bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroadaptive modelling for generating images matching perceptual categories
Authors: Kangassalo Lauri , Spapé Michiel , Ruotsalo Tuukka
Published: September 2020

Brain–computer interfaces enable active communication and execution of a pre-defined set of commands, such as typing a letter or moving a cursor. However, they have thus far not been able to infer more complex intentions or adapt more complex output based on brain signals. Here, we present neuroadaptive generative modelling, which uses a participant’s brain signals as feedback to adapt a boundless generative model and generate new information matching the participant’s intentions. We report an experiment validating the paradigm in generating images of human faces. In the experiment, participants were asked to specifically focus on perceptual categories, such as old or young people, while being presented with computer-generated, photorealistic faces with varying visual features. Their EEG signals associated with the images were then used as a feedback signal to update a model of the user’s intentions, from which new images were generated using a generative adversarial network. A double-blind follow-up with the participant evaluating the output shows that neuroadaptive modelling can be utilised to produce images matching the perceptual category features. The approach demonstrates brain-based creative augmentation between computers and humans for producing new information matching the human operator’s perceptual categories.
Advanced age and increased CRP concentration are independent risk factors associated with Clostridioides difficile infection mortality
Authors: Bednarska Agnieszka , Bursa Dominik , Podlasin Regina , Paciorek Marcin , Skrzat-Klapaczyńska Agata , Porowski Dawid , Raczyńska Joanna , Puła Joanna , Krogulec Dominika , Makowiecki Michał , Horban Andrzej
Published: September 2020

Clostridioides difficile (C.difficile) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, toxin-producing anaerobic bacillus, which is one of the most common causes of health-care-associated infection developed mainly by elderly patients. The objective of this study was to assess mortality among the patients of the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw related to C.difficile infection. Analysis was conducted of 1638 records reporting the medical histories of patients hospitalized for the first time due to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw from 2010 to 2017. The inclusion criteria were any (principal or secondary) discharge diagnosis code for CDI according to ICD-10 and being an adult (≥ 18 years). 108 out of 1638 (7%) of the patients died. The median age in this group was 83 years. The largest number of deaths (90%) occurred in the group of patients aged 65 years or older and 81–90 years old (53% of all the deaths). In the multivariate logistic regression model relevant only to the age groups, not to sepsis—age over 80 and over 90 were independent predictors of death, increasing the risk of death by 3.4 and 1.8 times, respectively. The result of the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis determined the age of 77 years as the threshold value, indicating the increased risk of death (AUC 0.727, standard error 0.025, 95% CI 0.678–0.776, p < 0.0001). In addition, other quantitative variables, namely CRP, creatinine and leucocytes were studied and turned out to be independent death predictors as well. The diagnosis of sepsis increased the risk of death fourfold (OR = 4.042; 95% Cl 2.4–6.7; p < 0.001). Increased inflammatory parameters, namely CRP and white blood cell count, advanced age, particularly over the age of 80, as well as a diagnosis of sepsis are independent risk factors for death and could be used as predictive markers of poor outcome in CDI.
Mechanism underlying hippocampal long-term potentiation and depression based on competition between endocytosis and exocytosis of AMPA receptors
Authors: Sumi Tomonari , Harada Kouji
Published: September 2020

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of signal transmission form neural circuits and thus are thought to underlie learning and memory. These mechanisms are mediated by AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking in postsynaptic neurons. However, the regulatory mechanism of bidirectional plasticity at excitatory synapses remains unclear. We present a network model of AMPAR trafficking for adult hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which reproduces both LTP and LTD. We show that the induction of both LTP and LTD is regulated by the competition between exocytosis and endocytosis of AMPARs, which are mediated by the calcium-sensors synaptotagmin 1/7 (Syt1/7) and protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1), respectively. Our result indicates that recycling endosomes containing AMPAR are always ready for Syt1/7-dependent exocytosis of AMPAR at peri-synaptic/synaptic membranes. This is because molecular motor myosin Vb constitutively transports the recycling endosome toward the membrane in a Ca2+-independent manner.
Exploiting the potential of commercial digital holographic microscopy by combining it with 3D matrix cell culture assays
Authors: Hellesvik Monica , Øye Hanne , Aksnes Henriette
Published: September 2020

3D cell culture assays are becoming increasingly popular due to their higher resemblance to tissue environment. These provide an increased complexity compared to the growth on 2D surface and therefore allow studies of advanced cellular properties such as invasion. We report here on the use of 3D Matrigel cell preparations combined with a particular gentle and informative type of live-cell microscopy: quantitative digital holographic microscopy (DHM), here performed by a commercial software-integrated system, currently mostly used for 2D cell culture preparations. By demonstrating this compatibility, we highlight the possible time-efficient quantitative analysis obtained by using a commercial software-integrated DHM system, also for cells in a more advanced 3D culture environment. Further, we demonstrate two very different examples making use of this advantage by performing quantitative DHM analysis of: (1) wound closure cell monolayer Matrigel invasion assay and (2) Matrigel-trapped single and clumps of suspension cells. For both these, we benefited from the autofocus functionality of digital phase holographic imaging to obtain 3D information for cells migrating in a 3D environment. For the latter, we demonstrate that it is possible to quantitatively measure tumourigenic properties like growth of cell clump (or spheroid) over time, as well as single-cell invasion out of cell clump and into the surrounding extracellular matrix. Overall, our findings highlight several possibilities for 3D digital holographic microscopy applications combined with 3D cell preparations, therein studies of drug response or genetic alterations on invasion capacity as well as on tumour growth and metastasis.
Microglia dynamics in retinitis pigmentosa model: formation of fundus whitening and autofluorescence as an indicator of activity of retinal degeneration
Authors: Makabe Kenichi , Sugita Sunao , Mandai Michiko , Futatsugi Yoko , Takahashi Masayo
Published: September 2020

In patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), color fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) have been used to estimate the disease progression. To understand the origin and the diagnostic interpretation of the fundus color and FAF, we performed in vivo imaging of fundus color and FAF together with histological analyses of the retinal degeneration process using the RP model mice, rd10. FAF partly represented the accumulation of microglia in the photoreceptor outer segments. Fundus whitening suggested the presence of apoptotic cells, which spatiotemporally preceded increase in FAF. We observed two patterns of FAF localization, arcuate and diffuse, each indicating different pattern of apoptosis, wavy and diffuse, respectively. Diffuse pattern of apoptosis was suppressed in dark-raised rd10 mice, in which outer nuclear layer (ONL) loss was significantly suppressed. The occupancy of FAF correlated with the thinning rate of the ONL. Fractalkine, a microglia chemotactic factor, was detected in apoptotic photoreceptors, suggesting chemokine-induced recruitment of microglia into the ONL, which paralleled with accelerated ONL loss and increased FAF occupancy. Thus, we propose that the degree of photoreceptor apoptosis and the rate of ONL thinning in RP patients might be read from the fundus color and the FAF.
High positive predictive value of the combined pituitary dynamic enhanced MRI and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests in the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease bypassing bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling
Authors: Liu Zeyu , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Zhiwei , You Hui , Li Mingli , Feng Feng , Jin Zhengyu
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the positive predictive value of the combined pituitary dynamic enhanced MRI (dMRI) and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests (HDDST) in the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease (CD) bypassing bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). A total of 118 patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS), who underwent pituitary dMRI, HDDST and BIPSS were included. Positive predictive value of pituitary dMRI, HDDST, BIPSS and the combined test were calculated and tumor lateralization accuracy was further analyzed. The positive predictive value of the combined pituitary dMRI and HDDST was 98.6%, higher than that of BIPSS. There were 96.8% of patients, who had either negative findings in pituitary dMRI or HDDST, showing centralizing BIPSS results. For tumor lateralization, the accuracy by pituitary dMRI was 88.6%, whereas BIPSS was 57.5%. Therefore, CS patients with both positive findings in pituitary dMRI and HDDST need no further invasive evaluation to establish the definite diagnosis of CD. BIPSS will improve the diagnostic accuracy when negative findings were found in either pituitary dMRI or HDDST.
Prediction of an MMP-1 inhibitor activity cliff using the SAR matrix approach and its experimental validation
Authors: Asawa Yasunobu , Yoshimori Atsushi , Bajorath Jürgen , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

A matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) inhibitor activity cliff was predicted using the SAR Matrix method. Compound 4 was predicted as a highly potent activity cliff partner and found to possess 60 times higher inhibitory activity against MMP-1 than the structurally related compound 3. Furthermore, pharmacophore fitting of synthesized compounds indicated that the correctly predicted activity cliff was caused by interactions between the trifluoromethyl group at para position in compound 4 and residue ARG214 of MMP-1.
Machine learning analysis to automatically measure response time of pharyngeal swallowing reflex in videofluoroscopic swallowing study
Authors: Lee Jong Taek , Park Eunhee , Hwang Jong-Moon , Jung Tae-Du , Park Donghwi
Published: September 2020

To evaluate clinical features and determine rehabilitation strategies of dysphagia, it is crucial to measure the exact response time of the pharyngeal swallowing reflex in a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). However, measuring the response time of the pharyngeal swallowing reflex is labor-intensive and particularly for inexperienced clinicians, it can be difficult to measure the brief instance of the pharyngeal swallowing reflex by VFSS. To accurately measure the response time of the swallowing reflex, we present a novel framework, able to detect quick events. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of machine learning analysis of a VFSS video for automatic measurement of the response time of a swallowing reflex in a pharyngeal phase. In total, 207 pharyngeal swallowing event clips, extracted from raw VFSS videos, were annotated at the starting point and end point of the pharyngeal swallowing reflex by expert clinicians as ground-truth. To evaluate the performance and generalization ability of our model, fivefold cross-validation was performed. The average success rates of detection of the class “during the swallowing reflex” for the training and validation datasets were 98.2% and 97.5%, respectively. The average difference between the predicted detection and the ground-truth at the starting point and end point of the swallowing reflex was 0.210 and 0.056 s, respectively. Therefore, the response times during pharyngeal swallowing reflex are automatically detected by our novel framework. This framework can be a clinically useful tool for estimating the absence or delayed response time of the swallowing reflex in patients with dysphagia and improving poor inter-rater reliability of evaluation of response time of pharyngeal swallowing reflex between expert and unskilled clinicians.
A retrospective study to compare the clinical effects of individualized anatomic single- and double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery
Authors: Chen Kang , Zhu Weimin , Zheng Yizi , Zhang Fangjie , Ouyang Kan , Peng Liangquan , Liu Haifeng , Feng Wenzhe , Huang Yong , Zhang Greg , Deng Zhenhan , Lu Wei
Published: September 2020

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of single- and double- bundle individualized anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, we retrospectively analyzed the data and charts of 920 patients with ACL rupture who received individualized anatomic ACL reconstruction surgery at our center. All of the patients underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendons. The patients were divided into two groups: the single-bundle individualized anatomic reconstruction group (N = 539), and the double-bundle individualized anatomic reconstruction group (N = 381). The IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores were used to subjectively evaluate the function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. The Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT-3000 were used to objectively evaluate the stability of the knee. All 920 patients participated in clinical follow-up (average duration: 27.91 ± 3.61 months) achieved satisfied outcomes with few complications. The postoperative IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner scores, and the objective evaluation of knee joint stability were significantly improved compared to the preoperative status in both groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). Therefore, no difference in terms of the IKDC, Lysholm and Tegner score, or KT-3000 was observed between the individualized anatomic single- and double-bundle ACL reconstruction techniques. Both techniques can be used to restore the stability and functionality of the knee joint with satisfactory short-term efficacy.
Photoperiodic manipulation modulates the innate and cell mediated immune functions in the fresh water snake, Natrix piscator
Authors: Singh Alka , Singh Ramesh , Tripathi Manish Kumar
Published: September 2020

Objectives of the current work were to investigate the role of photoperiod and melatonin in the alteration of immune responses in a reptilian species. Animals were kept on a regimen of short or long days. Blood was obtained and leucocytes were isolated to study various innate immune responses. Lymphocytes were separated from blood by density gradient centrifugation and were used to study proliferation. Respiratory burst activity was measured through nitrobluetetrazolium reduction assay while nitric oxide production by leucocytes was assayed by nitrite assay. Lymphocytes were isolated and used to study proliferation with and without B and T cell mitogens. Photoperiodic manipulation acted differentially on leucocyte counts. Nitrite release was increased while superoxide production was decreased in cultures obtained from the snakes kept on the short day regimen. Significant enhancement of mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation was observed in cultures from the animals kept in either long or short days compared to cultures from the animals kept in natural ambient day length. Use of in vitro melatonin showed that lymphocytes from the animals, kept in long days, were more reactive. Photoperiod induces changes in immune status which may permit adaptive functional responses in order to maintain seasonal energetic budgets of the animals. Physiological responses (like elevated immune status) are energetically expensive, therefore, animals have evolved a strategy to reduce immune functions at times when energy is invested in reproductive activities.Natrix piscatorbreeds from September to December and elevated pineal hormone in winter suppresses reproduction while immunity is stimulated.
Spliced genes in muscle from Nelore Cattle and their association with carcass and meat quality
Authors: Silva Danielly B. S. , Fonseca Larissa F. S. , Pinheiro Daniel G. , Magalhães Ana F. B. , Muniz Maria M. M. , Ferro Jesus A. , Baldi Fernando , Chardulo Luis A. L. , Schnabel Robert D. , Taylor Jeremy F. , Albuquerque Lucia G.
Published: September 2020

Transcript data obtained by RNA-Seq were used to identify differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in ribeye muscle tissue between Nelore cattle that differed in their ribeye area (REA) or intramuscular fat content (IF). A total of 166 alternatively spliced transcripts from 125 genes were significantly differentially expressed in ribeye muscle between the highest and lowest REA groups (p ≤ 0.05). For animals selected on their IF content, 269 alternatively spliced transcripts from 219 genes were differentially expressed in ribeye muscle between the highest and lowest IF animals. Cassette exons and alternative 3′ splice sites were the most frequently found alternatively spliced transcripts for REA and IF content. For both traits, some differentially expressed alternatively spliced transcripts belonged to myosin and myotilin gene families. The hub transcripts were identified for REA (LRRFIP1, RCAN1andRHOBTB1) and IF (TRIP12,HSPE1andMAP2K6) have an important role to play in muscle cell degradation, development and motility. In general, transcripts were found for both traits with biological process GO terms that were involved in pathways related to protein ubiquitination, muscle differentiation, lipids and hormonal systems. Our results reinforce the biological importance of these known processes but also reveal new insights into the complexity of the whole cell muscle mRNA of Nelore cattle.
The Northeast Atlantic is running out of excess carbonate in the horizon of cold-water corals communities
Authors: Fontela Marcos , Pérez Fiz F. , Carracedo Lidia I. , Padín Xosé A. , Velo Antón , García-Ibañez Maribel I. , Lherminier Pascale
Published: September 2020

The oceanic uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by human activities alters the seawater carbonate system. Here, the chemical status of the Northeast Atlantic is examined by means of a high-quality database of carbon variables based on the GO-SHIP A25 section (1997–2018). The increase of atmospheric CO2leads to an increase in ocean anthropogenic carbon (Cant) and a decrease in carbonate that is unequivocal in the upper and mid-layers (0–2,500 m depth). In the mid-layer, the carbonate content in the Northeast Atlantic is maintained by the interplay between the northward spreading of recently conveyed Mediterranean Water with excess of carbonate and the arrival of subpolar-origin waters close to carbonate undersaturation. In this study we show a progression to undersaturation with respect to aragonite that could compromise the conservation of the habitats and ecosystem services developed by benthic marine calcifiers inhabiting that depth-range, such as the cold-water corals (CWC) communities. For each additional ppm in atmospheric pCO2the waters surrounding CWC communities lose carbonate at a rate of − 0.17 ± 0.02 μmol kg−1 ppm−1. The accomplishment of global climate policies to limit global warming below 1.5–2 ℃ will avoid the exhaustion of excess carbonate in the Northeast Atlantic.
Cardioprotective effect of grape polyphenol extract against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Sergazy Shynggys , Shulgau Zarina , Fedotovskikh Galina , Chulenbayeva Laura , Nurgozhina Ayaulym , Nurgaziyev Madiyar , Krivyh Elena , Kamyshanskiy Yevgeny , Kushugulova Almagul , Gulyayev Alexander , Aljofan Mohamad
Published: September 2020

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent known to cause cardiotoxicity that is thought to be associated with oxidative stress. The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of grape polyphenols’ antioxidant property as cardioprotective against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. AdultWistarrats weighing 200 ± 20 g were divided into 3 different groups: a doxorubicin group that received a single intraperitoneal administration of doxorubicin (8.0 mg/kg body weight), an experimental group that received doxorubicin and grape polyphenol concentrate (25 mg/kg) via intragastric route, and the third group was a negative control group that received water only. On day 8, blood samples and tissues were harvested for analyses. The results indicated that grape polyphenol concentrate was able to reduce the signs of cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin through the reduction of aspartate aminotransferase activation, increasing the plasma antioxidant levels and decreasing the level of free radicals. The results also showed that grape polyphenol concentrate was able to reverse doxorubicin-induced microscopic myocardial damage. The myocardial protective effect of grape polyphenol might likely be due to the increase in the level and activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, grape polyphenol concentrate displayed cardioprotective effect and was able to reverse doxorubicin-induced-cardiomyopathy in experimental rats.
Classical simulation of boson sampling with sparse output
Authors: Roga Wojciech , Takeoka Masahiro
Published: September 2020

Boson sampling can simulate physical problems for which classical simulations are inefficient. However, not all problems simulated by boson sampling are classically intractable. We show explicit classical methods of finding boson sampling distributions when they are known to be highly sparse. In the methods, we first determine a few distributions from restricted number of detectors and then recover the full one using compressive sensing techniques. In general, the latter step could be of high complexity. However, we show that this problem can be reduced to solving an Ising model which under certain conditions can be done in polynomial time. Various extensions are discussed including a version involving quantum annealing. Hence, our results impact the understanding of the class of classically calculable problems. We indicate that boson samplers may be advantageous in dealing with problems which are not highly sparse. Finally, we suggest a hybrid method for problems of intermediate sparsity.
Stirred suspension bioreactors maintain naïve pluripotency of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Rohani Leili , Borys Breanna S. , Razian Golsa , Naghsh Pooyan , Liu Shiying , Johnson Adiv A. , Machiraju Pranav , Holland Heidrun , Lewis Ian A. , Groves Ryan A. , Toms Derek , Gordon Paul M. K. , Li Joyce W. , So Tania , Dang Tiffany , Kallos Michael S. , Rancourt Derrick E.
Published: September 2020

Due to their ability to standardize key physiological parameters, stirred suspension bioreactors can potentially scale the production of quality-controlled pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for cell therapy application. Because of differences in bioreactor expansion efficiency between mouse (m) and human (h) PSCs, we investigated if conversion of hPSCs, from the conventional “primed” pluripotent state towards the “naïve” state prevalent in mPSCs, could be used to enhance hPSC production. Through transcriptomic enrichment of mechano-sensing signaling, the expression of epigenetic regulators, metabolomics, and cell-surface protein marker analyses, we show that the stirred suspension bioreactor environment helps maintain a naïve-like pluripotent state. Our research corroborates that converting hPSCs towards a naïve state enhances hPSC manufacturing and indicates a potentially important role for the stirred suspension bioreactor’s mechanical environment in maintaining naïve-like pluripotency.
Phosphorylation regulates the binding of intrinsically disordered proteins via a flexible conformation selection mechanism
Authors: Liu Na , Guo Yue , Ning Shangbo , Duan Mojie
Published: September 2020

Phosphorylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications. The phosphorylation of the kinase-inducible domain (KID), which is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), promotes the folding of KID and binding with the KID-interacting domain (KIX). However, the regulation mechanism of the phosphorylation on KID is still elusive. In this study, the structural ensembles and binding process of pKID and KIX are studied by all-atom enhanced sampling technologies. The results show that more hydrophobic interactions are formed in pKID, which promote the formation of the special hydrophobic residue cluster (HRC). The pre-formed HRC promotes binding to the correct sites of KIX and further lead the folding of pKID. Consequently, a flexible conformational selection model is proposed to describe the binding and folding process of intrinsically disordered proteins. The binding mechanism revealed in this work provides new insights into the dynamic interactions and phosphorylation regulation of proteins.
A portable fluorescent microsphere-based lateral flow immunosensor for the simultaneous detection of colistin and bacitracin in milk
Authors: Li Yue , Jin Guohao , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xiao Jing , Xu Chuanlai
Published: September 2020

The antibiotics colistin and bacitracin are extensively used as veterinary drugs and feedstock additives in the livestock industry and inevitably cause residues in animal-origin food, which can accelerate human tolerance to antibiotics.
Characterizing the non-paraxial Talbot effect of two-dimensional periodic arrays of plasmonic gold nanodisks by differential interference contrast microscopy
Authors: Kim Geun Wan , Kang Seong Ho , Ha Ji Won
Published: September 2020

Exploiting the working principle of conventional differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, we experimentally investigate the non-paraxial Talbot effect of two-dimensional periodic arrays of gold nanodisks (AuNDs) with a periodicity ao comparable to the excitation wavelength λ.
Biomimetic cues from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite nano-fibrous scaffolds drive osteogenic commitment in human mesenchymal stem cells in the absence of osteogenic factor supplements
Authors: Soheilmoghaddam Mohammad , Padmanabhan Harish , Cooper-White Justin J.
Published: September 2020

Culturing of hBMSCs on aligned electrospun nanocomposite fibers, composed of PLGA modified with rod-shape n-HA.
A visible and near-infrared dual-fluorescent probe for discrimination between Cys/Hcy and GSH and its application in bioimaging
Authors: Li Ruixi , Kassaye Habtamu , Pan Yanping , Shen Yuanzhi , Li Weiqing , Cheng Yuru , Guo Jingxuan , Xu Yue , Yin Hongping , Yuan Zhenwei
Published: September 2020

The probe Cy2 showed high sensitivity and excellent selectivity with a distinct fluorescence off-on response to GSH with NIR emission and Cys/Hcy with green emission, respectively.
Smurf1-targeting miR-19b-3p-modified BMSCs combined PLLA composite scaffold to enhance osteogenic activity and treat critical-sized bone defects
Authors: Xiong Ao , He Yijun , Gao Liang , Li Guoqing , Weng Jian , Kang Bin , Wang Deli , Zeng Hui
Published: September 2020

Over the past few years, tissue-engineering technology provided a new direction for bone defects therapy, which involved developing applicable biological materials composite with seed cells to repair bone defects tissue.
A bifunctional fluorescent sensor for CCCP-induced cancer cell apoptosis imaging
Authors: Niu Huawei , Zhang Yongru , Tang Jun , Zhu Xiaofei , Ye Yong , Zhao Yufen
Published: September 2020

A NIR dual-recognition indicator reveals that the levels of SO2 and pH are different at different stages of cell apoptosis.
Recent advances in the global ring functionalization of 7-azaindoles
Authors: Kannaboina Prakash , Mondal Krishanu , Laha Joydev K. , Das Parthasarathi
Published: September 2020

The 7-azaindole building block has attracted considerable interest in the field of drug discovery in the current portfolio.
Under-oil superhydrophilic salt particle filter for the efficient separation of water-in-oil emulsions
Authors: Wang Bao , Mahmood Awais , Chen Lei , Weng Ding , Wang Caihua , Chen Chaolang , Li Zhaoxin , Wang Jiadao
Published: September 2020

In this study, a surfactant stabilized water-in-oil emulsion has been successfully separated by using only NaCl particles as a filter.
How trimerization of CTR1 N-terminal model peptides tunes Cu-binding and redox-chemistry
Authors: Galler Thibaut , Lebrun Vincent , Raibaut Laurent , Faller Peter , Wezynfeld Nina E.
Published: September 2020

Trimeric arrangement of model peptides of the CTR1 N-terminus promotes Cu(ii) reduction and Cu(i) binding.
Selective profiling of steviol-catalyzing UDP-glycosyltransferases with a metabolically synthesized probe
Authors: Wong Nai-Kei , Zhong Suyun , Li Weichao , Zhou Fugui , Deng Zhangshuang , Zhou Yiqing
Published: September 2020

Selective profiling of steviol-catalyzing UDP-glycosyltransferases via a “bi-substrate probe” strategy.
Multibranched aliphatic side chains for π-conjugated polymers with a high density of ‘unshielded’ aromatics
Authors: Wang Simeng , Shaw Jessica , Han Yang , Fei Zhuping , Glöcklhofer Florian , Heeney Martin
Published: September 2020

Strongly solubilising multibranched aliphatic side chains for π-conjugated polymers are reported, enabling soluble polymers with a high density of unsubstituted, ‘unshielded’ aromatics.
Excitation transport in molecular aggregates with thermal motion
Authors: Pant Ritesh , Wüster Sebastian
Published: September 2020

We explore links of excitation transport in molecular aggregates with thermal motion of monomers, either vibrating along the aggregations axis, or rotating around it.
Self-assembly of mono- and poly-dispersed nanoparticles on emulsion droplets: antagonistic vs. synergistic effects as a function of particle size
Authors: Khedr Abeer , Striolo Alberto
Published: September 2020

In this work, using dissipative particle dynamics simulations, we provide fundamental insights into the self-assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) on oil droplet surfaces.
Bifunctional catalytic activity of Zn1−xFexO toward the OER/ORR: seeking an optimal stoichiometry
Authors: Rajić Vladimir , Stojković Simatović Ivana , Veselinović Ljiljana , Čavor Jelena Belošević , Novaković Mirjana , Popović Maja , Škapin Srečo Davor , Mojović Miloš , Stojadinović Stevan , Rac Vladislav , Častvan Ivona Janković , Marković Smilja
Published: September 2020

Eco-friendly and rapid microwave processing of a precipitate was used to produce Fe-doped zinc oxide (Zn1−xFexO, x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.20) nanoparticles, which were tested as catalysts toward the ORR and OER in a moderately alkaline solution.
Non-ohmic conduction in sodium bismuth titanate: the influence of oxide-ion conduction
Authors: Yang F. , West A. R. , Sinclair D. C.
Published: September 2020

A maximum conductivity enhancement of >2000% is achieved in Na0.5Bi0.51TiO3.015 under a small dc bias, in which the highly mobile oxygen ions and the electrode reactions play a critical role.
Ru nanoparticles encapsulated in ZIFs-derived porous N-doped hierarchical carbon nanofibers for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Fan Libing , Meng Tian , Li Qun , Wang Dewen , Xing Zhicai , Wang Erkang , Yang Xiurong
Published: September 2020

Ru nanoparticles, encapsulated in ZIFs-derived porous N-doped hierarchical carbon nanofibers with excellent HER performance, were achieved.
Molybdenum and tungsten carbides can shine too
Authors: Führer M. , van Haasterecht T. , Bitter J. H.
Published: September 2020

In this perspective, we argue that transition metal carbides such as molybdenum and tungsten hold great potential for the catalytic conversions of future feedstocks due to their ability to remain active in the presence of impurities in the feedstock.
Chemical vapor crosslinking of graphene oxide membranes for controlling nanochannels
Authors: Su Jingyi , Jia Miaomiao , Wu Wufeng , Li Zhanjun , Li Wanbin
Published: September 2020

The solvent-free chemical vapor crosslinking can directly fix the interlayer spacing of GO membranes for better water treatment.
Solar-driven evaporators for water treatment: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wu Shao-Lin , Chen Honglei , Wang Hua-Li , Chen Xiaolan , Yang Hao-Cheng , Darling Seth B.
Published: September 2020

Solar-driven evaporation is an emerging process to acquire freshwater from saline water or wastewater. The current review summarizes the major factors affecting the evaporation performance, including material selection, heat management, and scaling control.
Traceability in analytical atomic spectrometry: elemental analysis comes full circle
Authors: Sargent Mike
Published: September 2020

Recent development of a global infrastructure for chemical measurements allows laboratories using atomic spectrometry to easily and efficiently report traceable measurement results.
Ancient armour provenance by LA-ICP-MS analysis of microscopic slag inclusions
Authors: Bérard Emilie , Pécheyran Christophe , Dillmann Philippe , Leroy Stéphanie , Vega Enrique , Williams Alan , Verna Catherine , Toureille Valérie
Published: September 2020

Improvement of an LA-ICP-MS methodology tailored to quantify trace elements in small slag inclusions and application to armour for provenance study.
A chip device to determine surface charge properties of confluent cell monolayers by measuring streaming potential
Authors: Kincses András , Santa-Maria Ana R. , Walter Fruzsina R. , Dér László , Horányi Nóra , Lipka Dóra V. , Valkai Sándor , Deli Mária A. , Dér András
Published: September 2020

Chip device to monitor streaming potential of confluent cell layers reflecting cell surface charge important for the function of biological barriers.
Valorisation of used lithium-ion batteries into nanostructured catalysts for green hydrogen from boranes
Authors: de Bruin-Dickason Caspar , Budnyk Serhiy , Piątek Jędrzej , Jenei István-Zoltán , Budnyak Tetyana M. , Slabon Adam
Published: September 2020

Cobalt-based Li-ion batteries are produced globally on a massive scale, but most are discarded to landfill at the end of their useful lifetime.
Boosting visible light harvesting and charge separation in surface modified TiO2 photonic crystal catalysts with CoOx nanoclusters
Authors: Toumazatou Alexia , Antoniadou Maria , Sakellis Elias , Tsoutsou Dimitra , Gardelis Spyros , Romanos George Em. , Ioannidis Nikolaos , Boukos Nikos , Dimoulas Athanassios , Falaras Polycarpos , Likodimos Vlassis
Published: September 2020

Surface modification of co-assembled TiO2 photonic crystals by nanoscale Co-oxides boosts visible light harvesting and charge separation for catalytic applications.
Synthesis of non-toxic inorganic blue pigments in the melilite-type structure
Authors: Gramm Georg , Fuhrmann Gerda , Ploner Kevin , Penner Simon , Huppertz Hubert
Published: September 2020

The substitution series of environmentally benign blue pigments with the formula Sr2Mg1−xMnxGe2−ySiyO7+δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1; 0 ≤ y ≤ 2) show intensive blue colors, which makes them promising alternatives to popular blue pigments.
Bioinspired materials for water-harvesting: focusing on microstructure designs and the improvement of sustainability
Authors: Zhang Fan , Guo Zhiguang
Published: September 2020

In this review, comprehensive insights into the bioinspired water-harvesting materials focusing on the microstructure designs and improvements of sustainability have been provided.
Horizons Community Board Collection: Biosensors
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Mehlana Gift , Chandrasekaran Arun Richard
Published: September 2020

A themed collection on biosensing, guest edited by Nanoscale Horizons Community Board members Zhiyuan Liu and Arun Richard Chandrasekaran and Materials Horizons Community Board member Gift Mehlana.
The establishment of an infrared quantitative model, Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by a Single Marker and an integrated fingerprint method for the quality control of Zhenju Jiangya Tablets
Authors: Dai Tingting , Sun Guoxiang
Published: September 2020

The quality control of Zhenju Jiangya Tablets by an infrared quantitative model, Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by a Single Marker and an integrated fingerprint method.
A glycidyl methacrylate modified collagen/polyethylene glycol diacrylate hydrogel: a mechanically strong hydrogel for loading levofloxacin
Authors: Li Weilin , Fan Xialian , Wang Ying , Wang Jingru , Li Mengya , Li Xiumin , Tang Keyong , Wan Guangming
Published: September 2020

Artificial suturing of incision after ocular trauma is very complicated and is prone to infection.
Recent progress in quinoidal semiconducting polymers: structural evolution and insight
Authors: Huang Jianyao , Yu Gui
Published: September 2020

This review highlights the structural evolution of an emerging class of quinoid-based semiconducting polymers, which may inspire new design strategies for these materials.
Pd/NBE-catalyzed sequential carbamoylation/olefination of aryl iodides
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Liying , Sun Wan , Ding Jie , Zhu Yan-Ping , Zhu Bolin
Published: September 2020

We present a Pd/NBE-catalyzed sequential carbamoylation/olefination of aryl iodides under mild reaction conditions, which provide diverse 4-methylene-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-isoquinolin-1-one analogues.
Bioremediation of tetracycline antibiotics-contaminated soil by bioaugmentation
Authors: Hong Xiaxiao , Zhao Yuechun , Zhuang Rudong , Liu Jiaying , Guo Guantian , Chen Jinman , Yao Yingming
Published: September 2020

Bioaugmentation using specific microbial strains or consortia was deemed to be a useful bioremediation technology for increasing bioremediation efficiency.
An electrochemically reversible lattice with redox active A-sites of double perovskite oxide nanosheets to reinforce oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Majee Rahul , Islam Quazi Arif , Mondal Surajit , Bhattacharyya Sayan
Published: September 2020

The surface of 5 unit cell thick double perovskite oxide nanosheet undergoes reversible structural changes while catalyzing the redox oxygen electrocatalysis, the atomistic details of which have been investigated systematically.
Walking metals: catalytic difunctionalization of alkenes at nonclassical sites
Authors: Dhungana Roshan K. , Sapkota Rishi R. , Niroula Doleshwar , Giri Ramesh
Published: September 2020

Alkenes can be difunctionalized at unconventional carbon sites by the migration of transition metals through β-hydride elimination and hydrometallation steps.
Selective hydrogenation of furfural for high-value chemicals: effect of catalysts and temperature
Authors: Xia Haihong , Chen Changzhou , Liu Peng , Zhou Minghao , Jiang Jianchun
Published: September 2020

Transformation of furfural (FFA), a typical representative of furan platform chemicals derived from the acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose to the high value chemicals tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFOL) and cyclopentanol (CPL), has drawn great attention.
PtP2 nanoparticles on N,P doped carbon through a self-conversion process to core–shell Pt/PtP2 as an efficient and robust ORR catalyst
Authors: Tian Wu , Wang Yanwei , Fu Weiwei , Su Jinfeng , Zhang Han , Wang Yu
Published: September 2020

Enhanced ORR activities and durability derived from self-converting of PtP2 NPs to core–shell Pt/PtP2 on NPC.
A MoFe nitrogenase-mimicking electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation with high faradaic efficiency
Authors: Liu Jie , Kong Wenhan , Jin Zhaoyong , Han Yaqian , Sun Jie , Ma Liangyu , Niu Yusheng , Xu Yuanhong
Published: September 2020

MoFe nitrogenase-mimic electrocatalyst (MoO2/FeS2/GA) was proposed for nitrogen fixation, which showed substantially high faradaic efficiency of 37.44%.
A biopolymeric buffer layer improves device efficiency and stability in inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Ahmad Nafees , Yanxun Li , Zhang Xuning , Wang Boxin , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: September 2020

We investigate a biopolymeric interfacial modifier, polyaspartic acid (PASP), which is inserted between ZnO and photoactive layers in inverted organic solar cells. The PCE of these solar cells based on PM6:Y7 is boosted from 15.7% to 16.6%.
Substitutional doped GeSe: tunable oxidative states with strain engineering
Authors: Shu Zheng , Cai Yongqing
Published: September 2020

Layered chalcogenide materials have a wealth of nanoelectronics applications like resistive switching and energy-harvesting. The work shows dynamic oxidative states of the dopants under strain in GeSe, an emerging 2D chalcogenide with potential nanoelectronics applications.
High-performance light trajectory tracking and image sensing devices based on a γ-In2Se3/GaAs heterostructure
Authors: Kang Jing-Wei , Zhang Chao , Cao Kai-Jun , Lu Yu , Wu Chun-Yan , Chen Shi-Rong , Wu Di , Xie Chao , Luo Lin-Bao
Published: September 2020

A high-performance γ-In2Se3/GaAs heterostructure-based photodetector linear array shows potential in optoelectronic applications such as real-time light trajectory tracking and image sensing.
Directed evolution of enzymes
Authors: Tamaki Fabio K.
Published: September 2020

There are near-to-infinite combinations of possibilities for evolution to happen within nature, making it yet impossible to predict how it occurs. However, science is now able to understand the mechanisms underpinning the evolution of biological systems and can use this knowledge to experimentally mimic nature. The fundamentals of evolution have been used in vitro to improve enzymes as suitable biocatalysts for applications in a process called ‘Directed Evolution of Enzymes' (DEE). It replicates nature's evolutionary steps of introducing genetic variability into enzymes, selecting the fittest variants and transmitting the genetic information for the next generation. DEE has tailored biocatalysts for applications, expanding the repertoire of enzymatic activities, besides providing experimental evidences to support mechanistic hypotheses of molecular evolution and deepen our understanding about nature. In this mini review, I discuss the basic concepts of DEE, the most used methodologies and current technical advancements, providing examples of applications and perspectives.
Activity of two natural additives in improving the stability of virgin olive oil quality during storage
Authors: El Yamani Mohamed , Sakar El Hassan , Boussakouran Abdelali , Rharrabti Yahia
Published: September 2020

The activity of natural additives against the deterioration of virgin olive oil (VOO) in relation to storage time and conditions was examined. Thus, carotenoids and phenols previously extracted from carrot and olive mill wastewater, respectively, were added at 200 and 400 ppm to VOO and stored in clear and amber glass bottles at room temperatures during 120 days. The results showed that enriched VOO was largely influenced by the storage time, which resulted in a significant accumulation of hydrolysis and oxidation products. Storage conditions also affected considerably the enriched VOO. Dark glass bottles offered better protection against oxidative deterioration. The impact of both extracts on the oxidation status of examined VOO was significant and concentration-dependent. The natural additives markedly delayed the formation of hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes and trienes. Results from principal component analysis (PCA) showed that most of the variation was captured by the PC1 (89% of the total variance) which grouped samples in four categories according to storage times, each being divided into two clusters linked to storage conditions. Findings from this study revealed that natural additives could minimize VOO deterioration caused by storage time and conditions (light).
Morbus Fabry
Authors: Kurschat Christine
Published: September 2020

Morbus Fabry ist eine seltene, X-chromosomal vererbte lysosomale Speichererkrankung, die durch eine verminderte oder fehlende Aktivität des Enzyms α-Galaktosidase A bedingt ist 1, 2. Dadurch kommt es zu einer schleichenden Akkumulation von Glykosphingolipiden, v. a. Globotriaosylceramid (Gb3/GL3). Klinisch ist die Erkrankung durch eine Herzbeteiligung, eine zunehmende Niereninsuffizienz, Schlaganfälle, neuropathische, brennende Schmerzen an Händen und Füßen (Akroparästhesien), Angiokeratome der Haut und Hornhauteinlagerungen (Cornea verticillata) gekennzeichnet. Da die Symptome des M. Fabry meist unspezifisch sind, ist der Zeitraum bis zur Diagnose oft lang. Aufgrund des Erbgangs sind Männer meist stärker betroffen, bei Frauen ist das Bild variabler – sie können aber auch ähnlich schwere Symptome aufweisen.
Implikationen für die Heimdialyse von der NKF-KDOQI-Konferenz 2018
Authors: Kuhlmann Martin
Published: September 2020

Unter dem Eindruck rasanter technischer Entwicklungen und zunehmender Digitalisierung ist international ein starker Drang zur Förderung von Heimdialyseverfahren zu beobachten. In den USA wurde Ende 2019 ein staatliches Programm verabschiedet (Advancing American Kidney Health), welches darauf ausgerichtet ist, ab 2025 den Großteil (80 %) aller neu dialysepflichtig werdenden Patienten primär entweder einem Heimdialyseverfahren (CAPD, CCPD oder Heimhämodialyse) oder einer präemptiven Nierentransplantation zuzuführen. Das sind hehre Ziele, denn aktuell liegt der Anteil an Heimdialysepatienten in den USA, ähnlich wie in Deutschland, noch unter 10 %, sodass konzertierte Aktionen, wie in dem hier vorgestellten Artikel beschrieben, notwendig sind.
Telemedizin 2.0 bei Heimdialyse
Authors: Becker Stefan , Jahn Michael , Mülling Nils , Kribben Andreas
Published: September 2020

In den letzten Jahren ist die telemedizinische Betreuung von Heimdialysepatienten besonders in der Peritonealdialyse zunehmend eingesetzt worden. Insbesondere die Übersicht von strukturierten Daten zu geplanten und tatsächlichen Behandlungen ermöglicht ein proaktiveres Patientenmanagement. Durch dieses Vorgehen werden häufiger Anpassungen des Therapieregimes vorgenommen, was wiederum weniger nächtliche Alarme und weniger persönliche Vorstellungen in der Ambulanz zur Folge hat.
Gemeinsame Weiterbildung als Chance
Authors: Penner Heike , Wegmann Rita
Published: September 2020

Für eine optimale Versorgung von Intensivpatienten ist eine reibungslose, professionelle Zusammenarbeit zwischen Ärzten und Pflegenden essenziell. Um die Kommunikation im Team und die Zusammenarbeit zu fördern, haben die beiden Autorinnen ein interprofessionelles Trainingsprogramm entwickelt.
Intensivmedizinische Herausforderung COVID-19 – Beatmung unter außergewöhnlichen Bedingungen
Authors: Meck Alexandra , Schweitzer Carina
Published: September 2020

Wie geht man mit schwer erkrankten Patienten um, wenn die Erkrankung noch nicht bekannt ist? Welche Therapie ist die beste? Und wie stellt man dabei den Schutz von Ärzten und Pflegenden sicher? Mitarbeiter der Uniklinik Heidelberg geben eine Handlungsempfehlung.
Synthesis of Coumarins via [4+2] Cyclization of Siloxy Alkynes and Salicylaldehydes
Authors: Sun Jianwei , Qian Hui
Published: September 2020

A new approach for the synthesis of coumarins from siloxy alkynes and salicylaldehydes is disclosed. Unlike the previous benzannulation reactions of siloxy alkynes that all proceed by electron-inversed Diels–Alder mechanism, this process represents a new [4+2] cyclization. In the presence of the superior HNTf2 catalyst, a wide range of coumarins were efficiently synthesized. This process was also extended to the synthesis of 2-quinolones. The polarized electron-rich triple bond might react sequentially with the aldehyde and hydroxy group by polarity switching in the stepwise formation of the C–C and C–O bonds. Control experiments provided insights into the mechanistic understanding.