bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological and optical activation of TrkB in Parvalbumin interneurons regulate intrinsic states to orchestrate cortical plasticity
Authors: Winkel Frederike , Ryazantseva Maria , Voigt Mathias B. , Didio Giuliano , Lilja Antonia , Llach Pou Maria , Steinzeig Anna , Harkki Juliana , Englund Jonas , Khirug Stanislav , Rivera Claudio , Palva Satu , Taira Tomi , Lauri Sari E. , Umemori Juzoh , Castrén Eero
Published: July 2021

Elevated states of brain plasticity typical for critical periods of early postnatal life can be reinstated in the adult brain through interventions, such as antidepressant treatment and environmental enrichment, and induced plasticity may be critical for the antidepressant action. Parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons regulate the closure of developmental critical periods and can alternate between high and low plasticity states in response to experience in adulthood. We now show that PV plasticity states and cortical networks are regulated through the activation of TrkB neurotrophin receptors. Visual cortical plasticity induced by fluoxetine, a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, was lost in mice with reduced expression of TrkB in PV interneurons. Conversely, optogenetic gain-of-function studies revealed that activation of an optically activatable TrkB (optoTrkB) specifically in PV interneurons switches adult cortical networks into a state of elevated plasticity within minutes by decreasing the intrinsic excitability of PV interneurons, recapitulating the effects of fluoxetine. TrkB activation shifted cortical networks towards a low PV configuration, promoting oscillatory synchrony, increased excitatory-inhibitory balance, and ocular dominance plasticity. OptoTrkB activation promotes the phosphorylation of Kv3.1 channels and reduces the expression of Kv3.2 mRNA providing a mechanism for the lower excitability. In addition, decreased expression and puncta of Synaptotagmin2 (Syt2), a presynaptic marker of PV interneurons involved in Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release, suggests lower inputs onto pyramidal neurons suppressing feed-forward inhibition. Together, the results provide mechanistic insights into how TrkB activation in PV interneurons orchestrates the activity of cortical networks and mediating antidepressant responses in the adult brain.
Fermitin family member 2 promotes melanoma progression by enhancing the binding of p-α-Pix to Rac1 to activate the MAPK pathway
Authors: Huang Shaobin , Deng Wuguo , Wang Peng , Yan Yue , Xie Chuanbo , Cao Xiaoling , Chen Miao , Zhang Changlin , Shi Dingbo , Dong Yunxian , Cheng Pu , Xu Hailin , Zhu Wenkai , Hu Zhicheng , Tang Bing , Zhu Jiayuan
Published: July 2021

We identified fermitin family member 2 (FERMT2, also known as kindlin-2) as a potential target in A375 cell line by siRNA library screening. Drugs that target mutant BRAF kinase lack durable efficacy in the treatment of melanoma because of acquired resistance, thus the identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify kindlin-2 expression in melanoma samples. The interaction between kindlin-2 and Rac1 or p-Rac/Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor 6 (α-Pix) was investigated. Finally, the tumor suppressive role of kindlin-2 was validated in vitro and in vivo. Analysis of clinical samples and Oncomine data showed that higher levels of kindlin-2 predicted a more advanced T stage and M stage and facilitated metastasis and recurrence. Kindlin-2 knockdown significantly inhibited melanoma growth and migration, whereas kindlin-2 overexpression had the inverse effects. Further study showed that kindlin-2 could specifically bind to p-α-Pix(S13) and Rac1 to induce a switch from the inactive Rac1-GDP conformation to the active Rac1-GTP conformation and then stimulate the downstream MAPK pathway. Moreover, we revealed that a Rac1 inhibitor suppressed melanoma growth and metastasis and the combination of the Rac1 inhibitor and vemurafenib resulted in a better therapeutic outcome than monotherapy in melanoma with high kindlin-2 expression and BRAF mutation. Our results demonstrated that kindlin-2 promoted melanoma progression, which was attributed to specific binding to p-α-Pix(S13) and Rac1 to stimulate the downstream MAPK pathway. Thus, kindlin-2 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating melanoma.
Positive feedback regulation of lncRNA PVT1 and HIF2α contributes to clear cell renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Zhang Ming-xiao , Zhang Li-zhen , Fu Liang-min , Yao Hao-hua , Tan Lei , Feng Zi-hao , Li Jia-ying , Lu Jun , Pan Yi-hui , Shu Guan-nan , Li Peng-ju , Tang Yi-ming , Liao Zhuang-yao , Wei Jin-huan , Chen Wei , Guo Jian-ping , Luo Jun-hang , Chen Zhen-hua
Published: July 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to exert important roles in tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). PVT1 is an important oncogenic lncRNA which has critical effects on onset and development of various cancers, however, the underlying mechanism of PVT1 functioning in ccRCC remains largely unknown. VHL deficiency-induced HIF2α accumulation is one of the major factors for ccRCC. Here, we identified the potential molecular mechanism of PVT1 in promoting ccRCC development by stabilizing HIF2α. PVT1 was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues and high PVT1 expression was associated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. Both gain-of-function and loss-of function experiments revealed that PVT1 enhanced ccRCC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PVT1 interacted with HIF2α protein and enhanced its stability by protecting it from ubiquitination-dependent degradation, thereby exerting its biological significance. Meanwhile, HIF2α bound to the enhancer of PVT1 to transactivate its expression. Furthermore, HIF2α specific inhibitor could repress PVT1 expression and its oncogenic functions. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the PVT1/ HIF2α positive feedback loop involves in tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC, which may be exploited for anticancer therapy.
Exosomal miR-1260b derived from non-small cell lung cancer promotes tumor metastasis through the inhibition of HIPK2
Authors: Kim Dong Ha , Park Hyojeong , Choi Yun Jung , Kang Myoung-Hee , Kim Tae-Keun , Pack Chan-Gi , Choi Chang-Min , Lee Jae Cheol , Rho Jin Kyung
Published: July 2021

Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) contain enriched miRNAs, and exosomal miRNAs can affect tumor growth, including cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance through cell-to-cell communication. We investigated the role of exosomal miR-1260b derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in tumor progression. Exosomal miR-1260b induced angiogenesis by targeting homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, exosomal miR-1260b or suppression of HIPK2 led to enhanced cellular mobility and cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. In patients with NSCLC, the level of HIPK2 was significantly lower in tumor tissues than in normal lung tissues, while that of miR-1260b was higher in tumor tissues. HIPK2 and miR-1260b expression showed an inverse correlation, and this correlation was strong in distant metastasis. Finally, the expression level of exosomal miR-1260b in plasma was higher in patients with NSCLC than in healthy individuals, and higher levels of exosomal miR-1260b were associated with high-grade disease, metastasis, and poor survival. In conclusion, exosomal miR-1260b can promote angiogenesis in HUVECs and metastasis of NSCLC by regulating HIPK2 and may serve as a prognostic marker for lung cancers.
Gene-drive suppression of mosquito populations in large cages as a bridge between lab and field
Authors: Hammond Andrew , Pollegioni Paola , Persampieri Tania , North Ace , Minuz Roxana , Trusso Alessandro , Bucci Alessandro , Kyrou Kyros , Morianou Ioanna , Simoni Alekos , Nolan Tony , Müller Ruth , Crisanti Andrea
Published: July 2021

CRISPR-based gene-drives targeting the gene doublesex in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae effectively suppressed the reproductive capability of mosquito populations reared in small laboratory cages. To bridge the gap between laboratory and the field, this gene-drive technology must be challenged with vector ecology.

Here we report the suppressive activity of the gene-drive in age-structured An. gambiae populations in large indoor cages that permit complex feeding and reproductive behaviours.

The gene-drive element spreads rapidly through the populations, fully supresses the population within one year and without selecting for resistance to the gene drive. Approximate Bayesian computation allowed retrospective inference of life-history parameters from the large cages and a more accurate prediction of gene-drive behaviour under more ecologically-relevant settings.

Generating data to bridge laboratory and field studies for invasive technologies is challenging. Our study represents a paradigm for the stepwise and sound development of vector control tools based on gene-drive.
Heatstroke predictions by machine learning, weather information, and an all-population registry for 12-hour heatstroke alerts
Authors: Ogata Soshiro , Takegami Misa , Ozaki Taira , Nakashima Takahiro , Onozuka Daisuke , Murata Shunsuke , Nakaoku Yuriko , Suzuki Koyu , Hagihara Akihito , Noguchi Teruo , Iihara Koji , Kitazume Keiichi , Morioka Tohru , Yamazaki Shin , Yoshida Takahiro , Yamagata Yoshiki , Nishimura Kunihiro
Published: July 2021

This study aims to develop and validate prediction models for the number of all heatstroke cases, and heatstrokes of hospital admission and death cases per city per 12 h, using multiple weather information and a population-based database for heatstroke patients in 16 Japanese cities (corresponding to around a 10,000,000 population size). In the testing dataset, mean absolute percentage error of generalized linear models with wet bulb globe temperature as the only predictor and the optimal models, respectively, are 43.0% and 14.8% for spikes in the number of all heatstroke cases, and 37.7% and 10.6% for spikes in the number of heatstrokes of hospital admission and death cases. The optimal models predict the spikes in the number of heatstrokes well by machine learning methods including non-linear multivariable predictors and/or under-sampling and bagging. Here, we develop prediction models whose predictive performances are high enough to be implemented in public health settings.
Rewiring of the ubiquitinated proteome determines ageing in C. elegans
Authors: Koyuncu Seda , Loureiro Rute , Lee Hyun Ju , Wagle Prerana , Krueger Marcus , Vilchez David
Published: July 2021

Ageing is driven by a loss of cellular integrity1. Given the major role of ubiquitin modifications in cell function2, here we assess the link between ubiquitination and ageing by quantifying whole-proteome ubiquitin signatures in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find a remodelling of the ubiquitinated proteome during ageing, which is ameliorated by longevity paradigms such as dietary restriction and reduced insulin signalling. Notably, ageing causes a global loss of ubiquitination that is triggered by increased deubiquitinase activity. Because ubiquitination can tag proteins for recognition by the proteasome3, a fundamental question is whether deficits in targeted degradation influence longevity. By integrating data from worms with a defective proteasome, we identify proteasomal targets that accumulate with age owing to decreased ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Lowering the levels of age-dysregulated proteasome targets prolongs longevity, whereas preventing their degradation shortens lifespan. Among the proteasomal targets, we find the IFB-2 intermediate filament4 and the EPS-8 modulator of RAC signalling5. While increased levels of IFB-2 promote the loss of intestinal integrity and bacterial colonization, upregulation of EPS-8 hyperactivates RAC in muscle and neurons, and leads to alterations in the actin cytoskeleton and protein kinase JNK. In summary, age-related changes in targeted degradation of structural and regulatory proteins across tissues determine longevity.
Rapid and stable mobilization of CD8+ T cells by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Oberhardt Valerie , Luxenburger Hendrik , Kemming Janine , Schulien Isabel , Ciminski Kevin , Giese Sebastian , Csernalabics Benedikt , Lang-Meli Julia , Janowska Iga , Staniek Julian , Wild Katharina , Basho Kristi , Marinescu Mircea Stefan , Fuchs Jonas , Topfstedt Fernando , Janda Ales , Sogukpinar Oezlem , Hilger Hanna , Stete Katarina , Emmerich Florian , Bengsch Bertram , Waller Cornelius F. , Rieg Siegbert , Sagar  , Boettler Tobias , Zoldan Katharina , Kochs Georg , Schwemmle Martin , Rizzi Marta , Thimme Robert , Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Hofmann Maike
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccines1–3 mediate protection from severe disease as early as ten days after prime vaccination3, when neutralizing antibodies are hardly detectable4–6. Vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells may therefore be the main mediators of protection at this early stage7,8. The details of their induction, comparison to natural infection, and association with other arms of vaccine-induced immunity remain, however, incompletely understood. Here we show on a single-epitope level that a stable and fully functional CD8+ T cell response is vigorously mobilized one week after prime vaccination with bnt162b2, when circulating CD4+ T cells and neutralizing antibodies are still weakly detectable. Boost vaccination induced a robust expansion that generated highly differentiated effector CD8+ T cells; however, neither the functional capacity nor the memory precursor T cell pool was affected. Compared with natural infection, vaccine-induced early memory T cells exhibited similar functional capacities but a different subset distribution. Our results indicate that CD8+ T cells are important effector cells, are expanded in the early protection window after prime vaccination, precede maturation of other effector arms of vaccine-induced immunity and are stably maintained after boost vaccination.
Spanish electoral archive. SEA database
Authors: Pérez Virgilio , Aybar Cristina , Pavía Jose M.
Published: July 2021

This paper introduces the SEA database (acronym for Spanish Electoral Archive). SEA brings together the most complete public repository available to date on Spanish election outcomes. SEA holds all the results recorded from the electoral processes of General (1979–2019), Regional (1989–2021), Local (1979–2019) and European Parliamentary (1987–2019) elections held in Spain since the restoration of democracy in the late 70 s, in addition to other data sets with electoral content. The data are offered for free and is presented in a homogeneous and friendly format. Most of the databases are available for download with data from various electoral levels, including from the ballot box level. This paper details how the information is organized, what the main variables are on offer for each election, which processes were applied to the data for their homogenization, and discusses future areas of work. This data has many applications, for example, as inputs in election prediction models and in ecological inference algorithms, to study determinants of turnout or voting, or for defining marketing strategies.
Publisher Correction: Decision support for the quickest detection of critical COVID-19 phases
Authors: Braca Paolo , Gaglione Domenico , Marano Stefano , Millefiori Leonardo M. , Willett Peter , Pattipati Krishna
Published: July 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Nature-inspired wax-coated jute bags for reducing post-harvest storage losses
Authors: Odokonyero Kennedy , Gallo Adair , Mishra Himanshu
Published: July 2021

Post-harvest storage of grains is crucial for food and feed reserves and facilitating seeds for planting. Ironically, post-harvest losses continue to be a major food security threat in the developing world, especially where jute bags are utilized. While jute fabrics flaunt mechanical strength and eco-friendliness, their water-loving nature has proven to be their Achilles heel. Increased relative humidity and/or precipitation wets jute, thereby elevating the moisture content of stored seeds and causing fungal growth. This reduces seed longevity, viability, and nutritional value. To address this crucial weakness of jute bags, we followed a nature-inspired approach to modify their surface microtexture and chemical make-up via alkali and wax treatments, respectively. The resulting wax-coated jute bags (WCJBs) exhibited significant water-repellency to simulated rainfall and airborne moisture compared to control jute bags (CJBs). A 2 months-long seed storage experiment with wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains exposed to 55%, 75%, and 98% relative humidity environments revealed that the grains stored in the WCJBs exhibited 7.5–4% lesser (absolute) moisture content than those in the CJBs. Furthermore, WCJBs-stored grains exhibited a 35–12% enhancement in their germination efficacy over the controls. This nature-inspired engineering solution could contribute towards reducing post-harvest losses in the developing world, where jute bags are extensively utilized for grain storage.
Multi-step ahead thermal warning network for energy storage system based on the core temperature detection
Authors: Li Marui , Dong Chaoyu , Yu Xiaodan , Xiao Qian , Jia Hongjie
Published: July 2021

The energy storage system is an important part of the energy system. Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in energy storage systems because of their high energy density and long life. However, the temperature is still the key factor hindering the further development of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. Both low temperature and high temperature will reduce the life and safety of lithium-ion batteries. In actual operation, the core temperature and the surface temperature of the lithium-ion battery energy storage system may have a large temperature difference. However, only the surface temperature of the lithium-ion battery energy storage system can be easily measured. The estimation method of the core temperature, which can better reflect the operation condition of the lithium-ion battery energy storage system, has not been commercialized. To secure the thermal safety of the energy storage system, a multi-step ahead thermal warning network for the energy storage system based on the core temperature detection is developed in this paper. The thermal warning network utilizes the measurement difference and an integrated long and short-term memory network to process the input time series. This thermal early warning network takes the core temperature of the energy storage system as the judgment criterion of early warning and can provide a warning signal in multi-step in advance. This detection network can use real-time measurement to predict whether the core temperature of the lithium-ion battery energy storage system will reach a critical value in the following time window. And the output of the established warning network model directly determines whether or not an early emergency signal should be sent out. In the end, the accuracy and effectiveness of the model are verified by numerous testing.
Rapid detection of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae using high-resolution melting curve analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing-peng , Liu Zhi-cheng , Jiang Jin-xiu , Lin Yu-sheng , You Wei , Hu Qi-lin
Published: July 2021

Mycoplasma capricolumsubsp.subsp. capripneumonia (Mccp) and Mycoplasma mycoidessubsp.sbusp. capri (Mmc) cause caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and mycoplasmal pneumonia in goats and sheep (MPGS), respectively. These diseases cannot be identified on clinical symptoms alone and it is laborious to distinguish them using biochemical methods. It is therefore important to establish a simple, rapid identification method for Mccp and Mmc. Here, we report a high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis using specific primers based on the Mmc 95010 strain MLC_0560 and Mccp F38 strain MCCPF38_00984 gene sequences. The method was highly specific with intra- and inter-batch coefficients of variation < 1%. The lower limit of detection for Mccp and Mmc was 55 copies/μL and 58 copies/μL, respectively. HRM and fluorescence qPCR results were compared using 106 nasal swabs and 47 lung tissue samples from goats (HRM-qPCR coincidence rate 94.8%; 145/153). Mycoplasma isolation and identification was performed on 30 lung tissue samples and 16 nasal swabs (HRM-culturing coincidence rate 87.0%; 40/46). HRM analysis was more sensitive than fluorescence qPCR and Mycoplasma isolation, indicating the practicality of HRM for accurate and rapid identification of Mccp and Mmc, and diagnosis and epidemiology of CCPP and MPGS.
Author Correction: A novel methodology for epidemic risk assessment of COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Pluchino A. , Biondo A. E. , Giuffrida N. , Inturri G. , Latora V. , Le Moli R. , Rapisarda A. , Russo G. , Zappalà C.
Published: July 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A new spectral invariant for quantum graphs
Authors: Ławniczak Michał , Kurasov Pavel , Bauch Szymon , Białous Małgorzata , Akhshani Afshin , Sirko Leszek
Published: July 2021

The Euler characteristic i.e., the difference between the number of vertices |V| and edges |E| is the most important topological characteristic of a graph. However, to describe spectral properties of differential equations with mixed Dirichlet and Neumann vertex conditions it is necessary to introduce a new spectral invariant, the generalized Euler characteristic $$\chi _G:= |V|-|V_D|-|E|$$

χ
G

:
=

|
V
|
-
|

V
D

|
-
|
E
|

, with $$|V_D|$$

|

V
D

|

denoting the number of Dirichlet vertices. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the generalized Euler characteristic $$\chi _G$$

χ
G

of quantum graphs and microwave networks can be determined from small sets of lowest eigenfrequencies. If the topology of the graph is known, the generalized Euler characteristic $$\chi _G$$

χ
G

can be used to determine the number of Dirichlet vertices. That makes the generalized Euler characteristic $$\chi _G$$

χ
G

a new powerful tool for studying of physical systems modeled by differential equations on metric graphs including isoscattering and neural networks where both Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions occur.
High density lipoproteins mediate in vivo protection against staphylococcal phenol-soluble modulins
Authors: Hommes Josefien W. , Kratofil Rachel M. , Wahlen Sigrid , de Haas Carla J. C. , Hildebrand Reeni B. , Hovingh G. Kees , Otto Micheal , van Eck Miranda , Hoekstra Menno , Korporaal Suzanne J. A. , Surewaard Bas G. J.
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcus aureus virulence has been associated with the production of phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs). These PSMs have distinct virulence functions and are known to activate, attract and lyse neutrophils. These PSM-associated biological functions are inhibited by lipoproteins in vitro. We set out to address whether lipoproteins neutralize staphylococcal PSM-associated virulence in experimental animal models. Serum from both LCAT an ABCA1 knockout mice strains which are characterised by near absence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, was shown to fail to protect against PSM-induced neutrophil activation and lysis in vitro. Importantly, PSM-induced peritonitis in LCAT−/− mice resulted in increased lysis of resident peritoneal macrophages and enhanced neutrophil recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. Notably, LCAT−/− mice were more likely to succumb to staphylococcal bloodstream infections in a PSM-dependent manner. Plasma from homozygous carriers of ABCA1 variants characterized by very low HDL-cholesterol levels, was found to be less protective against PSM-mediated biological functions compared to healthy humans. Therefore, we conclude that lipoproteins present in blood can protect against staphylococcal PSMs, the key virulence factor of community-associated methicillin resistant S. aureus.
Blood glucose-related indicators are associated with in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Lu Yan , Zhang Qiaohong , Lou Jianjie
Published: July 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) results in potentially harmful blood glucose fluctuations, affecting patient prognosis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between blood glucose-related indicators and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AP. We extracted data on AP patients from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III database. Initial glucose (Glucose_initial), maximum glucose (Glucose_max), minimum glucose (Glucose_min), mean glucose (Glucose_mean), and glucose variability (glucose standard deviation [Glucose_SD] and glucose coefficient of variation [Glucose_CV]) were selected as blood glucose-related indicators. Logistic regression models and the Lowess smoothing curves were used to display the association between significant blood glucose-related indicators and in-hospital mortality. Survivors and non-survivors showed significant differences in Glucose_max, Glucose_mean, Glucose_SD, and Glucose_CV (P < 0.05). Glucose_max, Glucose_mean, Glucose_SD, and Glucose_CV were risk factors for in-hospital mortality in AP patients (OR > 1; P < 0.05). According to the Lowess smoothing curve, the overall trends of blood glucose-related indicators showed a non-linear correlation with in-hospital mortality. Glucose_max, Glucose_mean, Glucose_SD, and Glucose_CV were associated with in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AP.
A SNP assay for assessing diversity in immune genes in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Henriques Dora , Lopes Ana R. , Chejanovsky Nor , Dalmon Anne , Higes Mariano , Jabal-Uriel Clara , Le Conte Yves , Reyes-Carreño Maritza , Soroker Victoria , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Pinto M. Alice
Published: July 2021

With a growing number of parasites and pathogens experiencing large-scale range expansions, monitoring diversity in immune genes of host populations has never been so important because it can inform on the adaptive potential to resist the invaders. Population surveys of immune genes are becoming common in many organisms, yet they are missing in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), a key managed pollinator species that has been severely affected by biological invasions. To fill the gap, here we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a wide range of honey bee immune genes and developed a medium-density assay targeting a subset of these genes. Using a discovery panel of 123 whole-genomes, representing seven A. mellifera subspecies and three evolutionary lineages, 180 immune genes were scanned for SNPs in exons, introns (< 4 bp from exons), 3’ and 5´UTR, and < 1 kb upstream of the transcription start site. After application of multiple filtering criteria and validation, the final medium-density assay combines 91 quality-proved functional SNPs marking 89 innate immune genes and these can be readily typed using the high-sample-throughput iPLEX MassARRAY system. This medium-density-SNP assay was applied to 156 samples from four countries and the admixture analysis clustered the samples according to their lineage and subspecies, suggesting that honey bee ancestry can be delineated from functional variation. In addition to allowing analysis of immunogenetic variation, this newly-developed SNP assay can be used for inferring genetic structure and admixture in the honey bee.
Textbook outcome and survival of robotic versus laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Roh Chul Kyu , Lee Soomin , Son Sang-Yong , Hur Hoon , Han Sang-Uk
Published: July 2021

Textbook outcome is a composite quality measurement of short-term outcomes for evaluating complex surgical procedures. We compared textbook outcome and survival of robotic total gastrectomy (RTG) with those of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). We retrospectively reviewed 395 patients (RTG, n = 74; LTG, n = 321) who underwent curative total gastrectomy for gastric cancer via minimally invasive approaches from 2009 to 2018. We performed propensity score matched analysis to adjust for potential selection bias. Textbook outcome included a negative resection margin, no intraoperative complication, retrieved lymph nodes > 15, no severe complication, no reintervention, no unplanned intensive care unit admission, hospitalization ≤ 21 days, no readmission after discharge, and no postoperative mortality. Survival outcomes included 3-year overall and relapse-free survival rates. After matching, 74 patients in each group were selected. Textbook outcome was similar in the RTG and LTG groups (70.3% and 75.7%, respectively), although RTG required a longer operative time. The quality metric least often achieved was the presence of severe complications in both groups (77.0% in both groups). There were no differences in the 3-year overall survival rate (98.6% and 89.7%, respectively; log-rank P = 0.144) and relapse-free survival rate between the RTG and LTG groups (97.3% and 87.0%, respectively; log-rank P = 0.167). Textbook outcome and survival outcome of RTG were similar to those of LTG for gastric cancer.
Drug transport kinetics of intravascular triggered drug delivery systems
Authors: ten Hagen Timo L. M. , Dreher Matthew R. , Zalba Sara , Seynhaeve Ann L. B. , Amin Mohamadreza , Li Li , Haemmerich Dieter
Published: July 2021

Intravascular triggered drug delivery systems (IV-DDS) for local drug delivery include various stimuli-responsive nanoparticles that release the associated agent in response to internal (e.g., pH, enzymes) or external stimuli (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, X-rays). We developed a computational model to simulate IV-DDS drug delivery, for which we quantified all model parameters in vivo in rodent tumors. The model was validated via quantitative intravital microscopy studies with unencapsulated fluorescent dye, and with two formulations of temperature-sensitive liposomes (slow, and fast release) encapsulating a fluorescent dye as example IV-DDS. Tumor intra- and extravascular dye concentration dynamics were extracted from the intravital microscopy data by quantitative image processing, and were compared to computer model results. Via this computer model we explain IV-DDS delivery kinetics and identify parameters of IV-DDS, of drug, and of target tissue for optimal delivery. Two parameter ratios were identified that exclusively dictate how much drug can be delivered with IV-DDS, indicating the importance of IV-DDS with fast drug release (~sec) and choice of a drug with rapid tissue uptake (i.e., high first-pass extraction fraction). The computational model thus enables engineering of improved future IV-DDS based on tissue parameters that can be quantified by imaging.
Triggering biological processes: methods and applications of photocaged peptides and proteins
Authors: Mangubat-Medina Alicia E. , Ball Zachary T.
Published: July 2021

Photocaging groups provide spatiotemporal control of function. This review surveys approaches to the design and synthesis of photocaged peptides and proteins, and provides an overview of the ways in which these tools have been applied to answer biological questions.
Harnessing long-lived visible phosphorescence to eliminate background interference from fingermark images
Authors: Parmenter Ryan A. , Clarke Kristen T. , Gee William J.
Published: July 2021

A 4-tptfingerprint powder exhibiting long-lived phosphorescence has been developed to suppress background fluorescence. This is demonstrated using standard forensic equipment on challenging surfaces while eschewing specialized imaging techniques.
Determination of wheat moisture using terahertz spectroscopy combined with the tabu search algorithm
Authors: Shen Yin , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Bin , Li Guanglin , Yin Yanxin , Pang Binshuang
Published: July 2021

Terahertz spectroscopy and the partial least squares method (PLS) were used to establish the quantitative analysis model of the wheat moisture content and realize the detection of the wheat moisture content.
Protein–protein interaction based substrate control in the E. coli octanoic acid transferase, LipB
Authors: Bartholow Thomas G. , Sztain Terra , Young Megan A. , Davis Tony D. , Abagyan Ruben , Burkart Michael D.
Published: July 2021

Lipoic acid, an essential cofactor produced in all organisms, diverts octanoic acid from type II fatty acid biosynthesis through a highly specific protein–protein interaction. This study characterizes how different substrates influence this interface to control chain length specificity.
Recent advances in directed sp2 C–H functionalization towards the synthesis of N-heterocycles and O-heterocycles
Authors: Desai Bhargav , Patel Monak , Dholakiya Bharatkumar Z. , Rana Sujoy , Naveen Togati
Published: July 2021

Metal catalyzed C–H functionalization is a convenient and powerful strategy to construct various N,O-heterocycles. This review highlights the recent breakthroughs in the synthesis of various N,O-heterocycles via directed sp2 C–H functionalization.
A universal route to fabricate bacterial cellulose-based composite membranes for simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants
Authors: Gu Yue , Li Huaimeng , Ye Mengxiang , Zhang Xi , Zhang Haimin , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia
Published: July 2021

A self-standing, robust bacterial cellulose (BC)-based multifunctional composite membrane embedded with desirable nano-adsorbents has been successfully fabricated via a facile versatile strategy.
Pd-catalyzed C(sp3)–C(sp) bond formation in iodocyclobutenes
Authors: Lázaro-Milla Carlos , Quirós M. Teresa , Cárdenas Diego J. , Almendros Pedro
Published: July 2021

A Pd-catalyzed C(sp3)–C(sp) bond formation for the direct functionalization of cyclobutenes with alkynes has been achieved, suggesting (DFT and control experiments) an unusual pathway of oxidative addition in tertiary iodoalkanes.
Reconstructing two-dimensional defects in CuO nanowires for efficient CO2 electroreduction to ethylene
Authors: Zhang Jianfang , Li Zhengyuan , Xia Shuai , Zhang Tianyu , Wang Yan , Wu Yucheng , Wu Jingjie
Published: July 2021

In situ reconstruction of two-dimensional defects in CuO nanowires improves adsorption strength of *CO intermediates and *CO surface coverage, leading to high activity and selectivity of CO2 electroreduction to C2H4.
Photoredox B–H functionalization to selective B–N(sp3) coupling of nido-carborane with primary and secondary amines
Authors: Huang Ronghui , Zhao Weijia , Xu Shengwen , Xu Jingkai , Li Chunxiao , Lu Changsheng , Yan Hong
Published: July 2021

B–N(sp3) coupling of nido-carborane with organic amines by photoredox catalysis leads to nitrogen-containing nido-carboranes in moderate to good yields.
Benzene tricarboxamide derivatives with lipid and ethylene glycol chains self-assemble into distinct nanostructures driven by molecular packing
Authors: Aljuaid Nada , Tully Mark , Seitsonen Jani , Ruokolainen Janne , Hamley Ian W.
Published: July 2021

The self-assembly in aqueous solution of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) bearing one alkyl chain and two PEG (polyethylene glycol) chains or two alkyl chains and one PEG chain yields molecular-packing driven nanostructures.
Catalytic base-controlled regiodivergent heteronucleophilic hydrofunctionalization of β,γ-unsaturated amides
Authors: Zhao Yao , Rui Jiacheng , Du Qiang , Chen Rizhi , Zhan Ying , Zheng Xintao , Wu Xiaojin
Published: July 2021

A catalytic base-controlled regiodivergent and chemoselective nucleophilic hydrofunctionalization of both terminal and internal β,γ-unsaturated amides was reported for the first time.
Bis(perchlorocatecholato)silane and heteroleptic bidonors: hidden frustrated Lewis pairs resulting from ring strain
Authors: Hartmann Deborah , Braner Sven , Greb Lutz
Published: July 2021

Bis(perchlorocatecholato)silane and bidentate N,N- or N,P-heteroleptic donors were reacted to form hexacoordinated complexes. Depending on ring strain, they show frustrated Lewis pair type reactivity.
Acid-mediated intermolecular C–F/C–H cross-coupling of 2-fluorobenzofurans with arenes: synthesis of 2-arylbenzofurans
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Morioka Ryutaro , Fukuda Takuya , Suzuki Naoto , Ichikawa Junji
Published: July 2021

Transition-metal-free acid-promoted biaryl construction was achieved via intermolecular C–F/C–H cross-coupling. By treating 2-fluorobenzofurans with arenes and AlCl3, 2-arylbenzofurans including a bioactive natural product were obtained.
A solid–liquid two-phase precipitation method for the growth of fullerene (C60) nanowires
Authors: Fan Xiao , Geng Junfeng , Soin Navneet , Chakrabarti Supriya , Mitra Somak , Roqan Iman S. , Li Hua , Babatunde Mustapha Olaoluwa , Baldwin Andy
Published: July 2021

A schematic diagram of the preparation of C60 nanowires by the solid–liquid two-phase precipitation method.
Ni(ii)-Based one dimensional coordination polymers for environmental remediation: design, topology, magnetism and the selective adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Ahmad M. Shahwaz , Khalid Mohd , Khan M. Shahnawaz , Shahid M. , Ahmad Musheer
Published: July 2021

Two coordination polymers are designed in order to exploit them for the separation of cationic and anionic dyes effectively and rapidly.
Plasmon-enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction on a Ag-branched-nanowire/Pt nanoparticle/AgCl nanocomposite
Authors: Nigusie Amanu Lakachew , Ujihara Masaki
Published: July 2021

Ag nanowire/Pt nanoparticle/AgCl nanocomposites were prepared on ITO electrodes. The Ag nanowire absorbed visible light to excite surface plasmons, the AgCl extended the charge separation, and the Pt nanoparticles catalyzed the electrolysis of water.
The optical properties and carrier mobility of MH3 (M = Co, Rh and Ir) monolayers
Authors: Yang Yang , Shang Jimin , Li Zijiong , Lu Hongyan , Ma Yandong
Published: July 2021

The electronic structures and optical properties of two-dimensional metal hydrides MH3 (M = Co, Rh, Ir) are studied. Their band gaps and optical absorption are further engineered by strain for better performance.
Surface characterization and methane activation on SnOx/Cu2O/Cu(111) inverse oxide/metal catalysts
Authors: Kang Jindong , Rui Ning , Huang Erwei , Tian Yi , Mahapatra Mausumi , Rosales Rina , Orozco Ivan , Shi Rui , Senanayake Sanjaya D. , Liu Ping , Rodriguez José A.
Published: July 2021

Activating methane at low or medium temperatures, a pre-requisite for the conversion of this light alkane into high value chemicals, was achieved by a novel SnOx/Cu2O/Cu(111) interface as evinced by STM, XPS, and DFT calculations.
Promoting urea oxidation and water oxidation through interface construction on a CeO2@CoFe2O4 heterostructure
Authors: Dai Zhixin , Du Xiaoqiang , Wang Yanhong , Han Xinghua , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: July 2021

In this work, CeO2@CoFe2O4 grown on nickel foam was successfully synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method, which serves as an efficient urea and water oxidation electrocatalyst.
Formation of plutonium(iv) silicate species in very alkaline reactive media
Authors: Estevenon Paul , Dumas Thomas , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Welcomme Eleonore , Szenknect Stephanie , Mesbah Adel , Kvashnina Kristina O. , Moisy Philippe , Poinssot Christophe , Dacheux Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Thanks to XAS, sequential filtration and α spectrometry, formation of Pu(iv) silicate colloids of 6 nm in size was evidenced for pH > 13 and Pu concentration of 10 mM. These species could affect the plutonium mobility under environmental conditions.
Status and prospect of in situ and operando characterization of solid-state batteries
Authors: Dixit Marm B. , Park Jun-Sang , Kenesei Peter , Almer Jonathan , Hatzell Kelsey B.
Published: July 2021

Advanced characterization of solid state batteries is necessary to uncover material transformation pathways at buried solid-solid interfaces.
Roles and opportunities for microbial anaerobic oxidation of methane in natural and engineered systems
Authors: Cai Chen , Zhang Xueqin , Wu Mengxiong , Liu Tao , Lai Chun-Yu , Frank Joshua , He Bingqing , Marcellin Esteban , Guo Jianhua , Hu Shihu , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: July 2021

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is a crucial bioprocess in global methane mitigation. Adoption of AOM in an engineered system provides an opportunity for the development of methane-based biotechnologies.
What is “Environmentally Relevant”? A framework to advance research on the environmental fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials
Authors: Surette Mark C. , Nason Jeffrey A. , Harper Stacey L. , Mitrano Denise M.
Published: July 2021

FRAME: Framework for Relevance And Methods Evaluation.
Sulfur-containing nitrogen-rich robust hierarchically porous organic polymer for adsorptive removal of mercury: experimental and theoretical insights
Authors: Chowdhury Avik , Das Sabuj Kanti , Mondal Saptarsi , Ruidas Santu , Chakraborty Debabrata , Chatterjee Sauvik , Bhunia Manas K. , Chandra Debraj , Hara Michikazu , Bhaumik Asim
Published: July 2021

A new N, S containing porous polymer is reported, which showed excellent Hg2+ (3106 mg g−1) CH3Hg+ (691 mg g−1) uptakes.
Probing pollutant reactions at the iron surface: a case study on selenite reactions with nanoscale zero-valent iron
Authors: Huang Qing , Gu Tianhang , Liu Airong , Liu Jing , Zhang Wei-xian
Published: July 2021

The speciation and distribution of Se in the oxide layer of nZVI were studied using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with sputter depth profiling, and the speciation and distribution of Se were proved to be depth dependent.
Sulfide-oxidation-assisted electrochemical water splitting for H2 production on a bifunctional Cu2S/nickel foam catalyst
Authors: Pei Yuhou , Cheng Jiong , Zhong Heng , Pi Zhenfeng , Zhao Yu , Jin Fangming
Published: July 2021

A two-electrode SOR-assisted HER system was established using a highly efficient and stable bifunctional Cu2S/NF electrode. A current density of 100 mA cm−2 was obtained at a cell voltage of 0.64 V, and 74% energy was saved versus direct HER.
Aerobic waste-minimized Pd-catalysed C–H alkenylation in GVL using a tube-in-tube heterogeneous flow reactor
Authors: Ferlin Francesco , Anastasiou Ioannis , Carpisassi Luigi , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: July 2021

Herein we report the design and application of an innovative tube-in-tube packed-bed flow reactor that for the first has allowed the definition of a heterogeneous palladium catalysed oxidative C–H bond activation process.
Comprehensive valorisation of technically relevant organosolv lignins via anodic oxidation
Authors: Breiner Manuel , Zirbes Michael , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: July 2021

Electro-oxidation provides access to various monoaromatic compounds from technically relevant types of organosolv lignin. The process is investigated by FT-IR and NMR.
Amino acids as latent curing agents and their application in fully bio-based epoxy resins
Authors: Yu Zhen , Ma Songqi , Tang Zhaobin , Liu Yanlin , Xu Xiwei , Li Qiong , Zhang Kewei , Wang Binbo , Wang Sheng , Zhu Jin
Published: July 2021

Amino acids were exploited as a new type of latent curing agent and utilized to achieve bio-based one-component epoxy resins.
Sustainable synthesis of vinyl methyl ether from biomass-derived ethylene glycol dimethyl ether over solid base catalysts
Authors: He Xin , Wen Xin , Wu Ke , Liu Haichao
Published: July 2021

A green and efficient route has been developed for the sustainable synthesis of high value-added vinyl methyl ether from biomass-derived ethylene glycol dimethyl ether on solid bases.
Advances in microfluidic extracellular vesicle analysis for cancer diagnostics
Authors: Cheng Shibo , Li Yutao , Yan He , Wen Yunjie , Zhou Xin , Friedman Lee , Zeng Yong
Published: July 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cells into the bloodstream and other bodily fluids, including exosomes, have been demonstrated to be a class of significant messengers that mediate intercellular communications.
A technology of a different sort: microraft arrays
Authors: Cortés-Llanos Belén , Wang Yuli , Sims Christopher E. , Allbritton Nancy L.
Published: July 2021

Microraft arrays an analysis and isolation platform enable a wide range of strategies to be used when separating biological entities.
4,4′-Bipyridine-based Ni(ii)-metallogel for fabricating a photo-responsive Schottky barrier diode device
Authors: Das Pubali , Majumdar Santanu , Dey Arka , Mandal Sourav , Mondal Atish , Chakrabarty Sinchan , Ray Partha Pratim , Dey Biswajit
Published: July 2021

4,4′-Bipyridine-based Ni(ii)-metallogel has been implemented to execute a light-responsive semiconducting Schottky barrier diode device with advanced functionality.
Smart and concise entry to chiral spiro[cyclopentane-indolizidine]-tetraol diastereomers as a new aza-spirocyclic framework
Authors: Fraňová Paula , Marchalín Štefan , Šafář Peter , Cvečko Matej , Moncol Ján , Žídeková Ivana , Othman Mohamed , Daïch Adam
Published: July 2021

Synthesis of chiral oxacarba-spiroindolizidine tetraols was achieved by alkene cis-dihydroxylation, diol protection, and lactam carbonyl reduction followed ultimately by acetonide deprotection.
Synthesis and characterization of an α-MoO3 nanobelt catalyst and its application in one-step conversion of fructose to 2,5-diformylfuran
Authors: Yang Zhenzhen , Zhu Bangchong , He Yuhan , Zhang Genlei , Cui Peng , He Jianbo
Published: July 2021

α-MoO3 nanobelts have been successfully synthesized and applied as a bifunctional catalyst for one-step conversion of fructose to DFF under atmospheric air.
A phosphine-catalysed one-pot domino sequence to access cyclopentene-fused coumarins
Authors: Chen Yan-Shan , Zheng Yu , Chen Zhi-Jun , Xie Zhen-Zhen , He Xian-Chen , Xiao Jun-An , Chen Kai , Xiang Hao-Yue , Yang Hua
Published: July 2021

A novel phosphine-catalysed, one-pot domino approach for the annulation of 2-formylphenyl alkynoates with activated methylene compounds to construct various cyclopentene-fused dihydrocoumarins has been developed.
Synthesis of reversibly photocleavable pseudo-ladder polymers
Authors: Ji Yue , Oka Minami , Honda Satoshi
Published: July 2021

Pseudo-ladder polymers composed of stiff ladder and reversibly photocleavable backbone linkages and their graft copolymers have been synthesized. Micelles constructed from the graft copolymers exhibited growth in their sizes upon photoirradiation.
Non-traditional thermal behavior of Co(ii) coordination networks showing slow magnetic relaxation
Authors: Świtlicka Anna , Machura Barbara , Bieńko Alina , Kozieł Sandra , Bieńko Dariusz C. , Rajnák Cyril , Boča Roman , Ozarowski Andrew , Ozerov Mykhaylo
Published: July 2021

Three new Co(ii) coordination polymers show the DC magnetic data consistent with the S = 3/2 spin system with large zero-field splitting D > 0, which was confirmed by HF EPR and FIRMS measurements.
The Ugi three-component reaction and its variants
Authors: Flores-Reyes Julio César , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , González-Zamora Eduardo
Published: July 2021

A broad variety of α-aminoamide-based compounds have been synthesized via the three-component version of the Ugi reaction (U-3CR) or by any of its variants (Ugi-Zhu-3CR, Orru-3CR, Ugi-4C-3CR, Ugi-Joullié-3CR, GBB-3CR, Ugi-Reissert-3CR, and so on).
Theoretical study of the NHC-catalyzed C–S bond cleavage and reconstruction reaction: mechanism, stereoselectivity, and role of catalysts
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Yue , Gong Kaili , Zhang Han , Lan Yu , Wei Donghui
Published: July 2021

The mechanism of the NHC-catalyzed C–S bond activation reaction has been theoretically studied and ELF analysis along with IRC results shows that the NHC promotes the cleavage of the C–S bondviaan SN2 process.
Correlating oxygen mobility with thermochemical CO2-splitting efficiency in A-site substituted manganite perovskites
Authors: Nair Mahesh Muraleedharan , Abanades Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Geometric parameters influence the thermochemical redox properties of A-site substituted perovskite oxygen carriers.