bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-223 inhibits neutrophil extracellular traps formation through regulating calcium influx and small extracellular vesicles transmission
Authors: Liao Tsai-Ling , Chen Yi-Ming , Tang Kuo-Tung , Chen Po-Ku , Liu Hung-Jen , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: August 2021

Modulation of miRNAs and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation are both implicated in inflammatory disorders. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a systemic autoinflammatory disease with neutrophilic leukocytosis and unknown etiology. Although the NETs formation is elevated in AOSD patients, the regulatory roles of miRNAs in NETs formation in AOSD remains unclear. We revealed that the circulating levels of IL-18, NETs, and miR-223 were significantly higher in active AOSD patients, compared with inactive AOSD patients or healthy controls (P < 0.005). Moreover, IL-18 increased calcium influx into neutrophils, which led to mitochondrial ROS (mROS) production and NETs formation. Elevated levels of NETs-DNA could induce miR-223 expression in neutrophils through activating Toll-like receptor 9. The upregulated miR-223 expression in neutrophils suppressed mROS production by blocking calcium influx, and subsequently inhibited IL-18-mediated NETs formation. Besides, the increased neutrophil-derived exosomal miR-223 levels were observed in active AOSD patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.005). Our in vitro assays demonstrated that the neutrophil-derived small extracellular vesicles carried miR-223, which could repress IL-18 production in macrophages. Together, these results suggest a fine-tuned mechanism between inflammatory (IL-18 induced NETs) and anti-inflammatory (miR-223) factors in AOSD. MiR-223, mROS inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are the potential therapeutics for autoinflammatory diseases such as AOSD.
Critical role of oxidized LDL receptor-1 in intravascular thrombosis in a severe influenza mouse model
Authors: Ohno Marumi , Kakino Akemi , Sekiya Toshiki , Nomura Naoki , Shingai Masashi , Sawamura Tatsuya , Kida Hiroshi
Published: August 2021

Although coagulation abnormalities, including microvascular thrombosis, are thought to contribute to tissue injury and single- or multiple-organ dysfunction in severe influenza, the detailed mechanisms have yet been clarified. This study evaluated influenza-associated abnormal blood coagulation utilizing a severe influenza mouse model. After infecting C57BL/6 male mice with intranasal applications of 500 plaque-forming units of influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1; PR8), an elevated serum level of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, an indicator for activated thrombin generation, was observed. Also, an increased gene expression of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 (Olr1), a key molecule in endothelial dysfunction in the progression of atherosclerosis, was detected in the aorta of infected mice. Body weight decrease, serum levels of cytokines and chemokines, viral load, and inflammation in the lungs of infected animals were similar between wild-type and Olr1 knockout (KO) mice. In contrast, the elevation of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 levels in the sera and intravascular thrombosis in the lungs by PR8 virus infection were not induced in KO mice. Collectively, the results indicated that OLR1 is a critical host factor in intravascular thrombosis as a pathogeny of severe influenza. Thus, OLR1 is a promising novel therapeutic target for thrombosis during severe influenza.
Myeloid-resident neuropilin-1 influences brown adipose tissue in obesity
Authors: Diaz-Marin Roberto , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Wilson Ariel M. , Buscarlet Manuel , Dejda Agnieszka , Fournier Frédérik , Juneau Rachel , Alquier Thierry , Sapieha Przemyslaw
Published: August 2021

The beneficial effects of brown adipose tissue (BAT) on obesity and associated metabolic diseases are mediated through its capacity to dissipate energy as heat. While immune cells, such as tissue-resident macrophages, are known to influence adipose tissue homeostasis, relatively little is known about their contribution to BAT function. Here we report that neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a multiligand single-pass transmembrane receptor, is highly expressed in BAT-resident macrophages. During diet-induced obesity (DIO), myeloid-resident NRP1 influences interscapular BAT mass, and consequently vascular morphology, innervation density and ultimately core body temperature during cold exposure. Thus, NRP1-expressing myeloid cells contribute to the BAT homeostasis and potentially its thermogenic function in DIO.
Kinetic modelling for concentration and toxicity changes during the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol by UV/H2O2
Authors: Ferreiro Cristian , Sanz Josu , Villota Natalia , de Luis Ana , Lombraña José Ignacio
Published: August 2021

This work develops a kinetic model that allow to predict the water toxicity and the main degradation products concentration of aqueous solutions containing 4-chlorophenol oxidised by UV/H2O2. The kinetic model was developed grouping degradation products of similar toxicological nature: aromatics (hydroquinone, benzoquinone, 4-chlorocatechol and catechol), aliphatics (succinic, fumaric, maleic and malonic acids) and mineralised compounds (oxalic, acetic and formic acids). The degradation of each group versus time was described as a mathematical function of the rate constant of a second-order reaction involving the hydroxyl radical, the quantum yield of lump, the concentration of the hydroxyl radicals and the intensity of the emitted UV radiation. The photolytic and kinetic parameters characterising each lump were adjusted by experimental assays. The kinetic, mass balance and toxicity equations were solved using the Berkeley Madonna numerical calculation tool. Results showed that 4-chlorophenol would be completely removed during the first hour of the reaction, operating with oxidant molar ratios higher than R = 200 at pH  6.0 and UV = 24 W. Under these conditions, a decrease in the rate of total organic carbon (TOC) removal close to 50% from the initial value was observed. The solution colour, attributed to the presence of oxidation products as p-benzoquinone and hydroquinone, were oxidised to colourless species, that resulted in a decrease in the toxicity of the solutions (9.95 TU) and the aromaticity lost.
Optimizing nutrient use efficiency, productivity, energetics, and economics of red cabbage following mineral fertilization and biopriming with compatible rhizosphere microbes
Authors: Sarkar Deepranjan , Sankar Ardith , Devika O. Siva , Singh Sonam , Shikha  , Parihar Manoj , Rakshit Amitava , Sayyed R. Z. , Gafur Abdul , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Danish Subhan , Fahad Shah , Datta Rahul
Published: August 2021

Conventional agricultural practices and rising energy crisis create a question about the sustainability of the present-day food production system. Nutrient exhaustive crops can have a severe impact on native soil fertility by causing nutrient mining. In this backdrop, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of bio-priming intervention in red cabbage production considering nutrient uptake, the annual change in soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, energy budgeting, and economic benefits for its sustainable intensification, among resource-poor farmers of Middle Gangetic Plains. The compatible microbial agents used in the study includeTrichoderma harzianum,Pseudomonas fluorescens, andBacillus subtilis. Field assays (2016–2017 and 2017–2018) of the present study revealed supplementing 75% of recommended NPK fertilizer with dual inoculation ofT.harzianumandP.fluorescensincreased macronutrient uptake (N, P, and K), root length, heading percentage, head diameter, head weight, and the total weight of red cabbage along with a positive annual change in soil organic carbon. Maximum positive annual change in available N and available P was recorded under 75% RDF + P.fluorescens + B.subtilisand 75% RDF + T.harzianum + B.subtilis, respectively. Bio-primed plants were also higher in terms of growth and nutrient use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity). Energy output (26,370 and 26,630 MJ ha−1), energy balance (13,643 and 13,903 MJ ha−1), maximum gross return (US $ 16,030 and 13,877 ha−1), and net return (US $ 15,966 and 13,813 ha−1) were considerably higher inT.harzianum,andP.fluorescenstreated plants. The results suggest the significance of the bio-priming approach under existing integrated nutrient management strategies and the role of dual inoculations in producing synergistic effects on plant growth and maintaining the soil, food, and energy nexus.
Multiwell Raman plate reader for high-throughput biochemical screening
Authors: Kawagoe Hiroyuki , Ando Jun , Asanuma Miwako , Dodo Kosuke , Miyano Tetsuya , Ueda Hiroshi , Sodeoka Mikiko , Fujita Katsumasa
Published: August 2021

Although Raman spectroscopy has been used for the quantitative analysis of samples in many fields, including material science, biomedical, and pharmaceutical research, its low sensitivity hindered the application of the analytical capability for high-throughput screening. Here, we developed a high-throughput Raman screening system that can analyze hundreds of specimens in a multiwell plate simultaneously. Multiple high numerical aperture (NA) lenses are assembled under each well in the multiwell plate to detect Raman scattering simultaneously with high sensitivity. The Raman spectrum of 192 samples loaded on a standard 384-well plate can be analyzed simultaneously. With the developed system, the throughput of Raman measurement was significantly improved (about 100 times) compared to conventional Raman instruments based on a single-point measurement. By using the developed system, we demonstrated high-throughput Raman screening to investigate drug polymorphism and identify a small-molecule binding site in a protein. Furthermore, the same system was used to demonstrate high-speed chemical mapping of a centimeter-sized pork slice.
Modelling, prediction and design of COVID-19 lockdowns by stringency and duration
Authors: Mellone Alberto , Gong Zilong , Scarciotti Giordano
Published: August 2021

The implementation of lockdowns has been a key policy to curb the spread of COVID-19 and to keep under control the number of infections. However, quantitatively predicting in advance the effects of lockdowns based on their stringency and duration is a complex task, in turn making it difficult for governments to design effective strategies to stop the disease. Leveraging a novel mathematical “hybrid” approach, we propose a new epidemic model that is able to predict the future number of active cases and deaths when lockdowns with different stringency levels or durations are enforced. The key observation is that lockdown-induced modifications of social habits may not be captured by traditional mean-field compartmental models because these models assume uniformity of social interactions among the population, which fails during lockdown. Our model is able to capture the abrupt social habit changes caused by lockdowns. The results are validated on the data of Israel and Germany by predicting past lockdowns and providing predictions in alternative lockdown scenarios (different stringency and duration). The findings show that our model can effectively support the design of lockdown strategies by stringency and duration, and quantitatively forecast the course of the epidemic during lockdown.
Investigation on CT characterization of pore structure in nylon-uncured rubber composite from a microscopic view
Authors: Li Yong , Chi Yanmeng , Han Shanling , Miao Yanan , Chen Long
Published: August 2021

In order to construct the geometric models characterizing the real micro pore-fracture structures of nylon-uncured rubber composite, and further compare the distribution law in the pore-fracture of solid (nylon)-gas (pore) two-phases with that of solid (nylon)-viscoelastic body (rubber)-gas (pore) three-phases composite, in this paper, the X-ray three-dimensional (3D) microscope is applied for the nylon material and nylon-rubber composite respectively. By employing the 3D visualization software (Avizo), three-dimensional reconstruction and pore-fracture network model is realized, where the quantitative statistics and comparative analysis are carried out. The results demonstrate that the pore/throat number of nylon material accounting for 20.8%/33.9% are the largest when the pore/throat radius is in the range of 3–4 μm/1–2 μm, respectively, however, the pore/throat number of nylon-rubber composite with the radius 3–4 μm/1–2 μm occupies merely 5.49%/11.3%. Furthermore, the average pore radius of nylon material is believed as larger than that of nylon-rubber composite based on the pore network model, where the pore/throat surface area and pore/throat volume have perfect consistent patterns with that of pore radius. This work will offer a theoretical basis for the investigation of gas seepage capability discrepancy between the solid (nylon) one-phase and solid (nylon)-viscoelastic body (rubber) two-phases.
Finding successful strategies in a complex urban sustainability game
Authors: Monechi Bernardo , Ubaldi Enrico , Gravino Pietro , Chabay Ilan , Loreto Vittorio
Published: August 2021

The adverse effects of unsustainable behaviors on human society are leading to an increasingly urgent and critical need to change policies and practices worldwide. This requires that citizens become informed and engaged in participatory governance and measures leading to sustainable futures. Citizens’ understanding of the inherent complexity of sustainable systems is a necessary (though generally not sufficient) ingredient for them to understand controversial public policies and maintain the core principles of democratic societies. In this work, we present a novel, open-ended experiment where individuals had the opportunity to solve model urban sustainability problems in a purposeful game. Participants were challenged to interact with familiar LEGO blocks representing elements in a complex generative urban economic indicators model. Players seeks to find a specific urban configuration satisfying particular sustainability requirements. We show that, despite the intrinsic complexity and non-linearity of the problems, participants’ ability to make counter-intuitive actions helps them find suitable solutions. Moreover, we show that through successive iterations of the experiment, participants can overcome the difficulties linked to non-linearity and increase the probability of finding the correct solution to the problem. We contend that this kind ofwhat-ifplatforms could have a crucial role in future approaches to sustainable developments goals.
Associative learning shapes visual discrimination in a web-based classical conditioning task
Authors: Stegmann Yannik , Andreatta Marta , Pauli Paul , Wieser Matthias J.
Published: August 2021

Threat detection plays a vital role in adapting behavior to changing environments. A fundamental function to improve threat detection is learning to differentiate between stimuli predicting danger and safety. Accordingly, aversive learning should lead to enhanced sensory discrimination of danger and safety cues. However, studies investigating the psychophysics of visual and auditory perception after aversive learning show divergent findings, and both enhanced and impaired discrimination after aversive learning have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this web-based study is to examine the impact of aversive learning on a continuous measure of visual discrimination. To this end, 205 participants underwent a differential fear conditioning paradigm before and after completing a visual discrimination task using differently oriented grating stimuli. Participants saw either unpleasant or neutral pictures as unconditioned stimuli (US). Results demonstrated sharpened visual discrimination for the US-associated stimulus (CS+), but not for the unpaired conditioned stimuli (CS−). Importantly, this finding was irrespective of the US’s valence. These findings suggest that associative learning results in increased stimulus salience, which facilitates perceptual discrimination in order to prioritize attentional deployment.
Evolution of NETosis markers and DAMPs have prognostic value in critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Huckriede Joram , Anderberg Sara Bülow , Morales Albert , de Vries Femke , Hultström Michael , Bergqvist Anders , Ortiz-Pérez José T. , Sels Jan Willem , Wichapong Kanin , Lipcsey Miklos , van de Poll Marcel , Larsson Anders , Luther Tomas , Reutelingsperger Chris , de Frutos Pablo Garcia , Frithiof Robert , Nicolaes Gerry A. F.
Published: August 2021

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) presents with disease severities of varying degree. In its most severe form, infection may lead to respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction. Here we study the levels and evolution of the damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) cell free DNA (cfDNA), extracellular histone H3 (H3) and neutrophil elastase (NE), and the immune modulators GAS6 and AXL in relation to clinical parameters, ICU scoring systems and mortality in patients (n = 100) with severe COVID-19. cfDNA, H3, NE, GAS6 and AXL were increased in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. These measures associated with occurrence of clinical events and intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW). cfDNA and GAS6 decreased in time in patients surviving to 30 days post ICU admission. A decrease of 27.2 ng/mL cfDNA during ICU stay associated with patient survival, whereas levels of GAS6 decreasing more than 4.0 ng/mL associated with survival. The presence of H3 in plasma was a common feature of COVID-19 patients, detected in 38% of the patients at ICU admission. NETosis markers cfDNA, H3 and NE correlated well with parameters of tissue damage and neutrophil counts. Furthermore, cfDNA correlated with lowest p/f ratio and a lowering in cfDNA was observed in patients with ventilator-free days.
Thioesterase induction by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin results in a futile cycle that inhibits hepatic β-oxidation
Authors: Cholico Giovan N. , Fling Russell R. , Zacharewski Nicholas A. , Fader Kelly A. , Nault Rance , Zacharewski Timothy R.
Published: August 2021

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a persistent environmental contaminant, induces steatosis by increasing hepatic uptake of dietary and mobilized peripheral fats, inhibiting lipoprotein export, and repressing β-oxidation. In this study, the mechanism of β-oxidation inhibition was investigated by testing the hypothesis that TCDD dose-dependently repressed straight-chain fatty acid oxidation gene expression in mice following oral gavage every 4 days for 28 days. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in hepatic acyl-CoA levels, while octenoyl-CoA and dicarboxylic acid levels increased. TCDD also dose-dependently repressed the hepatic gene expression associated with triacylglycerol and cholesterol ester hydrolysis, fatty acid binding proteins, fatty acid activation, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolysis while inducing acyl-CoA hydrolysis. Moreover, octenoyl-CoA blocked the hydration of crotonyl-CoA suggesting short chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) activity was inhibited. Collectively, the integration of metabolomics and RNA-seq data suggested TCDD induced a futile cycle of fatty acid activation and acyl-CoA hydrolysis resulting in incomplete β-oxidation, and the accumulation octenoyl-CoA levels that inhibited the activity of short chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1).
Patrolling human SLE haematopoietic progenitors demonstrate enhanced extramedullary colonisation; implications for peripheral tissue injury
Authors: Kokkinopoulos Ioannis , Banos Aggelos , Grigoriou Maria , Filia Anastasia , Manolakou Theodora , Alissafi Themis , Malissovas Nikolaos , Mitroulis Ioannis , Verginis Panayotis , Boumpas Dimitrios T.
Published: August 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where bone-marrow-derived haematopoietic cells have a key role in its pathogenesis with accumulating evidence suggesting an aberrant function of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). We examined whether patrolling HSPCs differ from bone-marrow HSPCs both in SLE and healthy individuals, and how they participate in peripheral tissue injury. By employing next-generation RNA sequencing, the transcriptomes of CD34+HSPCs deriving from the bone marrow and those patrolling the bloodstream of both healthy and individuals with SLE were compared. Patrolling SLE and Healthy human HSPC kinetics were examined through their inoculation into humanised mice. Patrolling and bone-marrow HSPCs have distinct molecular signatures, while patrolling SLE HSPCs showed an enhanced extramedullary gene expression profile. Non-mobilised, SLE-derived circulating HSPCs demonstrated altered homing capacities. Xenotransplantation of circulating HSPCs in humanised mice showed that human peripheral blood HSPCs possess the ability for extramedullary organ colonisation to the kidneys. Circulating and bone marrow-derived HSPCs are distinct in steady and diseased states. Patrolling SLE CD34+HSPCs are able to home at extramedullary sites such as the spleen and kidneys, potentially participating in peripheral tissue injury.
Localized management of non-indigenous animal domesticates in Northwestern China during the Bronze Age
Authors: Vaiglova Petra , Reid Rachel E. B. , Lightfoot Emma , Pilaar Birch Suzanne E. , Wang Hui , Chen Guoke , Li Shuicheng , Jones Martin , Liu Xinyi
Published: August 2021

The movements of ancient crop and animal domesticates across prehistoric Eurasia are well-documented in the archaeological record. What is less well understood are the precise mechanisms that farmers and herders employed to incorporate newly introduced domesticates into their long-standing husbandry and culinary traditions. This paper presents stable isotope values (δ13C, δ15N) of humans, animals, and a small number of plants from the Hexi Corridor, a key region that facilitated the movement of ancient crops between Central and East Asia. The data show that the role of animal products in human diets was more significant than previously thought. In addition, the diets of domestic herbivores (sheep/goat, and cattle) suggest that these two groups of domesticates were managed in distinct ways in the two main ecozones of the Hexi Corridor: the drier Northwestern region and the wetter Southeastern region. Whereas sheep and goat diets are consistent with consumption of naturally available vegetation, cattle exhibit a higher input of C4 plants in places where these plants contributed little to the natural vegetation. This suggests that cattle consumed diets that were more influenced by human provisioning, and may therefore have been reared closer to the human settlements, than sheep and goats.
A novel method for peanut variety identification and classification by Improved VGG16
Authors: Yang Haoyan , Ni Jiangong , Gao Jiyue , Han Zhongzhi , Luan Tao
Published: August 2021

Crop variety identification is an essential link in seed detection, phenotype collection and scientific breeding. This paper takes peanut as an example to explore a new method for crop variety identification. Peanut is a crucial oil crop and cash crop. The yield and quality of different peanut varieties are different, so it is necessary to identify and classify different peanut varieties. The traditional image processing method of peanut variety identification needs to extract many features, which has defects such as intense subjectivity and insufficient generalization ability. Based on the deep learning technology, this paper improved the deep convolutional neural network VGG16 and applied the improved VGG16 to the identification and classification task of 12 varieties of peanuts. Firstly, the peanut pod images of 12 varieties obtained by the scanner were preprocessed with gray-scale, binarization, and ROI extraction to form a peanut pod data set with a total of 3365 images of 12 varieties. A series of improvements have been made to VGG16. Remove the F6 and F7 fully connected layers of VGG16. Add Conv6 and Global Average Pooling Layer. The three convolutional layers of conv5 have changed into Depth Concatenation and add the Batch Normalization(BN) layers to the model. Besides, fine-tuning is carried out based on the improved VGG16. We adjusted the location of the BN layers. Adjust the number of filters for Conv6. Finally, the improved VGG16 model's training test results were compared with the other classic models, AlexNet, VGG16, GoogLeNet, ResNet18, ResNet50, SqueezeNet, DenseNet201 and MobileNetv2 verify its superiority. The average accuracy of the improved VGG16 model on the peanut pods test set was 96.7%, which was 8.9% higher than that of VGG16, and 1.6–12.3% higher than that of other classical models. Besides, supplementary experiments were carried out to prove the robustness and generality of the improved VGG16. The improved VGG16 was applied to the identification and classification of seven corn grain varieties with the same method and an average accuracy of 90.1% was achieved. The experimental results show that the improved VGG16 proposed in this paper can identify and classify peanut pods of different varieties, proving the feasibility of a convolutional neural network in variety identification and classification. The model proposed in this experiment has a positive significance for exploring other Crop variety identification and classification.
An integrated approach of field, weather, and satellite data for monitoring maize phenology
Authors: Nieto Luciana , Schwalbert Raí , Prasad P. V. Vara , Olson Bradley J. S. C. , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: August 2021

Efficient, more accurate reporting of maize (Zea mays L.) phenology, crop condition, and progress is crucial for agronomists and policy makers. Integration of satellite imagery with machine learning models has shown great potential to improve crop classification and facilitate in-season phenological reports. However, crop phenology classification precision must be substantially improved to transform data into actionable management decisions for farmers and agronomists. An integrated approach utilizing ground truth field data for maize crop phenology (2013–2018 seasons), satellite imagery (Landsat 8), and weather data was explored with the following objectives: (i) model training and validation—identify the best combination of spectral bands, vegetation indices (VIs), weather parameters, geolocation, and ground truth data, resulting in a model with the highest accuracy across years at each season segment (step one) and (ii) model testing—post-selection model performance evaluation for each phenology class with unseen data (hold-out cross-validation) (step two). The best model performance for classifying maize phenology was documented when VIs (NDVI, EVI, GCVI, NDWI, GVMI) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) were used as input variables. This study supports the integration of field ground truth, satellite imagery, and weather data to classify maize crop phenology, thereby facilitating foundational decision making and agricultural interventions for the different members of the agricultural chain.
Beyond multi view deconvolution for inherently aligned fluorescence tomography
Authors: Ancora Daniele , Valentini Gianluca , Pifferi Antonio , Bassi Andrea
Published: August 2021

In multi-view fluorescence microscopy, each angular acquisition needs to be aligned with care to obtain an optimal volumetric reconstruction. Here, instead, we propose a neat protocol based on auto-correlation inversion, that leads directly to the formation of inherently aligned tomographies. Our method generates sharp reconstructions, with the same accuracy reachable after sub-pixel alignment but with improved point-spread-function. The procedure can be performed simultaneously with deconvolution further increasing the reconstruction resolution.
In-situ study of electrochemical migration of tin in the presence of bromide ion
Authors: Lee Ee Lynn , Haseeb A. S. M. A. , Basirun Wan Jeffrey , Wong Yew Hoong , Sabri Mohd Faizul Mohd , Low Boon Yew
Published: August 2021

The miniaturization of electronic devices and the consequent decrease in the distance between conductive lines have increased the risk of short circuit failure due to electrochemical migration (ECM). The presence of ionic contaminants affects the ECM process. This work systematically investigates the ECM of tin (Sn) in the presence of bromide ions (Br−) in the range of 10−6 M to 1.0 M. Water drop test (WDT) was conducted in the two-probe semiconductor characterization system under an optical microscope as an in-situ observation. Polarization test was carried out to study the correlation between the corrosion properties of Sn and its ECM behaviour. The products of ECM were characterized by scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-rays spectrometer (SEM/EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The results confirm that the rate of anodic dissolution of Sn monotonously increases with the Br− concentration. However, the probability of ECM failure follows a normal distribution initially, but later increases with the Br− concentration. The main products of the ECM reactions are identified as Sn dendrites and tin hydroxide precipitates. The mechanisms of the ECM process of Sn in the presence of Br− are also suggested.
Interactions of boron released from surface pre-reacted glass ionomer with enamel/dentin and its effect on pH
Authors: Hiraishi Noriko , Sayed Mahmoud , Hill Robert , Tagami Junji , Hayashi Fumiaki
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the interaction of borate ions released from surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers with the biological apatites of enamel and dentin using solid-state (SS) magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopy analysis. We further evaluated the effect of borate ions on the pH change. Bovine enamel and dentin powder were submerged in S-PRG eluate (with borate ion concentration of 100 mM) for 3 h, then washed with deionized water (DW). The dried enamel and dentin specimens were used for 11B SS-NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Enamel and dentin blocks were treated with three solutions: DW (control), S-PRG eluent and borate solution (100 mM). The treated samples were submerged in the demineralization solution and the pH was measured using a pH meter daily for 6 days. The surfaces of the enamel and dentin blocks were then observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). SS-NMR analysis revealed the presence of adsorbed borate ions in the enamel and dentin samples in a tetra-coordinated form. The pH results demonstrated an increase in pH values in the S-PRG and borate groups. SEM images showed that the surfaces of the control group were demineralized, whereas the surfaces of the S-PRG and borate groups were intact. These results concluded that borate ions could be adsorbed to enamel and dentin in the tetra-coordinated form. Borate ions possess a buffer capacity which may help to protect the tooth structure against acid attacks and promote remineralization.
Interaction between the level of immunoglobulins and number of somatic cells as a factor shaping the immunomodulating properties of colostrum
Authors: Puppel Kamila , Gołębiewski Marcin , Slósarz Jan , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Solarczyk Paweł , Kostusiak Piotr , Grodkowska Kinga , Balcerak Marek , Sakowski Tomasz
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between immunoglobulins and SCC as a factor in shaping the content of the immunostimulatory components of colostrum. Seventy-eight multiparous Polish Holstein–Friesian cows were selected for the experiment. Colostrum samples were collected immediately after calving (up to a max. of 2 h). The cows were divided into groups according to the following levels: Immunoglobulins (IG class)—(IG1) over 50 g/L, (IG2) up to 50 g/L; SCC class—(SCC1) up to 400 000/ml, (SCC2) 400–800 000/ml, (SCC3) over 800 000/ml. Colostrum assigned to the IG1 SCC1 group had a statistically significant higher (p ≤ 0.01) concentration of both whey proteins and fatty acids compared to the IG1 SCC2 and SCC3 groups. The concentration of IgG, IgM, and IgA was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 226%, 149%, and 115%, respectively. The concentration of lactoferrin was shown to be higher in IG1 SCC1 than IG2 SCC3 by 149%. The determination of colostrum quality based on the concentration of immunoglobulins in the colostrum may not be sufficient because serum IgG concentrations at birth show a linear increase relative to colostrum SCC. A breakdown of colostrum into quality classes, taking into account the level of SCC, should therefore be introduced.
Evidence of an epidemic spread of KPC-producing Enterobacterales in Czech hospitals
Authors: Kraftova Lucie , Finianos Marc , Studentova Vendula , Chudejova Katerina , Jakubu Vladislav , Zemlickova Helena , Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Bitar Ibrahim , Hrabak Jaroslav
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present study is to describe the ongoing spread of the KPC-producing strains, which is evolving to an epidemic in Czech hospitals. During the period of 2018–2019, a total of 108 KPC-producing Enterobacterales were recovered from 20 hospitals. Analysis of long-read sequencing data revealed the presence of several types of blaKPC-carrying plasmids; 19 out of 25 blaKPC-carrying plasmids could be assigned to R (n = 12), N (n = 5), C (n = 1) and P6 (n = 1) incompatibility (Inc) groups. Five of the remaining blaKPC-carrying plasmids were multireplicon, while one plasmid couldn’t be typed. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the spread of blaKPC-carrying plasmids among different clones of diverse Enterobacterales species. Our findings demonstrated that the increased prevalence of KPC-producing isolates was due to plasmids spreading among different species. In some districts, the local dissemination of IncR and IncN plasmids was observed. Additionally, the ongoing evolution of blaKPC-carrying plasmids, through genetic rearrangements, favours the preservation and further dissemination of these mobile genetic elements. Therefore, the situation should be monitored, and immediate infection control should be implemented in hospitals reporting KPC-producing strains.
Regional metabolic and network changes in Meige syndrome
Authors: Liu Jiayu , Li Lei , Li Yuan , Wang Qian , Liu Ruen , Ding Hu
Published: August 2021

To contribute to the understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of Meige syndrome, the metabolic networks of patients with Meige syndrome were investigated using 18F-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) imaging of cerebral glucose metabolism. Fifty right-handed and unmedicated primary Meige syndrome patients enrolled between September 2017 and September 2020 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. Metabolic connectivity and graph theory analysis were used to investigate metabolic network differences based on 18F-FDG-PET images. Glucose hypometabolism was detected in the left internal globus pallidus and parietal lobe, right frontal lobe and postcentral gyrus, and bilateral thalamus and cerebellum of patients with Meige syndrome. Clustering coefficients (Cps) (density threshold: 16–28%; P < 0.05) and shortest path lengths (Lps) (density threshold: 10–15%; P < 0.05) were higher in Meige syndrome patients than in healthy controls. Small-worldness was lower in Meige syndrome patients than in healthy controls, and centrality was significantly lower in the right superior occipital gyrus and pallidum and higher in the right thalamus. Hypometabolism in the globus pallidus and thalamus may indicate basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor circuit abnormalities as a pathogenic mechanism of Meige syndrome, providing a possible explanation for the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in improving symptoms. Meige syndrome patients had abnormal small-world properties. Centrality changes in the right pallidus and thalamus verified the important roles of these regions in the pathogenesis of Meige syndrome.
Potential therapeutic effect of thymoquinone and/or bee pollen on fluvastatin-induced hepatitis in rats
Authors: Mohamed Amro E. , El-Magd Mohammed A. , El-Said Karim S. , El-Sharnouby Mohamed , Tousson Ehab M. , Salama Afrah F.
Published: August 2021

Hepatitis is one of earlier, but serious, signs of liver damage. High doses of statins for a long time can induce hepatitis. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ) and bee pollen (BP) on fluvastatin (F)-induced hepatitis in rats. Rats were randomly divided into: group 1 (G1, control), G2 (F, hepatitis), G3 (F + TQ), G4 (F + BP), and G5 (F + TQ + BP). Single treatment with TQ or BP relieved fluvastatin-induced hepatitis, with best effect for the combined therapy. TQ and/or BP treatment significantly (1) reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and total bilirubin, (2) decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased level of reduced glutathione, and activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in the liver, (3) improved liver histology with mild deposition of type I collagen, (4) increased mRNA levels of transforming growth factor beta 1, nuclear factor Kappa B, and cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, and (5) decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha and upregulated interleukin 10 protein in the liver. These data clearly highlight the ability of TQ and BP combined therapy to cause better ameliorative effects on fluvastatin-induced hepatitis than individual treatment by each alone.
Acute ischemic stroke triggers a cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Torres-Querol Coral , Torres Pascual , Vidal Noemí , Portero-Otín Manel , Arque Gloria , Purroy Francisco
Published: August 2021

Senescent cells are capable of expressing a myriad of inflammatory cytokines and this pro-inflammatory phenomenon is known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The contribution of this phenomenon in brain ischemia was scarce. A mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia by compressing the distal middle cerebral artery (tMCAo) for 60 min was used. SASP, pro-inflammatory cytokines and cell cycle mRNAs levels were quantified at 30-min and 72 h post-surgery. Immunohistochemistry in paraffin embedded human brain slides and mouse brain tissue was performed. Our results showed an increase of both p16 and p21 mRNA restricted to the infarct area in the tMCAo brain. Moreover, there was an induction of Il6, Tnfa, Cxc11, and its receptor Cxcr2 mRNA pro-inflammatory cytokines with a high positive correlation with p16/p21 mRNA levels. The p16 was mainly shown in cytoplasm of neurons and cytoplasm/membrane of microglial cells. The p21 was observed in membrane of neurons and also it showed a mixed cytoplasmic and membranous pattern in the microglial cells. In a human stroke patient, an increase of P16 in the perimeter of the MCA infarct area was observed. These suggest a role of SASP in tMCAo mouse model and in human brain tissue. SASP potentially has a physiological role in acute ischemic stroke and neurological function loss.
Exo-selective intermolecular Diels–Alder reaction by PyrI4 and AbnU on non-natural substrates
Authors: Kashyap Rajnandani , Yerra Naga Veera , Oja Joachyutharayalu , Bala Sandeepchowdary , Potuganti Gal Reddy , Thota Jagadeshwar Reddy , Alla Manjula , Pal Debnath , Addlagatta Anthony
Published: August 2021

The 100-year-old Diels–Alder reaction (DAr) is an atom economic and elegant organic chemistry transformation combining a 1,3-diene and a dienophile in a [4+2] cycloaddition leading to a set of products with several stereo centres and multiple stereoisomers. Stereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition is a challenge. Here, we describe two natural enzymes, PyrI4 and AbnU performing stereospecific intermolecular DAr on non-natural substrates. AbnU catalyses a single exo-stereoisomer by 32-fold higher than the background. PyrI4 catalyses the same stereoisomer (15-fold higher) as a major component (>50%). Structural, biochemical and fluorescence studies indicate that the dienophile enters first into the β-barrel of the enzymes followed by the 1,3-diene, yielding a stereospecific product. However, if some critical interactions are disrupted to increase the catalytic efficiency, stereoselectivity is compromised. Since it is established that natural enzymes can carry out intermolecular DAr on non-natural substrates, several hundreds of Diels-Alderases available in nature could be explored.
A feasible self-assembled near-infrared fluorescence sensor for acid phosphatase detection and cell imaging
Authors: Li Shuangqin , Wang Yaya , Mu Shuai , Zhang Jinlong , Liu Xiaoyan , Rizvi Syed Faheem Askari , Zhang Haixia , Ding Nana , Wu Lan
Published: August 2021

A feasible self-assembly near-infrared fluorescence sensor for acid phosphatase detection and cell image.
Boosting the inactivation of bacterial biofilms by photodynamic targeting of matrix structures with Thioflavin T
Authors: Bondia Patricia , Flors Cristina , Torra Joaquim
Published: August 2021

We report that Thioflavin T (ThT), the reference fluorogenic probe for amyloid detection, displays photodynamic activity against bacterial biofilms.
Janus-interface engineering boosting solar steam towards high-efficiency water collection
Authors: Yao Houze , Zhang Panpan , Yang Ce , Liao Qihua , Hao Xuanzhang , Huang Yaxin , Zhang Miao , Wang Xianbao , Lin Tengyu , Cheng Huhu , Yuan Jiayin , Qu Liangti
Published: August 2021

A Janus-interface solar-steam generator is developed for high-efficiency water collection, which circumvents the strong mutual interference between the incident light and the escaped vapor.
Sucralose enhances the susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in mice with changes in gut microbiota
Authors: Guo Mengru , Liu Xinran , Tan Yiwei , Kang Fangyuan , Zhu Xinghua , Fan Xingguo , Wang Chenxi , Wang Rui , Liu Yuanli , Qin Xiaofa , Jiang Mingshan , Wang Xiuhong
Published: August 2021

Sucralose is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners, free of nutrients and calories. Its approval and uses correlate with many of the worldwide epidemiological changes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Global transcriptomic analysis of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus ATCC11842 reveals the role of LDB_RS05285 in the post-acidification of yogurt
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Li Dongyao , Zhang Xin , Sun Yongsheng , Xu Sha , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Na , Wang Miaoshu , Tian Hongtao , Li Chen
Published: August 2021

Increasing the expression of LDB_RS05285 helps to inhibit the post-acidification of yogurt.
Protective effects of berberine against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron injury through promoting autophagy in mice
Authors: Deng Han , Ma ZeGang
Published: August 2021

Berberine protects dopaminergic neurons in SN of MPTP-induced mice via the enhancement of AMPK-mediated autophagy.
Biogenic synthesis of Pd-nanoparticles using Areca Nut Husk Extract: a greener approach to access α-keto imides and stilbenes
Authors: Hegde Rajeev V. , Ghosh Arnab , Jadhav Arvind H. , Nizam Aatika , Patil Siddappa A. , Peter Febina , Dateer Ramesh B.
Published: August 2021

An eco-friendly green method for a one-step synthesis of palladium nanoparticles and their synthetic utility are reported.
Smart Janus titanium mesh used as a diode for both liquid droplet and air bubble transport
Authors: Zhang Shi-Ming , Zhang Yu-Ping , Liu Ming-Lin , Wang Bing-Xing , Liu Peng-Fei , Bai Xiuzhi , Cui Cheng-Xing , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: August 2021

A Janus titanium mesh was fabricated with unidirectional transport for both liquid droplets in air and gas underwater.
Iron sulphide rice grain nanostructures as potential electrocatalysts for an improved oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Elakkiya Rajasekaran , Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: August 2021

Fabrication of various iron sulphide nanostructures, including rice grain-, nanoflower- and nanoparticle-like surface morphologies via electrochemical, solvothermal and chemical strategies, respectively, for enhanced electrochemical water splitting.
Synthesis and properties of colorless copolyimides derived from 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether-based diamines with different substituents
Authors: Lian Ruhe , Lei Xingfeng , Xiao Yuyang , Xue Shuyu , Xiong Guo , Zhang Zixiang , Yan Dong , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: August 2021

Highly transparent PI films with excellent mechanical strength, high heat-resistance and superior fracture toughness were fabricated.
In situfabrication of silver/polyimide composite films with enhanced heat dissipation
Authors: Lee So Yoon , Huh Tae-Hwan , Jeong Hye Rim , Kwark Young-Je
Published: August 2021

The chemical structure and reduction method influence the Ag dispersion in Ag/PI nanocomposite films, resulting in different heat dissipation properties.
A study on the high efficiency reduction of p-nitrophenol (4-NP) by a Fe(OH)3/Fe2O3@Au composite catalyst
Authors: Fu Meirong , Li Mingqiang , Zhao Yingying , Bai Yunxiang , Fang Xingzhong , Kang Xiaolong , Yang Min , Wei Yanping , Xu Xia
Published: August 2021

The process of the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol based on single atom-dispersed Au loaded with ultrathin Fe(OH)3/Fe2O3 nanosheets.
Antioxidant defense system responses, lysosomal membrane stability and DNA damage in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid: an integrated biomarker approach to evaluating toxicity
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Li Chaona , Shao Yuanyuan , Xue Weina , Wang Ning , Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Zhibin
Published: August 2021

The integrated biomarker response (IBR) index was calculated to evaluate the integrated toxicological effects of PFOA on earthworm Eisenia fetida.
Hydroxylation of benzene to phenol over heteropoly acid H5PMo10V2O40 supported on amine-functionalized MCM-41
Authors: Li Yanjun , Li Shichao , Kong Yan
Published: August 2021

Supported catalysts with heteropoly acid loaded onto amine-functionalized MCM-41 for hydroxylation of benzene to phenol are prepared.
Strongly reduced lattice thermal conductivity in Sn-doped rare-earth (M) filled skutterudites MxCo4Sb12−ySny, promoted by Sb–Sn disordering and phase segregation
Authors: Gainza J. , Serrano-Sánchez F. , Nemes N. M. , Dura O. J. , Martínez J. L. , Fauth F. , Alonso J. A.
Published: August 2021

Three effects act as phonon scatterers: rattling of M at 8a cages, phase segregation, and intrinsic disorder introduced by Sn substitution, resulting in minimum k values. High filling fraction in Sn-doped phases pave the way to tune the carrier density in skutterudites.
First-principles study on structural, electronic and optical properties of perovskite solid solutions KB1−xMgxI3 (B = Ge, Sn) toward water splitting photocatalysis
Authors: Ri Chol-Hyok , Kim Yun-Sim , Jong Un-Gi , Kye Yun-Hyok , Ryang Se-Hun , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: August 2021

We propose lead-free potassium iodide perovskite solid solutions KBI3 with B-site mixing between Ge/Sn and Mg as potential candidates for photocatalysts based on systematic first-principles calculations.
Methylene blue adsorption mechanism of activated carbon synthesised from cashew nut shells
Authors: Hoc Thang Nguyen , Sy Khang Dinh , Duy Hai Tran , Thi Nga Dinh , Dinh Tuan Phan
Published: August 2021

Activated carbon produced from agricultural products and wastes has been applied widely to remove pollutants in the field of waste water treatment.
Synthesis and electrochemical performance of silicon-nanowire alloy anodes
Authors: Mados Edna , Harpak Nimrod , Levi George , Patolsky Fernando , Peled Emanuel , Golodnitsky Diana
Published: August 2021

Electroless coating of a silicon nanowires (SiNW) anode (a) followed by annealing, forms nickel silicide layer (b), which enables stable electrochemical behaviour of SiNi-alloy anode and higher capacity retention compared to the pristine SiNW anode (c).
Anaerobic digestion and agronomic applications of microalgae for its sustainable valorization
Authors: Elalami Doha , Oukarroum Abdallah , Barakat Abdellatif
Published: August 2021

Microalgae are considered potential candidates in biorefinery processes, and due to their biochemical properties, they can be used in the production of biofuels such as biogas, as well as for bioremediation of liquid effluents.