bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloablative conditioning for allo-HSCT in pediatric ALL: FTBI or chemotherapy?—A multicenter EBMT-PDWP study
Authors: Willasch Andre Manfred , Peters Christina , Sedláček Petr , Dalle Jean-Hugues , Kitra-Roussou Vassiliki , Yesilipek Akif , Wachowiak Jacek , Lankester Arjan , Prete Arcangelo , Hamidieh Amir Ali , Ifversen Marianne , Buechner Jochen , Kriván Gergely , Hamladji Rose-Marie , Diaz-de-Heredia Cristina , Skorobogatova Elena , Michel Gérard , Locatelli Franco , Bertaina Alice , Veys Paul , Dupont Sophie , Or Reuven , Güngör Tayfun , Aleinikova Olga , Sufliarska Sabina , Sundin Mikael , Rascon Jelena , Kaare Ain , Nemet Damir , Fagioli Franca , Klingebiel Thomas Erich , Styczynski Jan , Bierings Marc , Nagy Kálmán , Abecasis Manuel , Afanasyev Boris , Ansari Marc , Vettenranta Kim , Alseraihy Amal , Chybicka Alicja , Robinson Stephen , Bertrand Yves , Kupesiz Alphan , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Campos Antonio , Pichler Herbert , Dalissier Arnaud , Labopin Myriam , Corbacioglu Selim , Balduzzi Adriana , Galimard Jacques-Emmanuel , Bader Peter ,   on behalf of the EBMT Paediatric Diseases Working Party
Published: March 2020

Although most children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive fractionated total body irradiation (FTBI) as myeloablative conditioning (MAC) for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), it is an important matter of debate if chemotherapy can effectively replace FTBI. To compare outcomes after FTBI versus chemotherapy-based conditioning (CC), we performed a retrospective EBMT registry study. Children aged 2–18 years after MAC for first allo-HSCT of bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from matched-related (MRD) or unrelated donors (UD) in first (CR1) or second remission (CR2) between 2000 and 2012 were included. Propensity score weighting was used to control pretreatment imbalances of the observed variables. 3.054 patients were analyzed. CR1 (1.498): median follow-up (FU) after FTBI (1.285) and CC (213) was 6.8 and 6.1 years. Survivals were not significantly different. CR2 (1.556): median FU after FTBI (1.345) and CC (211) was 6.2 years. Outcomes after FTBI were superior as compared with CC with regard to overall survival (OS), leukemia-free survival (LFS), relapse incidence (RI), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). However, we must emphasize the preliminary character of the results of this retrospective “real-world-practice” study. These findings will be prospectively assessed in the ALL SCTped 2012 FORUM trial.
A novel model of liver cancer stem cells developed from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Afify Said M. , Sanchez Calle Anna , Hassan Ghmkin , Kumon Kazuki , Nawara Hend M. , Zahra Maram H. , Mansour Hager M. , Khayrani Apriliana Cahya , Alam Md Jahangir , Du Juan , Seno Akimasa , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Seno Masaharu
Published: March 2020

Background

Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Every type of tumours including liver cancer contains cancer stem cells (CSCs). To date, the molecular mechanism regulating the development of liver CSCs remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we tried to generate a new model of liver CSCs by converting mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line Huh7 cells conditioned medium (CM). miPSCs treated with CM were injected into the liver of BALB/c nude mice. The developed tumours were then excised and analysed.

Results

The primary cultured cells from the malignant tumour possessed self-renewal capacity, differentiation potential and tumorigenicity in vivo, which were found rich in liver cancer-associated markers as well as CSC markers.

Conclusions

We established a model of liver CSCs converting from miPS and showed different stages of stemness during conversion process. Our CSC model will be important to assess the molecular mechanisms necessary to develop liver CSCs and could help in defeating liver cancer.
Serine-dependent redox homeostasis regulates glioblastoma cell survival
Authors: Engel Anna L. , Lorenz Nadja I. , Klann Kevin , Münch Christian , Depner Cornelia , Steinbach Joachim P. , Ronellenfitsch Michael W. , Luger Anna-Luisa
Published: March 2020

Background

The amino acid serine is an important substrate for biosynthesis and redox homeostasis. We investigated whether glioblastoma (GBM) cells are dependent on serine for survival under conditions of the tumour microenvironment.

Methods

Serine availability in GBM cells was modulated pharmacologically, genetically and by adjusting serine and glycine concentrations in the culture medium. Cells were investigated for regulation of serine metabolism, proliferation, sensitivity to hypoxia-induced cell death and redox homeostasis.

Results

Hypoxia-induced expression ofphosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH)and the mitochondrialserine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2)was observed in three of five tested glioma cell lines. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf) 2 activation also inducedPHGDHandSHMT2expression in GBM cells. Low levels of endogenous PHGDH as well asPHGDHgene suppression resulted in serine dependency for cell growth. Pharmacological inhibition of PHGDH with CBR-5884 reduced proliferation and sensitised cells profoundly to hypoxia-induced cell death. This effect was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in the NADPH/NADP+ratio. Similarly, hypoxia-induced cell death was enhanced byPHGDHgene suppression and reduced byPHGDHoverexpression.

Conclusions

Serine facilitates adaptation of GBM cells to conditions of the tumour microenvironment and its metabolism could be a plausible therapeutic target.
Active steroid hormone synthesis renders adrenocortical cells highly susceptible to type II ferroptosis induction
Authors: Weigand Isabel , Schreiner Jochen , Röhrig Florian , Sun Na , Landwehr Laura-Sophie , Urlaub Hanna , Kendl Sabine , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Wierman Margaret E. , Angeli José Pedro Friedmann , Walch Axel , Sbiera Silviu , Fassnacht Martin , Kroiss Matthias
Published: March 2020

Conditions of impaired adrenal function and tissue destruction, such as in Addison’s disease, and treatment resistance of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) necessitate improved understanding of the pathophysiology of adrenal cell death. Due to relevant oxidative processes in the adrenal cortex, our study investigated the role of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism and found high adrenocortical expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and long-chain-fatty-acid CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4) genes, key factors in the initiation of ferroptosis. By applying MALDI mass spectrometry imaging to normal and neoplastic adrenocortical tissue, we detected high abundance of arachidonic and adrenic acid, two long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which undergo peroxidation during ferroptosis. In three available adrenal cortex cell models (H295R, CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC-2) a high susceptibility to GPX4 inhibition with RSL3 was documented with EC50 values of 5.7 × 10−8, 8.1 × 10−7 and 2.1 × 10−8 M, respectively, while all non-steroidogenic cells were significantly less sensitive. Complete block of GPX4 activity by RSL3 led to ferroptosis which was completely reversed in adrenal cortex cells by inhibition of steroidogenesis with ketoconazole but not by blocking the final step of cortisol synthesis with metyrapone. Mitotane, the only approved drug for ACC did not induce ferroptosis, despite strong induction of lipid peroxidation in ACC cells. Together, this report is the first to demonstrate extraordinary sensitivity of adrenal cortex cells to ferroptosis dependent on their active steroid synthetic pathways. Mitotane does not induce this form of cell death in ACC cells.
Helicobacter pylori-induced adrenomedullin modulates IFN-γ-producing T-cell responses and contributes to gastritis
Authors: Kong Hui , You Nan , Chen Han , Teng Yong-sheng , Liu Yu-gang , Lv Yi-pin , Mao Fang-yuan , Cheng Ping , Chen Weisan , Zhao Zhuo , Zou Quan-ming , Guo Gang , Zhang Jin-yu , Zhuang Yuan
Published: March 2020

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multifunctional peptide that is expressed by many surface epithelial cells, but its relevance to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastritis is unknown. Here, we found that gastric ADM expression was elevated in gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected patients and mice. In H. pylori-infected human gastric mucosa, ADM expression was positively correlated with the degree of gastritis; accordingly, blockade of ADM resulted in decreased inflammation within the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice. During H. pylori infection, ADM production was promoted via PI3K–AKT signaling pathway activation by gastric epithelial cells in a cagA-dependent manner, and resulted in increased inflammation within the gastric mucosa. This inflammation was characterized by the increased IFN-γ-producing T cells, whose differentiation was induced via the phosphorylation of AKT and STAT3 by ADM derived from gastric epithelial cells. ADM also induced macrophages to produce IL-12, which promoted the IFN-γ-producing T-cell responses, thereby contributing to the development of H. pylori-associated gastritis. Accordingly, blockade of IFN-γ or knockout of IFN-γ decreased inflammation within the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice. This study identifies a novel regulatory network involving H. pylori, gastric epithelial cells, ADM, macrophages, T cells, and IFN-γ, which collectively exert a pro-inflammatory effect within the gastric microenvironment.
Single-photon quantum regime of artificial radiation pressure on a surface acoustic wave resonator
Authors: Noguchi Atsushi , Yamazaki Rekishu , Tabuchi Yutaka , Nakamura Yasunobu
Published: March 2020

Electromagnetic fields carry momentum, which upon reflection on matter gives rise to the radiation pressure of photons. The radiation pressure has recently been utilized in cavity optomechanics for controlling mechanical motions of macroscopic objects at the quantum limit. However, because of the weakness of the interaction, attempts so far had to use a strong coherent drive to reach the quantum limit. Therefore, the single-photon quantum regime, where even the presence of a totally off-resonant single photon alters the quantum state of the mechanical mode significantly, is one of the next milestones in cavity optomechanics. Here we demonstrate an artificial realization of the radiation pressure of microwave photons acting on phonons in a surface acoustic wave resonator. The order-of-magnitude enhancement of the interaction strength originates in the well-tailored, strong, second-order nonlinearity of a superconducting Josephson junction circuit. The synthetic radiation pressure interaction adds a key element to the quantum optomechanical toolbox and can be applied to quantum information interfaces between electromagnetic and mechanical degrees of freedom.
Rap1-GTPases control mTORC1 activity by coordinating lysosome organization with amino acid availability
Authors: Mutvei Anders P. , Nagiec Michal J. , Hamann Jens C. , Kim Sang Gyun , Vincent C. Theresa , Blenis John
Published: March 2020

The kinase mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes cellular growth and is frequently dysregulated in cancers. In response to nutrients, mTORC1 is activated on lysosomes by Rag and Rheb guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) and drives biosynthetic processes. How limitations in nutrients suppress mTORC1 activity remains poorly understood. We find that when amino acids are limited, the Rap1-GTPases confine lysosomes to the perinuclear region and reduce lysosome abundance, which suppresses mTORC1 signaling. Rap1 activation, which is independent of known amino acid signaling factors, limits the lysosomal surface available for mTORC1 activation. Conversely, Rap1 depletion expands the lysosome population, which markedly increases association between mTORC1 and its lysosome-borne activators, leading to mTORC1 hyperactivity. Taken together, we establish Rap1 as a critical coordinator of the lysosomal system, and propose that aberrant changes in lysosomal surface availability can impact mTORC1 signaling output.
Polar coupling enabled nonlinear optical filtering at MoS2/ferroelectric heterointerfaces
Authors: Li Dawei , Huang Xi , Xiao Zhiyong , Chen Hanying , Zhang Le , Hao Yifei , Song Jingfeng , Shao Ding-Fu , Tsymbal Evgeny Y. , Lu Yongfeng , Hong Xia
Published: March 2020

Complex oxide heterointerfaces and van der Waals heterostructures present two versatile but intrinsically different platforms for exploring emergent quantum phenomena and designing new functionalities. The rich opportunity offered by the synergy between these two classes of materials, however, is yet to be charted. Here, we report an unconventional nonlinear optical filtering effect resulting from the interfacial polar alignment between monolayer MoS2 and a neighboring ferroelectric oxide thin film. The second harmonic generation response at the heterointerface is either substantially enhanced or almost entirely quenched by an underlying ferroelectric domain wall depending on its chirality, and can be further tailored by the polar domains. Unlike the extensively studied coupling mechanisms driven by charge, spin, and lattice, the interfacial tailoring effect is solely mediated by the polar symmetry, as well explained via our density functional theory calculations, pointing to a new material strategy for the functional design of nanoscale reconfigurable optical applications.
Exploiting the role of nanoparticle shape in enhancing hydrogel adhesive and mechanical properties
Authors: Arno Maria C. , Inam Maria , Weems Andrew C. , Li Zehua , Binch Abbie L. A. , Platt Christopher I. , Richardson Stephen M. , Hoyland Judith A. , Dove Andrew P. , O’Reilly Rachel K.
Published: March 2020

The ability to control nanostructure shape and dimensions presents opportunities to design materials in which their macroscopic properties are dependent upon the nature of the nanoparticle. Although particle morphology has been recognized as a crucial parameter, the exploitation of the potential shape-dependent properties has, to date, been limited. Herein, we demonstrate that nanoparticle shape is a critical consideration in the determination of nanocomposite hydrogel properties. Using translationally relevant calcium-alginate hydrogels, we show that the use of poly(L-lactide)-based nanoparticles with platelet morphology as an adhesive results in a significant enhancement of adhesion over nanoparticle glues comprised of spherical or cylindrical micelles. Furthermore, gel nanocomposites containing platelets showed an enhanced resistance to breaking under strain compared to their spherical and cylindrical counterparts. This study opens the doors to a change in direction in the field of gel nanocomposites, where nanoparticle shape plays an important role in tuning mechanical properties.
First transcriptome of the Neotropical pest Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with dissection of its siRNA machinery
Authors: Cagliari Deise , Dias Naymã Pinto , dos Santos Ericmar Ávila , Rickes Leticia Neutzling , Kremer Frederico Schmitt , Farias Juliano Ricardo , Lenz Giuvan , Galdeano Diogo Manzano , Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello , Smagghe Guy , Zotti Moisés João
Published: March 2020

Over the past few years, the use of RNA interference (RNAi) for insect pest management has attracted considerable interest in academia and industry as a pest-specific and environment-friendly strategy for pest control. For the success of this technique, the presence of core RNAi genes and a functional silencing machinery is essential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether the Neotropical brown stinkbugEuschistus heroshas the main RNAi core genes and whether the supply of dsRNA could generate an efficient gene silencing response. To do this, total mRNA of all developmental stages was sequenced on an Illumina platform, followed by ade novoassembly, gene annotation and RNAi-related gene identification. Once RNAi-related genes were identified, nuclease activities in hemolymph were investigated through anex vivoassay. To test the functionality of the siRNA machinery,E. herosadults were microinjected with ~28 ng per mg of insect of a dsRNA targeting theV-ATPase-Agene. Mortality, relative transcript levels ofV-ATPase-A, and the expression of the genes involved in the siRNA machinery,Dicer-2(DCR-2) andArgonaute 2(AGO-2), were analyzed. Transcriptome sequencing generated more than 126 million sequenced reads, and these were annotated in approximately 80,000 contigs. The search of RNAi-related genes resulted in 47 genes involved in the three major RNAi pathways, with the absence ofsid-likehomologous. Althoughex vivoincubation of dsRNA inE. heroshemolymph showed rapid degradation, there was 35% mortality at 4 days after treatment and a significant reduction inV-ATPase-Agene expression. These results indicated that although sid-likegenes are lacking, the dsRNA uptake mechanism was very efficient. Also, 2-fold and 4-fold overexpression ofDCR-2andAGO-2, respectively, after dsRNA supply indicated the activation of the siRNA machinery. Consequently,E. heroshas proven to be sensitive to RNAi upon injection of dsRNA into its hemocoel. We believe that this finding together with a publically available transcriptome and the validation of a responsive RNAi machinery provide a starting point for future field applications against one of the most important soybean pests in South America.
Size of portally deprived liver lobe after portal vein ligation and additional partial hepatectomy: Result of balancing proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Wei Weiwei , Hua Chuanfeng , Zhang Tianjiao , Dirsch Olaf , Gremse Felix , Homeyer André , Settmacher Utz , Dahmen Uta
Published: March 2020

The liver has the ability to maintain its total size by adjusting the size of the individual liver lobes differently in response to regeneration- and atrophy-stimuli. Portal vein ligation (PVL) drives the ligated lobe to undergo atrophy whereas partial hepatectomy (PHx) drives the total remnant liver to regenerate. We hypothesize that the size of the PVL-lobe is dependent on the balance between the extent of PVL and the extent of PHx inducing a complex interplay between hepatocyte proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy. Lewis-rats were subjected to either 20%PVL + 70%PHx or 70%PVL + 20%PHx. Control groups consisted of 20%PVL and 70%PVL. Liver lobe weight, BrdU-proliferation-index, proliferating-cell-nuclear-antigen-mRNA-expression level, apoptotic density and autophagy-related-proteins were investigated. The PVL-liver lobe adjusted its weight differently, increasing by 40% after 20%PVL + 70%PHx, but decreasing by 25% after 70%PVL + 20%PHx. Additional resection induced a low, but substantial size-dependent hepatocyte proliferation rate (maximal 6.3% and 3.6% vs. 0.3% and significantly suppressed apoptotic density in the deportalized-liver-lobe (3 and 14 cells/mm2 comparing with above 26 cells/mm2, p < 0.01). Autophagy was more activated in PVL-liver lobe after simultaneous PHx than after PVL only. In summary, atrophy of the PVL-liver lobe after simultaneous PHx was counteracted by promoting hepatocyte proliferation, inducing autophagy and suppressing apoptosis in a PHx-extent-dependent manner.
Effects of stacking periodicity on the electronic and optical properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice: a first-principles study
Authors: Jiang M. , Xiao H. Y. , Peng S. M. , Qiao L. , Yang G. X. , Liu Z. J. , Zu X. T.
Published: March 2020

The effects of stacking periodicity on the electronic and optical properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice have been explored by density functional theory calculations. Among the (GaAs)m/(AlAs)m, (GaAs)1/(AlAs)m and (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 (m = 1 to 5) superlattices, the band gaps of (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 superlattices decrease significantly as the layer of GaAs increases, and the cut-off wavelengths are found to locate in the near infrared region. For (GaAs)m/(AlAs)1 SLs, the conduction bands shift toward Fermi level, resulting in the smaller band gap, while conduction bands of (GaAs)1/(AlAs)n SLs slightly shift to higher energy, which lead to comparable band gaps. The layer number of GaAs shows negligible effects on the reflectivity spectra of superlattice structures, while the absorption coefficient shows a red-shift with the increasing layer of GaAs, which is beneficial for the application of GaAs/AlAs superlattice in the field of near infrared detector. These results demonstrate that controlling the number of GaAs layers is a good method to engineer the optoelectronic properties of GaAs/AlAs superlattice.
A new clinical-genomic model to predict 10-year recurrence risk in primary operable breast cancer patients
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ting , Lei Lei , Chen Ching-Hsuan Andre , Lu Tzu-Pin , Jen Chung-Wen , Cheng Skye Hung-Chun
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to validate the long-term prognostic value of a new clinical-genomic model, Distant Genetic Model-Clinical Variable Model 6 (DGM-CM6), developed in Asia as a prognostic panel for all subtypes of breast cancer. We included 752 operable stage I–III breast cancer patients representing all subtypes treated from 2005 to 2014 as the validation cohort. The median follow-up was 95.8 months. The low- and high-risk patients classified by DGM-CM6 (RI-DR) had significant differences in 10-year distant recurrence-free interval (DRFI) (94.1% vs. 85.0%, P < 0.0001) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (90.0% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.0003). External validation using EMTAB-365 dataset showed similar observation (P < 0.0001). DGM-CM6 was an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis with hazard ratios of 3.1 (1.6–6.0) for RFS (P = 0.0009) and 3.8 (1.6–9.0) for DRFI (P = 0.0028). Comparing the C-index of DGM-CM6 and PAM50-ROR scores, the former performed better than the latter in predicting long-term DRFI and RFS, especially in N0, ER/PR-positive, and HER2-negative patients.
Straightforward synthesis of Sulfur/N,S-codoped carbon cathodes for Lithium-Sulfur batteries
Authors: Sevilla Marta , Carro-Rodríguez Jorge , Díez Noel , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: March 2020

An upgrade of the scalable fabrication of high-performance sulfur-carbon cathodes is essential for the widespread commercialization of this technology. Herein we present a simple, cost-effective and scalable approach for the fabrication of cathodes comprising sulfur and high-surface area, N,S-codoped carbons. The method involves the use of a sulfur salt, i.e. sodium thiosulfate, as activating agent, sulfur precursor and S-dopant, and polypyrrole as carbon precursor and N-dopant. In this way, the production of the porous host and the incorporation of sulfur are combined in the same procedure. The porous hosts thus produced have BET surface areas in excess of 2000 m2 g−1, a micro-mesoporous structure, as well as sulfur and nitrogen contents of 5–6 wt% and ~2 wt%, respectively. The elemental sulfur content in the composites can be precisely modulated in the range of 24 to ca. 90 wt% by controlling the amount of sodium thiosulfate used. Remarkably, these porous carbons are able to accommodate up to 80 wt% sulfur exclusively within their porosity. When analyzed in lithium-sulfur batteries, these sulfur-carbon composites show high specific capacities of 1100 mAh g−1 at a low C-rate of 0.1 C and above 500 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 2 C for sulfur contents in the range of 50–80 wt%. Remarkably, the composites with 51–65 wt% S can still provide above 400 mAh g−1 at an ultra-fast rate of 4 C (where a charge and discharge cycle takes only ten minutes). The good rate capability and sulfur utilization was additionally assessed for cathodes with a high sulfur content (65–74%) and a high sulfur loading (>5 mg cm−2). In addition, cathodes of 4 mg cm−2 successfully cycled for 260 cycles at 0.2 C showed only a low loss of 0.12%/cycle.
Self-reported health as a predictor of mortality: A cohort study of its relation to other health measurements and observation time
Authors: Lorem Geir , Cook Sarah , Leon David A. , Emaus Nina , Schirmer Henrik
Published: March 2020

Self-reported health (SRH) is widely used as an epidemiological instrument given the changes in public health since its introduction in the 1980s. We examined the association between SRH and mortality and how this is affected by time and health measurements in a prospective cohort study using repeated measurements and physical examinations of 11652 men and 12684 women in Tromsø, Norway. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of death for SRH, controlling for pathology, biometrics, smoking, sex and age. SRH predicted mortality independently of other, more objective health measures. Higher SRH was strongly associated with lower mortality risk. Poor SRH had HR 2.51 (CI: 2.19, 2.88). SRH is affected by disease, mental health and other risk factors, but these factors had little impact on HRs (Poor SRH: HR 1.99; CI: 1.72, 2.31). SRH predicted mortality, but with a time-dependent effect. Time strongly affected the hazard ratio for mortality, especially after ten-year follow-up (Poor SRH HR 3.63 at 0–5 years decreased to HR 1.58 at 15–21 years). SRH has both methodological and clinical value. It should not be uncritically utilised as a replacement instrument when measures of physical illness and other objective health measures are lacking.
The relationship between subjective sleep quality and cognitive performance in healthy young adults: Evidence from three empirical studies
Authors: Zavecz Zsófia , Nagy Tamás , Galkó Adrienn , Nemeth Dezso , Janacsek Karolina
Published: March 2020

The role of subjective sleep quality in cognitive performance has gained increasing attention in recent decades. In this paper, our aim was to test the relationship between subjective sleep quality and a wide range of cognitive functions in a healthy young adult sample combined across three studies. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Athens Insomnia Scale, and a sleep diary to capture general subjective sleep quality, and the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale to capture prior night’s sleep quality. Within cognitive functions, we tested working memory, executive functions, and several sub-processes of procedural learning. To provide more reliable results, we included robust frequentist as well as Bayesian statistical analyses. Unequivocally across all analyses, we showed that there is no association between subjective sleep quality and cognitive performance in the domains of working memory, executive functions and procedural learning in healthy young adults. Our paper can contribute to a deeper understanding of subjective sleep quality and its measures, and we discuss various factors that may affect whether associations can be observed between subjective sleep quality and cognitive performance.
Urban wastewater analysis as an effective tool for monitoring illegal drugs, including new psychoactive substances, in the Eastern European region
Authors: Sulej-Suchomska Anna Maria , Klupczynska Agnieszka , Dereziński Paweł , Matysiak Jan , Przybyłowski Piotr , Kokot Zenon J.
Published: March 2020

The use of illicit drugs causes unquestionable societal and economic damage. To implement actions aimed at combating drug abuse, it is necessary to assess illicit drug consumption patterns. The purpose of this paper was to develop, optimize, validate and apply a procedure for determining new psychoactive substances (NPSs) and classic drugs of abuse and their main metabolites in wastewater samples by using solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Moreover, detailed validation of the procedure was conducted. The developed SPE–HPLC-MS/MS procedure (within the sewage-based epidemiology strategy) allowed for the simultaneous, selective, very sensitive, accurate (recoveries ≥ 80.1%) and precise (CV ≤ 8.1%) determination of new and classic psychoactive substances in wastewater samples. This study is characterized by new scientific elements, especially in terms of the freeze-thaw and post-preparative stability of the selected psychoactive substances. This is the first time that NPSs (mephedrone and ketamine), the main metabolites of heroin (6-acetylmorphine, 6-AM) and marijuana (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC-COOH) have been detected and monitored in Poland. This study is also the first to corroborate the data available from the EMCDDA and EUROPOL report and indicates that the retail market for cocaine is expanding in Eastern Europe.
Electrically induced transformations of defects in cholesteric layer with tangential-conical boundary conditions
Authors: Krakhalev Mikhail N. , Prishchepa Oxana O. , Sutormin Vitaly S. , Bikbaev Rashid G. , Timofeev Ivan V. , Zyryanov Victor Ya.
Published: March 2020

Electric-field-induced changes of the orientational structures of cholesteric liquid crystal layer with the tangential-conical boundary conditions have been investigated. The samples with the ratio of the cholesteric layer thickness d to the helix pitch p equalled to 0.57 have been considered. The perpendicularly applied electric field causes a decrease of the azimuthal director angle at the substrate with the conical surface anchoring. In the cells with d = 22 μm, the defect loops having the under-twisted and over-twisted areas are formed. At the defect loop the pair of point peculiarities is observed where the 180° jump of azimuthal angle of the director occurs. Under the action of electric field the loops shrink and disappear. In the cells with d = 13 μm, the over-twisted and under-twisted defect lines are formed. Applied voltage results in the shortening of lines or/and their transformation into a defect of the third type. The director field distribution near defect lines of three types has been investigated by the polarising microscopy techniques. It has been revealed that the length ratio between the over-twisted and third-type defect lines can be controlled by the electric field.
Carbon Nanoparticles-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Awadallah-F Ahmed , Al-Muhtaseb Shaheen
Published: March 2020

Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were decorated by activated carbon nanoparticles of resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogels. Carbon nanospheres and MWCNTs were mixed by equal mass ratios for different durations. The products were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, nanoscanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The results indicated that a significant decoration with carbon nanoparticles occurred onto the MWCNTs.
Breast tumor movements analysis using MRI scans in prone and supine positions
Authors: Wang Chuan-Bing , Lee Sangwook , Kim Taehun , Hong Dayeong , Kim Guk Bae , Yoon Ga Young , Kim Hak Hee , Kim Namkug , Ko BeomSeok
Published: March 2020

We quantitatively evaluated breast tumor movement and volume changes between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in prone and supine positions. Twenty-seven breast tumor patients who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) for breast-conserving surgery were studied. Before and after NST, MRI scans in prone and supine positions were performed immediately. Tumor segmentation, volume, and position of tumors were evaluated in both positions. Average tumor volumes in prone and supine positions did not significantly differ (p = 0.877). Tumor movement from prone to supine positions from the origin of the bottom center of the sternum was strongly correlated with the distance from the tumor center to the chest wall (r = 0.669; p < 0.05). Tumor changes from prone to supine positions measured from the origin of the nipple depended on the location of the tumor in the breast. The prone-to-supine movement of all tumors from the origin of the bottom center of the sternum tended to move outward from the sagittal centerline of the body on the coronal plane, to the inside of the body on the sagittal plane, and outward and downward close to the body on the axial plane, which might help in planning operations using prone MRI in supine-position breast cancer surgery.
Impact of scaling on aeration performance of fine-pore membrane diffusers based on a pilot-scale study
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Mo Huijun , Liu Guo-hua , Qi Lu , Yu Yu , Fan Haitao , Xu Xianglong , Luo Tao , Shao Yuting , Wang Hongchen
Published: March 2020

Aeration systems consume a large amount of energy in wastewater treatment plants. Fine-pore membrane diffusers are most commonly used in aeration systems. Scaling and fouling on these membrane diffusers will lead to decreased performance in aeration and increase energy consumption. This pilot-scale study focused on the scaling of the three kinds of fine-pore membrane diffusers under different influent hardness conditions. The results showed that the diffusers were mainly polluted by calcium carbonate scaling. Scaling occurred on the outer surface, orifices and inner surface of the membranes. The dynamic wet pressure (DWP) of ethylene-propylenediene monomer (EPDM), silicone and polyurethane (PU) membrane diffusers increased by 126%, 34% and 304%, respectively, within 50 days when the hardness was 400 mg/L (as CaCO3). However, the increase ratio became obviously slow during the subsequent 60-day operation, indicating a scaling rule of membrane diffusers. Considering that the standard aeration efficiency (SAE) acted as a comprehensive index for judging the aeration performance, the silicone diffuser had better performance than the other two diffusers when severe scaling occurred. This research also provides basic support for the design of membrane diffusers to improve their anti-scaling performance.
Author Correction: Warm hole in Pacific Arctic sea ice cover forced mid-latitude Northern Hemisphere cooling during winter 2017–18
Authors: Tachibana Yoshihiro , Komatsu Kensuke K. , Alexeev Vladimir A. , Cai Lei , Ando Yuta
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in human gastric carcinoma HGC-27 cells
Authors: Xie Yong , Chen Zhu , Hu Linan , Zhang Hailiang , Xu Pengfei , Pan Ke
Published: March 2020

In this work, we report a new fluorescent probe JNH-1 for the ratiometric detection of H2O2.
Distinct microscopic mechanisms for the accelerated aggregation of pathogenic Tau mutants revealed by kinetic analysis
Authors: Yao Qiong-Qiong , Hong Liu , Wu Si , Perrett Sarah
Published: March 2020

Relating chemical kinetics and physical properties to pathogenicity of disease-related Tau mutants.
Covalent organic framework nanosheets: preparation, properties and applications
Authors: Rodríguez-San-Miguel D. , Montoro C. , Zamora F.
Published: March 2020

Covalent organic frameworks are crystalline porous materials with 2- or 3-dimensional structures designed modularly from their molecular precursors. Using bottom-up or top-down strategies, single- or few-layer materials can be obtained from them.
Radio- and nano-chemistry of aqueous Ga(iii) ions anchored onto graphene oxide-modified complexes
Authors: Sarpaki S. , Cortezon-Tamarit F. , de Aguiar S. R. M. M. , Exner R. M. , Divall D. , Arrowsmith R. L. , Ge H. , Palomares F. J. , Carroll L. , Calatayud D. G. , Paisey S. J. , Aboagye E. O. , Pascu S. I.
Published: March 2020

The non-covalent radiolabelling of new graphene oxide-bis(thiosemicarbazonato) nanohybrids with gallium-68 and zirconium-89 ions is reported herein for the first time.
An efficient method to obtain anti-inflammatory phenolic derivatives from Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott. by a high speed counter-current chromatography coupled with a recycling mode
Authors: Yu Jinqian , Sun Xiaowei , Zhao Lei , Wang Xueyong , Wang Xiao
Published: March 2020

Anti-inflammatory phenolic derivatives from S. officinalis by high speed counter-current chromatography.
Fabrication of a novel BiOI/KTaO3 p–n heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiao , Li Qiang , Liu Shihao , Luo Rui , Li Hong , Zhang Min , Cui Chaopeng , Zhu Guangping , Chen San , Liang Changhao
Published: March 2020

Schematic diagram of the formation of p–n junction and the charge transfer and separation process under visible light irradiation.
Template-based fabrication of spatially organized 3D bioactive constructs using magnetic low-concentration gelation methacrylate (GelMA) microfibers
Authors: Sun Tao , Yao Yibing , Shi Qing , Wang Huaping , Dario Paolo , Sun Junzhong , Huang Qiang , Fukuda Toshio
Published: March 2020

A new template-based method to apply low-concentration GelMA microfibers as building blocks for higher-order cellular assembly.
In situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 on a GO–PVDF membrane as a sorbent for thin-film microextraction of caffeine followed by quantitation through high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jafari Zahra , Hadjmohammadi Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2020

In the present study, the applicability of ZIF-8/LDH/GO/PVDF as a sorbent for the thin film microextraction (TFME) method is introduced.
Large negative linear compressibility of a porous molecular co-crystal
Authors: Sobczak Szymon , Półrolniczak Aleksandra , Ratajczyk Paulina , Cai Weizhao , Gładysiak Andrzej , Nikolayenko Varvara I. , Castell Dominic C. , Barbour Leonard J. , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: March 2020

Porous 1,2-bis[2-methyl-5-(pyridyl)-3thienyl] cyclopentene cocrystal with 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene exhibits large negative linear compression correlated with the shape of pores.
Simultaneous co-assembly of fenofibrate and ketoprofen peptide for the dual-targeted treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Wang Zhongyan , Ma Chuanrui , Shang Yuna , Yang Lijun , Zhang Jing , Yang Cuihong , Ren Chunhua , Liu Jinjian , Fan Guanwei , Liu Jianfeng
Published: March 2020

An ingenious co-assembled nanosystem based on fenofibrate and ketoprofen peptide for the dual-targeted treatment of NAFLD by reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses.
Black phosphorus quantum dots as novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence emitters for the detection of Cu2+
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Qiaoe , Liu Xuejiao , Chen Xu , Wang Lianying , Yang Wensheng
Published: March 2020

Black phosphorus quantum dots with surface states and bandgap luminescence under NMP passivation are used for the detection of Cu2+.
Effect of particle size and morphology on the performance of BiFeO3–PDMS piezoelectric generators
Authors: Yoshiyama Kohei , Mori Masae , Hagiwara Manabu , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: March 2020

The effect of the size and morphology of piezoelectric BiFeO3 particles on the performance of BiFeO3–PDMS composite generators is revealed.
What is the trigger for the hydrogen evolution reaction? – towards electrocatalysis beyond the Sabatier principle
Authors: Zeradjanin Aleksandar R. , Polymeros George , Toparli Cigdem , Ledendecker Marc , Hodnik Nejc , Erbe Andreas , Rohwerder Michael , La Mantia Fabio
Published: March 2020

The mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction, although intensively studied for more than a century, remains a fundamental scientific challenge.
Selective detection of sulfide in human lung cancer cells with a blue-fluorescent “ON–OFF–ON” benzimidazole-based chemosensor ensemble
Authors: Kwan Chak-Shing , Wang Tao , Chan Sing-Ming , Cai Zongwei , Leung Ken Cham-Fai
Published: March 2020

A blue-fluorescent aqueous sensor ensemble was synthesised for the selective detection of sulfide in human lung cancer cells.
Evaluation of cobalt complexes with tripod ligands for zinc finger targeting
Authors: Aðalsteinsson Heiðar Mar , Lima Frederico A. , Galuppo Carolina , Abbehausen Camilla
Published: March 2020

We report the ability of CoII and CoIII complexes of tri(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and N,N-di(2-pyridylmethyl)glycinate to disrupt zinc fingers.
Naproxen platinum(iv) hybrids inhibiting cycloxygenases and matrix metalloproteinases and causing DNA damage: synthesis and biological evaluation as antitumor agents in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Qingpeng , Li Zuojie , Liu Zhifang , Zhao Yanna , Zhang Junfeng , Liu Min , Wang Zhengping , Li Dacheng , Han Jun
Published: March 2020

Naproxen platinum(iv) hybrids display effective antitumor activities by inhibiting cycloxygenases and matrix metalloproteinases and by causing DNA damage.
Systematic studies on dibenzhydryl and pentiptycenyl substituted pyridine-imine nickel(ii) mediated ethylene polymerization
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Zhang Yuxing , Mu Hongliang , Jian Zhongbao
Published: March 2020

Pyridine-imine nickel catalysts bearing different N-aryl/imine substituents were systematically studied for ethylene polymerization to produce low-molecular-weight and branched polyethylenes.
Metallothionein Cd4S11 cluster formation dominates in the protection of carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Yuan Amelia T , Korkola Natalie C , Wong Daisy L , Stillman Martin J
Published: March 2020

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous proteins vital for essential metal homeostasis and heavy metal detoxification. The twenty-cysteinyl mammalian metallothioneins protect the proteome by sequestering heavy metals into thermodynamically stable metal thiolate structures when metalated with seven Cd2+. At physiological pH, the first metal (M) thiolate (SCys) structures formed involve M(SCys)4 terminal thiolates. With higher metal loading, M4(SCys)11 and M3(SCys)9 clusters form. As a regulator of the metallome, it is necessary to understand metal sequestration properties of MT in solution with other metalloproteins. We report that the association between apo-MT and apo-carbonic anhydrase (CA) enhances the formation of the protective mode of MT, in which Cd4(SCys)11-clusters form at much lower concentration levels than for the free apo-MT at physiological pH. Using stopped-flow kinetics and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we quantified this protective effect, determining that it is significant at pH 7.4, but the effect diminishes at pH 5.0. We report for the first time, the absolute stepwise binding constants of Cd2+ binding to human MT1a both in the presence and absence of CA through calibration by the known binding constant of Cd2+ to bovine CA. We report that this protein association affects the Cd2+ metalation rates of MT. The data support the physiological role of MTs as protectors of the metalloproteome from the toxic effects of Cd2+.
Effect of pre-shearing treatment on the molecular structure, fibrillogenesis behavior and gel properties of collagen
Authors: He Lang , Yang Jian , Xu Chengzhi , Li Sheng , Wei Benmei , Zhang Juntao , Xu Yuling , Wang Haibo
Published: March 2020

The shearing treatment of type-I collagen may be applied to other proteins or aggregated polymer systems to obtain new materials with different structures and properties.
A streptavidin-functionalized tin disulfide nanoflake-based ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of tumor markers
Authors: Shen Huifang , Wang Chu , Ren Chuanli , Zhang Geshan , Zhang Yongcai , Li Juan , Hu Xiaoya , Yang Zhanjun
Published: March 2020

Universal and novel streptavidin-functionalized tin disulfide nanoflakes (SnS2 NFs) have been explored for the first time to develop an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of tumor markers.
Synthesis of efficient photocatalysts from sodium bentonite modified Bi2WO6 for the decomposition of oilfield pollutants
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yang Ping , Yang Bo , Bai Yang , Liu Weihua , Wang Jun , Wang Qi
Published: March 2020

Bi2WO6 is modified to give sodium bentonite/Bi2WO6 photocatalyst, prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. We offer a new approach for selecting carrier modified photocatalysts, and show the degradation of oil field pollutants using this photocatalyst.
Improvement of lithium anode deterioration for ameliorating cyclabilities of non-aqueous Li–CO2 batteries
Authors: Chen Chih-Jung , Yang Jun-Jie , Chen Chien-Hung , Wei Da-Hua , Hu Shu-Fen , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: March 2020

Herein, ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles were anchored on carbon nanotubes (Ru/CNTs) functionalized as catalyst cathodes for non-aqueous Li–CO2 cells.
Synthetic preparation and immunological evaluation of β-mannosylceramide and related N-acyl analogues
Authors: Robinson Sage A. , Yau Jessica , Terabe Masaki , Berzofsky Jay A. , Painter Gavin F. , Compton Benjamin J. , Larsen David S.
Published: March 2020

The synthesis of the invariant natural killer (iNK) T cell agonist β-mannosylceramide along with a series of fatty amide analogues is reported.
Visible light promoted C–H functionalization of imidazoheterocycles
Authors: Bagdi Avik Kumar , Hajra Alakananda
Published: March 2020

The present review summarizes the visible light mediated direct C–H functionalizations of pharmacologically active imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and other related heterocycles.
S-Glycosides: synthesis of S-linked arabinoxylan oligosaccharides
Authors: Romanò Cecilia , Jiang Hao , Boos Irene , Clausen Mads H.
Published: March 2020

An S-linked disaccharide for the efficient synthesis of arabinoxylans.
Polymerization of dopamine accompanying its coupling to induce self-assembly of block copolymer and application in drug delivery
Authors: Qiu Yudian , Zhu Zongyuan , Miao Yalei , Zhang Panke , Jia Xu , Liu Zhongyi , Zhao Xubo
Published: March 2020

The polymerization of dopamine and its coupling occur in succession, which synergistically induces the self-assembly of block copolymer to yield ordered structures, including micelles and vesicles.
Ring opening polymerization of macrocyclic oligoesters derived from renewable sources
Authors: Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz Guerra Sebastián
Published: March 2020

A review about the synthesis of renewable alkylene furanoate and dicarboxylate MCOs, their ROP to polyesters and their recycling by cyclodepolymerization.
Controllable synthesis of in situ grown titanate hierarchical microspheres and subsequent chemical modifications for superhydrophobic and oil–water separation properties
Authors: Li Yong , Xie Jiyang , Guo Changjin , Wang Jian , Liu Huan , Hu Wanbiao
Published: March 2020

An in situ “nucleation-cum-growth” solution chemistry strategy was performed to synthesize titanate hierarchical microspheres with superhydrophobic properties and oil–water separation performance.
N/S co-doped coal-based porous carbon spheres as electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lv Yan , Chen Jingjing , Jia Wei , Wu Xueyan , Guo Jixi , Ding Lili , Jia Dianzeng , Tong Fenglian
Published: March 2020

N/S co-doped porous carbon spheres were prepared using one step strategy for high performance supercapacitors.
Sustainable oxidation of cyclohexane catalyzed by a VO(acac)2-oxalic acid tandem: the electrochemical motive of the process efficiency
Authors: Pokutsa Alexander , Bloniarz Pawel , Fliunt Orest , Kubaj Yuliya , Zaborovskyi Andriy , Paczeŝniak Tomasz
Published: March 2020

Cyclohexane oxidation by H2O2 to cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, and cyclohexylhydroperoxide under mild (40 °C, 1 atm) conditions is significantly enhanced in the system composed of VO(acac)2 (starting catalyst) and small additives of oxalic acid (process promoter).
Graphene reinforced carbon nanofiber engineering enhances Li storage performances of germanium oxide
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wei Wei , Wang Kefeng , Xiao Guoqing , Xu Maotian
Published: March 2020

In the GeO2/nanocable, amorphous carbon and graphene spontaneously construct a nanocable structure, graphene “core” promises the good electrical conductivity while the amorphous carbon “shell” guarantees the fast Li ions diffusion.
Preparation and properties of CF–Fe3O4–BN composite electromagnetic wave-absorbing materials
Authors: Ye Wei , Sun Qilong , Long Xiaoyun , Cai Yingying
Published: March 2020

A three-layered electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing material was prepared by depositing a Fe3O4 and boron nitride (BN) coating onto the surface of a carbon fiber (CF) by in situ hybridization.
Biomimetic synthesis of galantamine via laccase/TEMPO mediated oxidative coupling
Authors: Zippilli Claudio , Botta Lorenzo , Bizzarri Bruno Mattia , Baratto Maria Camilla , Pogni Rebecca , Saladino Raffaele
Published: March 2020

Laccase-mediated intramolecular oxidative radical coupling of N-formyl-2-bromo-O-methylnorbelladine afforded a novel and isolable spirocyclohexadienonic intermediate of galantamine.