bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods
Authors: Marco Maria L. , Sanders Mary Ellen , Gänzle Michael , Arrieta Marie Claire , Cotter Paul D. , De Vuyst Luc , Hill Colin , Holzapfel Wilhelm , Lebeer Sarah , Merenstein Dan , Reid Gregor , Wolfe Benjamin E. , Hutkins Robert
Published: January 2021

An expert panel was convened in September 2019 by The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) to develop a definition for fermented foods and to describe their role in the human diet. Although these foods have been consumed for thousands of years, they are receiving increased attention among biologists, nutritionists, technologists, clinicians and consumers. Despite this interest, inconsistencies related to the use of the term ‘fermented’ led the panel to define fermented foods and beverages as “foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversions of food components”. This definition, encompassing the many varieties of fermented foods, is intended to clarify what is (and is not) a fermented food. The distinction between fermented foods and probiotics is further clarified. The panel also addressed the current state of knowledge on the safety, risks and health benefits, including an assessment of the nutritional attributes and a mechanistic rationale for how fermented foods could improve gastrointestinal and general health. The latest advancements in our understanding of the microbial ecology and systems biology of these foods were discussed. Finally, the panel reviewed how fermented foods are regulated and discussed efforts to include them as a separate category in national dietary guidelines.
Ab initio perspective of ultra-scaled CMOS from 2D-material fundamentals to dynamically doped transistors
Authors: Afzalian Aryan
Published: January 2021

Using accurate dissipative DFT-NEGF atomistic-simulation techniques within the Wannier-Function formalism, we give a fresh look at the possibility of sub-10-nm scaling for high-performance complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) applications. We show that a combination of good electrostatic control together with high mobility is paramount to meet the stringent roadmap targets. Such requirements typically play against each other at sub-10-nm gate length for MOS transistors made of conventional semiconductor materials like Si, Ge, or III–V and dimensional scaling is expected to end ~12 nm gate-length (pitch of 40 nm). We demonstrate that using alternative 2D channel materials, such as the less-explored HfS2or ZrS2, high-drive current down to ~6 nm is, however, achievable. We also propose a dynamically doped field-effect transistor concept, that scales better than its MOSFET counterpart. Used in combination with a high-mobility material such as HfS2, it allows for keeping the stringent high-performance CMOS on current and competitive energy-delay performance, when scaling down to virtually 0 nm gate length using a single-gate architecture and an ultra-compact design (pitch of 22 nm). The dynamically doped field-effect transistor further addresses the grand-challenge of doping in ultra-scaled devices and 2D materials in particular.
Human visual search follows a suboptimal Bayesian strategy revealed by a spatiotemporal computational model and experiment
Authors: Zhou Yunhui , Yu Yuguo
Published: January 2021

There is conflicting evidence regarding whether humans can make spatially optimal eye movements during visual search. Some studies have shown that humans can optimally integrate information across fixations and determine the next fixation location, however, these models have generally ignored the control of fixation duration and memory limitation, and the model results do not agree well with the details of human eye movement metrics. Here, we measured the temporal course of the human visibility map and performed a visual search experiment. We further built a continuous-time eye movement model that considers saccadic inaccuracy, saccadic bias, and memory constraints. We show that this model agrees better with the spatial and temporal properties of human eye movements and predict that humans have a memory capacity of around eight previous fixations. The model results reveal that humans employ a suboptimal eye movement strategy to find a target, which may minimize costs while still achieving sufficiently high search performance.
Outer-membrane-acting peptides and lipid II-targeting antibiotics cooperatively kill Gram-negative pathogens
Authors: Li Qian , Cebrián Rubén , Montalbán-López Manuel , Ren Huan , Wu Weihui , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: January 2021

The development and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is a growing global threat to public health. Novel compounds and/or therapeutic strategies are required to face the challenge posed, in particular, by Gram-negative bacteria. Here we assess the combined effect of potent cell-wall synthesis inhibitors with either natural or synthetic peptides that can act on the outer-membrane. Thus, several linear peptides, either alone or combined with vancomycin or nisin, were tested against selected Gram-negative pathogens, and the best one was improved by further engineering. Finally, peptide D-11 and vancomycin displayed a potent antimicrobial activity at low μM concentrations against a panel of relevant Gram-negative pathogens. This combination was highly active in biological fluids like blood, but was non-hemolytic and non-toxic against cell lines. We conclude that vancomycin and D-11 are safe at >50-fold their MICs. Based on the results obtained, and as a proof of concept for the newly observed synergy, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa mouse infection model experiment was also performed, showing a 4 log10 reduction of the pathogen after treatment with the combination. This approach offers a potent alternative strategy to fight (drug-resistant) Gram-negative pathogens in humans and mammals.
Multiple memories can be simultaneously reactivated during sleep as effectively as a single memory
Authors: Schechtman Eitan , Antony James W. , Lampe Anna , Wilson Brianna J. , Norman Kenneth A. , Paller Ken A.
Published: January 2021

Memory consolidation involves the reactivation of memory traces during sleep. If different memories are reactivated each night, how much do they interfere with one another? We examined whether reactivating multiple memories incurs a cost to sleep-related benefits by contrasting reactivation of multiple memories versus single memories during sleep. First, participants learned the on-screen location of different objects. Each object was part of a semantically coherent group comprised of either one, two, or six items (e.g., six different cats). During sleep, sounds were unobtrusively presented to reactivate memories for half of the groups (e.g., “meow”). Memory benefits for cued versus non-cued items were independent of the number of items in the group, suggesting that reactivation occurs in a simultaneous and promiscuous manner. Intriguingly, sleep spindles and delta-theta power modulations were sensitive to group size, reflecting the extent of previous learning. Our results demonstrate that multiple memories may be consolidated in parallel without compromising each memory’s sleep-related benefit. These findings highlight alternative models for parallel consolidation that should be considered in future studies.
Obese mother offspring have hepatic lipidic modulation that contributes to sex-dependent metabolic adaptation later in life
Authors: Savva Christina , Helguero Luisa A. , González-Granillo Marcela , Couto Daniela , Melo Tânia , Li Xidan , Angelin Bo , Domingues Maria Rosário , Kutter Claudia , Korach-André Marion
Published: January 2021

With the increasing prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age, there is an urgent need to understand the metabolic impact on the fetus. Sex-related susceptibility to liver diseases has been demonstrated but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we report that maternal obesity impacts lipid metabolism differently in female and male offspring. Males, but not females, gained more weight and had impaired insulin sensitivity when born from obese mothers compared to control. Although lipid mass was similar in the livers of female and male offspring, sex-specific modifications in the composition of fatty acids, triglycerides and phospholipids was observed. These overall changes could be linked to sex-specific regulation of genes controlling metabolic pathways. Our findings revised the current assumption that sex-dependent susceptibility to metabolic disorders is caused by sex-specific postnatal regulation and instead we provide molecular evidence supporting in utero metabolic adaptations in the offspring of obese mothers.
Exploiting genetic diversity and gene synthesis to identify superior nitrogenase NifH protein variants to engineer N2-fixation in plants
Authors: Jiang Xi , Payá-Tormo Lucía , Coroian Diana , García-Rubio Inés , Castellanos-Rueda Rocío , Eseverri Álvaro , López-Torrejón Gema , Burén Stefan , Rubio Luis Manuel
Published: January 2021

Engineering nitrogen fixation in eukaryotes requires high expression of functional nitrogenase structural proteins, a goal that has not yet been achieved. Here we build a knowledge-based library containing 32 nitrogenase nifH sequences from prokaryotes of diverse ecological niches and metabolic features and combine with rapid screening in tobacco to identify superior NifH variants for plant mitochondria expression. Three NifH variants outperform in tobacco mitochondria and are further tested in yeast. Hydrogenobacter thermophilus (Aquificae) NifH is isolated in large quantities from yeast mitochondria and fulfills NifH protein requirements for efficient N2 fixation, including electron transfer for substrate reduction, P-cluster maturation, and FeMo-co biosynthesis. H. thermophilus NifH expressed in tobacco leaves shows lower nitrogenase activity than that from yeast. However, transfer of [Fe4S4] clusters from NifU to NifH in vitro increases 10-fold the activity of the tobacco-isolated NifH, revealing that plant mitochondria [Fe-S] cluster availability constitutes a bottleneck to engineer plant nitrogenases.
Progerinin, an optimized progerin-lamin A binding inhibitor, ameliorates premature senescence phenotypes of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Kang So-mi , Yoon Min-Ho , Ahn Jinsook , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim So Young , Kang Seock Yong , Joo Jeongmin , Park Soyoung , Cho Jung-Hyun , Woo Tae-Gyun , Oh Ah-Young , Chung Kyu Jin , An So Yon , Hwang Tae Sung , Lee Soo Yong , Kim Jeong-Su , Ha Nam-Chul , Song Gyu-Yong , Park Bum-Joon
Published: January 2021

Previous work has revealed that progerin-lamin A binding inhibitor (JH4) can ameliorate pathological features of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) such as nuclear deformation, growth suppression in patient’s cells, and very short life span in an in vivo mouse model. Despite its favorable effects, JH4 is rapidly eliminated in in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Thus, we improved its property through chemical modification and obtained an optimized drug candidate, Progerinin (SLC-D011). This chemical can extend the life span of LmnaG609G/G609G mouse for about 10 weeks and increase its body weight. Progerinin can also extend the life span of LmnaG609G/+ mouse for about 14 weeks via oral administration, whereas treatment with lonafarnib (farnesyl-transferase inhibitor) can only extend the life span of LmnaG609G/+ mouse for about two weeks. In addition, progerinin can induce histological and physiological improvement in LmnaG609G/+ mouse. These results indicate that progerinin is a strong drug candidate for HGPS.
DeepSleep convolutional neural network allows accurate and fast detection of sleep arousal
Authors: Li Hongyang , Guan Yuanfang
Published: January 2021

Sleep arousals are transient periods of wakefulness punctuated into sleep. Excessive sleep arousals are associated with symptoms such as sympathetic activation, non-restorative sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Currently, sleep arousals are mainly annotated by human experts through looking at 30-second epochs (recorded pages) manually, which requires considerable time and effort. Here we present a deep learning approach for automatically segmenting sleep arousal regions based on polysomnographic recordings. Leveraging a specific architecture that ‘translates’ input polysomnographic signals to sleep arousal labels, this algorithm ranked first in the “You Snooze, You Win” PhysioNet Challenge. We created an augmentation strategy by randomly swapping similar physiological channels, which notably improved the prediction accuracy. Our algorithm enables fast and accurate delineation of sleep arousal events at the speed of 10 seconds per sleep recording. This computational tool would greatly empower the scoring process in clinical settings and accelerate studies on the impact of arousals.
Systemic viral spreading and defective host responses are associated with fatal Lassa fever in macaques
Authors: Baillet Nicolas , Reynard Stéphanie , Perthame Emeline , Hortion Jimmy , Journeaux Alexandra , Mateo Mathieu , Carnec Xavier , Schaeffer Justine , Picard Caroline , Barrot Laura , Barron Stéphane , Vallve Audrey , Duthey Aurélie , Jacquot Frédéric , Boehringer Cathy , Jouvion Grégory , Pietrosemoli Natalia , Legendre Rachel , Dillies Marie-Agnès , Allan Richard , Legras-Lachuer Catherine , Carbonnelle Caroline , Raoul Hervé , Baize Sylvain
Published: January 2021

Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in West Africa and induces a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) with up to 30% lethality among clinical cases. The mechanisms involved in control of Lassa fever or, in contrast, the ensuing catastrophic illness and death are poorly understood. We used the cynomolgus monkey model to reproduce the human disease with asymptomatic to mild or fatal disease. After initial replication at the inoculation site, LASV reached the secondary lymphoid organs. LASV did not spread further in nonfatal disease and was rapidly controlled by balanced innate and T-cell responses. Systemic viral dissemination occurred during severe disease. Massive replication, a cytokine/chemokine storm, defective T-cell responses, and multiorgan failure were observed. Clinical, biological, immunological, and transcriptomic parameters resembled those observed during septic-shock syndrome, suggesting that similar pathogenesis is induced during Lassa fever. The outcome appears to be determined early, as differentially expressed genes in PBMCs were associated with fatal and non-fatal Lassa fever outcome very early after infection. These results provide a full characterization and important insights into Lassa fever pathogenesis and could help to develop early diagnostic tools.
Host relatedness and landscape connectivity shape pathogen spread in the puma, a large secretive carnivore
Authors: Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Kraberger Simona , Gagne Roderick B. , Trumbo Daryl R. , Salerno Patricia E. , Chris Funk W. , Crooks Kevin , Biek Roman , Alldredge Mathew , Logan Ken , Baele Guy , Dellicour Simon , Ernest Holly B. , VandeWoude Sue , Carver Scott , Craft Meggan E.
Published: January 2021

Urban expansion can fundamentally alter wildlife movement and gene flow, but how urbanization alters pathogen spread is poorly understood. Here, we combine high resolution host and viral genomic data with landscape variables to examine the context of viral spread in puma (Puma concolor) from two contrasting regions: one bounded by the wildland urban interface (WUI) and one unbounded with minimal anthropogenic development (UB). We found landscape variables and host gene flow explained significant amounts of variation of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) spread in the WUI, but not in the unbounded region. The most important predictors of viral spread also differed; host spatial proximity, host relatedness, and mountain ranges played a role in FIV spread in the WUI, whereas roads might have facilitated viral spread in the unbounded region. Our research demonstrates how anthropogenic landscapes can alter pathogen spread, providing a more nuanced understanding of host-pathogen relationships to inform disease ecology in free-ranging species.
Nerve growth factor interacts with CHRM4 and promotes neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer and castration resistance
Authors: Chen Wei-Yu , Wen Yu-Ching , Lin Shian-Ren , Yeh Hsiu-Lien , Jiang Kuo-Ching , Chen Wei-Hao , Lin Yow-Sien , Zhang Qingfu , Liew Phui-Ly , Hsiao Michael , Huang Jiaoti , Liu Yen-Nien
Published: January 2021

Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to the progression of malignancy. However, the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of NGF in the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) are unclear. Here, we show that an androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT)-stimulated transcription factor, ZBTB46, upregulated NGF via ZBTB46 mediated-transcriptional activation of NGF. NGF regulates NEPC differentiation by physically interacting with a G-protein-coupled receptor, cholinergic receptor muscarinic 4 (CHRM4), after ADT. Pharmacologic NGF blockade and NGF knockdown markedly inhibited CHRM4-mediated NEPC differentiation and AKT-MYCN signaling activation. CHRM4 stimulation was associated with ADT resistance and was significantly correlated with increased NGF in high-grade and small-cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (SCNC) patient samples. Our results reveal a role of the NGF in the development of NEPC that is linked to ZBTB46 upregulation and CHRM4 accumulation. Our study provides evidence that the NGF-CHRM4 axis has potential to be considered as a therapeutic target to impair NEPC progression.
Age-related injury responses of human oligodendrocytes to metabolic insults: link to BCL-2 and autophagy pathways
Authors: Fernandes Milton Guilherme Forestieri , Luo Julia Xiao Xuan , Cui Qiao-Ling , Perlman Kelly , Pernin Florian , Yaqubi Moein , Hall Jeffery A. , Dudley Roy , Srour Myriam , Couturier Charles P. , Petrecca Kevin , Larochelle Catherine , Healy Luke M. , Stratton Jo Anne , Kennedy Timothy E. , Antel Jack P.
Published: January 2021

Myelin destruction and oligodendrocyte (OL) death consequent to metabolic stress is a feature of CNS disorders across the age spectrum. Using cells derived from surgically resected tissue, we demonstrate that young (<age 5) pediatric-aged sample OLs are more resistant to in-vitro metabolic injury than fetal O4+ progenitor cells, but more susceptible to cell death and apoptosis than adult-derived OLs. Pediatric but not adult OLs show measurable levels of TUNEL+ cells, a feature of the fetal cell response. The ratio of anti- vs pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family genes are increased in adult vs pediatric (<age 5) mature OLs and in more mature OL lineage cells. Lysosomal gene expression was increased in adult and pediatric compared to fetal OL lineage cells. Cell death of OLs was increased by inhibiting pro-apoptotic BCL-2 gene and autophagy activity. These distinct age-related injury responses should be considered in designing therapies aimed at reducing myelin injury.
Activation of mitochondrial TUFM ameliorates metabolic dysregulation through coordinating autophagy induction
Authors: Kim Dasol , Hwang Hui-Yun , Ji Eun Sun , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin , Kwon Ho Jeong
Published: January 2021

Disorders of autophagy, a key regulator of cellular homeostasis, cause a number of human diseases. Due to the role of autophagy in metabolic dysregulation, there is a need to identify autophagy regulators as therapeutic targets. To address this need, we conducted an autophagy phenotype-based screen and identified the natural compound kaempferide (Kaem) as an autophagy enhancer. Kaem promoted autophagy through translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) without MTOR perturbation, suggesting it is safe for administration. Moreover, Kaem accelerated lipid droplet degradation in a lysosomal activity-dependent manner in vitro and ameliorated metabolic dysregulation in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. To elucidate the mechanism underlying Kaem’s biological activity, the target protein was identified via combined drug affinity responsive target stability and LC–MS/MS analyses. Kaem directly interacted with the mitochondrial elongation factor TUFM, and TUFM absence reversed Kaem-induced autophagy and lipid degradation. Kaem also induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) to sequentially promote lysosomal Ca2+ efflux, TFEB translocation and autophagy induction, suggesting a role of TUFM in mtROS regulation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Kaem is a potential therapeutic candidate/chemical tool for treating metabolic dysregulation and reveal a role for TUFM in autophagy for metabolic regulation with lipid overload.
Dust arriving in the Amazon basin over the past 7,500 years came from diverse sources
Authors: Nogueira Juliana , Evangelista Heitor , Valeriano Claudio de Morisson , Sifeddine Abdelfettah , Neto Carla , Vaz Gilberto , Moreira Luciane S. , Cordeiro Renato C. , Turcq Bruno , Aniceto Keila Cristina , Neto Artur Bastos , Martins Gabriel , Barbosa Cybelli G. G. , Godoi Ricardo H. M. , Shimizu Marilia H.
Published: January 2021

A large amount of dust from the Sahara reaches the Amazon Basin, as observed with satellite imagery. This dust is thought to carry micronutrients that could help fertilize the rainforest. However, considering different atmospheric transport conditions, different aridity levels in South America and Africa and active volcanism, it is not clear if the same pathways for dust have occurred throughout the Holocene. Here we present analyses of Sr-Nd isotopic ratios of a lacustrine sediment core from remote Lake Pata in the Amazon region that encompasses the past 7,500 years before present, and compare these ratios to dust signatures from a variety of sources. We find that dust reaching the western Amazon region during the study period had diverse origins, including the Andean region and northern and southern Africa. We suggest that the Sahara Desert was not the dominant source of dust throughout the vast Amazon basin over the past 7,500 years.
Advanced analysis of satellite data reveals ground deformation precursors to the Brumadinho Tailings Dam collapse
Authors: Grebby Stephen , Sowter Andrew , Gluyas Jon , Toll David , Gee David , Athab Ahmed , Girindran Renoy
Published: January 2021

Catastrophic failure of a tailings dam at an iron ore mine complex in Brumadinho, Brazil, on 25th January 2019 released 11.7 million m3 of tailings downstream. Although reportedly monitored using an array of geotechnical techniques, the collapse occurred without any apparent warning. It claimed more than 200 lives and caused considerable environmental damage. Here we present the Intermittent Small Baseline Subset (ISBAS) technique on satellite-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data to assess the course of events. We find that parts of the dam wall and tailings were experiencing deformation not consistent with consolidation settlement preceding the collapse. Furthermore, we show that the timing of the dam collapse would have been foreseeable based on this observed precursory deformation. We conclude that satellite-based monitoring techniques may help mitigate similar catastrophes in the future.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Techniques
Authors: Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: January 2021

This chapter focuses on the applicability of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques in the field of cultural heritage (CH), from the methods to characterize the elemental composition of materials to the procedures to analyse the CH objects at different scales. The main restriction on XRF techniques is the impossibility of measuring elements with atomic numbers lower than 10, but their great advantage is the capability to perform analyses in a non-destructive manner. This important characteristic of XRF techniques has led it to have the highest number and variety of instrumental devices not only at the laboratory level but also at the portable and handheld level. The capacity to transport the spectrometer to the field has promoted the widespread use of XRF as an essential technique for artwork analysis outside the laboratory. This chapter reviews such XRF techniques and devices, alone or working together with other analytical techniques, showing also the importance of chemometrics to extract as much information as possible from the XRF spectra or from the quantitative data obtained from them.
Rapid molecular diagnostics of COVID-19 by RT-LAMP in a centrifugal polystyrene-toner based microdevice with end-point visual detection
Authors: de Oliveira Kézia Gomes , Estrela Paulo Felipe Neves , Mendes Geovana de Melo , dos Santos Carlos Abelardo , Silveira-Lacerda Elisângela de Paula , Duarte Gabriela Rodrigues Mendes
Published: January 2021

We developed a low-cost molecular test for the diagnosis of COVID-19, in a centrifugal microdevice, based on RT-LAMP assay run at 72 °C for 10 min.
A new tandem enrichment strategy for the simultaneous profiling of O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation in RNA-binding proteome
Authors: Fan Zhiya , Li Jian , Liu Tong , Zhang Zheng , Qin Weijie , Qian Xiaohong
Published: January 2021

We developed a tandem enrichment strategy combining metabolic labeling-based RNA tagging for selective RBPs purification and HILIC-based enrichment for simultaneous O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation profiling.
Tetraphenylethene probe based fluorescent silica nanoparticles for the selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad Azhar Hayat , Meng Lianjie , Zhou Huipeng , Ren Jia , Shahzad Sohail Anjum , Hayat Akhtar , Yu Cong
Published: January 2021

A sensitive fluorometric method is developed utilizing aggregation-induced emission probe based silica nanoparticles for the detection of nitroaromatic explosives.
Development of the C12Im-Cl-assisted method for rapid sample preparation in proteomic application
Authors: Liu Chang , Si Xiaoxia , Yan Shumei , Zhao Xinyuan , Qian Xiaohong , Ying Wantao , Zhao Lijiao
Published: January 2021

C12Im-Cl could work as a protein solubilizer compatible with trypsin digestion and reduced the protein digestion time to one hour.
Surfactant location and internal phase volume fraction dictate emulsion electrospun fiber morphology and modulate drug release and cell response
Authors: Johnson Pamela M. , Knewtson Kelsey E. , Hodge Jacob G. , Lehtinen Justin M. , Trofimoff Anna S. , Fritz D. Joseph , Robinson Jennifer L.
Published: January 2021

Emulsion electrospinning is a versatile technique used to create tunable fibrous meshes for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
PtPd hollow nanocubes with enhanced alloy effect and active facets for efficient methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Xiao Yu-Xuan , Ying Jie , Tian Ge , Zhang Xue-Qi , Janiak Christoph , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Yang Xiao-Yu
Published: January 2021

An alternating-reduction approach is developed to fabricate PtPd hollow nanocubes with highly catalytically-favoured {100} facets and enhanced alloy effect for efficient methanol oxidation reaction.
A structural parameter to link molecular geometry to macroscopic orientation in discotic liquid crystals: study of metalloporphyrin tapes
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Muranaka Atsuya , Kato Kenichi , Saeki Akinori , Tanaka Takayuki , Uchiyama Masanobu , Osuka Atsuhiro , Aida Takuzo , Sakurai Tsuneaki
Published: January 2021

A meso-alkyl triply-linked dimeric porphyrin tape forms a columnar liquid crystal mesophase, in which the macroscopic orientation of columns drastically changes depending on the choice of central metal ions.
Topography of the free energy landscape of Claisen–Schmidt condensation: solvent and temperature effects on the rate-controlling step
Authors: Coutinho Nayara Dantas , Machado Hugo Gontijo , Carvalho-Silva Valter Henrique , da Silva Wender Alves
Published: January 2021

Theoretical protocols applied to Claisen–Schmidt condensation reveal how a protic solvent and a slight increase in temperature can induce the second enolization as the rate-controlling step.
Formation of graphene encapsulated cobalt–iron phosphide nanoneedles as an attractive electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Tahmasebi Zeinab , Zardkhoshoui Akbar Mohammadi , Davarani Saied Saeed Hosseiny
Published: January 2021

Hierarchical CoFe–P nanoneedles encapsulated in the graphene texture are fabricated for water splitting applications.
Compositional, thermal and water sorption properties of wheat flour: comparing wild-relatives v/s elite wheat varieties used in current plant breeding
Authors: Agarwal Deepa , MacNaughtan William , King Julie , Foster Tim J.
Published: January 2021

This research investigate the structural and functional differences between four main wheat cultivars in comparison to the wild relatives of wheat. “Wheat image from www.freepik.com.”
Diosmetin attenuates metabolic syndrome and left ventricular alterationsviathe suppression of angiotensin II/AT1receptor/gp91phox/p-NF-κB protein expression in high-fat diet fed rats
Authors: Meephat Sariya , Prasatthong Patoomporn , Rattanakanokchai Siwayu , Bunbupha Sarawoot , Maneesai Putcharawipa , Pakdeechote Poungrat
Published: January 2021

Effects of diosmetin on signs of metabolic syndrome and cardiac alterations in high-fat diet fed rats.
Transition metal free, green and facile halogenation of ketene dithioacetals using a KX–oxidant system
Authors: Rai Vishakha , Sorabad Ganesh Shivayogappa , Maddani Mahagundappa Rachappa
Published: January 2021

A facile oxidative halogenation of α-oxo ketene dithioacetals is achieved by using a potassium halide and an oxidant combination under transition metal free conditions at ambient temperature.
Electrocatalysis in confined spaces: interplay between well-defined materials and the microenvironment
Authors: Han Xue , Gao Qiang , Yan Zihao , Ji Mengxia , Long Christopher , Zhu Huiyuan
Published: January 2021

In this minireview, we summarize recent advances in electrocatalysis in confined spaces. Emerging electrochemical reactions are covered and discussed.
Efficient microwave-assisted Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of 3-bromo pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one: towards a new access to 3,5-diarylated 7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Jismy Badr , Guillaumet Gérald , Akssira Mohamed , Tikad Abdellatif , Abarbri Mohamed
Published: January 2021

A convenient and efficient synthetic route to C3-arylated 7-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives has been reported starting from 3-bromo-7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one through a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction.
Adsorption enhancement of nitrogen gas by atomically heterogeneous nanospace of boron nitride
Authors: Kimura Jun , Ohkubo Takahiro , Nishina Yuta , Urita Koki , Kuroda Yasushige
Published: January 2021

Porous BN with atomically heterogeneous surfaces can more strongly adsorb dinitrogen molecules than typical porous carbon materials.
Design, growth, and characterization of Y2Mo4O15 crystals for Raman laser applications
Authors: Wang Xiangmei , Gao Zeliang , Wang Chunyan , Guo Xiaojie , Sun Youxuan , Jia Yu , Tao Xutang
Published: January 2021

This work reports the crystal structure and physical properties of the Y2Mo4O15 crystal and its potential use in the Raman laser.
Immune response and possible therapeutics in COVID-19
Authors: Dutta Anindya , Roy Ananya , Roy Laboni , Chattopadhyay Samit , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: January 2021

While the world stands a witness to the havoc of COVID-19, we must continue our quest of exploring various small molecule drugs and biologics as therapeutic strategies to fight the pandemic.
Oxide modified aluminum for removal of methyl orange and methyl blue in aqueous solution
Authors: Xie Song , Yang Yang , Gai Wei-Zhuo , Deng Zhen-Yan
Published: January 2021

Oxide modified Al exhibited a higher efficiency in removing organic dyes in aqueous solution than pristine Al.
A piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) tube featuring highly-sensitive and isotropic piezoelectric output for compression
Authors: Guo Jiajun , Nie Min , Wang Qi
Published: January 2021

A PVDF tube exhibited a highly-sensitive and isotropic piezoelectric output for multi-stresses from any directions.
Four electrode-based impedimetric biosensors for evaluating cytotoxicity of tamoxifen on cervical cancer cells
Authors: Pradhan Rangadhar , Kalkal Ashish , Jindal Shlok , Packirisamy Gopinath , Manhas Sanjeev
Published: January 2021

In the current study, novel four electrode-based impedimetric biosensors have been fabricated using photolithography techniques and utilized to evaluate the cytotoxicity of tamoxifen on cervical cancer cell lines.
Novel Fe3O4–poly(methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride) adsorbent for the ultrafast and efficient removal of anionic dyes
Authors: Zhou Bo , Tang Yuling , Zhao Liming , Guo Lijun , Zhou Jianfei
Published: January 2021

The Fe3O4–pDMC magnetic adsorbent was synthesized, and the mechanism of its rapid and efficient removal of two anionic dyes (acid orange 7 and direct blue 15) was studied.
Anion exchange membranes containing no β-hydrogen atoms on ammonium groups: synthesis, properties, and alkaline stability
Authors: Koronka Daniel , Miyatake Kenji
Published: January 2021

A novel hydrophilic structure with no β-hydrogen atoms on the quaternary ammonium functionality has been developed for anion exchange membranes. The membranes featured high hydroxide conductivity and alkaline stability under harsh conditions.
N2-foam-assisted CO2 huff-n-puff process for enhanced oil recovery in a heterogeneous edge-water reservoir: experiments and pilot tests
Authors: Hao Hongda , Hou Jirui , Zhao Fenglan , Huang Handong , Liu Huaizhu
Published: January 2021

Edge water and gas can be temporarily delayed with the assistance of stable N2 foam. The oil recovery enhanced by N2-foam-assisted CO2 huff-n-puff was twice that by pure CO2 huff-n-puff.
Hydroboration of nitriles and imines by highly active zinc dihydride catalysts
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Xu Xin
Published: January 2021

Molecular zinc dihydrides were found to be highly efficient catalysts for the hydroboration of nitriles and imines at room temperature under solvent-free conditions.
Electronic phase-crossover and room temperature ferromagnetism in a two-dimensional (2D) spin lattice
Authors: Nair A. K. , Ray S. J.
Published: January 2021

In the presence of strain, high temperature magnetic ordering in Cr2Ge2Te6 was observed with electronic phase crossover from semiconducting to half-metallic state. On coupling strain and electric field, the Curie temperature reaches 331 K.
Crystallization of ZnO thin films without polymer substrate deformation via thermal dissipation annealing method for next generation wearable devices
Authors: Kim Dongwan , Leem Jae-Young
Published: January 2021

Thermal dissipation annealing method is an effective way of fabricating transparent and flexible optoelectronics for next generation wearable devices.
One-step preparation of eggplant-derived hierarchical porous graphitic biochar as efficient oxygen reduction catalyst in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Zha Zhengtai , Zhang Zhi , Xiang Ping , Zhu Hongyi , Zhou Bangmei , Sun Zhulong , Zhou Shun
Published: January 2021

Eggplant-derived hierarchical porous graphitic biochar possessed good electrochemical performance as oxygen reduction reaction catalyst for microbial fuel cells.
DFT studies of the CH4-SCR of NO on Fe-doped ZnAl2O4(100) surface under oxygen conditions
Authors: Ren Xiang , Tan Honglin , Jie Qian , Liu Jianqi
Published: January 2021

The catalytic reduction performance of NO on the surface of Fe-doped ZnAl2O4 (100) was calculated based on DFT.
Bifunctional investigation of ultra-small SnO2nanoparticle decorated rGO for ozone sensing and supercapacitor applications
Authors: Jayachandiran J. , Yesuraj J. , Arivanandhan M. , Muthuraaman B. , Jayavel R. , Nedumaran D.
Published: January 2021

Ultrasmall SnO2nanoparticles with an average size of 7 nm were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and composited with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through an ultrasonic assisted solution process.
Dipole moments of conjugated donor–acceptor substituted systems: calculations vs. experiments
Authors: Lokshin Vladimir , Sigalov Mark , Larina Nina , Khodorkovsky Vladimir
Published: January 2021

B3LYP functional can reproduce the experimental dipole moments of conjugated organic molecules with high accuracy.
Activating mechanosensitive channels embedded in droplet interface bilayers using membrane asymmetry
Authors: Strutt Robert , Hindley James W. , Gregg Jordan , Booth Paula J. , Harling John D. , Law Robert V. , Friddin Mark S. , Ces Oscar
Published: January 2021

Electrophysiology shows asymmetric lysophosphatidylcholine-containing DIBs trigger mechanosensitive channel gating, enabling user-designed, autonomous flux pathways in droplet networks.
A cofacial metal–organic framework based photocathode for carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Ding Bowen , Chan Bun , Proschogo Nicholas , Solomon Marcello B. , Kepert Cameron J. , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: January 2021

The photocathode functionality of a Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) featuring cofacial photo- and electro-active ligands provides a new approach to CO2 reduction via charge transfer with a rhenium electrocatalyst.
Redesigning donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct photoswitches through a joint experimental and computational study
Authors: Berraud-Pache Romain , Santamaría-Aranda Eduardo , de Souza Bernardo , Bistoni Giovanni , Neese Frank , Sampedro Diego , Izsák Róbert
Published: January 2021

New photoswitch Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts (DASAs) have been synthesized thanks to accurate computational chemistry predictions. They possess good properties, notably red light activation.
3D self-supported porous vanadium-doped nickel nitride nanosheet arrays as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis
Authors: Li Rui-Qing , Liu Qi , Zhou Yanan , Lu Mengjie , Hou Jinle , Qu Konggang , Zhu Yachao , Fontaine Olivier
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we grew the vanadium-doped nickel nitride porous nanosheet arrays supported on NF, V-Ni3N/NF, which displays efficient catalytic performance for urea electrolysis with energy-saving H2production.
Controllable transformation from 1D Co-MOF-74 to 3D CoCO3 and Co3O4 with ligand recovery and tunable morphologies: the assembly process and boosting VOC degradation
Authors: Zhong Jinping , Zeng Yikui , Yin Zheng , Zhang Mingyuan , Yan Dengfeng , Su Zixue , Chen Peirong , Fu Mingli , Ye Daiqi
Published: January 2021

The controllable assembly of three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials from a one-dimensional (1D) precursor has always been one of the difficulties in nanomaterial synthesis.
A pH controlled temperature response reprogramming hydrogel for monitoring human electrophysiological signals
Authors: Shen Zihang , Liu Kaiyue , Zhou Zheng , Li Qifang
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a simple method to prepare a pH-responsive and shape memory hydrogel based on cooperative hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding.
Trash into treasure: stiff, thermally insulating and highly conductive carbon aerogels from leather wastes for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Yuan Bin , Lai Shuangxin , Li Jianjun , Li Li , Bai Shibing
Published: January 2021

The carbon aerogels prepared from leather wastes and PVA have excellent mechanical properties, high thermal insulation, high conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding performance.
Single-exponential solid-state delayed fluorescence decay in TADF compounds with minimized conformational disorder
Authors: Serevičius Tomas , Skaisgiris Rokas , Fiodorova Irina , Kreiza Gediminas , Banevičius Dovydas , Kazlauskas Karolis , Tumkevičius Sigitas , Juršėnas Saulius
Published: January 2021

Construction of rigid TADF compounds allows us to minimize the conformational disorder and obtain single-exponential DF in solid hosts with an exceptional RISC rate of nearly 6 × 106 s−1 and high emission yield.
CN engineered electron transport type hosts for high efficiency and extended lifetime in blue thermally activated delayed fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Byeon Sung Yong , Lee Kyung Hyung , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: January 2021

The 4DBF-BNCZ and 4DBF-PCZ with CN substituent are developed as the electron transport and high triplet energy hosts for blue TADF application. The 4DBF-BNCZ demonstrates a high EQE of 20% and device lifetime of 32.2 h up to 80%.
Dysregulation of endocannabinoid concentrations in human subcutaneous adipose tissue in obesity and modulation by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Fisk Helena L. , Childs Caroline E. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Ayres Robert , Noakes Paul S. , Paras-Chavez Carolina , Kuda Ondrej , Kopecký Jan , Antoun Elie , Lillycrop Karen A. , Calder Philip C.
Published: January 2021

Obesity is believed to be associated with a dysregulated endocannabinoid system which may reflect enhanced inflammation. However, reports of this in human white adipose tissue (WAT) are limited and inconclusive. Marine long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory actions and therefore may improve obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation. Therefore, fatty acid (FA) concentrations, endocannabinoid concentrations, and gene expression were assessed in subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) biopsies from healthy normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2) and individuals living with metabolically healthy obesity (BMI 30–40 kg/m2) prior to and following a 12-week intervention with 3 g fish oil/day (1.1 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 0.8 g DHA) or 3 g corn oil/day (placebo). WAT from individuals living with metabolically healthy obesity had higher n-6 PUFAs and EPA, higher concentrations of two endocannabinoids (anandamide (AEA) and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA)), higher expression of phospholipase A2 Group IID (PLA2G2D) and phospholipase A2 Group IVA (PLA2G4A), and lower expression of CNR1. In response to fish oil intervention, WAT EPA increased to a similar extent in both BMI groups, and WAT DHA increased by a greater extent in normal weight individuals. WAT EPEA and docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) increased in normal weight individuals only and WAT 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) decreased in individuals living with metabolically healthy obesity only. Altered WAT fatty acid, endocannabinoid, and gene expression profiles in metabolically healthy obesity at baseline may be linked. WAT incorporates n-3 PUFAs when their intake is increased which affects the endocannabinoid system; however, effects appear greater in normal weight individuals than in those living with metabolically healthy obesity.
An exclusive‐disjunction‐based detection of neovascularisation using multi‐scale CNN
Authors: Pavani P Geetha , Biswal Birendra , Sairam M V S , Biswal Pradyut Kumar
Published: January 2021

In this article, an exclusive‐disjunction‐based detection of neovascularisation (NV), which is the formation of new blood vessels on the retinal surfaces, is presented. These vessels, being thin and fragile, get ruptured easily leading to permanent blindness. The proposed algorithm consists of two stages. In the first stage, the retinal images are classified into non‐NV and NV using multi‐scale convolutional neural network, while in the second stage, 13 relevant features are extracted from the vascular map of NV images to achieve the pixel locations of new blood vessels using a directional matched filter along with the Difference of Laplacian of Gaussian operator followed by an exclusive disjunction function with adaptive thresholding of the vascular map. At the same time, the pixel locations of optic disc (OD) are detected using intensity distribution and variations on the retinal images. Finally, the pixel locations of both new blood vessels and OD are compared for classification. If the pixel locations of new blood vessels fall inside the OD, they are labelled as NV on OD, else they are labelled as NV elsewhere. The proposed algorithm has achieved an accuracy of 99.5%, specificity of 97.5%, sensitivity of 98.9%, and area under the curve of 94.2% when tested on 155 non‐NV and 115 NV images.
Phase shifters with multiple independently controllable bands utilising frequency‐selective variable gain networks
Authors: Venter Johannes J. P. , Stander Tinus
Published: January 2021

A dual‐band vector‐sum phase shifter with independent phase control of the 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi‐Fi bands is presented. The network uses band‐limited variable gain amplification, with a broadband hybrid coupler at the input and an in‐phase recombiner at the output. The circuit is prototyped on RF printed circuit board and exhibits performance characteristics comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art single band vector‐sum phase shifters. The prototype achieved an average gain of 2.16 dB over the 2.4 GHz band, with less than 0.26 dB and 1.32° root‐mean‐square (RMS) gain and phase error across all 2.4 and 5 GHz band tuning states. In the 5 GHz band, an average gain of 0.17 dB is achieved, with less than 0.21 dB and 3.88° RMS gain and phase error. The network's ability to generate band‐independent vector modulation over a 12 dB/90° tuning range is demonstrated as well, achieving less than 0.12 dB and 0.27° RMS gain and phase error in the 2.4 GHz band, and less than 0.27 dB and 2.94° gain and phase error in the 5 GHz band.
Ein Interview für den Schulalltag – Im Test: Sag mir, was dir wichtig ist
Authors: Gräfe Jessika
Published: January 2021

Manchen Kindern und Jugendlichen fällt es in der Schule schwer, Fuß zu fassen. In ihrer Arbeit als Schulbegleiterin testete Jessika Gräfe das Interview „Sag mir, was dir wichtig ist“, das speziell für Schulkinder mit AD(H)S und im Autismus-Spektrum entwickelt wurde. Ihrer Meinung nach ist das Instrument geeignet, um das Thema Schule umfassend zu beleuchten.
Letter to the Editor on: “Effectiveness of Multi-activity,
High-intensity Interval Training in School-aged
Children.”
Authors: Mans M.F.T. , van der Most F. , Cloosterman K.L.A.
Published: January 2021

Recently, Ketelhut et al. published an article on the effectiveness of a
multi-activity high-intensity interval training in school-aged children on
aerobic fitness and hemodynamic parameters in the International Journal of
Sports Medicine. With this letter to the editor we would like to comment on the
methods and clinical relevance of the results found.
Emotional conflict and trauma: the recovery of stolen memory using a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Castro-Fernández Belén , Jiménez-Esquinas Guadalupe , Alves Luís Alberto Marques , López-Facal Ramón
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the results of a research project carried out in Portomarín, a small town in Galicia (Spain), which was flooded as a result of the construction of a dam in 1963. A new town was built a short distance away, but a strong sense of rootlessness remains among the inhabitants of the town. To what extent does the population of Portomarín recognise its memory regarding the forced removal as heritage? What means can be employed to incorporate the historical process of the forced removal into its identity? How can heritage education contribute towards the population overcoming these feelings of rootlessness? The inhabitants’ conceptions of their forced removal were identified, and an educational activity was implemented in the town’s school regarding the process of the removal. The hypothesis is confirmed that a community that does not foster intergenerational dialogue about its past (which in this case was traumatic) and does not develop its own strategy to assist in explaining and understanding its local history does not construct a shared identity.