bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered iron metabolism in cystic fibrosis macrophages: the impact of CFTR modulators and implications for Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival
Authors: Hazlett H. F. , Hampton T. H. , Aridgides D. S. , Armstrong D. A. , Dessaint J. A. , Mellinger D. L. , Nymon A. B. , Ashare A.
Published: July 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, resulting in chronic bacterial lung infections and tissue damage. CF macrophages exhibit reduced bacterial killing and increased inflammatory signaling. Iron is elevated in the CF lung and is a critical nutrient for bacteria, including the common CF pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). While macrophages are a key regulatory component of extracellular iron, iron metabolism has yet to be characterized in human CF macrophages. Secreted and total protein levels were analyzed in non-CF and F508del/F508del CF monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) with and without clinically approved CFTR modulators ivacaftor/lumacaftor. CF macrophage transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) was reduced with ivacaftor/lumacaftor treatment. When activated with LPS, CF macrophage expressed reduced ferroportin (Fpn). After the addition of exogenous iron, total iron was elevated in conditioned media from CF MDMs and reduced in conditioned media from ivacaftor/lumacaftor treated CF MDMs. Pa biofilm formation and viability were elevated in conditioned media from CF MDMs and biofilm formation was reduced in the presence of conditioned media from ivacaftor/lumacaftor treated CF MDMs. Defects in iron metabolism observed in this study may inform host–pathogen interactions between CF macrophages and Pa.
Web portal for analytical validation of MRM-MS assay abided with integrative multinational guidelines
Authors: Kim Jaenyeon , Yeo Injoon , Kim Hyunsoo , Sohn Areum , Kim Yoseop , Kim Youngsoo
Published: July 2020

Multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry became a mainstream method for quantitative proteomics, which made the validation of a method and the analyzed data important. In this portal for validation of the MRM-MS assay, we developed a website that automatically evaluates uploaded MRM-MS data, based on biomarker assay guidelines from the European Medicines Agency, the US Food & Drug Administration, and the Korea Food & Drug Administration. The portal reads a Skyline output file and produces the following results—calibration curve, specificity, sensitivity, carryover, precision, recovery, matrix effect, recovery, dilution integrity, stability, and QC—according to the standards of each independent agency. The final tables and figures that pertain to the 11 evaluation categories are displayed in an individual page. Spring boot was used as a framework for development of the webpage, which follows MVC Pattern. JSP, HTML, XML, and Java Script were used to develop the webpage. A server was composed of Apache Tomcat, MySQL. Input files were skyline-derived output files (csv file), and each files were organized by specific columns in order. SQL, JAVA were interworked to evaluate all the categories and show the results. Method Validation Portal can be accessed via any kind of explorer from https://pnbvalid.snu.ac.kr.
Identification and functional analysis of five genes that encode distinct isoforms of protein phosphatase 1 in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Wang Weixia , Zhu Tingheng , Lai Fengxiang , Wan Pinjun , Wei Qi , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Ten distinct cDNAs encoding five different protein phosphatases 1 (PPP1) were cloned from Nilaparvata lugens. NlPPP1α and NlPPP1β are highly conserved whereas NlPPP1-Y, NlPPP1-Y1 and NlPPP1-Y2 are lowly conserved among insects. NlPPP1α and NlPPP1β exhibited a ubiquitous expression, while NlPPP1-Y, NlPPP1-Y1, and NlPPP1-Y2 were obviously detected from the 4th instar nymph to imago developmental stages in males, especially detected in internal reproductive organ and fat bodies of the male. Injection nymphs with dsRNA of NlPPP1α or NlPPP1β was able to reduce the target gene expression in a range of 71.5–91.0%, inducing a maximum mortality rate of 95.2% or 97.2% at 10th day after injection and eclosion ratio down by 65.5–100.0%. Injection with dsNlPPP1Ys targeted to NlPPP1-Y, NlPPP1-Y1and NlPPP1-Y2 was able to induce a maximum mortality rate of 95.5% at 10th day after injection, eclosion ratio down by 86.4%. Knock-down one of the male-biased NlPPP1 genes has no effect on survival and eclosion ratio. Injection of 4th instar nymph with dsNlPPP1Ys led to reduced oviposition amount and hatchability, down by 44.7% and 19.6% respectively. Knock-down of NlPPP1-Y1 or NlPPP1-Y2 gene did not significantly affect oviposition amount but significantly affected hatchability. The results indicate that the male-biased NlPPP1 genes have overlapping functions in N. lugens development, and NlPPP1-Y1 and NlPPP1-Y2 may play important roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. The dsNlPPP1β and dsNlPPP1Ys in this study could be the preferred sequence in RNAi and low-conserved male-biased NlPPP1 genes could be potential target for N. lugens control.
Quiescent stem cell marker genes in glioma gene networks are sufficient to distinguish between normal and glioblastoma (GBM) samples
Authors: Mukherjee Shradha
Published: July 2020

Grade 4 glioma or GBM has poor prognosis and is the most aggressive grade of glioma. Accurate diagnosis and classification of tumor grade is a critical determinant for development of treatment pathway. Extensive genomic sequencing of gliomas, different cell types, brain tissue regions and advances in bioinformatics algorithms, have presented an opportunity to identify molecular markers that can complement existing histology and imaging methods used to diagnose and classify gliomas. ‘Cancer stem cell theory’ purports that a minor population of stem cells among the heterogeneous population of different cell types in the tumor, drive tumor growth and resistance to therapies. However, characterization of stem cell states in GBM and ability of stem cell state signature genes to serve as diagnostic or prognostic molecular markers are unknown. In this work, two different network construction algorithms, Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Multiscale Clustering of Geometric Network (MEGENA), were applied on publicly available glioma, control brain and stem cell gene expression RNA-seq datasets, to identify gene network regulatory modules associated with GBM. Both gene network algorithms identified consensus or equivalent modules, HuAgeGBsplit_18 (WGCNA) and c1_HuAgeGBsplit_32/193 (MEGENA), significantly associated with GBM. Characterization of HuAgeGBsplit_18 (WGCNA) and c1_HuAgeGBsplit_32/193 (MEGENA) modules showed significant enrichment of rodent quiescent stem cell marker genes (GSE70696_QNPbyTAP). A logistic regression model built with eight of these quiescent stem cell marker genes (GSE70696_QNPbyTAP) was sufficient to distinguish between control and GBM samples. This study demonstrates that GBM associated gene regulatory modules are characterized by diagnostic quiescent stem cell marker genes, which may potentially be used clinically as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in GBM.
Defining multiplicity of vector uptake in transfected Plasmodium parasites
Authors: Carrasquilla Manuela , Adjalley Sophie , Sanderson Theo , Marin-Menendez Alejandro , Coyle Rachael , Montandon Ruddy , Rayner Julian C. , Pance Alena , Lee Marcus C. S.
Published: July 2020

The recurrent emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum increases the urgency to genetically validate drug resistance mechanisms and identify new targets. Reverse genetics have facilitated genome-scale knockout screens in Plasmodium berghei and Toxoplasma gondii, in which pooled transfections of multiple vectors were critical to increasing scale and throughput. These approaches have not yet been implemented in human malaria species such as P. falciparum and P. knowlesi, in part because the extent to which pooled transfections can be performed in these species remains to be evaluated. Here we use next-generation sequencing to quantitate uptake of a pool of 94 barcoded vectors. The distribution of vector acquisition allowed us to estimate the number of barcodes and DNA molecules taken up by the parasite population. Dilution cloning of P. falciparum transfectants showed that individual clones possess as many as seven episomal barcodes, revealing that an intake of multiple vectors is a frequent event despite the inefficient transfection efficiency. Transfection of three spectrally-distinct fluorescent reporters allowed us to evaluate different transfection methods and revealed that schizont-stage transfection limited the tendency for parasites to take up multiple vectors. In contrast to P. falciparum, we observed that the higher transfection efficiency of P. knowlesi resulted in near complete representation of the library. These findings have important implications for how reverse genetics can be scaled in culturable Plasmodium species.
Physical controls and ENSO event influence on weathering in the Panama Canal Watershed
Authors: Smith Devin F. , Goldsmith Steven T. , Harmon Brendan A. , Espinosa Jorge A. , Harmon Russell S.
Published: July 2020

Recent empirical studies have documented the importance of tropical mountainous rivers on global silicate weathering and suspended sediment transport. Such field studies are typically based on limited temporal data, leaving uncertainty in the strength of observed relationships with controlling parameters over the long term. A deficiency of long-term data also prevents determination of the impact that multi-year or decadal climate patterns, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), might have on weathering fluxes. Here we analyze an 18-year hydrochemical dataset for eight sub-basins of the Panama Canal Watershed of high-temporal frequency collected between 1998 and 2015 to address these knowledge gaps. We identified a strongly positive covariance of both cation (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) and suspended sediment yields with precipitation and extent of forest cover, whereas we observed negative relationships with temperature and mosaic landcover. We also confirmed a statistical relationship between seasonality, ENSO, and river discharge, with significantly higher values occurring during La Niña events. These findings emphasize the importance that long-term datasets have on identifying short-term influences on chemical and physical weathering rates, especially, in ENSO-influenced regions.
Estimation of parasite age and synchrony status in Plasmodium falciparum infections
Authors: Ciuffreda Laura , Zoiku Felix Kwame , Quashie Neils B. , Ranford-Cartwright Lisa C.
Published: July 2020

Human malaria parasites have complex but poorly understood population dynamics inside their human host. In some but not all infections, parasites progress synchronously through the 48 h lifecycle following erythrocyte invasion, such that at any one time there is a limited spread of parasites at a particular time (hours) post-invasion. Patients presenting with older parasites, and with asynchronous infections, have been reported to have higher risks of fatal outcomes, associated with higher parasite biomass and multiplication rates respectively. However, practical tools to assess synchrony and estimate parasite age post-invasion in patient samples are lacking. We have developed a novel method based on three genes differentially expressed over the parasite intra-erythrocytic lifecycle, and applied it to samples from patients with uncomplicated malaria attending two health clinics in Ghana. We found that most patients presented with synchronous infections, and with parasites within 12 h of erythrocyte invasion. Finally we investigated if clinical features such as fever and parasite density could act as predictors of parasite age and synchrony. The new method is a simple and practicable approach to study parasite dynamics in naturally-infected patients, and is a significant improvement on the subjective microscopical methods for parasite staging in vivo, aiding patient management.
The role of RND-type efflux pumps in multidrug-resistant mutants of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ni Rui Ting , Onishi Motoyasu , Mizusawa Minako , Kitagawa Ryoko , Kishino Takanori , Matsubara Futoshi , Tsuchiya Tomofusa , Kuroda Teruo , Ogawa Wakano
Published: July 2020

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is a worldwide problem. K. pneumoniae possesses numerous resistant genes in its genome. We isolated mutants resistant to various antimicrobials in vitro and investigated the importance of intrinsic genes in acquired resistance. The isolation frequency of the mutants was 10−7–10−9. Of the multidrug-resistant mutants, hyper-multidrug-resistant mutants (EB256-1, EB256-2, Nov1-8, Nov2-2, and OX128) were identified, and accelerated efflux activity of ethidium from the inside to the outside of the cells was observed in these mutants. Therefore, we hypothesized that the multidrug efflux pump, especially RND-type efflux pump, would be related to changes of the phenotype. We cloned all RND-type multidrug efflux pumps from the K. pneumoniae genome and characterized them. KexEF and KexC were powerful multidrug efflux pumps, in addition to AcrAB, KexD, OqxAB, and EefABC, which were reported previously. It was revealed that the expression of eefA was increased in EB256-1 and EB256-2: the expression of oqxA was increased in OX128; the expression of kexF was increased in Nov2-2. It was found that a region of 1,485 bp upstream of kexF, was deleted in the genome of Nov2-2. K. pneumoniae possesses more potent RND-multidrug efflux systems than E. coli. However, we revealed that most of them did not contribute to the drug resistance of our strain at basic levels of expression. On the other hand, it was also noted that the overexpression of these pumps could lead to multidrug resistance based on exposure to antimicrobial chemicals. We conclude that these pumps may have a role to maintain the intrinsic resistance of K. pneumoniae when they are overexpressed. The antimicrobial chemicals selected many resistant mutants at the same minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or a concentration slightly higher than the MIC. These results support the importance of using antibiotics at appropriate concentrations at clinical sites.
Solid-state synthesis, magnetic and structural properties of interfacial B2-FeRh(001) layers in Rh/Fe(001) films
Authors: Myagkov V. G. , Ivanenko A. A. , Bykova L. E. , Zhigalov V. S. , Volochaev M. N. , Velikanov D. A. , Matsynin A. A. , Bondarenko G. N.
Published: July 2020

Here we first report results of the start of the solid-state reaction at the Rh/Fe(001) interface and the structural and magnetic phase transformations in 52Rh/48Fe(001), 45Rh/55Fe(001), 68Rh/32Fe(001) bilayers from room temperature to 800 °C. For all bilayers the non-magnetic nanocrystalline phase with a B2 structure (nfm-B2) is the first phase that is formed on the Rh/Fe(001) interface near 100 °C. Above 300 °C, without changing the nanocrystalline B2 structure, the phase grows into the low-magnetization modification αlʹ (MSl ~ 825 emu/cm3) of the ferromagnetic αʹ phase which has a reversible αlʹ ↔ αʺ transition. After annealing 52Rh/48Fe(001) bilayers above 600 °C the αlʹ phase increases in grain size and either develops into αhʹ with high magnetization (MSh ~ 1,220 emu/cm3) or remains in the αlʹ phase. In contrast to αlʹ, the αhʹ ↔ αʺ transition in the αhʹ films is completely suppressed. When the annealing temperature of the 45Rh/55Fe(001) samples is increased from 450 to 800 °C the low-magnetization nanocrystalline αlʹ films develop into high crystalline perfection epitaxial αhʹ(001) layers, which have a high magnetization of ~ 1,275 emu/cm3. αhʹ(001) films do not undergo a transition to an antiferromagnetic αʺ phase. In 68Rh/32Fe(001) samples above 500 °C non-magnetic epitaxial γ(001) layers grow on the Fe(001) interface as a result of the solid-state reaction between the epitaxial αlʹ(001) and polycrystalline Rh films. Our results demonstrate not only the complex nature of chemical interactions at the low-temperature synthesis of the nfm-B2 and αlʹ phases in Rh/Fe(001) bilayers, but also establish their continuous link with chemical mechanisms underlying reversible αlʹ ↔ αʺ transitions.
Preparation and characterization of myristic acid/expanded graphite composite phase change materials for thermal energy storage
Authors: Zhou Dongyi , Yuan Jiawei , Zhou Yuhong , Liu Yicai
Published: July 2020

Myristic acid/expanded graphite (MA/EG) composite phase-change material (CPCM) was prepared by absorbing liquid MA (as the PCM) into EG (as the supporting material). Its chemical structure, microstructure, and thermal properties were characterized and studied. In the MA/EG CPCM, the largest mass content of MA was 93.5% by using the diffusion–exudation circle method for the first time. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the MA and EG were a pure physical mixture of which the structure does not change, and they undergo no chemical reaction. Differential-scanning-calorimetry (DSC) analysis results showed that the melting and freezing temperatures of the MA/EG CPCM were 53.3 and $$52.4^{\,\circ }\hbox {C}$$52.4∘C, respectively, and the melting and freezing latent heats were 189.5 and 187.8 J/g, respectively. After several heat-cycle accelerations, the material still had good thermal-energy-storage effect. MA/EG CPCM thermoconductivity was greatly enhanced after adding EG, and the results of thermal-storage/-release experiments indicated that the thermal-storage and -release ratios of the MA/EG phase-change unit was greatly improved when compared with that of MA. These results indicated that the MA/EG CPCM was a suitable low-temperature thermal-energy-storage material.
Earthquake statistics changed by typhoon-driven erosion
Authors: Steer Philippe , Jeandet Louise , Cubas Nadaya , Marc Odin , Meunier Patrick , Simoes Martine , Cattin Rodolphe , Shyu J. Bruce H. , Mouyen Maxime , Liang Wen-Tzong , Theunissen Thomas , Chiang Shou-Hao , Hovius Niels
Published: July 2020

Tectonics and climate-driven surface processes govern the evolution of Earth’s surface topography. Topographic change in turn influences lithospheric deformation, but the elementary scale at which this feedback can be effective is unclear. Here we show that it operates in a single weather-driven erosion event. In 2009, typhoon Morakot delivered ~ 3 m of precipitation in southern Taiwan, causing exceptional landsliding and erosion. This event was followed by a step increase in the shallow (< 15 km depth) earthquake frequency lasting at least 2.5 years. Also, the scaling of earthquake magnitude and frequency underwent a sudden increase in the area where mass wasting was most intense. These observations suggest that the progressive removal of landslide debris by rivers from southern Taiwan has acted to increase the crustal stress rate to the extent that earthquake activity was demonstrably affected. Our study offers the first evidence of the impact of a single weather-driven erosion event on tectonics.
Evolution of lattice distortions in 4H-SiC wafers with varying doping
Authors: Mahadik Nadeemullah A. , Das Hrishikesh , Stoupin Stanislav , Stahlbush Robert E. , Bonanno Peter L. , Xu Xueping , Rengarajan Varatharajan , Ruland Gary E.
Published: July 2020

Lattice distortions (LD) in 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) wafers were quantified using synchrotron X-ray rocking curve mapping (RCM), and were resolved into their two components of lattice strain (Δd/d) and lattice plane curvature (LPC) for 150 mm diameter wafers. The evolution of these LDs were investigated for three sequential substrates from the same boule, one of which was the substrate reference, and the other two had a 10 µm thick, 1 × 1017 and 4 × 1014 cm-3 n-type doped epitaxial layer. The lattice strain, Δd/d, was highest for the lowest doped wafer due to higher mismatch with the substrate wafer. After epitaxial layer growth, the LPC variation across the wafer increases by a factor of 2, irrespective of doping. The LPC maps indicate presence of a twist in the lattice planes that increases after epitaxial growth. The LPC component has higher influence on wafer shape change, which can reduce device yields. The lattice strain component predominantly affects the glide of basal plane dislocations (BPDs), thereby reducing device reliability. From analysis of peak widths, it was determined that threading dislocations in the top 6 microns of the wafer increase after epitaxial layer growth.
Serum GFAP in multiple sclerosis: correlation with disease type and MRI markers of disease severity
Authors: Ayrignac Xavier , Le Bars Emmanuelle , Duflos Claire , Hirtz Christophe , Maleska Maceski Aleksandra , Carra-Dallière Clarisse , Charif Mahmoud , Pinna Frédéric , Prin Pauline , Menjot de Champfleur Nicolas , Deverdun Jérémy , Kober Tobias , Marechal Bénédicte , Fartaria Mario Joao , Corredor Jerez Ricardo , Labauge Pierre , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: July 2020

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) has been demonstrated to correlate with multiple sclerosis disease severity as well as treatment response. Nevertheless, additional serum biomarkers are still needed to better differentiate disease activity from disease progression. The aim of our study was to assess serum glial fibrillary acid protein (s-GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (s-NfL) in a cohort of 129 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Eighteen primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and 111 relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) were included. We showed that these 2 biomarkers were significantly correlated with each other (R = 0.72, p < 0.001). Moreover, both biomarkers were higher in PPMS than in RRMS even if multivariate analysis only confirmed this difference for s-GFAP (130.3 ± 72.8 pg/ml vs 83.4 ± 41.1 pg/ml, p = 0.008). Finally, s-GFAP was correlated with white matter lesion load and inversely correlated with WM and GM volume. Our results seem to confirm the added value of s-GFAP in the context of multiple sclerosis.
Cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of bronchiolitis: a retrospective analysis of twenty-three consecutive patients
Authors: Sirol Aflah Syazatul Syakirin , Piciucchi Sara , Tomassetti Sara , Ravaglia Claudia , Dubini Alessandra , Poletti Venerino
Published: July 2020

Bronchiolitis manifests as a variety of histological features that explain the complex clinical profiles and imaging aspects. In the period between January 2011 and June 2015, patients with a cryobiopsy diagnosis of bronchiolitis were retrospectively retrieved from the database of our institution. Clinical profiles, imaging features and histologic diagnoses were analysed to identify the role of cryobiopsy in the diagnostic process. Twenty-three patients with a multidisciplinary diagnosis of small airway disease were retrieved (14 females, 9 males; age range 31–74 years old; mean age 54.2 years old). The final MDT diagnoses were post-infectious bronchiolitis (n = 5), constrictive bronchiolitis (n = 3), DIPNECH (n = 1), idiopathic follicular bronchiolitis (n = 3), Sjogren’s disease (n = 1), GLILD (n = 1), smoking-related interstitial lung disease (n = 6), sarcoid with granulomatous bronchiolar disorder (n = 1), and subacute hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n = 2). Complications reported after the cryobiopsy procedure consisted of two cases of pneumothorax soon after the biopsy (8.7%), which were successfully managed with the insertion of a chest tube. Transbronchial cryobiopsy represents a robust and mini-invasive method in the characterization of small airway diseases, allowing a low percentage of complications and good diagnostic confidence.
Tetanus insensitive VAMP2 differentially restores synaptic and dense core vesicle fusion in tetanus neurotoxin treated neurons
Authors: Hoogstraaten Rein I. , van Keimpema Linda , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: July 2020

The SNARE proteins involved in the secretion of neuromodulators from dense core vesicles (DCVs) in mammalian neurons are still poorly characterized. Here we use tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) light chain, which cleaves VAMP1, 2 and 3, to study DCV fusion in hippocampal neurons and compare the effects on DCV fusion to those on synaptic vesicle (SV) fusion. Both DCV and SV fusion were abolished upon TeNT expression. Expression of tetanus insensitive (TI)-VAMP2 restored SV fusion in the presence of TeNT, but not DCV fusion. Expression of TI-VAMP1 or TI-VAMP3 also failed to restore DCV fusion. Co-transport assays revealed that both TI-VAMP1 and TI-VAMP2 are targeted to DCVs and travel together with DCVs in neurons. Furthermore, expression of the TeNT-cleaved VAMP2 fragment or a protease defective TeNT in wild type neurons did not affect DCV fusion and therefore cannot explain the lack of rescue of DCV fusion by TI-VAMP2. Finally, to test if two different VAMPs might both be required in the DCV secretory pathway,Vamp1null mutants were tested. However, VAMP1 deficiency did not reduce DCV fusion. In conclusion, TeNT treatment combined with TI-VAMP2 expression differentially affects the two main regulated secretory pathways: while SV fusion is normal, DCV fusion is absent.
Application of auto-planning in radiotherapy for breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery
Authors: Chen Kunzhi , Wei Jinlong , Ge Chao , Xia Wenming , Shi Yinghua , Wang Huidong , Jiang Xin
Published: July 2020

To evaluate the quality of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR) generated by the manual Pinnacle planning (manP) and Auto-Planning (AP) modules and discuss the feasibility of AP in the application of radiotherapy for patients with breast cancer. Thirty patients who underwent breast-conserving therapy were randomly selected. The Philips Pinnacle 9.10 treatment planning system was used to design the manP and AP modules for PTV and OAR distribution on the same computed tomography. A physician compared the plans in terms of dosimetric parameters and monitor units (MUs) using blind qualitative scoring. Statistical differences were evaluated using paired two-sided Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. On comparing the plans of AP and manP modules, the conformal index (P < 0.01) and D50 (P = 0.04) of PTV in the AP group was lower than those in the manP group, while D1 was higher (P = 0.03). In terms of dosimetry of OAR, ipsilateral lung V20 Gy (P < 0.01), V10 Gy (P < 0.01), V5 Gy (P < 0.05), and Dmean (P < 0.01) of the AP group were better than those of the manP group. Heart V40 Gy and Dmean of all patients with breast cancer in the AP group were lower than those in the manP group (P < 0.01). Moreover, 12 patients with left breast cancer had the same results (P < 0.01). The MU value of the intensity-modulated radiation therapy module designed using two different methods was higher in the AP group than in the manP group (P = 0.32), although there was no statistical significance. The AP module almost had an equal quality of PTV and dose distribution as the manP module, and its OAR was less irradiated.
PAM staining intensity of primary neuroendocrine neoplasms is a potential prognostic biomarker
Authors: Horton Timothy M. , Sundaram Vandana , Lee Christine Hye-Jin , Hornbacker Kathleen , Van Vleck Aidan , Benjamin Kaisha N. , Zemek Allison , Longacre Teri A. , Kunz Pamela L. , Annes Justin P.
Published: July 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare epithelial tumors with heterogeneous and frequently unpredictable clinical behavior. Available biomarkers are insufficient to guide individual patient prognosis or therapy selection. Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is an enzyme expressed by neuroendocrine cells that participates in hormone maturation. The objective of this study was to assess the distribution, clinical associations and survival implications of PAM immunoreactivity in primary NENs. Of 109 primary NENs, 7% were PAM-negative, 25% were PAM-low and 68% were PAM-high. Staining intensity was high in small bowel (p = 0.04) and low in stomach (p = 0.004) NENs. PAM staining was lower in higher grade tumors (p < 0.001) and patients who died (p < 0.001) but did not vary by tumor size or stage at surgery. In patients who died, time to death was shorter in patients with reduced PAM immunoreactivity: median times to death were 11.3 (PAM-negative), 29.4 (PAM-low) and 61.7 (PAM-high) months. Lower PAM staining was associated with increased risk of death after adjusting for disease stage [PAM negative, HR = 13.8 (CI: 4.2–45.5)]. PAM immunoreactivity in primary NENs is readily assessable and a potentially useful stage-independent predictor of survival.
A new inclusive MLVA assay to investigate genetic variability of Xylella fastidiosa with a specific focus on the Apulian outbreak in Italy
Authors: Mazzaglia Angelo , Rahi Yaseen Jundi , Taratufolo Maria Claudia , Tatì Marta , Turco Silvia , Ciarroni Serena , Tagliavento Vincenzo , Valentini Franco , D’Onghia Anna Maria , Balestra Giorgio Mariano
Published: July 2020

The Olive Quick Decline Syndrome byXylella fastidiosasubspeciespaucais among the most severe phytopathological emergencies nowadays. In few years, the outbreak devastated olive groves in Apulia (Italy), potentially endangering the entire Mediterranean basin. This research aimed to develop a multiple locus VNTR analysis assay, a molecular tool to differentiate between populations of the pathogen. It has already been successfully applied to differentX. fastidiosasubspecies from various plant hosts. The previously published TR loci, together with a set of new design, have been tested in silico on the genome of the Apulian De Donno strain. The resulting selection of 37 TR loci was amplified on the genomic DNAs of the Apulian strains and from representatives ofX. fastidiosasubspecies, and directly on DNA extracted from infected plants. The assay clearly discerned among subspecies or even sequence types (ST), but also pointed out variants within the same ST so as to provide more detailed information on the dynamics and pathogen diffusion pathways. Its effective application even on total DNAs extracted from infected tissues of different host plants makes it particularly useful for large-scale screening of infection and for the strengthening of containment measures.
A new class of ratiometric small molecule intracellular pH sensors for Raman microscopy
Authors: Wilson Liam T. , Tipping William J. , Jamieson Lauren E. , Wetherill Corinna , Henley Zoë , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan , Mackay Simon P. , Tomkinson Nicholas C. O.
Published: July 2020

Probes based on Alkyne Tag Raman Imaging offer an entirely new platform for the sensing of pHi.
Potassium salt promoted regioselective three-component coupling synthesis of 1,4-asymmetrical [60]fullerene bisadducts with superior electron transport properties
Authors: Li Fei , Shang Yanbo , Niu Chuang , Li Chao , Huang Xinmin , Xu Guoyong , Xuan Jun , Zhou Hongping , Yang Shangfeng
Published: July 2020

An efficient one-pot three-component domino coupling reaction of phenols, C60, and bromoalkanes was developed, resulting in the highly regioselective synthesis of 1,4-asymmetrical C60 bisadducts.
Structure and small molecule activation reactivity of a metallasilsesquioxane of divalent ytterbium
Authors: Willauer Aurélien R. , Dabrowska Anna M. , Scopelliti Rosario , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: July 2020

The first metallasilsesquioxane of a divalent lanthanide was synthetized and structurally characterized. The dinuclear Yb(ii) complex effects the two electrons reduction of azobenzene, and the selective CO2 reduction to CO and carbonate.
Hierarchical Co-doped SnS2@Ni(OH)2 double-shell crystalline structure on carbon cloth with gradient pore distribution for superior capacitance
Authors: Deng Kuan , Wang Feifei , Tian Wen , Hu Zhufeng , Zhang Hualian , Ma Kui , Wang Caihong , Yue Hairong , Zhang Yu Xin , Ji Junyi
Published: July 2020

Hierarchical Co-doped SnS2@Ni(OH)2 double-shell nanosheet arrays are coated on carbon cloth, the vertically aligned arrays with gradient pore distribution can facilitate the charge/ion transfer rate, thus improve the energy storage performance.
Single transition metal atoms anchored on a C2N monolayer as efficient catalysts for hydrazine electrooxidation
Authors: Jiao Dongxu , Tian Yu , Wang Hongxia , Cai Qinghai , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: July 2020

By carefully controlling the kinds of transition metal atoms, SAC anchored on C2N monolayer can be utilized as electrocatalyst with high-efficiency for hydrazine oxidation reaction.
Correction: The effect of pulse duration on nanoparticle generation in pulsed laser ablation in liquids: insights from large-scale atomistic simulations
Authors: Shih Cheng-Yu , Shugaev Maxim V. , Wu Chengping , Zhigilei Leonid V.
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘The effect of pulse duration on nanoparticle generation in pulsed laser ablation in liquids: insights from large-scale atomistic simulations’ by Cheng-Yu Shih et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 7077–7099, DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00608d.
Advances in catalytic production processes of biomass-derived vinyl monomers
Authors: Avasthi Kalpana , Bohre Ashish , Grilc Miha , Likozar Blaž , Saha Basudeb
Published: July 2020

This review provides a summary and perspective for three bio-derived vinyl monomers – acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and styrene.
High-heat treatment enhanced catalytic activity of CuO/CeO2 catalysts with low CuO content for CO oxidation
Authors: Yu Jihang , Guo Qiangsheng , Xiao Xiuzhen , Mao Haifang , Mao Dongsen , Yu Jun
Published: July 2020

CuO/CeO2 catalysts with low CuO content and calcined at 800 °C exhibited better catalytic performance than those calcined at 500 °C. The coordinatively unsaturated copper atoms were proved to be the main active sites in the CuO/CeO2 catalysts.
Mechanistic insights into the selective oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural over silver-based catalysts
Authors: Schade Oliver R. , Gaur Abhijeet , Zimina Anna , Saraçi Erisa , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk
Published: July 2020

Silver-catalyzed oxidation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) to 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HFCA) was investigated using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy under reaction conditions over Ag/ZrO2 and Ag/TiO2 catalysts.
Highly stable TS-1 extrudates for 1-butene epoxidation through improving the heat conductivity
Authors: Li Tonghui , Zuo Yi , Guo Yuzhou , Yang Hong , Liu Min , Guo Xinwen
Published: July 2020

The stability of TS-1 extrudates in 1-butene epoxidation was significantly improved by introducing different substances with high heat conductive rates.
Photo-production of reactive oxygen species and degradation of dissolved organic matter by hematite nanoplates functionalized by adsorbed oxalate
Authors: Huang Xiaopeng , Zhao Qian , Young Robert P. , Zhang Xin , Walter Eric D. , Chen Ying , Nakouzi Elias , Taylor Sandra D. , Loring John S. , Wang Zheming , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Rosso Kevin M.
Published: July 2020

The geochemical cycling of iron and carbon can couple in unique ways in the euphotic zone of aquatic systems.
An overlooked effect induced by surface modification: different molecular response of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to graphitized and oxidized nanodiamonds
Authors: Zhang Chaofan , Huang Xiaochen , Chu Yuhao , Ren Nanqi , Ho Shih-Hsin
Published: July 2020

Compared with graphitization modification, oxidation modification could alleviate adverse effects via better performance of photosynthesis and EPS resistance.
Effect of various electrolytes and other wastewater constituents on the degradation of volatile organic compounds in aqueous solution by pulsed power plasma technology
Authors: Jose Jerin , Philip Ligy
Published: July 2020

SO4˙− radicals were produced in sulfate containing solution by plasma discharge in air, which enhanced the degradation of chlorobenzene, chloroform, toluene and MIBK.
Ag and Mn-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles incorporated into the chitosan/gelatin coatings deposited on PEEK/bioactive glass layers for favorable osteogenic differentiation and antibacterial activity
Authors: Nawaz Aneeqa , Bano Shaher , Yasir Muhammad , Wadood Abdul , Ur Rehman Muhammad Atiq
Published: July 2020

Multifunctional bioactive and antibacterial coatings for orthopedic applications.
Covalent inhibitors: a rational approach to drug discovery
Authors: Sutanto Fandi , Konstantinidou Markella , Dömling Alexander
Published: July 2020

In this review we provide a brief historic overview of covalent inhibitors and summarize recent advances focusing on developments in the last decade. Applications in challenging targets and future perspectives are also discussed.
Monoisoamyl DMSA reduced copper-induced neurotoxicity by lowering 8-OHdG level, amyloid beta and Tau protein expressions in Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Patwa Jayant , Thakur Ashima , Sharma Abha , Flora S J S
Published: July 2020

Introduction: copper dyshomeostasis has long been linked with several neurodegenerative disorders. The binding of Cu with amyloid beta and other neuronal proteins in the brain leads to the generation of oxidative stress, which eventually causes neurotoxicity. Method: the present study was aimed at elucidating the efficacy of monoisoamyl 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (MiADMSA) and d-penicillamine (DPA) (0.3 mEq kg−1, oral administration for 2 weeks) against Cu(ii)-induced (20 mg kg−1, oral administration for 16 weeks) neurotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results: we observed that the MiADMSA treatment modulated the altered oxidative and nitrosative stress parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Significant improvements were noticed in the neurobehavioral parameters except for the memory parameter. We also observed moderate improvement of memory impairment in the rats treated with MiADMSA and DPA post Cu(ii) exposure, as assessed by a passive avoidance test. Disease progression involves multiple factors and results in the up-regulation of intra and extracellular proteins such as amyloid beta and tau proteins; the expressions of these proteins were significantly reduced by the treatment proposed in our study, and these results were confirmed by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The expression of caspase-3 was higher in Cu(ii)-exposed rats, whereas it was lower in the MiADMSA-treated group. The proposed treatment reduced the copper-induced histological changes in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. Conclusion: it can be summarised from the present study that MiADMSA is effective in reducing Cu(ii)-induced oxido-nitrosative stress, antioxidant defense enzymes, neurobehavioral changes, neuronal markers, apoptotic markers, and their genetic expressions. We conclude that chelation therapy using MiADMSA might be a promising approach for the treatment of copper-induced neurotoxicity.
Integration of graphene and two-dimensional ferroelectrics: properties and related functional devices
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhang Yu-Yang , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Du Shixuan
Published: July 2020

We employ density-functional theory calculations and predict new, stable, monolayer ferroelectric materials, Al2O3/Y2O3 in the QL-In2Se3 structure, and that metal/QL-M2O3/graphene structures can function as prototype FE tunnel junctions or potentially graphene p–n junctions.
Mild and efficient synthesis oftrans-3-aryl-2-nitro-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans on water
Authors: Feng Juhua , Wang Siyuan , Feng Jinxiang , Li Qiuju , Yue Junping , Yue Guizhou , Zou Ping , Wang Guangtu
Published: July 2020

A protocol to preparetrans-3-aryl-2-nitro-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans has been developed on water. The protocol avoids the use of toxic solvents, tedious work-up procedures, and chromatographic separation.
Thin niobium and iron–graphene oxide composite metal–organic framework electrodes for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Eswaramoorthi T. , Ganesan S. , Marimuthu M. , Santhosh K.
Published: July 2020

A new composite NbOF–GO and FeOF–GO electrode material was synthesized by the screw-capped pressure tube method for a supercapacitor with specific capacitance values of 599 and 459 F g−1 at current densities of 0.5 and 0.2 A g−1.
Correction: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structure and electrochemistry of new bis(1,2-diaminocyclohexane)gold(iii) chloride compounds and their anticancer activities against PC3 and SGC7901 cancer cell lines
Authors: Al-Jaroudi Said S. , Monim-ul-Mehboob M. , Altaf Muhammad , Fettouhi Mohammed , Wazeer Mohammed I. M. , Altuwaijri Saleh , Isab Anvarhusein A.
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structure and electrochemistry of new bis(1,2-diaminocyclohexane)gold(iii) chloride compounds and their anticancer activities against PC3 and SGC7901 cancer cell lines’ by Said S. Al-Jaroudi et al., New J. Chem., 2014, 38, 3199–3211, DOI: 10.1039/C3NJ01624B.
Correction: Synergistic effects of Zn and Pd species in TiO2 towards efficient photo-reduction of CO2 into CH4
Authors: Yu Yanlong , Lan Zijian , Guo Limei , Wang Enjun , Yao Jianghong , Cao Yaan
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Synergistic effects of Zn and Pd species in TiO2 towards efficient photo-reduction of CO2 into CH4’ by Yanlong Yu et al., New J. Chem., 2018, 42, 483–488, DOI: 10.1039/C7NJ03305B.
Efficient full-color emitting carbon-dot-based composite phosphors by chemical dispersion
Authors: Sun Mingye , Han Yue , Yuan Xi , Jing Pengtao , Zhang Lei , Zhao Jialong , Zheng Youjin
Published: July 2020

New routes to prepare full-color emitting carbon dots and carbon-dot-based phosphors for application in light-emitting diodes.
Elucidating the role of shape anisotropy in faceted magnetic nanoparticles using biogenic magnetosomes as a model
Authors: Gandia David , Gandarias Lucía , Marcano Lourdes , Orue Iñaki , Gil-Cartón David , Alonso Javier , García-Arribas Alfredo , Muela Alicia , Fdez-Gubieda Mª Luisa
Published: July 2020

A model based on finite element techniques has been developed to calculate the shape-anisotropy energy of magnetic nanoparticles.
Thiol–ene coupling reaction achievement and monitoring by “in situ” UV irradiation NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Toncheva-Moncheva Natalia , Dangalov Miroslav , Vassilev Nikolay G. , Novakov Christo P.
Published: July 2020

An “In situ” LED UV illumination NMR setup for achievement of initiator-free coupling reactions of allyl-functionalized poly(allyl glycidyl ether) with polyethylene glycols thiols.
Two-dimensional aluminum phosphide semiconductor with tunable direct band gap for nanoelectric applications
Authors: Yang Xuxin , Mao Caixia , Hu Yonghong , Cao Hui , Zhang Yuping , Zhao Dong , Chen Zhiyuan , Xie Meiqiu
Published: July 2020

More and more attractive applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials in nanoelectronic devices are being achieved successfully, which promotes the rapid and extensive development of new 2D materials.
Iodine-catalyzed efficient synthesis of xanthene/thioxanthene-indole derivatives under mild conditions
Authors: Miao Weihang , Ye Pingting , Bai Mengjiao , Yang Zhixin , Duan Suyue , Duan Hengpan , Wang Xuequan
Published: July 2020

An efficient synthesis of xanthene/thioxanthene-indole derivatives has been developed through iodine-catalyzed nucleophilic substitution reaction of xanthen-9-ols and thioxanthen-9-ol with indoles.
Correction: Spatially-varying inversion near grain boundaries in MgAl2O4 spinel
Authors: Uberuaga Blas P. , Perriot Romain
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Spatially-varying inversion near grain boundaries in MgAl2O4 spinel’ by Blas P. Uberuaga et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 11737–11742, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00700E.
Unusually high α-proton acidity of prolyl residues in cyclic peptides
Authors: Maguire Oliver R. , Taylor Bethany , Higgins Eleanor M. , Rees Matthew , Cobb Steven L. , Simpkins Nigel S. , Hayes Christopher J. , O'Donoghue AnnMarie C.
Published: July 2020

Kinetic and computational studies reveal that prolyl residues in cyclic peptides are substantially more acidic than other residues due to a stereoelectronic effect.
Large transition state stabilization from a weak hydrogen bond
Authors: Vik Erik C. , Li Ping , Maier Josef M. , Madukwe Daniel O. , Rassolov Vitaly A. , Pellechia Perry J. , Masson Eric , Shimizu Ken D.
Published: July 2020

A series of molecular rotors was designed to study and measure the rate accelerating effects of an intramolecular hydrogen bond.
Single network double cross-linker (SNDCL) hydrogels with excellent stretchability, self-recovery, adhesion strength, and conductivity for human motion monitoring
Authors: Li Zhenghao , Meng Xiangxin , Xu Wenlong , Zhang Shiqiang , Ouyang Jiahui , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Yihan , Niu Yuzhong , Ma Songmei , Xue Zhongxin , Song Aixin , Zhang Shaohua , Ren Chunguang
Published: July 2020

A novel strategy for preparing single network double cross-linker (SNDCL) hydrogels was proposed and the hydrogels possessed excellent properties, which can be used for human motion monitoring.
Molecularly imprinted peptide-based enzyme mimics with enhanced activity and specificity
Authors: Li Jingyi , Zhu Mingjie , Wang Mengfan , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: July 2020

Peroxidase (POD)-mimicking catalysts with enhanced activity and specificity were constructed based on the strategy of peptide assembly and molecular imprinting.
Inter-conversion between zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: a dissolution–recrystallization process
Authors: Tu Min , Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Fischer Roland A.
Published: July 2020

A dissolution–recrystallization process for the inter-conversions of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks following the linker exchange procedure has been demonstrated.
Correction: Composite sodium metal anodes for practical applications
Authors: Cui Jiayu , Wang Aoxuan , Li Guojie , Wang Donghong , Shu Da , Dong Anping , Zhu Guoliang , Luo Jiayan , Sun Baode
Published: July 2020

Correction for ‘Composite sodium metal anodes for practical applications’ by Jiayu Cui et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0ta02469d.
A high-strength double network polydopamine nanocomposite hydrogel for adhesion under seawater
Authors: Liang Min , He Chunpeng , Dai Jidong , Ren Pengfei , Fu Yifu , Wang Faming , Ge Xin , Zhang Tianzhu , Lu Zuhong
Published: July 2020

A mussel-inspired catechol-based strategy has been widely used in the development of underwater adhesives.
Ovalbumin-modified nanoparticles increase the tumor accumulation by a tumor microenvironment-mediated “giant”
Authors: Zhou Jie , Geng Shizhen , Wang Qiaolei , Yin Qianwen , Lou Rui , Wei Liuliu , Wu Yuncong , Du Bin , Yao Hanchun
Published: July 2020

We designed a pH intelligently driven self-assembled nano-platform (GOx@ZIF-OVA).
SOC estimation algorithm of power lithium battery based on AFSA‐BP neural network
Authors: Wang Qiuxia , Wu Peizhou , Lian Jialing
Published: July 2020

The non‐linear characteristic of power lithium battery restricts the establishment of accurate battery models. To overcome this problem and estimate the battery state of charge (SOC) more accurately, the artificial fish swarm algorithm‐back propagation (AFSA‐BP) neural network structure was designed based on AFSA and BP neural network theory. According to the test parameters of power lithium battery, the related mathematical model was established. The flow charts of optimising BP neural network with AFSA algorithm and estimating SOC value by AFSA‐BP algorithm are given. The specific implementation steps are elaborated. Using the 48 V, 50 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) power battery as experimental object, through the periodic charging and discharging experiments and software simulation, the correctness, validity and accuracy of the application of AFSA‐BP neural network in estimating SOC value of the power lithium battery are verified.