bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient and precise method for generating knockout cell lines based on CRISPR‐Cas9 system
Authors: Lu Xibin , Guo Yuhan , Gu Shu , Tan Deng , Cheng Baoyun , Li Zhoufang , Huang Wei
Published: September 2020

Although the efficiency and versatility of CRISPR‐Cas9 system has been greatly improved over conventional genome editing methods such as zinc finger or TALEN, it is still time‐consuming and labor‐intensive for screening knockout/knock‐in cell clones due to differences of the targeted location or efficacies of guide RNAs (gRNAs). Here, we adapted a targeted knock‐in strategy with CRISPR‐Cas9 system and characterized the efficiency for generating single or double knockout cell lines. Specifically, a homology‐arm based donor cassette consisting of genes encoding a fluorescence protein and antibiotic selection marker driven by a constitutive promoter was co‐transfected with a gRNA expressing unit. Based on FACS sorting and antibiotic drug selection, positive cell clones were confirmed by genotyping and at the protein expression level. The results indicated that more than 70% of analyzed clones identified by cell sorting and selection were successfully targeted in both single and double knockout experiments. The procedure takes less than three weeks to obtain knockout cell lines. We believe that this methodology could be applicable and versatile in generating knockout cell clones with high efficiency in most cell lines.
Generation of desminopathy in rats using CRISPR‐Cas9
Authors: Langer Henning T. , Mossakowski Agata A. , Willis Brandon J. , Grimsrud Kristin N. , Wood Joshua A. , Lloyd Kevin C.K. , Zbinden‐Foncea Hermann , Baar Keith
Published: September 2020

Background

Desminopathy is a clinically heterogeneous muscle disease caused by over 60 different mutations in desmin. The most common mutation with a clinical phenotype in humans is an exchange of arginine to proline at position 350 of desmin leading to p.R350P. We created the first CRISPR‐Cas9 engineered rat model for a muscle disease by mirroring the R350P mutation in humans.

Methods

Using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology, Des c.1045‐1046 (AGG > CCG) was introduced into exon 6 of the rat genome causing p.R349P. The genotype of each animal was confirmed via quantitative PCR. Six male rats with a mutation in desmin (n = 6) between the age of 120–150 days and an equal number of wild type littermates (n = 6) were used for experiments. Maximal plantar flexion force was measured in vivo and combined with the collection of muscle weights, immunoblotting, and histological analysis. In addition to the baseline phenotyping, we performed a synergist ablation study in the same animals.

Results

We found a difference in the number of central nuclei between desmin mutants (1 ± 0.4%) and wild type littermates (0.2 ± 0.1%; P < 0.05). While muscle weights did not differ, we found the levels of many structural proteins to be altered in mutant animals. Dystrophin and syntrophin were increased 54% and 45% in desmin mutants, respectively (P < 0.05). Dysferlin and Annexin A2, proteins associated with membrane repair, were increased two‐fold and 32%, respectively, in mutants (P < 0.05). Synergist ablation caused similar increases in muscle weight between mutant and wild type animals, but changes in fibre diameter revealed that fibre hypertrophy in desmin mutants was hampered compared with wild type animals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We created a novel animal model for desminopathy that will be a useful tool in furthering our understanding of the disease. While mutant animals at an age corresponding to a preclinical age in humans show no macroscopic differences, microscopic and molecular changes are already present. Future studies should aim to further decipher those biological changes that precede the clinical progression of disease and test therapeutic approaches to delay disease progression.
Synthesis of new bio‐based hydrogels derived from bile acids by free‐radical photo‐polymerization
Authors: Karabulut Huseyin Riza Ferhat , Mert Berk , Altinkok Cagatay , Karatavuk Ali Osman , Acik Gokhan , Turkyilmaz Murat
Published: September 2020

In this article, the study on the swelling and thermal behaviors of a new series of bile acid‐based polymeric hydrogels is reported. For this purpose, in the first step, the reduction of carboxyl acid groups of some common bile acids including cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxy cholic acid (CDCA), and lithocholic acid (LCA) to the corresponding alcohols by lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) in THF solution is performed. Then, hydroxyl functionalities of the obtained products are reacted with the acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). Finally, the cross‐linking reactions between acryloyl functionalized bile acids and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (MPEGMA) are conducted by free‐radical photo‐polymerization technique at λ = 350 nm in the presence of 2,2‐Dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPA) as an initiator to achieve the desired bile acid‐based polymeric hydrogels. The resulting hydrogels and their intermediates are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopies. The swelling and thermal behavior of the obtained hydrogels indicates that the hydrogel starting from cholic acid is more swellable and has enhanced thermostability compared to others. Thus, the results of this study offer beneficial insights to researchers working in particularly bio‐medical industry.
Adolescents and sexual risk‐taking: The interplay of constraining relationship beliefs, healthy sex attitudes, and romantic attachment insecurity
Authors: Saint‐Eloi Cadely Hans , Finnegan Vanessa , Spears Erica C. , Kerpelman Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Although sexual exploration during adolescence may be perceived as normative, many adolescents who are sexually active are likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors detrimental to their well‐being. The present study examined the influence of insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant dimensions), healthy sex attitudes, and constraining relationship beliefs on the following sexual risk indicators: age at first sex, number of sexual partners, condom use, length of time knowing sexual partners, seriousness of relationship, and frequency of sex.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from two cohorts recruited one year apart for a five‐year project were analyzed. Adolescents were public high school students from a Southern state in the USA (cohort 1: N = 878, 51.1% females, M = 16.50 years old; cohort 2: N = 759, 46.9% females, M = 15.78 years old).

Results

Across both cohorts, healthy sex attitudes were related to having sex for the first time at an older age, having less sexual partners in a lifetime, and knowing one's sexual partner longer. High scores on the avoidant attachment dimension were related to less commitment to the relationship. This dimension also was related to holding lower scores on healthy sex attitudes, which in turn was related to having more sexual partners and knowing one's sexual partner for a shorter time. Although not replicated, higher endorsement of constraining relationship beliefs was associated with inconsistent condom use and greater sex frequency.

Conclusion

Findings suggests that attachment insecurity, healthy sex attitudes, and constraining relationship beliefs work together to influence adolescent sexual risks.
Effects of prophylactic intravenous dexamethasone versus pethidine for prevention of post-spinal anesthesia shivering for patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate under spinal anesthesia: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Destaw Belete , Melese Eyayalem , Jemal Sulaiman
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Shivering is commonly observed as a complication after Regional Anesthesia. Pethidine has been thought as a standard for prevention and treatment of shivering but it is not without side effects. Studies showed that dexamethasone also has promising effect with fewer side effects even though there are controversies.

Objective:

To compare the effect of prophylactic dexamethasone and pethidine on prevention of post-spinal anesthesia shivering for patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at Dagmawi Minilik second hospital from October 26 to January 24/2020.

Methods:

An institutional-based prospective cohort study was conducted on 64 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria and underwent TURP. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Independent sample t-test statistics and Mann-Whitney U test were used for quantitative data that was distributed normally and none normally respectively. A Chi-square test was used to compare differences in categorical data. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Result:

The incidence and severity of shivering was comparable between pethidine and dexamethasone group (p value > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the meantime to the first onset of shivering between dexamethasone (65 min) and pethidine (81 min) group (p = 0.23).The median consumption of total antishivering medication was comparable between dexamethasone (54.2 mg of tramadol) and pethidine (68.8 mg of tramadol) group (p = 0.21).

Conclusion:

Dexamethasone (4 mg) is equally effective as pethidine (25 mg) that of standard antishivering drugs. The use of dexamethasone (4 mg) as an alternative of pethidine as a prophylaxis for the prevention of shivering for patients undergoing TURP procedures under spinal anesthesia.

Highlights:
Prediction of the Peak, Effect of Intervention, and Total Infected by COVID-19 in India
Authors: Shah Parth Vipul
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

We study the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in India and model the epidemic to guide those involved in formulating policy and building health-care capacity.

Methods:

This effect is studied using the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model. We estimate the infection rate using a least square method with Poisson noise and calculate the reproduction number.

Results:

The infection rate is estimated to be 0.270 and the reproduction number to be 2.70. The approximate peak of the epidemic will be August 9, 2020. A 25% drop in infection rate will delay the peak by 11 d for a 1-mo intervention period. The total infected individuals in India will be 9% of the total population.

Conclusions:

The predictions are sensitive to changes in the behavior of people and their practice of social distancing.
Impacts of Rumors and Conspiracy Theories Surrounding COVID-19 on Preparedness Programs
Authors: Ali Inayat
Published: September 2020

Being a part of our sociocultural history, stories and narratives help us make sense of our lifeworlds. Stories, rumors, and conspiracy theories offer deep meanings when analyzed in specific contexts, and prominently appear in the face of looming uncertainties, anxieties, and fears. Similarly, many narratives have surrounded the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at the global and local levels as people try to make sense of this invisibly spreading virus and its multidimensional effects. Drawing on the media reports, I show and analyze global-level narratives that reveal geopolitics in play. To present the local level narratives in Pakistan, I build on my long-term ethnographic fieldwork, recent telephone interviews, and content analysis to discuss why these tales emerge and spread. As the pandemic unfolded, local people started drinking “miraculous” tea as a form of prevention, shaving their heads, and/or praying to God to undo His “punishment” and conceptualizing the pandemic as an invented “plot.” With my analyses, I compare the “viral rumors” with the virus and argue that these narratives are social phenomena, carrying multiple meanings that need the thorough attention of social scientists, for example, anthropologists, just as we need experts to study a virus.
Perceived Public Stress Among Jordanians During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Abdel Jalil Mariam H. , Alsous Mervat M. , Hammad Eman A. , Mousa Rimal , Saleh Mais M. , Abu Hammour Khawla
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Outbreaks and containment measures implemented to control them can increase stress in affected populations. The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on perceived stress levels in the Jordanian population is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the perceived stress level and factors associated with it in the Jordanian population during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods:

Required data, such as those from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and possible predictors of perceived stress, were collected through a Web-based survey. Statistical analysis was conducted through SPSS.

Results:

The mean (SD) of perceived stress score was 19.8 (6.7). Regression analysis revealed that stress was increased in females, young adults, usually being stressed more than others by a health problem, increased perceived severity of the disease, increased overall worry score, and student’s worry regarding their studies/graduation. Perceived stress was decreased if participants’ self-rated health status score increased.

Conclusions:

In the context of increasing public health preparedness, the results of this study can be used in designing interventions to alleviate stress in susceptible segments of the Jordanian community.
Direct costs and clinical impact of adenovirus genotype 8 conjunctivitis outbreak in a neonatology unit
Authors: Angueyra María Florencia , Marcone Débora Natalia , Escarrá Florencia , Reyes Noelia Soledad , Rubies Yamile , Albas Delcys , Rodríguez Pamela Elizabeth , Vidaurreta Santiago , Carballal Guadalupe , Echavarria Marcela
Published: September 2020

Objective:

To report a conjunctivitis outbreak in a neonatology intensive care unit (NICU) and determine the associated economic impact.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Setting:

Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC) University Hospital, a private, tertiary-care healthcare institution in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Participants:

The study included 52 NICU neonates and 59 NICU-related healthcare workers (HCWs) from CEMIC hospital.

Methods:

Neonates and HCWs were swabbed for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, viral culture, and typing by sequencing. Infection control measures, structural and logistic changes were implemented. Billing records were analyzed to determine costs.

Results:

From January 30 to April 28, 2018, 52 neonates were hospitalized in the NICU. Among them, 14 of 52 (21%) had bilateral conjunctivitis with pseudomembranes. Symptomatic neonates and HCWs were HAdV-D8 positive. Ophthalmological symptoms had a median duration of 18 days (IQR, 13–24.5). PCR positivity and infectious range had a median duration of 18.5 days. As part of containment measures, the NICU and the high-risk pregnancy unit were closed to new patients. The NICU was divided into 2 areas for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; a new room was assigned for the general nursery, and all deliveries from the high-risk pregnancy unit were redirected to other hospitals. The outbreak cost the hospital US$205,000: implementation of a new nursery room and extra salaries cost US$30,350 and estimated productivity loss during 1 month cost US$175,000.

Conclusions:

Laboratory diagnosis confirmed the cause of this outbreak as HAdV-D8. The immediate adoption and reinforcement of rigorous infection control measures limited the nosocomial viral spread. This outbreak represented a serious institutional problem, causing morbidity, significant economic loss, and absenteeism.
Clinical impact of early reinsertion of a central venous catheter after catheter removal in patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections
Authors: Lee Yu-Mi , Ryu Byung-Han , Hong Sun In , Cho Oh-Hyun , Hong Kyung-Wook , Bae In-Gyu , Kwack Won Gun , Kim Young Jin , Chung Eun Kyoung , Kim Dong Youn , Lee Mi Suk , Park Ki-Ho
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Early replacement of a new central venous catheter (CVC) may pose a risk of persistent or recurrent infection in patients with a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). We evaluated the clinical impact of early CVC reinsertion after catheter removal in patients with CRBSIs.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients with confirmed CRBSIs in 2 tertiary-care hospitals over a 7-year period.

Results:

To treat their infections, 316 patients with CRBSIs underwent CVC removal. Among them, 130 (41.1%) underwent early CVC reinsertion (≤3 days after CVC removal), 39 (12.4%) underwent delayed reinsertion (>3 days), and 147 (46.5%) did not undergo CVC reinsertion. There were no differences in baseline characteristics among the 3 groups, except for nontunneled CVC, presence of septic shock, and reason for CVC reinsertion. The rate of persistent CRBSI in the early CVC reinsertion group (22.3%) was higher than that in the no CVC reinsertion group (7.5%; P = .002) but was similar to that in the delayed CVC reinsertion group (17.9%; P > .99). The other clinical outcomes did not differ among the 3 groups, including rates of 30-day mortality, complicated infection, and recurrence. After controlling for several confounding factors, early CVC reinsertion was not significantly associated with persistent CRBSI (OR, 1.59; P = .35) or 30-day mortality compared with delayed CVC reinsertion (OR, 0.81; P = .68).

Conclusions:

Early CVC reinsertion in the setting of CRBSI may be safe. Replacement of a new CVC should not be delayed in patients who still require a CVC for ongoing management.
Looking forward looking black: making the case for a radical rethink of strategies for success in Indigenous higher education
Authors: Bond Chelsea , Brough Mark , Mukandi Bryan , Springer Shannon , Askew Deborah , Stajic Janet
Published: September 2020

Abstract This study takes a retrospective look at the educational experiences of Indigenous health professionals who graduated from The University of Queensland's Indigenous Health Program between 1994 and 2005, to understand the enablers for growing an Indigenous health workforce capable of advancing the health of Indigenous peoples. Drawing on the qualitative accounts of 31 students and 9 staff members, this paper examines the enablers to educational success at this time, juxtaposed against current Indigenising agendas in higher education, of aspiration and capacity building alongside the task of embedding Indigenous knowledges within curricula. We look back not as a call to return to Indigenous-specific cohort courses but rather reconsider both the measures of and strategies for success in Indigenous higher education, within health and beyond, interrogating the ideological assumptions that inform them.
Hamlet and the People “Who Know Things”
Authors: Esonwanne Uzoma
Published: September 2020

Is Shakespeare universal? Is Hamlet a “strong” text that generates the same interpretation across cultural space and time, or is it a malleable text whose meaning is contingent upon variables in the encounter between text and reader and the contexts of reading? These were the kinds of questions that my students and I addressed in several courses I taught on Shakespeare over the past four years. As one might expect, our answers differed. Here, I develop and refine the argument I made and, sometimes, made incoherently: universality, whether in a writer, a text, or in criticism “is neither natural nor self-evident.” Because part of my reason for turning to Shakespeare was my dissatisfaction with contrapuntal reading as a pedagogical strategy for cultivating a “critical understanding of imperialism” in students, I conclude that we can only achieve that goal if we deploy contrapuntal reading across the literary curriculum.
Litigating climate change through international law: Obligations strategy and rights strategy
Authors: Meguro Maiko
Published: September 2020

Litigation has presented itself as a serious means to vindicate normative commitments about climate change by forcing governments to review their policy priorities. Today, the use of such litigation is not limited to the domestic arena. International law now provides the new principal avenue for such litigation. Two litigation strategies stand out: obligations strategy and rights strategy. Obligations strategy consists of bestowing an erga omnes character to existing obligations regarding the protection of the global environment, thereby providing standing for a non-injured party before international courts. Rights strategy, on the other hand, significantly increases in practice. It consists in the invocation, before national and international courts, of remedies for environmental damages through the legal categories of human rights law.

This article sheds light on the potential and limits of these litigation strategies in international law. The argument builds on the specific evolution in the legal architecture of international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The current structure of the UNFCCC now makes it substantially impossible to bring a claim against individual states regarding their specific measures against climate change. The article, by referring to the history of drafting which produced the specific structure, questions the ability of these litigation strategies to remedy the lack of international consensus and to accommodate the technical intricacy of how to turn normative commitments into actual action for climate change.
Triangle-degrees in graphs and tetrahedron coverings in 3-graphs
Authors: Falgas-Ravry Victor , Markström Klas , Zhao Yi
Published: September 2020

We investigate a covering problem in 3-uniform hypergraphs (3-graphs): Given a 3-graph F, what is c1(n, F), the least integer d such that if G is an n-vertex 3-graph with minimum vertex-degree
$\delta_1(G)>d$
then every vertex of G is contained in a copy of F in G?

We asymptotically determine c1(n, F) when F is the generalized triangle
$K_4^{(3)-}$
, and we give close to optimal bounds in the case where F is the tetrahedron
$K_4^{(3)}$
(the complete 3-graph on 4 vertices).

This latter problem turns out to be a special instance of the following problem for graphs: Given an n-vertex graph G with
$m> n^2/4$
edges, what is the largest t such that some vertex in G must be contained in t triangles? We give upper bound constructions for this problem that we conjecture are asymptotically tight. We prove our conjecture for tripartite graphs, and use flag algebra computations to give some evidence of its truth in the general case.
What Is a Consultative Referendum? The Democratic Legitimacy of Popular Consultations
Authors: Invernizzi Accetti Carlo , Oskian Giulia
Published: September 2020

We examine the democratic legitimacy of popular referendums asking whether they should be understood as bypassing or complementing representative institutions. To answer this question, we focus on the distinction between legislative referendums and consultative ones, noting that even though referendums of the latter kind are by far more prevalent from an empirical point of view, their specific role in democratic decision-making remains under-theorized in the existing literature. We therefore focus on consultative referendums as a possible way of reconciling the referendum procedure with representative democracy. First, we clarify the specific conception of representative democracy that underscores our study; second, we develop the idea that consultative referendums are to be understood to specify the political mandate of elected representatives; finally, we apply the results of this conceptual work to the case of the Greek bailout and the Brexit referendums, aiming to dispel some lingering misconceptions concerning the normative implications of their results and thereby clarifying the normative significance of our theory.
Complex Scenes From the International Affective Picture System (IAPS)
Authors: Wei Maryann , Roodenrys Steven , Miller Leonie , Barkus Emma
Published: September 2020

Abstract. Complex scenes from standardized stimuli databases such as the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) are organized dimensionally rather than discretely. Further, the potentially unique function of socially relevant scenes is often overlooked. This study sought to identify discrete categories of complex scenes from the IAPS and to explore if there were qualitative features that make the emotional content of some social scenes identifiable with higher levels of agreement. One hundred and three participants (53.4% female, mean age 24.4) judged 118 IAPS scenes as reflecting fear, happy, sad, or neutral. A second judgment study was conducted with a separate group of participants ( N = 117; 79.2% female; mean age 30.41) to further characterize valid affective scenes across the full range of basic emotions. Sixty images received agreement on their emotional category from >70% of judges and were considered valid. IAPS identifier codes for these images are available for reference (along with the supplementary material from the second judgment study), organized by emotional and social content. An incidental observation was such that compared to nonsocial scenes, lower agreement rates were observed for social scenes across the board. Qualitative features of social scenes that were classified into emotional categories based on higher levels of agreement are discussed.
Environmental-social-economic footprints of consumption and trade in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Yang Lan , Wang Yutao , Wang Ranran , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír , Almeida Cecília Maria Villas Bôas de , Jin Mingzhou , Zheng Xinzhu , Qiao Yuanbo
Published: September 2020

Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been the world’s most dynamic emerging area of economic development and trade in recent decades. Here, we reveal the significant and imbalanced environmental and socio-economic effects of the region’s growths during 1995–2015. Owing to the intra-regional trade of goods and services, APAC economies grew increasingly interdependent in each other’s water and energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) and PM2.5 emissions, and labor and economic productivity, while the environmental and economic disparity widened within the region. Furthermore, our results highlight APAC’s significant role in globalization. By 2015, APAC was engaged in 50–71% of the virtual flows of water, energy, GHG, PM2.5, labor, and value added embodied in international trade. While the region’s final demand and trade grew less resource- and emissions-intensive, predominantly led by China’s transformations, APAC still lags behind global averages after two decades. More joint efforts of APAC economies and attention to sustainable transformation are needed.
Correction: Investigation of heart lipid changes in acute β-AR activation-induced sudden cardiac death by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Lou Jia-Qian , Cao Yue , Yu You-Jia , Hu Li , Mao Zheng-Sheng , Huang Ping , Hua Xin , Chen Feng
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Investigation of heart lipid changes in acute β-AR activation-induced sudden cardiac death by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry’ by Jia-Qian Lou, et al., Analyst, 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0an00768d.
DNA-specific selectivity in pairing of model nucleobases in the solid state
Authors: Stolar Tomislav , Lukin Stipe , Etter Martin , Rajić Linarić Maša , Užarević Krunoslav , Meštrović Ernest , Halasz Ivan
Published: September 2020

Solid-state may serve as the reaction medium for selective recognition between model nucleobases.
Tetrazine metallation boosts rate and regioselectivity of inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) addition of dienophiles
Authors: Schnierle Marc , Blickle Svenja , Filippou Vasileios , Ringenberg Mark R.
Published: September 2020

Reported herein is the coordination of rhenium complexes to tetrazine ligand in [ReCl(CO)3(TzPy)] [1] (TzPy = 3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) and the rates of addition of different dienophiles to the tetrazine.
Photoelectrocatalytic production of solar fuels with semiconductor oxides: materials, activity and modeling
Authors: Monllor-Satoca Damián , Díez-García María Isabel , Lana-Villarreal Teresa , Gómez Roberto
Published: September 2020

Transition metal oxides keep on being excellent candidates as electrode materials for the photoelectrochemical conversion of solar energy into chemical energy.
Fabrication of wide-detection-range H2 sensors with controllable saturation behavior using Au@Pd nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Yang Hui , Yang Shuang , Li Qian , Zhang Xuemin , Wang Tieqiang , Gao Zhimin , Zhang Liying , Guo Lei , Fu Yu
Published: September 2020

Au@Pd nanoparticle arrays can be used as wide-detection-range H2 sensors, which show a controllable saturation behavior depending on the Pd shell thickness.
Palladium-catalysed cyclisation of vinylethylene carbonates and anhydrides: a new approach to diverse medium-sized bislactones
Authors: Dai Qing-Song , Tao Ying-Mao , Zhang Xiang , Leng Hai-Jun , Huang Hua , Xiang Peng , Li Qing-Zhu , Wang Qi-Wei , Li Jun-Long
Published: September 2020

An unprecedented palladium-catalysed regioselective [5 + n] cyclisation (n = 5, 6, and 7) of vinylethylene carbonates and various anhydrides was presented. This protocol could offer a broad spectrum of medium-sized bislactones with skeletal diversity.
Materials perspective on new lithium chlorides and bromides: insights into thermo-physical properties
Authors: Jiang Ming , Mukherjee Sankha , Chen Zhi Wen , Chen Li Xin , Li Meng Lu , Xiao Hai Yan , Gao Chan , Singh Chandra Veer
Published: September 2020

The lithium halides with larger bulk and shear moduli and improved ductility can be effective in suppressing the growth of Li dendrites and improving interfacial compatibility between the electrode and electrolyte, and thus they are promising SSEs.
Structural characterization of supramolecular hollow nanotubes with atomistic simulations and SAXS
Authors: Patmanidis Ilias , de Vries Alex H. , Wassenaar Tsjerk A. , Wang Wenjun , Portale Giuseppe , Marrink Siewert J.
Published: September 2020

Self-assembled nanostructures arise when building blocks spontaneously organize into ordered aggregates that exhibit different properties compared to the disorganized monomers.
Steric clash in real space: biphenyl revisited
Authors: Laplaza Rubén , Boto Roberto A. , Contreras-García Julia , Montero-Campillo M. Merced
Published: September 2020

Long-term discrepancies regarding the origin of steric repulsion in biphenyl are reconciled under the NCI (Non Covalent Interaction) method, reflecting the balance between attractive and repulsive interactions in real space.
Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene decorated with an allenylidene ruthenium complex – almost a flyswatter
Authors: Lorenz Rebecca , Reger David , Weller Ruth , Jux Norbert , Burzlaff Nicolai
Published: September 2020

A ruthenium allenylidene complex bearing a hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) substituent was synthesised, resembling yet another strategy to decorate HBCs with transition metal fragments.
Incorporation of coinage metal–NHC complexes into heptaphosphide clusters
Authors: Jo Minyoung , Li Jingbai , Dragulescu-Andrasi Alina , Rogachev Andrey Yu. , Shatruk Michael
Published: September 2020

A Me3Si-protected P7 cage reacts with N-heterocyclic-carbene complexes of coinage metals to yield a mononuclear Cu(i) complex featuring a Cu(η4-P7) core and a trinuclear Au(i) complex with linearly coordinated metal ions attached to the P7 cluster.
Simulation of primary and secondary particles in the streets of Paris using MUNICH
Authors: Lugon Lya , Sartelet Karine , Kim Youngseob , Vigneron Jéremy , Chrétien Olivier
Published: September 2020

This study presents the new version of the local-scale model MUNICH, capable to represent the formation of secondary species in gas and particulate phases. A sensitivity test is performed to investigate the formation of secondary aerosols in streets.
Optical costs and benefits of disorder in biological photonic crystals
Authors: Mouchet Sébastien R. , Luke Stephen , McDonald Luke T. , Vukusic Pete
Published: September 2020

We consider fault tolerance with respect to structural colour and disorder in biological photonics. Several systems have been examined to support discussion and enable optical modelling for a description of the optical costs and benefits of structural disorder.
Suppression of multiple processes relevant to cancer progression by benzyl isothiocyanate may result from the inhibition of Aurora A kinase activity
Authors: Yu Tzu-Tung , Chang Meng-Ya , Hsieh Yi-Jen , Chang Chih-Jui
Published: September 2020

The anti-cancer properties of BITC may result from the inhibition of Aurora A kinase activity.
Fructooligosaccharides improve growth performance and intestinal epithelium function in weaned pigs exposed to enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli
Authors: Liu Lei , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , Yin Heng , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Yan Hui , He Jun
Published: September 2020

This study was conducted to explore the protective potential of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) against enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC)-induced inflammation and intestinal injury in weaned pigs.
Phosphorescent bio-based resin for digital light processing (DLP) 3D-printing
Authors: Maturi Mirko , Pulignani Carolina , Locatelli Erica , Vetri Buratti Veronica , Tortorella Silvia , Sambri Letizia , Comes Franchini Mauro
Published: September 2020

This work presents a novel bio-based resin for DLP 3D printing using a photocurable polyester obtained from renewable resources. The ink is formulated with phosphorescent Ir-complexes and printed for both rigid and flexible structures.
Deep-learning-assisted biophysical imaging cytometry at massive throughput delineates cell population heterogeneity
Authors: Siu Dickson M. D. , Lee Kelvin C. M. , Lo Michelle C. K. , Stassen Shobana V. , Wang Maolin , Zhang Iris Z. Q. , So Hayden K. H. , Chan Godfrey C. F. , Cheah Kathryn S. E. , Wong Kenneth K. Y. , Hsin Michael K. Y. , Ho James C. M. , Tsia Kevin K.
Published: September 2020

An optofluidic imaging cytometry strategy that hierarchically analyzes single-cell biophysical morphology beyond millions of cells at high sensitivity and specificity.
Bioinspired movement of gas bubbles: composition, applications, generation, contact angle, and movement – an overview
Authors: Gurera Dev , Bhushan Bharat
Published: September 2020

Bioinspired conical surfaces/triangular surfaces can be used to move gas bubbles, which can even defy gravity.
l-Cysteine-mediated modulation of copper trafficking in prostate cancer cells: an in vitro and in vivo investigation with 64Cu and 64Cu-PET
Authors: Bartnicka Joanna J , Al-salemee Fahad , Firth George , Blower Philip J
Published: September 2020

Copper imbalance is implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Copper in blood is mainly transported by carrier proteins but a small fraction is bound to low molecular weight species, possibly amino acids. Their roles in cellular copper delivery are unknown. Our aim was to test whether accumulation of 64Cu into cancer-derived cells can be influenced by copper-binding serum amino acids. In vitro cellular accumulation of 64Cu was measured in Hank's Balanced Salt Solution in the presence of 100 μM l-histidine, l-methionine, l-cysteine and l-threonine. l-Cysteine markedly increased 64Cu accumulation and retention in DU145, PC3 and SK-OV-3 cells, while some other cell lines did not show an effect. This effect was not due to 64Cu delivery in the form of a 64Cu–cysteine complex, nor to reduction of 64Cu(ii) to 64Cu(i) by l-cysteine. Pre-incubation of cells with l-cysteine increased 64Cu accumulation, even if l-cysteine was removed from HBSS before 64Cu was added. The effect of l-cysteine on 64Cu accumulation was not mediated by increased glutathione synthesis. Despite the demonstrable in vitro effect, pre-injection of l-cysteine precursor N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in vivo did not enhance 64Cu delivery to DU145 xenografts in mice. Instead, it decreased 64Cu accumulation in the DU145 tumour and in brain, as assessed by PET imaging. We conclude that 64Cu is not delivered to DU145 cancer cells in vitro as a complex with amino acids but its cellular accumulation is enhanced by l-cysteine or NAC influx to cells. The latter effect was not demonstrable in vivo in the DU145 xenograft.
A mass spectrometry-based approach gives new insight into organotin–protein interactions
Authors: Will Jonas M , Erbacher Catharina , Sperling Michael , Karst Uwe
Published: September 2020

In this study, the combination of speciation analysis and native mass spectrometry is presented as a powerful tool to gain new insight into the diverse interactions of environmentally relevant organotin compounds (OTCs) with proteins. Analytical standards of model proteins, such as β-lactoglobulin A (LGA), were thereby incubated with different phenyl- and butyltins. For adduct identification and characterization, the incubated samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in combination with size exclusion chromatography (SEC). It allowed for a mild separation, which was most crucial to preserve the acid-labile organotin–protein adducts during their analyses. The binding of triorganotin compounds, such as triphenyltin, was shown to be sulfhydryl-directed by using cysteine-specific protein labeling. However, the sole availability of reduced cysteine residues in proteins did not automatically enable adduct formation. This observation complements previous studies and indicates the necessity of a highly specific binding pocket, which was identified for the model protein LGA via enzymatic digestion experiments. In contrast to triorganotins, their natural di- and mono-substituted degradation products, such as dibutyltin, revealed to be less specific regarding their binding to several proteins. Further, it also did not depend on reduced cysteine residues within the protein. In this context, they can probably act as linker molecules, interconnecting proteins, and leading to dimers and probably to higher oligomers. Furthermore, dibutyltin was observed to induce hydrolysis of the protein's peptide backbone at a specific site. Concerning unknown long-term toxic effects, our studies emphasize the importance of future studies on di- and mono-substituted OTCs.
Single-step assembly of gold nanoparticles into plasmonic colloidosomes at the interface of oleic acid nanodroplets
Authors: López-de-Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Quintana Javier , Rodríguez-Castillo María
Published: September 2020

Plasmonic gold colloidosomes (Au CSs) of sub-200 nm size are formed by the self-assembly of spherical gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of ca. 4 nm size at the interface of oleic acid (OA) nanodroplets formed in n-hexane.
Reprogramming of macrophages with macrophage cell membrane-derived nanoghosts
Authors: Hwang Jangsun , Zheng Mengjia , Wiraja Christian , Cui Mingyue , Yang Lixia , Xu Chenjie
Published: September 2020

This study reports the synthesis of nanoghosts for reprogramming M0 macrophages to the M2 type. They are non-toxic, execute reprogramming through surface-bound cytokines/chemokines, and could help the wound healing process by stimulating M2 conversion.
Tanshinone IIA synergistically enhances the antitumor activity of doxorubicin by interfering with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and inhibition of topoisomerase II: in vitro and molecular docking studies
Authors: Ghanem Aml , Emara Hamdy A. , Muawia Shaden , Abd El Maksoud Ahmed I. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. , Elshal Mohamed F.
Published: September 2020

Schematic diagram showing the pharmacophoric features of doxorubicin and tanshinone IIA as DNA intercalators, and their effects on cardiac tissues.
Microneedles loaded with anti-PD-1–cisplatin nanoparticles for synergistic cancer immuno-chemotherapy
Authors: Lan Xinmiao , Zhu Wangyong , Huang Xinshuo , Yu Yingjie , Xiao Haihua , Jin Lijian , Pu Jingya Jane , Xie Xi , She Juncong , Lui Vivian Wai Yan , Chen Hui-Jiuan , Su Yu-xiong
Published: September 2020

The synergistic effects of immuno-chemotherapy delivered through a microneedle. aPD-1 blocks the binding of PD-L1 to PD-1, leading to the activation of T-cells. Intracellular release of CDDP induces direct cytotoxicity to the tumor cells.
Structural evolution of CrN nanocube electrocatalysts during nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Ma Zili , Chen Jianhong , Luo Dongbao , Thersleff Thomas , Dronskowski Richard , Slabon Adam
Published: September 2020

CrN nanocubes exhibit a gradient distribution of nitrogen and oxygen with a nitride-rich surface during electrochemical nitrogen fixation.
Influence of a 4′-substituent on the efficiency of flavonol-based fluorescent indicators of β-glycosidase activity
Authors: Reszka Milena , Serdiuk Illia E. , Kozakiewicz Karol , Nowacki Andrzej , Myszka Henryk , Bojarski Piotr , Liberek Beata
Published: September 2020

Fluorescent probes for glycosidases, based on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomenon, are presented.
Visible-light-promoted N-centered radical generation for remote heteroaryl migration
Authors: Liu Chengkou , Cai Chen , Yuan Chengcheng , Jiang Qiang , Fang Zheng , Guo Kai
Published: September 2020

An efficient visible-light-mediated organocatalyzed N–H heteroarylation was accomplishedviaremote heteroarylipso-migration.
Lithocaldehydes A and B, polyketones from the deep sea-derived fungus Phomopsis lithocarpus FS508
Authors: Liu Huibo , Liu Zhaoming , Li Haohua , Tan Haibo , Zhang Qingbo , Li Dongli , Liu Hongxin , Zhang Weimin
Published: September 2020

Lithocaldehydes A (1) and B (2), a pair of novel diastereoisomers possessing an unprecedented 6/6/5/5/6 highly-fused ring system that forms an earring-like skeleton, were isolated from the deep sea-derived fungus, Phomopsis lithocarpus FS508.
An update on the use of sulfinate derivatives as versatile coupling partners in organic chemistry
Authors: Aziz Jessy , Hamze Abdallah
Published: September 2020

Use of sulfinate derivatives as versatile coupling partners in organic chemistry.
Biobased thermosensitive polyrotaxanes constructed by polymerization of cyclodextrin-triterpenoid inclusion complexes
Authors: Li Jiawei , Yu Xia , Zhao Yiran , Zhang Hao , Li Min-Hui , Hu Jun
Published: September 2020

Three biobased thermosensitive polyrotaxanes with alternating multiblock structures have been constructed through polymerization of inclusion complexes in a convenient tandem way.
Simple and secure data encryption via molecular weight distribution fingerprints
Authors: Vrijsen Jeroen H. , Rubens Maarten , Junkers Tanja
Published: September 2020

A method for encryption and safe transmission of data in the shape of molecular weight distributions (MWD) is presented.
Naphthalene diimide- and perylene diimide-based supramolecular cages
Authors: Ling Qing-Hui , Zhu Jun-Long , Qin Yi , Xu Lin
Published: September 2020

This review comprehensively summarized the construction of naphthalene diimide- and perylene diimide-based cages as well as their properties and applications.
Synergies of co-doping in ultra-thin hematite photoanodes for solar water oxidation: In and Ti as representative case
Authors: Singh Aadesh P. , Tossi Camilla , Tittonen Ilkka , Hellman Anders , Wickman Björn
Published: September 2020

Solar energy induced water splitting in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells is one of the most sustainable ways of hydrogen production. In this work, hematite (α-Fe2O3) thin film were modified by In3+ and Ti4+ co-doping for enhanced PEC performance.
Nickel-catalyzed migratory alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Li Yangyang , Li Yuqiang , Peng Long , Wu Dong , Zhu Lei , Yin Guoyin
Published: September 2020

The selective cross-coupling of activated electrophiles with unactivated ones has been regarded as a challenging task in cross-electrophile couplings.
Oxidation triggers guest dissociation during reorganization of an FeII4L6twisted parallelogram
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Rizzuto Felix J. , von Krbek Larissa K. S. , Gisbert Yohan , Martínez-Agramunt Víctor , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: September 2020

An oxidation-triggered twist in its ferrocene ligands causes an Fe4L6parallelogram to release its guests and collapse into a high spin Fe1L1structure.
A near-infrared study of the obscured 3C129 galaxy cluster
Authors: Ramatsoku M. , Verheijen M. A. W. , Kraan-Korteweg R. C. , Jarrett T. H. , Said K. , Schröder A. C.
Published: September 2020

We present a catalogue of 261 new infrared selected members of the 3C 129 galaxy cluster. The cluster, located atz ≈ 0.02, forms part of the Perseus-Pisces filament and is obscured at optical wavelengths due to its location in the zone of avoidance. We identified these galaxies using theJ- andK-band imaging data provided by the UKIDSS Galactic Plane Survey within an area with a radius of 1.1° centred on the X-ray emission of the cluster atℓ, b ≈ 160.52° ,0.27°. A total of 26 of the identified galaxy members have known redshifts 24 of which are from our 2016 Westerbork H I survey and two are from optical spectroscopy. An analysis of the galaxy density at the core of the 3C 129 cluster shows it to be less dense than the Coma and Norma clusters, but comparable to the galaxy density in the core of the Perseus cluster. From an assessment of the spatial and velocity distributions of the 3C 129 cluster galaxies that have redshifts, we derived a velocity ofcz = 5227 ± 171 km s−1andσ = 1097 ± 252 km s−1for the main cluster, with a substructure in the cluster outskirts atcz = 6923 ± 71 km s−1withσ = 422 ± 100 km s−1. The presence of this substructure is consistent with previous claims based on the X-ray analysis that the cluster is not yet virialised and may have undergone a recent merger.
Reduktion des Besucher- und Personal- assoziierten Infektionsrisikos
durch komplexe Intervention auf perinatologischen Stationen
Authors: Seliger Gregor , Krol Inna , Worlitzsch Dieter , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Moritz Stefan , Tchirikov Michael
Published: September 2020

Ziel dieser prospektiven, klinischen Studie ist der Nachweis
für perinatologische Stationen: (a) dass eine komplexe Intervention
die Compliance bzgl. Händehygiene bei Besuchern, Geschwisterkindern
und Personal verbessert und (b) dass automatisierte Sprachansagen am
Desinfektionsmittelspender die Rate effektiv durchgeführter
Händedesinfektionen erhöhen.

Studiendesign (a) Pretest-Posttest-Follow-up-Design mit Kontroll-
(1–12/2016), Interventions- (1–12/2017),
Follow-up-Kontroll-Periode (1/2018–12/2019). (b)
Randomisiert-kontrollierter Studienteil im quasi Crossover-Design.
Primäre Endpunkte: (a) Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch pro
Patientenliegetag (b) DMV am Desinfektionsmittelspender pro Passant am
Eingang zu den Stationen.

Ergebnisse Die multimodale Strategie innerhalb der
Interventions-Periode zeigte einen relevanten positiven Effekt auf die
Compliance bzgl. Händehygiene (Interventions-Periode: 26,2%
mehr DMV; p=0,088). Sprachansagen steigern den
Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch um 28,6% (p=0,025).
Sekundärendpunkte: Die Odds-Ratio für den Vergleich
hochpositiver Fingerkuppen-Abklatschproben zwischen Kontroll- und
Interventions-Periode bei Besucher-Kindern lag bei 0,35 (95% CI
[0,1074–0,9708] p=0,039).

Schlussfolgerungen Eine komplexe Intervention inklusive
Awareness-fördernder Maßnahmen und automatisierter
Sprachansagen am Desinfektionsmittelspender sind auf perinatologischen
Stationen wirksam. Installation von Desinfektionsmittelspendern in
kindgerechter Position und adäquates Informationsmaterial spricht
auch Kinder an. Die Daten stellen z. B. in einer Pandemie-Situation
einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Optimierung von Handhygienemaßnahmen von
Personal und Besuchern in Krankenhäusern dar.