improved as the electrode separation increased. Thereby it provides a new strategy for the bionic field with twisting behavior.
Testing of how and why the Terpios hoshinota sponge kills stony corals
Authors: Syue Siang-Tai , Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Soong Keryea
Published: April 2021

An encrusting sponge, Terpios hoshinota, has the potential to infect all species of stony corals in shallow reefs and killing them. It caused a decline in coral coverage in two south-eastern islands of Taiwan. We proposed two hypotheses to examine how the sponges kill the corals, namely, light blocking and toxins, and tested by in-situ experiments. The results revealed that both light blocking, sponge toxins, and particularly the combination of both factors were effective at inducing tissue damage in stony corals over a short period. Second, to answer why the sponges killed the corals, we tested two hypotheses, namely, gaining nutrients versus gaining substrates for the sponge. By analyzing the stable isotopes 13C and 15N, as well as exploiting an enrichment experiment, it was possible to determine that only approximately 9.5% of the carbon and 16.9% of the nitrogen in the newly grown sponge tissues originated from the enriched corals underneath. The analysis also revealed that the control corals without isotope enrichment had higher δ13C and δ15N than the control sponges, which was an additional indication that T. hoshinota did not rely heavily on corals for nutrients. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that the encrusting sponge did not kill corals for food or nutrients, but rather for the substrate.
Neurophysiological and behavioural effects of conventional and high definition tDCS
Authors: Masina Fabio , Arcara Giorgio , Galletti Eleonora , Cinque Isabella , Gamberini Luciano , Mapelli Daniela
Published: April 2021

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) seems to overcome a drawback of traditional bipolar tDCS: the wide-spread diffusion of the electric field. Nevertheless, most of the differences that characterise the two techniques are based on mathematical simulations and not on real, behavioural and neurophysiological, data. The study aims to compare a widespread tDCS montage (i.e., a Conventional bipolar montage with extracephalic return electrode) and HD-tDCS, investigating differences both at a behavioural level, in terms of dexterity performance, and a neurophysiological level, as modifications of alpha and beta power as measured with EEG. Thirty participants took part in three sessions, one for each montage: Conventional tDCS, HD-tDCS, and sham. In all the conditions, the anode was placed over C4, while the cathode/s placed according to the montage. At baseline, during, and after each stimulation condition, dexterity was assessed with a Finger Tapping Task. In addition, resting-state EEG was recorded at baseline and after the stimulation. Power spectrum density was calculated, selecting two frequency bands: alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (18–22 Hz). Linear mixed effect models (LMMs) were used to analyse the modulation induced by tDCS. To evaluate differences among the montages and consider state-dependency phenomenon, the post-stimulation measurements were covariate-adjusted for baseline levels. We observed that HD-tDCS induced an alpha power reduction in participants with lower alpha at baseline. Conversely, Conventional tDCS induced a beta power reduction in participants with higher beta at baseline. Furthermore, data showed a trend towards a behavioural effect of HD-tDCS in participants with lower beta at baseline showing faster response times. Conventional and HD-tDCS distinctively modulated cortical activity. The study highlights the importance of considering state-dependency to determine the effects of tDCS on individuals.
The effect of high concentration of zoledronic acid on tooth induced movement and its repercussion on root, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone tissues in rats
Authors: de Sousa Fátima Regina Nunes , de Sousa Ferreira Vanessa Costa , da Silva Martins Conceição , Dantas Hugo Victor , de Sousa Frederico Barbosa , Girão-Carmona Virgínia Cláudia Carneiro , Goes Paula , de Castro Brito Gerly Anne , de Carvalho Leitão Renata Ferreira
Published: April 2021

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is often prescribed for osteoporosis or resorptive metabolic bone disease. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ZA on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and root and bone resorption and its repercussion on root, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone tissues. The experimental group consisted of 72 Wistar rats divided in four subgroups: Naive, Saline and Zoledronic Acid groups at the concentration of 0.2 mg/kg [ZA (0.2)] or 1.0 mg/kg [ZA (1.0)]. The animals were subjected to i.v (dorsal penile vein) administrations of ZA or saline solution, on days 0, 7, 14 and 42. Under anesthesia, NiTi springs were installed in the first left maxillary molar with 50gf allowing the OTM, except for the negative control group (N) for mesial movement of the left first maxillary teeth. The animals were sacrificed and maxillae were removed for macroscopic and histopathological analyzes, scanning electron microscopy, computerized microtomography and confocal microscopy. Treatment with ZA decreased the OTM and the number of osteoclasts and loss of alveolar bone when compared to the naive and saline groups. Reduction of radicular resorption, increased necrotic areas and reduced vascularization in the periodontal ligament were observed in the ZA groups. ZA interferes with OTM and presents anti-resorptive effects on bone and dental tissues associated with a decreased vascularization, without osteonecrosis.
Hydrosilylation of carbonyls over electron-enriched Ni sites of intermetallic compound Ni3Ga heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Takayama Tomoaki , Kariya Rio , Nakaya Yuki , Furukawa Shinya , Yamazoe Seiji , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: April 2021

Nanoparticulate intermetallic compound Ni3Ga supported on SiO2 has emerged as a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrosilylation of carbonyls, such as aldehydes and ketones, at room temperature.
Single-atom catalysis in advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation
Authors: Shang Yanan , Xu Xing , Gao Baoyu , Wang Shaobin , Duan Xiaoguang
Published: April 2021

This review presents the recent advances in synthetic strategies, characterisation, and computations of carbon-based single-atom catalysts, as well as their innovative applications and mechanisms in advanced oxidation technologies.
The spatial resolution of nanosecond laser-induced plasma spectroscopy in gases
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , gao Qiang , Han Lei , Li Ming , Zhu Zhifeng , Li Bo
Published: April 2021

The spatial resolution of ns LIBS in gases is the size of the plasma at the point in time when LIBS is measured.
Comment on “Microflow in a rhythmically expanding alveolar chip with dynamic similarity” by H. Lv, J. Dong, Y. Qiu, Y. Yang and Y. Zhu, Lab Chip, 2020, 20, 2394
Authors: Tsuda Akira , Henry Frank S.
Published: April 2021

This comment on an article that appeared in this journal (H. Lv, J. Dong, Y. Qiu, Y. Yang and Y. Zhu, Lab Chip, 2020, 20, 2394–2402) highlights some important inconsistencies between the authors' experimental results and their numerical simulations.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Microflow in a rhythmically expanding alveolar chip with dynamic similarity”’ by A. Tsuda and F. S. Henry, Lab Chip, 2021, 21, DOI: 10.1039/D0LC00884B
Authors: Lv Huimin , Dong Jun , Yang Yue , Zhu Yonggang
Published: April 2021

Non-uniform radial perturbations due to non-self-similar alveolar expansion drive the closed vortex into a spiral and the change of spiral rotation direction.
Tunable conductance and spin filtering in twisted bilayer copper phthalocyanine molecular devices
Authors: Liu Jian-Hua , Luo Kun , Huang Kailiang , Sun Bing , Zhang Shengli , Wu Zhen-Hua
Published: April 2021

We investigate the quantum transport properties of a twisted bilayer CuPc molecular device and find that HOMO–LUMO gap, spin filtering efficiency and spin-dependent conductance of the device can be modulated by changing the twist angle.
Probing surface-sensitive redox properties of VOx/TiO2 catalyst nanoparticles
Authors: Ek Martin , Arnarson Logi , Georg Moses Poul , Rasmussen Søren B. , Skoglundh Magnus , Olsson Eva , Helveg Stig
Published: April 2021

Differences in redox properties are measured at individual facets under reaction-like conditions, explaining variations in catalytic activity on the nanoscale.
Enhanced gas separation and mechanical properties of fluorene-based thermal rearrangement copolymers
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Lu Yunhua , Xiao Guoyong , Hou Mengjie , Li Lin , Wang Tonghua
Published: April 2021

The fluorene-based thermal rearrangement copolymers exhibited excellent gas separation and mechanical properties.
Quantitative analysis of bending hysteresis by real-time monitoring of curvature in flexible polymeric films
Authors: Taguchi Ryo , Kuwahara Kohei , Akamatsu Norihisa , Shishido Atsushi
Published: April 2021

The measurement of bending curvature of polymer films characterised the bending hysteresis as a precursor phenomenon of fracture and fatigue. The measurement also enables us to predict the occurrence of bending hysteresis.
A fluorescence based immunochromatographic sensor for monitoring chlorpheniramine and its comparison with a gold nanoparticle-based lateral-flow strip
Authors: Zhou Shengyang , Xu Xinxin , Wang Li , Guo Lingling , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai
Published: April 2021

Chlorpheniramine (CPM) is an illegal additive found in herbal teas and health foods, and its excessive intake can cause health problems.
A promising ternary sulfide bidirectional p–n heterojunction for unassisted tandem photoelectrochemical cells
Authors: Qian Hongxia , Liu Zhifeng , Guo Zhengang , Ruan Mengnan , Yan Weiguo
Published: April 2021

There has been great demand for high-efficiency, low-cost, and abundant photoelectrode materials for photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems.
Two-photon induced polymerization in a porous polymer film to create multi-layer structures
Authors: Huang Ying , Zhang Yusheng , Su Yuming , Zhai Zhenghao , Chen Jiawei , Wang Cheng
Published: April 2021

Two-photon induced polymerization in a porous film enables the printing of multi-layer patterns towards 3D printing of multi-component complex structures.
Direct functionalization of cyclic ethers with maleimide iodides via free radial-mediated sp3 C–H activation
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyu , Li Baojun , Zhang Mengsi , Lu Haotian , Wang Wenbo , Ding Yun , Hu Aiguo
Published: April 2021

A new C–C bond formation reaction was developed through free radical-initiated direct C–H activation of cyclic ethers with maleimide iodides under mild reaction conditions.
Intercalation–exfoliation processes during ionic exchange reactions from sodium lepidocrocite-type titanate toward a proton-based trititanate structure
Authors: Kang Seongkoo , Durand-Vidal Serge , Badot Jean-Claude , Legein Christophe , Body Monique , Borkiewicz Olaf J. , Dubrunfaut Olivier , Dambournet Damien
Published: April 2021

Novel insights into the stabilization of proton titanate from the reactions involved during ionic exchange.
Harnessing polarity and viscosity to identify green binary solvent mixtures as viable alternatives to DMF in solid-phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Martin Vincent , Jadhav Sandip , Egelund Peter H. G. , Liffert Raphael , Johansson Castro Henrik , Krüger Tobias , Haselmann Kim F. , Thordal Le Quement Sebastian , Albericio Fernando , Dettner Frank , Lechner Carolin , Schönleber Ralph , Pedersen Daniel Sejer
Published: April 2021

Binary solvent mixtures with a suitable polarity and viscosity profile are viable green alternatives to DMF in solid-phase peptide synthesis.
Development of a human neuromuscular tissue-on-a-chip model on a 24-well-plate-format compartmentalized microfluidic device
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuki , Yamaoka Nao , Imaizumi Yu , Nagashima Takunori , Furutani Taiki , Ito Takuji , Okada Yohei , Honda Hiroyuki , Shimizu Kazunori
Published: April 2021

A three-dimensional human neuromuscular tissue model that mimics the physically separated structures of motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers is presented.
Nano-enabled theranostics for cancer
Authors: Sharmiladevi Palani , Girigoswami Koyeli , Haribabu Viswanathan , Girigoswami Agnishwar
Published: April 2021

The review highlights the nanotheranostic agents prove to be highly efficient in generating theragnosis overcoming the deficiencies noted with conventional diagnostic and therapeutic agents used for cancers.
MXenes and MXene-based materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: recent advances
Authors: Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: April 2021

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications of MXenes are described along with present challenges and future perspectives.
ESIPT on/off switching and crystallization-enhanced emission properties of new design phenol-pyrazole modified cyclotriphosphazenes
Authors: Mutlu Balcı Ceylan , Tümay Süreyya Oğuz , Beşli Serap
Published: April 2021

Cyclophosphazene-based high-efficiency excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active and inactive molecules were prepared depending on the different bonding patterns of the difunctional phenol-pyrazol reagent.
Single molecular nanomedicine with NIR light-initiated superoxide radical, singlet oxygen and thermal generation for hypoxia-overcoming cancer therapy
Authors: Chelora Jipsa , Liang Yuchao , Wei Wei-Chih , Cui Xiao , Xiao Yafang , Wan Yingpeng , Huang Zhongming , Tian Shuang , Li Shengliang , Huang Yi-Hsuan , Wong Ken-Tsung , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: April 2021

Molecular nanomedicine (BthB NPs) is developed for effective superoxide radical (O2˙−) generation for hypoxia-overcoming photodynamic therapy (PDT), upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser with a high tissue penetration depth.
Facile synthesis of rapamycin-peptide conjugates as mTOR and Akt inhibitors
Authors: Singh Shalini , Ali Rafat , Miyan Javed , Singh Varsha , Meena Sanjeev , Hasanain Mohammad , Bhadauria Smrati , Datta Dipak , Sarkar Jayanta , Haq Wahajul
Published: April 2021

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of rapamycin peptide conjugates was developed. Some of these conjugates were found to inhibit the kinase activity of both mTOR and Akt.
Diversifying the luminescence of phenanthro-diimine ligands in zinc complexes
Authors: Temerova Diana , Kisel Kristina S. , Eskelinen Toni , Melnikov Alexei S. , Kinnunen Niko , Hirva Pipsa , Shakirova Julia R. , Tunik Sergey P. , Grachova Elena V. , Koshevoy Igor O.
Published: April 2021

Strongly blue fluorescent 1-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole (L1) is a facile block for the construction of multichromophore organic molecules, and simultaneously serves as a chelating diimine ligand.
Transition metal-free and solvent-free calcium carbide promotes the formation of β-keto sulfoxide from acyl chloride and DMSO
Authors: Yang Pei-Wen , Liu Xin-Xin , Li Xue-Qiang , Wei Meng-Xue
Published: April 2021

A transition metal-free, solvent-free, cheap and readily available calcium carbide promoted one-pot reaction of acid chloride with dimethyl sulfoxide produced β-keto sulfoxide directly.
Clover leaf-shaped supramolecules assembled using a predesigned metallo-organic ligand
Authors: Bai Qixia , Wu Tun , Zhang Zhe , Xu Lianghuan , Tang Zhengbin , Guan Yuming , Xie Ting-Zheng , Chen Mingzhao , Su Peiyang , Wang Heng , Wang Pingshan , Li Xiaopeng
Published: April 2021

A series of clover-like supramolecular structures were designed and synthesized using a combination of Ru–Zn, Ru–Co, Ru–Mn or Ru–Ni metal ions. These structures with distinct redox properties may have further applications as functional materials.
Doubly fused fluorene embedded heterosapphyrins
Authors: Yadav Bharti , Isar Prosenjit , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: April 2021

Synthesis and studies of first examples of nonaromatic doubly fused fluorene embedded heterosapphyrins and their intermediate macrocycles, monofused fluorene embedded hetero calixsapphyrins are reported.
Correction: Synthesis of enantioenriched α-heteroatom functionalised aldehydes by chiral organocatalysis and their synthetic applications
Authors: Chevis Philip J. , Pyne Stephen G.
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Synthesis of enantioenriched α-heteroatom functionalised aldehydes by chiral organocatalysis and their synthetic applications’ by Philip J. Chevis et al., Org. Chem. Front., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1qo00101a.
Vibrational analysis of acetylcholine binding to the M2 receptor
Authors: Suzuki Kohei , Katayama Kota , Sumii Yuji , Nakagita Tomoya , Suno Ryoji , Tsujimoto Hirokazu , Iwata So , Kobayashi Takuya , Shibata Norio , Kandori Hideki
Published: April 2021

We recently reported difference FTIR spectra upon binding of Ach to M2R.
FLP-type nitrile activation and cyclic ether ring-opening by halo-borane nonagermanide-cluster Lewis acid–base pairs
Authors: Wallach Christoph , Geitner Felix S. , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: April 2021

The reactivity of the lone pairs in polyhedral Zintl anions is shown by the reaction of the bis-silylated cluster [Ge9{Si(TMS)3}2]2− accomplishing cyclic-ether ring-opening or nitrile activation according to a FLP-like mechanism with bromo-boranes.
Research progress on supercritical CO2 thickeners
Authors: Zhou Ming , Ni Ruifeng , Zhao Yaxiong , Huang Jiangyu , Deng Xinyi
Published: April 2021

According to the thickening principle and molecular structure of thickeners, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) thickeners have been summarized and introduced by dividing into polymers, small molecular compounds and surfactants.