bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline sequence variants contributing to cancer susceptibility in South African breast cancer patients of African ancestry
Authors: Eygelaar Dewald , van Rensburg Elizabeth J. , Joubert Fourie
Published: January 2022

Since the discovery of the breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, various other genes conferring an increased risk for breast cancer have been identified. Studies to evaluate sequence variants in cancer predisposition genes among women of African ancestry are limited and mostly focused on BRCA1 and BRCA2. To characterize germline sequence variants in cancer susceptibility genes, we analysed a cohort of 165 South African women of self-identified African ancestry diagnosed with breast cancer, who were unselected for family history of cancer. With the exception of four cases, all others were previously investigated for BRCA1 and BRCA2 deleterious variants, and were negative for pathogenic variants. We utilized the Illumina TruSight cancer panel for targeted sequencing of 94 cancer susceptibility genes. A total of 3.6% of patients carried a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in a known breast cancer susceptibility gene: 1.2% in BRCA1, 0.6% in each of BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2 and PALB, none of whom had any family history of breast cancer. The mean age of patients who carried deleterious variant in BRCA1/BRCA2 was 39 years and 8 months compared to 47 years and 3 months among women who carried a deleterious variant in other breast cancer susceptibility genes.
Serum-free cultures of C2C12 cells show different muscle phenotypes which can be estimated by metabolic profiling
Authors: Jang Mi , Scheffold Jana , Røst Lisa Marie , Cheon Hyejeong , Bruheim Per
Published: January 2022

In vitro skeletal muscle cell production is emerging in the field of artificial lab-grown meat as alternative future food. Currently, there is an urgent paradigm shift towards a serum replacement culture system. Surprisingly, little is known about the impact of serum-free culture on skeletal muscle cells to date. Therefore, we performed metabolic profiling of the C2C12 myoblasts and myotubes in serum-free mediums (B27, AIM-V) and compared it with conventional serum supplementation culture. Furthermore, cell morphology, viability, and myogenic differentiation were observed for 7 days of cultivation. Intriguingly, the metabolic difference is more dominant between the cell status than medium effects. In addition, proliferative myoblast showed more distinct metabolic differences than differentiated myotubes in different culture conditions. The intracellular levels of GL3P and UDP-GlcNAc were significantly increased in myotubes versus myoblast. Non-essential amino acids and pyruvate reduction and transamination showed significant differences among serum, B27, and AIM-V cultures. Intracellular metabolite profiles indicated that C2C12 myotubes cultured in serum and B27 had predominant glycolytic and oxidative metabolism, respectively, indicating fast and slow types of muscle confirmed by MHC immunostaining. This work might be helpful to understand the altered metabolism of skeletal muscle cells in serum-free culture and contribute to future artificial meat research work.
Design specification management with automated decision-making for reliable optimization of miniaturized microwave components
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Plotka Piotr
Published: January 2022

The employment of numerical optimization techniques for parameter tuning of microwave components has nowadays become a commonplace. In pursuit of reliability, it is most often carried out at the level of full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation models, incurring considerable computational expenses. In the case of miniaturized microstrip circuits, densely arranged layouts with strong cross-coupling effects make EM-driven tuning imperative to achieve the optimum performance. The process is even more challenging due to a typically large number of geometry parameters, and the lack of reasonable initial designs. The latter often encourages the use of global search procedures, which may be prohibitively expensive. In this paper, a novel automated framework for reliable optimization of miniaturized microwave components is proposed. Our methodology is based on design specification management, where the performance requirements imposed on the system are temporarily relaxed if the current design is unlikely to be improved (e.g., due to being away from the target operating frequency). The specifications are re-adjusted at each iteration of the algorithm, and eventually converge to their original values. Using two examples of compact microstrip couplers and a power divider, the presented technique is demonstrated to significantly improve the efficacy of local search routines under challenging design scenarios.
The effect of layer thickness and immobilization chemistry on the detection of CRP in LSPR assays
Authors: Kastner Stephan , Pritzke Pia , Csáki Andrea , Fritzsche Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

The immobilization of a capture molecule represents a crucial step for effective usage of gold nanoparticles in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based bioanalytics. Depending on the immobilization method used, the resulting capture layer is of varying thickness. Thus, the target binding event takes place at different distances to the gold surface. Using the example of a C-reactive protein immunoassay, different immobilization methods were tested and investigated with regard to their resulting target signal strength. The dependency of the target signal on the distance to the gold surface was investigated utilizing polyelectrolyte bilayers of different thickness. It could be experimentally demonstrated how much the LSPR-shift triggered by a binding event on the gold nanoparticles decreases with increasing distance to the gold surface. Thus, the sensitivity of an LSPR assay is influenced by the choice of immobilization chemistry.
Clinical and behavior characteristics of individuals who used ketamine
Authors: Lee Tony Szu-Hsien , Liu Yi-Hsuan , Huang Yun-Ju , Tang Wai-Kwong , Wang Yifan , Hu Sien , Lin Ching-Po , Li Chiang-Shan Ray , Hung Chia-Chun
Published: January 2022

This study aims to depict and compare clinical characteristics and risk behavior among groups of individuals using ketamine, polydrugs or smoking cigarette. A total of 185 drug-using participants and 49 smokers participated in this study. A cross-sectional interview was used to collect information on demographics, drug- and sex-related behaviors, HIV serostatus, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), behavioral dispositions. N-back memory test was used to measure short-term memory. Result shows that 10 participants (5.41%) were HIV positive and 14 (7.57%) having LUTS. Individuals with ketamine and polydrugs use have significantly worse drug-related problem than cigarette smokers. Compared to cigarette smokers and ketamine users, individuals with polydrug users scored significantly higher on impulsivity measures. Cigarette smokers performed significantly better than the other two groups on the memory tests. A few patients had been infected with HIV and diagnosed with LUTS. Findings support that memory on short term recalls of patients with ketamine use might be impaired. Study findings warrants the necessarily of further study on influences of using ketamine.
Frequency dependence prediction and parameter identification of rubber bushing
Authors: Li Guang , Wu Liguang , Zhang Shuyu , Liu Fang
Published: January 2022

Affected by frequency, amplitude and some other factors, the dynamic mechanical properties of rubber bushing are nonlinear. In order to study the frequency dependence of the rubber bushing, a BP neural network optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-BP neural network) is applied to predict the dynamic stiffness and loss factor under frequency of 61–100 Hz. The training data refers to the test data under frequency of 1–60 Hz. And the algorithm is demonstrated by the elastomer test of rubber bushing under amplitudes 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. The results show that the prediction error of dynamic stiffness is less than 1%, and the prediction error of loss factor is less than 3%. In order to apply the predicted results to the software for simulation, a five-parameter mathematical model (FPM) consisting of three elastic elements and two damping elements is developed, and the model parameters are identified by least squares method. According to the fitting results and test data, the fitting error of dynamic stiffness is less than 2%, and the fitting error of loss factor is less than 3%. The GA-BP neural network and FPM model predict the dynamic mechanical behaviour of rubber bushing without the performance of iterative experiments and the incurrence of a high computational cost, making it applicable to analyze full-size vehicles with numerous rubber bushings under various vibration load conditions.
Transcriptomic analysis of choroidal neovascularization reveals dysregulation of immune and fibrosis pathways that are attenuated by a novel anti-fibrotic treatment
Authors: Brandli Alice , Khong Fay L. , Kong Roy C. K. , Kelly Darren J. , Fletcher Erica L.
Published: January 2022

Neovascular AMD (nAMD) leads to vision loss and is a leading cause of visual impairment in the industrialised world. Current treatments that target blood vessel growth have not been able to treat subretinal fibrosis and nAMD patients continue to lose vision. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of fibrotic lesions in nAMD are not well understood. The aim of this study was to further understand subretinal fibrosis in the laser photocoagulation model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by studying the whole transcriptome of the RPE/choroid following CNV and the application of an anti-fibrotic following CNV. Seven days after laser induced CNV, RPE and choroid tissue was separated and underwent RNAseq. Differential expression analysis and pathway analysis revealed an over representation of immune signalling and fibrotic associated pathways in CNV compared to control RPE/choroid tissue. Comparisons between the mouse CNV model to human CNV revealed an overlap in upregulated expression for immune genes (Ccl2, Ccl8 and Cxcl9) and extracellular matrix remodeling genes (Comp, Lrcc15, Fndc1 and Thbs2). Comparisons between the CNV model and other fibrosis models showed an overlap of over 60% of genes upregulated in either lung or kidney mouse models of fibrosis. Treatment of CNV using a novel cinnamoyl anthranilate anti-fibrotic (OCX063) in the laser induced CNV model was selected as this class of drugs have previously been shown to target fibrosis. CNV lesion leakage and fibrosis was found to be reduced using OCX063 and gene expression of genes within the TGF-beta signalling pathway. Our findings show the presence of fibrosis gene expression pathways present in the laser induced CNV mouse model and that anti-fibrotic treatments offer the potential to reduce subretinal fibrosis in AMD.
Tuning three-dimensional nano-assembly in the mesoscale via bis(imino)pyridine molecular functionalization
Authors: Brisbin Ryan , Bartolo Mark , Leville Michael , Rajan Arya K. , Jahan Basharat , McCloskey Kara E. , Gopinathan Ajay , Ghosh Sayantani , Baxter Ryan
Published: January 2022

We investigate the effect of bis(imino)pyridine (BIP) ligands in guiding self-assembly of semiconducting CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) into three-dimensional multi-layered shells with diameters spanning the entire mesoscopic range, from 200 nm to 2 μm. The assembly process is directed by guest–host interactions between the BIP ligands and a thermotropic liquid crystal (LC), with the latter’s phase transition driving the process. Characterization of the shell structures, through scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, demonstrates that the average shell diameter depends on the BIP structure, and that changing one functional group in the chemical scaffold allows systematic tuning of shell sizes across the entire range. Differential scanning calorimetry confirms a relationship between shell sizes and the thermodynamic perturbation of the BIP molecules to the LC phase transition temperature, allowing analytical modeling of shell assembly energetics. This novel mechanism to controllably tune shell sizes over the entire mesoscale via one standard protocol is a significant development for research on in situ cargo/drug delivery platforms using nano-assembled structures.
Regeneration of collagen fibrils at the papillary dermis by reconstructing basement membrane at the dermal–epidermal junction
Authors: Iriyama Shunsuke , Ogura Yuki , Nishikawa Saori , Hosoi Junichi , Amano Satoshi
Published: January 2022

The epidermal basement membrane deteriorates with aging. We previously reported that basement membrane reconstruction not only serves to maintain epidermal stem/progenitor cells in the epidermis, but also increases collagen fibrils in the papillary dermis. Here, we investigated the mechanism of the latter action. Collagen fibrils in the papillary dermis were increased in organotypic human skin culture treated with matrix metalloproteinase and heparinase inhibitors. The expression levels of COL5A1 and COL1A1 genes (encoding collagen type V α 1 chain and collagen type I α 1 chain, respectively) were increased in fibroblasts cultured with conditioned medium from a skin equivalent model cultured with the inhibitors and in keratinocytes cultured on laminin-511 E8 fragment-coated plates. We then examined cytokine expression, and found that the inhibitors increased the expression of PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor consisting of two B subunits) in epidermis. Expression of COL5A1 and COL1A1 genes was increased in cultured fibroblasts stimulated with PDGF-BB. Further, the bifunctional inhibitor hydroxyethyl imidazolidinone (HEI) increased skin elasticity and the thickness of the papillary dermis in the skin equivalent. Taken together, our data suggests that reconstructing the basement membrane promotes secretion of PDGF-BB by epidermal keratinocytes, leading to increased collagen expression at the papillary dermis.
Direct evidence of proximal tubular proliferation in early diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Uehara-Watanabe Noriko , Okuno-Ozeki Natsuko , Minamida Atsushi , Nakamura Itaru , Nakata Tomohiro , Nakai Kunihiro , Yagi-Tomita Aya , Ida Tomoharu , Ikeda Kisho , Kitani Takashi , Yamashita Noriyuki , Kamezaki Michitsugu , Kirita Yuhei , Matoba Satoaki , Tamagaki Keiichi , Kusaba Tetsuro
Published: January 2022

Kidney hypertrophy is a common clinical feature in patients with diabetes and is associated with poor renal outcomes. Initial cell proliferation followed by cellular hypertrophy are considered the responsible mechanisms for diabetic kidney hypertrophy. However, whether similar responses against hyperglycemia continue in the chronic phase in diabetes is unclear. We performed lineage tracing analysis of proximal tubular epithelia using novel type 2 diabetic mice with a tamoxifen-inducible proximal tubule-specific fluorescent reporter. Clonal analysis of proximal tubular epithelia demonstrated that the labeled epithelia proliferated in type 2 diabetic mice. Based on the histological analysis and protein/DNA ratio of sorted labeled tubular epithelia, there was no evidence of cellular hypertrophy in type 2 diabetic mice. Lineage tracing and histological analyses of streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetes also revealed that cellular proliferation occurs in the chronic phase of type 1 diabetes induction. According to our study, epithelial proliferation accompanied by SGLT2 upregulation, rather than cellular hypertrophy, predominantly occurs in the hypertrophic kidney in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. An increased number of SGLT2+ tubular epithelia may be an adaptive response against hyperglycemia, and linked to the hyper-reabsorption of sodium and glucose observed in type 2 diabetes patients.
Therapeutic potential of highly functional codon-optimized microutrophin for muscle-specific expression
Authors: Starikova Anna V. , Skopenkova Victoria V. , Polikarpova Anna V. , Reshetov Denis A. , Vassilieva Svetlana G. , Velyaev Oleg A. , Shmidt Anna A. , Savchenko Irina M. , Soldatov Vladislav O. , Egorova Tatiana V. , Bardina Maryana V.
Published: January 2022

High expectations have been set on gene therapy with an AAV-delivered shortened version of dystrophin (µDys) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with several drug candidates currently undergoing clinical trials. Safety concerns with this therapeutic approach include the immune response to introduced dystrophin antigens observed in some DMD patients. Recent reports highlighted microutrophin (µUtrn) as a less immunogenic functional dystrophin substitute for gene therapy. In the current study, we created a human codon-optimized µUtrn which was subjected to side-by-side characterization with previously reported mouse and human µUtrn sequences after rAAV9 intramuscular injections in mdx mice. Long-term studies with systemic delivery of rAAV9-µUtrn demonstrated robust transgene expression in muscles, with localization to the sarcolemma, functional improvement of muscle performance, decreased creatine kinase levels, and lower immunogenicity as compared to µDys. An extensive toxicity study in wild-type rats did not reveal adverse changes associated with high-dose rAAV9 administration and human codon-optimized µUtrn overexpression. Furthermore, we verified that muscle-specific promoters MHCK7 and SPc5-12 drive a sufficient level of rAAV9-µUtrn expression to ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice. Our results provide ground for taking human codon-optimized µUtrn combined with muscle-specific promoters into clinical development as safe and efficient gene therapy for DMD.
Engineering surgical stitches to prevent bacterial infection
Authors: Vieira Daniela , Angel Samuel N. , Honjol Yazan , Masse Maude , Gruenheid Samantha , Harvey Edward J. , Merle Geraldine
Published: January 2022

Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for a massive economic, physiological, and psychological burden on patients and health care providers. Sutures provide a surface to which bacteria can adhere, proliferate, and promote SSIs. Current methods for fighting SSIs involve the use of sutures coated with common antibiotics (triclosan). Unfortunately, these antibiotics have been rendered ineffective due to the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance. A promising new avenue involves the use of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNPs exhibit low cytotoxicity and a strong propensity for killing bacteria while evading the typical antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In this work, we developed a novel MNPs dip-coating method for PDS-II sutures and explored the capabilities of a variety of MNPs in killing bacteria while retaining the cytocompatibility. Our findings indicated that our technique provided a homogeneous coating for PDS-II sutures, maintaining the strength, structural integrity, and degradability. The MNP coatings possess strong in vitro antibacterial properties against P aeruginosa and S. aureus—varying the %of dead bacteria from ~ 40% (for MgO NPs) to ~ 90% (for Fe2O3) compared to ~ 15% for uncoated PDS-II suture, after 7 days. All sutures demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity (cell viability > 70%) reinforcing the movement towards the use MNPs as a viable antibacterial technology.
Superior frontal regions reflect the dynamics of task engagement and theta band-related control processes in time-on task effects
Authors: Yu Shijing , Mückschel Moritz , Beste Christian
Published: January 2022

Impairment of cognitive performance is often observed in time-on tasks. Theoretical considerations suggest that especially prefrontal cortex cognitive control functions is affected by time-on-task effects, but the role of effort/task engagement is not understood. We examine time-on-task effects in cognitive control on a neurophysiological level using a working-memory modulated response inhibition task and inter-relate prefrontal neuroanatomical region-specific theta-band activity with pupil diameter data using EEG-beamforming approaches. We show that task performance declines with time-on tasks, which was paralleled by a concomitant decreases of task-evoked superior frontal gyrus theta-band activity and a reduction in phasic pupil diameter modulations. A strong relation between cognitive control-related superior frontal theta-band activity and effort/task engagement indexed by phasic pupil diameter modulations was observed in the beginning of the experiment, especially for tasks requiring inhibitory controls and demanding high working memory. This strong relation vanished at the end of the experiment, suggesting a decoupling of cognitive control resources useable for a task and effort invested that characterizes time-on-task effects in prefrontal cortical structures.
Spatially mapping thermal transport in graphene by an opto-thermal method
Authors: Braun Oliver , Furrer Roman , Butti Pascal , Thodkar Kishan , Shorubalko Ivan , Zardo Ilaria , Calame Michel , Perrin Mickael L.
Published: January 2022

Mapping the thermal transport properties of materials at the nanoscale is of critical importance for optimizing heat conduction in nanoscale devices. Several methods to determine the thermal conductivity of materials have been developed, most of them yielding an average value across the sample, thereby disregarding the role of local variations. Here, we present a method for the spatially resolved assessment of the thermal conductivity of suspended graphene by using a combination of confocal Raman thermometry and a finite-element calculations-based fitting procedure. We demonstrate the working principle of our method by extracting the two-dimensional thermal conductivity map of one pristine suspended single-layer graphene sheet and one irradiated using helium ions. Our method paves the way for spatially resolving the thermal conductivity of other types of layered materials. This is particularly relevant for the design and engineering of nanoscale thermal circuits (e.g. thermal diodes).
Breaking the crosstalk of the Cellular Tumorigenic Network by low-dose combination therapy in lung cancer patient-derived xenografts
Authors: Gürgen Dennis , Conrad Theresia , Becker Michael , Sebens Susanne , Röcken Christoph , Hoffmann Jens , Langhammer Stefan
Published: January 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is commonly diagnosed at advanced stages limiting treatment options. Although, targeted therapy has become integral part of NSCLC treatment therapies often fail to improve patient’s prognosis. Based on previously published criteria for selecting drug combinations for overcoming resistances, NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors were treated with a low dose combination of cabozantinib, afatinib, plerixafor and etoricoxib. All PDX tumors treated, including highly therapy-resistant adeno- and squamous cell carcinomas without targetable oncogenic mutations, were completely suppressed by this drug regimen, leading to an ORR of 81% and a CBR of 100%. The application and safety profile of this low dose therapy regimen was well manageable in the pre-clinical settings. Overall, this study provides evidence of a relationship between active paracrine signaling pathways of the Cellular Tumorigenic Network, which can be effectively targeted by a low-dose multimodal therapy to overcome therapy resistance and improve prognosis of NSCLC.
Medical gloves modified by a one-minute spraying process with blood-repellent, antibacterial and wound-healing abilities
Authors: Zhuo Yi , Cheng Xinyan , Fang Hua , Zhang Yi , Wang Bing , Jia Shuang , Li Weihao , Yang Xuetao , Zhang Yan , Wang Xiaolei
Published: January 2022

A kind of blood-repellent mist spray (MS) was proposed to prevent blood adhesion during surgery and played an important role in antibacterial and wound-healing, which could be widely used in the surface modification of various medical gloves.
N-confused porphyrin-based conjugated microporous polymers
Authors: He Qichuan , Kang Jialing , Zhu Jinhui , Huang Senhe , Lu Chenbao , Liang Haiwei , Su Yuezeng , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: January 2022

Novel N-confused porphyrin-based porous polymers show broader photoabsorption and narrower bandgap than porphyrin-based porous polymers.
Bisulfate as a redox-active ligand in vanadium-based electrocatalysis for CH4functionalization
Authors: Xiang Danlei , Lin Sheng-Chih , Deng Jiao , Chen Hao Ming , Liu Chong
Published: January 2022

The bisulfate ligand within a reported vanadium (V) electrocatalyst serves as the active site for CH4functionalization. Activity decreases if the bisulfate ligand is substituted with a redox-inactive dihydrogen phosphate.
D–π–A-type fluorinated tolanes with a diphenylamino group: crystal polymorphism formation and photophysical behavior
Authors: Yamada Shigeyuki , Kobayashi Kazuki , Morita Masato , Konno Tsutomu
Published: January 2022

Ph2N-Substituted fluorinated tolanes produced two polymorphisms, which display a distinct photoluminescence behavior; one polymorphism showed green PL and the other exhibited yellow PL.
Efficient CO2 reduction over a Ru-pincer complex/TiO2 hybrid photocatalyst via direct Z-scheme mechanism
Authors: Chen Shengtao , Li Kan , Liu Haoran , Zhang Jing , Peng Tianyou
Published: January 2022

A direct Z-scheme Ru-pincer complex/TiO2 hybrid photocatalyst was fabricated and its overall photoactivity was ∼20.0 times higher than that of TiO2 alone.
Insights into the enzymatic catalytic mechanism of bCinS: the importance of protein conformational change
Authors: Zhuang Jingyuan , Zhang Fan , Tang Xiaowen , Liu Chengzhi , Huang Min , Xie Hujun , Wu Ruibo
Published: January 2022

The detailed reaction mechanism of bCinS catalyzing the substrate NPP was explored by multiscale simulations. The enzyme experiences the “closed-A” state to generate (S)-terpineol, and then changes to the “closed-B” state for 1,8-cineole production.
Photothermal synergy for efficient dry reforming of CH4 by an Ag/AgBr/CsPbBr3 composite
Authors: Gao Peng , Wang Peng , Liu Xiaolei , Cui Zihao , Wu Yaqiang , Zhang Xiaohan , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Cheng Hefeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: January 2022

Dry reforming of CH4 by photothermal catalysis is considered to be a promising approach to produce syngas.
A biological luminescent metal–organic framework with high fluorescence quantum yield for the selective detection of amino acids and monosaccharides
Authors: Zhou Ying-Ying , Xu Yuan , Yu Maoxing , Xiong Yi , Liu Xun-Gao , Zhao Zujin
Published: January 2022

A tetraphenylethene-based biological luminescent metal–organic framework with high fluorescence quantum yield is developed for selective and sensitive detection of amino acids and monosaccharides in aqueous medium.
Palladium(ii) complexes of bis(diphosphene) with different coordination behaviors
Authors: Ura Rikako , Tsurusaki Akihiro , Kamikawa Ken
Published: January 2022

The η1/η1-bis(diphosphene) and η1-diphosphene/η2-phosphanylphosphide palladium(ii) complexes were synthesized by the coordination of a new bidentate bis(diphosphene) ligand with binaphthyl groups.
Combined royal jelly 10-hydroxydecanoic acid and aspirin has a synergistic effect against memory deficit and neuroinflammation
Authors: You Mengmeng , Wang Kangli , Pan Yongming , Tao Lingchen , Ma Quanxin , Zhang Guozhi , Hu Fuliang
Published: January 2022

Aspirin and 10-HDAA combinatory therapy has a synergistic effect against LPS-induced neuroinflammation and memory dysfunction with minimal adverse effects.
Strategies for circadian rhythm disturbances and related psychiatric disorders: a new cue based on plant polysaccharides and intestinal microbiota
Authors: Sun Qiaoyu , Ho Chi-Tang , Zhang Xin , Liu Yanan , Zhang Ruilin , Wu Zufang
Published: January 2022

Circadian rhythm is essential to human physiological homeostasis and health.
In vitro simulated semi-dynamic gastrointestinal digestion: evaluation of the effects of processing on whey proteins digestibility and allergenicity
Authors: Gasparini Alessandra , Benedé Sara , Tedeschi Tullia , Sforza Stefano , Recio Isidra , Miralles Beatriz
Published: January 2022

The effect of thermal processing on digestibility of milk proteins should be better understood as this can greatly affect their immunoreactivity.
Making more with less: confinement effects for more sustainable chemical transformations
Authors: Terra Julio C. S. , Martins Amanda R. , Moura Flavia C. C. , Weber Cameron C. , Moores Audrey
Published: January 2022

Confinement effects offer unique opportinuties to facilitate reactions in a way to favor sustainability... in an almost magical way.
Correction: Enhanced production of phenol and debromination by co-pyrolysis of the non-metallic fraction of printed circuit boards and waste tires
Authors: Ma Chuan , Kumagai Shogo , Saito Yuko , Kameda Tomohito , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘Enhanced production of phenol and debromination by co-pyrolysis of the non-metallic fraction of printed circuit boards and waste tires’ by Chuan Ma et al., Green Chem., 2021, 23, 6392–6404, DOI: 10.1039/D1GC01176F.
The effect of side chains on the complex formation processes of N-terminally free hexapeptides containing C-terminal cysteinyl functions
Authors: Grenács Ágnes , Bodnár Nikolett , Pálinkás Dóra Csilla , Lihi Norbert , Várnagy Katalin
Published: January 2022

Ratio of isomers of 1 to 1 nickel-ligand complexes formed in equimolar systems at pH 11 (left) and pH 7 (right) showing the influence of an internal coordinating side chain.
Coumarin 102 excitation in aqueous media: contributions of vibronic coupling and hydration
Authors: Savenko Evgeniy S. , Kostjukov Victor V.
Published: January 2022

For the first time, vibronic coupling was considered when analyzing the excitation of coumarin C102.
The role of disaccharides as a plasticizer in improving the interaction between chitosan chain based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs)
Authors: Ra’il Nur Hani , Saputro Adhitya Gandaryus , Ataollahi Narges , Ahmad Azizan , Mobarak Nadhratun Naiim
Published: January 2022

This study proved the potential of disaccharides as plasticisers for polymer electrolyte system-based chitosan as they can increase the flexibility of chitosan molecular chains, thus enhancing the conductivity and dissociation of ions.
Selective sequential infiltration synthesis of ZnO in the liquid crystalline phase of silicon-containing rod-coil block copolymers
Authors: Shi Ling-Ying , Subramanian Ashwanth , Weng Lin , Lee Sangho , Kisslinger Kim , Nam Chang-Yong , Ross Caroline A.
Published: January 2022

The highly selective and uniform infiltration of ZnO in PMPCS liquid crystalline microdomains of rod-coil DM diblock copolymers and DSM triblock terpolymers highlights their potential in 3D hybrid nanofabrication.
Growth and analysis of the tetragonal (ST12) germanium nanowires
Authors: Garcia-Gil Adrià , Biswas Subhajit , Roy Ahin , Saladukh Dzianis , Raha Sreyan , Blon Thomas , Conroy Michele , Nicolosi Valeria , Singha Achintya , Lacroix Lise-Marie , Holmes Justin D.
Published: January 2022

A simple method was developed to synthesize ST12 germanium nanowires at moderate temperatures and pressure in a supercritical toluene atmosphere. Efficient light emission was observed from this Ge allotrope.
Flow synthesis of photocatalytic semiconductor–metal hybrid nanocrystals
Authors: Cohen Tal , Waiskopf Nir , Levi Adar , Stone David , Remennik Sergei , Banin Uri
Published: January 2022

Scalable advanced flow techniques are introduced, yielding ZnSe–metal hybrid nanoparticles both in thermal growth and photo-induced growth regimes.
A biopolymer-gated ionotronic junctionless oxide transistor array for spatiotemporal pain-perception emulation in nociceptor network
Authors: Li Yanran , Yin Kai , Diao Yu , Fang Mei , Yang Junliang , Zhang Jian , Cao Hongtao , Liu Xiaoliang , Jiang Jie
Published: January 2022

A 5 × 5 ionotronic junctionless indium-tin oxide (ITO) transistor array is reported for emulating a nociceptor network based on controlling the gate-to-channel distance.
Simple structure descriptors quantifying the diffusion of ethene in small-pore zeolites: insights from molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Chuan-Ming , Li Yi , Du Yu-Jue , Wang Yang-Dong , Xie Zai-Ku
Published: January 2022

Diffusion kinetics of ethene in cage-structured 8-ring zeolites were theoretically studied. Diffusion activation energy and pre-exponential factor correlate with the structure descriptors,i.e., opening size and accessible volume, respectively.
Computational insights into different regioselectivities in the Ir-porphyrin-catalyzed C–H insertion reaction of quinoid carbene
Authors: Chen Xiahe , Cao Chaoqin , Yang Yun-Fang , She Yuan-Bin
Published: January 2022

Carbene insertion into the secondary C–H bond of 1-methyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene and the primary C–H bond of 1-methylcyclohexene follows the HAA-O and HAA-C pathway, respectively.
Enhancing adsorption capacity and structural stability of Li1.6Mn1.6O4 adsorbents by anion/cation co-doping
Authors: Su Yifan , Qian Fangren , Qian Zhiqiang
Published: January 2022

Modifying the structure of Li1.6Mn1.6O4 (LMO) to enhance its structural stability and adsorption capacity is an effective method to generate materials to recover Li+ ions from mixed solution.
Stearic acid modified nano CuMOFs used as a nitric oxide carrier for prolonged nitric oxide release
Authors: Huang Maotao , Zhang Jianwen , Ke Xianlan , Gao Shuai , Wu Dimeng , Chen Junying , Weng Yajun
Published: January 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) shows high potential in the cardiovascular system with anticoagulant and antibacterial efficacy.
PAM-less conditional DNA substrates leverage trans-cleavage of CRISPR-Cas12a for versatile live-cell biosensing
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wang Rujia , Peng Shuang , Xie Shiyi , Lei Chunyang , Huang Yan , Nie Zhou
Published: January 2022

This work developed the PAM-less conditional DNA substrates that leverage the trans-cleavage effect of CRISPR-Cas12a to sense various biomolecules in living cells.
Size-dependent compression of threaded alkyldiphosphate in head to head cyclodextrin [3]pseudorotaxanes
Authors: Scelle Jérémy , Vervoitte Hugo , Bouteiller Laurent , Chamoreau Lise-Marie , Sollogoub Matthieu , Vives Guillaume , Hasenknopf Bernold
Published: January 2022

Alkyl chain compression of alkanediphosphate guests was achieved by head-to-head cyclodextrin [3]pseudorotaxanes in a mechanostereoselective self-assembly process.
Inducing a pH-dependent conformational response by competitive binding to Zn2+ of a series of chiral ligands of disparate basicity
Authors: Wootten Matthew M. , Le Bailly Bryden A. F. , Tshepelevitsh Sofja , Leito Ivo , Clayden Jonathan
Published: January 2022

A chemical system comprising a series of chiral acids of differing pKa, a metal, and a conformationally labile chromophore responds to pH with a CD spectrum that reports the absolute stereochemistry of the most basic anion in the mixture.
Transport of a self-propelled tracer through a hairy cylindrical channel: interplay of stickiness and activity
Authors: Sahoo Rajiblochan , Theeyancheri Ligesh , Chakrabarti Rajarshi
Published: January 2022

Computational investigation of transport of a self-propelled tracer inside a cylindrical channel, grafted with polymers, where activity, sticky interaction, confinement and crowding are interplaying.
Local structure in a tetravalent-substituent BIMEVOX system: BIGEVOX
Authors: Yue Yajun , Dzięgielewska Aleksandra , Hull Stephen , Krok Franciszek , Whiteley Richard M. , Toms Harold , Malys Marcin , Zhang Man , Yan Haixue , Abrahams Isaac
Published: January 2022

Total neutron and X-ray scattering and 51V solid-state NMR reveal details of the local structure in the BIGEVOX oxide ion conductor. A non-random deficiency in next-nearest-neighbour vacancy pairs in the 〈100〉 tetragonal direction is found.
Quasi-solid conductive gels with high thermoelectric properties and high mechanical stretchability consisting of a low cost and green deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Zhao Yinling , Cheng Hanlin , Li Yaoxiang , Rao Jiancheng , Yue Shizhong , Le Qiujian , Qian Qi , Liu Zhuo , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: January 2022

Quasi solid-state gels with a deep eutectic solvent that has the advantages of non-volatility, low cost and easy preparation can exhibit high thermoelectric properties, comparable to that of ionogels consisting of ionic liquids.
Stretchable triboelectric nanogenerator with exteroception-visualized multifunctionality
Authors: Meng Qingyu , Zhang Minghao , Tang Ruixin , Jin Wenjing , Zhang Jiayi , Lan Zhuyue , Shi Shitao , Shen Xiaoping , Sun Qingfeng
Published: January 2022

A liquid crystal (LC)-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with tunable structural colors and improved water locking effect was designed. The specific applications of this self-powered LC-TENG for optically visualized wearable smart sports assistance and skin-like thermal perception sensing were evaluated.
Intermetallic Cu11In9in situ formed on hierarchical nanoporous Cu for highly selective CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Wan Wu-Bin , Dai Tian-Yi , Shi Hang , Zeng Shu-Pei , Wen Zi , Zhang Wei , Lang Xing-You , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2022

Intermetallic Cu11In9 that is in situ engrafted with heterogeneous Cu–In(OH)x surface and seamlessly integrated on hierarchical nanoporous Cu scaffold (Cu11In9/Cu) is developed for highly selective CO2 electroreduction to CO.
Di-piperidinium-crosslinked poly(fluorenyl-co-terphenyl piperidinium)s for high-performance alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Chen Nanjun , Park Jong Hyeong , Hu Chuan , Wang Ho Hyun , Kim Hae Min , Kang Na Yoon , Lee Young Moo
Published: January 2022

Di-piperidinium crosslinked poly(fluorenyl-co-terphenyl piperidinium) membranes displayed outstanding mechanical strength (∼90 MPa) and durability along with high power density of 2.50 W cm−2 in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells.
Regulating the phase stability and bandgap of quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson CsSnI3 perovskite via intercalating organic cations
Authors: Sun Qian , Fang Zhi , Zheng Yapeng , Yang Zuobao , Hu Feng , Yang Yang , Yang Weiyou , Hou Xinmei , Shang Ming-Hui
Published: January 2022

Phase stability and bandgaps of rationally designed quasi-2D Dion–Jacobson tin halide perovskites can be efficiently engineered by intercalating organic ligands with π-conjugated bonds.
Mitochondrion-targeting PEGylated BODIPY dyes for near-infrared cell imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Badon Isabel Wen , Kim Chanwoo , Lim Jong Min , Mai Duy Khuong , Vales Temmy Pegarro , Kang Dongho , Cho Sung , Lee Joomin , Kim Ho-Joong , Yang Jaesung
Published: January 2022

We report the synthesis of NIR-absorbing and mitochondrion-targeting BODIPY dyes, which exhibited high phototoxicity toward cancer cells while affording cell imaging.
A biomimetic anti-biofouling coating in nanofluidic channels
Authors: Fukuda Sumire , Xu Yan
Published: January 2022

A biomimetic coating using a tailored phosphorylcholine-containing monomer enables to suppress non-specific protein adsorption in nanofluidic channels, paving a way to explore a new anti-biofouling strategy using monomer-based materials for nanodevices.
Oxygen-bearing functionalities enhancing NO2, NH3, and acetone electronic response and response variation by polythiophenes in organic field-effect transistor sensors
Authors: Wagner Justine , Song Yunjia , Shapiro Jenna , Katz Howard E.
Published: January 2022

Thiophene copolymers (representative structures shown) gave enhanced, uncorrelated response to NO2, NH3, and acetone vapors. Linear discriminant analysis of responses of thirteen polymers correctly classified response groups as arising from individual vapors.
Optimized thermoelectric properties of Bi0.48Sb1.52Te3/BN composites
Authors: Chen Lidong , Guo Zhe , Zhang Qiang , Wu Gang , Tan Xiaojian , Yin Yinong , Hu Haoyang , Liu Guo-Qiang , Jiang Jun
Published: January 2022

A nano h-BN composite realizes a better thermoelectric performance of ZTmax = 1.3 at 375 K and significantly improves the compressive strength to 8.8 MPa in zone-melted Bi2Te3-based materials.
Correction: Selective light driven reduction of CO2 to HCOOH in water using a {MoV9}n (n = 1332–3600) based soft-oxometalate (SOM)
Authors: Barman Soumitra , Das Santu , S. S. Sreejith , Garai Somnath , Pochamoni Ramudu , Roy Soumyajit
Published: January 2022

Correction for ‘Selective light driven reduction of CO2 to HCOOH in water using a {MoV9}n (n = 1332–3600) based soft-oxometalate (SOM)’ by Soumitra Barman et al., Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 2369–2372, DOI: 10.1039/C7CC09520A.
Spiers Memorial Lecture: activating metal sites for biological electron transfer
Authors: Solomon Edward I. , Jose Anex
Published: January 2022

The unique spectroscopic features of metalloenzymes reflect novel geometric and electronic structures imposed by the protein activating the metal sites for efficient biological function.
Flexibility provision of residential energy hubs with demand response applications
Authors: Ostovar Sara , Moeini‐Aghtaie Moein , Hadi Mohammad Behzad
Published: January 2022

Smart grids help local distribution companies (LDCs) facilitate the communication between grid operators and residential prosumers. While the prosumers are striving to optimize their daily load profile by home energy management systems (HEMSs) deployment, the LDCs attempt to enhance the operation of the grid in an efficient way and decrease network losses. This paper attempts to develop a new bi‐level probabilistic optimization framework wherein an HEMS optimizes its respective daily load profile, and determines its flexibility provision, which is communicated to an LDC. In the proposed framework, a decentralized approach is used to achieve the flexibility product, which is the modulation of energy, through the incentive‐based demand response (DR) programs. Finally, the LDC applies the prosumer's flexibility' offers to optimize its operational performance. The two‐point estimate method (2PEM) is employed to model the uncertainties. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated by applying it to a system with one residential feeder.
Recurrent neural network non‐singular terminal sliding mode control for path following of autonomous ground vehicles with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Xing Benhua , Xu Enyong , Wei Jin , Meng Yanmei
Published: January 2022

Uncertain characteristics along with unknown exterior disturbances are fundamental issues in the path‐following control of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs). Here, a novel robust non‐singular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) control method based on a recurrent neural network (RNN) structure is proposed to enhance the path‐following performance of AGVs. First, based on the dynamic model and path‐following model of AGVs, the robust NTSM steering controller is proposed to ensure that the lateral offset converges to zero within a limited time, and concurrently suppresses the chattering phenomenon that occurs in the regular sliding mode control (SMC) strategy. Then, the RNN is applied to approximate the unknown dynamics section of the system online. With an implied feedback loop, its study ability precedes the regular neural network to catch up with the dynamic response. In addition, the adaptive learning algorithms of the parameters in the RNN are derived using the Lyapunov stability theorem and Taylor linearisation technique to ensure the stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control approach against parametric uncertainties and unknown external disturbances are verified in the Simulink‐CarSim simulation platform by comparison with selected reported control methods.
Stellar dating using chemical clocks and Bayesian inference
Authors: Moya A. , Sarro L. M. , Delgado-Mena E. , Chaplin W. J. , Adibekyan V. , Blanco-Cuaresma S.
Published: January 2022

Context. Dating stars is a major challenge with a deep impact on many astrophysical fields. One of the most promising techniques for this is using chemical abundances. Recent space- and ground-based facilities have improved the quantity of stars with accurate observations. This has opened the door for using Bayesian inference tools to maximise the information we can extract from them.

Aims. Our aim is to present accurate and reliable stellar age estimates of FGK stars using chemical abundances and stellar parameters.

Methods. We used one of the most flexible Bayesian inference techniques (hierarchical Bayesian models) to exceed current possibilities in the use of chemical abundances for stellar dating. Our model is a data-driven model. We used a training set that has been presented in the literature with ages estimated with isochrones and accurate stellar abundances and general characteristics. The core of the model is a prescription of certain abundance ratios as linear combinations of stellar properties including age. We gathered four different testing sets to assess the accuracy, precision, and limits of our model. We also trained a model using chemical abundances alone.

Results. We found that our age estimates and those coming from asteroseismology, other accurate sources, and also with ten Gaia benchmark stars agree well. The mean absolute difference of our estimates compared with those used as reference is 0.9 Ga, with a mean difference of 0.01 Ga. When using open clusters, we reached a very good agreement for Hyades, NGC 2632, Ruprecht 147, and IC 4651. We also found outliers that are a reflection of chemical peculiarities and/or stars at the limit of the validity ranges of the training set. The model that only uses chemical abundances shows slightly worse mean absolute difference (1.18 Ga) and mean difference (−0.12 Ga).
The strange case of Na I in the atmosphere of HD 209458 b
Authors: Morello G. , Casasayas-Barris N. , Orell-Miquel J. , Pallé E. , Cracchiolo G. , Micela G.
Published: January 2022

Aims. We aim to investigate the origin of the discrepant results reported in the literature about the presence of Na I in the atmosphere of HD 209458 b, based on low- and high-resolution transmission spectroscopy.

Methods. We generated synthetic planetary atmosphere models and we compared them with the transmission light curves and spectra observed in previous studies. Our models account for the stellar limb-darkening and Rossiter-McLaughlin (RM) effects, and contemplate various possible scenarios for the planetary atmosphere.

Results. We reconciled the discrepant results by identifying a range of planetary atmospheres that are consistent with previous low- and high-resolution spectroscopic observations. Either both datasets are interpreted as consistent with a total absence of Na I in the planetary atmosphere (with Hubble Space Telescope data being affected by limb darkening), or the terminator temperature of HD 209458 b has to have an upper limit of about 1000 K. In particular, we find that 1D transmission spectra with lower-than-equilibrium temperatures can also explain the previously reported detection of absorption signal at low resolution due to differential transit depth in adjacent bands, while the cores of the Na I D lines may be masked by the strong RM signal seen at high resolution. We also rule out high-altitude clouds, which would otherwise mask the absorption signal at low resolution, as the source of the discrepancies.

Conclusions. This work highlights the synergies between different observing techniques, specifically low- and high-resolution spectroscopy, to fully characterise transiting exoplanet systems.