bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after acute resistance-type exercise is upregulated by rapamycin-sensitive mTOR complex 1 inhibition
Authors: Kido Kohei , Sase Kohei , Yokokawa Takumi , Fujita Satoshi
Published: May 2020

Acute aerobic exercise (AE) increases skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity for several hours, caused by acute activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Acute resistance exercise (RE) also activates AMPK, possibly improving insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. However, RE-induced rapamycin-sensitive mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation is higher and has a longer duration than after AE. In molecular studies, mTORC1 was shown to be upstream of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) Ser phosphorylation residue, inducing insulin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesised that although RE increases insulin sensitivity through AMPK activation, prolonged mTORC1 activation after RE reduces RE-induced insulin sensitising effect. In this study, we used an electrical stimulation–induced RE model in rats, with rapamycin as an inhibitor of mTORC1 activation. Our results showed that RE increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake following AMPK signal activation. However, mTORC1 activation and IRS-1 Ser632/635 and Ser612 phosphorylation were elevated 6 h after RE, with concomitant impairment of insulin-stimulated Akt signal activation. By contrast, rapamycin inhibited these prior exercise responses. Furthermore, increases in insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake 6 h after RE were higher in rats with rapamycin treatment than with placebo treatment. Our data suggest that mTORC1/IRS-1 signaling inhibition enhances skeletal muscle insulin-sensitising effect of RE.
Mediterranean precipitation isoscape preserved in bone collagen δ2H
Authors: Reynard Linda M. , Ryan Saskia E. , Guirguis Michele , Contreras-Martínez Miguel , Pompianu Elisa , Ramis Damià , van Dommelen Peter , Tuross Noreen
Published: May 2020

The prehistory of the Mediterranean region has long been a subject of considerable interest, particularly the links between human groups and regions of origin. We utilize the spatial variation in the δ2H and δ18O values of precipitation (isoscapes) to develop proxies for geographic locations of fauna and humans. Bone collagen hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) in cattle (and to a lesser extent, ovicaprids) across the Mediterranean reflect the isotopic differences observed in rainfall (but δ18O values do not). We conclude that δ2H in herbivore bone collagen can be used as a geolocation tracer and for palaeoenvironmental studies such as tracing past isotopic variations in the global hydrological cycle. In contrast, human bone δ2H values are relatively tightly grouped and highly distinct from precipitation δ2H values, likely due to human-specific food practices and environmental modifications. Given the inter-species variability in δ2H, care should be taken in the species selected for study.
Bactericidal activity and recovery effect of hydroxyl radicals generated by ultraviolet irradiation and silver ion application on an infected titanium surface
Authors: Tenkumo Taichi , Ishiyama Kirika , Prymak Oleg , Nakamura Keisuke , Shirato Midori , Ogawa Toru , Miyashita Makiko , Takahashi Masatoshi , Epple Matthias , Kanno Taro , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: May 2020

This study investigated the bactericidal effect, the underlying mechanisms of treatment, and recovery of biocompatibility of the infected titanium surface using a combination treatment of silver ion application and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light irradiation. Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were used in suspension and as a biofilm on a titanium surface to test for the bactericidal effect. The bactericidal effect of the combination treatment was significantly higher than that of silver ion application or UV-A light irradiation alone. The bactericidal effect of the combination treatment was attributable to hydroxyl radicals, which generated from the bacterial cell wall and whose yield increased with the silver concentration. To assess the biocompatibility, proliferation and calcification of MC3T3E1 cells were evaluated on the treated titanium surface. The treated titanium screws were implanted into rat tibias and the removal torques were measured 28 days post-surgery. The titanium surface that underwent the combination treatment exhibited recovery of biocompatibility by allowing cellular proliferation or calcification at levels observed in the non-infected titanium surfaces. The removal torque 28 days after surgery was also comparable to the control values. This approach is a novel treatment option for peri-implantitis.
Vaccine adjuvant activity of a TLR4-activating synthetic glycolipid by promoting autophagy
Authors: Chou Yi-Ju , Lin Ching-Cheng , Dzhagalov Ivan , Chen Nien-Jung , Lin Chao-Hsiung , Lin Chun-Cheng , Chen Szu-Ting , Chen Kuo-Hsin , Fu Shu-Ling
Published: May 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in host immune defenses. Recently, TLR-mediated autophagy is reported to promote immune responses via increasing antigen processing and presentation in antigen presenting cells. The present study examined whether the synthetic TLR4 activator (CCL-34) could induce autophagy to promote innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, the potential of CCL-34 as an immune adjuvant in vivo was also investigated. Our data using RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages showed that CCL-34 induced autophagy through a TLR4-NF-κB pathway. The autophagy-related molecules (Nrf2, p62 and Beclin 1) were activated in RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages under CCL-34 treatment. CCL-34-stimulated macrophages exhibited significant antigen-processing activity and induced the proliferation of antigen-specific CD4+T cells as well as the production of activated T cell-related cytokines, IL-2 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, CCL-34 immunization in mice induced infiltration of monocytes in the peritoneal cavity and elevation of antigen-specific IgG in the serum. CCL-34 treatment in vivo did not cause toxicity based on serum biochemical profiles. Notably, the antigen-specific responses induced by CCL-34 were attenuated by the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine. In summary, we demonstrated CCL-34 can induce autophagy to promote antigen-specific immune responses and act as an efficient adjuvant.
KLOTHO polymorphisms and age-related outcomes in community-dwelling older subjects: The São Paulo Ageing & Health (SPAH) Study
Authors: Pereira Rosa Maria R. , Freitas Thiago Quadrante , Franco André Silva , Takayama Liliam , Caparbo Valeria F. , Domiciano Diogo S. , Machado Luana G. , Figueiredo Camille P. , Menezes Paulo R. , Onuchic Luiz Fernando , de Castro Isac
Published: May 2020

Defective KLOTHO gene expression in mice led to a syndrome resembling human ageing. This study evaluated three KLOTHO polymorphisms, namely G395A, C1818T, and C370S, in an elderly population (mean age of 73 years) and their associations with ageing-related outcomes (cardiovascular events, kidney function, osteoporosis, sarcopenia) and mortality. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) was lower in subjects with 1818TT (P = 0.047) and 370SS (P = 0.046) genotypes. The 1818TT genotype (P = 0.006) and 1818T allele were associated with higher frequency of myocardial infarction (MI) (CC:1.7% vs. CT + TT:7.0%; P = 0.002). The 370SS genotype was associated with lower stroke frequency (P = 0.001). MI (OR 3.35 [95% CI: 1.29–8.74]) and stroke (OR 3.64 [95% CI: 1.48–8.97]) were associated with mortality. Regarding MI, logistic regression showed 1818T allele was a risk factor for death-related MI (OR 4.29 [95% CI: 1.60–11.52]; P = 0.003), while 370C was protective (OR 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01–0.08]; P < 0.001). Regarding stroke, the 395A and 370C alleles were protective factors (respectively: OR 0.28 [95% CI: 0.20–0.80]; P = 0.018; OR 0.10 [95% CI: 0.05–0.18]; P < 0.001). This is the first study to determine potential associations between common ageing-related outcomes/mortality and KLOTHO polymorphisms. The 1818T allele was a risk factor for MI-related death. The 395A and 370C alleles were protective factors for stroke-related death in elderly from community.
Urban aliens and threatened near-naturals: Land-cover affects the species richness of alien- and threatened species in an urban-rural setting
Authors: Petersen Tanja K. , Speed James D. M. , Grøtan Vidar , Austrheim Gunnar
Published: May 2020

Urbanisation has strong effects on biodiversity patterns, but impacts vary among species groups and across spatial scales. From a local biodiversity management perspective, a more general understanding of species richness across taxonomic groups is required. This study aims to investigate how fine-scale land-cover variables influence species richness patterns of locally threatened and alien species. The study was performed in Trondheim, Norway, covering a steep urbanisation gradient. Spatially correlated Generalised Linear Mixed Effects Models predicting the number of all-, threatened-and alien species by taxon, habitat, habitat heterogeneity and mean aspect within 500 m×500 m grid cells were constructed. The habitat categories were based on detailed land-cover maps. The highest number of threatened species was found in habitats relatively less affected by humans, whereas the number of alien species were only dependent on taxonomic group and spatial correlation. It is shown that land-cover variables within an administrative border can be used to make predictions on species richness within overarching species groups. Recommendations to biodiversity management agencies are to ensure protection of natural habitats to favour locally threatened species, and closely monitor urban areas to mitigate the introduction and spread of alien species.
Curcumin Encapsulated Lecithin Nanoemulsions: An Oral Platform for Ultrasound Mediated Spatiotemporal Delivery of Curcumin to the Tumor
Authors: Prasad Chandrashekhar , Bhatia Eshant , Banerjee Rinti
Published: May 2020

Systemic toxicity caused by conventional chemotherapy is often regarded as one of the major challenges in the treatment of cancer. Over years, the trigger-based modality has gained much attention as it holds the spatiotemporal control over release and internalization of the drug. In this article, we are reporting an increase in the anti-tumor efficacy of curcumin due to ultrasound pulses. MDA MB 231 breast cancer and B16F10 melanoma cells were incubated with lecithin-based curcumin encapsulated nanoemulsions and exposed to ultrasound in the presence and absence of microbubble. Ultrasound induced sonoporation enhanced the cytotoxicity of curcumin in MDA MB 231 and B16F10 cancer cells in the presence of microbubble by 100- and 64-fold, respectively. To study the spatiotemporal delivery of curcumin, we developed B16F10 melanoma subcutaneous tumor on both the flanks of C57BL/6 mice but only the right tumor was exposed to ultrasound. Insonation of the right tumor spatially enhanced the cytotoxicity and enabled the substantial regression of the right tumor compared to the unexposed left tumor which grew continuously in size. This study showed that the ultrasound has the potential to target and increase the drug’s throughput to the tumor and enable effective treatment.
Humidity governs the wall-inhabiting fungal community composition in a 1600-year tomb of Emperor Yang
Authors: Li Yonghui , Huang Zhi , Petropoulos Evangelos , Ma Yan , Shen Yang
Published: May 2020

Biodeterioration caused by filamentous fungi is often a threat to the architectural heritage (i.e. tombs and historic sites). To specifically understand the deterioration phenomena caused by microorganisms in tombs and how these are shaped due to various environmental factors, the fungal communities in the coffin chamber of the Chinese emperor Yang (BC 569–618) were investigated at different heights using denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting. The associated environmental conditions, such as humidity, temperature, height and illumination, were also assessed. The results showed that a great diversity of fungal species (Cordyceps, Fusarium, Harpochytrium, Emericellopsis, Volutella, Cladosporium, Stachybotrys, Trichoderma, Cochlonema and two unknown fungal species) was present in emperor Yang’s coffin chamber. The predominant species were Stachybotrys, Fusarium, Trichoderma and Cochlonema. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that humidity, temperature, height and illumination were the most significantly related factors shaping the fungal communities. Humidity showed the highest degree of variance description (19.2%) than all other environmental factors, followed by illumination (18.3%) and height (12.8%). Furthermore, fungal richness and diversity indices showed a positive correlation with humidity (p < 0.05). These results help in understanding the fungal community in tombs, promoting the mitigation of deterioration phenomena of such building heritage for the present and future.
Increased alpha-synuclein tear fluid levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Maass Fabian , Rikker Sebastian , Dambeck Vivian , Warth Carmina , Tatenhorst Lars , Csoti Ilona , Schmitz Matthias , Zerr Inga , Leha Andreas , Bähr Mathias , Lingor Paul
Published: May 2020

The objective of the study was to estimate if altered levels of alpha-synuclein can be detected in tear fluid of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, tear fluid samples of 75 PD patients, 75 control subjects and 31 atypical Parkinsonian patients were collected and analyzed in triplicates using an ultra-sensitive single molecule array (SIMOA) system and applying a human alpha-synuclein immunoassay. In PD, levels of total soluble alpha-synuclein were significantly increased compared to control subjects (p = 0.03; AUC PD vs. controls 0.60). There was no difference comparing PD patients stratified by Hoehn & Yahr stages and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes stratified by tauopathies and non-PD-synucleinopathies against each other (p > 0.05). In conclusion, alpha-synuclein can be detected and quantified in tear fluid, revealing small but significant differences in total alpha-synuclein levels between PD and control subjects. Tear fluid can be collected non-invasively and risk-free, therefore presenting a promising source for further biomarker research.
Surrogate endpoints for overall survival in randomised controlled trials of localised osteosarcoma: A meta-analytic evaluation
Authors: Tanaka Kazuhiro , Kawano Masanori , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Matsuda Shogo , Itonaga Ichiro , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Event-free survival (EFS) is considered the most reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adjuvant therapies for malignant tumours. However, the surrogacy of intermediate endpoints such as EFS for OS in trials of patients with osteosarcoma has not been investigated to date. In this study, we investigated the correlation between OS and intermediate endpoints in RCTs of localised osteosarcoma. A systematic search identified 20 relevant RCTs. The correlations between the surrogate endpoints and OS were evaluated using weighted linear regression analyses and by calculating the Spearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ). The strength of the correlation was determined by calculating the coefficient of determination (R2). A total of 5,620 patients were randomly assigned to 45 treatment arms in the eligible 20 RCTs. The correlation between the hazard ratios for EFS and OS was moderate (R2 = 0.456, ρ = 0.440); this correlation tended to be weaker for patients with localised osteosarcoma excluding the patients with metastases. Overall, the trial-level correlation between the surrogate endpoints and OS was not robust in RCTs of osteosarcoma published to date. Hence, the suitability of the intermediate endpoints as surrogates for OS could not be confirmed.
Attenuation of oxidative stress and chromosomal aberrations in cultured macrophages and pulmonary cells following self-sustained high temperature synthesis of asbestos
Authors: La Maestra Sebastiano , Micale Rosanna T. , Ferretti Maurizio , Izzotti Alberto , Gaggero Laura
Published: May 2020

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause lung and pleural diseases in humans and constitutes a severe public health threat worldwide. The aim of the present study was to assess the biological effects induced in both pulmonary cells (A549) and monocyte/macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell lines by combustion slags obtained from asbestos through a self-sustained high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction. The SHS reaction involves rapid thermal treatment and displays great ability to neutralise asbestos. Cytotoxicity, redox status imbalance, lipid peroxide production, DNA strand breaks (comet assay) and chromosomal aberrations (cytokinesis block micronucleus test) were evaluated in cells exposed either to untreated asbestos fibres or to grinded SHS-generated slags of different granulometry, tested in cultured cells at varying doses and for varying exposure times. Our results show that asbestos fibres cause redox status imbalance, especially in monocyte/macrophage cell lines. Moreover, they promote lipid peroxidation and trigger genomic alterations. When the cells were exposed to slag powders, which are the products of SHS asbestos treatment, generation of lipid peroxides and induction of DNA strand breaks still persisted, due to the high content in iron and other metals detected in these samples. However, there was an attenuation of redox status imbalance and an absence of chromosomal aberrations, which probably reflects the loss of the asbestos fibrous structure following SHS reaction, as demonstrated by electron microscopy analyses. In conclusions, SHS-treated asbestos wastes can potentially have deleterious health effects due to the oxidative stress induced by inhaled powders but they loose the asbestos ability to induce chromosomal alterations.
Homeostasis as a proportional–integral control system
Authors: Veen Lennaert van , Morra Jacob , Palanica Adam , Fossat Yan
Published: May 2020

According to medical guidelines, the distinction between “healthy” and “unhealthy” patients is commonly based on single, discrete values taken at an isolated point in time (e.g., blood pressure or core temperature). Perhaps a more robust and insightful diagnosis can be obtained by studying the functional interdependence of such indicators and the homeostasis that controls them. This requires quasi-continuous measurements and a procedure to map the data onto a parsimonious control model with a degree of universality. The current research illustrates this approach using glucose homeostasis as a target. Data were obtained from 41 healthy subjects wearing over-the-counter glucose monitors, and projected onto a simple proportional–integral (PI) controller, widely used in engineering applications. The indicators quantifying the control function are clustered for the great majority of subjects, while a few outliers exhibit less responsive homeostasis. Practical implications for healthcare and education are further discussed.
Temporal sequences of brain activity at rest are constrained by white matter structure and modulated by cognitive demands
Authors: Cornblath Eli J. , Ashourvan Arian , Kim Jason Z. , Betzel Richard F. , Ciric Rastko , Adebimpe Azeez , Baum Graham L. , He Xiaosong , Ruparel Kosha , Moore Tyler M. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Shinohara Russell T. , Roalf David R. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: May 2020

A diverse set of white matter connections supports seamless transitions between cognitive states. However, it remains unclear how these connections guide the temporal progression of large-scale brain activity patterns in different cognitive states. Here, we analyze the brain’s trajectories across a set of single time point activity patterns from functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during the resting state and an n-back working memory task. We find that specific temporal sequences of brain activity are modulated by cognitive load, associated with age, and related to task performance. Using diffusion-weighted imaging acquired from the same subjects, we apply tools from network control theory to show that linear spread of activity along white matter connections constrains the probabilities of these sequences at rest, while stimulus-driven visual inputs explain the sequences observed during the n-back task. Overall, these results elucidate the structural underpinnings of cognitively and developmentally relevant spatiotemporal brain dynamics.
Genetic switches designed for eukaryotic cells and controlled by serine integrases
Authors: Gomide Mayna S. , Sales Thais T. , Barros Luciana R. C. , Limia Cintia G. , de Oliveira Marco A. , Florentino Lilian H. , Barros Leila M. G. , Robledo Maria L. , José Gustavo P. C. , Almeida Mariana S. M. , Lima Rayane N. , Rehen Stevens K. , Lacorte Cristiano , Melo Eduardo O. , Murad André M. , Bonamino Martín H. , Coelho Cintia M. , Rech Elibio
Published: May 2020

Recently, new serine integrases have been identified, increasing the possibility of scaling up genomic modulation tools. Here, we describe the use of unidirectional genetic switches to evaluate the functionality of six serine integrases in different eukaryotic systems: the HEK 293T cell lineage, bovine fibroblasts and plant protoplasts. Moreover, integrase activity was also tested in human cell types of therapeutic interest: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), neural stem cells (NSCs) and undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells. The switches were composed of plasmids designed to flip two different genetic parts driven by serine integrases. Cell-based assays were evaluated by measurement of EGFP fluorescence and by molecular analysis of attL/attR sites formation after integrase functionality. Our results demonstrate that all the integrases were capable of inverting the targeted DNA sequences, exhibiting distinct performances based on the cell type or the switchable genetic sequence. These results should support the development of tunable genetic circuits to regulate eukaryotic gene expression.
Transcriptional profiling of lung macrophages identifies a predictive signature for inflammatory lung disease in preterm infants
Authors: Sahoo Debashis , Zaramela Livia S. , Hernandez Gilberto E. , Mai Uyen , Taheri Sahar , Dang Dharanidhar , Stouch Ashley N. , Medal Rachel M. , McCoy Alyssa M. , Aschner Judy L. , Blackwell Timothy S. , Zengler Karsten , Prince Lawrence S.
Published: May 2020

Lung macrophages mature after birth, placing newborn infants, particularly those born preterm, within a unique window of susceptibility to disease. We hypothesized that in preterm infants, lung macrophage immaturity contributes to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common serious complication of prematurity. By measuring changes in lung macrophage gene expression in preterm patients at risk of BPD, we show here that patients eventually developing BPD had higher inflammatory mediator expression even on the first day of life. Surprisingly, the ex vivo response to LPS was similar across all samples. Our analysis did however uncover macrophage signature genes whose expression increased in the first week of life specifically in patients resilient to disease. We propose that these changes describe the dynamics of human lung macrophage differentiation. Our study therefore provides new mechanistic insight into both neonatal lung disease and human developmental immunology.
Mitochondrial stress-activated cGAS-STING pathway inhibits thermogenic program and contributes to overnutrition-induced obesity in mice
Authors: Bai Juli , Cervantes Christopher , He Sijia , He Jieyu , Plasko George R. , Wen Jie , Li Zhi , Yin Dongqing , Zhang Chuntao , Liu Meilian , Dong Lily Q. , Liu Feng
Published: May 2020

Obesity is a global epidemic that is caused by excessive energy intake or inefficient energy expenditure. Brown or beige fat dissipates energy as heat through non-shivering thermogenesis by their high density of mitochondria. However, how the mitochondrial stress-induced signal is coupled to the cellular thermogenic program remains elusive. Here, we show that mitochondrial DNA escape-induced activation of the cGAS-STING pathway negatively regulates thermogenesis in fat-specific DsbA-L knockout mice, a model of adipose tissue mitochondrial stress. Conversely, fat-specific overexpression of DsbA-L or knockout of STING protects mice against high-fat diet-induced obesity. Mechanistically, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway in adipocytes activated phosphodiesterase PDE3B/PDE4, leading to decreased cAMP levels and PKA signaling, thus reduced thermogenesis. Our study demonstrates that mitochondrial stress-activated cGAS-STING pathway functions as a sentinel signal that suppresses thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Targeting adipose cGAS-STING pathway may thus be a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract overnutrition-induced obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.
Barley sodium content is regulated by natural variants of the Na+ transporter HvHKT1;5
Authors: Houston Kelly , Qiu Jiaen , Wege Stefanie , Hrmova Maria , Oakey Helena , Qu Yue , Smith Pauline , Situmorang Apriadi , Macaulay Malcolm , Flis Paulina , Bayer Micha , Roy Stuart , Halpin Claire , Russell Joanne , Schreiber Miriam , Byrt Caitlin , Gilliham Matt , Salt David E. , Waugh Robbie
Published: May 2020

During plant growth, sodium (Na+) in the soil is transported via the xylem from the root to the shoot. While excess Na+ is toxic to most plants, non-toxic concentrations have been shown to improve crop yields under certain conditions, such as when soil K+ is low. We quantified grain Na+ across a barley genome-wide association study panel grown under non-saline conditions and identified variants of a Class 1 HIGH-AFFINITY-POTASSIUM-TRANSPORTER (HvHKT1;5)-encoding gene responsible for Na+ content variation under these conditions. A leucine to proline substitution at position 189 (L189P) in HvHKT1;5 disturbs its characteristic plasma membrane localisation and disrupts Na+ transport. Under low and moderate soil Na+, genotypes containing HvHKT1:5P189 accumulate high concentrations of Na+ but exhibit no evidence of toxicity. As the frequency of HvHKT1:5P189 increases significantly in cultivated European germplasm, we cautiously speculate that this non-functional variant may enhance yield potential in non-saline environments, possibly by offsetting limitations of low available K+.
Hysteresis-less and stable perovskite solar cells with a self-assembled monolayer
Authors: Tumen-Ulzii Ganbaatar , Matsushima Toshinori , Klotz Dino , Leyden Matthew R. , Wang Pangpang , Qin Chuanjiang , Lee Jin-Wook , Lee Sung-Joon , Yang Yang , Adachi Chihaya
Published: May 2020

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are promising for use in solar cells because of their efficient solar power conversion. Current–voltage hysteresis and degradation under illumination are still issues that need to be solved for their future commercialization. However, why hysteresis and degradation occur in typical perovskite solar cell structures, with an electron transport layer of metal oxide such as SnO2, has not been well understood. Here we show that one reason for the hysteresis and degradation is because of the localization of positive ions caused by hydroxyl groups existing at the SnO2 surface. We deactivate these hydroxyl groups by treating the SnO2 surface with a self-assembled monolayer. With this surface treatment method, we demonstrate hysteresis-less and highly stable perovskite solar cells, with no degradation after 1000 h of continuous illumination.
Revealing the interfacial nanostructure of a deep eutectic solvent at a solid electrode
Authors: Zec Nebojša , Mangiapia Gaetano , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Busch Sebastian , Moulin Jean-François
Published: May 2020

The structure of an ionic liquid at an electrode interface was studied by a combination of neutron reflectometry measurements and molecular dynamics simulations.
Anti-fat effect and mechanism of polysaccharide-enriched extract from Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lin Chunxiu , Lin Yizi , Meng Tianmeng , Lian Jiayi , Liang Yu , Kuang Yong , Cao Yong , Chen Yunjiao
Published: May 2020

Obesity is a global epidemic. The polysaccharide extract from Cyclocarya paliurus have good performance in safely alleviating the fat accumulation of C. elegans, which is expected to be developed into an effective natural anti-obesity product.
Comment on: “Slope ratio calibration for analysis of plant leaves by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy” by Lidiane C. Nunes, Fabio R. P. Rocha and Francisco J. Krug, JAAS, 2019, 34, 2314
Authors: Palleschi Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

In the paper “Slope ratio calibration for analysis of plant leaves by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy”, recently published on JAAS, the authors present an allegedly new calibration method for LIBS analysis, called Slope Ratio Calibration (SRC).
A metabolomic study for chronic heart failure patients based on a dried blood spot mass spectrometry approach
Authors: Zhao Gaowa , Cheng Dong , Wang Yu , Cao Yalan , Xiang Shuting , Yu Qin
Published: May 2020

A dried blood spot method with mass spectrometry focused on metabolomics analysis was applied to detect and compare the difference in metabolites between heart failure (HF) patients and non-HF patients in order to facilitate the early detection and treatment of heart failure.
Cationic copolymer enhances 8–17 DNAzyme and MNAzyme activities
Authors: Rudeejaroonrung Krittika , Hanpanich Orakan , Saito Ken , Shimada Naohiko , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: May 2020

Cationic copolymer acts as a chaperone to facilitate multiple strand assembly and enhance nucleic acid enzyme activities.
Nanobodies derived from Camelids represent versatile biomolecules for biomedical applications
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Xu Qilan , Wu Yuan , Jiang Huijun , Wei Wei , Zulipikaer Azhati , Guo Yan , Jirimutu  , Chen Jin
Published: May 2020

Camel-derived nanobodies as versatile biomaterials for biomedical applications.
Photothermal bactericidal surfaces: killing bacteria using light instead of biocides
Authors: Zou Yi , Zhang Yanxia , Yu Qian , Chen Hong
Published: May 2020

Recent developments of photothermal bactericidal surfaces based on immobilized photothermal agents to kill bacteria through hyperthermia effects are reviewed.
Hydrophobically modified carbon dots as a multifunctional platform for serum-resistant gene delivery and cell imaging
Authors: Chen Ping , Zhang Ji , He Xi , Liu Yan-Hong , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: May 2020

Hydrophobically modified carbon dots were prepared and their structure-activity relationship as non-viral gene vectors was investigated.
Visualising electrochemical reaction layers: mediated vs. direct oxidation
Authors: Ma Junling , Yang Minjun , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: May 2020

Fluorophore concentration profiles for differentiating electrochemical reaction mechanisms.
Impact of small promoter amounts on coke structure in dry reforming of methane over Ni/ZrO2
Authors: Franz Robert , Kühlewind Tobias , Shterk Genrikh , Abou-Hamad Edy , Parastaev Alexander , Uslamin Evgeny , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Kapteijn Freek , Gascon Jorge , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: May 2020

Choosing the correct alkali metal as a promoter not only reduces coke formation in dry reforming of methane but also removes coke via gasification.
tBu4octapa-alkyl-NHS for metalloradiopeptide preparation
Authors: Li Lily , Kuo Hsiou-Ting , Wang Xiaozhu , Merkens Helen , Colpo Nadine , Radchenko Valery , Schaffer Paul , Lin Kuo-Shyan , Bénard François , Orvig Chris
Published: May 2020

A new bifunctional tBu4octapa-alkyl-NHS was synthesized for metalloradiopeptide preparation; proof-of-principle prostate-cancer targeting with lutetium-177 was demonstrated.
New phenomena of photo-luminescence and persistent luminescence of a Eu2+,Tb3+ codoped Ca6BaP4O17 phosphor under high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Guo Haijie , Seto Takatoshi , Geng Ting , Zou Bo , Li Guangshe , Uwatoko Yoshiya , Tang Zuobin , Li Zebin , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2020

The possibility of regulating the photo luminescence and persistent luminescence performances of Ca6BaP4O17:Eu2+,Tb3+ under high hydrostatic pressure.
Proton donor effects on the reactivity of SmI2. Experimental and theoretical studies on methanol solvation vs. aqueous solvation
Authors: Ramírez-Solís Alejandro , Bartulovich Caroline O. , León-Pimentel César Iván , Saint-Martin Humberto , Boekell Nicholas G. , Flowers Robert A.
Published: May 2020

Using both computational and experimental data the SmI2–MeOH system is directly compared to the SmI2–H2O system to uncover the basis for their drastic differences in reactivity.
Comprehensive LC-MS/MS-based phytochemical perspectives and osteogenic effects of Uraria crinita
Authors: Lin Yi-Tzu , Mao Yi-Wen , Imtiyaz Zuha , Chiou Wen-Fei , Lee Mei-Hsien
Published: May 2020

LC-MS/MS-based phytochemical quantitative analysis of active compounds in the 50% ethanol extract of Uraria crinita revealed its osteogenic activity.
Selectivity switch in the aerobic oxygenation of sulfides photocatalysed by visible-light-responsive decavanadate
Authors: Li Chifeng , Mizuno Noritaka , Murata Kei , Ishii Kazuyuki , Suenobu Tomoyoshi , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Suzuki Kosuke
Published: May 2020

Selective oxygenation of sulfides to sulfones and sulfoxides was demonstrated by photocatalysis of decavanadate using O2 in methyl ethyl ketone.
U–Pb ID-TIMS geochronology using ATONA amplifiers
Authors: Szymanowski Dawid , Schoene Blair
Published: May 2020

New low noise, large dynamic range amplifiers applied to Faraday measurements of small loads of Pb and U for geochronology.
Additive manufacturing of natural biopolymers and composites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Bose Susmita , Koski Caitlin , Vu Ashley A.
Published: May 2020

Through additive manufacturing (AM) of natural biopolymers, significant progress has been made in the field of biomedical devices and bone tissue engineering of low load bearing applications like maxillofacial, bone defects, and dental.
Biogenic fluorescent protein–silk fibroin phosphors for high performing light-emitting diodes
Authors: Fernández-Luna Verónica , Fernández-Blázquez Juan P. , Monclús Miguel A. , Rojo Francisco Javier , Daza Rafael , Sanchez-deAlcazar Daniel , Cortajarena Aitziber L. , Costa Rubén D.
Published: May 2020

This work presents a new family of bio-hybrid light-emitting diodes (Bio-HLEDs) using all-bio color down-converting coatings that combine silk fibroin (SF) as a packaging matrix and fluorescent proteins (FPs) as emitters.
Pan-transcriptomic analysis identified common differentially expressed genes ofAcinetobacter baumanniiin response to polymyxin treatments
Authors: Li Mengyao , Aye Su Mon , Ahmed Maizbha Uddin , Han Mei-Ling , Li Chen , Song Jiangning , Boyce John D. , Powell David R. , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Velkov Tony , Zhu Yan , Li Jian
Published: May 2020

Our pan-transcriptomic study for polymyxin-treatedA. baumanniiidentified that the remodelled outer membrane, up-regulated efflux pumps and down-regulated fatty acid biosynthesis might be essential for early responses to polymyxins inA. baumannii.
Transport and photoelectric properties of vertical black phosphorus heterojunctions
Authors: Sun Cuicui , Wang Yuxiu , Yang Zhao-Di , Shang Yan , Zhang Guiling , Hu Yangyang
Published: May 2020

The photoelectric response of heterostructures formed by BP with insulator BN, semiconductor MoS2, and conductor graphene.
Zinc(ii) and cadmium(ii) complexes, [M(iPr2P(X)NC(Y)NC5H10-κ2-X,Y)2] (X and Y = O, S), as single source precursors for metal sulfide thin films
Authors: Flores-Romero Víctor , García-Guzmán Oscar L. , Aguirre-Bautista Alejandra , Rojas-Montoya Iván D. , García-Montalvo Verónica , Rivera Margarita , Jiménez-Sandoval Omar , Muñoz-Hernández Miguel-Ángel , Hernández-Ortega Simón
Published: May 2020

Structural, morphological and optical studies of zinc and cadmium sulfide thin films with different contents of phosphorus.
Hydrogen-bonding-assisted redox-neutral construction of tetrahydroquinolines via hydride transfer
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Hu Fangzhi , Wang Liang , Xu Lubin , Li Shuai-Shuai
Published: May 2020

The hydrogen-bonding-assisted construction of tetrahydroquinolines decorated with structurally diverse 3,3′-difunctional groups has been realized via a hydride transfer-involved three-step cascade reaction in the presence of morpholine.
Photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of carbonyl compounds with Danishefsky diene
Authors: Pangaribowo Dian Agung , Abe Manabu
Published: May 2020

An efficient oxetane formation has been developed in the photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of benzophenone with Danishefsky diene.
Correction: Asymmetric synthesis of (−)-solanidine and (−)-tomatidenol
Authors: Wang Yun , Huang Guanxin , Shi Yong , Tian Wei-sheng , Zhuang Chunlin , Chen Fen-Er
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Asymmetric synthesis of (−)-solanidine and (−)-tomatidenol’ by Yun Wang et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2020, 18, 3169–3176, DOI: 10.1039/D0OB00457J.
Phosphorus-containing polymers synthesised via nitroxide-mediated polymerisation and their grafting on chitosan by grafting to and grafting from approaches
Authors: Solimando Xavier , Kennedy Emily , David Ghislain , Champagne Pascale , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: May 2020

The phosphorus-based methacrylate monomers (h)MAPC1 have been polymerized by NMP and grafted on chitosan.
Enhanced water permeability across a physiological droplet interface bilayer doped with fullerenes
Authors: Fleury Jean-Baptiste
Published: May 2020

We measure the water permeability across a physiological lipid bilayer produced by the droplet interface bilayer technique.
Adsorption and dissociation behavior of H2 on PuH2 (100), (110) and (111) surfaces: a density functional theory+U study
Authors: Luo Wenhua , Wan Lei , Li Gan , Gao Tao
Published: May 2020

The density functional theory (DFT) and DFT plus correction for on-site Coulomb interaction (DFT+U) method were performed to investigate the adsorption and dissociation of H2 on PuH2 (100), (110) and (111) surfaces.
Dynamic crosslinked and injectable biohydrogels as extracellular matrix mimics for the delivery of antibiotics and 3D cell culture
Authors: Fan Zhiping , Cheng Ping , Liu Min , Prakash Sangeeta , Han Jun , Ding Zhuang , Zhao Yanna , Wang Zhengping
Published: May 2020

Polysaccharides-polypeptide derived biohydrogels were formed using hydrazone chemistry as crosslinking strategy, which have controllable drug release rate and many other potential applications, especially in sustained drug delivery and cell scaffold.
Recent progress in chemosensors based on pyrazole derivatives
Authors: Tigreros Alexis , Portilla Jaime
Published: May 2020

This review provides an overview on the recent (2016–2020) findings on chemosensors based on pyrazole derivatives. The discussion focuses on the design, physicochemical properties and practical applications of probes.
Structural properties of the chelating agent 2,6-bis(1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine: a combined XRD and DFT structural study
Authors: Colombo Dugoni Greta , Baggioli Alberto , Famulari Antonino , Sacchetti Alessandro , Martí-Rujas Javier , Mariani Mario , Macerata Elena , Mossini Eros , Mele Andrea
Published: May 2020

Dispersion corrected DFT analysis in combination with single crystal X-ray structural analysis provides insights into the ability of PTD to chelate metal ions of radiotoxic waste from nuclear fuel.
Discovery of a synthesis method for a difluoroglycine derivative based on a path generated by quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Mita Tsuyoshi , Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi
Published: May 2020

QCaRA successfully predicted a new synthetic path based on the reaction path network produced by quantum chemical calculation.
Facile benzene reduction promoted by a synergistically coupled Cu–Co–Ce ternary mixed oxide
Authors: Chen Hao , Lin Wenwen , Zhang Zihao , Yang Zhenzhen , Jie Kecheng , Fu Jie , Yang Shi-ze , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2020

Hydrogenation of aromatic rings promoted by earth-abundant metal composites under mild conditions is an attractive and challenging subject in the long term.
Correction: Hydrothermal synthesis of γ-MnOOH nanowires using sapless leaves as the reductant: an effective catalyst for the regio-specific epoxidation of β-ionone
Authors: Luo Yuqing , Guo Xiaotian , Lu Wenjie , Liu Yong , Yu Lei , Pang Huan
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Hydrothermal synthesis of γ-MnOOH nanowires using sapless leaves as the reductant: an effective catalyst for the regio-specific epoxidation of β-ionone’ by Yuqing Luo et al., Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2019, 3, 2572–2576, DOI: 10.1039/C9SE00536F.
Surface diffusion in glasses of rod-like molecules posaconazole and itraconazole: effect of interfacial molecular alignment and bulk penetration
Authors: Li Yuhui , Zhang Wei , Bishop Camille , Huang Chengbin , Ediger M. D. , Yu Lian
Published: May 2020

Vertical orientation of rod-like molecules at glass/vapor interface allows deep penetration into the bulk, slowing surface diffusion.
Suppressing structural degradation of Ni-rich cathode materials towards improved cycling stability enabled by a Li2MnO3 coating
Authors: Huang Xue , Zhu Wenchang , Yao Junyi , Bu Liangmin , Li Xiangyi , Tian Kai , Lu Hui , Quan Chuxuan , Xu Shiguo , Xu Kaihua , Jiang Zhenkang , Zhang Xiang , Gao Lijun , Zhao Jianqing
Published: May 2020

In situ XRD examinations demonstrate significant effects of a Li2MnO3 coating on suppressing structural degradation during charging/discharging of Ni-rich cathode materials for enhanced cycling stability.
Band convergence and carrier-density fine-tuning as the electronic origin of high-average thermoelectric performance in Pb-doped GeTe-based alloys
Authors: Feng Yamei , Li Junqin , Li Yu , Ding Teng , Zhang Chunxiao , Hu Lipeng , Liu Fusheng , Ao Weiqin , Zhang Chaohua
Published: May 2020

High-averageZTis obtained in Pb-doped GeTe-based thermoelectric alloys due to the band convergence and fine tuning of carrier density.
How an angstrom-thick oxide overcoat enhances durability and activity of nanoparticle-decorated cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Li Haoyu , Kang Hung-Sen , Grewal Simranjit , Nelson Art J. , Song Shin Ae , Lee Min Hwan
Published: May 2020

In this report, we demonstrate how a uniform angstrom-level oxide overcoat (0.7–1.5 Å) by atomic layer deposition is highly effective not only in enhancing the thermal stability of underlying infiltrated ceria nanoparticles but also in facilitating electrode kinetics.
Reversible densification in nano-Li2MnO3 cation disordered rock-salt Li-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Diaz-Lopez Maria , Chater Philip A. , Joly Yves , Proux Olivier , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Bordet Pierre , Pralong Valerie
Published: May 2020

The electrochemical activation of Li2O in densified nano-Li2MnO3 is responsible for the large reversible capacity (290 mA h g−1) in this system.
Regioisomer-manipulating thio-perylenediimide nanoagents for photothermal/photodynamic theranostics
Authors: Liu Zhonghua , Gao Yijian , Jin Xin , Deng Qingyuan , Yin Zengle , Tong Shuaihang , Qing Weixia , Huang Yongwei
Published: May 2020

This work presents a facile means of accessing thio-perylenediimides that not only possess excellent antitumor property but provide a novel proof-of-concept means to improve therapeutic performance via the optimization of non-bonding interactions.
Emerging negative differential resistance effects and novel tunable electronic behaviors of the broken-gap KAgSe/SiC2 van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liang Yan , Yao Hui , Li Jianwei , Wang Bin , Wang Jian
Published: May 2020

Tunable electronic behaviors and emerging negative differential resistance effects of the broken-gap KAgSe/SiC2 van der Waals heterojunction.
Sound Therapy for Tinnitus: Options for Audiologists
Authors: Henry James A. , Quinn Candice M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Sound therapy to reduce the emotional and functional effects of tinnitus has been used by audiologists since the 1970s when Jack Vernon introduced the masking method to provide a sense of relief from tinnitus distress. Our group renamed masking sound as “soothing” sound and distinguished it from “interesting” and “background” sound, each of which has a different purpose for tinnitus sound therapy. Other methods of sound therapy have the potential to reduce the “sensation” of tinnitus, including notched noise, matched noise, desynchronization, and residual inhibition. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the different sound therapy approaches to serve as a resource for audiologists who often provide sound therapy to their patients with tinnitus.

Conclusion

Although, according to systematic reviews, sound therapy does not have strong evidence for treatment of tinnitus, it is nonetheless well evidenced both through abundant research and clinical utilization mostly by audiologists. It is unknown if any one form of sound therapy is superior to any other.
Spinal cord stimulation for the relief of spasticity from cerebral palsy
Authors: Parker John , Dietz Birte Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common form of childhood disability, and spasticity is the most common motor‐manifestation. Thankfully, there has been a significant reduction in the percentage of children born with CP in recent years, but nonetheless, those afflicted children can face life long devastating disabilities. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), an implanted device used to treat chronic neuropathic pain, has been used to treat children with spasticity. In some cases, it has been shown to produce a remarkable improvement but despite this, the technique is not commonly used. There are a number of case series, and retrospective reports of outcomes with the most successful demonstrating a nearly 1.5‐point reduction in Ashworth scale, the least successful demonstrating no significant improvements. Here, the authors examine the clinical reports and propose a mechanism of action based on the current understanding of SCS. Technology development in SCS for pain management has progressed significantly since the early clinical experience with CP and some of the new technology may be able to better exploit the putative mechanism. The advent of compound action potential recording and closed‐loop control could lead to new insights into the electrophysiology and how to better tune these devices to provide more substantial relief from symptoms.
User scheduling for full‐duplex non‐orthogonal multiple access systems with reconfiguration antennas
Authors: Liang Hao , Liu Zujun
Published: May 2020

As the promising technologies for providing higher network throughput, full‐duplex (FD) communications and non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) have attracted wide attention in recent years. In this study, the authors propose a user scheduling algorithm for the full‐duplex non‐orthogonal multiple access system (FD‐NOMA) where an FD base station equipped with a pair of reconfigurable antennas serves multiple half‐duplex downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) users simultaneously. Firstly, they formulate a user scheduling problem to maximise the sum rate of the FD‐NOMA system. Then, they eliminate the inter‐user interference from caused by the UL users to the DL users through the blind interference alignment based on reconfigurable antennas and decouple the user scheduling problem into a DL user scheduling problem and a UL user scheduling problem. Next, for the DL and UL user scheduling subproblems, they pair the users aligned with the same directions based on the channel correlation metric. Finally, they employ the exhausting search and iterative power allocation algorithm to solve the subproblems. Simulation results show that the proposed FD‐NOMA system can achieve up to 233 of gain in the average sum rate compared with the existing baseline schemes.