bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Distribution of Peak‐Ring Basins on Mercury and Their Correlation With the High‐Mg/Si Terrane
Authors: Hall G. P. , Martindale A. , Bridges J. C. , Nittler L. R. , Bunce E. J.
Published: August 2021

A catalog of mercurian craters that retain their central peak or peak‐ring structure was created to aid target prioritization for the Mercury Imaging X‐ray Spectrometer (MIXS), now on its way to Mercury aboard BepiColombo. Preliminary analysis of the MIXS crater catalog suggested a potential spatial correlation between an abnormally high spatial density of peak‐ring basins and a region of Mercury with elevated Mg/Si values (High‐Magnesium Terrane [HMT]). Robust statistical analysis of previously published crater catalogs confirmed that the spatial correlation exists, with an overall confidence level of 97.7%, specifically between peak‐ring basins and the HMT, delineated by a contour of Mg/Si = mean + 2σ = 0.648. Applying empirical impact cratering scaling laws to the 15 basins intersecting the HMT suggested that all have excavated material from ~13 to 20 km depth. None of the basins excavated mantle material, predicting instead that deep crustal material contains elevated Mg/Si material. However, five of the basins are predicted to have melted underlying mantle material, which might be a contributing factor in the elevated Mg/Si signature. In the absence of resolvable volcanic features associated with the rise of basaltic melts from the mantle, we favor excavation of deep crustal, high Mg/Si material. MIXS‐T is capable of spatially resolving individual features associated with peak‐ring basins and it is proposed that the 15 basins within the HMT are prioritized targets for MIXS, to test the hypothesis of exposed deep‐crustal material.
A Model for the Soil Freezing Characteristic Curve That Represents the Dominant Role of Salt Exclusion
Authors: Amankwah S. K. , Ireson A. M. , Maulé C. , Brannen R. , Mathias S. A.
Published: August 2021

The phenomenon of freezing point depression in frozen soils results in the co‐existence of ice and liquid water in soil pores at temperatures below 273.15 K (0°C), and is thought to have two causes: (a) capillary and adsorption effects, where the phase transition relationship is modified due to soil‐air‐water‐ice interactions, and (b) solute effects, where the presence of salts lowers the freezing temperature. The soil freezing characteristic curve (SFC) characterizes the relationship between liquid water content and temperature in frozen soils. Most hydrological models represent the SFC using only capillary and adsorption effects with a relationship known as the Generalized Clapeyron Equation (GCE). In this study, we develop and test a salt exclusion model for characterizing the SFC, comparing this with the GCE‐based model and a combined salt‐GCE effect model. We test these models against measured SFCs in laboratory and field experiments with diverse soil textures and salinities. We consistently found that the GCE‐based models under‐predicted freezing‐point depression. We were able to match the observations with the salt exclusion model and the combined model, suggesting that salinity is a dominant control on the SFC in real soils that always contain solutes. In modeling applications where the salinity is unknown, the soil bulk solute concentration can be treated as a single fitting parameter. Improved characterization of the SFC may result in improvements in coupled mass‐heat transport models for simulating hydrological processes in cold regions, particularly the hydraulic properties of frozen soils and the hydraulic head in frozen soils that drives cryosuction.
CtBP modulates Snail-mediated tumor invasion in Drosophila
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Ding Xiang , Li Zhuojie , Huang Yuanyuan , Xu Qian , Zou Rui , Zhao Mingyang , Chang Hong , Jiang Chunhua , La Xiaojin , Lin Gufa , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei
Published: August 2021

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases that threaten human health, whereas more than 90% mortality of cancer patients is caused by tumor metastasis, rather than the growth of primary tumors. Thus, how to effectively control or even reverse the migration of tumor cells is of great significance for cancer therapy. CtBP, a transcriptional cofactor displaying high expression in a variety of human cancers, has become one of the main targets for cancer prediction, diagnosis, and treatment. The roles of CtBP in promoting tumorigenesis have been well studied in vitro, mostly based on gain-of-function, while its physiological functions in tumor invasion and the underlying mechanism remain largely elusive. Snail (Sna) is a well-known transcription factor involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor invasion, yet the mechanism that regulates Sna activity has not been fully understood. Using Drosophila as a model organism, we found that depletion of CtBP or snail (sna) suppressed RasV12/lgl-/--triggered tumor growth and invasion, and disrupted cell polarity-induced invasive cell migration. In addition, loss of CtBP inhibits RasV12/Sna-induced tumor invasion and Sna-mediated invasive cell migration. Furthermore, both CtBP and Sna are physiologically required for developmental cell migration during thorax closure. Finally, Sna activates the JNK signaling and promotes JNK-dependent cell invasion. Given that CtBP physically interacts with Sna, our data suggest that CtBP and Sna may form a transcriptional complex that regulates JNK-dependent tumor invasion and cell migration in vivo.
Minimal mitochondrial respiration is required to prevent cell death by inhibition of mTOR signaling in CoQ-deficient cells
Authors: Wang Ying , Hekimi Siegfried
Published: August 2021

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a lipid-like mobile electron transporter of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Patients with partial loss-of-function mutations in the CoQ biosynthesis pathway suffer from partial primary CoQ deficiency (MIM 607426). This leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, which presents like mitochondrial disease syndrome (MDS). In addition, many other conditions, including MDS itself, lead to secondary CoQ deficiency. We sought to identify drugs that can alleviate the consequences of the mitochondrial dysfunction that is associated with CoQ deficiency. Loss of the CoQ-biosynthetic enzyme COQ7 prevents CoQ synthesis but leads to the accumulation of the biosynthetic intermediate demethoxyubiquinone (DMQ). Coq7-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) die when rapid ATP generation from glycolysis is prevented. We screened for drugs that could rescue cell death under these conditions. All compounds that were identified inhibit mTOR signaling. In the CoQ-deficient cells, the beneficial action mTOR inhibition appears to be mediated by inhibition of protein translation rather than by stimulation of autophagy. We further studied the Coq7-knockout cells to better determine under which conditions mTOR inhibition could be beneficial. We established that Coq7-knockout cells remain capable of a low level of mitochondrial respiration mediated by DMQ. To obtain more profound mitochondrial dysfunction, we created double-knockout mutant MEFs lacking both Coq7, as well as Pdss2, which is required for sidechain synthesis. These cells make neither CoQ nor DMQ, and their extremely small residual respiration depends on uptake of CoQ from the culture medium. Although these cells are healthy in the presence of sufficient glucose for glycolysis and do not require uridine or pyruvate supplementation, mTOR inhibitors were unable to prevent their death in the absence of sufficient glycolysis. We conclude that, for reasons that remain to be elucidated, the energy-sparing benefits of the inhibition of mTOR signaling require a minimally functional respiratory chain.
Dysregulated hematopoiesis in bone marrow marks severe COVID-19
Authors: Wang Xin , Wen Yanling , Xie Xiaowei , Liu Yang , Tan Xiaohua , Cai Qingxian , Zhang Yawen , Cheng Lin , Xu Gang , Zhang Shengyuan , Wang Haiyan , Wei Lanlan , Tang Xian , Qi Furong , Zhao Juanjuan , Yuan Jing , Liu Lei , Zhu Ping , Ginhoux Florent , Zhang Shuye , Cheng Tao , Zhang Zheng
Published: August 2021

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often indicated by lymphopenia and increased myelopoiesis; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear, especially the alteration of hematopoiesis. It is important to explore to what extent and how hematopoietic stem cells contribute to the impairment of peripheral lymphoid and myeloid compartments in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to assess bone marrow mononuclear cells from COVID-19 patients with peripheral blood mononuclear cells as control. The results showed that the hematopoietic stem cells in these patients were mainly in the G1 phase and prone to apoptosis, with immune activation and anti-viral responses. Importantly, a significant accumulation of immature myeloid progenitors and a dramatic reduction of lymphoid progenitors in severe cases were identified, along with the up-regulation of transcription factors (such as SPI1, LMO4, ETS2, FLI1, and GATA2) that are important for the hematopoietic stem cell or multipotent progenitor to differentiate into downstream progenitors. Our results indicate a dysregulated hematopoiesis in patients with severe COVID-19.
Vertically transferred maternal immune cells promote neonatal immunity against early life infections
Authors: Stelzer Ina Annelies , Urbschat Christopher , Schepanski Steven , Thiele Kristin , Triviai Ioanna , Wieczorek Agnes , Alawi Malik , Ohnezeit Denise , Kottlau Julian , Huang Jiabin , Fischer Nicole , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Solano Maria Emilia , Fehse Boris , Diemert Anke , Stahl Felix R. , Arck Petra Clara
Published: August 2021

During mammalian pregnancy, immune cells are vertically transferred from mother to fetus. The functional role of these maternal microchimeric cells (MMc) in the offspring is mostly unknown. Here we show a mouse model in which MMc numbers are either normal or low, which enables functional assessment of MMc. We report a functional role of MMc in promoting fetal immune development. MMc induces preferential differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in fetal bone marrow towards monocytes within the myeloid compartment. Neonatal mice with higher numbers of MMc and monocytes show enhanced resilience against cytomegalovirus infection. Similarly, higher numbers of MMc in human cord blood are linked to a lower number of respiratory infections during the first year of life. Our data highlight the importance of MMc in promoting fetal immune development, potentially averting the threats caused by early life exposure to pathogens.
Shear band-driven precipitate dispersion for ultrastrong ductile medium-entropy alloys
Authors: Jang Tae Jin , Choi Won Seok , Kim Dae Woong , Choi Gwanghyo , Jun Hosun , Ferrari Alberto , Körmann Fritz , Choi Pyuck-Pa , Sohn Seok Su
Published: August 2021

Precipitation strengthening has been the basis of physical metallurgy since more than 100 years owing to its excellent strengthening effects. This approach generally employs coherent and nano-sized precipitates, as incoherent precipitates energetically become coarse due to their incompatibility with matrix and provide a negligible strengthening effect or even cause brittleness. Here we propose a shear band-driven dispersion of nano-sized and semicoherent precipitates, which show significant strengthening effects. We add aluminum to a model CoNiV medium-entropy alloy with a face-centered cubic structure to form the L21 Heusler phase with an ordered body-centered cubic structure, as predicted by ab initio calculations. Micro-shear bands act as heterogeneous nucleation sites and generate finely dispersed intragranular precipitates with a semicoherent interface, which leads to a remarkable strength-ductility balance. This work suggests that the structurally dissimilar precipitates, which are generally avoided in conventional alloys, can be a useful design concept in developing high-strength ductile structural materials.
Plastic and low-cost axial zero thermal expansion alloy by a natural dual-phase composite
Authors: Yu Chengyi , Lin Kun , Jiang Suihe , Cao Yili , Li Wenjie , Wang Yilin , Chen Yan , An Ke , You Li , Kato Kenichi , Li Qiang , Chen Jun , Deng Jinxia , Xing Xianran
Published: August 2021

Zero thermal expansion (ZTE) alloys possess unique dimensional stability, high thermal and electrical conductivities. Their practical application under heat and stress is however limited by their inherent brittleness because ZTE and plasticity are generally exclusive in a single-phase material. Besides, the performance of ZTE alloys is highly sensitive to change of compositions, so conventional synthesis methods such as alloying or the design of multiphase to improve its thermal and mechanical properties are usually inapplicable. In this study, by adopting a one-step eutectic reaction method, we overcome this challenge. A natural dual-phase composite with ZTE and plasticity was synthesized by melting 4 atom% holmium with pure iron. The dual-phase alloy shows moderate plasticity and strength, axial zero thermal expansion, and stable thermal cycling performance as well as low cost. By using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in-situ neutron diffraction and microscopy, the critical mechanism of dual-phase synergy on both thermal expansion regulation and mechanical property enhancement is revealed. These results demonstrate that eutectic reaction is likely to be a universal and effective method for the design of high-performance intermetallic-compound-based ZTE alloys.
Reversible gene silencing through frameshift indels and frameshift scars provide adaptive plasticity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Alland David
Published: August 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can adapt to changing environments by non-heritable mechanisms. Frame-shifting insertions and deletions (indels) may also participate in adaptation through gene disruption, which could be reversed by secondary introduction of a frame-restoring indel. We present ScarTrek, a program that scans genomic data for indels, including those that together disrupt and restore a gene’s reading frame, producing “frame-shift scars” suggestive of reversible gene inactivation. We use ScarTrek to analyze 5977 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates. We show that indel frequency inversely correlates with genomic linguistic complexity and varies with gene-position and gene-essentiality. Using ScarTrek, we detect 74 unique frame-shift scars in 48 genes, with a 3.74% population-level incidence of unique scar events. We find multiple scars in the ESX-1 gene cluster. Six scars show evidence of convergent evolution while the rest shared a common ancestor. Our results suggest that sequential indels are a mechanism for reversible gene silencing and adaptation in M. tuberculosis.
Phosphorus coordinated Rh single-atom sites on nanodiamond as highly regioselective catalyst for hydroformylation of olefins
Authors: Gao Peng , Liang Guanfeng , Ru Tong , Liu Xiaoyan , Qi Haifeng , Wang Aiqin , Chen Fen-Er
Published: August 2021

Single-atom Rh catalysts present superior activity relative to homogeneous catalyst in olefins hydroformylation, yet with limited success in regioselectivity control. In the present work, we develop a phosphorus coordinated Rh1 single-atom catalyst with nanodiamond as support. Benefiting from this unique structure, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity and regioselectivity in hydroformylation of arylethylenes with wide substrate generality, i.e., with high conversion (>99%) and high regioselectivity (>90%), which is comparable with the homogeneous counterparts. The coordination interaction between Rh1 and surface phosphorus species is clarified by 31P solid-state NMR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Rh single atoms are firmly anchored over nanodiamond through Rh-P bonds, guaranteeing good stability in the hydroformation of styrene even after six runs. Finally, by using this catalyst, two kinds of pharmaceutical molecules, Ibuprofen and Fendiline, are synthesized efficiently with high yields, demonstrating a new prospect of single-atom catalyst in pharmaceutical synthesis.
MiREDiBase, a manually curated database of validated and putative editing events in microRNAs
Authors: Marceca Gioacchino P. , Distefano Rosario , Tomasello Luisa , Lagana Alessandro , Russo Francesco , Calore Federica , Romano Giulia , Bagnoli Marina , Gasparini Pierluigi , Ferro Alfredo , Acunzo Mario , Ma Qin , Croce Carlo M. , Nigita Giovanni
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory small non-coding RNAs that function as translational repressors. MiRNAs are involved in most cellular processes, and their expression and function are presided by several factors. Amongst, miRNA editing is an epitranscriptional modification that alters the original nucleotide sequence of selected miRNAs, possibly influencing their biogenesis and target-binding ability. A-to-I and C-to-U RNA editing are recognized as the canonical types, with the A-to-I type being the predominant one. Albeit some bioinformatics resources have been implemented to collect RNA editing data, it still lacks a comprehensive resource explicitly dedicated to miRNA editing. Here, we present MiREDiBase, a manually curated catalog of editing events in miRNAs. The current version includes 3,059 unique validated and putative editing sites from 626 pre-miRNAs in humans and three primates. Editing events in mature human miRNAs are supplied with miRNA-target predictions and enrichment analysis, while minimum free energy structures are inferred for edited pre-miRNAs. MiREDiBase represents a valuable tool for cell biology and biomedical research and will be continuously updated and expanded at https://ncrnaome.osumc.edu/miredibase.
Global data set of long-term summertime vertical temperature profiles in 153 lakes
Authors: Pilla Rachel M. , Mette Elizabeth M. , Williamson Craig E. , Adamovich Boris V. , Adrian Rita , Anneville Orlane , Balseiro Esteban , Ban Syuhei , Chandra Sudeep , Colom-Montero William , Devlin Shawn P. , Dix Margaret A. , Dokulil Martin T. , Feldsine Natalie A. , Feuchtmayr Heidrun , Fogarty Natalie K. , Gaiser Evelyn E. , Girdner Scott F. , González María J. , Hambright K. David , Hamilton David P. , Havens Karl , Hessen Dag O. , Hetzenauer Harald , Higgins Scott N. , Huttula Timo H. , Huuskonen Hannu , Isles Peter D. F. , Joehnk Klaus D. , Keller Wendel Bill , Klug Jen , Knoll Lesley B. , Korhonen Johanna , Korovchinsky Nikolai M. , Köster Oliver , Kraemer Benjamin M. , Leavitt Peter R. , Leoni Barbara , Lepori Fabio , Lepskaya Ekaterina V. , Lottig Noah R. , Luger Martin S. , Maberly Stephen C. , MacIntyre Sally , McBride Chris , McIntyre Peter , Melles Stephanie J. , Modenutti Beatriz , Müller-Navarra Dörthe C. , Pacholski Laura , Paterson Andrew M. , Pierson Don C. , Pislegina Helen V. , Plisnier Pierre-Denis , Richardson David C. , Rimmer Alon , Rogora Michela , Rogozin Denis Y. , Rusak James A. , Rusanovskaya Olga O. , Sadro Steve , Salmaso Nico , Saros Jasmine E. , Sarvala Jouko , Saulnier-Talbot Émilie , Schindler Daniel E. , Shimaraeva Svetlana V. , Silow Eugene A. , Sitoki Lewis M. , Sommaruga Ruben , Straile Dietmar , Strock Kristin E. , Swain Hilary , Tallant Jason M. , Thiery Wim , Timofeyev Maxim A. , Tolomeev Alexander P. , Tominaga Koji , Vanni Michael J. , Verburg Piet , Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Wanzenböck Josef , Weathers Kathleen , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Zadereev Egor S. , Zhukova Tatyana V.
Published: August 2021

Climate change and other anthropogenic stressors have led to long-term changes in the thermal structure, including surface temperatures, deepwater temperatures, and vertical thermal gradients, in many lakes around the world. Though many studies highlight warming of surface water temperatures in lakes worldwide, less is known about long-term trends in full vertical thermal structure and deepwater temperatures, which have been changing less consistently in both direction and magnitude. Here, we present a globally-expansive data set of summertime in-situ vertical temperature profiles from 153 lakes, with one time series beginning as early as 1894. We also compiled lake geographic, morphometric, and water quality variables that can influence vertical thermal structure through a variety of potential mechanisms in these lakes. These long-term time series of vertical temperature profiles and corresponding lake characteristics serve as valuable data to help understand changes and drivers of lake thermal structure in a time of rapid global and ecological change.
A comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes in a high replicate and open-source dataset of differentiating hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Grancharova Tanya , Gerbin Kaytlyn A. , Rosenberg Alexander B. , Roco Charles M. , Arakaki Joy E. , DeLizo Colette M. , Dinh Stephanie Q. , Donovan-Maiye Rory M. , Hirano Matthew , Nelson Angelique M. , Tang Joyce , Theriot Julie A. , Yan Calysta , Menon Vilas , Palecek Sean P. , Seelig Georg , Gunawardane Ruwanthi N.
Published: August 2021

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional changes occurring during human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Using single cell RNA-seq, we sequenced > 20,000 single cells from 55 independent samples representing two differentiation protocols and multiple hiPSC lines. Samples included experimental replicates ranging from undifferentiated hiPSCs to mixed populations of cells at D90 post-differentiation. Differentiated cell populations clustered by time point, with differential expression analysis revealing markers of cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation changing from D12 to D90. We next performed a complementary cluster-independent sparse regression analysis to identify and rank genes that best assigned cells to differentiation time points. The two highest ranked genes between D12 and D24 (MYH7 and MYH6) resulted in an accuracy of 0.84, and the three highest ranked genes between D24 and D90 (A2M, H19, IGF2) resulted in an accuracy of 0.94, revealing that low dimensional gene features can identify differentiation or maturation stages in differentiating cardiomyocytes. Expression levels of select genes were validated using RNA FISH. Finally, we interrogated differences in cardiac gene expression resulting from two differentiation protocols, experimental replicates, and three hiPSC lines in the WTC-11 background to identify sources of variation across these experimental variables.
Monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio as a marker of the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive patients
Authors: Sun Min , Liang Chao , Lin Hui , Meng Yuezhi , Tang Qunzhong , Shi Xiaoyu , Zhang Erming , Tang Qiang
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with hypertension. A total of 246 hypertensive patients (67 controls, 65 mild, 51 moderate, and 63 severe OSA) were included. The relationship between MHR and OSA was analyzed. MHR correlated positively with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), while negatively with mean SpO2 (P < 0.01). MHR was higher in OSA group than the control group (9.2 ± 2.6 vs. 10.8 ± 3.6, P < 0.001). Moreover, MHR in severe OSA group was the highest among all groups (9.2 ± 2.6, 10.2 ± 3.2, 10.4 ± 4.0, and 11.8 ± 3.4 in control, mild, moderate, and severe OSA group, respectively, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was an independent predictor of the presence of OSA (OR = 1.152, P < 0.01) and severe OSA (OR = 1.142, P < 0.01). Area under the curve of MHR was 0.634 (P < 0.05) and 0.660 (P < 0.05) for predicting OSA and severe OSA respectively in the ROC analysis. In conclusion, MHR increased with the severity of OSA. As a practical and cost-effective test, MHR was expected to be an available marker in evaluating OSA risk and severity in hypertensive patients.
Gastrin mediates cardioprotection through angiogenesis after myocardial infarction by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Ziyue , Xu Zaicheng , Wang Na , Yang Dezhong , Liu Zhi Zhao , Liao Qiao , Xia Xuewei , Chen Caiyu , Shou Jialing , Li Liangpeng , Wang Wei Eric , Zeng Chunyu , Xia Tianyang , Wang Hongyong
Published: August 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in humans. Our previous studies showed that gastrin alleviated acute myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury. We hypothesize that gastrin might protect against heart injury after MI by promoting angiogenesis. An MI model was simulated by ligating the anterior descending coronary artery in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Gastrin was administered twice daily by intraperitoneal injection for 2 weeks after MI. We found that gastrin reduced mortality, improved myocardial function with reduced infarct size and promoted angiogenesis. Gastrin increased HIF-1α and VEGF expression. Downregulation of HIF-1α expression by siRNA reduced the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results indicate that gastrin restores cardiac function after MI by promoting angiogenesis via the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.
The dielectric response of phenothiazine-based glass-formers with different molecular complexity
Authors: Rams-Baron M. , Jędrzejowska A. , Jurkiewicz K. , Matussek M. , Musiał M. , Paluch M.
Published: August 2021

We examined a series of structurally related glass-forming liquids in which a phenothiazine-based tricyclic core (PTZ) was modified by attaching n-alkyl chains of different lengths (n = 4, 8, 10). We systematically disentangled the impact of chemical structure modification on the intermolecular organization and molecular dynamics probed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns evidenced that all PTZ-derivatives are not ‘ordinary’ liquids and form nanoscale clusters. The chain length has a decisive impact on properties, exerting a plasticizing effect on the dynamics. Its elongation decreases glass transition temperature with slight impact on fragility. The increase in the medium-range order was manifested as a broadening of the dielectric loss peak reflected in the lower value of stretching parameter βKWW. A disagreement with the behavior observed for non-associating liquids was found as a deviation from the anti-correlation between the value of βKWW and the relaxation strength of the α-process. Besides, to explain the broadening of loss peak in PTZ with the longest (decyl) chain a slow Debye process was postulated. In contrast, the sample with the shortest alkyl chain and a less complex structure with predominant supramolecular assembly through π–π stacking exhibits no clear Debye-mode fingerprints. The possible reasons are also discussed.
Effects of high rosuvastatin doses on hepatocyte mitochondria of hypercholesterolemic mice
Authors: Díaz-Zagoya Juan C. , Marín-Medina Alejandro , Zetina-Esquivel Alma M. , Blé-Castillo Jorge L. , Castell-Rodríguez Andrés E. , Juárez-Rojop Isela E. , Miranda-Zamora Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Statins are the cornerstone of therapy for individuals with hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to analyze the undesirable effects of mild, moderate and high doses of rosuvastatin in CD-1 male mice who received a cholesterol-rich diet, focusing on the morphological and functional changes on hepatocyte mitochondria. In a mouse model we studied the combined administration of a cholesterol-rich diet along with mild and moderate doses of rosuvastatin (1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg/day) during several days. After the animals were sacrificed, liver mitochondria were isolated for microscopic studies and to analyze the respiratory function. The respiratory control (state-3/state-4) was evaluated in mice who received high doses of rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin doses higher than 20 mg/kg/day induced premature death in mice with a hypercholesterolemic diet, but not in mice with a cholesterol-free diet. Doses from 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/day also induced morphological and functional alterations in mitochondria but these hypercholesterolemic animals survived longer. Giving 1 mg/kg/day, which is close to the maximal therapeutic dose for humans, did not affect mitochondrial architecture or respiratory function after two months of treatment. We analyzed the effect of rosuvastatin on hepatic tissue because it is where statins are mainly accumulated and it is the main site of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Our results contribute to understand the side effects of rosuvastatin in hypercholesterolemic mice, effects that could also affect humans who are intolerant to statins.
Manganese systemic distribution is modulated in vivo during tumor progression and affects tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro
Authors: Stelling Mariana Paranhos , Soares Mariana Alves , Cardoso Simone Coutinho , Motta Juliana Maria , de Abreu Joice Côrtes , Antunes Maria Júlia Mansur , de Freitas Vitória Gonçalves , Moraes João Alfredo , Castelo-Branco Morgana Teixeira Lima , Pérez Carlos Alberto , Pavão Mauro Sérgio Gonçalves
Published: August 2021

Metastatic disease remains the leading cause of death in cancer and understanding the mechanisms involved in tumor progression continues to be challenging. This work investigates the role of manganese in tumor progression in an in vivo model of tumor growth. Our data revealed that manganese accumulates within primary tumors and secondary organs as manganese-rich niches. Consequences of such phenomenon were investigated, and we verified that short-term changes in manganese alter cell surface molecules syndecan-1 and β1-integrin, enhance collective cell migration and invasive behavior. Long-term increased levels of manganese do not affect cell growth and viability but enhance cell migration. We also observed that manganese is secreted from tumor cells in extracellular vesicles, rather than in soluble form. Finally, we describe exogenous glycosaminoglycans that counteract manganese effects on tumor cell behavior. In conclusion, our analyses describe manganese as a central element in tumor progression by accumulating in Mn-rich niches in vivo, as well as in vitro, affecting migration and extracellular vesicle secretion in vitro. Manganese accumulation in specific regions of the organism may not be a common ground for all cancers, nevertheless, it represents a new aspect of tumor progression that deserves special attention.
Neonicotinoids can cause arrested pupal ecdysis in Lepidoptera
Authors: Krishnan Niranjana , Jurenka Russell A. , Bradbury Steven P.
Published: August 2021

Recently, we reported a novel mode of action in monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) larvae exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides: arrest in pupal ecdysis following successful larval ecdysis. In this paper, we explore arrested pupal ecdysis in greater detail and propose adverse outcome pathways to explain how neonicotinoids cause this effect. Using imidacloprid as a model compound, we determined that final-instar monarchs, corn earworms (Helicoverpa zea), and wax moths (Galleria mellonella) showed high susceptibility to arrested pupal ecdysis while painted ladies (Vanessa cardui) and red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) showed low susceptibility. Fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) and European corn borers (Ostrinia nubilalis) were recalcitrant. All larvae with arrested ecdysis developed pupal cuticle, but with incomplete shedding of larval cuticle and unexpanded pupal appendages; corn earworm larvae successfully developed into adults with unexpanded appendages. Delayed initiation of pupal ecdysis was also observed with treated larvae. Imidacloprid exposure was required at least 26 h prior to pupal ecdysis to disrupt the molt. These observations suggest neonicotinoids may disrupt the function of crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) neurons, either by directly acting on their nicotinic acetylcholine receptors or by acting on receptors of inhibitory neurons that regulate CCAP activity.
Scleral fixation using a hydrophilic four-haptic lens and polytetrafluoroethylene suture
Authors: Junqueira Natacha B. , Chaves Leandro J. , Poli-Neto Omero , Scott Ingrid U. , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

To assess the safety of scleral fixation using the Akreos AO60 intraocular lens (IOL) and Gore-Tex suture. Prospective evaluation of 20 patients who underwent scleral fixation of an Akreos AO60 with Gore-Tex. Patients presenting with aphakia or dislocated IOL without capsular support were enrolled in the study. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and postoperative complications over 6 months of follow-up. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) uncorrected logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.92 ± 0.23 (20/1600 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.80 ± 0.56 (20/125) at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR was 0.43 ± 0.23 preoperatively and 0.37 ± 0.24 (20/50) at 3–6 months postoperatively (p = 0.312). The mean ± SD endothelial cell density was 1740.50 ± 522.92 cells/mm2 and 1187.19 ± 493.00 cells/mm2 (p < 0.001) pre and postoperatively, respectively. Mean ± SD postoperative spherical equivalent was − 1.12 ± 1.50D. Postoperative complications included exposure of suture in 40% of the patients, hypotony in 15%, ocular hypertension in 10%, transient vitreous hemorrhage in 10%, retinal detachment in 5%, and transient lens opacification in 5%. Scleral fixation with an Akreos AO60 and Gore-Tex appears generally safe. However, given the high incidence of suture erosion observed, the use of scleral flaps or rotating and burying the knots is recommended in order to reduce the risk of this complication.
Effects of heliox and non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) in preterm infants
Authors: Neumann-Klimasińska Natalia , Merritt T. Allen , Beck Jennifer , Miechowicz Izabela , Szymankiewicz-Bręborowicz Marta , Szczapa Tomasz
Published: August 2021

Due to its unique properties, helium–oxygen (heliox) mixtures may provide benefits during non-invasive ventilation, however, knowledge regarding the effects of such therapy in premature infants is limited. This is the first report of heliox non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) ventilation applied in neonates born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age. After baseline NIV-NAVA ventilation with a standard mixture of air and oxygen, heliox was introduced for 3 h, followed by 3 h of air-oxygen. Heart rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, cerebral oxygenation, electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) and selected ventilatory parameters (e.g., respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure) were continuously monitored. We found that application of heliox NIV-NAVA in preterm infants was feasible and associated with a prompt and significant decrease of Edi suggesting reduced respiratory effort, while all other parameters were stable throughout the study, and had similar values during heliox and air-oxygen ventilation. This therapy may potentially enhance the efficacy of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm neonates and reduce the number of infants progressing to ventilatory failure.
Detection of scorpion venom by optical circular dichroism method
Authors: Mazhdi Y. , Hamidi S. M.
Published: August 2021

Various efforts have been made to detect minimum amounts of any toxic materials in water or the neurotoxic effect of venom (Odontobuthus Doriae Scorpion) in the human’s blood serum nerve by high-sensitivity, accurate, and low-cost sensors in order to enhance life style. Therefore, the present study was done to investigate reliability of two-dimensional plasmonic structure and circular dichroism (CD) in toxic samples in order to measure and determine venom concentrations and its neurotoxic effect on humans҆ blood serum Neurotransmitter analytes. Our results confirmed dependency of CD signal to neurotoxic effect of venom concentrations and good sensitivity of this sensor with the help of achiral plasmonic structure.
Molecular imaging of plant–microbe interactions on the Brachypodium seed surface
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Komorek Rachel , Son Jiyoung , Riechers Shawn , Zhu Zihua , Jansson Janet , Jansson Christer , Yu Xiao-Ying
Published: August 2021

We present time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging of Brachypodium distachyon seeds with two model plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and explore the host and PGPR relationship.
Application of centrifugal microfluidics in immunoassay, biochemical analysis and molecular diagnosis
Authors: Shi Yuxing , Ye Peng , Yang Kuojun , Meng Jie , Guo Jiuchuan , Pan Zhixiang , Zhao Wenhao , Guo Jinhong
Published: August 2021

Complete layout of a centrifugal microfluidic system.
Cationization of neutral small molecules by site-specific carboxylation of 10-phenyl-10H-phenothiazine in laser desorption/ionization
Authors: Ma Chongqing , Yu Tianrong , Liu Yue , Shi Rui , Lv Rui , Guo Ruochen , Cao Qinghua , Dai Gaole , Zhao Yu , Liu Jian
Published: August 2021

We report a novel strategy for the cationization of neutral molecules by introducing radical cations and anchoring chlorine ions through covalent bond-like interactions.
Ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of antitumor drug methotrexate based on a terbium-doped silica dendritic probe
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Arezoo , Jouyban Abolghasem , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Shafiei-Irannejad Vahid , Soleymani Jafar
Published: August 2021

A simple fluorescence probe was developed for sensitive detection of methotrexate in biological samples. The developed probe is based on a silica nanocomposite with a biocompatible nature.
A mitochondrial-metabolism-regulatable carrier-free nanodrug to amplify the sensitivity of photothermal therapy
Authors: Du Qian , Qin Xiaohan , Zhang Mengzhu , Zhao Zhipeng , Li Qian , Ren Xiaomeng , Wang Ningning , Luan Yuxia
Published: August 2021

A carrier-free nanodrug was designed to amplify photothermal therapy via interfering with the mitochondrial metabolism, demonstrating a promising mitochondrial metabolism-regulating approach for boosting photothermal therapy.
Ni-catalyzed non-activated C–S bond cleavage at ambient temperature for the synthesis of sulfur-containing polycyclic compounds
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Sekine Ayato , Akino Mika , Ito Mamoru
Published: August 2021

A Ni(0) complex facilitates non-activated sp2 C–S or C–Se bond cleavage of 1,8-diynes along with consecutive alkyne insertions to give tetracyclic compounds.
Controlling the formation and alignment of low molecular weight gel ‘noodles’
Authors: McDowall Daniel , Walker Matthew , Vassalli Massimo , Cantini Marco , Khunti Nikul , Edwards-Gayle Charlotte Jennifer Chante , Cowieson Nathan , Adams Dave J.
Published: August 2021

Extensional deformations induce nanostructure alignment in low molecular weight gel noodles during injection.
Thermodynamic insights into Henry's constant in hyperthermal oxidation of silicon for fabricating optical waveguides
Authors: Yu Ting , Sun DeGui
Published: August 2021

Hyperthermal oxidation of silicon is envisaged to be an alternative to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide fabrication for photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices, and thus the local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) technique has attracted attention.
An ideal two-dimensional nodal-ring semimetal in tetragonal borophene oxide
Authors: Zhong Chengyong , Feng Chunbao
Published: August 2021

A free-standing unstable T-borophene can be oxidized to a stable oxide with topological nodal rings.
Metallic VS2/graphene heterostructure as an ultra-high rate and high-specific capacity anode material for Li/Na-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Bo , Gao Tianyu , Liao Peiguang , Wen Yufeng , Yao Mingjia , Shi Siqi , Zhang Wenqing
Published: August 2021

Low Li+/Na+ diffusion barrier, high theoretical-capacity and shallow averaged open-circuit-voltage make the VS2/graphene heterostructure a promising anode material for LIBs and NIBs.
Effective π-electron number and symmetry perturbation effect on the two-photon absorption of oligofluorenes
Authors: Abegão Luis M. G. , Cocca Leandro H. Z. , Mulatier Jean-Christophe , Pitrat Delphine , Andraud Chantal , Misoguti Lino , Mendonça Cleber R. , Vivas Marcelo G. , De Boni Leonardo
Published: August 2021

2PA ratio as a function Neff for oligofluorenes of ∼18 GM as well as a molecular symmetry perturbation was found.
Transformation of atomically dispersed platinum in SAPO-37 into platinum clusters: catalyst for ethylene hydrogenation
Authors: Perez-Aguilar Jorge E. , Hughes James T. , Chen Cong-Yan , Gates Bruce C.
Published: August 2021

Atomically dispersed supported platinum catalysts were synthesized by the reaction of Pt(acac)2(acac = acetylacetonato) with the silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve SAPO-37, with infrared spectra showing that the reaction involved SAPO OH groups.
A modelling study of OH, NO3 and H2SO4 in 2007–2018 at SMEAR II, Finland: analysis of long-term trends
Authors: Chen Dean , Xavier Carlton , Clusius Petri , Nieminen Tuomo , Roldin Pontus , Qi Ximeng , Pichelstorfer Lukas , Kulmala Markku , Rantala Pekka , Aalto Juho , Sarnela Nina , Kolari Pasi , Keronen Petri , Rissanen Matti P. , Taipale Ditte , Foreback Benjamin , Baykara Metin , Zhou Putian , Boy Michael
Published: August 2021

We applied the 1D model SOSAA to simulate the atmospheric concentrations of OH, NO3, and H2SO4 from 2007 to 2018 at SMEAR II. The results showed that daily OH increased by 2.39% per year and NO3 and H2SO4 decreased by 3.41% per year and 2.78% per year, respectively.
Unraveling high-pressure gas storage mechanisms in shale nanopores through SANS
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Shimin , Fan Long , Blach Tomasz P. , Sang Guijie
Published: August 2021

Three essential factors, including the final injection pressure, total organic carbon (TOC), and porosity of open pores, could determine methane storage and long-term CO2 sequestration potentials in depleted shale reservoirs.
Effect of urolithins A and B on ectopic endometrial growth in a murine model of endometriosis
Authors: Mc Cormack Bárbara Andrea , Olivares Carla Noemí , Madanes Daniela , Ricci Analía Gabriela , Bilotas Mariela Andrea , Barañao Rosa Inés
Published: August 2021

We evaluated UA and UB on a murine model of endometriosis and demonstrate their effectiveness in the reduction in the number of lesions and their size by anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, without affecting body weight or estrous cycle.
Improved understanding of technical lignin functionalization through comprehensive structural characterization of fractionated pine kraft lignins modified by the Mannich reaction
Authors: Kollman Matthew , Jiang Xiao , Thompson Samuel J. , Mante Ofei , Dayton David C. , Chang Hou-min , Jameel Hasan
Published: August 2021

Detailed investigation of structural changes following kraft lignin amination. Identification of factors that affected reaction route and yield, and evaluation of different characterization methods will aid kraft lignin applied research efforts.
Overview of recent progress in electrohydrodynamic jet printing in practical printed electronics: focus on the variety of printable materials for each component
Authors: Kwon Hyeok-jin , Hong Jisu , Nam Sang Yong , Choi Hyun Ho , Li Xinlin , Jeong Yong Jin , Kim Se Hyun
Published: August 2021

Electrohydrodynamic jet printing is a promising technology for high-resolution direct printing. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fabrication and printing methods of various functional materials (and inks) for practical devices.
Nanomaterials for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient conditions
Authors: Wen Juan , Zuo Linqing , Sun Haodong , Wu Xiongwei , Huang Ting , Liu Zaichun , Wang Jing , Liu Lili , Wu Yuping , Liu Xiang , van Ree Teunis
Published: August 2021

Low-dimensional nanomaterials make the road to electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction clearer!
One-pot synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones through sequential alkyne dimerization/hydration reactions using the Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst
Authors: Öztürk Bengi Özgün , Sarıaslan Begüm , Aşkun Mina , Tunalı Zeynep , Şehitoğlu Solmaz Karabulut
Published: August 2021

The combination of HG2/PCy3and CCl3COOH/p-TsOH·H2O through one-pot alkyne dimerization/hydration reactions gave α,β-unsaturated ketones in quantitative yields within 2.5–4 h.
Tailoring unique neural-network-type carbon nanofibers inserted in CoP/NC polyhedra for robust hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Fei Yang , Zhao Wenxi , Sun Yanjuan , Dong Fan
Published: August 2021

The network-like CoP-based electrodes are legitimately designed and tailored for 3-D interconnected conductive network, thus providing rich accessible active sites, facilitating reactants diffusion, and reducing accumulation of hydrogen bubbles.
One-pot synthesis of 3-aminofurans using a simple and efficient recyclable CuI/[bmim]PF6 system
Authors: Guguloth Veeranna , Balaboina Ramesh , Thirukovela Narasimha Swamy , Vadde Ravinder
Published: August 2021

A one-pot three-component reaction of several 2-ketoaldehydes, secondary amines and terminal alkynes to access 3-aminofurans proceeded well in [bmim][PF6] using a simple and cheap CuI catalyst.
RAFT agent symmetry and the effects on photo-growth behavior in living polymer networks
Authors: Bainbridge Chris William Anderson , Broderick Neil , Jin Jianyong
Published: August 2021

Here we describe how different symmetries of RAFT agent act after growth. Asymmetric networks showed a pore-filling behaviour, while symmetric networks underwent mesh-expansion.
Calcination activation of three-dimensional cobalt organic phosphate nanoflake assemblies for supercapacitors
Authors: Jing Qingling , Li Wenting , Wang Jiajing , Chen Xudong , Pang Huan
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional organic phosphate nanoflake assemblies were obtained by calcination activation. In the two-electrode system, 3D COP assemblies showed excellent cycle stability, and the capacity retention was 99.61% after 3000 long cycles.
Photophysics in Cs3Cu2I5 and CsCu2I3
Authors: Hui Yangshuqin , Chen Shuying , Lin Richeng , Zheng Wei , Huang Feng
Published: August 2021

Cs3Cu2I5 and CsCu2I3 with a low-dimensional electronic structure and strong electron–phonon coupling exhibit broad spectrum emission and high PLQY, which may originate from self-trapped exciton or excited-state structure reorganization.
Self-assembled 3D free-standing superlattices of gold nanoparticles driven by interfacial instability of emulsion droplets
Authors: Liu Xuejie , Yue Xuan , Yan Nan , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2021

3D free-standing superlattices self-assembled from polymer tethered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are fabricated by carefully tuning the interfacial instability and interfacial tension of emulsion droplets.
Unravelling the limits of the transfer of asymmetry in supramolecular polymers
Authors: Greciano Elisa E. , Martínez Manuel A. , Alsina Silvia , Laguna Andrés , Sánchez Luis
Published: August 2021

The chiroptical features of self-assembled N-annulated perylenetetracarboxamides 1–4 are investigated. These studies demonstrate that only compounds 1–3 show an efficient transfer of assymetry.
Tailored monolith supports for improved ultra-low temperature water-gas shift reaction
Authors: Portela Raquel , Wolf Patrick , Marinkovic Jakob M. , Serrano-Lotina Ana , Riisager Anders , Haumann Marco
Published: August 2021

A monolithic γ-Al2O3support is developed to scale up the WGS process using the supported ionic liquid-phase concept in a structured reactor. The support-ionic liquid-catalyst system maximizes loading and mechanical resistance while achieving high activity and selectivity.
Radical-mediated vicinal addition of alkoxysulfonyl/fluorosulfonyl and trifluoromethyl groups to aryl alkyl alkynes
Authors: Dong Xinrui , Jiang Wenhua , Hua Dexiang , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Liang , Wu Xiaoxing
Published: August 2021

An unprecedented method for vicinal addition of alkoxysulfonyl/fluorosulfonyl and trifluoromethyl groups to aryl alkyl alkynes has been developed to afford useful alkenylsulfonate esters and alkenylsulfonyl fluorides.