bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the pinning force in high density MgB2 samples
Authors: Sandu V. , Ionescu A. M. , Aldica G. , Grigoroscuta M. A. , Burdusel M. , Badica P.
Published: March 2021

An analysis of the field dependence of the pinning force in different, high density sintered samples of MgB2 is presented. The samples were chosen to be representative for pure MgB2, MgB2 with additives, and partially oriented massive samples. In some cases, the curves of pinning force versus magnetic field of the selected samples present peculiar profiles and application of the typical scaling procedures fails. Based on the percolation model, we show that most features of the field dependence of the critical force that generate dissipation comply with the Dew-Hughes scaling law predictions within the grain boundary pinning mechanism if a connecting factor related to the superconducting connection of the grains is used. The field dependence of the connecting function, which is dependent on the superconducting anisotropy, is the main factor that controls the boundary between dissipative and non-dissipative current transport in high magnetic field. Experimental data indicate that the connecting function is also dependent on the particular properties (e.g., the presence of slightly non-stoichiometric phases, defects, homogeneity, and others) of each sample and it has the form of a single or double peaked function in all investigated samples.
Oxygen adsorption on (100) surfaces in Fe–Cr alloys
Authors: Ropo Matti , Punkkinen Marko , Kuopanportti Pekko , Yasir Muhammad , Granroth Sari , Kuronen Antti , Kokko Kalevi
Published: March 2021

The adsorption of oxygen on bcc Fe–Cr(100) surfaces with two different alloy concentrations is studied using ab initio density functional calculations. Atomic-scale analysis of oxygen–surface interactions is indispensable for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of macroscopic surface oxidation processes. Up to two chromium atoms are inserted into the first two surface layers. Atomic geometries, energies and electronic properties are investigated. A hollow site is found to be the preferred adsorption site over bridge and on-top sites. Chromium atoms in the surface and subsurface layers are found to significantly affect the adsorption properties of neighbouring iron atoms. Seventy-one different adsorption geometries are studied, and the corresponding adsorption energies are calculated. Estimates for the main diffusion barriers from the hollow adsorption site are given. Whether the change in the oxygen affinity of iron atoms can be related to the chromium-induced charge transfer between the surface atoms is discussed. The possibility to utilize the presented theoretical results in related experimental research and in developing semiclassical potentials for simulating the oxidation of Fe–Cr alloys is addressed.
Cell morphology and mechanosensing can be decoupled in fibrous microenvironments and identified using artificial neural networks
Authors: Bonnevie Edward D. , Ashinsky Beth G. , Dekky Bassil , Volk Susan W. , Smith Harvey E. , Mauck Robert L.
Published: March 2021

Cells interpret cues from and interact with fibrous microenvironments through the body based on the mechanics and organization of these environments and the phenotypic state of the cell. This in turn regulates mechanoactive pathways, such as the localization of mechanosensitive factors. Here, we leverage the microscale heterogeneity inherent to engineered fiber microenvironments to produce a large morphologic data set, across multiple cells types, while simultaneously measuring mechanobiological response (YAP/TAZ nuclear localization) at the single cell level. This dataset describing a large dynamic range of cell morphologies and responses was coupled with a machine learning approach to predict the mechanobiological state of individual cells from multiple lineages. We also noted that certain cells (e.g., invasive cancer cells) or biochemical perturbations (e.g., modulating contractility) can limit the predictability of cells in a universal context. Leveraging this finding, we developed further models that incorporate biochemical cues for single cell prediction or identify individual cells that do not follow the established rules. The models developed here provide a tool for connecting cell morphology and signaling, incorporating biochemical cues in predictive models, and identifying aberrant cell behavior at the single cell level.
Interleukin-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, but not interleukin-25, are crucial for development of airway eosinophilia induced by chitin
Authors: Arae Ken , Ikutani Masashi , Horiguchi Kotaro , Yamaguchi Sachiko , Okada Youji , Sugiyama Hiroki , Orimo Keisuke , Morita Hideaki , Suto Hajime , Okumura Ko , Taguchi Haruhiko , Matsumoto Kenji , Saito Hirohisa , Sudo Katsuko , Nakae Susumu
Published: March 2021

Exposure to various antigens derived from house dust mites (HDM) is considered to be a risk factor for development of certain allergic diseases such as atopic asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Chitin is an insoluble polysaccharide (β-(1–4)-poly-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) and a major component in the outer shell of HDMs. Mice exposed to chitin develop asthma-like airway eosinophilia. On the other hand, several lines of evidence show that the effects of chitin on immune responses are highly dependent on the size of chitin particles. In the present study, we show that chitin induced production of IL-33 and TSLP by alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells, respectively, in mice. IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP were reported to be important for group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2)-, but not Th2 cell-, dependent airway eosinophilia in a certain model using chitin beads. Here, we show that—in our murine models—epithelial cell-derived IL-33 and TSLP, but not IL-25, were crucial for activation of resident lung Th2 cells as well as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) to produce IL-5, resulting in development of chitin-induced airway eosinophilia. Our findings provide further insight into the underlying mechanisms of development of HDM-mediated allergic disorders.
A pilot study investigating the use of 4D flow MRI for the assessment of splanchnic flow in patients suspected of mesenteric ischaemia
Authors: Hall Barrientos Pauline , Knight Katrina , Black Douglas , Vesey Alexander , Roditi Giles
Published: March 2021

The most common cause of chronic mesenteric ischaemia is atherosclerosis which results in limitation of blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract. This pilot study aimed to evaluate 4D flow MRI as a potential tool for the analysis of blood flow changes post-prandial within the mesenteric vessels. The mesenteric vessels of twelve people were scanned; patients and healthy volunteers. A baseline MRI scan was performed after 6 h of fasting followed by a post-meal scan. Two 4D flow datasets were acquired, over the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the main portal venous vessels. Standard 2D time-resolved PC-MRI slices were also obtained across the aorta above the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein and portal vein (PV). In the volunteer cohort there was a marked increase in blood flow post-meal within the PV (p = 0.028), not seen in the patient cohort (p = 0.116). Similarly, there were significant flow changes within the SMA of volunteers (p = 0.028) but not for the patient group (p = 0.116). Our pilot data has shown that there is a significant haemodynamic response to meal challenge in the PV and SMA in normal subjects compared to clinically apparent CMI patients. Therefore, the interrogation of mesenteric venous vessels exclusively is a feasible method to measure post-prandial flow changes in CMI patients.
Individual differences in experienced and observational decision-making illuminate interactions between reinforcement learning and declarative memory
Authors: Yifrah Batel , Ramaty Ayelet , Morris Genela , Mendelsohn Avi
Published: March 2021

Decision making can be shaped both by trial-and-error experiences and by memory of unique contextual information. Moreover, these types of information can be acquired either by means of active experience or by observing others behave in similar situations. The interactions between reinforcement learning parameters that inform decision updating and memory formation of declarative information in experienced and observational learning settings are, however, unknown. In the current study, participants took part in a probabilistic decision-making task involving situations that either yielded similar outcomes to those of an observed player or opposed them. By fitting alternative reinforcement learning models to each subject, we discerned participants who learned similarly from experience and observation from those who assigned different weights to learning signals from these two sources. Participants who assigned different weights to their own experience versus those of others displayed enhanced memory performance as well as subjective memory strength for episodes involving significant reward prospects. Conversely, memory performance of participants who did not prioritize their own experience over others did not seem to be influenced by reinforcement learning parameters. These findings demonstrate that interactions between implicit and explicit learning systems depend on the means by which individuals weigh relevant information conveyed via experience and observation.
Development of a novel recombinant ELISA for the detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus IgG antibodies
Authors: Gülce-İz Sultan , Elaldı Nazif , Can Hüseyin , Şahar Esra Atalay , Karakavuk Muhammet , Gül Aytül , Kumoğlu Gizem Örs , Döşkaya Aysu Değirmenci , Gürüz Adnan Yüksel , Özdarendeli Aykut , Felgner Philip Louis , Davies Huw , Döşkaya Mert
Published: March 2021

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection caused by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Serological screening of CCHF is important and current ELISA use antigens prepared from virus which is expensive due to requirement of high bio-containment facilities. In this study, we aimed to develop a new recombinant ELISA. For this purpose, CCHFV genome were expressed as 13 proteins in E. coli and among them abundantly purified recombinant Nucleocapsid protein (rNP) and Mucin-like variable domain (rMLD) were used as antigen in ELISA (Rec-ELISA). Rec-ELISA using rNP, rMLD and a combination of both (rNP/rMLD) were probed with acute (n = 64; collected between days 1 and 7 after onset of symptoms), convalescent (n = 35; collected 8 days after onset of symptoms), consecutive sera (n = 25) of confirmed CCHF cases and control sera (n = 43). The sensitivity and specificity of Rec-ELISA using rNP/rMLD were 73% and 98% in acute cases and 97% and 98% in convalescent cases. The median interquartile absorbance value to discriminate the acute and convalescent phases of CCHF was significantly higher with ELISA using rNP/rMLD (P < 0.0001) compared to rNP (P > 0.05) and rMLD (P = 0.001). These results indicate that the Rec-ELISA using rNP/rMLD may be very useful to diagnose convalescent CCHF cases especially in field studies.
Macrophage cytokine responses to commensal Gram-positive Lactobacillus salivarius strains are TLR2-independent and Myd88-dependent
Authors: Udayan Sreeram , Buttó Ludovica F. , Rossini Valerio , Velmurugan Janaki , Martinez-Lopez Maria , Sancho David , Melgar Silvia , O’Toole Paul W. , Nally Ken
Published: March 2021

The mechanisms through which cells of the host innate immune system distinguish commensal bacteria from pathogens are currently unclear. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by host cells which recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) common to both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Of the different TLRs, TLR2/6 recognize bacterial lipopeptides and trigger cytokines responses, especially to Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. We report here that TLR2 is dispensable for triggering macrophage cytokine responses to different strains of the Gram-positive commensal bacterial speciesLactobacillus salivarius. TheL. salivariusUCC118 strain strongly upregulated expression of the PRRs, Mincle (Clec4e), TLR1 and TLR2 in macrophages while downregulating other TLR pathways. Cytokine responses triggered byL. salivariusUCC118 were predominantly TLR2-independent but MyD88-dependent. However, macrophage cytokine responses triggered by another Gram-positive commensal bacteria,Bifidobacterium breveUCC2003 were predominantly TLR2-dependent. Thus, we report a differential requirement for TLR2-dependency in triggering macrophage cytokine responses to different commensal Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, TNF-α responses to the TLR2 ligand FSL-1 andL. salivariusUCC118 were partially Mincle-dependent suggesting that PRR pathways such as Mincle contribute to the recognition of MAMPs on distinct Gram-positive commensal bacteria. Ultimately, integration of signals from these different PRR pathways and other MyD88-dependent pathways may determine immune responses to commensal bacteria at the host-microbe interface.
Quantitative analysis of contrast enhanced spectral mammography grey value for early prediction of pathological response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Xing Dong , Mao Ning , Dong Jianjun , Ma Heng , Chen Qianqian , Lv Yongbin
Published: March 2021

A quantitative analysis of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) enhancement was conducted for the early prediction of the pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Retrospective analysis of the data of 111 patients was conducted, and all of them underwent NAC in our hospital and surgical resection after the end of all cycles from January 2018 to May 2019. They were divided into pathological complete response (PCR) and non-PCR groups. We determined whether a statistical difference in the percentage of CESM grey value reduction (ΔCGV) was present in the PCR and non-PCR groups and whether a statistical difference was observed in the diagnostic efficiency of craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) view subtraction images. Independent sample t-test was used to compare different groups, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of CC and MLO for pathological response after NAC, and the Delong test was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. A statistical difference was observed in the ΔCGV in the PCR and non-PCR groups. No statistical difference was observed in the AUCs of CC and MLO view subtraction images. The ΔCGV can be used as a quantitative index to predict PCR early, and no statistical difference was observed in the diagnostic efficacy of CC and MLO view subtraction images.
Use of wearable sensors to assess compliance of asthmatic children in response to lockdown measures for the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Kouis Panayiotis , Michanikou Antonis , Anagnostopoulou Pinelopi , Galanakis Emmanouil , Michaelidou Eleni , Dimitriou Helen , Matthaiou Andreas M. , Kinni Paraskevi , Achilleos Souzana , Zacharatos Harris , Papatheodorou Stefania I. , Koutrakis Petros , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Yiallouros Panayiotis K.
Published: March 2021

Between March and April 2020, Cyprus and Greece health authorities enforced three escalated levels of public health interventions to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We quantified compliance of 108 asthmatic schoolchildren (53 from Cyprus, 55 from Greece, mean age 9.7 years) from both countries to intervention levels, using wearable sensors to continuously track personal location and physical activity. Changes in ‘fraction time spent at home’ and ‘total steps/day’ were assessed with a mixed-effects model adjusting for confounders. We observed significant mean increases in ‘fraction time spent at home’ in Cyprus and Greece, during each intervention level by 41.4% and 14.3% (level 1), 48.7% and 23.1% (level 2) and 45.2% and 32.0% (level 3), respectively. Physical activity in Cyprus and Greece demonstrated significant mean decreases by − 2,531 and − 1,191 (level 1), − 3,638 and − 2,337 (level 2) and − 3,644 and − 1,961 (level 3) total steps/day, respectively. Significant independent effects of weekends and age were found on ‘fraction time spent at home’. Similarly, weekends, age, humidity and gender had an independent effect on physical activity. We suggest that wearable technology provides objective, continuous, real-time location and activity data making possible to inform in a timely manner public health officials on compliance to various tiers of public health interventions during a pandemic.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion against multi-species oral biofilms
Authors: Jeong Yeo-Jin , Kim Hee-Eun , Han Su-Jin , Choi Jun-Seon
Published: March 2021

Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) has antibacterial properties, but its ability to suppress the formation of multi-species oral biofilms has not been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion (CEON) against oral biofilms formed using a microcosm biofilm model. The biofilms were formed on bovine enamel specimens over a 7-day period, during which all specimens were treated with one of three solutions: 5% CEON (n = 35), 0.5% cocamidopropyl betaine (n = 35), or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX; n = 35). Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were determined by the red/green ratios (R/G values) of 7-day-old mature biofilms photographed with quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital, the number of aciduric bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) within each biofilm, and the absorbance of bacterial suspensions. One-way and repeated-measures analysis of variance were performed to compare differences among the three solutions. R/G values were lowest in the 0.12% CHX group, but not significantly differ from the 5% CEON group. The number of CFUs and absorbance were lowest in the 5% CEON group. This study showed that nanoemulsified CEO inhibited the maturation of multi-species oral biofilms and the growth of oral microorganisms in biofilms, including aciduric bacteria that cause dental caries.
Estimating the phase volume fraction of multi-phase steel via unsupervised deep learning
Authors: Kim Sung Wook , Kang Seong-Hoon , Kim Se-Jong , Lee Seungchul
Published: March 2021

Advanced high strength steel (AHSS) is a steel of multi-phase microstructure that is processed under several conditions to meet the current high-performance requirements from the industry. Deep neural network (DNN) has emerged as a promising tool in materials science for the task of estimating the phase volume fraction of these steels. Despite its advantages, one of its major drawbacks is its requirement of a sufficient amount of training data with correct labels to the network. This often comes as a challenge in many areas where obtaining data and labeling it is extremely labor-intensive. To overcome this challenge, an unsupervised way of learning DNN, which does not require any manual labeling, is proposed. Information maximizing generative adversarial network (InfoGAN) is used to learn the underlying probability distribution of each phase and generate realistic sample points with class labels. Then, the generated data is used for training an MLP classifier, which in turn predicts the labels for the original dataset. The result shows a mean relative error of 4.53% at most, while it can be as low as 0.73%, which implies the estimated phase fraction closely matches the true phase fraction. This presents the high feasibility of using the proposed methodology for fast and precise estimation of phase volume fraction in both industry and academia.
Small compounds mimicking the adhesion molecule L1 improve recovery in a zebrafish demyelination model
Authors: Kim Suhyun , Lee Dong-Won , Schachner Melitta , Park Hae-Chul
Published: March 2021

Demyelination leads to a loss of neurons, which results in, among other consequences, a severe reduction in locomotor function, and underlies several diseases in humans including multiple sclerosis and polyneuropathies. Considerable clinical progress has been made in counteracting demyelination. However, there remains a need for novel methods that reduce demyelination while concomitantly achieving remyelination, thus complementing the currently available tools to ameliorate demyelinating diseases. In this study, we used an established zebrafish demyelination model to test selected compounds, following a screening in cell culture experiments and in a mouse model of spinal cord injury that was aimed at identifying beneficial functions of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1. In comparison to mammalian nervous system disease models, the zebrafish allows testing of potentially promotive compounds more easily than what is possible in mammals. We found that our selected compounds tacrine and duloxetine significantly improved remyelination in the peripheral and central nervous system of transgenic zebrafish following pharmacologically induced demyelination. Given that both molecules are known to positively affect functions other than those related to L1 and in other disease contexts, we propose that their combined beneficial function raises hope for the use of these compounds in clinical settings.
Comparison of Bispectral Index and Patient State Index values according to recovery from moderate neuromuscular block under steady-state total intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Kim Doyeon , Ahn Jin Hee , Heo Gunyoung , Jeong Ji Seon
Published: March 2021

There were insufficient researches of the comparison between Bispectral Index (BIS) and Patient State Index (PSI) values during the recovery of moderate NMB. We investigated the response of these indices during neuromuscular blockade (NMB) reversal by sugammadex under steady-state total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) using propofol/remifentanil. In this prospective, observational study, patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. At the end of surgery, after confirming that train-of-four (TOF) count as 1 or 2, we maintained a steady state (BIS value of 40–50). After administration of 2 mg kg−1 sugammadex, BIS, PSI, and electromyography (EMG) signal values were recorded at one-minute intervals for 10 min. The primary outcome was the difference between the changes in BIS and PSI from baseline to a TOF ratio (TOFR) of 90 after sugammadex administration in steady-state TIVA. A total of 48 patients completed this trial. There was no significant difference between the changes in BIS and PSI values from baseline to TOFR 90 (− 0.333 ± 4.955 vs. − 0.188 ± 4.616; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 2.095 to 1.803; p = 0.882). Both BIS-EMG and PSI-EMG values at baseline and TOFR 90 were not statistically different (95% CI − 0.550 to 1.092; p = 0.510, 95% CI − 1.569 to 0.527; p = 0.322, respectively). No patient experienced any complications. Changes in BIS and PSI values after NMB reversal during steady-state TIVA were not significantly different. Both BIS and PSI provide trustworthy values for monitoring anesthetic depth during NMB reversal under TIVA.

Trial Registration: This study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of Korea (https://cris.nih.go.kr: KCT 0003805).
Author Correction: Novel multimodal molecular imaging of Vitamin H (Biotin) transporter activity in the murine placenta
Authors: Ben-Eliezer Noam , Lysenko Marina , Bilton Inbal E. , Golani Ofra , Bartels Jennifer L. , Fernandez Solana R. , Aweda Tolulope A. , Clanton Nicholas A. , Beacham Rebecca , Lapi Suzanne E. , Garbow Joel R. , Neeman Michal
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
No difference for changes in BMD between two different cementless hip stem designs 2 years after THA
Authors: Dyreborg Karen , Solgaard Søren , Skettrup Michael , Petersen Michael Mørk
Published: March 2021

This study evaluates how 2 different total hip arthroplasty (THA) stems compares regarding adaptive bone remodelling. The stems are both proximally porous coated, aiming for proximal fixation, but with different dispersal of the coating. They are also differently designed regarding the distal tip of the stem. We aimed to investigate if there is a difference in periprosthetic adaptive bone remodelling between two different designs. From February 2016 to September 2017, we randomised 62 patients, 1:1 (mean age = 64 years, Female/Male = 28/34), scheduled for an uncemented THA to receive either an EBM or a BM THA stem. We performed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans within a week after surgery and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in the 7 Gruen zones (region of interest (ROI) 1–7). Additionally, Oxford Hip Score and Harris Hip Score were collected at 6, 12 and 24 months. We found a decrease in BMD between the postoperative and the 24-months values in all ROIs for both stems. The greatest decrease over time was seen for both groups in the ROI1 (BM = − 8.4%, p = 0.044, and EBM = − 6.5%, p = 0.001) and ROI7 (BM = − 7%, p = 0.005, and EBM = − 8.6%, p < 0.0005). We found a tendency in ROI2–4 of a higher degree of bone loss in the EBM group. However, this difference only continued beyond 6 months in ROI4 (24 months: BM = − 1.2% and EBM = − 2.8%, p = 0.001). The stems show similar adaptive bone remodelling and are clinically performing well.
Aging selectively dampens oscillation of lipid abundance in white and brown adipose tissue
Authors: Held Ntsiki M. , Buijink M. Renate , Elfrink Hyung L. , Kooijman Sander , Janssens Georges E. , Luyf Angela C. M. , Pras-Raves Mia L. , Vaz Frédéric M. , Michel Stephan , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , van Weeghel Michel
Published: March 2021

Lipid metabolism is under the control of the circadian system and circadian dysregulation has been linked to obesity and dyslipidemia. These factors and outcomes have also been associated to, or affected by, the process of aging. Here, we investigated whether murine white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissue lipids exhibit rhythmicity and if this is affected by aging. To this end, we have measured the 24 h lipid profiles of WAT and BAT using a global lipidomics analysis of > 1100 lipids. We observed rhythmicity in nearly all lipid classes including glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sterol lipids and sphingolipids. Overall, ~ 22% of the analyzed lipids were considered rhythmic in WAT and BAT. Despite a general accumulation of lipids upon aging the fraction of oscillating lipids decreased in both tissues to 14% and 18%, respectively. Diurnal profiles of lipids in BAT appeared to depend on the lipid acyl chain length and this specific regulation was lost in aged mice. Our study revealed how aging affects the rhythmicity of lipid metabolism and could contribute to the quest for targets that improve diurnal lipid homeostasis to maintain cardiometabolic health during aging.
Increase in plasma Niemann–Pick disease type C2 protein is associated with poor prognosis of sepsis
Authors: Bai Yu , Yin Shuangyi , Gbordzor Vivian , Guo Yu , Bai Qing , Wang Shuaiwei , Wei Xiangyan , Chen Na , Zhang Yijie , Li Wei
Published: March 2021

The functional significance of extracellular Niemann–Pick disease type C2 protein (NPC2) is poorly defined. It is not known whether there is an association between plasma NPC2 and sepsis. Our exploratory, quantitative proteomic analysis showed a significant increase in the level of plasma NPC2 in moribund sepsis patients. Thus, we subsequently determined NPC2 concentration in plasma from healthy subjects, pneumonia patients and sepsis patients with comorbid pneumonia; and analyzed the association of plasma NPC2 with organ dysfunction and prognosis of sepsis patients. Our data shows that plasma NPC2 concentration was significantly higher in pneumonia and sepsis patients than healthy subjects, and was further increased in sepsis patients when the SOFA score reached 14. In addition, NPC2 concentration was significantly higher in patients that subsequently developed septic shock or died within 30 days. Moreover, NPC2 level showed the strongest association with the degree of renal dysfunction in sepsis patients. In moribund sepsis patients, however, NPC2 had highest correlation coefficient with indicators of coagulation anomaly. Based on these results, we conclude that the increase in plasma NPC2 in sepsis patients is associated with multiple organ failure, possibly results from a deficiency in renal clearance, and may serve as a prognostic marker for sepsis.
A simple new method for aged seed utilization based on melatonin-mediated germination and antioxidant nutrient production
Authors: Yu Song , Zhu Xuetian , Yang Helin , Yu Lihe , Zhang Yifei
Published: March 2021

Seed deterioration, coupled with a decrease in nutrients, is unavoidable following long-term storage, and these seeds are therefore used as livestock fodder. Here, we developed a simple, rapid and efficient method of producing high amounts of antioxidants from deteriorated seeds via melatonin-induced germination. Legume seeds were subjected to high humidity at 55 °C for 12–36 h to obtain aged seeds with a 40% germination rate and severely reduced antioxidant nutrition (total phenolics content, ferric reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity). Aged seeds were then treated with 0.1 mM melatonin, resulting in the production of sprouts with a higher total phenolics content (fivefold), greater ferric reducing power (sevenfold) and greater DPPH radical scavenging capacity (twofold) compared to the aged seeds. These findings suggest that melatonin treatment efficiently converted aged seed reserve residues into antioxidant nutrients, providing an alternative use for deteriorated seeds in food production.
PLA1A expression as a diagnostic marker of BRAF-mutant metastasis in melanoma cancer
Authors: Yang Gang , Liu Shuya , Maghsoudloo Mazaher , Shasaltaneh Marzieh Dehghan , Kaboli Parham Jabbarzadeh , Zhang Cuiwei , Deng Youcai , Heidari Hajar , Entezari Maliheh , Fu ShaoZhi , Wen QingLian , Imani Saber
Published: March 2021

BRAF and NRAS are the most reported mutations associated to melanomagenesis. The lack of accurate diagnostic markers in response to therapeutic treatment in BRAF/NRAS-driven melanomagenesis is one of the main challenges in melanoma personalized therapy. In order to assess the diagnostic value of phosphatidylserine-specific phospholipase A1-alpha (PLA1A), a potent lysophospholipid mediating the production of lysophosphatidylserine, PLA1A mRNA and serum levels were compared in subjects with malignant melanoma (n = 18), primary melanoma (n = 13), and healthy subjects (n = 10). Additionally, the correlation between histopathological subtypes of BRAF/NRAS-mutated melanoma and PLA1A was analyzed. PLA1A expression was significantly increased during melanogenesis and positively correlated to disease severity and histopathological markers of metastatic melanoma. PLA1A mRNA and serum levels were significantly higher in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma compared to the patients with NRAS-mutated melanoma. Notably, PLA1A can be used as a diagnostic marker for an efficient discrimination between naïve melanoma samples and advanced melanoma samples (sensitivity 91%, specificity 57%, and AUC 0.99), as well as BRAF-mutated melanoma samples (sensitivity 62%, specificity 61%, and AUC 0.75). Our findings suggest that PLA1A can be considered as a potential diagnostic marker for advanced and BRAF-mutated melanoma.
First-principles screening of single transition metal atoms anchored on two-dimensional C9N4 for the nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Meng Qingling , Zhang Ling , Wu Jinge , Zhai Shuwei , Hao Xiamin , Li Tianzhao , Dou Wenzhen , Jia Yizhen , Song Biyu , Zhou Miao
Published: March 2021

Theoretical screening of transition metal atoms anchored on monolayer C9N4 as highly stable, catalytically active and selective single-atom catalysts for nitrogen fixation.
Solar photoelectrochemical synthesis of electrolyte-free H2O2 aqueous solution without needing electrical bias and H2
Authors: Jeon Tae Hwa , Kim Bupmo , Kim Chuhyung , Xia Chuan , Wang Haotian , Alvarez Pedro J. J. , Choi Wonyong
Published: March 2021

An external bias-free photoelectrochemical system containing solid polymer electrolytes achieves efficient and durable synthesis of pure (electrolyte-free) aqueous H2O2 solution.
Removal of antibiotics from aqueous solutions by electrocatalytic degradation
Authors: Choudhary Vaishali , Vellingiri Kowsalya , Thayyil Mohammed Iqbal , Philip Ligy
Published: March 2021

Electrocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.
Low reflectance of carbon nanotube and nanoscroll-based thin film coatings: a case study
Authors: Saini Sonia , Reshmi S. , Gouda Girish M. , Kumar S. Ajith , K. V. Sriram , Bhattacharjee K.
Published: March 2021

Composite film of (a) SWCNT, (b) MWCNT and (c) CNS coated on Al substrate. The low reflectance observed from the coated film is shown in (d).
NMR investigations of polytrifluoroethylene (PTrFE) synthesized by RAFT
Authors: Bouad Vincent , Guerre Marc , Zeliouche Sami , Améduri Bruno , Totée Cédric , Silly Gilles , Poli Rinaldo , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: March 2021

Identification of the 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR signals of the end-groups of polytrifluoroethylene synthesized by RAFT polymerisation.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative domino cyclization of methyl azaarenes with 6-amino-pyrimidine-2,4-diones and pyrazol-5-amines: access to dipyrimidine/dipyrazolo-fused pyridines
Authors: Xie Rong-Ji , Liu Jun-Hua , Zhang Qiu-Yi , Yang Yi-Jie , Song Li-Qun , Shao Tian-Qi , Liu Kai-Xuan , Zhu Yan-Ping
Published: March 2021

An aerobic copper-catalyzed oxidative domino cyclization of methyl azaarenes with 6-amino-pyrimidine-2,4-diones and pyrazol-5-amines for the synthesis of dipyrimidine/dipyrazolo-fused pyridines was reported.
Cation-disorder zinc blende Zn0.5Ge0.5P compound and Zn0.5Ge0.5P–TiC–C composite as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Guoping , Zhang Lei , Zhou Yucun , Soule Luke , Mu Yangchang , Li Wenwu , Shi Zhicong
Published: March 2021

Zn0.5Ge0.5P shows superior crystal and band structure as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, and Zn0.5Ge0.5P–TiC–C exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.
Atomic-scale dynamics of the phase transition in bilayer PtSe2
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Lifen , Liu Huan , Li Feng , Li Delong , Cao Yongwan , Wu ChenChen , Bai Xuedong , Qi Junjie
Published: March 2021

Understanding the mechanism of phase transition is of great importance for modulating the physical properties and realizing the potential applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials.
Controllable generation of ZnO/ZnCo2O4 arising from bimetal–organic frameworks for electrochemical detection of naphthol isomers
Authors: Peng Lei , Dong Sheying , An Yaqi , Qu Mengnan
Published: March 2021

This study developed new bicomponent-active transition metal oxides (TMOs) via pyrolysis of bimetal–organic frameworks ZnxCo6−x-BMOF with tunable “x” values for constructing an electrochemical sensor to detect naphthol isomers.
Evaluation of the role of the DNA surface for enhancing the activity of scaffolded enzymes
Authors: Lin Peng , Dinh Huyen , Morita Yuki , Zhang Zhengxiao , Nakata Eiji , Kinoshita Masahiro , Morii Takashi
Published: March 2021

Local pH changes on the DNA scaffold surface do not contribute to the enhanced activity of scaffolded enzymes.
Hydrophobic collapse-driven nanoparticle coating with poly-adenine adhesives
Authors: Zhu Dan , Li Jiang , Wang Lianhui , Li Qian , Wang Lihua , Song Bo , Zhou Ruhong , Fan Chunhai
Published: March 2021

Poly-adenine DNA shows strong adhesion to gold nanoparticles with high affinity via hydrophobic collapse.
Rapid 18F-labeling via Pd-catalyzed S-arylation in aqueous medium
Authors: Humpert Swen , Omrane Mohamed A. , Urusova Elizaveta A. , Gremer Lothar , Willbold Dieter , Endepols Heike , Krasikova Raisa N. , Neumaier Bernd , Zlatopolskiy Boris D.
Published: March 2021

Rapid Pd-catalyzed S-arylation with easily accessible 2-[18F]fluoro-5-iodopyridine enables facile preparation of radiolabeled peptides and proteins.
The contact barrier of a 1T′/2H MoS2 heterophase bilayer and its modulation by adatom and strain: a first-principles study
Authors: Sun Jie , Dou Haoyun , Zhang Guangping , Leng Jiancai
Published: March 2021

The contact nature of the 1T′/2H MoS2 heterophase bilayer is tuned from Schottky to Ohmic by adatom and strain.
Heterodinuclear catalysts Zn(ii)/M and Mg(ii)/M, where M = Na(i), Ca(ii) or Cd(ii), for phthalic anhydride/cyclohexene oxide ring opening copolymerisation
Authors: Deacy Arron C. , Durr Christopher B. , Kerr Ryan W. F. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: March 2021

A series of heterodinuclear catalysts, coordinated by a Schiff base ligand, for ring opening copolymerisation of phthalic anhydride/cyclohexene oxide, highlight the best metal combinations for fast and selective catalysis.
Scrutinizing ligand exchange reactions in the formation of the precious group metal–organic framework RuII,II-HKUST-1: the impact of diruthenium tetracarboxylate precursor and modulator choice
Authors: Heinz Werner R. , Staude Dominik , Mayer David , Bunzen Hana , Fischer Roland A.
Published: March 2021

The high surface area univalent Ru(ii) analogue of HKUST-1 (Ru3BTC2; BTC = 1,3,5 benzendicarboxylate) is synthesized by the coordination modulated controlled secondary building unit approach.
Isoquinoline-based Eu(iii) luminescent probes for citrate sensing in complex matrix
Authors: De Rosa Chiara , Melchior Andrea , Sanadar Martina , Tolazzi Marilena , Duerkop Axel , Piccinelli Fabio
Published: March 2021

Optical response of Eu(bisoQcd)OTf and Eu(isoQC3A) complexes is selective and sensitive towards citrate concentration, in a complex matrix simulating an interstitial extracellular fluid.
Fine tuning laser focus for improved reproducibility of U–Pb isotope analysis by LA-ICP-MS
Authors: Huang Hui-Qing , Guillong Marcel , Hu Yi , Spandler Carl
Published: March 2021

A small degree of laser defocusing can lead to significant changes in the ablation pit morphology and downhole fractionation of U–Pb isotopes.
A highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst (ORR/OER) derived from GO functionalized with carbonyl, hydroxyl and epoxy groups for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Gu Lei , Sun Xuan-Long , Zhao Jiao , Gong Bing-Quan , Bao Zheng-Lv , Jia Hai-Lang , Guan Ming-Yun , Ma Shuai-Shuai
Published: March 2021

A highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst, Co–N/S/rGO, was prepared via modifying the surface functional groups of GO, and it showed good application prospects in zinc–air batteries.
Allylation and propargylation of aldehydes mediated byin situgenerated zinc from the redox couple of Al and ZnCl2in 2N HCl
Authors: Mondal Bibhas , Adhikari Utpal , Hajra Partha Pratim , Roy Ujjal Kanti
Published: March 2021

A simple one pot allylation and propargylation of aldehydes mediated by zinc(0), which isin situgenerated from the redox couple of Al and ZnCl2in 2N HCl, is demonstrated to afford the corresponding homoallyl and homopropargyl alcohols with excellent yields.
Metal-templated synthesis of rigid and conformationally restricted cyclic bisporphyrins: specific retention times on a cyanopropyl-modified silica gel column
Authors: Hashimoto Masaya , Kuramochi Yusuke , Ito Sayumi , Kinbara Yuho , Satake Akiharu
Published: March 2021

Both the distance and rigidity are important for strong retentions on a cyanopropyl-modified silica gel column.
Functional polyethylene glycol-based solid electrolytes with enhanced interfacial compatibility for room-temperature lithium metal batteries
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Chen Shimou , Chen Yong , Li Lingdong
Published: March 2021

A high-performance solid polymer electrolyte with enhanced interfacial compatibility was synthesized via an in situ polymerization of functional polyethylene glycol combined with the in situ formation of stable SEI layers by vinylene carbonate.
Stereoselective synthetic strategies of stereogenic carbon centers featuring a difluoromethyl group
Authors: Gao Fengyun , Li Boyu , Wang Yalan , Chen Qushuo , Li Yongzhen , Wang Kairong , Yan Wenjin
Published: March 2021

The scope of this review is to summarize routine asymmetric synthetic methods which enable the effective and selective introduction of difluoromethyl groups into the desired compounds, providing a general introduction to this important research area.
Stereoselective synthesis of α-d-fructofuranosides using a 4,6-O-siloxane-protected donor
Authors: He Huan , Wu Yanmei , Huang Yao , Li Xue , Wang Rui , Yang Jin-Song , Liu Xiao-Yu , Qin Yong
Published: March 2021

An efficient glycosylation method relying on the use of a 4,6-O-siloxane-protected thio-fructofuranoside donor is presented, which facilitated the stereoselective synthesis of α-d-fructofuranosides.
Recent progress on the construction of axial chirality through transition-metal-catalyzed benzannulation
Authors: Zhao Qian , Peng Cheng , Wang Yu-Ting , Zhan Gu , Han Bo
Published: March 2021

Useful chiral biaryls have been constructed through rhodium and gold complex-catalyzed asymmetric benzannulation strategies.
On-water synthesis of glycosyl selenocyanate derivatives and their application in the metal free organocatalytic preparation of nonglycosidic selenium linked pseudodisaccharide derivatives
Authors: Manna Tapasi , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: March 2021

Glycosyl selenocyanate derivatives were prepared in water using KSeCN as selenium precursor. Reaction of glycosyl selenocyanate with sugar electrophiles in the presence of hydrazine monohydrate furnished Se-linked pseudodisaccharides.
The importance of nanofiber hydrophobicity for effective fog water collection
Authors: Knapczyk-Korczak Joanna , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Stachewicz Urszula
Published: March 2021

This research shows the crucial role of hydrophobicity in fog water collection by polyamide (PA) nanofibers by comparing electrospun meshes from hydrophobic PA11 to those from hydrophilic PA6.
Titanium–silicon ferrierites and their delaminated forms modified with copper as effective catalysts for low-temperature NH3-SCR
Authors: Święs Aneta , Kowalczyk Andrzej , Michalik Marek , Díaz Urbano , Palomares Antonio E. , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: March 2021

Titanium–silicon ferrierites with different Si/Ti ratios and their delaminated forms were modified with copper by ion-exchange.
Understanding the opportunities of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for CO2capture and gas-phase CO2conversion processes: a comprehensive overview
Authors: Gandara-Loe J. , Pastor-Perez L. , Bobadilla L. F. , Odriozola J. A. , Reina T. R.
Published: March 2021

The rapid increase in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is one of the most pressing problems facing our planet.
Recent advances in single-atom electrocatalysts supported on two-dimensional materials for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Li Jing , Gao Xiaoping , Chu Wei , Gao Guoping , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: March 2021

This review summarizes the recent theoretical and experimental progress in two-dimensional material-based single-atom catalysts for the electrochemical OER. The remaining challenges and an outlook on future directions are highlighted.
Strategies and applications of covalent organic frameworks as promising nanoplatforms in cancer therapy
Authors: Valenzuela Cristian , Chen Chu , Sun Mengxiao , Ye Zhanpeng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: March 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with high flexibility in geometry, structure and function exhibit great potential for biomedical applications. Herein the cutting edge of COF-based nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics is comprehensively reviewed.
The local atomic structure and thermoelectric properties of Ir-doped ZnO: hybrid DFT calculations and XAS experiments
Authors: Chesnokov Andrei , Gryaznov Denis , Skorodumova Natalia V. , Kotomin Eugene A. , Zitolo Andrea , Zubkins Martins , Kuzmin Alexei , Anspoks Andris , Purans Juris
Published: March 2021

We combined the hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments in the study of the local atomic structure around Ir ions in ZnO thin films with different iridium content.
A general strategy via charge transfer sensitization to achieve efficient NIR luminescence in lanthanide-doped NaGdS2 nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Shiteng , Zhang Chunguang , Zheng Wei , Gong Zhongliang , Huang Ping , Xu Jin , Liu Youyu , Li Renfu , Chen Xueyuan
Published: March 2021

A strategy based on S2−-to-Yb3+ charge transfer sensitization is developed to achieve efficient NIR luminescence in Yb3+ singly-doped and Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped NaGdS2 nanocrystals with quantum yields up to 21.2% and 25.0%, respectively.
α-Methyl-l-tryptophan as a weight-loss agent in multiple models of obesity in mice
Authors: Sivaprakasam Sathish , Ramachandran Sabarish , Sikder Mohd Omar Faruk , Bhutia Yangzom D. , Wachtel Mitchell W. , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: March 2021

α-Methyl-L-tryptophan (α-MLT) is currently in use as a tracer in its 11C-labeled form to monitor the health of serotonergic neurons in humans. In the present study, we found this compound to function as an effective weight-loss agent at pharmacological doses in multiple models of obesity in mice. The drug was able to reduce the body weight when given orally in drinking water (1 mg/ml) in three different models of obesity: normal mice on high-fat diet, Slc6a14-null mice on high-fat diet, and ob/ob mice on normal diet. Only the l-enantiomer (α-MLT) was active while the d-enantiomer (α-MDT) had negligible activity. The weight-loss effect was freely reversible, with the weight gain resuming soon after the withdrawal of the drug. All three models of obesity were associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis; α-MLT reversed these features. There was a decrease in food intake in the treatment group. Mice on a high-fat diet showed decreased cholesterol and protein in the serum when treated with α-MLT; there was however no evidence of liver and kidney dysfunction. Plasma amino acid profile indicated a significant decrease in the levels of specific amino acids, including tryptophan; but the levels of arginine were increased. We conclude that α-MLT is an effective, reversible, and orally active drug for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
TIGIT-related transcriptome profile and its association with tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Qin , Gao Chaowei , Shao Jianqiang , Wang Zunyi
Published: March 2021

Immune checkpoints are intensively investigated as targets in cancer immunotherapy. T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin (Ig) and ITIM domains (TIGIT) are recently emerging as a novel promising target in cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we systematically investigated TIGIT-related transcriptome profile and relevant clinical information derived from a total of 2994 breast cancer patients recorded in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). We uncovered the relationship between TIGIT and major molecular and clinical characteristics in breast cancer. More importantly, we depicted the landscape of associations between TIGIT and other immune cell populations. Gene ontology analyses and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) of genes correlated with TIGIT revealed that TIGIT were mainly involved in immune responses and inflammatory activities. In summary, TIGIT expression was tightly related to the aggressiveness of breast cancer; TIGIT might manipulate anti-tumor immune responses by impacting not only T cells but also other immune cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is by far the most comprehensive and largest study characterizing the molecular and clinical features of TIGIT in breast cancer through large-scale transcriptome data.