bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategically influencing an uncertain future
Authors: Govaert Alain , Cao Ming
Published: July 2020

Many of today’s most pressing societal concerns require decisions which take into account a distant and uncertain future. Recent developments in strategic decision-making suggest that individuals, or a small group of individuals, can unilaterally influence the collective outcome of such complex social dilemmas. However, these results do not account for the extent to which decisions are moderated by uncertainty in the probability or timing of future outcomes that characterise the valuation of a (distant) uncertain future. Here we develop a general framework that captures interactions among uncertainty, the resulting time-inconsistent discounting, and their consequences for decision-making processes. In deterministic limits, existing theories can be recovered. More importantly, new insights are obtained into the possibilities for strategic influence when the valuation of the future is uncertain. We show that in order to unilaterally promote and sustain cooperation in social dilemmas, decisions of generous and extortionate strategies should be adjusted to the level of uncertainty. In particular, generous payoff relations cannot be enforced during periods of greater risk (which we term the “generosity gap”), unless the strategic enforcer orients their strategy towards a more distant future by consistently choosing “selfless” cooperative decisions; likewise, the possibilities for extortion are directly limited by the level of uncertainty. Our results have implications for policies that aim to solve societal concerns with consequences for a distant future and provides a theoretical starting point for investigating how collaborative decision-making can help solve long-standing societal dilemmas.
Two-omics data revealed commonalities and differences between Rpv12- and Rpv3-mediated resistance in grapevine
Authors: Chitarrini Giulia , Riccadonna Samantha , Zulini Luca , Vecchione Antonella , Stefanini Marco , Larger Simone , Pindo Massimo , Cestaro Alessandro , Franceschi Pietro , Magris Gabriele , Foria Serena , Morgante Michele , Di Gaspero Gabriele , Vrhovsek Urska
Published: July 2020

Plasmopara viticola is the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew (DM). DM resistant varieties deploy effector-triggered immunity (ETI) to inhibit pathogen growth, which is activated by major resistance loci, the most common of which are Rpv3 and Rpv12. We previously showed that a quick metabolome response lies behind the ETI conferred by Rpv3 TIR-NB-LRR genes. Here we used a grape variety operating Rpv12-mediated ETI, which is conferred by an independent locus containing CC-NB-LRR genes, to investigate the defence response using GC/MS, UPLC, UHPLC and RNA-Seq analyses. Eighty-eight metabolites showed significantly different concentration and 432 genes showed differential expression between inoculated resistant leaves and controls. Most metabolite changes in sugars, fatty acids and phenols were similar in timing and direction to those observed in Rpv3-mediated ETI but some of them were stronger or more persistent. Activators, elicitors and signal transducers for the formation of reactive oxygen species were early observed in samples undergoing Rpv12-mediated ETI and were paralleled and followed by the upregulation of genes belonging to ontology categories associated with salicylic acid signalling, signal transduction, WRKY transcription factors and synthesis of PR-1, PR-2, PR-5 pathogenesis-related proteins.
Label-free detection of rare circulating tumor cells by image analysis and machine learning
Authors: Wang Shen , Zhou Yuyuan , Qin Xiaochen , Nair Suresh , Huang Xiaolei , Liu Yaling
Published: July 2020

Detection and characterization of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients' blood is important for the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. The traditional way of counting CTCs via fluorescent images requires a series of tedious experimental procedures and often impacts the viability of cells. Here we present a method for label-free detection of CTCs from patient blood samples, by taking advantage of data analysis of bright field microscopy images. The approach uses the convolutional neural network, a powerful image classification and machine learning algorithm to perform label-free classification of cells detected in microscopic images of patient blood samples containing white blood cells and CTCs. It requires minimal data pre-processing and has an easy experimental setup. Through our experiments, we show that our method can achieve high accuracy on the identification of rare CTCs without the need for advanced devices or expert users, thus providing a faster and simpler way for counting and identifying CTCs. With more data becoming available in the future, the machine learning model can be further improved and can serve as an accurate and easy-to-use tool for CTC analysis.
Cooperation and Competition among information on social networks
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Gao Chang , Zhang Yumeng , Li Hainan , Xu Jin , Zan Yongli , Li Zhi
Published: July 2020

When multiple information are spread on social networks, there may be Cooperation and Competition among these information. Based on a new spreading model of multiple information, we studied Cooperation and Competition in information spreading, and analyzed the influence of different factors on Cooperation and Competition. Through a large number of computer simulation experiments, we found that: (1) when multiple information are spread on social networks, there is Cooperation and Competition among these information; (2) the smaller the distance between two information sources is, the stronger the Cooperation and Competition among these information are; (3) the greater the value of social reinforcement is, the stronger the Cooperation and Competition among these information are; (4) the weaker the human heterogeneity of one information is, the stronger the Cooperation and Competition among this information and other information are.
How shape-based anthropometry can complement traditional anthropometric techniques: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thelwell Michael , Chiu Chuang-Yuan , Bullas Alice , Hart John , Wheat Jon , Choppin Simon
Published: July 2020

Manual anthropometrics are used extensively in medical practice and epidemiological studies to assess an individual's health. However, traditional techniques reduce the complicated shape of human bodies to a series of simple size measurements and derived health indices, such as the body mass index (BMI), the waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and waist-by-height0.5 ratio (WHT.5R). Three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems capture detailed and accurate measures of external human form and have the potential to surpass traditional measures in health applications. The aim of this study was to investigate how shape measurement can complement existing anthropometric techniques in the assessment of human form. Geometric morphometric methods and principal components analysis were used to extract independent, scale-invariant features of torso shape from 3D scans of 43 male participants. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine whether novel shape measures can complement anthropometric indices when estimating waist skinfold thickness measures. Anthropometric indices currently used in practice explained up to 52.2% of variance in waist skinfold thickness, while a combined regression model using WHT.5R and shape measures explained 76.5% of variation. Measures of body shape provide additional information regarding external human form and can complement traditional measures currently used in anthropometric practice to estimate central adiposity.
First-principles investigation of LaMg2Ni and its hydrides
Authors: Jiang Weiqing , Chen Yujie , Mo Xiaohua , Li Xinglang
Published: July 2020

Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, the electronic structures of LaMg2Ni and its hydrides LaMg2NiH4.5 (intermediate phase) and LaMg2NiH7 (fully hydrogenated phase), as well as the H adsorption on LaMg2Ni (100) surface were investigated. For comparision, the atomic bonding characteristics of Co- and Pd-doped LaMg2Ni, LaMg2NiH4.5 and LaMg2NiH7 compounds were also studied. Our aim is to provide new insights into the hydrogenation of LaMg2Ni. The results show that the metallic intermediate hydride LaMg2NiH4.5 with Ni–H covalent bonds may act as the precursor state from the host compound LaMg2Ni to the full hydride LaMg2NiH7. Upon LaMg2Ni hydrogenation, the suppression of Mg–Ni and Ni–H interactions as well as the formation of La-H bonds favors for LaMg2Ni–H formation.
DNA methylation of the INSR gene as a mediator of the association between prenatal exposure to famine and adulthood waist circumference
Authors: Wang Zhenghe , Song Jieyun , Li Changwei , Li Yanhui , Shen Luqi , Dong Bin , Zou Zhiyong , Ma Jun
Published: July 2020

The aims of this study were to explore whether DNA methylation at INSR and IGF2 mediated the association of prenatal exposure to the Chinese great famine with adulthood waist circumference (WC) and BMI. A total of 235 subjects were selected into the present study from severely affected province and a neighbor province with less severely affected famine in China through multi-stage clustered random sampling. DNA methylation at the INSR and IGF2 gene promoter regions was detected by the Sequenom’s MassARRAY system. The “mediation” package of R was used to evaluate the mediation effect of DNA methylation on the association between prenatal exposure to the famine and adult WC and BMI. The results showed that prenatal famine exposure was significantly associated with higher overall methylation level of the INSR gene (d = 3.6%; 95% CI 1.2–6.0; P = 0.027) and larger adulthood WC (d = 2.72 cm; 95% CI 0.20–5.24; P = 0.034). Furthermore, famine significantly increased methylation levels at four CpG sites. Methylation of the CpG7 site mediated 32.0% (95% CI 5.0–100.0%, P = 0.029) of the association between prenatal exposure to the Chinese great famine and adulthood WC. In conclusion, Epigenetic changes to the INSR might mediate the adverse effect of prenatal famine exposure on WC in adulthood.
Chemical evidence of rare porphyrins in purple shells of Crassostrea gigas oyster
Authors: Bonnard Michel , Cantel Sonia , Boury Bruno , Parrot Isabelle
Published: July 2020

The colour of oyster shells is a very diverse characteristic morphotype, forming intriguing vivid patterns both on the inside and outside of the shell. In the present study, we have identified for the first time, the presence of several porphyrins as constituents of the shell pigmentation of the Crassostrea gigas oyster consumed worldwide. The precise molecular structures of halochromic, fluorescent and acid-soluble porphyrins, such as uroporphyrin and turacin, are unambiguously determined by reverse phase liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry. Their presence account for the purple colouration of shells but also for the dark colouration of adductor muscle scars. We have also defined the endogenous origin of these porphyrins, specifically secreted or accumulated by the shell forming tissue. These findings are pioneering analytical proofs of the existence of the haem pathway in the edible oyster Crassostrea gigas, evidenced by the chemical identification of haem side-products and supported by the recent publication of the corresponding oyster genome.
Systemic lipid dysregulation is a risk factor for macular neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Bonelli Roberto , Woods Sasha M. , Ansell Brendan R. E. , Heeren Tjebo F. C. , Egan Catherine A. , Khan Kamron N. , Guymer Robyn , Trombley Jennifer , Friedlander Martin , Bahlo Melanie , Fruttiger Marcus
Published: July 2020

Macular Telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is an uncommon bilateral retinal disease, in which glial cell and photoreceptor degeneration leads to central vision loss. The causative disease mechanism is largely unknown, and no treatment is currently available. A previous study found variants in genes associated with glycine–serine metabolism (PSPH,PHGDHandCPS1) to be associated with MacTel, and showed low levels of glycine and serine in the serum of MacTel patients. Recently, a causative role of deoxysphingolipids in MacTel disease has been established. However, little is known about possible other metabolic dysregulation. Here we used a global metabolomics platform in a case–control study to comprehensively profile serum from 60 MacTel patients and 58 controls. Analysis of the data, using innovative computational approaches, revealed a detailed, disease-associated metabolic profile with broad changes in multiple metabolic pathways. This included alterations in the levels of several metabolites that are directly or indirectly linked to glycine–serine metabolism, further validating our previous genetic findings. We also found changes unrelated to PSPH, PHGDH and CPS1 activity. Most pronounced, levels of several lipid groups were altered, with increased phosphatidylethanolamines being the most affected lipid group. Assessing correlations between different metabolites across our samples revealed putative functional connections. Correlations between phosphatidylethanolamines and sphingomyelin, and glycine–serine and sphingomyelin, observed in controls, were reduced in MacTel patients, suggesting metabolic re-wiring of sphingomyelin metabolism in MacTel patients. Our findings provide novel insights into metabolic changes associated with MacTel and implicate altered lipid metabolism as a contributor to this retinal neurodegenerative disease.
A new class of lightweight, stainless steels with ultra-high strength and large ductility
Authors: Moon Joonoh , Ha Heon-Young , Kim Kyeong-Won , Park Seong-Jun , Lee Tae-Ho , Kim Sung-Dae , Jang Jae Hoon , Jo Hyo-Haeng , Hong Hyun-Uk , Lee Bong Ho , Lee Young-Joo , Lee Changhee , Suh Dong-Woo , Han Heung Nam , Raabe Dierk , Lee Chang-Hoon
Published: July 2020

Steel is the global backbone material of industrialized societies, with more than 1.8 billion tons produced per year. However, steel-containing structures decay due to corrosion, destroying annually 3.4% (2.5 trillion US$) of the global gross domestic product. Besides this huge loss in value, a solution to the corrosion problem at minimum environmental impact would also leverage enhanced product longevity, providing an immense contribution to sustainability. Here, we report a leap forward toward this aim through the development of a new family of low-density stainless steels with ultra-high strength (> 1 GPa) and high ductility (> 35%). The alloys are based on the Fe–(20–30)Mn–(11.5–12.0)Al–1.5C–5Cr (wt%) system and are strengthened by dispersions of nano-sized Fe3AlC-type κ-carbide. The alloying with Cr enhances the ductility without sacrificing strength, by suppressing the precipitation of κ-carbide and thus stabilizing the austenite matrix. The formation of a protective Al-rich oxide film on the surface lends the alloys outstanding resistance to pitting corrosion similar to ferritic stainless steels. The new alloy class has thus the potential to replace commercial stainless steels as it has much higher strength at similar formability, 17% lower mass density and lower environmental impact, qualifying it for demanding lightweight, corrosion resistant, high-strength structural parts.
Potential role of compost mixed biochar with rhizobacteria in mitigating lead toxicity in spinach
Authors: Zafar-ul-Hye Muhammad , Tahzeeb-ul-Hassan Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Brtnicky Martin , Dokulilova Tereza , Datta Rahul , Danish Subhan
Published: July 2020

Consumption of heavy metals, especially lead (Pb) contaminated food is a serious threat to human health. Higher Pb uptake by the plant affects the quality, growth and yield of crops. However, inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) along with a mixture of organic amendments and biochar could be an effective way to overcome the problem of Pb toxicity. That’s why current pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of compost mixed biochar (CB) and ACC deaminase producing PGPR on growth and yield of spinach plants under artificially induced Pb toxicity. Six different treatments i.e., control,Alcaligenes faecalis(PGPR1),Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(PGPR2), compost + biochar (CB), PGPR1 + CB and PGPR2 + CB were applied under 250 mg Pb kg-1soil. Results showed that inoculation of PGPRs (Alcaligenes faecalisandBacillus amyloliquefaciens) alone and along with CB significantly enhanced root fresh (47%) and dry weight (31%), potassium concentration (11%) in the spinach plant. Whereas, CB + Bacillus amyloliquefacienssignificantly decreased (43%) the concentration of Pb in the spinach root over control. In conclusion, CB + Bacillus amyloliquefacienshas the potential to mitigate the Pb induced toxicity in the spinach. The obtained result can be further used in the planning and execution of rhizobacteria and compost mixed biochar-based soil amendment.
Propofol abolishes torsade de pointes in different models of acquired long QT syndrome
Authors: Ellermann Christian , Könemann Hilke , Wolfes Julian , Rath Benjamin , Wegner Felix K. , Willy Kevin , Dechering Dirk G. , Reinke Florian , Eckardt Lars , Frommeyer Gerrit
Published: July 2020

There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of propofol on cardiac repolarization and the risk of torsade de pointes (TdP). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the risk of propofol-induced TdP and to investigate the impact of propofol in drug-induced long QT syndrome. 35 rabbit hearts were perfused employing a Langendorff-setup. 10 hearts were perfused with increasing concentrations of propofol (50, 75, 100 µM). Propofol abbreviated action potential duration (APD90) in a concentration-dependent manner without altering spatial dispersion of repolarization (SDR). Consequently, no proarrhythmic effects of propofol were observed. In 12 further hearts, erythromycin was employed to induce prolongation of cardiac repolarization. Erythromycin led to an amplification of SDR and triggered 36 episodes of TdP. Additional infusion of propofol abbreviated repolarization and reduced SDR. No episodes of TdP were observed with propofol. Similarly, ondansetron prolonged cardiac repolarization in another 13 hearts. SDR was increased and 36 episodes of TdP occurred. With additional propofol infusion, repolarization was abbreviated, SDR reduced and triggered activity abolished. In this experimental whole-heart study, propofol abbreviated repolarization without triggering TdP. On the contrary, propofol reversed prolongation of repolarization caused by erythromycin or ondansetron, reduced SDR and thereby eliminated drug-induced TdP.
A falciform ligament flap surface sealing technique for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted liver surgery
Authors: Rahimli M. , Perrakis A. , Schellerer V. , Andric M. , Stockheim J. , Lorenz E. , Franz M. , Arend J. , Croner R. S.
Published: July 2020

Whether sealing the hepatic resection surface after liver surgery decreases morbidity is still unclear. Nevertheless, various methods and materials are currently in use for this procedure. Here, we describe our experience with a simple technique using a mobilized falciform ligament flap in minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS). We retrospectively analyzed the charts from 46 patients who received minor MILS between 2011 and 2019 from the same surgical team in a university hospital setting in Germany. Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection, and 22 patients received robotic-assisted liver resection. Sixteen patients in the laparoscopic group and fourteen in the robotic group received a falciform ligament flap (FLF) to cover the resection surface after liver surgery. Our cohort was thus divided into two groups: laparoscopic and robotic patients with (MILS + FLF) and without an FLF (MILS−FLF). Twenty-eight patients (60.9%) in our cohort were male. The overall mean age was 56.8 years (SD 16.8). The mean operating time was 249 min in the MILS + FLF group vs. 235 min in the MILS−FLF group (p = 0.682). The mean blood loss was 301 ml in the MILS + FLF group vs. 318 ml in the MILS−FLF group (p = 0.859). Overall morbidity was 3.3% in the MILS + FLF group vs. 18.8% in the MILS−FLF group (p = 0.114). One patient in the MILS−FLF group (overall 2.2%), who underwent robotic liver surgery, developed bile leakage, but this did not occur in the MILS + FLF group. Covering the resection surface of the liver after minor minimally invasive liver resection with an FLF is a simple and cost-effective technique that does not prolong surgical time or negatively affect other perioperative parameters. In fact, it is a safe add-on step during MILS that may reduce postoperative morbidity. Further studies with larger cohorts will be needed to substantiate our proof of concept and results.
Reference growth curves for normal appendiceal diameter in childhood
Authors: Fukuta Atsuhisa , Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Sadashima Eiji , Inoue Takayuki , Muramori Katsumi
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the appendiceal diameter (AD) and age, sex, height, and body weight in children and to verify how does the normal AD grows in childhood. We evaluated the AD of patients younger than 16 years of age who underwent laparoscopic surgery at our hospital. We statistically examined the relationship between the AD and the age, sex, height, and weight. A final cohort of 188 patients participated in the study. The median AD for the sample population was 5 mm (range, 3.2–8.1). There was no significant difference in the AD between males and females in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.500). There was a positive correlation between the age and the AD (R = 0.396, P < 0.001). The AD had a significant positive correlation with the height and weight (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The reference curve with regard to the AD can be useful in clinical situations, although it should be kept in mind that the range of individual differences in AD is large, and the growth degree by age is not uniform during childhood.
A machine learning framework for multi-hazards modeling and mapping in a mountainous area
Authors: Yousefi Saleh , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Emami Sayed Naeim , Pouyan Soheila , Eskandari Saeedeh , Tiefenbacher John P.
Published: July 2020

This study sought to produce an accurate multi-hazard risk map for a mountainous region of Iran. The study area is in southwestern Iran. The region has experienced numerous extreme natural events in recent decades. This study models the probabilities of snow avalanches, landslides, wildfires, land subsidence, and floods using machine learning models that include support vector machine (SVM), boosted regression tree (BRT), and generalized linear model (GLM). Climatic, topographic, geological, social, and morphological factors were the main input variables used. The data were obtained from several sources. The accuracies of GLM, SVM, and functional discriminant analysis (FDA) models indicate that SVM is the most accurate for predicting landslides, land subsidence, and flood hazards in the study area. GLM is the best algorithm for wildfire mapping, and FDA is the most accurate model for predicting snow avalanche risk. The values of AUC (area under curve) for all five hazards using the best models are greater than 0.8, demonstrating that the model’s predictive abilities are acceptable. A machine learning approach can prove to be very useful tool for hazard management and disaster mitigation, particularly for multi-hazard modeling. The predictive maps produce valuable baselines for risk management in the study area, providing evidence to manage future human interaction with hazards.
Increased blood COASY DNA methylation levels a potential biomarker for early pathology of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Niimura Hidehito , Kida Hisashi , Nagata Tomoyuki , Tagai Kenji , Shimada Kazuya , Oka Naomi , Shikimoto Ryo , Noda Yoshihiro , Nakajima Shinichiro , Mimura Masaru , Shigeta Masahiro , Kondo Kazuhiro
Published: July 2020

Early diagnosis of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an urgent medical and welfare issue. However, to date, no simple biometrics have been available. We reported that blood DNA methylation levels of the COASY gene, which encodes coenzyme A synthase, were increased in individuals with AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The present study sought to replicate these findings with larger numbers of samples. Another objective was to clarify whether COASY methylation is associated with neurodegeneration through a comparison of AD, AD with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and vascular dementia (VaD). We measured blood COASY methylation levels in normal controls (NCs) (n = 200), and individuals with aMCI (n = 22), AD (n = 151), and VaD (n = 21). Compared with NCs, they were significantly higher in individuals with aMCI and AD. Further, they were significantly higher in AD patients without cardiovascular diseases compared to AD patients with them. These findings suggest that COASY methylation levels may be related to neurodegeneration in AD.
Hierarchical microstructure strengthening in a single crystal high entropy superalloy
Authors: Chen Yung-Ta , Chang Yao-Jen , Murakami Hideyuki , Sasaki Taisuke , Hono Kazuhiro , Li Chen-Wei , Kakehi Koji , Yeh Jien-Wei , Yeh An-Chou
Published: July 2020

A hierarchical microstructure strengthened high entropy superalloy (HESA) with superior cost specific yield strength from room temperature up to 1,023 K is presented. By phase transformation pathway through metastability, HESA possesses a hierarchical microstructure containing a dispersion of nano size disordered FCC particles inside ordered L12 precipitates that are within the FCC matrix. The average tensile yield strength of HESA from room temperature to 1,023 K could be 120 MPa higher than that of advanced single crystal superalloy, while HESA could still exhibit an elongation greater than 20%. Furthermore, the cost specific yield strength of HESA can be 8 times that of some superalloys. A template for lighter, stronger, cheaper, and more ductile high temperature alloy is proposed.
Modified solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulated with Amphotericin B and Paromomycin: an effective oral combination against experimental murine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Parvez Shabi , Yadagiri Ganesh , Gedda Mallikarjuna Rao , Singh Aakriti , Singh Om Prakash , Verma Anurag , Sundar Shyam , Mudavath Shyam Lal
Published: July 2020

The development of an effective oral therapeutics is an immediate need for the control and elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We exemplify the preparation and optimization of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based oral combinational cargo system of Amphotericin B (AmB) and Paromomycin (PM) against murine VL. The emulsion solvent evaporation method was employed to prepare HPCD modified dual drug-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (m-DDSLNs). The optimized formulations have a mean particle size of 141 ± 3.2 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.248 ± 0.11 and entrapment efficiency for AmB and PM was found to be 96% and 90% respectively. The morphology of m-DDSLNs was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The developed formulations revealed a sustained drug release profile upto 57% (AmB) and 21.5% (PM) within 72 h and were stable at both 4 °C and 25 °C during short term stability studies performed for 2 months. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed complete cellular internalization of SLNs within 24 h of incubation. In vitro cytotoxicity study against J774A.1 macrophage cells confirmed the safety and biocompatibility of the developed formulations. Further, m-DDSLNs did not induce any hepatic/renal toxicities in Swiss albino mice. The in vitro simulated study was performed to check the stability in simulated gastric fluids and simulated intestinal fluids and the release was found almost negligible. The in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of m-DDSLNs (1 µg/ml) has shown a maximum percentage of inhibition (96.22%) on intra-cellular amastigote growth of L. donovani. m-DDSLNs (20 mg/kg × 5 days, p.o.) has significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the liver parasite burden as compared to miltefosine (3 mg/kg × 5 days, p.o.) in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice. This work suggests that the superiority of as-prepared m-DDSLNs as a promising approach towards the oral delivery of anti-leishmanial drugs.
Author Correction: Towards 5G: A Photonic Based Millimeter Wave Signal Generation for Applying in 5G Access Fronthaul
Authors: Alavi S. E. , Soltanian M. R. K. , Amiri I. S. , Khalily M. , Supa’at A. S. M. , Ahmad H.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Post-transcriptional air pollution oxidation to the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway promotes pulmonary stress phenotypes
Authors: Gonzalez-Rivera Juan C. , Baldridge Kevin C. , Wang Dongyu S. , Patel Kanan , Chuvalo-Abraham Jamie C. L. , Hildebrandt Ruiz Lea , Contreras Lydia M.
Published: July 2020

The impact of environmentally-induced chemical changes in RNA has been fairly unexplored. Air pollution induces oxidative modifications such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) in RNAs of lung cells, which could be associated with premature lung dysfunction. We develop a method for 8-oxoG profiling using immunocapturing and RNA sequencing. We find 42 oxidized transcripts in bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells exposed to two air pollution mixtures that recreate urban atmospheres. We show that the FDFT1 transcript in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is susceptible to air pollution-induced oxidation. This process leads to decreased transcript and protein expression of FDFT1, and reduced cholesterol synthesis in cells exposed to air pollution. Knockdown of FDFT1 replicates alterations seen in air pollution exposure such as transformed cell size and suppressed cytoskeleton organization. Our results argue of a possible novel biomarker and of an unseen mechanism by which air pollution selectively modifies key metabolic-related transcripts facilitating cell phenotypes in bronchial dysfunction.
Luminescent phosphine copper(i) complexes with various functionalized bipyridine ligands: synthesis, structures, photophysics and computational study
Authors: Jin Xin-Xin , Li Tian , Shi Dong-Po , Luo Li-Juan , Su Qian-Qian , Xiang Jing , Xu Hai-Bing , Leung Chi-Fai , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: July 2020

A new series of luminescent phosphine copper(i) complexes with cyano- and hydroxyl-substituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Their luminescent properties have also been investigated in detail.
A simplified protein purification method through nickel cleavage of the recombinant protein from the Escherichia coli cell surface
Authors: Huang Shanqing , Wei Tianbiao , Sha Wanxing , Hu Qingyuan , Zhang Yingying , Wang Jue , Jiang Yufei , Chen Hao
Published: July 2020

A remarkable simple protein purification method is developed through nickel cleaving the target protein off the Escherichia coli cell surface.
Nanostructured mesoporous gold electrodes detect protein phosphorylation in cancer with electrochemical signal amplification
Authors: Ahmed Emtiaz , Masud Mostafa Kamal , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Na Jongbeom , Sina Abu Ali Ibn , Yamauchi Yusuke , Trau Matt
Published: July 2020

A nanostructured mesoporous gold electrode is demonstrated to detect the phosphorylated protein over non-phosphorylated in cancer using electrochemical signal amplification through differential pulse voltammetry in the presence of the [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−.
Hyaluronic acid induces ROCK-dependent amoeboid migration in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Cui Yixiao , Cole Sara , Pepper Joel , Otero José Javier , Winter Jessica O.
Published: July 2020

Hyaluronic acid induces mesenchymal to amoeboid migration in glioblastoma (GB) cells in a ROCK-dependent manner.
Terminal-oxidant-free photocatalytic C–H alkylations of heteroarenes with alkylsilicates as alkyl radical precursors
Authors: Ikarashi Gun , Morofuji Tatsuya , Kano Naokazu
Published: July 2020

Alkylsilicates bearing C,O-bidentate ligands could achieve photocatalytic C–H alkylations of heteroarenes under acidic conditions without adding any terminal oxidant.
Inorganic all-solid-state electrochromic devices with reversible color change between yellow-green and emerald green
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Li Wenjie , Chen Xi , Zhao Yingming , Wang Lebin , Chen Mingjun , Li Zitong , Li Yao
Published: July 2020

All-solid-state ECDs prepared by evaporation exhibit bright color changes between yellow-green and emerald green.
Oxacalix[4]arene-bridged pillar[5]arene dimers: syntheses, planar chirality and construction of chiral rotaxanes
Authors: Wan Kang , Gao Shi-Chang , Fang Xu , Xu Meng-Yu , Yang Yong , Xue Min
Published: July 2020

Oxacalix[4]arene-bridged pillar[5]arene dimers comprising a pair of enantiomers and a meso isomer were synthesized. Chiral [2]rotaxanes and [3]rotaxanes were constructed.
Amethyrin-type expanded porphyrins that display anti-aromatic character upon protonation
Authors: Root Harrison D. , Mangel Daniel N. , Brewster James T. , Zafar Hadiqa , Samia Adam , Henkelman Graeme , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: July 2020

The use of protonation to switch nonaromatic expanded porphyrins to their corresponding anti-aromatic forms is shown.
Kinetic modelling of intraband carrier relaxation in bulk and nanocrystalline lead-halide perovskites
Authors: Hopper Thomas R. , Jeong Ahhyun , Gorodetsky Andrei A. , Krieg Franziska , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Huang Xiaokun , Lovrincic Robert , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bakulin Artem A.
Published: July 2020

Our carrier relaxation model accounts for the redistribution of energy from hot carriers to both optical phonons and cold carriers in lead-halide perovskite materials.
Highly precise characterization of the hydration state upon thermal denaturation of human serum albumin using a 65 GHz dielectric sensor
Authors: Shiraga Keiichiro , Urabe Mako , Matsui Takeshi , Kikuchi Shojiro , Ogawa Yuichi
Published: July 2020

The biological functions of proteins depend on harmonization with hydration water surrounding them.
Optical and dielectric properties of lead perovskite and iodoplumbate complexes: an ab initio study
Authors: Srikanth Malladi , Ozório Mailde S. , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: July 2020

Optical and dielectric properties, and energetic stability orders of black phase of perovskites and yellow phase of iodoplumbates have been studied using density functional theory; where the optical dielectric constant varies with the polymorphic phase and nature of cation.
Bifunctional reusable Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle-grafted carbon nanotubes for aqueous dye removal from contaminated water
Authors: Deshpande Nishad G. , Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Kim Dong Su , Jung Sung Hyeon , Kim Young Been , Cho Hyung Koun
Published: July 2020

Highly stable and reusable CNF-grafted CNTs for efficient and effective aqueous dye removal from contaminated waters.
Detailed characterization of dioxouranium(vi) complexes with a symmetrical tetradentate N2O2-benzil bis(isonicotinoyl hydrazone) ligand
Authors: Sethi Sipun , Panigrahi Rachita , Paul Avijit Kumar , Mallik Bhabani S. , Parhi Purnendu , Das Pradeep Kumar , Behera Nabakrushna
Published: July 2020

Pentagonal bipyramidal uranium(vi) complexes containing the benzil bis(isonicotinoyl hydrazone) ligand were synthesized and their spectroscopic, structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties were investigated.
The effects of betalain-rich cacti (dragon fruit and cactus pear) on endothelial and vascular function: a systematic review of animal and human studies
Authors: Cheok Alex , George Trevor W. , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Caton Paul W.
Published: July 2020

This systematic review assesses the evidence for the effects of edible cacti (dragon fruit and cactus pear) on vascular and endothelial function based on animal models and human studies.
Allicin inhibits osteoblast apoptosis and steroid-induced necrosis of femoral head progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhan Jingdi , Yan Zijian , Zhao Mengyao , Qi Weihui , Lin Jian , Lin Zeng , Huang Yijiang , Pan Xiaoyun , Xue Xinghe
Published: July 2020

Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is a major complication of long-term or excessive clinical use of glucocorticoids.
In situ synthesis of high-efficiency CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 composite nanocrystals in aqueous solution of microemulsion
Authors: Lou Sunqi , Zhou Zhi , Gan Weijiang , Xuan Tongtong , Bao Zhen , Si Shuaichen , Cao Luyu , Li Huili , Xia Zhiguo , Qiu Jianbei , Liu Ru-Shi , Wang Jing
Published: July 2020

An innovative microemulsion method was reported for the preparation of CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5 composite NCs in water.
A comparative study of nanoparticle-enhanced laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jiacen , Hou Zongyu , Li Tianqi , Fu Yangting , Wang Zhe
Published: July 2020

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (NELIBS) has gained much attention due to its capability of improving spectral intensity and detection sensitivity. The merits and demerits of NELIBS were evaluted in this study.
Building thermally and chemically reversible covalent bonds in vegetable oil based epoxy thermosets. Influence of epoxy–hardener ratio in promoting recyclability
Authors: Mauro Chiara Di , Genua Aratz , Mija Alice
Published: July 2020

Recyclable thermosets based on the vegetable oils show a strong impact of their properties in function of epoxy/hardener ratio.
Investigating the interaction between DNA-templated gold nanoclusters and HSA via spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Huanhuan , Wan Pengfei , Qi Shengda , Chen Hongli , Zhai Honglin
Published: July 2020

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have attracted great attention in bioimaging and drug transportation due to their biocompatibility, but a few studies have shown their potential toxicity.
Nano-engineering and functionalization of hybrid Au–MexOy–TiO2(Me = W, Ga) hetero-interfaces for optoelectronic receptors and nociceptors
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Karbalaei Akbari Mohammad , Verpoort Francis , Zhuiykov Serge
Published: July 2020

Nanoscale hetero-interface engineering of all-oxide plasmonic-based devices facilitate the fabrication of high-performance bio-inspired optoelectronic units, which emulate the performance of the receptors and nociceptors in the human eye.
Rational design of MXene@TiO2 nanoarray enabling dual lithium polysulfide chemisorption towards high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Qiu Sheng-You , Wang Chuang , Jiang Zai-Xing , Zhang Li-Su , Gu Liang-Liang , Wang Ke-Xin , Gao Jian , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Wu Gang
Published: July 2020

A novel heterostructure consisting of highly ordered TiO2 nanoarrays grown on the MXene nanosheets displays formidable dual chemisorption capability to trap polysulfides and superior electrochemical performance for Li–S batteries.
Molecular physics of jumping nanodroplets
Authors: Perumanath Sreehari , Borg Matthew K. , Sprittles James E. , Enright Ryan
Published: July 2020

Quantifying the influence of thermal fluctuations and extreme rarefaction on nanodroplet jumping reveals their relevance to other nanoscale flow processes.
Direct visualization of spatially correlated displacive short-range ordering in Nb0.8CoSb
Authors: Nan Pengfei , Wu Kepeng , Liu Yamei , Xia Kaiyang , Zhu Tiejun , Lin Fang , He Jian , Ge Binghui
Published: July 2020

It is the first time that a dominantly displacive short-range order is reported at the atomic scale.
Blue LED light-activated RAFT polymerization of PEG acrylate with high chain-end fidelity for efficient PEGylation
Authors: Rasines Mazo Alicia , Tran Thi Nga , Zhang Wenhao , Meng Yuwen , Reyhani Amin , Pascual Sagrario , Fontaine Laurent , Qiao Greg G. , Piogé Sandie
Published: July 2020

Well-defined PPEGAs with high chain-end fidelity are synthesized through blue LED light-initiated RAFT, with their efficient PEGylation potential highlighted.
Hydrogenation of furfural by noble metal-free nickel modified tungsten carbide catalysts
Authors: Bretzler Patrick , Huber Michael , Nickl Simon , Köhler Klaus
Published: July 2020

Furfural is converted over a noble metal-free, nickel modified tungsten carbide catalyst to high value products, including 1,2-pentanediol.
Co-cultured Lepista sordida and Pholiota nameko polysaccharide-iron(iii) chelates exhibit good antioxidant activity
Authors: Yu Shuping , Jiang Jikang , Li Wenxiang
Published: July 2020

In the present study, the structural characteristics and antioxidant activities of polysaccharide from the co-cultured Lepista sordida and Pholiota nameko and its polysaccharide-iron(iii) chelates were determined.
The dielectric relaxation behavior induced by sodium migration in the Na2CoSiO4 structure within a three-dimensional Co–O–Si framework
Authors: Trabelsi Kawthar , Karoui Karim , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Bodart Jérôme , Boschini Frédéric , Ben Rhaiem Abdallah
Published: July 2020

A disodium cobalt(ii) orthosilicate material has been synthesized using improved solid-state and co-precipitation methods of synthesis. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern of Na2CoSiO4 demonstrated an orthorhombic crystal system.
High-content and high-throughput identification of macrophage polarization phenotypes
Authors: Geng Yingying , Hardie Joseph , Landis Ryan F. , Mas-Rosario Javier A. , Chattopadhyay Aritra Nath , Keshri Puspam , Sun Jiadi , Rizzo Erik M. , Gopalakrishnan Sanjana , Farkas Michelle E. , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: July 2020

Phenotyping macrophage activation states using an array-based sensor. FRET complex assembly selectively interacts with the macrophage surface, generating a fingerprint for each polarization state that is further used to identify the activation state.
SyntaLinker: automatic fragment linking with deep conditional transformer neural networks
Authors: Yang Yuyao , Zheng Shuangjia , Su Shimin , Zhao Chao , Xu Jun , Chen Hongming
Published: July 2020

Linking fragments to generate a focused compound library for a specific drug target is one of the challenges in fragment-based drug design (FBDD).
Acid-responsive fibrillation and urease-assisted defibrillation of phenylalanine: a transient supramolecular hydrogel
Authors: Mondal Sahabaj , Podder Debasish , Nandi Sujay Kumar , Roy Chowdhury Srayoshi , Haldar Debasish
Published: July 2020

A mimic of living systems has been achieved by the acid-responsive assembly and urease-assisted disassembly of fibrils from benzyloxycarbonyl-l-phenylalanine, leading to a transient supramolecular hydrogel.
Glycosyl squaramides, a new class of supramolecular gelators
Authors: Ramos Jessica , Arufe Santiago , Martin Harlei , Rooney Denise , Elmes Robert B. P. , Erxleben Andrea , Moreira Ramon , Velasco-Torrijos Trinidad
Published: July 2020

First example of glycosyl squaramides that induce the efficient gelation of high polarity solvents and hydroethanolic mixtures.
Direct ink writing advances in multi-material structures for a sustainable future
Authors: Rocha Victoria G. , Saiz Eduardo , Tirichenko Iuliia S. , García-Tuñón Esther
Published: July 2020

Direct Ink Writing (DIW) potential in developing multi-material structures.
Stimuli-responsive poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Lu Beibei , Zhou Gaoxin , Xiao Fan , He Qianjun , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: July 2020

A novel poly(ionic liquid) (PIL)-based block copolymer, which can self-assemble into spherical nanoparticles, high drug loading content, and good ability to inhibit tumors. Therefore, this copolymer shows great potential for drug delivery.
Ionizing radiation induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Tang Bo , Xi Yue , Cui Fengmei , Gao Jin , Chen Huiqin , Yu Wentao , Tu Yu
Published: July 2020

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the mechanism by which long-term occupational exposure of workers to low-dose ionizing irradiation induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the human bronchial epithelial cells using transcriptome profiling.

Methods: RNA-seq transcriptomics was used to determine gene expression in blood samples from radiation-exposed workers followed by bioinformatics analysis. Normal bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) were irradiated for different durations and subjected to immunofluorescence, Western blotting, scratch healing, and adhesion assays to detect the progression of EMT and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results: Transcriptomics revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation led to changes in the expression of genes related to EMT, immune response, and migration. At increased cumulative doses, ionizing radiation-induced significant EMT, as evidenced by a gradual decrease in the expression of E-cadherin, increased vimentin, elevated migration ability, and decreased adhesion capability of 16HBE cells. The expression of fibronectin 1 (FN1) showed a gradual increase with the progression of EMT, and may be involved in EMT.

Conclusion: Ionizing radiation induces EMT. FN1 may be involved in the progression of EMT and could serve as a potential biomarker for this process.
Clinicopathological and prognostic value of S100A4 expression in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Gu Yanhui , Liu Xiaoli , Rao Ximin , Huang Guichuan , Ouyang Yao
Published: July 2020

Background: Numerous published studies have shown that S100A4 is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers. However, the association between S100A4 expression and prognosis or clinicopathological parameters in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to identify the significance of S100A4 in NSCLC.

Methods: Systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), and the Wanfang database to obtain relevant articles. A combined hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the association between S100A4 expression and prognosis in NSCLC patients. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated to assess the association between S100A4 expression and clinicopathological features in NSCLC.

Results: NSCLC patients with overexpression of S100A4 had a worse prognosis than patients with low expression of S100A4 (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.55–2.02, P<0.001). Additionally, overexpression of S100A4 was significantly correlated to patients’ age (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.91, P=0.010), tumor differentiation (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.69–2.85, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.25–6.06, P<0.001), Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.10–4.53, P<0.001), and pathological subtype (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.09–2.88, P=0.020). However, there was no association between S100A4 expression and other clinicopathological features in NSCLC, including gender, tumor size, and smoking.

Conclusion: S100A4 overexpression was associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. Hence, S100A4 might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in NSCLC.