bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous and stimulated electron–photon interactions in nanoscale plasmonic near fields
Authors: Liebtrau Matthias , Sivis Murat , Feist Armin , Lourenço-Martins Hugo , Pazos-Pérez Nicolas , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , de Abajo F. Javier García , Polman Albert , Ropers Claus
Published: April 2021

The interplay between free electrons, light, and matter offers unique prospects for space, time, and energy resolved optical material characterization, structured light generation, and quantum information processing. Here, we study the nanoscale features of spontaneous and stimulated electron–photon interactions mediated by localized surface plasmon resonances at the tips of a gold nanostar using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), cathodoluminescence spectroscopy (CL), and photon-induced near-field electron microscopy (PINEM). Supported by numerical electromagnetic boundary-element method (BEM) calculations, we show that the different coupling mechanisms probed by EELS, CL, and PINEM feature the same spatial dependence on the electric field distribution of the tip modes. However, the electron–photon interaction strength is found to vary with the incident electron velocity, as determined by the spatial Fourier transform of the electric near-field component parallel to the electron trajectory. For the tightly confined plasmonic tip resonances, our calculations suggest an optimum coupling velocity at electron energies as low as a few keV. Our results are discussed in the context of more complex geometries supporting multiple modes with spatial and spectral overlap. We provide fundamental insights into spontaneous and stimulated electron-light-matter interactions with key implications for research on (quantum) coherent optical phenomena at the nanoscale.
Quantification of electron accumulation at grain boundaries in perovskite polycrystalline films by correlative infrared-spectroscopic nanoimaging and Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Qin Ting-Xiao , You En-Ming , Zhang Mao-Xin , Zheng Peng , Huang Xiao-Feng , Ding Song-Yuan , Mao Bing-Wei , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: April 2021

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites are emerging materials for photovoltaic applications with certified power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over 25%. Generally, the microstructures of the perovskite materials are critical to the performances of PCEs. However, the role of the nanometer-sized grain boundaries (GBs) that universally existing in polycrystalline perovskite films could be benign or detrimental to solar cell performance, still remains controversial. Thus, nanometer-resolved quantification of charge carrier distribution to elucidate the role of GBs is highly desirable. Here, we employ correlative infrared-spectroscopic nanoimaging by the scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy with 20 nm spatial resolution and Kelvin probe force microscopy to quantify the density of electrons accumulated at the GBs in perovskite polycrystalline thin films. It is found that the electron accumulations are enhanced at the GBs and the electron density is increased from 6 × 1019 cm−3 in the dark to 8 × 1019 cm−3 under 10 min illumination with 532 nm light. Our results reveal that the electron accumulations are enhanced at the GBs especially under light illumination, featuring downward band bending toward the GBs, which would assist in electron-hole separation and thus be benign to the solar cell performance.
Quantum-dot microlasers based on whispering gallery mode resonators
Authors: Zhukov A. E. , Kryzhanovskaya N. V. , Moiseev E. I. , Maximov M. V.
Published: April 2021

The subject of this paper is microlasers with the emission spectra determined by the whispering gallery modes. Owing to the total internal reflection of light on the sidewalls, a high Q-factor is achieved until the diameter is comparable to the wavelength. The light emission predominantly occurs in the plane of the structure, which facilitates the microlaser integration with other elements. We focus on microdisk lasers with various types of the In(Ga)As quantum dots (QDs). Deep localization of charge carriers in spatially separated regions suppresses the lateral diffusion and makes it possible to overcome the undesirable effect of non-radiative recombination in deep mesas. Thus, using conventional epitaxial structures and relatively simple post-growth processing methods, it is possible to realize small microlasers capable of operating without temperature stabilization at elevated temperatures. The low sensitivity of QDs to epitaxial and manufacturing defects allows fabricating microlasers using III–V heterostructures grown on silicon.
Multi-platform omics analysis reveals molecular signature for COVID-19 pathogenesis, prognosis and drug target discovery
Authors: Li Yuming , Hou Guixue , Zhou Haibo , Wang Yanqun , Tun Hein Min , Zhu Airu , Zhao Jingxian , Xiao Fei , Lin Shanwen , Liu Dongdong , Zhou Dunrong , Mai Lang , Zhang Lu , Zhang Zhaoyong , Kuang Lijun , Guan Jiao , Chen Qiushi , Wen Liyan , Zhang Yanjun , Zhuo Jianfen , Li Fang , Zhuang Zhen , Chen Zhao , Luo Ling , Liu Donglan , Chen Chunke , Gan Mian , Zhong Nanshan , Zhao Jincun , Ren Yan , Xu Yonghao
Published: April 2021

Disease progression prediction and therapeutic drug target discovery for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are particularly important, as there is still no effective strategy for severe COVID-19 patient treatment. Herein, we performed multi-platform omics analysis of serial plasma and urine samples collected from patients during the course of COVID-19. Integrative analyses of these omics data revealed several potential therapeutic targets, such as ANXA1 and CLEC3B. Molecular changes in plasma indicated dysregulation of macrophage and suppression of T cell functions in severe patients compared to those in non-severe patients. Further, we chose 25 important molecular signatures as potential biomarkers for the prediction of disease severity. The prediction power was validated using corresponding urine samples and plasma samples from new COVID-19 patient cohort, with AUC reached to 0.904 and 0.988, respectively. In conclusion, our omics data proposed not only potential therapeutic targets, but also biomarkers for understanding the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19.
Consensus statement on standards and guidelines for the molecular diagnostics of Alport syndrome: refining the ACMG criteria
Authors: Savige Judy , Storey Helen , Watson Elizabeth , Hertz Jens Michael , Deltas Constantinos , Renieri Alessandra , Mari Francesca , Hilbert Pascale , Plevova Pavlina , Byers Peter , Cerkauskaite Agne , Gregory Martin , Cerkauskiene Rimante , Ljubanovic Danica Galesic , Becherucci Francesca , Errichiello Carmela , Massella Laura , Aiello Valeria , Lennon Rachel , Hopkinson Louise , Koziell Ania , Lungu Adrian , Rothe Hansjorg Martin , Hoefele Julia , Zacchia Miriam , Martic Tamara Nikuseva , Gupta Asheeta , van Eerde Albertien , Gear Susie , Landini Samuela , Palazzo Viviana , al-Rabadi Laith , Claes Kathleen , Corveleyn Anniek , Van Hoof Evelien , van Geel Micheel , Williams Maggie , Ashton Emma , Belge Hendica , Ars Elisabeth , Bierzynska Agnieszka , Gangemi Concetta , Lipska-Ziętkiewicz Beata S.
Published: April 2021

The recent Chandos House meeting of the Alport Variant Collaborative extended the indications for screening for pathogenic variants in theCOL4A5, COL4A3andCOL4A4genes beyond the classical Alport phenotype (haematuria, renal failure; family history of haematuria or renal failure) to include persistent proteinuria, steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), familial IgA glomerulonephritis and end-stage kidney failure without an obvious cause. The meeting refined the ACMG criteria for variant assessment for the Alport genes (COL4A3–5). It identified ‘mutational hotspots’ (PM1) in the collagen IV α5, α3 and α4 chains including position 1 Glycine residues in the Gly-X-Y repeats in the intermediate collagenous domains; and Cysteine residues in the carboxy non-collagenous domain (PP3). It considered that ‘well-established’ functional assays (PS3, BS3) were still mainly research tools but sequencing and minigene assays were commonly used to confirm splicing variants. It was not possible to define the Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) threshold above which variants were considered Benign (BA1, BS1), because of the different modes of inheritances of Alport syndrome, and the occurrence of hypomorphic variants (often Glycine adjacent to a non-collagenous interruption) and local founder effects. HeterozygousCOL4A3andCOL4A4variants were common ‘incidental’ findings also present in normal reference databases. The recognition and interpretation of hypomorphic variants in theCOL4A3–COL4A5genes remains a challenge.
Correction: The chromosome-based lavender genome provides new insights into Lamiaceae evolution and terpenoid biosynthesis
Authors: Li Jingrui , Wang Yiming , Dong Yanmei , Zhang Wenying , Wang Di , Bai Hongtong , Li Kui , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-021-00536-9
Polyurethane-functionalized starch nanocrystals as anti-tuberculosis drug carrier
Authors: Desai Shivang K. , Mondal Dhananjoy , Bera Smritilekha
Published: April 2021

Studies related to loading ability and delivery of clinically used first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs) such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin on the surface of starch-derived bulk and nanopolyurethanes (SBPUs and SNPUs) as drug delivery systems (DDS) have been focused to minimise or remove the drug-associated adverse effects. The efficiencies of nanopolyurethanes obtained from the differently substituted cyclic aliphatic and aromatic isocyanates have been studied for drug loading and release purposes. Different advanced instrumental techniques analysed the structural and morphological properties, thermal stability and crystallinity of the starch nanopolyurethans. Average particle sizes ranging from 27.35–42.38 nm to 126.89–218.60 nm for starch nanopolyurethans, SNPU3i and SNPU4i, respectively, were determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Similarly, the loading efficiency of ATDs to the surfaces of SNPUs and SBPUs was observed in the range of 60–97% while ATDs-loaded SNPUs showed a sustainable release profile for all ATDs except for streptomycin. However, most SBPUs provided burst-release for all the above-mentioned ATDs in pH-dependent studies. The anti-tuberculosis assay against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain revealed that streptomycin-loaded SNPU4i and isoniazid-loaded SNPU7i are approximately 42 and 7 times more active than the native streptomycin and isoniazid, respectively.
Separating individual contributions of major Siberian rivers in the Transpolar Drift of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Paffrath Ronja , Laukert Georgi , Bauch Dorothea , Rutgers van der Loeff Michiel , Pahnke Katharina
Published: April 2021

The Siberian rivers supply large amounts of freshwater and terrestrial derived material to the Arctic Ocean. Although riverine freshwater and constituents have been identified in the central Arctic Ocean, the individual contributions of the Siberian rivers to and their spatiotemporal distributions in the Transpolar Drift (TPD), the major wind-driven current in the Eurasian sector of the Arctic Ocean, are unknown. Determining the influence of individual Siberian rivers downstream the TPD, however, is critical to forecast responses in polar and sub-polar hydrography and biogeochemistry to the anticipated individual changes in river discharge and freshwater composition. Here, we identify the contributions from the largest Siberian river systems, the Lena and Yenisei/Ob, in the TPD using dissolved neodymium isotopes and rare earth element concentrations. We further demonstrate their vertical and lateral separation that is likely due to distinct temporal emplacements of Lena and Yenisei/Ob waters in the TPD as well as prior mixing of Yenisei/Ob water with ambient waters.
Antennal transcriptome sequencing and identification of candidate chemoreceptor proteins from an invasive pest, the American palm weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco , Johny Jibin , Walker William B. , Guan Qingtian , Mfarrej Sara , Jakše Jernej , Montagné Nicolas , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Alqarni Abdulaziz S. , Al-Saleh Mohammed Ali , Pain Arnab , Antony Binu
Published: April 2021

For decades, the American palm weevil (APW), Rhynchophorus palmarum, has been a threat to coconut and oil palm production in the Americas. It has recently spread towards North America, endangering ornamental palms, and the expanding date palm production. Its behavior presents several parallelisms with a closely related species, R. ferrugineus, the red palm weevil (RPW), which is the biggest threat to palms in Asia and Europe. For both species, semiochemicals have been used for management. However, their control is far from complete. We generated an adult antennal transcriptome from APW and annotated chemosensory related gene families to obtain a better understanding of these species' olfaction mechanism. We identified unigenes encoding 37 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), ten chemosensory proteins (CSPs), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), seven gustatory receptors (GRs), 63 odorant receptors (ORs), and 28 ionotropic receptors (IRs). Noticeably, we find out the R. ferrugineus pheromone-binding protein and pheromone receptor orthologs from R. palmarum. Candidate genes identified and annotated in this study allow us to compare these palm weevils' chemosensory gene sets. Most importantly, this study provides the foundation for functional studies that could materialize as novel pest management strategies.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: GraphCovidNet: A graph neural network based model for detecting COVID-19 from CT scans and X-rays of chest
Authors: Saha Pritam , Mukherjee Debadyuti , Singh Pawan Kumar , Ahmadian Ali , Ferrara Massimiliano , Sarkar Ram
Published: April 2021

COVID-19, a viral infection originated from Wuhan, China has spread across the world and it has currently affected over 115 million people. Although vaccination process has already started, reaching sufficient availability will take time. Considering the impact of this widespread disease, many research attempts have been made by the computer scientists to screen the COVID-19 from Chest X-Rays (CXRs) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans. To this end, we have proposed GraphCovidNet, a Graph Isomorphic Network (GIN) based model which is used to detect COVID-19 from CT-scans and CXRs of the affected patients. Our proposed model only accepts input data in the form of graph as we follow a GIN based architecture. Initially, pre-processing is performed to convert an image data into an undirected graph to consider only the edges instead of the whole image. Our proposed GraphCovidNet model is evaluated on four standard datasets: SARS-COV-2 Ct-Scan dataset, COVID-CT dataset, combination of covid-chestxray-dataset, Chest X-Ray Images (Pneumonia) dataset and CMSC-678-ML-Project dataset. The model shows an impressive accuracy of 99% for all the datasets and its prediction capability becomes 100% accurate for the binary classification problem of detecting COVID-19 scans. Source code of this work can be found at GitHub-link.
Cyclin M2 (CNNM2) knockout mice show mild hypomagnesaemia and developmental defects
Authors: Franken Gijs A. C. , Seker Murat , Bos Caro , Siemons Laura A. H. , van der Eerden Bram C. J. , Christ Annabel , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , Bindels René J. M. , Müller Dominik , Breiderhoff Tilman , de Baaij Jeroen H. F.
Published: April 2021

Patients with mutations in Cyclin M2 (CNNM2) suffer from hypomagnesaemia, seizures, and intellectual disability. Although the molecular function of CNNM2 is under debate, the protein is considered essential for renal Mg2+ reabsorption. Here, we used a Cnnm2 knock out mouse model, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to assess the role of CNNM2 in Mg2+ homeostasis. Breeding Cnnm2+/− mice resulted in a Mendelian distribution at embryonic day 18. Nevertheless, only four Cnnm2−/− pups were born alive. The Cnnm2−/− pups had a significantly lower serum Mg2+ concentration compared to wildtype littermates. Subsequently, adult Cnnm2+/− mice were fed with low, control, or high Mg2+ diets for two weeks. Adult Cnnm2+/− mice showed mild hypomagnesaemia compared to Cnnm2+/+ mice and increased serum Ca2+ levels, independent of dietary Mg2+ intake. Faecal analysis displayed increased Mg2+ and Ca2+ excretion in the Cnnm2+/− mice. Transcriptional profiling of Trpm6, Trpm7, and Slc41a1 in kidneys and colon did not reveal effects based on genotype. Microcomputed tomography analysis of the femurs demonstrated equal bone morphology and density. In conclusion, CNNM2 is vital for embryonic development and Mg2+ homeostasis. Our data suggest a previously undescribed role of CNNM2 in the intestine, which may contribute to the Mg2+ deficiency in mice and patients.
Cetacean distribution models based on visual and passive acoustic data
Authors: Frasier Kaitlin E. , Garrison Lance P. , Soldevilla Melissa S. , Wiggins Sean M. , Hildebrand John A.
Published: April 2021

Distribution models are needed to understand spatiotemporal patterns in cetacean occurrence and to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. Shipboard line-transect visual surveys are the standard method for estimating abundance and describing the distributions of cetacean populations. Ship-board surveys provide high spatial resolution but lack temporal resolution and seasonal coverage. Stationary passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) employs acoustic sensors to sample point locations nearly continuously, providing high temporal resolution in local habitats across days, seasons and years. To evaluate whether cross-platform data synthesis can improve distribution predictions, models were developed for Cuvier’s beaked whales, sperm whales, and Risso’s dolphins in the oceanic Gulf of Mexico using two different methods: generalized additive models and neural networks. Neural networks were able to learn unspecified interactions between drivers. Models that incorporated PAM datasets out-performed models trained on visual data alone, and joint models performed best in two out of three cases. The modeling results suggest that, when taken together, multiple species distribution models using a variety of data types may support conservation and management of Gulf of Mexico cetacean populations by improving the understanding of temporal and spatial species distribution trends.
Interleukin-37 regulates innate immune signaling in human and mouse colonic organoids
Authors: Allaire Joannie M. , Poon Anita , Crowley Shauna M. , Han Xiao , Sharafian Zohreh , Moore Navjit , Stahl Martin , Bressler Brian , Lavoie Pascal M. , Jacobson Kevan , Li Xiaoxia , Vallance Bruce A.
Published: April 2021

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) reside in close proximity to the gut microbiota and are hypo-responsive to bacterial products, likely to prevent maladaptive inflammatory responses. This is in part due to their strong expression of Single Ig IL-1 related receptor (SIGIRR), a negative regulator of interleukin (IL)-1 and toll-like receptor signaling. IL-37 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits innate signaling in diverse cells by signaling through SIGIRR. Despite the strong expression of SIGIRR by IEC, few studies have examined whether IL-37 can suppress their innate immune signaling. We characterized innate immune responses of human and murine colonoids to bacteria (FliC, LPS) and host (IL-1β) products and the role of IL-37/SIGIRR in regulating these responses. We demonstrated that human colonoids responded only to FliC, but not to LPS or IL-1β. While colonoids derived from different donors displayed significant inter-individual variability in the magnitude of their innate responses to FliC stimulation, all colonoids released a variety of chemokines. Interestingly, IL-37 attenuated these responses through inhibition of p38 and NFκB signaling pathways. We determined that this suppression by IL-37 was SIGIRR dependent, in murine organoids. Along with species-specific differences in IEC innate responses, we show that IL-37 can promote IEC hypo-responsiveness by suppressing inflammatory signaling.
Spatiotemporal 7q11.23 protein network analysis implicates the role of DNA repair pathway during human brain development
Authors: Chen Liang , Wang Weidi , Cai Wenxiang , Song Weichen , Qian Wei , Lin Guan Ning
Published: April 2021

Recurrent deletions and duplications of chromosome 7q11.23 copy number variants (CNVs) are associated with several psychiatric disorders. Although phenotypic abnormalities have been observed in patients, causal genes responsible for CNV-associated diagnoses and traits are still poorly understood. Furthermore, the targeted human brain regions, developmental stages, protein networks, and signaling pathways, influenced by this CNV remain unclear. Previous works showed GTF2I involved in Williams-Beuren syndrome, but pathways affected by GTF2I are indistinct. We first constructed dynamic spatiotemporal networks of 7q11.23 genes by combining data from the brain developmental transcriptome with physical interactions of 7q11.23 proteins. Topological changes were observed in protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks throughout different stages of brain development. Early and late fetal periods of development in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and amygdale were observed as the vital periods and regions for 7q11.23 CNV proteins. CNV proteins and their partners are significantly enriched in DNA repair pathway. As a driver gene, GTF2I interacted with PRKDC and BRCA1 to involve in DNA repair pathway. The physical interaction between GTF2I with PRKDC was confirmed experimentally by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). We identified that early and late fetal periods are crucial for 7q11.23 genes to affect brain development. Our results implicate that 7q11.23 CNV genes converge on the DNA repair pathway to contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric diseases.
Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B by TNF promotes nucleus pulposus mineralization through inhibition of ANKH and ENPP1
Authors: Krzyzanowska Agata K. , Frawley Robert J. , Damle Sheela , Chen Tony , Otero Miguel , Cunningham Matthew E.
Published: April 2021

Spontaneous mineralization of the nucleus pulposus (NP) has been observed in cases of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in mineralization of multiple tissues through their modulation of expression of factors that enable or inhibit mineralization, including TNAP, ANKH or ENPP1. This study examines the underlying factors leading to NP mineralization, focusing on the contribution of the inflammatory cytokine, TNF, to this pathologic event. We show that human and bovine primary NP cells express high levels of ANKH and ENPP1, and low or undetectable levels of TNAP. Bovine NPs transduced to express TNAP were capable of matrix mineralization, which was further enhanced by ANKH knockdown. TNF treatment or overexpression promoted a greater increase in mineralization of TNAP-expressing cells by downregulating the expression of ANKH and ENPP1 via NF-κB activation. The increased mineralization was accompanied by phenotypic changes that resemble chondrocyte hypertrophy, including increased RUNX2 and COL10A1 mRNA; mirroring the cellular alterations typical of samples from IDD patients. Disc organ explants injected with TNAP/TNF- or TNAP/shANKH-overexpressing cells showed increased mineral content inside the NP. Together, our results confirm interactions between TNF and downstream regulators of matrix mineralization in NP cells, providing evidence to suggest their participation in NP calcification during IDD.
Blastocyst cryopreservation and cryopreservation-warming transfer is an effective embryo transfer strategy for day 1 rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Li Ming , Li Qin , Wang Ying , Huang Jin , Liu Ping
Published: April 2021

This was a retrospective analysis of a total of 625 r-ICSI cycles using freeze-all-embryos and embryo transfers (ET) in subsequent cryopreservation-warming cycles to determine the effect of the ET method for day 1 rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles (r-ICSI). Two methods were used: in method 1, cleavage-stage embryos were frozen and were directly transferred in a subsequent cryopreservation-warming cycle (r-ICSI frozen cleavage), and 144 cleavage-stage ETs occurred. Similarly, in method 2, there were 188 blastocyst-stage ETs (r-ICSI frozen blast) performed. The live birth rate (LBR) for r-ICSI frozen blast was better than that for r-ICSI frozen cleavage in calculation of ET cycles (19.44% vs. 37.77%) and also remained better after the use of logistic regression analysis (OR = 2.721, 95% CI 1.604–4.616). Conservative cumulative LBR were compared between r-ICSI frozen cleavage and r-ICSI frozen blast with regard to oocyte retrieval cycles (17.39% vs. 15.30%). The same results were obtained for conservative cumulative LBR after logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.925, 95% CI 0.557–1.535). The results of this study confirmed that it was valuable to perform r-ICSI if using freeze-all-embryos. Further, r-ICSI embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage, cryopreserved, and used in subsequent cryopreservation-warming cycles, which was an effective embryo transfer strategy and obtained satisfactory results.
Joint improvements of radar/infrared stealth for exhaust system of unmanned aircraft based on sorting factor Pareto solution
Authors: Zhou Ze Yang , Huang Jun
Published: April 2021

In order to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of the unmanned aircraft while suppressing its infrared signature, a comprehensive design method (CDM) based on sorting factor Pareto solution is presented. The physical optics and physical diffraction theory are used to evaluate the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of the aircraft, and the Monte Carlo and ray tracing method are used to evaluate the infrared radiation intensity of the exhaust system. CDM is used to evaluate and screen each individual in each offspring, and the design parameters and sub-models of the aircraft exhaust system are continuously improved. The results show that the exhaust port model, lower baffle and nozzle height are the main factors affecting the RCS indicators, nozzle stages, exhaust port model, lower baffle and outer width make the main contribution to infrared radiation suppression. The presented CDM is efficient and effective in enhancing the radar/infrared integrated stealth performance of the aircraft.
One-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles via chemical precipitation for bromophenol blue adsorption and the antifungal activity against filamentous fungi
Authors: Akpomie Kovo G. , Ghosh Soumya , Gryzenhout Marieka , Conradie Jeanet
Published: April 2021

In this research, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were prepared via a facile one-pot chemical precipitation approach and applied in the adsorption of bromophenol blue (BRB) and as antifungal agents against the filamentous fungi and plant pathogens; Alternaria alternata CGJM3078, Alternaria alternata CGJM3006 and Fusarium verticilliodes CGJM3823. The ZnONPs were characterized by the UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX techniques, which showed efficient synthesis. The characteristics ZnO UV–Vis absorption band was observed at 375 nm, while the XRD showed an average ZnONPs crystalline size of 47.2 nm. The SEM and TEM images showed an irregular shaped and aggregated porous structure of 65.3 nm average-sized ZnONPs. The TGA showed 22.9% weight loss at 800 °C indicating the high thermal stability of ZnONPs, while BET analysis revealed a surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of 9.259 m2/g, 0.03745 cm3/g and 9.87 nm respectively. The Freundlich, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models showed R2 > 0.9494 and SSE < 0.7412, thus, exhibited the best fit to the isotherm and kinetics models. Thermodynamics revealed feasible, endothermic, random, and spontaneous adsorption of BRB onto the synthesized ZnONPs. The antifungal assay conducted depicts strong antifungal activities against all three tested fungi. Noticeably, ZnONPs (0.002–5 mg/mL) showed maximum activities with the largest zone of inhibition against A. alternata CGJM 3006 from 25.09 to 36.28 mm. This was followed by the strain F. verticilliodes CGJM 3823 (range from 23.77 to 34.77 mm) > A. alternata CGJM3078 (range from 22.73 to 30.63 mm) in comparison to Bleach 5% (positive control). Additionally a model was proposed based on the possible underlying mechanisms for the antifungal effect. This research demonstrated the potent use of ZnONPs for the adsorption of BRB and as effective antifungal agents.
HIV clinical stages and lower extremity arterial disease among HIV infected outpatients in Burundi
Authors: Desormais Ileana , Harimenshi Deo , Niyongabo Théodore , Lacroix Philippe , Aboyans Victor , Preux Pierre Marie
Published: April 2021

Chronic disease of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are now approaching those of the general population. Previous, in vitro studies shown that HIV causes arterial injuries resulting in inflammation and atherosclerosis but direct relationship between HIV infection clinical stages and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) remain controversial. No study assessed, with an accurate method, both the prevalence of LEAD and the influence of HIV severity on LEAD in HIV outpatients in Central Africa.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 HIV-infected outpatients, aged ≥ 40 years in Bujumbura, Burundi. All patients underwent ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement and LEAD was diagnosed by ABI ≤ 0.9. The prevalence of LEAD was 17.3% (CI 95% 13.2–22.1). The mean age was 49.6 ± 7.1 years. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with LEAD were hypertension (OR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.10–5.80), and stage IV HIV clinical infection (OR = 4.92, 95% CI 1.19–20.36). This is the first study performed on a large HIV population in Central Africa, reporting high LEAD prevalence. It underlines the influence of HIV infection on peripheral atherosclerosis at latest clinical stages and the need for LEAD screening in HIV-infected patients.
Behavioral responses of the European mink in the face of different threats: conspecific competitors, predators, and anthropic disturbances
Authors: Ortiz-Jiménez Lorena , Iglesias-Merchan Carlos , Barja Isabel
Published: April 2021

Prey species assess the risk of threat using visual, olfactory, and acoustic cues from their habitat. Thus, they modify their behavior in order to avoid encounters with competitors, predators, and human disturbances that endanger their fitness. European mink (Mustela lutreola) is a critically endangered species that can be preyed upon by larger carnivores and displaced by dominant conspecifics to areas of lower quality, e.g., near to more anthropized localities which may be noisier. In this study, the behavioral responses of 24 European mink were evaluated by conducting an experiment in which the presence of a conspecific competitor was simulated with a visual cue (mirror) and the presence of predators (terrestrial and aerial) with odorous cues. Additionally, they were also exposed to potential sources of anthropic disturbance with acoustic cues (road traffic noise and human voices). Our results showed that European mink were hidden for longer periods of time due to the presence of conspecifics and being exposed to the fecal odors of a terrestrial predator such as dog, but especially when they were exposed to anthropic noises. In the presence of a conspecific, the females and the subadults were the ones who remained hidden for the longest time. As well, they were hidden for longer periods of time due to the presence of conspecifics but in combination with dog feces and anthropic sounds did not induce variations in the response, as both by themselves already triggered an increase in the time they spent hiding. The vigilance model showed the effects of the same factors as the hiding model, but with antagonistic effects in the case of vigilance time which decreased during anthropic noises exposition. Finally, we want to highlight that European mink showed an innate response favorable to all three types of threats, but attention should be focused on human disturbances—as they trigger the most extreme responses—which may affect the rate of survival of this threatened species.
Assessment of phylo-functional coherence along the bacterial phylogeny and taxonomy
Authors: Parras-Moltó Marcos , Aguirre de Cárcer Daniel
Published: April 2021

In this report we use available curated phylogenies, taxonomy, and genome annotations to assess the phylogenetic and gene content similarity associated with each different taxon and taxonomic rank. Subsequently, we employ the same data to assess the frontiers of functional coherence along the bacterial phylogeny. Our results show that within-group phylogenetic and gene content similarity of taxa in the same rank are not homogenous, and that these values show extensive overlap between ranks. Functional coherence along the 16S rRNA gene-based phylogeny was limited to 44 particular nodes presenting large variations in phylogenetic depth. For instance, the deep subtree affiliated to class Actinobacteria presented functional coherence, while the shallower family Enterobacteriaceae-affiliated subtree did not. On the other hand, functional coherence along the genome-based phylogeny delimited deep subtrees affiliated to phyla Actinobacteriota, Deinococcota, Chloroflexota, Firmicutes, and a subtree containing the rest of the bacterial phyla. The results presented here can be used to guide the exploration of results in many microbial ecology and evolution research scenarios. Moreover, we provide dedicated scripts and files that can be used to continue the exploration of functional coherence along the bacterial phylogeny employing different parameters or input data (https://git.io/Jec5U).
Evidence of a hormonal reshuffle in the cecal metabolome fingerprint of a strain of rats resistant to decompression sickness
Authors: Vallee Nicolas , Dugrenot Emmanuel , Desruelle Anne-Virginie , Tardivel Catherine , Martin Jean-Charles , Guernec Anthony , Boussuges Alain , Rives Sarah , Risso Jean-Jacques , Guerrero François
Published: April 2021

On one side, decompression sickness (DCS) with neurological disorders lead to a reshuffle of the fecal metabolome from rat caecum. On the other side, there is high inter-individual variability in terms of occurrence of DCS. One could wonder whether the fecal metabolome could be linked to the DCS-susceptibility. We decided to study male and female rats selected for their resistance to decompression sickness, and we hypothesize a strong impregnation concerning the fecal metabolome. The aim is to verify whether the rats resistant to the accident have a fecal metabolomic signature different from the stem generations sensitive to DCS. 39 DCS-resistant animals (21 females and 18 males), aged 14 weeks, were compared to 18 age-matched standard Wistar rats (10 females and 8 males), i.e., the same as those we used for the founding stock. Conventional and ChemRICH approaches helped the metabolomic interpretation of the 226 chemical compounds analyzed in the cecal content. Statistical analysis shows a panel of 81 compounds whose expression had changed following the selection of rats based on their resistance to DCS. 63 compounds are sex related. 39 are in common. This study shows the spectral fingerprint of the fecal metabolome from the caecum of a strain of rats resistant to decompression sickness. This study also confirms a difference linked to sex in the metabolome of non-selected rats, which disappear with selective breeding. Results suggest hormonal and energetic reshuffle, including steroids sugars or antibiotic compounds, whether in the host or in the microbial community.
An in vitro tumorigenesis model based on live-cell-generated oxygen and nutrient gradients
Authors: Gilmore Anne C. , Flaherty Sarah J. , Somasundaram Veena , Scheiblin David A. , Lockett Stephen J. , Wink David A. , Heinz William F.
Published: April 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is multi-cellular, spatially heterogenous, and contains cell-generated gradients of soluble molecules. Current cell-based model systems lack this complexity or are difficult to interrogate microscopically. We present a 2D live-cell chamber that approximates the TME and demonstrate that breast cancer cells and macrophages generate hypoxic and nutrient gradients, self-organize, and have spatially varying phenotypes along the gradients, leading to new insights into tumorigenesis.
Flow parallel synthesizer for multiplex synthesis of aryl diazonium libraries via efficient parameter screening
Authors: Ahn Gwang-Noh , Sharma Brijesh M. , Lahore Santosh , Yim Se-Jun , Vidyacharan Shinde , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: April 2021

The development of miniaturized flow platforms would enable efficient and selective synthesis of drug and lead molecules by rapidly exploring synthetic methodologies and screening for optimal conditions, progress in which could be transformative for the field. In spite of tremendous advances made in continuous flow technology, these reported flow platforms are not devised to conduct many different reactions simultaneously. Herein, we report a metal-based flow parallel synthesizer that enables multiplex synthesis of libraries of compounds and efficient screening of parameters. This miniaturized synthesizer, equipped with a unique built-in flow distributor and n number of microreactors, can execute multiple types of reactions in parallel under diverse conditions, including photochemistry. Diazonium-based reactions are explored as a test case by distributing the reagent to 16 (n = 16) capillaries to which various building blocks are supplied for the chemistry library synthesis at the optimal conditions obtained by multiplex screening of 96 different reaction variables in reaction time, concentration, and product type. The proficiency of the flow parallel synthesizer is showcased by multiplex formation of various C–C, C–N, C–X, and C–S bonds, leading to optimization of 24 different aryl diazonium chemistries.
Large-scale variation in seismic anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle beneath Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Legendre Cédric P. , Zhao Li , Tseng Tai-Lin
Published: April 2021

The average anisotropy beneath Anatolia is very strong and is well constrained by shear-wave splitting measurements. However, the vertical layering of anisotropy and the contribution of each layer to the overall pattern is still an open question. Here, we construct anisotropic phase-velocity maps of fundamental-mode Rayleigh waves for the Anatolia region using ambient noise seismology and records from several regional seismic stations. We find that the anisotropy patterns in the crust, lithosphere and asthenosphere beneath Anatolia have limited amplitudes and are generally consistent with regional tectonics and mantle processes dominated by the collision between Eurasia and Arabia and the Aegean/Anatolian subduction system. The anisotropy of these layers in the crust and upper mantle are, however, not consistent with the strong average anisotropy measured in this area. We therefore suggest that the main contribution to overall anisotropy likely originates from a deep and highly anisotropic region round the mantle transition zone.
Formation of phosphine imide (HNPH3) and its phosphinous amide (H2N–PH2) isomer
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Bergantini Alexandre , Singh Santosh K. , Kaiser Ralf I. , Eckhardt André K. , Schreiner Peter R. , Huang Ya-Syuan , Sun Bing-Jian , Chang Agnes H. H.
Published: April 2021

Phosphine imide (HNPH3)–the simplest iminophosphorane–and phosphinous amide (H2N–PH2) were prepared by exposing phosphine–ammonia ices to ionizing radiation.
Nonlinear light absorption in many-electron systems excited by an instantaneous electric field: a non-perturbative approach
Authors: Guandalini Alberto , Cocchi Caterina , Pittalis Stefano , Ruini Alice , Rozzi Carlo Andrea
Published: April 2021

The time-evolution of many-electron systems induced by an electric field in the instantaneous limit is an effective tool for investigating computationally nonlinear optical properties. It works well also for those cases in which the convergence of the perturbative expansions of the cross sections is challenging.
From colloidal particles to photonic crystals: advances in self-assembly and their emerging applications
Authors: Cai Zhongyu , Li Zhiwei , Ravaine Serge , He Mingxin , Song Yanlin , Yin Yadong , Zheng Hanbin , Teng Jinghua , Zhang Ao
Published: April 2021

This paper reviews the advances in the state-of-the-art colloidal self-assembly methods to fabricate colloidal photonic crystals and their emerging applications.
Coupling effects of thermodynamics in multiple ion co-precipitation for precursors towards a layered oxide cathode
Authors: Zhao He , Zhang Qi , Gao Xuan-Wen , Li Jian-Zhong , Liu Hua-Kun , Luo Wen-Bin
Published: April 2021

The co-precipitation process was controlled and the different driving forces were balanced based on the coupling effects of thermodynamics.
Mononuclear copper(i) complexes of triphenylphosphine and N,N′-disubstituted thioureas as potential DNA binding chemotherapeutics
Authors: Khan Syed Ishtiaq , Ahmad Sajjad , Khan Inayat Ali , Badshah Amin , Rauf Muhammad Khawar , Putejo Jahangir Ali , Siddiq Muhammad Nasir , Kausar Samia , Altaf Ataf Ali
Published: April 2021

Herein, nine copper(i) bromide complexes with N,N′-disubstituted thioureas and triphenylphosphine, were synthesized via a simple solution-based reaction at 60 °C and characterized, selected complexes were screened for DNA binding.
Specific detection of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula using ssDNA aptamer
Authors: Kim Hye Ri , Kim Myunghee , Kim Byoung Chan
Published: April 2021

A description of the Cronobacter sakazakii detection from contaminated powdered infant formula using C. sakazakii-specific aptamer isolated by the centrifugation based-partitioning method.
Exploring the utility of Au@PVP-polyamide-Triton X-114 for SERS tracking of extracellular senescence associated-beta-galactosidase activity
Authors: Li Shaofei , Cheng Yizhuang , Qin Miao , Chen Siyu , Li Pan , Yang Liangbao
Published: April 2021

A compound with enrichment and SERS enhancement was successfully developed, which could rapidly adsorb X-gal hydrolysates from a liquid matrix in 5 minutes and further be used for SERS analysis with a detection limit of less than 1 × 10−9 mol L−1.
Blocking polymerization of CTFs induces plentiful structural terminations for synchronous removal of organics and Cr(vi)
Authors: Zeng Tao , Jin Zhiquan , Li Shuqi , Bao Jiawen , Huang Zheqing , Shen Yi , Zhang Haiyan , Wang Da , Song Shuang
Published: April 2021

Illustration of the charge transfer processes in donor (–OH) and acceptor (–CN) STCH-CTFs upon light irradiation of the pristine CTF and STCH-CTF10.
CO substitution by PPh3 in Fe2S2(CO)6 proceeds via a novel Fe2S intermediate
Authors: Zhang Fanjun , Woods Toby J. , Rauchfuss Thomas B. , Arrigoni Federica , Zampella Giuseppe
Published: April 2021

Substitution of CO ligands by PPh3 in Fe2(μ-S2)(CO)6 proceeds by a desulfurization–resulfurization sequence, generating SPPh3 and Fe2(μ-S)(CO)6(PPh3)2 as intermediates. Protonation of Fe2(μ-S)(CO)6(PPh3)2 occurs at sulfur.
Visible-light-driven Cr(vi) reduction by ferrocene-integrated conjugated porous polymers via dual catalytic routes
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Weijie , Yang Yumin , Tang Juntao , Pan Chunyue , Liu You-Nian , Abu-Reziq Raed , Yu Guipeng
Published: April 2021

We developed two ferrocene-functionalized conjugated polymers (Fc-CPPs) and reported a dual catalytic pathway with high photocatalytic activity towards Cr(vi) reduction.
Ultra-thin structures of manganese fluorides: conversion from manganese dichalcogenides by fluorination
Authors: Baskurt Mehmet , Nair Rahul R. , Peeters Francois M. , Sahin Hasan
Published: April 2021

Growth of ultra-thin magnetic manganese fluoride crystals by fluorination of manganese dichalcogenides and resulting structural, magnetic, vibrational, mechanical, and electronic properties are investigated theoretically.
Interaction topologies of the S⋯O chalcogen bond: the conformational equilibrium of the cyclohexanol⋯SO2 cluster
Authors: Jin Yan , Saragi Rizalina T. , Juanes Marcos , Feng Gang , Lesarri Alberto
Published: April 2021

The versatile SO2 engages simultaneously in a S⋯O chalcogen bond and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds when interacting with cyclohexanol.
Tuning the reduction potentials of benzoquinone through the coordination to Lewis acids
Authors: Thompson Brena L. , Heiden Zachariah M.
Published: April 2021

This computational study investigates the nature of the interaction between benzoquinone and one and two Lewis acids by examining the influence of Lewis acid strength on the ability to alter the two reduction potentials of the coordinated benzoquinone molecule.
Vapochromic behaviour of a nickel(ii)-quinonoid complex with dimensional changes between 1D and higher
Authors: Yano Ryota , Yoshida Masaki , Tsunenari Takahiro , Sato-Tomita Ayana , Nozawa Shunsuke , Iida Youhei , Matsunaga Noriaki , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako
Published: April 2021

The nickel(ii)–chloranilato complex shows reversible vapochromism with changes in dimensionality upon exposure to various vapours and subsequent drying by heating.
Tuning of magnetic properties of the 2D CN-bridged NiII–NbIV framework by incorporation of guest cations of alkali and alkaline earth metals
Authors: Heczko Michał , Reczyński Mateusz , Näther Christian , Nowicka Beata
Published: April 2021

The coercive field of the magnetic hysteresis loop of the 2D microporous honeycomb-like Ni–Nb network decreases with the increasing number and size of the s-block metal guest cations.
Synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of solid phases in the quasi-ternary system Mg(SCN)2–H2O–THF
Authors: Joos Markus , Conrad Maurice , Merkle Rotraut , Schleid Thomas , Maier Joachim , Dinnebier Robert E. , Bette Sebastian
Published: April 2021

Mg(SCN)2·4H2O can be converted into Mg(SCN)2·(4 − x)H2O·xTHF compounds with x = 2 and 4 by multiple recrystallization in THF. Heating of Mg(SCN)2·4THF leads to anisotropic lattice expansion, growing THF-disorder and eventually to Mg(SCN)2·2THF.
Turn-on type sensing of methanol vapor by a luminescent platinum(ii) dichloride complex with 21-dibenzoarsacrown-7
Authors: Sumida Akifumi , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: April 2021

Platinum(II) dichloride complex with 21-dibenzoarsacrown-7 can capture methanol vapor into the crystal matrix to turn on the luminescence. The present sensing system has high selectivity, rapid response time, and good reusability.
Protein corona-induced aggregation of differently sized nanoplastics: impacts of protein type and concentration
Authors: Li Xing , He Erkai , Xia Bing , Liu Yang , Zhang Peihua , Cao Xinde , Zhao Ling , Xu Xiaoyun , Qiu Hao
Published: April 2021

The aggregation of two sizes of nanosized plastic particles in aquatic environments was different in the presence of proteins with various electrical characteristics and concentrations.
A multilayered blood vessel/tumor tissue chip to investigate T cell infiltration into solid tumor tissues
Authors: Lee Jaehyun , Kim Seong-Eun , Moon Dowon , Doh Junsang
Published: April 2021

We developed a multilayered blood vessel/tumor tissue chip (MBTC) that allows systematic investigation on T cell tumor infiltration. Key characteristics of T cell dynamics in tumor microenvironments are recapitulated in the MBTCs.
Emergent 2D materials for combating infectious diseases: the potential of MXenes and MXene–graphene composites to fight against pandemics
Authors: Dwivedi Neeraj , Dhand Chetna , Kumar Pradip , Srivastava A. K.
Published: April 2021

Novel materials and technological development can contribute to fight against pandemic.
The role of metal substitutions in the development of Li batteries, part II: solid electrolytes
Authors: Jonderian Antranik , McCalla Eric
Published: April 2021

In optimizing solid electrolytes, metal substitutions have played a pivotal role. To evaluate the impact of substitutions, numerous properties must be evaluated simultaneously to ensure improved performed in complete all-solid batteries.