bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of progression-free or event-free survival with overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after immunochemotherapy: a systematic review
Authors: Zhu Jie , Yang Yong , Tao Jin , Wang Shu-Lian , Chen Bo , Dai Jian-Rong , Hu Chen , Qi Shu-Nan , Li Ye-Xiong
Published: July 2020

To investigate progression-free survival (PFS) and event-free survival (EFS) as early efficacy endpoints in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), this systematic review included phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs), phase II trials, and retrospective studies in newly diagnosed DLBCL receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy through databases search up to 2019. Quality control was performed, where studies with high risk of bias were excluded. Prediction models were first established using the RCTs, and then externally validated in the phase II and retrospective populations. Trial-level surrogacy analysis was conducted by correlating the logarithmic (log) hazard ratio (HR) for PFS or EFS and log HR for OS. Correlation analysis at treatment arm-level was performed between 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year PFS or EFS rates and 5-year OS. The correlation was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficientrin weighted linear regression, with weight equal to patient size. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the consistency of predictive model by leaving one subgroup of trials out at a time. Twenty-six phase III RCTs, 4 phase II trials and 47 retrospective studies were included. In trial-level surrogacy, PFS (r, 0.772; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.471–0.913) or EFS (r, 0.838; 95% CI, 0.625–0.938) were associated with OS. For rituximab immunochemotherapy treatment arms in RCTs, there was a linear correlation between 1 and 5-year PFS (r, 0.813–0.873) or EFS (r, 0.853–0.931) and 5-year OS. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated reasonable overall consistency. The correlation between PFS and OS was externally validated using independent phase II, and retrospective data (r, 0.795–0.897). We recommend PFS and EFS as earlier efficacy endpoints in patients with DLBCL primarily treated with rituximab-containing immunochemotherapy.
Author Correction: Application of bio-orthogonal proteome labeling to cell transplantation and heterochronic parabiosis
Authors: Liu Yan , Conboy Michael J. , Mehdipour Melod , Liu Yutong , Tran Thanhtra P. , Blotnick Aaron , Rajan Prasanna , Santos Thalie Cavalcante , Conboy Irina M.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
NMDAR-mediated modulation of gap junction circuit regulates olfactory learning in C. elegans
Authors: Choi Myung-Kyu , Liu He , Wu Taihong , Yang Wenxing , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2020

Modulation of gap junction-mediated electrical synapses is a common form of neural plasticity. However, the behavioral consequence of the modulation and the underlying molecular cellular mechanisms are not understood. Here, using a C. elegans circuit of interneurons that are connected by gap junctions, we show that modulation of the gap junctions facilitates olfactory learning. Learning experience weakens the gap junctions and induces a repulsive sensory response to the training odorants, which together decouple the responses of the interneurons to the training odorants to generate learned olfactory behavior. The weakening of the gap junctions results from downregulation of the abundance of a gap junction molecule, which is regulated by cell-autonomous function of the worm homologs of a NMDAR subunit and CaMKII. Thus, our findings identify the function of a gap junction modulation in an in vivo model of learning and a conserved regulatory pathway underlying the modulation.
Water rights shape crop yield and revenue volatility tradeoffs for adaptation in snow dependent systems
Authors: Malek Keyvan , Reed Patrick , Adam Jennifer , Karimi Tina , Brady Michael
Published: July 2020

Irrigated agriculture in snow-dependent regions contributes significantly to global food production. This study quantifies the impacts of climate change on irrigated agriculture in the snow-dependent Yakima River Basin (YRB) in the Pacific Northwest United States. Here we show that increasingly severe droughts and temperature driven reductions in growing season significantly reduces expected annual agricultural productivity. The overall reduction in mean annual productivity also dampens interannual yield variability, limiting yield-driven revenue fluctuations. Our findings show that farmers who adapt to climate change by planting improved crop varieties may potentially increase their expected mean annaul productivity in an altered climate, but remain strongly vulnerable to irrigation water shortages that substantially increase interannual yield variability (i.e., increasing revenue volatility). Our results underscore the importance for crop adaptation strategies to simultaneously capture the biophysical effects of warming as well as the institutional controls on water availability.
Structure of the DOCK2−ELMO1 complex provides insights into regulation of the auto-inhibited state
Authors: Chang Leifu , Yang Jing , Jo Chang Hwa , Boland Andreas , Zhang Ziguo , McLaughlin Stephen H. , Abu-Thuraia Afnan , Killoran Ryan C. , Smith Matthew J. , Côté Jean-Francois , Barford David
Published: July 2020

DOCK (dedicator of cytokinesis) proteins are multidomain guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for RHO GTPases that regulate intracellular actin dynamics. DOCK proteins share catalytic (DOCKDHR2) and membrane-associated (DOCKDHR1) domains. The structurally-related DOCK1 and DOCK2 GEFs are specific for RAC, and require ELMO (engulfment and cell motility) proteins for function. The N-terminal RAS-binding domain (RBD) of ELMO (ELMORBD) interacts with RHOG to modulate DOCK1/2 activity. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structures of DOCK2−ELMO1 alone, and as a ternary complex with RAC1, together with the crystal structure of a RHOG−ELMO2RBD complex. The binary DOCK2−ELMO1 complex adopts a closed, auto-inhibited conformation. Relief of auto-inhibition to an active, open state, due to a conformational change of the ELMO1 subunit, exposes binding sites for RAC1 on DOCK2DHR2, and RHOG and BAI GPCRs on ELMO1. Our structure explains how up-stream effectors, including DOCK2 and ELMO1 phosphorylation, destabilise the auto-inhibited state to promote an active GEF.
Searching large-scale scRNA-seq databases via unbiased cell embedding with Cell BLAST
Authors: Cao Zhi-Jie , Wei Lin , Lu Shen , Yang De-Chang , Gao Ge
Published: July 2020

Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is being used widely to resolve cellular heterogeneity. With the rapid accumulation of public scRNA-seq data, an effective and efficient cell-querying method is critical for the utilization of the existing annotations to curate newly sequenced cells. Such a querying method should be based on an accurate cell-to-cell similarity measure, and capable of handling batch effects properly. Herein, we present Cell BLAST, an accurate and robust cell-querying method built on a neural network-based generative model and a customized cell-to-cell similarity metric. Through extensive benchmarks and case studies, we demonstrate the effectiveness of Cell BLAST in annotating discrete cell types and continuous cell differentiation potential, as well as identifying novel cell types. Powered by a well-curated reference database and a user-friendly Web server, Cell BLAST provides the one-stop solution for real-world scRNA-seq cell querying and annotation.
Molecular basis for the distinct functions of redox-active and FeS-transfering glutaredoxins
Authors: Trnka Daniel , Engelke Anna D. , Gellert Manuela , Moseler Anna , Hossain Md Faruq , Lindenberg Tobias T. , Pedroletti Luca , Odermatt Benjamin , de Souza João V. , Bronowska Agnieszka K. , Dick Tobias P. , Mühlenhoff Uli , Meyer Andreas J. , Berndt Carsten , Lillig Christopher Horst
Published: July 2020

Despite their very close structural similarity, CxxC/S-type (class I) glutaredoxins (Grxs) act as oxidoreductases, while CGFS-type (class II) Grxs act as FeS cluster transferases. Here we show that the key determinant of Grx function is a distinct loop structure adjacent to the active site. Engineering of a CxxC/S-type Grx with a CGFS-type loop switched its function from oxidoreductase to FeS transferase. Engineering of a CGFS-type Grx with a CxxC/S-type loop abolished FeS transferase activity and activated the oxidative half reaction of the oxidoreductase. The reductive half-reaction, requiring the interaction with a second GSH molecule, was enabled by switching additional residues in the active site. We explain how subtle structural differences, mostly depending on the structure of one particular loop, act in concert to determine Grx function.
The sources and transmission routes of microbial populations throughout a meat processing facility
Authors: Zwirzitz Benjamin , Wetzels Stefanie U. , Dixon Emmanuel D. , Stessl Beatrix , Zaiser Andreas , Rabanser Isabel , Thalguter Sarah , Pinior Beate , Roch Franz-Ferdinand , Strachan Cameron , Zanghellini Jürgen , Dzieciol Monika , Wagner Martin , Selberherr Evelyne
Published: July 2020

Microbial food spoilage is responsible for a considerable amount of waste and can cause food-borne diseases in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and children. Therefore, preventing microbial food spoilage is a major concern for health authorities, regulators, consumers, and the food industry. However, the contamination of food products is difficult to control because there are several potential sources during production, processing, storage, distribution, and consumption, where microorganisms come in contact with the product. Here, we use high-throughput full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to provide insights into bacterial community structure throughout a pork-processing plant. Specifically, we investigated what proportion of bacteria on meat are presumptively not animal-associated and are therefore transferred during cutting via personnel, equipment, machines, or the slaughter environment. We then created a facility-specific transmission map of bacterial flow, which predicted previously unknown sources of bacterial contamination. This allowed us to pinpoint specific taxa to particular environmental sources and provide the facility with essential information for targeted disinfection. For example, Moraxella spp., a prominent meat spoilage organism, which was one of the most abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) detected on the meat, was most likely transferred from the gloves of employees, a railing at the classification step, and the polishing tunnel whips. Our results suggest that high-throughput full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing has great potential in food monitoring applications.
Transcriptomic analysis of regulatory pathways involved in female reproductive physiology of Rhodnius prolixus under different nutritional states
Authors: Leyria Jimena , Orchard Ian , Lange Angela B.
Published: July 2020

The triatomine Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of the etiological agent of Chagas disease, has long been used as model to understand important aspects of insect physiology. Despite this history, the impact of the nutritional state on regulatory pathways associated with reproductive performance in triatomines has never been studied. The insulin-like peptide/target of rapamycin (ILP/ToR) signaling pathway is typically responsible for detecting and interpreting nutrient levels. Here, we analyzed transcriptomes from the central nervous system, fat bodies and ovaries of adult females in unfed and fed conditions, with a focus on the ILP/ToR signaling. The results show an up-regulation of transcripts involved in ILP/ToR signaling in unfed insects. However, we demonstrate that this signaling is only activated in tissues from fed insects. Moreover, we report that FoxO (forkhead box O) factor, which regulates longevity via ILP signaling, is responsible for the up-regulation of transcripts related with ILP/ToR signaling in unfed insects. As a consequence, we reveal that unfed females are in a sensitized state to respond to an increase of ILP levels by rapidly activating ILP/ToR signaling. This is the first analysis that correlates gene expression and protein activation of molecules involved with ILP/ToR signaling in R. prolixus females in different nutritional states.
Klf9 is a key feedforward regulator of the transcriptomic response to glucocorticoid receptor activity
Authors: Gans Ian , Hartig Ellen I. , Zhu Shusen , Tilden Andrea R. , Hutchins Lucie N. , Maki Nathaniel J. , Graber Joel H. , Coffman James A.
Published: July 2020

The zebrafish has recently emerged as a model system for investigating the developmental roles of glucocorticoid signaling and the mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid-induced developmental programming. To assess the role of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) in such programming, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to produce a new frameshift mutation, GR369-, which eliminates all potential in-frame initiation codons upstream of the DNA binding domain. Using RNA-seq to ask how this mutation affects the larval transcriptome under both normal conditions and with chronic cortisol treatment, we find that GR mediates most of the effects of the treatment, and paradoxically, that the transcriptome of cortisol-treated larvae is more like that of larvae lacking a GR than that of larvae with a GR, suggesting that the cortisol-treated larvae develop GR resistance. The one transcriptional regulator that was both underexpressed in GR369- larvae and consistently overexpressed in cortisol-treated larvae was klf9. We therefore used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation of klf9 and RNA-seq to assess Klf9-dependent gene expression in both normal and cortisol-treated larvae. Our results indicate that Klf9 contributes significantly to the transcriptomic response to chronic cortisol exposure, mediating the upregulation of proinflammatory genes that we reported previously.
Development of thermo-reporting nanoparticles for accurate sensing of geothermal reservoir conditions
Authors: Rudolph Bastian , Berson Jonathan , Held Sebastian , Nitschke Fabian , Wenzel Friedemann , Kohl Thomas , Schimmel Thomas
Published: July 2020

The inaccessibility of geological reservoirs, both for oil and gas production or geothermal usage, makes detection of reservoir properties and conditions a key problem in the field of reservoir engineering, including for the development of geothermal power plants. Herein, an approach is presented for the development of messenger nanoparticles for the determination of reservoir conditions, with a proof of concept example of temperature detection under controlled laboratory conditions. Silica particles are synthesized with a two-layer architecture, an inner enclosed core and an outer porous shell, each doped with a different fluorescent dye to create a dual emission system. Temperature detection happens by a threshold temperature-triggered irreversible release of the outer dye, thus changing the fluorescence signal of the particles. The reported particle system consequently enables a direct, reliable and fast way to determine reservoir temperature. It also displays a sharp threshold for accurate sensing and allows detection at concentration ranges as low as few nanograms of nanoparticles per milliliter.
Estimating wearable motion sensor performance from personal biomechanical models and sensor data synthesis
Authors: Derungs Adrian , Amft Oliver
Published: July 2020

We present a fundamentally new approach to design and assess wearable motion systems based on biomechanical simulation and sensor data synthesis. We devise a methodology of personal biomechanical models and virtually attach sensor models to body parts, including sensor positions frequently considered for wearable devices. The simulation enables us to synthesise motion sensor data, which is subsequently considered as input for gait marker estimation algorithms. We evaluated our methodology in two case studies, including running athletes and hemiparetic patients. Our analysis shows that running speed affects gait marker estimation performance. Estimation error of stride duration varies between athletes across 834 simulated sensor positions and can soar up to 54%, i.e. 404 ms. In walking patients after stroke, we show that gait marker performance differs between affected and less-affected body sides and optimal sensor positions change over a period of movement therapy intervention. For both case studies, we observe that optimal gait marker estimation performance benefits from personally selected sensor positions and robust algorithms. Our methodology enables wearable designers and algorithm developers to rapidly analyse the design options and create personalised systems where needed, e.g. for patients with movement disorders.
Sand deposits reveal great earthquakes and tsunamis at Mexican Pacific Coast
Authors: Ramírez-Herrera María-Teresa , Corona Néstor , Cerny Jan , Castillo-Aja Rocío , Melgar Diego , Lagos Marcelo , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Machain María Luisa , Vazquez-Caamal Miriam L. , Ortuño María , Caballero Margarita , Solano-Hernandez Ericka Alinne , Ruiz-Fernández Ana-Carolina
Published: July 2020

Globally, instrumentally based assessments of tsunamigenic potential of subduction zones have underestimated the magnitude and frequency of great events because of their short time record. Historical and sediment records of large earthquakes and tsunamis have expanded the temporal data and estimated size of these events. Instrumental records suggests that the Mexican Subduction earthquakes produce relatively small tsunamis, however historical records and now geologic evidence suggest that great earthquakes and tsunamis have whipped the Pacific coast of Mexico in the past. The sediment marks of centuries old-tsunamis validate historical records and indicate that large tsunamigenic earthquakes have shaken the Guerrero-Oaxaca region in southern Mexico and had an impact on a bigger stretch of the coast than previously suspected. We present the first geologic evidence of great tsunamis near the trench of a subduction zone previously underestimated as potential source for great earthquakes and tsunamis. Two sandy tsunami deposits extend over 1.5 km inland of the coast. The youngest tsunami deposit is associated with the 1787 great earthquake, M 8.6, producing a giant tsunami that poured over the coast flooding 500 km alongshore the Mexican Pacific coast and up to 6 km inland. The oldest event from a less historically documented event occurred in 1537. The 1787 earthquake, and tsunami and a probable predecessor in 1537, suggest a plausible recurrence interval of 250 years. We prove that the common believe that great tsunamis do not occur on the Mexican Pacific coast cannot be sustained.
Expression profile of microRNAs in the testes of patients with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Ibarra-Ramírez Marisol , Calvo-Anguiano Geovana , Lugo-Trampe José de Jesús , Martínez-de-Villarreal Laura Elia , Rodríguez-Torres David , Nistal Manuel , González-Peramato Pilar
Published: July 2020

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy. A distinctive characteristic of KS is oligozoospermia. Despite multiple studies that have described the natural history of the degenerative process of germ cells in patients with KS, the molecular mechanisms that initiate this process are not well characterized. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated post-transcriptional control mechanisms have been increasingly recognized as important regulators of spermatogenesis; however, only a few studies have evaluated the role of miRNAs in the gonadal failure of these patients. Here, we describe a differential expression profile for the miRNAs in testicular tissue samples taken from KS patients. We analysed testicular tissue samples from 4 KS patients and 5 control patients (obstructive azoospermia) through next-generation sequencing, which can provide information about the mechanisms involved in the degeneration of germ cells. A distinctive differential expression profile was identified for 166 miRNAs in the KS patients: 66 were upregulated, and 100 were downregulated. An interactome analysis was performed for 7 of the upregulated and the 20 downregulated miRNAs. The results showed that the target genes are involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation processes of spermatogenesis, which may explain their role in the development of infertility. This is the first report of a miRNA expression profile generated from testicular tissue samples of KS patients.
Scale invariance in a nonvibrating magnetic granular system
Authors: Torres-Vargas G. , Fossion R. , Donado F. , López-González F. , Tapia-Ignacio C.
Published: July 2020

A nonvibrating magnetic granular system is studied by using a time series approach. The system consists of steel balls confined inside a circular wall that surrounds a glass plate. Kinetic energy is provided to the particles by the application of an external vertical time-dependent magnetic field of different amplitudes. We carried out a characterization of the system dynamics through the measurement of the correlations present in the time series of positions, in the x-direction, of each particle. In particular, by performing Fourier spectral analysis, we find that the time series are fractal and scale invariant, in such a way that the corresponding Fourier power spectra follow a power law $$P(f)\propto 1/f^\beta$$P(f)∝1/fβ, with $$0<\beta <2.5$$0<β<2.5. More specifically, we find that the values of $$\beta$$β, and therefore the strength of the correlations, increase as the magnetic field also increases. In this way, the present system constitutes an experimental model to generate correlated random walks. Additionally, we show how the introduction of a constant magnetic field breaks down this scale invariance property in the positions of each particle. Finally, we confirm the above results by applying detrended fluctuation analysis.
Confirming the geography of fatty infiltration in the deep cervical extensor muscles in whiplash recovery
Authors: Smith Andrew C. , Albin Stephanie R. , Abbott Rebecca , Crawford Rebecca J. , Hoggarth Mark A. , Wasielewski Marie , Elliott James M.
Published: July 2020

Previous preliminary work mapped the distribution of neck muscle fat infiltration (MFI) in the deep cervical extensor muscles (multifidus and semispinalis cervicis) in a small cohort of participants with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD), recovered, and healthy controls. While MFI was reported to be concentrated in the medial portion of the muscles in all participants, the magnitude was significantly greater in those with chronic WAD. This study aims to confirm these results in a prospective fashion with a larger cohort and compare the findings across a population of patients with varying levels of WAD-related disability one-year following the motor vehicle collision. Sixty-one participants enrolled in a longitudinal study: Recovered (n = 25), Mild (n = 26) and Severe WAD (n = 10) were studied using Fat/Water magnetic resonance imaging, 12-months post injury. Bilateral measures of MFI in four quartiles (Q1–Q4; medial to lateral) at cervical levels C4 through C7 were included. A linear mixed model was performed, controlling for covariates (age, sex, body mass index), examining interaction effects, and comparing MFI distribution between groups. The recovered group had significantly less MFI in Q1 compared to the two symptomatic groups. Group differences were not found in the more lateral quartiles. Results at 12 months are consistent with the preliminary study, indicating that MFI is spatially concentrated in the medial portions of the deep cervical extensors regardless of WAD recovery, but the magnitude of MFI in the medial portions of the muscles is significantly larger in those with severe chronic WAD.
Germany’s digital health reforms in the COVID-19 era: lessons and opportunities for other countries
Authors: Gerke Sara , Stern Ariel D. , Minssen Timo
Published: July 2020

Reimbursement is a key challenge for many new digital health solutions, whose importance and value have been highlighted and expanded by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Germany’s new Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale–Versorgung–Gesetz or DVG) entitles all individuals covered by statutory health insurance to reimbursement for certain digital health applications (i.e., insurers will pay for their use). Since Germany, like the United States (US), is a multi-payer health care system, the new Act provides a particularly interesting case study for US policymakers. We first provide an overview of the new German DVG and outline the landscape for reimbursement of digital health solutions in the US, including recent changes to policies governing telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss challenges and unanswered questions raised by the DVG, ranging from the limited scope of the Act to privacy issues. Lastly, we highlight early lessons and opportunities for other countries.
Genomic insights of body plan transitions from bilateral to pentameral symmetry in Echinoderms
Authors: Li Yongxin , Omori Akihito , Flores Rachel L. , Satterfield Sheri , Nguyen Christine , Ota Tatsuya , Tsurugaya Toko , Ikuta Tetsuro , Ikeo Kazuho , Kikuchi Mani , Leong Jason C. K. , Reich Adrian , Hao Meng , Wan Wenting , Dong Yang , Ren Yaondong , Zhang Si , Zeng Tao , Uesaka Masahiro , Uchida Yui , Li Xueyan , Shibata Tomoko F. , Bino Takahiro , Ogawa Kota , Shigenobu Shuji , Kondo Mariko , Wang Fayou , Chen Luonan , Wessel Gary , Saiga Hidetoshi , Cameron R. Andrew , Livingston Brian , Bradham Cynthia , Wang Wen , Irie Naoki
Published: July 2020

Echinoderms are an exceptional group of bilaterians that develop pentameral adult symmetry from a bilaterally symmetric larva. However, the genetic basis in evolution and development of this unique transformation remains to be clarified. Here we report newly sequenced genomes, developmental transcriptomes, and proteomes of diverse echinoderms including the green sea urchin (L. variegatus), a sea cucumber (A. japonicus), and with particular emphasis on a sister group of the earliest-diverged echinoderms, the feather star (A. japonica). We learned that the last common ancestor of echinoderms retained a well-organized Hox cluster reminiscent of the hemichordate, and had gene sets involved in endoskeleton development. Further, unlike in other animal groups, the most conserved developmental stages were not at the body plan establishing phase, and genes normally involved in bilaterality appear to function in pentameric axis development. These results enhance our understanding of the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes almost 500 Mya.
Temperature induced shifts of Yu–Shiba–Rusinov resonances in nanowire-based hybrid quantum dots
Authors: Estrada Saldaña Juan Carlos , Vekris Alexandros , Sosnovtseva Victoria , Kanne Thomas , Krogstrup Peter , Grove-Rasmussen Kasper , Nygård Jesper
Published: July 2020

The strong coupling of a superconductor to a spinful quantum dot results in Yu–Shiba–Rusinov discrete subgap excitations. In isolation and at zero temperature, the excitations are sharp resonances. In transport experiments, however, they show as broad differential conductance peaks. Here we obtain the lineshape of the peaks and their temperature dependence in superconductor–quantum dot–metal nanowire-based devices. Unexpectedly, we find that the peaks shift in energy with temperature, with the shift magnitude and sign depending on ground state parity and bias voltage. Additionally, we empirically find a power-law trend of the peak area versus temperature. These observations are not explained by current models.
Facile and scalable fabrication of nanostructured nickel thin film electrodes for electrochemical detection of formaldehyde
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Rehman Abdul
Published: July 2020

A rapid and scalable fabrication of metallic nickel thin films on a FTO substrate has been demonstrated to perform the electrochemical detection of formaldehyde.
Multifunctional solvothermal carbon derived from alginate using ‘water-in-deep eutectic solvents’ for enhancing enzyme activity
Authors: Yadav Niketa , M. Manohara Halanur , Bisht Meena , Nataraj S. K. , Venkatesu Pannuru , Mondal Dibyendu
Published: July 2020

The use of a water-in-DES system for conversion of a seaweed biopolymer to a highly oxygenated functional carbon is reported for protein packaging with improved activity and stability.
Plasmon-enhanced furfural hydrogenation catalyzed by stable carbon-coated copper nanoparticles driven from metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Ruiyi , Liu Huan , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Xincheng , Gu Xianmo , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: July 2020

Stable Cu nanoparticles encapsulated by carbon exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance in furfural hydrogenation, due to the enhanced molecular hydrogen dissociation via local surface plasmonic resonance effect under visible light irradiation.
Atomic-precision engineering of metal nanoclusters
Authors: Du Xiangsha , Jin Rongchao
Published: July 2020

This frontier article illustrates single-atom, single-electron level engineering for tailoring the properties of metal nanoclusters using gold as a model.
Dietary citrus peel essential oil ameliorates hypercholesterolemia and hepatic steatosis by modulating lipid and cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Feng Konglong , Zhu Xiaoai , Liu Guo , Kan Qixin , Chen Tong , Chen Yunjiao , Cao Yong
Published: July 2020

Integration of lipidomics and gene expression analysis provided new insights into in-depth mechanistic understanding of the effects of dietary CPEO.
Neuroprotective effects of Levisticum officinale on LPS-induced spatial learning and memory impairments through neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties
Authors: Amraie Esmaeil , Pouraboli Iran , Rajaei Ziba
Published: July 2020

Levisticum officinale (Apiaceae) has been identified as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine, with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities.
Structural, morphological and magnetotransport properties of composite semiconducting and semimetallic InAs/GaSb superlattice structure
Authors: Hudait M. K. , Clavel M. , Goley P. S. , Xie Y. , Heremans J. J. , Jiang Y. , Jiang Z. , Smirnov D. , Sanders G. D. , Stanton C. J.
Published: July 2020

(a) Cross-sectional TEM micrograph of 14 period InAs/GaSb SL, demonstrating abrupt interfaces; and (b) Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations testifying high mobility.
Building heterogeneous nanostructures for photocatalytic ammonia decomposition
Authors: Zhang Shijie , He Zuoli , Li Xuan , Zhang Jing , Zang Qianhao , Wang Shuguang
Published: July 2020

In this review, we summarize the recent advantages of heterogeneous nanostructures for photocatalytic ammonia decomposition.
3D electrohydrodynamic printing and characterisation of highly conductive gold nanowalls
Authors: Rohner Patrik , Reiser Alain , Rabouw Freddy T. , Sologubenko Alla S. , Norris David J. , Spolenak Ralph , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: July 2020

Electrohydrodynamically printed high-aspect-ratio gold nanowalls with resistivities down to 2.5× of bulk gold.
Sulfur-mediated annulation of 1,2-phenylenediamines towards benzofuro- and benzothieno-quinoxalines
Authors: Tran Loan T. , Ho Tuan H. , Phan Nhu T. A. , Nguyen Tung T. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: July 2020

Oxidation of sp3 C–H bonds in acetophenones is exploited to annulate with 1,2-phenylenediamines.
A novel clickable MSAP agent for dual fluorescence/nuclear labeling of biovectors
Authors: Chen Kuo-Ting , Nieuwenhuizen Jim , Handula Maryana , Seimbille Yann
Published: July 2020

Simple and efficient synthesis of dual-modality imaging agents for preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative surgical guidance.
Organocatalytic C3-functionalization of indolizines: synthesis of biologically important indolizine derivatives
Authors: Zhang Yi-Zhu , Sheng Feng-Tao , Zhu Zuoquan , Li Zhi-Ming , Zhang Shu , Tan Wei , Shi Feng
Published: July 2020

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed C3-alkylation of indolizines has been established with different electrophiles (E), which synthesized a series of C3-functionalized indolizines in overall good yields (up to 89%).
Synthesis ofN-methylated amines from acyl azides using methanol
Authors: Chakrabarti Kaushik , Dutta Kuheli , Kundu Sabuj
Published: July 2020

The Ru(ii) complex catalysed direct transformation of acyl azides intoN-methylamines was developed for the first time using methanolviathe one-pot Curtius rearrangement and borrowing hydrogen methodology.
Ultrahigh rate capability supercapacitors based on tremella-like nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene
Authors: Li Guifang , Li Yawen , Deng Jingxia , Lin Huiting , Hou Xinyi , Jia Lishan
Published: July 2020

The incorporation of heteroatomic atoms into the graphene crystal lattice not only effectively introduces the bandgap but also increases the defects and the localized reactivity of the graphene, and thereby the remarkable electrochemical properties of graphene are imparted.
Recent advances in phosphoranyl radical-mediated deoxygenative functionalisation
Authors: Hu Xiao-Qiang , Hou Ye-Xing , Liu Zi-Kui , Gao Yang
Published: July 2020

Alcohols and carboxylic acids have been established as versatile building blocks in the assembly of various carbon frameworks.
Doxorubicin-loaded Cu2S/Tween-20 nanocomposites for light-triggered tumor photothermal therapy and chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Shuwei , Wang Lu , Zhao Bin , Wang Ze , Wang Yinyu , Sun Bin , Liu Yi
Published: July 2020

In clinical tumor therapy, traditional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy all have their own limitations.
Hydrogenated Ψ-graphene as an ultraviolet optomechanical sensor
Authors: Faghihnasiri Mahdi , Mousavi S. Hannan , Shayeganfar Farzaneh , Ahmadi Aidin , Beheshtian Javad
Published: July 2020

PSI (ψ)-graphene is a dynamically and thermally stable two-dimensional (2D) allotrope of carbon composed of 5-6-7 carbon rings.
Magnetic core–shell Fe3O4@Cu2O and Fe3O4@Cu2O–Cu materials as catalysts for aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols assisted by TEMPO and N-methylimidazole
Authors: Xu Binyu , Senthilkumar Samuthirarajan , Zhong Wei , Shen Zhongquan , Lu Chunxin , Liu Xiaoming
Published: July 2020

Robust core–shell magnetic materials catalyse quantitatively the aerobic oxidation of a wide range of benzylic alcohols into corresponding aldehydes at room temperature showing excellent tolerance towards the substituents on the phenyl ring.
Corrosion behaviour of 7075 aluminium alloy in acidic solution
Authors: Kwolek Przemysław
Published: July 2020

The objective of this work was to establish the influence of sodium molybdate on the corrosion kinetics of 7075 aluminium alloy in orthophosphoric acid aqueous solution.
Thermal oxidation curing polycarbosilane fibers by alternating air and vacuum process
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Xu Zhaofang , Chen Lu , Hong Liu , Li Yang
Published: July 2020

Polycarbosilane (PCS) fibers were cured by a process of alternating air and vacuum atmosphere periodically at thermal oxidation temperature.
High-efficiency Ni–P catalysts in amorphous and crystalline states for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Chen Xiaogang , Wang Yuanyuan , Song Pingxin , Zhang Yingjiu
Published: July 2020

An amorphous Ni–P electrode with excellent catalytic performance was prepared by a method of electrodeposition and the differences of the catalytic performance of the crystalline and amorphous Ni–P electrodes was compared.
Finely tuned Prussian blue-based nanoparticles and their application in disease treatment
Authors: Gao Yong , Yu Guocan , Xing Kuoran , Gorin Dmitry , Kotelevtsev Yuri , Tong Weijun , Mao Zhengwei
Published: July 2020

The Prussian blue (PB) based nanostructure is a mixed-valence coordination network with excellent biosafety, remarkable photothermal effect and multiple enzyme-mimicking behaviours.
Selective sensing of aliphatic biogenic polyamines by a zwitterionic Cd-MOF based on bisimidazole tetracarboxylic acid linker
Authors: Jindal Swati , Maka Vijay Kumar , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: July 2020

A Cd-MOF with ca. 43% solvent-accessible volume, synthesized starting from a rationally-designed tetraacid linker (Cd-BBI) based on a bisimidazole featuring concave shapes, serves for efficient sensing of hazardous biogenic polyamines, e.g., spermine, by ‘turn-off’ fluorescence quenching.
Mike Wakelam: an appreciation
Authors: Michell Bob
Published: July 2020

This issue of Essays in Biochemistry explores lipid mediators — biologically active metabolites formed by enzymic and non-enzymic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These can be exported across the cell membrane into the extracellular space, where they activate cell surface receptors to stimulate the cells of origin (autocrine) or nearby cells (paracrine). Lipid mediators are involved in many physiological processes, which may become dysregulated during ageing and in lipid-related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic syndrome.

Following the death in March 2020 of Professor Mike Wakelam, with the loss of his major input into the lipid signalling field, Portland Press and Guest Editors John Harwood and Emyr Lloyd-Evans decided to dedicate this issue to his memory. This Editorial briefly recalls his work and influence.
Respiratory–Swallow Training Methods: Accuracy of Automated Detection of Swallow Onset, Respiratory Phase, Lung Volume at Swallow Onset, and Real-Time Performance Feedback Tested in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hopkins-Rossabi Theresa , Rowe Mickey , McGrattan Katlyn , Rossabi Sam , Martin-Harris Bonnie
Published: July 2020

Background

Preliminary studies have shown that respiratory–swallow training (RST) is a successful treatment for oropharyngeal head and neck cancer patients with refractory dysphagia. Refining the RST protocol with automated analysis software to provide real-time performance feedback has the potential to improve accessibility, reproducibility, and translation to diverse clinical settings.

Method

An automated software program for data acquisition and analysis developed to detect swallows, determine respiratory phase, calculate lung volume at the onset of the swallow, and provide real-time performance feedback was tested for feasibility in a small cohort of healthy adults.

Outcome Measures

Percent difference in swallow detection and accuracy of real-time performance feedback of respiratory phase and lung volume at swallowing onset between the automated software and the manual gold standard method were determined.

Results

The automated software program accurately detected the onset of the swallow on 91% of the swallows completed during the training trials. Feedback of respiratory phase and lung volume was accurate on 94% of the trials in which the swallow was accurately detected.

Conclusions

This novel, automated, and real-time RST software successfully detected the onset of the swallow, respiratory phase, and lung volume at swallow onset and provided appropriate real-time performance feedback with a high degree of accuracy in healthy adults. The software has the potential to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and translation of RST to diverse patient populations.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Select Papers From the 2018 Charleston Swallowing Conference at Northwestern University
Authors: Martin-Harris Bonnie , Bonilha Heather Shaw , Suiter Debra
Published: July 2020

The Charleston Swallowing Conference at Northwestern University is a clinical multidisciplinary conference designed for dysphagia clinicians who practice across all care settings and treat individuals of all ages. This special issue of the
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
contains selected articles from the July 2018 conference dedicated to innovation and implementation of dysphagia practice. The collection of articles includes clinical best practices, new patient-centered assessment and treatment discoveries, re-examination and application of current practices across the age spectrum, and the role of novel technology and data science initiatives. Clinicians and researchers will gain practical, tangible, and directly translatable information toward advanced skill sets in swallowing assessment and treatment.
The Distributed L1 and L2 Language-Learning Environments of Dual Language Learners Across Home and School Settings
Authors: Kan Pui Fong , Miller Annaliese , Cheung Shirley , Brickman Angela
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study explored the language-learning environments of typically developing dual language learners (DLLs) who learned Cantonese (first language [L1]) at home and English (second language [L2]) in preschool settings through direct and indirect measures.

Method

Nine typically developing Cantonese–English DLLs participated in this study. Participants' daylong activities were audio-recorded using the digital language processor of the Language ENvironment Analysis system. A manual coding scheme was developed to examine the audio recordings with the focus of the amount of L1 and L2 used by participants, adults, and their peers across home and school settings. In addition, participants' language use was indirectly examined using parent questionnaires, teacher reports, and classroom observations.

Results

The results of the audio recordings showed that Cantonese was the primary language used at home, and both Cantonese and English were used in school settings, consistent with the parent and teacher reports. Correlation analyses revealed that the amount of L1 used by the participants was associated with the L1 used by their peers: and the amount of L2 used by participants was positively related to the L2 used by adults at home.

Conclusions

The findings illustrate how parent/teacher reports and daylong audio recordings could complement each other in the investigation of DLLs' language-learning environments.
Ilio-psoas impingement with a dual-mobility liner: an original case report and review of literature
Authors: Fessy Michel Henri , Riglet Louis , Gras Laure-Lise , Neyra Hadrien , Pialat Jean-Baptiste , Viste Anthony
Published: July 2020

Ilio-psoas impingement after total hip arthroplasty often occurs with the metallic rim of the acetabular cup. The main causes are poor cup anteversion or anterior wall defect. We firstly report here the case of a patient complaining of iliopsoas impingement due to contact with the liner of a dual-mobility device. Ultrasonography and Computed Tomographic scan clearly showed the direct mechanical contact of the dual-mobility liner with the iliopsoas tendon.
Can Hip Joint Position affect Quadriceps Muscle Responses during Knee
Extension Exercise?
Authors: Vieira Denis César Leite , Dourado Marco Aurélio Araujo , Ugliara Lucas , Durigan Joao Luiz Quagliotti , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Bottaro Martim
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the acute effects of seated and supine knee extension
exercise on muscle swelling, torque, and work output. Twelve resistance-trained
men performed two isokinetic concentric-only knee-extension training protocols
at different hip positions in a counter-balanced order. They completed the knee
extension exercise in the seated (hip angle at 85°) and supine (hip
angle at 180°) positions. The torque and work output were assessed
during each set. Moreover, muscle thickness of the middle and proximal vastus
lateralis and rectus femoris were evaluated before and after each protocol and
used as an indicator of muscle swelling. Middle rectus femoris and proximal
vastus lateralis thickness increased significantly (p=0.01) with no
difference between exercise variations. However, the middle vastus lateralis
thickness increased (p=0.01) only after the seated knee extension
exercise (~7%). Knee extensors’ peak torque and work
output were approximately 8% higher (p=0.04) in the seated when
compared to the supine hip position. There was a similar decrease in torque and
work output throughout both protocols (p=0.98). In conclusion, seated
knee extension exercises produced greater torque, work output, and muscle
swelling in the vastus lateralis when compared to the supine knee extension
exercise.
Extensor Mechanism Ruptures and Reruptures: Perioperative Opioid Management
Authors: Khalil Lafi S. , Jildeh Toufic R. , Ussef Najib , Rahman Tahsin , Carter Erika , Pawloski Megan , Tandron Marissa , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the correlation between preoperative and postoperative opioid use and (2) risk factors associated with rerupture in patients undergoing open extensor mechanism repair. A retrospective review of patients who underwent operative repair of quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture was performed. Patients were classified as opioid nonusers if they had not received any opioid medications in the 3 months before surgery, or as acute users or chronic users if they received at least one opioid prescription within 1 month or 3 months preceding surgery. Clinical records were reviewed for postoperative opioid use within a year after surgery as well as rerupture rates. A total of 144 quadriceps tendon and 15 patellar tendon repairs were performed at a mean age of 56.8 ± 15.1 years and body mass index of 33.2 ± 7.1. The overall rerupture rate was 6%. Diabetes was a significant risk factor for rerupture (56 vs. 19%, p = 0.023). Chronic preoperative opioid users were more likely to continue to use opioids beyond 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.001) as compared with acute or nonopioid users. Chronic preoperative opioid users (relative risk [RR]: 3.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.11–5.90) and patients with longer anesthesia time (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.00–1.93) required more monthly opioid refills, whereas tourniquet use required fewer opioid refills each month (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37–0.88). Compared with patients without a rerupture, each additional prescription refill after the initial repair in the rerupture group was associated with a 22% higher risk of tendon rerupture (RR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.39). The chronicity of preoperative opioid intake was found to have a significant effect on postoperative opioid use. This study suggests that there is a higher prevalence of rerupture in patients with prolonged opioid use postoperatively and among diabetics.
Bulk and monolayer bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI): Excellent high temperature p-type thermoelectric materials
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad , Singh Nirpendra , Larsson J. Andreas
Published: July 2020

We have combined first-principles and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory to demonstrate the potential superb electronic and thermal transport properties of bulk and monolayer bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). The exfoliation energy required to produce monolayer BiOI (22.53 meV/Å2) is lower than that required to produce monolayer h-BN, implying possible manufacturing from bulk. The calculated phonon frequencies, complemented with an ab initio molecular dynamic simulation for 8 ps at elevated temperature (900 K), reveal the monolayer’s dynamic and structural stability. The calculated band gaps are indirect for both bulk and monolayer and amount to 2.04 eV and 2.07 eV, respectively. Our results indicate remarkably high Seebeck coefficients for BiOI in the bulk (227 µV/K at a hole concentration of 9.00 × 1020 cm−3) and in the monolayer form (200 µV/K at a hole concentration of 8.14 × 1013 cm−2) at 900 K. The lowest lattice thermal conductivities of 1.35 W/mK for the bulk and 1.44 W/mK for the monolayer are obtained at 900 K. Because of the high value of S2σ/τ for p-type doping, the figure of merit achieves peak values of 1.51 at a carrier concentration of 8.44 × 1020 cm−3 for bulk BiOI and 1.61 at a carrier concentration of 4.27 × 1013 cm−2 for monolayer BiOI.
Machine learning helps researchers gain crucial understanding into quantum foundations
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: July 2020

Machine learning may lead to new insights on noise-robust Bell inequalities and finding near-optimum configurations for harnessing quantum resources.
Protocol more accurately analyzes thermo-rheological behavior of associative polymers
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: July 2020

Researchers determine the activation energy for sticker dissociation of an associative polymer by focusing on the ion dissociation process instead of the terminal relaxation process.