bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusive and Drift Halide Perovskite Memristive Barristors as Nociceptive and Synaptic Emulators for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: John Rohit Abraham , Yantara Natalia , Ng Si En , Patdillah Muhammad Iszaki Bin , Kulkarni Mohit Rameshchandra , Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Basu Joydeep , Ankit  , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Basu Arindam , Mathews Nripan
Published: March 2021

With the current research impetus on neuromorphic computing hardware, realizing efficient drift and diffusive memristors are considered critical milestones for the implementation of readout layers, selectors, and frameworks in deep learning and reservoir computing networks. Current demonstrations are predominantly limited to oxide insulators with a soft breakdown behavior. While organic ionotronic electrochemical materials offer an attractive alternative, their implementations thus far have been limited to features exploiting ionic drift a.k.a. drift memristor technology. Development of diffusive memristors with organic electrochemical materials is still at an early stage, and modulation of their switching dynamics remains unexplored. Here, halide perovskite (HP) memristive barristors (diodes with variable Schottky barriers) portraying tunable diffusive dynamics and ionic drift are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. An ion permissive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate interface that promotes diffusive kinetics and an ion source nickel oxide (NiOx) interface that supports drift kinetics are identified to design diffusive and drift memristors, respectively, with methylammonuim lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) as the switching matrix. In line with the recent interest on developing artificial afferent nerves as information channels bridging sensors and artificial neural networks, these HP memristive barristors are fashioned as nociceptive and synaptic emulators for neuromorphic sensory signal computing.
Gender and authorship trends in rhinology, allergy, and skull‐base literature from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Halderman Ashleigh A. , Rao Anupriya , Desai‐Markowski Stuti , Yang Alex , Luong Amber U. , O'Brien Erin , Gray Stacey T. , Lal Devyani , Lin Sandra Y. , Orlandi Richard , Wise Sarah K.
Published: March 2021

Background

A recent analysis suggested potential narrowing of the gender gap in research productivity in the field of rhinology. This analysis did not, however, provide insight into how the genders are represented in the rhinologic literature. This study aimed to evaluate 11 years of literature to evaluate for gender differences in authorship position, collaborations, category and content of research, citations, and funding to gain perspective on how gender and authorship has changed over time.

Methods

Authorship data for all articles on rhinologic subject matter published between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018 in four otolaryngology journals was collected. The gender of authors was determined by protocol. Category and content of research and funding status/source were additionally obtained.

Results

Data were collected from 2666 articles. Gender of 14,510 authors was determined. Female authors accounted for 23% of the overall authors and male authors accounted for 77%. Female first authorship increased significantly over time, but there was no change in female senior authorship. The percentage of female authors steadily increased over time, whereas male authorship decreased slightly. Mixed gender teams were shown to be increasing in frequency. Women published more than expected in basic science and allergy and less than expected in skull base. On funded studies, women were significantly underrepresented as senior authors.

Conclusion

This study represents the first assessment of gender differences in the rhinology literature. Areas where female representation can improve include senior authorship, increased involvement in skull base publications, and increased funding.
An Extension of Entanglement Measures for Pure States
Authors: Shi Xian , Chen Lin
Published: March 2021

To quantify the entanglement is one of the most important topics in quantum entanglement theory. An entanglement measure is built from measures for pure states. Conditions when the entanglement measure is entanglement monotone and convex are presented, as well as the interpretation of smoothed one‐shot entanglement cost. Next, a difference between the measure under the local operation and classical communication and the separability‐preserving operations is presented. Then, the relation between the convex roof extended method and the way here for the entanglement measures built from the geometric entanglement measure for pure states, as well as the concurrence for pure states in two‐qubit systems are considered. It is also shown that the measure is monogamous for system.
Ultrafast and Stable Proton Conduction in Polybenzimidazole Covalent Organic Frameworks via Confinement and Activation
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Jing , Wu Zhenzhen , Tao Shanshan , Jiang Donglin
Published: March 2021

Polybenzimidazoles are engineering plastics with superb thermal stability and this specificity has sparked a wide‐ranging research to explore proton‐conducting materials. Nevertheless, such materials encounter challenging issues owing to phosphoric acid proton carrier leakage and slow proton transport. We report a strategy for designing porous polybenzimidazole frameworks to address these key fundamental issues. The built‐in channels are designed to be one‐dimensionally extended, unidirectionally aligned, and fully occupied by neat phosphoric acid, while the benzimidazole walls trigger multipoint, multichain, and multitype interactions to spatially confine a phosphoric acid network in pores and facilitate proton conduction via deprotonation. The materials exhibit ultrafast and stable proton conduction for low proton carrier content and activation energy—a set of features highly desired for proton transport. Our results offer a design strategy for the fabrication of porous polybenzimidazoles for use in energy conversion applications.
Antiprotozoische Struktur‐Aktivitäts‐Beziehungen von synthetischen Leucinostatin‐Derivaten und Aufklärung ihres Wirkprinzips
Authors: Brand Michael , Wang Lei , Agnello Stefano , Gazzola Silvia , Gall Flavio M. , Raguž Luka , Kaiser Marcel , Schmidt Remo S. , Ritschl Amélie , Jelk Jennifer , Hemphill Andrew , Mäser Pascal , Bütikofer Peter , Adams Michael , Riedl Rainer
Published: March 2021

Leucinostatin A ist eine der potentesten antiprotozoischen Verbindungen, die jemals beschrieben wurden, aber bisher war wenig über die Struktur‐Aktivitäts‐Beziehung (SAR) bekannt. Trypanosoma brucei wurde als Protozoen‐Modellorganismus verwendet, um synthetisch modifizierte Derivate zu testen. Dabei wurden die vereinfachten, aber gleichermaßen aktiven Verbindungen 2 (ZHAWOC6025) und 4 (ZHAWOC6027) identifiziert. Anschließend wurden Modifikationen in allen Teilen des Moleküls durchgeführt, um ein besseres SAR‐Verständnis zu erlangen. Die antiprotozoische SAR stimmte mit der SAR in Phospholipid‐Liposomen überein, wobei die Membranintegrität, das Durchlässigkeitsverhalten und die Dynamik untersucht wurden. Die antiprotozoale Wirkung der natürlichen und synthetischen Leucinostatine liegt in der Destabilisierung der inneren Mitochondrienmembran, wie durch Ultrastrukturanalyse, Elektronenmikroskopie und Mitochondrienfärbung gezeigt wurde. Eine subletale Langzeitexposition von T. brucei (200 Passagen) und ein siRNA‐Screening von 12′000 Mutanten zeigten keine Anzeichen einer Resistenzentwicklung gegenüber den synthetischen Derivaten.
Mode‐Specific Vibrational Analysis of Exciton Delocalization and Structural Dynamics in Conjugated Oligomers
Authors: Kim Woojae , Tahara Shinya , Kuramochi Hikaru , Takeuchi Satoshi , Kim Taeyeon , Tahara Tahei , Kim Dongho
Published: March 2021

Exciton delocalization in organic semiconducting polymers, affected by structures at a molecular level, plays a crucial role in modulating relaxation pathways, such as charge generation and singlet fission, which can boost device efficiency. However, the structural diversity of polymers and broad signals from typical electronic spectroscopy have their limits when it comes to revealing the interplay between local structures and exciton delocalization. To tackle these problems, we apply femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy in archetypical conjugated oligothiophenes with different chain lengths. We observed Raman frequency dispersions of symmetric bond stretching modes and mode‐specific kinetics in the S1 Raman spectra, which underpins the subtle and complex interplay between exciton delocalization and bond length alternation along the conjugation coordinate. Our results provide a more general picture of exciton delocalization in the context of molecular structures for conjugated materials.
Defect Passivation in Lead‐Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals and Thin Films: Toward Efficient LEDs and Solar Cells
Authors: Ye Junzhi , Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Martínez Clara Otero , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Saliba Michael , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana
Published: March 2021

Lead‐halide perovskites (LHPs), in the form of both colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) and thin films, have emerged over the past decade as leading candidates for next‐generation, efficient light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. Owing to their high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), LHPs efficiently convert injected charge carriers into light and vice versa. However, despite the defect‐tolerance of LHPs, defects at the surface of colloidal NCs and grain boundaries in thin films play a critical role in charge‐carrier transport and nonradiative recombination, which lowers the PLQYs, device efficiency, and stability. Therefore, understanding the defects that play a key role in limiting performance, and developing effective passivation routes are critical for achieving advances in performance. This Review presents the current understanding of defects in halide perovskites and their influence on the optical and charge‐carrier transport properties. Passivation strategies toward improving the efficiencies of perovskite‐based LEDs and solar cells are also discussed.
Oligonucleotide Bioconjugation with Bifunctional Palladium Reagents
Authors: Jbara Muhammad , Rodriguez Jacob , Dhanjee Heemal H. , Loas Andrei , Buchwald Stephen L. , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: March 2021

Organometallic reagents enable practical strategies for bioconjugation. Innovations in the design of water‐soluble ligands and the enhancement of reaction rates have allowed for chemoselective cross‐coupling reactions of peptides and proteins to be carried out in water. There are currently no organometallic‐based methods for oligonucleotide bioconjugation to other biomolecules. Here we report bifunctional palladium(II)‐oxidative addition complexes (OACs) as reagents for high‐yielding oligonucleotide bioconjugation reactions. These bifunctional OACs react chemoselectively with amine‐modified oligonucleotides to generate the first isolable, bench stable oligonucleotide‐palladium(II) OACs. These complexes undergo site‐selective C‐S arylation with a broad range of native thiol‐containing biomolecules at low micromolar concentrations in under one hour. This approach provided oligonucleotide‐peptide, oligonucleotide‐protein, oligonucleotide‐small molecule, and oligonucleotide‐oligonucleotide conjugates in >80 % yield and afforded conjugation of multiple copies of oligonucleotides onto a monoclonal antibody.
Antiprotozoal Structure–Activity Relationships of Synthetic Leucinostatin Derivatives and Elucidation of their Mode of Action
Authors: Brand Michael , Wang Lei , Agnello Stefano , Gazzola Silvia , Gall Flavio M. , Raguž Luka , Kaiser Marcel , Schmidt Remo S. , Ritschl Amélie , Jelk Jennifer , Hemphill Andrew , Mäser Pascal , Bütikofer Peter , Adams Michael , Riedl Rainer
Published: March 2021

Leucinostatin A is one of the most potent antiprotozoal compounds ever described, but little was known on structure–activity relationships (SAR). We used Trypanosoma brucei as a protozoal model organism to test synthetically modified derivatives, resulting in simplified but equally active compounds 2 (ZHAWOC6025) and 4 (ZHAWOC6027), which were subsequently modified in all regions of the molecule to gain an in‐depth SAR understanding. The antiprotozoal SAR matched SAR in phospholipid liposomes, where membrane integrity, leaking, and dynamics were studied. The mode of action is discussed based on a structure–activity analysis of derivatives in efficacy, ultrastructural studies in T. brucei, and artificial membrane models, mimicking membrane stability and membrane potential. The main site of antiprotozoal action of natural and synthetic leucinostatins lies in the destabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane, as demonstrated by ultrastructural analysis, electron microscopy and mitochondrial staining. Long‐time sublethal exposure of T. brucei (200 passages) and siRNA screening of 12′000 mutants showed no signs of resistance development to the synthetic derivatives.
Enantiodivergent Kinetic Resolution of 1,1′‐Biaryl‐2,2′‐Diols and Amino Alcohols by Dipeptide‐Phosphonium Salt Catalysis Inspired by the Atherton–Todd Reaction
Authors: Fang Siqiang , Tan Jian‐Ping , Pan Jianke , Zhang Hongkui , Chen Yuan , Ren Xiaoyu , Wang Tianli
Published: March 2021

A highly enantiodivergent organocatalytic method is disclosed for the synthesis of atropisomeric biaryls via kinetic resolution inspired by a dipeptide‐phosphonium salt‐catalyzed Atherton–Todd (A‐T) reaction. This flexible approach led to both R‐ and S‐enantiomers by fine‐tuning of bifunctional phosphonium with excellent selectivity factors (s) of up to 1057 and 525, respectively. The potential of newly synthesized O‐phosphorylated biaryl diols was illustrated by the synthesis of axially chiral organophosphorus compounds. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the bifunctional phosphonium halide catalyst differentiates between the in‐situ‐generated P‐species in the A‐T process, mainly involving phosphoryl chloride and phosphoric anhydride, thus leading to highly enantiodivergent O‐phosphorylation reactions. Furthermore hydrogen bonding interactions between the catalysts and phosphorus molecules were crucial in asymmetric induction.
Mechanochemical Release of Non‐Covalently Bound Guests from a Polymer‐Decorated Supramolecular Cage
Authors: Küng Robin , Pausch Tobias , Rasch Dustin , Göstl Robert , Schmidt Bernd M.
Published: March 2021

Supramolecular coordination cages show a wide range of useful properties including, but not limited to, complex molecular machine‐like operations, confined space catalysis, and rich host–guest chemistries. Here we report the uptake and release of non‐covalently encapsulated, pharmaceutically‐active cargo from an octahedral Pd cage bearing polymer chains on each vertex. Six poly(ethylene glycol)‐decorated bipyridine ligands are used to assemble an octahedral PdII6(TPT)4 cage. The supramolecular container encapsulates progesterone and ibuprofen within its hydrophobic nanocavity and is activated by shear force produced by ultrasonication in aqueous solution entailing complete cargo release upon rupture, as shown by NMR and GPC analyses.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Cycloaddition of α‐Ketoacylsilanes with Imines: Facile Access to β‐Lactams
Authors: Ye Jian‐Heng , Bellotti Peter , Paulisch Tiffany O. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank
Published: March 2021

We report the synthesis of β‐lactams from α‐ketoacylsilanes and imines, which proceeds via a formal [2+2] photochemical cycloaddition with in situ generation of siloxyketene. This mild and operationally simple reaction proceeds in an atom‐economic fashion with broad substrate scope, including aldimines, ketimines, hydrazones, and fused nitrogen heterocycles, affording a variety of important β‐lactams with satisfactory diastereoselectivities in most cases. This reaction also features good functional‐group tolerance, facile scalability and product diversification. Experimental and computational studies suggest that α‐ketoacylsilanes can serve as photochemical precursors by engaging in a 1,3 silicon shift to the distal carbonyl group.
Potential use of poly(lactic acid) nanofibers mats as Nano‐sachets in postharvest of climacteric fruits and vegetables
Authors: Miranda Kelvi Wilson Evaristo , Bresolin Joana Dias , Natarelli Caio Vinícius Lima , Benevides Selene Daiha , Bastos Maria do Socorro Rocha , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli , de Oliveira Juliano Elvis
Published: March 2021

This study is reported as the first demonstration of the use of solution blow spun mats in a Nano‐sachet system containing a humidity absorber hydrogel and a paraffin wax tablet impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for exogenous ethylene (ex‐C2H4) oxidation, in order to delay fruit ripening. The tomatoes quality during storage time was characterized by gas chromatography (GC) (ethylene concentration and CO2 emission analysis—respiration rate), and colorimetry (green/red color parameter). Ex‐C2H4 production over storage time was reduced for the Nano‐sachet system when compared to the control system. Color changes, from 72 to 120 h, displayed fruit still predominantly green in the Nano‐Sachet system (a* from −9.1 to −6.9), color transition green‐red in the TNT‐sachet (−7.5 to −0.3) and increased red color fruit in the control system (−6.1 to 3.7). This work suggests that nanofibrous mats can be used as a packaging system with the ability to protect, potentialize ethylene oxidation and extend climacteric fruits and vegetables quality in shelf life.
Multi‐cation side‐chain‐type containing piperidinium group poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) alkaline anion exchange membranes
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Zhang Lin , Wu Zhihui , Ding Ao , Shen Chunhui , Gao Shanjun
Published: March 2021

A series of alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) based on poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) with multi‐cation side chain containing piperidinium group were fabricated via nucleophilic substitution and Menshutkin reaction. The chemical structures of the AAEMs (PPO‐AMP‐X) were determined by Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The resultant PPO‐AMP‐X membranes with the ion exchange capacities (IECs) of 2.05–2.77 mmol g−1 displayed the hydroxide conductivities in the range of 61.04–78.92 mS cm−1 at 80°C. When tested at the same degree of functionalization levels, the PPO‐AMP‐X membranes exhibited significantly higher hydroxide conductivity and lower conductivity loss than conventional AAEMs bearing benzyltri‐methylammonium group (PPO‐TMA). The PPO‐AMP‐28 multi‐cation membrane showed a hydroxide conductivity of 70.52 mS cm−1 at 80°C, which was nearly two times higher than that of the PPO‐TMA‐28 single‐cation membrane (36.74 mS cm−1). Compared with PPO‐TMA‐28 (56.76% decrease), the hydroxide conductivity of PPO‐AMP‐28 merely decreased by 23.15% after soaked in 1 M KOH at 80°C for 500 h. Additionally, the PPO‐AMP‐X membranes displayed moderate mechanical properties and good thermal stabilities, which can meet the basic requirements for use in fuel cells. This study provides a facile method for preparing AAEMs with multi‐cation side chain containing piperidinium group.
Cellulose acetate‐based separators prepared by a reversible acetylation process for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Zhang Dalun , Shao Ziqiang , Chen Dejia
Published: March 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most widely used technologies for various applications. However, polyolefin separators can hardly meet the needs of the development of LIBs due to the poor heat shrinkage and bad wettability with the electrolyte. Herein, a cellulose acetate (CA)‐based separator is developed by blending with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using a simple reversible acetylation process. This separator exhibits inherent thermal stability and improved ionic conductivity due to the finger‐like and sponge‐like porous structure. Moreover, the discharge capacity of the separator with a CNC loading of 3% remains at 132.9 mA h g−1 when the rate reverts to 0.2 C and the capacity retention reaches 89.5% after 50 cycles. Therefore, the obtained CA‐based separators can be a competitive candidate for high‐performance LIBs and point the way to sustainable development.
Are there life‐history constraints on restoration of the endangered limpet Patella ferruginea (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the northern Mediterranean Sea?
Authors: Ferranti Maria Paola , Guallart Javier , Cortella Virginia , Terenziani Giacomo , Chiantore Mariachiara
Published: March 2021

Effectiveness of restoration/repopulation measures may be strongly hindered by the ability of the target species to cope with the environmental conditions of the receiving area.

Although a species has been reported previously for a given area, the environmental conditions and human pressures may have changed, potentially making any restoration attempt ineffective. Evidence is provided showing that the endangered ferruginous limpet Patella ferruginea can complete its reproductive cycle in the northernmost sector of the western Mediterranean.

This supports the idea that the reintroduction and the strict protection of P. ferruginea in the extreme north of its historical geographic range could be effective for the recovery of the species in this area and ultimately the establishment of reproductively viable and stable populations.

Verification of gonadal maturation of specimens experimentally established on the Gulf of Genoa (Ligurian Sea) coastline, as well as evidence of sex change in one individual (the first outside the Alboran Sea), provides further support of the potential for individuals to complete their reproductive cycle in this area.

The results support the potential of actions for the restoration of viable populations of the species along the Ligurian coasts through the introduction of juveniles obtained exclusively by aquaculture techniques, in order to mitigate any impact on donor sites.
Exploration of the cortical pathophysiology underlying visual disturbances in schizophrenia comorbid with depressive disorder—An evidence from mouse model
Authors: Liu Jian , Zheng Lidan , Fang Tao , Li Ranli , Ma Xiaoyan , Sun Yun , Wang Lina , Tian Hongjun , Jiang Deguo , Zhuo Chuanjun
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Patients with schizophrenia frequently present with visual disturbances including hallucination, and this symptom is particularly prevalent in individuals with comorbid depressive disorders. Currently, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms of such psychiatric symptoms, and few explanations for the co‐occurrence of schizophrenia, depression, and visual disturbances are available.

Methods

In this study, we generated a mouse schizophrenia model in which depressive symptoms were also induced. We adopted in vivo two‐photon calcium imaging and ex vivo electrophysiological recording of the primary visual cortex to reveal the synaptic transmission and neural activity in the mouse schizophrenia model.

Results

In vivo two‐photon calcium imaging and ex vivo electrophysiological recording of the primary visual cortex revealed impaired synaptic transmission and abnormal neural activity in the schizophrenia model, but not in the depression model. These functional deficits were most prominent in the combined schizophrenia and depression model.

Conclusion

Overall, our data support a mechanism by which the visual cortex plays a role in visual disturbances in schizophrenia.
Indwelling urinary catheter assembled with lidocaine‐loaded polymeric strand for local sustained alleviation of bladder discomfort
Authors: Kim Cho Rim , Jang Eun Bi , Hong Seong Hwi , Yoon Young Eun , Huh Beom Kang , Kim Se Na , Kim Min Ji , Moon Hong Sang , Choy Young Bin
Published: March 2021

Indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are used in clinical settings to assist detrusor contraction in hospitalized patients. However, an inserted IUC often causes catheter‐related bladder discomfort. To resolve this, we propose an IUC coupled with local, sustained release of an anesthetic drug, lidocaine. For this, a thin strand composed of poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and lidocaine was separately prepared as a drug delivery carrier, which was then wound around the surface of the IUC to produce the drug‐delivery IUC. Our results revealed that the drug‐delivery IUC could exert the pain‐relief effects for up to 7 days when placed in the bladder of living rats. Cystometrogram tests indicated that the drug‐delivery IUC could significantly relieve bladder discomfort compared with the IUC without lidocaine. Furthermore, the expression of pain‐related inflammatory markers, such as nerve growth factor, cyclooxygenase‐2, and interleukin‐6 in the biopsied bladder tissues was significantly lower when the drug‐delivery IUC was used. Therefore, we conclude that an IUC simply assembled with a drug‐loaded polymer strand can continuously release lidocaine to allow for the relief of bladder discomfort during the period of IUC insertion.
Exosomes‐mediated transfer of long noncoding RNA LINC01133 represses bladder cancer progression via regulating the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Hongjie , Qu Hongchen , Huang Haibo , Mu Zhongyi , Mao Minghuan , Xie Qingpeng , Wang Kai , Hu Bin
Published: March 2021

Bladder cancer (BC), as one of the most common malignant cancers of the urinary system, has a high incidence and mortality rates. Recently, increasing studies have indicated that exosomes can mediate cellular communication in assorted cancers, including BC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also been confirmed to take part in the regulation of many cancers. Long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 1133 (LINC01133) is an lncRNA and its roles in several cancers have been revealed. However, the functions of exosomes and LINC01133 in BC are still not elucidated. In our research, functional assays were conducted to evaluate the function of LINC01133, as well as the influence of exosomes and LINC01133 on BC cells. Western blot assay, immunofluorescence assay, electron microscope, and nanoparticle tracking analysis were applied for detecting the characteristics of exosomes. Bioinformatics tools and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to test the expression of LINC01133 in BC cells and exosomes of the immortalized human uroepithelial cell line (SV‐HUC‐1). Luciferase reporter assay was performed to measure the activity of the Wnt pathway. We discovered that LINC01133 expression was high in exosomes of SV‐HUC‐1 and low in that of BC cells. Additionally, exosomes restrained cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Similarly, LINC01133 exerted the same function on BC cells. In addition, the Wnt signaling pathway could be inactivated by LINC01133. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that cell growth could be suppressed by overexpressed LINC01133. In short, exosomes‐mediated transfer of lncRNA LINC01133 repressed BC progression via regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.
Chlorella minutissima grown with xylose and arabinose in tubular photobioreactors: Evaluation of kinetics, carbohydrate production, and protein profile
Authors: Freitas Bárbara C. B. , Morais Michele G. , Costa Jorge A. V.
Published: March 2021

Lignocellulosic waste is the most abundant global renewable biomass source and contains significant amounts of pentoses. Thus, pentoses can be considered potential carbon sources for the culture media for microalgae cultivation. The present study aimed to determine whether the addition of D‐xylose and L‐arabinose and lighting variations influence the carbohydrate and protein profiles of Chlorella minutissima grown in tubular photobioreactors. The highest biomass concentration of 1.55 g L−1 was attained by the control cultures exposed to a light intensity of 40.50 μmol m−2 s−1. The highest carbohydrate accumulation (66.4%) was obtained through the combined use of 40.50 μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, 19.16 mg L−1 D‐xylose, 0.89 mg L−1 L‐arabinose, and 0.125 g L−1 KNO3. A reduction in luminosity and the addition of pentoses altered the protein profile of Chlorella minutissima. Thus, growth and carbohydrate production can be stimulated by pentoses and adequate luminous intensity. Therefore, Chlorella minutissima can be considered a potential source of biomass for bioethanol production.
Seeding depth effects on elongation, emergence, and early development of California rice cultivars
Authors: Ceseski Alex R. , Al‐Khatib Kassim
Published: March 2021

The continuous use of a water‐seeded cropping system for California rice (Oryza sativa L.), along with a limited palette of available herbicides, have selected for flood‐tolerant grasses, aquatic species, and herbicide‐resistant weed populations throughout the region. Alternative cropping methods such as stale‐seedbed and deeper drill seeding may be combined to allow novel herbicide modes of action and combat resistance while providing economically competitive yields. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate rice cultivars for vigorous traits that would facilitate such a stale‐drill cropping methodology. Four cultivars of California rice were grown in glasshouses and evaluated for differences in germination, elongation, emergence, and early season morphology. Cultivars M‐205 and M‐209 were found to have greater rates of total below‐soil elongation, and greater rates of mesocotyl and coleoptile elongation overall, across depths. M‐205 and M‐209 were also found to have higher rates of emergence across depths. Differences in aboveground growth parameters of emerged seedlings were only found at 0‐, 6.4‐, and 7.6‐cm planting depths. Based on observed below‐ and above‐soil growth and development, M‐205 and M‐209 exhibited greater vigor overall, as well as high levels of emergence from depths greater than 2 cm. Therefore, these cultivars should be suitable for stale‐drill seeding as a strategy for managing herbicide resistance in California.
Sex differences in CSF biomarkers for neurodegeneration and blood‐brain barrier integrity
Authors: Skillbäck Tobias , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Shams Sara , Machado Alejandra , Pereira Joana , Lindberg Olof , Mielke Michelle M. , Zettergren Anna , Ryden Lina , Westman Eric , Wahlund Lars‐Olof , Skoog Ingmar , Kern Silke
Published: March 2021

Introduction

As cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light protein (NfL) and the CSF/serum albumin ratio (QAlb) are used in the clinical routine, the impact of demographic factors on these biomarkers is important to understand.

Methods

Participants were derived from two Swedish samples: the population‐based H70 Study (n = 308, age 70) and a clinical routine cohort (CSF NfL, n = 8995, QAlb, n = 39252, age 0 to 95). In the population‐based study, QAlb and NfL were examined in relation to sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs). In the clinical cohort, QAlb and NfL sex differences were tested in relation to age.

Results

Men had higher QAlb and NfL concentrations and had higher QAlb and NfL concentrations from adolescence throughout life. NfL was not related to WML, but QAlb correlated positively with WMLs.

Discussion

The CSF NfL sex difference could not be explained by vascular pathology. Future studies should consider using different reference limits for men and women.
Increased choroidal thickness in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Csincsik Lajos , Nelson Rachel , Walpert Madeleine J. , Peto Tunde , Holland Anthony , Lengyel Imre
Published: March 2021

Introduction

People with Down syndrome (DS) are particularly susceptible to Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the triplication of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. In this cross‐sectional study, we hypothesized that choroidal thinning reported in sporadic AD (sAD) is mirrored in adults with DS.

Methods

The posterior pole of the eye for 24 adults with DS and 16 age‐matched controls (Ctrl) were imaged with optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured and analyzed in relation to cognitive status and cerebral amyloid beta (Aβ) load.

Results

ChT was increased in people with DS (pwDS) compared to Ctrl. This increase was associated with gender differences and positively correlated with cerebral Aβ load in a small subset. There was no significant correlation detected between ChT and age or cognitive status.

Discussion

In contrast to sAD this study found a significantly thicker choroid in pwDS. Whether these changes are related to Aβ pathology in DS needs further investigation.
No evidence of sexual dimorphism in the tails of the swallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon gorganus and P. m. britannicus
Authors: Koutrouditsou Lydia K. , Nudds Robert L.
Published: March 2021

The European swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is so named, because of the long and narrow prominences extending from the trailing edge of their hindwings and, although not a true tail, they are referred to as such. Despite being a defining feature, an unequivocal function for the tails is yet to be determined, with predator avoidance (diverting an attack from the rest of the body), and enhancement of aerodynamic performance suggested. The swallowtail, however, is sexually size dimorphic with females larger than males, but whether the tail is also sexually dimorphic is unknown. Here, museum specimens were used to determine whether sexual selection has played a role in the evolution of the swallowtail butterfly tails in a similar way to that seen in the tail streamers of the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), where the males have longer streamers than those of the females. Previously identified sexual dimorphism in swallowtail butterfly size was replicated, but no evidence for dimorphism in tail length was found. If evolved to mimic antennae and a head to divert a predatory attack, and if an absolute tail size was the most effective for this, then the tail would probably be invariant with butterfly hindwing size. The slope of the relationship between tail length and size, however, although close to zero, was nonetheless statistically significantly above (tail length ∝ hindwing area 0.107 ± 0.011). The slope also did not equate to that expected for geometric similarity (tail length ∝ hindwing area1/2) suggesting that tail morphology is not solely driven by aerodynamics. It seems likely then, that tail morphology is primarily determined by, and perhaps a compromise of several, factors associated with predator avoidance (e.g. false head mimicry and a startling function). Of course, experimental data are required to confirm this.
Factors that shape the elevational patterns of plant diversity in the Yatsugatake Mountains, Japan
Authors: Oishi Yoshitaka
Published: March 2021

Elevation is involved in determining plant diversity in montane ecosystems. This study examined whether the distribution of plants in the Yatsugatake Mountains, central Japan, substantiated hypotheses associated with an elevational diversity gradient. Species richness of trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and bryophytes was investigated in study plots established at 200‐m elevational intervals from 1,800 to 2,800 m. The changes in plant diversity (alpha and beta diversities, plant functional types, and elevational ranges) with elevation were analyzed in relation to climatic factors and elevational diversity gradient hypotheses, that is, mass effect, mid‐domain effect, and Rapoport's elevational rule. In addition, the elevational patterns of dominance of plant functional types were also analyzed. A comparison of alpha and beta diversities revealed that different plant groups responded variably to elevation; the alpha diversity of trees and ferns decreased, that of herbs increased, whereas the alpha diversity of shrubs and bryophytes showed a U‐shaped relationship and a hump‐shaped pattern. The beta diversity of shrubs, herbs, and bryophytes increased above the subalpine–alpine ecotone. In accordance with these changes, the dominance of evergreen shrubs and graminoids increased above this ecotone, whereas that of evergreen trees and liverworts decreased. None of the plant groups showed a wide elevational range at higher elevations. These elevational patterns of plant groups were explained by climatic factors, and not by elevational diversity gradient hypotheses. Of note, the changes in the dominance of plant groups with elevation can be attributed to plant–plant interactions via competition for light and the changes in physical habitat. These interactions could alter the elevational diversity gradient shaped by climatic factors.
Outcomes of coronavirus disease‐2019 among veterans with pre‐existing diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Rumery Kyle , Seo Angie , Jiang Lan , Choudhary Gaurav , Shah Nishant R. , Rudolph James L. , Wu Wen‐Chih , Erqou Sebhat
Published: March 2021

Aims

Pre‐existing cardiovascular disease in general and related risk factors have been associated with poor coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes. However, data on outcomes of COVID‐19 among people with pre‐existing diagnosis of heart failure (HF) have not been studied in sufficient detail. We aimed to perform detailed characterization of the association of pre‐existing HF with COVID‐19 outcomes.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort study based on Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data comparing 30 day mortality and hospital admission rates after COVID‐19 diagnosis among Veterans with and without pre‐existing diagnosis of HF. Cox‐regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) with adjustment for covariates. Among 31 051 veterans (97% male) with COVID‐19, 6148 had pre‐existing diagnosis of HF. The mean (SD) age of patients with HF was 70 (13) whereas the mean (SD) age of patients without HF was 57 (17). Within the HF group with available data on left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), 1844 patients (63.4%) had an EF of >45%, and 1063 patients (36.6%) had an EF of ≤45%. Patients in the HF cohort had higher 30 day mortality (5.4% vs. 1.5%) and admission (18.5% vs. 8.4%) rates after diagnosis of COVID‐19. After adjustment for age, sex, and race, HRs (95% CIs) for 30 day mortality and for 30 day hospital admissions were 1.87 (1.61–2.17) and 1.79 (1.66–1.93), respectively. After additional adjustment for medical comorbidities, HRs for 30 day mortality and for 30 day hospital admissions were 1.37 (1.15–1.64) and 1.27 (1.16–1.38), respectively. The findings were similar among HF patients with preserved vs. reduced EF, among those taking vs. not taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, and among those taking vs. not taking anticoagulants.

Conclusions

Patients with COVID‐19 and pre‐existing diagnosis of HF had a higher risk of 30 day mortality and hospital admissions compared to those without history of HF. The findings were similar by EF categories and by angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors or anticoagulant use.
GPA33 is expressed on multiple human blood cell types and distinguishes CD4+ central memory T cells with and without effector function
Authors: Opstelten Rianne , Suwandi Jessica S , Slot Manon C. , Morgana Florencia , Scott Andrew M , Laban Sandra , Nikolic Tatjana , Turksma Annelies W , Kroeze Anna , Voermans Carlijn , Zwaginga Jaap‐Jan , Roep Bart O , Amsen Derk
Published: March 2021

The Ig superfamily protein glycoprotein A33 (GPA33) has been implicated in immune dysregulation, but little is known about its expression in the immune compartment. Here, we comprehensively determined GPA33 expression patterns on human blood leukocyte subsets, using mass and flow cytometry. We found that GPA33 was expressed on fractions of B, dendritic, natural killer and innate lymphoid cells. Most prominent expression was found in the CD4+ T cell compartment. Naïve and CXCR5+ regulatory T cells were GPA33high, and naïve conventional CD4+ T cells expressed intermediate GPA33 levels. The expression pattern of GPA33 identified functional heterogeneity within the CD4+ central memory T cell (Tcm) population. GPA33+ CD4+ Tcm cells were fully undifferentiated, bona fide Tcm cells that lack immediate effector function, whereas GPA33– Tcm cells exhibited rapid effector functions and may represent an early stage of differentiation into effector/effector memory T cells before loss of CD62L. Expression of GPA33 in conventional CD4+ T cells suggests a role in localization and/or preservation of an undifferentiated state. These results form a basis to study the function of GPA33 and show it to be a useful marker to discriminate between different cellular subsets, especially in the CD4+ T cell lineage.
Circulating ILC precursors expressing CD62L exhibit a type 2 signature distinctly decreased in psoriatic patients
Authors: Campana Stefania , De Pasquale Claudia , Barberi Chiara , Oliveri Daniela , Sidoti Migliore Giacomo , Galletti Bruno , Guarneri Claudio , Cannavò Serafinella Patrizia , Ferlazzo Guido
Published: March 2021

Human CD117+CRTH2neg innate lymphoid cells (ILC) comprise multipotent precursors (ILCp), which are able to differentiate into subtypes in response to different signals received in peripheral tissues. NKp46+ ILCp have been reported to associate with ILC3 whereas KLRG1+ILCp with ILC2, although the latter can also generate other ILC subsets, thus, maintaining a substantial plasticity. We here showed that CD62L is expressed by ILCp exclusively within KLRG1+ population and its expression marks a loss of their broad differentiation potential.

Analysis of cytokine production and relevant markers demonstrated that CD62L+ILCp mainly differentiate into ILC2 whereas CD62Lneg counterpart can also differentiate into other ILC subsets depending on the signals they receive. Remarkably, in peripheral blood of psoriatic patients, where ILC3 are usually enriched, CD62L+ILC were drastically reduced, whereas CD62LnegILC2 upregulated both RORγt and NKp46, thus, suggesting an ongoing conversion to ILC3. Therefore, CD62L now emerges as a potential marker to identify a skewing toward type 2 among ILCp.
Cryptococcus gattii evades CD11b‐mediated fungal recognition by coating itself with capsular polysaccharides
Authors: Ueno Keigo , Otani Yoshiko , Yanagihara Nao , Urai Makoto , Nagamori Akiko , Sato‐Fukushima Miyuki , Shimizu Kiminori , Saito Noriko , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu
Published: March 2021

Cryptococcus gattii is a capsular pathogenic fungus causing life‐threatening cryptococcosis. Although the capsular polysaccharides (CPs) of C. gattii are considered as virulence factors, the physiological significance of CP biosynthesis and of CPs themselves is not fully understood, with many conflicting data reported. First, we demonstrated that CAP gene deletant of C. gattii completely lacked capsule layer and its virulence, and that the strain was susceptible to host‐related factors including oxidizing, hypoxic, and hypotrophic conditions in vitro. Extracellular CPs recovered from culture supernatant bound specifically to C. gattii acapsular strains, not to other fungi and immune cells, and rendered them the immune escape effects. In fact, dendritic cells (DCs) did not efficiently uptake the CP‐treated acapsular strains, which possessed no visible capsule layer, and a decreased amount of phosphorylated proteins and cytokine levels after the stimulation. DCs recognized C. gattii acapuslar cells via an immune receptor CD11b‐ and Syk‐related pathway; however, CD11b did not bind to CP‐treated acapsular cells. These results suggested that CPs support immune evasion by coating antigens on C. gattii and blocking the interaction between CD11b and C. gattii cells. Here, we describe the importance of CPs in pathogenicity and immune evasion mechanisms of C. gattii.
Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl Immobilized on Bipyridine Organosilica Nanotubes for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Waki Minoru , Ikai Masamichi , Goto Yasutomo , Maegawa Yoshifumi , Inagaki Shinji
Published: March 2021

Organosilica nanotubes were synthesized via the co‐condensation of 1,4‐bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and 5,5’‐bis(triisopropoxysilyl)‐2,2’‐bipyridine in the presence of a surfactant micelle template under acidic conditions. These materials are termed BPy(X)‐NTs, where X represents the BPy loading in the framework. The surface BPy moieties in these materials acted as chelating ligands to immobilize metal complexes in the nanotube pores, such that rhenium complexes [Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl] were successfully formed on the pore surfaces. The resulting Re−BPy(X)‐NTs exhibited efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the presence of a sacrificial reductant under visible light. Re−BPy(X)‐NTs with higher BPy contents showed higher turnover numbers (TONs) and quantum yields than those previously obtained from periodic mesoporous organosilica systems. The photocatalytic activity of these materials was improved by the surface co‐immobilization of tris(2,2’‐bipyridine)ruthenium, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, on the Re−BPy(X)‐NTs as a photosensitizer, giving a quantum yield of 15 % in response to visible light (>385 nm). The value exceeds those previously reported for heterogeneous systems.
Geoarchaeological signatures of anthropogenic soils in southeastern Uruguay: Approaches to formation processes and spatial–temporal variability
Authors: del Puerto Laura , Gianotti Camila , Bortolotto Noelia , Gazzán Nicolás , Cancela Cristina , Orrego Beatriz , Inda Hugo
Published: March 2021

This contribution focuses on the interpretation of earthen mound formation processes in the lowlands of the Pampa biome, southeastern Uruguay, through the integrated analysis of sedimentological and archaeological data. The three analyzed mounds from the La Tapera site have different heights and radiocarbon chronologies, indicating different construction periods across the last 4000 years. In addition, soils from surrounding plains were analyzed to provide a comparative basis for geoarchaeological characterization. From granulometric, compositional, and geochemical results, we identified different soil classes and several anthropogenic layers inside the earthen structures. Mound soils stood out from the rest due to higher levels of P, soil organic matter (SOM), and micro‐artifact content, leading to their classification as hortic Anthroportic Udorthent soils or hortic‐cultural cumulic archaeo‐anthrosols. Geoarchaeological differences between mounds are inferred as variations in the formation processes and/or construction technologies, possibly related to the functionality and height of the structures. Evidence from this contribution demonstrated the existence of ancient ways to produce nutrient‐rich long‐lasting anthropogenic soils that left persistent geoarchaeological signatures on the landscape. These findings highlight the need to broaden the discussion, culturally and geographically, about the genesis and development of management practices and associated indigenous knowledge to include the lowlands of southeastern South America.
FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Impact on pretherapeutic N classification, detection of distant metastases, and second primary tumors
Authors: Stadler Thomas M. , Morand Grégoire B. , Rupp Niels J. , Hüllner Martin W. , Broglie Martina A.
Published: March 2021

Background

To assess the effect of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the pretherapeutic staging of N classification, detection rate of distant metastases, and second primaries.

Methods

Retrospective study on patients with head and neck carcinoma. We compared pretherapeutic N classification by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI.

Results

A change in the N classification due to FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI was observed in 116 patients (39.5%) compared to N classification by ultrasound and fine‐needle aspiration cytology. Patients with advanced nodal classification (>N2a) were more likely to be reclassified. Distant metastases were detected in 19 patients and a total of 36 second primaries were diagnosed by FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI. Detection of distant metastases was more likely in regional advanced disease (>N2a). Smokers (>10 py) had a significantly higher risk of second primary.

Conclusion

FDG‐PET‐CT/MRI leads to a significant change in pretherapeutic N classification. The cumulative incidence of distant metastases and second primaries was 18.7%.