bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Capacity of Hurricane Matthew (2016) in Spawning Halo/Sprite‐Producible Lightning Strokes During Its Lifetime
Authors: Huang Anjing , Yang Jing , Cummer Steven A. , Lyu Fanchao , Liu Ningyu
Published: June 2021

This paper evaluated the overall capability of a hurricane in posing the electromagnetic impact on the high‐altitude atmosphere. Oceanic thunderstorms are more efficient in producing negative polarity cloud‐to‐ground (CG) strokes with large impulse charge moment changes (iCMCs) than continental thunderstorms. As the strongest oceanic thunderstorms, hurricanes’ capability to produce transient luminous events is desired to be examined. Here, we investigated the halo/sprite production of hurricane Matthew (2016) by examining the iCMCs of lightning detected by the World‐Wide Lightning Location Network hour by hour at nighttime, based on the ultra‐low frequency (ULF) magnetic field of the lightning strokes. Matthew was likely an active halo/sprite producer and produced more than 1,000 halo/sprite producible strokes (H/S strokes) with iCMCs exceeding the threshold (200 C km) for producing halo/sprite. The peak of H/S strokes in the outer rainband lags about one day behind the maximum hurricane strength. Additionally, the absence of positive sprite‐producible strokes in the inner core (0–100 km) of Matthew may be attributed to the spiral warm cloud feature, although many negative halos could be produced instead because 112 halo/sprite producible strokes were identified here with 89% being negative. In contrast, the outer rainband exhibits some features of the trailing stratiform region of continental mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and has been a favorable region of halo/sprite production. Overall, the inner core of Matthew and probably also that of other hurricanes bear the features that make the oceanic thunderstorms a proficient producer of negative halos but not sprites.
Performance of non-invasive fibrosis scores in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with and without morbid obesity
Authors: Drolz Andreas , Wolter Stefan , Wehmeyer Malte H. , Piecha Felix , Horvatits Thomas , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Lohse Ansgar W. , Mann Oliver , Kluwe Johannes
Published: June 2021

Background

Non-invasive scores, such as the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Fibrosis Score (NFS), are increasingly used for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with NAFLD. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability and reliability of non-invasive fibrosis scores in NAFLD patients with and without morbid obesity.

Methods

Three hundred sixty-eight patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD identified between January 2012 and December 2015 were studied; 225 with morbid obesity (biopsy obtained during bariatric surgery) and 143 patients without (termed as “conventional”).

Results

Median age was 47 years, 57% were female. Median body mass index (BMI) was 42.9 kg/m2 with significant differences between our conventional and morbidly obese patients (BMI 29.0 vs. 50.8 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Overall, 42% displayed mild/moderate and 16% advanced liver fibrosis (stage III/IV). All tested scores were significantly linked to fibrosis stage (p < 0.001 for all). FIB-4 (AUROC 0.904), APRI (AUROC 0.848), and NFS (AUROC 0.750) were identified as potent predictors of advanced fibrosis, although NFS overestimated fibrosis stage in morbid obesity. Limiting BMI to a maximum of 40 kg/m2 improved NFS’ overall performance (AUROC 0.838). FIB-4 > 1.0 indicated high probability of advanced fibrosis (OR = 29.1). FIB-4 predicted advanced fibrosis independently from age, sex, BMI, and presence of morbid obesity.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that FIB-4 score is an accurate predictor of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD throughout all BMI stages. Without adjustment, NFS tends to overestimate fibrosis in morbidly obese NAFLD patients. This problem may be solved by implementation of an upper BMI limit (for NFS) or adjustment of diagnostic thresholds.
Nutrition and immunity: lessons for COVID-19
Authors: Calder Philip C.
Published: June 2021

The role of the immune system is to protect the individual against pathogenic organisms. Nutrition is one of multiple factors that determines the immune response and good nutrition is important in supporting the immune response. Immunity can be impaired in older people, particularly those who are frail, in those living with obesity, in those who are malnourished and in those with low intakes of micronutrients. The immune impairments associated with nutritional inadequacy increase susceptibility to infection and permit infections to become more severe, even fatal. The adverse impact of poor nutrition on the immune system, including its inflammatory component, may be one of the explanations for the higher risk of more severe outcomes from infection with SARS-CoV-2 seen in older people and in those living with obesity. Studies of individual micronutrients including vitamin D and zinc suggest roles in reducing severity of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Good nutrition is also important in promoting a diverse gut microbiota, which in turn supports the immune system. The importance of nutrition in supporting the immune response also applies to assuring robust responses to vaccination. There are many lessons from the study of nutrition and immunity that are relevant for the battle with SARS-CoV-2.
Quantitative breast density analysis to predict interval and node-positive cancers in pursuit of improved screening protocols: a case–control study
Authors: Burnside Elizabeth S. , Warren Lucy M. , Myles Jonathan , Wilkinson Louise S. , Wallis Matthew G. , Patel Mishal , Smith Robert A. , Young Kenneth C. , Massat Nathalie J. , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: June 2021

Background

This study investigates whether quantitative breast density (BD) serves as an imaging biomarker for more intensive breast cancer screening by predicting interval, and node-positive cancers.

Methods

This case–control study of 1204 women aged 47–73 includes 599 cancer cases (302 screen-detected, 297 interval; 239 node-positive, 360 node-negative) and 605 controls. Automated BD software calculated fibroglandular volume (FGV), volumetric breast density (VBD) and density grade (DG). A radiologist assessed BD using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 100. Logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) determined whether BD could predict mode of detection (screen-detected or interval); node-negative cancers; node-positive cancers, and all cancers vs. controls.

Results

FGV, VBD, VAS, and DG all discriminated interval cancers (all p < 0.01) from controls. Only FGV-quartile discriminated screen-detected cancers (p < 0.01). Based on AUC, FGV discriminated all cancer types better than VBD or VAS. FGV showed a significantly greater discrimination of interval cancers, AUC = 0.65, than of screen-detected cancers, AUC = 0.61 (p < 0.01) as did VBD (0.63 and 0.53, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

FGV, VBD, VAS and DG discriminate interval cancers from controls, reflecting some masking risk. Only FGV discriminates screen-detected cancers perhaps adding a unique component of breast cancer risk.
Novel circular RNA circSLIT2 facilitates the aerobic glycolysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via miR-510-5p/c-Myc/LDHA axis
Authors: Guan Hua , Luo Wei , Liu Yuping , Li Mingfei
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence has indicated the great diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in human cancers. Although the biological roles of circRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been partially annotated, the potential regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in PDAC tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Here, our study found that the novel circRNA circSLIT2 was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissues and cells. Clinically, ectopic high-expression of circSLIT2 was correlated with unfavorable prognosis of PDAC patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that circSLIT2 promoted the aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of PDAC cells in vitro, and circSLIT2 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circSLIT2 acted as miRNA sponge to target miR-510-5p/c-Myc axis. Furthermore, c-Myc bound with the promoter region of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) to activate the transcription. Collectively, present findings reveal that circSLIT2/miR-510-5p/c-Myc/LDHA axis participates in the aerobic glycolysis and carcinogenesis of PDAC, and may act as a promising therapeutic target.
Alterations in gut microbiota linked to provenance, sex, and chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Minich David , Madden Christopher , Evans Morgan V. , Ballash Gregory A. , Barr Daniel J. , Poulsen Keith P. , Dennis Patricia M. , Hale Vanessa L.
Published: June 2021

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, contagious, neurodegenerative prion disease affecting both free-ranging and captive cervid species. CWD is spread via direct or indirect contact or oral ingestion of prions. In the gastrointestinal tract, prions enter the body through microfold cells (M-cells), and the abundance of these cells can be influenced by the gut microbiota. To explore potential links between the gut microbiota and CWD, we collected fecal samples from farmed and free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) around the Midwest, USA. Farmed deer originated from farms that were depopulated due to CWD. Free-ranging deer were sampled during annual deer harvests. All farmed deer were tested for CWD via ELISA and IHC, and we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbiota. We report significant differences in gut microbiota by provenance (Farm 1, Farm 2, Free-ranging), sex, and CWD status. CWD-positive deer from Farm 1 and 2 had increased abundances of Akkermansia, Lachnospireacea UCG-010, and RF39 taxa. Overall, differences by provenance and sex appear to be driven by diet, while differences by CWD status may be linked to CWD pathogenesis.
Conjugated C-6 hydroxylated bile acids in serum relate to human metabolic health and gut Clostridia species
Authors: Petersen Anders Ø , Julienne Hanna , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Sen Partho , Fan Yong , Pedersen Helle Krogh , Jäntti Sirkku , Hansen Tue H. , Nielsen Trine , Jørgensen Torben , Hansen Torben , Myers Pernille Neve , Nielsen H. Bjørn , Ehrlich S. Dusko , Orešič Matej , Pedersen Oluf
Published: June 2021

Knowledge about in vivo effects of human circulating C-6 hydroxylated bile acids (BAs), also called muricholic acids, is sparse. It is unsettled if the gut microbiome might contribute to their biosynthesis. Here, we measured a range of serum BAs and related them to markers of human metabolic health and the gut microbiome. We examined 283 non-obese and obese Danish adults from the MetaHit study. Fasting concentrations of serum BAs were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry. The gut microbiome was characterized with shotgun metagenomic sequencing and genome-scale metabolic modeling. We find that tauro- and glycohyocholic acid correlated inversely with body mass index (P = 4.1e-03, P = 1.9e-05, respectively), waist circumference (P = 0.017, P = 1.1e-04, respectively), body fat percentage (P = 2.5e-03, P = 2.3e-06, respectively), insulin resistance (P = 0.051, P = 4.6e-4, respectively), fasting concentrations of triglycerides (P = 0.06, P = 9.2e-4, respectively) and leptin (P = 0.067, P = 9.2e-4). Tauro- and glycohyocholic acids, and tauro-a-muricholic acid were directly linked with a distinct gut microbial community primarily composed of Clostridia species (P = 0.037, P = 0.013, P = 0.027, respectively). We conclude that serum conjugated C-6-hydroxylated BAs associate with measures of human metabolic health and gut communities of Clostridia species. The findings merit preclinical interventions and human feasibility studies to explore the therapeutic potential of these BAs in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Behavior of light elements in iron-silicate-water-sulfur system during early Earth’s evolution
Authors: Iizuka-Oku Riko , Gotou Hirotada , Shito Chikara , Fukuyama Ko , Mori Yuichiro , Hattori Takanori , Sano-Furukawa Asami , Funakoshi Ken-ichi , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen (H) is considered to be one of the candidates for light elements in the Earth’s core, but the amount and timing of delivery have been unknown. We investigated the effects of sulfur (S), another candidate element in the core, on deuteration of iron (Fe) in iron–silicate–water system up to 6–12 GPa, ~ 1200 K using in situ neutron diffraction measurements. The sample initially contained saturated water (D2O) as Mg(OD)2 in the ideal composition (Fe–MgSiO3–D2O) of the primitive Earth. In the existence of water and sulfur, phase transitions of Fe, dehydration of Mg(OD)2, and formation of iron sulfide (FeS) and silicates occurred with increasing temperature. The deuterium (D) solubility (x) in iron deuterides (FeDx) increased with temperature and pressure, resulting in a maximum of x = 0.33(4) for the hydrous sample without S at 11.2 GPa and 1067 K. FeS was hardly deuterated until Fe deuteration had completed. The lower D concentrations in the S-containing system do not exceed the miscibility gap (x <  ~ 0.4). Both H and S can be incorporated into solid Fe and other light elements could have dissolved into molten iron hydride and/or FeS during the later process of Earth’s evolution.
Real-space observation of surface structuring induced by ultra-fast-laser illumination far below the melting threshold
Authors: Zaum Ch. , Osterloh N. , Darkins R. , Duffy D. M. , Morgenstern K.
Published: June 2021

Intense short laser pulses are an intriguing tool for tailoring surface properties via ultra-fast melting of the surface layer of an irradiated target. Despite extensive studies on the interaction of femto-second laser interaction with matter, the initial steps of the morphological changes are not yet fully understood. Here, we reveal that substantial surface structure changes occur at energy densities far below the melting threshold. By using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy we resolve atomic-scale changes, i.e. the creation of nanosized adatom and vacancy clusters. The two cluster types have distinct non-linear fluence-dependencies. A theoretical analysis reveals their creation and motion to be non-thermal in nature. The formation of these atomistic changes, individually resolved here for the first time, recast our understanding of how surfaces respond to low-intensity ultra-short laser illumination. A visualization and control of the initial morphological changes upon laser illumination are not only of fundamental interest, but pave the way for the designing material properties through surface structuring.
Identification, characterization and control of a sequence variant in monoclonal antibody drug product: a case study
Authors: Thakur Anushikha , Nagpal Rekha , Ghosh Avik Kumar , Gadamshetty Deepak , Nagapattinam Sirisha , Subbarao Malini , Rakshit Shreshtha , Padiyar Sneha , Sreenivas Suma , Govindappa Nagaraja , Pai Harish V. , Melarkode Subbaraman Ramakrishnan
Published: June 2021

Sequence variants (SV) in protein bio therapeutics can be categorized as unwanted impurities and may raise serious concerns in efficacy and safety of the product. Early detection of specific sequence modifications, that can result in altered physicochemical and or biological properties, is therefore desirable in product manufacturing. Because of their low abundance, and finite resolving power of conventional analytical techniques, they are often overlooked in early drug development. Here, we present a case study where trace amount of a sequence variant is identified in a monoclonal antibody (mAb) based therapeutic protein by LC–MS/MS and the structural and functional features of the SV containing mAb is assessed using appropriate analytical techniques. Further, a very sensitive selected reaction monitoring (SRM) technique is developed to quantify the SV which revealed both prominent and inconspicuous nature of the variant in process chromatography. We present the extensive characterization of a sequence variant in protein biopharmaceutical and first report on control of sequence variants to < 0.05% in final drug product by utilizing SRM based mass spectrometry method during the purification steps.
A novel data-driven methodology for influenza outbreak detection and prediction
Authors: Du Lin , Pang Yan
Published: June 2021

Influenza is an infectious disease that leads to an estimated 5 million cases of severe illness and 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide each year. The early detection and prediction of influenza outbreaks are crucial for efficient resource planning to save patient’s lives and healthcare costs. We propose a new data-driven methodology for influenza outbreak detection and prediction at very local levels. A doctor’s diagnostic dataset of influenza-like illness from more than 3000 clinics in Malaysia is used in this study because these diagnostic data are reliable and can be captured promptly. A new region index (RI) of the influenza outbreak is proposed based on the diagnostic dataset. By analysing the anomalies in the weekly RI value, potential outbreaks are identified using statistical methods. An ensemble learning method is developed to predict potential influenza outbreaks. Cross-validation is conducted to optimize the hyperparameters of the ensemble model. A testing data set is used to provide an unbiased evaluation of the model. The proposed methodology is shown to be sensitive and accurate at influenza outbreak prediction, with average of 75% recall, 74% precision, and 83% accuracy scores across five regions in Malaysia. The results are also validated by Google Flu Trends data, news reports, and surveillance data released by World Health Organization.
A computational model of the epidermis with the deformable dermis and its application to skin diseases
Authors: Ohno Kota , Kobayashi Yasuaki , Uesaka Masaaki , Gotoda Takeshi , Denda Mitsuhiro , Kosumi Hideyuki , Watanabe Mika , Natsuga Ken , Nagayama Masaharu
Published: June 2021

The skin barrier is provided by the organized multi-layer structure of epidermal cells, which is dynamically maintained by a continuous supply of cells from the basal layer. The epidermal homeostasis can be disrupted by various skin diseases, which often cause morphological changes not only in the epidermis but in the dermis. We present a three-dimensional agent-based computational model of the epidermis that takes into account the deformability of the dermis. Our model can produce a stable epidermal structure with well-organized layers. We show that its stability depends on the cell supply rate from the basal layer. Modeling the morphological change of the dermis also enables us to investigate how the stiffness of the dermis affects the structure and barrier functions of the epidermis. Besides, we show that our model can simulate the formation of a corn (clavus) by assuming hyperproliferation and rapid differentiation. We also provide experimental data for human corn, which supports the model assumptions and the simulation result.
Activation and detoxification of cassava cyanogenic glucosides by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Easson Michael L. A. E. , Malka Osnat , Paetz Christian , Hojná Anna , Reichelt Michael , Stein Beate , van Brunschot Sharon , Feldmesser Ester , Campbell Lahcen , Colvin John , Winter Stephan , Morin Shai , Gershenzon Jonathan , Vassão Daniel G.
Published: June 2021

Two-component plant defenses such as cyanogenic glucosides are produced by many plant species, but phloem-feeding herbivores have long been thought not to activate these defenses due to their mode of feeding, which causes only minimal tissue damage. Here, however, we report that cyanogenic glycoside defenses from cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major staple crop in Africa, are activated during feeding by a pest insect, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, and the resulting hydrogen cyanide is detoxified by conversion to beta-cyanoalanine. Additionally, B. tabaci was found to utilize two metabolic mechanisms to detoxify cyanogenic glucosides by conversion to non-activatable derivatives. First, the cyanogenic glycoside linamarin was glucosylated 1–4 times in succession in a reaction catalyzed by two B. tabaci glycoside hydrolase family 13 enzymes in vitro utilizing sucrose as a co-substrate. Second, both linamarin and the glucosylated linamarin derivatives were phosphorylated. Both phosphorylation and glucosidation of linamarin render this plant pro-toxin inert to the activating plant enzyme linamarase, and thus these metabolic transformations can be considered pre-emptive detoxification strategies to avoid cyanogenesis.
Molecular alterations in basal cell carcinoma subtypes
Authors: Di Nardo Lucia , Pellegrini Cristina , Di Stefani Alessandro , Ricci Francesco , Fossati Barbara , Del Regno Laura , Carbone Carmine , Piro Geny , Corbo Vincenzo , Delfino Pietro , De Summa Simona , Maturo Maria Giovanna , Rocco Tea , Tortora Giampaolo , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Peris Ketty
Published: June 2021

A number of genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BCC in addition to the Hedgehog pathway, which is known to drive the initiation of this tumour. We performed in-depth analysis of 13 BCC-related genes (CSMD1, CSMD2, DPH3 promoter, PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, TP53, ITIH2, DPP10, STEAP4, TERT promoter) in 57 BCC lesions (26 superficial and 31 nodular) from 55 patients and their corresponding blood samples. PTCH1 and TP53 mutations were found in 71.9% and 45.6% of BCCs, respectively. A high mutation rate was also detected in CSMD1 (63.2%), NOTCH1 (43.8%) and DPP10 (35.1%), and frequent non-coding mutations were identified in TERT (57.9%) and DPH3 promoter (49.1%). CSMD1 mutations significantly co-occurred with TP53 changes (p = 0.002). A significant association was observed between the superficial type of BCC and PTCH1 (p = 0.018) and NOTCH1 (p = 0.020) mutations. In addition, PTCH1 mutations were significantly associated with intermittent sun exposure (p = 0.046) and the occurrence of single lesions (p = 0.021), while NOTCH1 mutations were more frequent in BCCs located on the trunk compared to the head/neck and extremities (p = 0.001). In conclusion, we provide further insights into the molecular alterations underlying the tumorigenic mechanism of superficial and nodular BCCs with a view towards novel rationale-based therapeutic strategies.
Water﻿ vapor induced self-assembly of islands/honeycomb structure by secondary phase separation in polystyrene solution with bimodal molecular weight distribution
Authors: Łojkowski Maciej , Chlanda Adrian , Choińska Emilia , Swieszkowski Wojciech
Published: June 2021

The formation of complex structures in thin films is of interest in many fields. Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. However, here, polystyrene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, but no additional chemical modification was used. It was proven that at certain conditions, the phase separation occurred between two fractions of bimodal polystyrene/methyl ethyl ketone solution. The films were prepared by spin-coating, and the segregation between polystyrene phases was investigated by force spectroscopy. Next, water vapour induced secondary phase separation was investigated. The introduction of moist airflow induced the self-assembly of the lower molecular weight into islands and the heavier fraction into a honeycomb. As a result, an easy, fast, and effective method of obtaining island/honeycomb morphologies was demonstrated. The possible mechanisms of the formation of such structures were discussed.
A new pendulum motion with a suspended point near infinity
Authors: Ismail A. I.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a pendulum model is represented by a mechanical system that consists of a simple pendulum suspended on a spring, which is permitted oscillations in a plane. The point of suspension moves in a circular path of the radius (a) which is sufficiently large. There are two degrees of freedom for describing the motion named; the angular displacement of the pendulum and the extension of the spring. The equations of motion in terms of the generalized coordinates $$\varphi$$
φ
and $$\xi$$
ξ
are obtained using Lagrange’s equation. The approximated solutions of these equations are achieved up to the third order of approximation in terms of a large parameter $$\varepsilon$$
ε
will be defined instead of a small one in previous studies. The influences of parameters of the system on the motion are obtained using a computerized program. The computerized studies obtained show the accuracy of the used methods through graphical representations.
Transmitting silks of maize have a complex and dynamic microbiome
Authors: Khalaf Eman M. , Shrestha Anuja , Rinne Jeffrey , Lynch Michael D. J. , Shearer Charles R. , Limay-Rios Victor , Reid Lana M. , Raizada Manish N.
Published: June 2021

In corn/maize, silks emerging from cobs capture pollen, and transmit resident sperm nuclei to eggs. There are > 20 million silks per U.S. maize acre. Fungal pathogens invade developing grain using silk channels, including Fusarium graminearum (Fg, temperate environments) and devastating carcinogen-producers (Africa/tropics). Fg contaminates cereal grains with mycotoxins, in particular Deoxynivalenol (DON), known for adverse health effects on humans and livestock. Fitness selection should promote defensive/healthy silks. Here, we report that maize silks, known as styles in other plants, possess complex and dynamic microbiomes at the critical pollen-fungal transmission interval (henceforth: transmitting style microbiome, TSM). Diverse maize genotypes were field-grown in two trial years. MiSeq 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 328 open-pollinated silk samples (healthy/Fg-infected) revealed that the TSM contains > 5000 taxa spanning the prokaryotic tree of life (47 phyla/1300 genera), including nitrogen-fixers. The TSM of silk tip tissue displayed seasonal responsiveness, but possessed a reproducible core of 7–11 MiSeq-amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) dominated by a single Pantoea MiSeq-taxon (15–26% of sequence-counts). Fg-infection collapsed TSM diversity and disturbed predicted metabolic functionality, but doubled overall microbiome size/counts, primarily by elevating 7–25 MiSeq-ASVs, suggestive of a selective microbiome response against infection. This study establishes the maize silk as a model for fundamental/applied research of plant reproductive microbiomes.
Time lapse synchrotron IR chemical imaging for observing the acclimation of a single algal cell to CO2 treatment
Authors: Azarfar Ghazal , Aboualizadeh Ebrahim , Ratti Simona , Olivieri Camilla , Norici Alessandra , Nasse Michael J. , Giordano Mario , Hirschmugl Carol J.
Published: June 2021

Algae are the main primary producers in aquatic environments and therefore of fundamental importance for the global ecosystem. Mid-infrared (IR) microspectroscopy is a non-invasive tool that allows in principle studying chemical composition on a single-cell level. For a long time, however, mid-infrared (IR) imaging of living algal cells in an aqueous environment has been a challenge due to the strong IR absorption of water. In this study, we employed multi-beam synchrotron radiation to measure time-resolved IR hyperspectral images of individual Thalassiosira weissflogii cells in water in the course of acclimation to an abrupt change of CO2 availability (from 390 to 5000 ppm and vice versa) over 75 min. We used a previously developed algorithm to correct sinusoidal interference fringes from IR hyperspectral imaging data. After preprocessing and fringe correction of the hyperspectral data, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the spatial distribution of organic pools within the algal cells. Through the analysis of 200,000 spectra, we were able to identify compositional modifications associated with CO2 treatment. PCA revealed changes in the carbohydrate pool (1200–950 cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

), lipids (1740, 2852, 2922 cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

), and nucleic acid (1160 and 1201 cm$$^{-1}$$

-
1

) as the major response of exposure to elevated CO2 concentrations. Our results show a local metabolism response to this external perturbation.
High electrochemical and mechanical performance of zinc conducting-based gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Dueramae Isala , Okhawilai Manunya , Kasemsiri Pornnapa , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Zinc ionic conducting-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were fabricated from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and three different zinc salts in a mass ratio ranging within 0–30 wt%. The effects of zinc salt and loading level on the structure, thermal, mechanical, mechanical stability, and morphological properties, as well as electrochemical properties of the GPEs films, were symmetrically investigated. The mechanical properties and mechanical stability of CMC were improved with the addition of zinc acetate, zinc sulphate, and zinc triflate, approaching the minimum requirement of a solid state membrane for battery. The maximum ionic conductivity of 2.10 mS cm−1 was achieved with the addition of 15 wt% zinc acetate (ZnA), GPEA15. The supported parameters, indicating the presence of the amorphous region that likely supported Zn2+ movement in the CMC chains, were clearly revealed with the increase in the number of mobile Zn2+ carriers in FT-IR spectra and the magnitude of ionic transference number, the decrease of the enthalpy of fusion in DSC thermogram, and the shifting to lower intensity of 2θ in XRD pattern. The developed CMC/ZnA complex-based GPEs are very promising for their high ionic conductivity as well as good mechanical properties and the ability for long-term utilization in a zinc ion battery.
The global impact of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) on terrestrial biodiversity
Authors: Risch Derek R. , Ringma Jeremy , Price Melissa R.
Published: June 2021

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive database of over 120,000 species and is a powerful tool to evaluate the threat of invasive species to global biodiversity. Several problematic species have gained global recognition due to comprehensive threat assessments quantifying the threat these species pose to biodiversity using large datasets like the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, the global threat of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) to biodiversity is still poorly understood despite well-documented ecosystem level impacts. In this study, we utilized the IUCN Red List to quantify the impacts of this globally distributed species throughout its native and non-native range. Here we show that wild pigs threaten 672 taxa in 54 different countries across the globe. Most of these taxa are listed as critically endangered or endangered and 14 species have been driven to extinction as a direct result of impacts from wild pigs. Our results show that threats from wild pigs are pervasive across taxonomic groups and that island endemics and taxa throughout the non-native range of wild pigs are particularly vulnerable.
3-year follow-up of half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy with OCT-angiography detected choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Hu Yu-Chen , Chen Yi-Ling , Chen Yen-Chih , Chen San-Ni
Published: June 2021

To assess the 3-year outcome of half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) detected choroidal neovascularization (CNV), we performed a retrospective, interventional study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the fluorescein angiography: point source leakage in group 1 and diffuse oozing in group 2. Data were collected from patients including changes of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), size of CNV, central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CT), reabsorption of subretinal fluid (SRF), sessions of half-dose PDT, and the number of intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). There was a total of 34 eyes in 32 patients included. The mean sessions of half-dose PDT was 1.50 ± 0.75. The mean number of IVI of anti-VEGF was 1.38 ± 3.34. BCVA improved from 0.38 ± 0.33 to 0.20 ± 0.22 (p < 0.001). Mean CMT was significantly reduced along with reduced CT and increased size of CNV. SRF was totally reabsorbed in 31 eyes. Patients in group 1 had significant less sessions of PDT and better final BCVA. In conclusion, half-dose PDT treatment was effective for CSC with CNV. Patients with diffuse oozing in FA may fare less well with half-dose PDT.
Genetic background influences the effect of thirdhand smoke exposure on anxiety and memory in Collaborative Cross mice
Authors: He Li , Wang Pin , Schick Suzyann F. , Huang Abel , Jacob Peyton , Yang Xu , Xia Yankai , Snijders Antoine M. , Mao Jian-Hua , Chang Hang , Hang Bo
Published: June 2021

Growing evidence indicates that thirdhand smoke (THS) exposure induces many adverse health effects. However, it is unclear how THS exposure affects behavior and how host genetic background modulates phenotypic changes. Here we used the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse population-based model to assess behavioral alterations immediately after THS exposure from 4 to 9 weeks of age. We first measured anxiety-like behavior in six strains using light/dark box combined with a custom multivariate mouse tracking system. We developed an anxiety risk scoring system based on anxiety-related traits and then evaluated the THS impact on them. THS exposure significantly decreased anxiety risk in CC019 (P = 0.002) and CC051 (P = 0.009), but increased anxiety risk in CC036 (P < 0.001), while the other three strains did not show significant changes in anxiety-related traits. Such differences were driven by female mice for the six measures of anxiety-like behavior. Memory potential was measured in the same cohort of mice using the passive avoidance assay. Both THS-exposed male and female CC019 mice displayed significant memory loss compared to controls while no significant changes were found in the other five strains. This study provides strong evidence that THS exposure leads to strain-dependent changes in anxiety-like behavior and memory, suggesting that host genetic variations play a critical role in individual susceptibility to THS-induced effects.
Multiplanar reformation improves identification of the anterolateral ligament with MRI of the knee
Authors: Hecker Andreas , Egli Rainer J. , Liechti Emanuel F. , Leibold Christiane S. , Klenke Frank M.
Published: June 2021

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) is subject of the current debate concerning rotational stability in case of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Today, reliable anatomical and biomechanical evidence for its existence and course is available. Some radiologic studies claim to be able to identify the ALL on standard coronal plane MRI sections. In the experience of the authors, however, ALL identification on standard MRI sequences frequently fails and is prone to errors. The reason for this mainly lies in the fact, that the entire ALL often cannot be identified on a single MRI image. This study aimed to establish an MRI evaluation protocol improving the visualization of the ALL, using multiplanar reformation (MPR) with the goal to be able to evaluate the ALL on one MRI image. A total of 47 knee MRIs performed due to atraumatic knee pain between 2018 and 2019 without any pathology were analyzed. Identification of the ALL was performed twice by an orthopedic surgeon and a radiologist on standard coronal plane and after MPR. For the latter axial and coronal alignment was obtained with the femoral condyles as a reference. Then the coronal plane was adjusted to the course of the ALL with the lateral epicondyle as proximal reference. Visualization of the ALL was rated as “complete” (continuous ligamentous structure with a tibial and femoral insertion visible on one coronal image), “partial” (only parts of the ALL like the tibial insertion were visible) and “not visible”. The distances of its tibial insertion to the bony joint line, Gerdy’s tubercle and the tip of the fibular head were measured. On standard coronal images the ALL was fully visible in 17/47, partially visible in 27/47, and not visible in 3/47 cases. With MPR the ALL was fully visible in 44/47 and not visible in 3/47 cases. The median distance of its tibial insertion to the bony joint line, Gerdy’s tubercle and the tip of the fibular head were 9, 21 and 25 mm, respectively. The inter- (ICC: 0.612; 0.645; 0.757) and intraobserver (ICC: 0.632; 0.823; 0.857) reliability was good to excellent. Complete visualization of the ALL on a single MRI image is critical for its identification and evaluation. Applying multiplanar reformation achieved reliable full-length visualization of the ALL in 94% of cases. The described MPR technique can be applied easily and fast in clinical routine. It is a reliable tool to improve the assessment of the ALL.
Lanthanide (Ce, Nd, Eu) environments and leaching behavior in borosilicate glasses
Authors: Fabian M. , Pinakidou F. , Tolnai I. , Czompoly O. , Osan J.
Published: June 2021

Borosilicate glasses will be used to stabilize the high-level radioactive wastes for disposal in a geological repository. Understanding the effects of actinide addition to a borosilicate glass matrix is of great importance in view of waste immobilization. Lanthanides were considered as chemical surrogates for actinides. The local structures of Ce3+, Nd3+ and Eu3+ ions in borosilicate glass, have been investigated by synchrotron radiation based techniques. The atomic parameters, such as bond lengths and coordination environments derived from X-ray diffraction, in combined with Reverse Monte Carlo simulations show correlation with X-ray absorption fine structure data. The lanthanide ions are in the common network with the tetrahedral SiO4 and with the mixed trigonal BO3 and tetrahedral BO4 units. Second neighbor atomic pair correlations reveal that the Ce3+, Nd3+ and Eu3+ ions are accommodated in both Si and B sites, supporting that the lanthanide-ions are stabilized in the glass-matrix network. Microscopy and microanalysis provided information on the amorphous state and on the major elemental composition of the high lanthanide-concentration samples. The release of matrix components (Si, B, Na, Ba, Zr) is higher than that of lanthanides (Ce, Nd, Eu). Both types of elements show a decreasing release tendency with time.
Perfluoro-tert-butanol: a cornerstone for high performance fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wu Tingjuan , Li Anfeng , Chen Kexin , Peng Xingxing , Zhang Jing , Jiang Mou , Chen Shizhen , Zheng Xing , Zhou Xin , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: June 2021

With nine equivalent 19F and a modifiable hydroxyl group,  perfluoro-tert-butanol has outperformed most perfluorocarbons as a valuable building block for high performance 19F MRI agents.
Self-delivery nanomedicine for chemotherapy sensitized photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Lingshan , Zhou Xiang , Zheng Rongrong , Huang Jiaqi , Kong Renjiang , Li Yanmei , Wang Chang , Chen Ali , Li Shiying , Cheng Hong
Published: June 2021

A chlorine e6 and curcumin based self-delivery nanomedicine is prepared to inhibit the TrxR activity for chemotherapy sensitized photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated epoxy ketones utilizing a bifunctional sulfonium/phosphonium ylide
Authors: Eskandari Roozbeh , Hess Jeremy P. , Tochtrop Gregory P.
Published: June 2021

Unsymmetric α,β-unsaturated epoxy ketones were synthesized from a bifunctional sulfonium/phosphonium ylide.
Room-temperature controllable synthesis of hierarchically flower-like hollow covalent organic frameworks for brain natriuretic peptide enrichment
Authors: Ma Wende , Li Guorong , Zhong Chao , Yang Yixin , Sun Qianqian , Ouyang Dan , Tong Wei , Tian Wenchang , Zhang Lan , Lin Zian
Published: June 2021

Room-temperature controllable synthesis of hierarchically flower-like hollow covalent organic frameworks was first introduced, which could serve as an probe by loading with gold nanoparticles for enrichment of endogenous brain natriuretic peptide.
A porous supramolecular ionic solid
Authors: Jackson Nathan , Vazquez Irma Rocio , Chen Ying-Pin , Chen Yu-Sheng , Gao Wen-Yang
Published: June 2021

Charge decoration provides a new synthetic strategy to integrate discrete coordination cages into an extended permanently porous material.
Expression of concern: Enzyme-mediated dual-targeted-assembly realizes a synergistic anticancer effect
Authors: Kelly Richard
Published: June 2021

Expression of concern for ‘Enzyme-mediated dual-targeted-assembly realizes a synergistic anticancer effect’ by Dingze Mang et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 6126–6129, DOI: 10.1039/C9CC02715G.
Vapor–liquid–solid growth of 4H-SiC single crystal films with extremely low carrier densities in chemical vapor deposition with a Pt–Si alloy flux and X-ray topography analysis of their dislocation propagation behaviors
Authors: Sanoodo Naoki , Kato Tomohisa , Yonezawa Yoshiyuki , Kojima Kazutoshi , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: June 2021

The CVD–VLS process for 4H-SiC films with a Pt–Si alloy flux achieved their low carrier densities of ∼1015 cm−3, demonstrating a remarkable etch back effect and a possible conversion of TEDs and TSDs in the substrate to BPDs in the films.
Dynamics of aqueous peptide solutions in folded and disordered states examined by dynamic light scattering and dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Melillo Jorge H. , Gabriel Jan Philipp , Pabst Florian , Blochowicz Thomas , Cerveny Silvina
Published: June 2021

Characterizing the segmental dynamics of proteins, and intrinsically disordered proteins, in particular, is a challenge in biophysics.
The impact of electron–phonon coupling on the figure of merit of Nb2SiTe4 and Nb2GeTe4 ternary monolayers
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad , Singh Nirpendra
Published: June 2021

We have comprehensively demonstrated the thermal transport properties of ternary monolayers Nb2SiTe4 and Nb2GeTe4 by employing first-principles calculations and the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, including electron–phonon coupling.
Recent developments in asymmetric hydroformylation
Authors: Chakrabortty Soumyadeep , Almasalma Ahmad A. , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: June 2021

This review describes the recent developments in the field of asymmetric hydroformylation. A large variety of ligands is now available, some of which are extremely effective in inducing high enantio- and regioselectivity.
Anticancer activity of a new copper(ii) complex with a hydrazone ligand. Structural and spectroscopic characterization, computational simulations and cell mechanistic studies on 2D and 3D breast cancer cell models
Authors: Balsa Lucia M. , Ferraresi-Curotto Verónica , Lavecchia Martin J. , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , García-Tojal Javier , Pis-Diez Reinaldo , González-Baró Ana C. , León Ignacio E.
Published: June 2021

We report here the synthesis, crystal structure, characterization and anticancer activity of a copper(ii)-hydrazone complex, [Cu(MeBHoVa)(H2O)2](NO3) (for short, CuHL), against human breast cancer cells on monolayer (2D) and spheroids/mammospheres (3D).
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Zn2Ti3O8/g-C3N4 composites as anode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Han Meng-Cheng , Zhu Lan-Lan , Li Yan-Mei , Wei Feng , Shi Yi
Published: June 2021

Zn2Ti3O8/g-C3N4 (0, 1, 3 and 8 wt%) composites were prepared via a simple solvothermal method, and their physical and electrochemical properties were systematically analyzed.
Alkyl decorated metal–organic frameworks for selective trapping of ethane from ethylene above ambient pressures
Authors: Schneemann Andreas , Jing Yuan , Evans Jack D. , Toyao Takashi , Hijikata Yuh , Kamiya Yuichi , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Burtch Nicholas C. , Noro Shin-ichiro
Published: June 2021

The alkyl decorated MOF Zn2(TM-bdc)2(dabco) shows good adsorption selectivity towards ethane over ethylene, which was revealed by breakthrough, coadsorption and high pressure adsorption.
Total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis with a glass substrate treated with a He atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Tsuji Kouichi , Matsuyama Tsugufumi , Fukuda Tsuneo , Shima Soichiro , Toba Mayuko , Oh Jun-Seok , Shirafuji Tatsuru
Published: June 2021

A glass substrate treated with a He atmospheric pressure plasma jet gave a film-like residue from a small droplet of the red wine. This technique was effective in decreasing the matrix effect for TXRF analysis of low-Z elements.
In situ growth of porous carbon with adjustable morphology on black phosphorus nanosheets for boosting electrocatalytic H2 and O2 evolution
Authors: Xu Qian , Zhu Yabo , Feng Peizhong , Lv Kali , Xu Huan
Published: June 2021

The in situ method is proposed to improve the electrocatalytic HER and OER performances.
Correction: Polymerase-mediated synthesis of p-vinylaniline-coupled fluorescent DNA for the sensing of nucleolin protein–c-myc G-quadruplex interactions
Authors: Kumara Guralamatta Siddappa Ravi , Seo Young Jun
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Polymerase-mediated synthesis of p-vinylaniline-coupled fluorescent DNA for the sensing of nucleolin protein–c-myc G-quadruplex interactions’ by Guralamatta Siddappa Ravi Kumara et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1OB00863C.
An octahedral cobalt(iii) complex based on cheap 1,2-phenylenediamine as a bifunctional metal-templated hydrogen bond donor catalyst for fixation of CO2 with epoxides under ambient conditions
Authors: Emelyanov Mikhail A. , Stoletova Nadezhda V. , Lisov Alexey A. , Medvedev Michael G. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Maleev Victor I. , Larionov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2021

An octahedral cobalt(iii) complex based on cheap 1,2-phenylenediamine operates as an efficient bifunctional hydrogen bond donor catalyst in cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2 under ambient conditions and solvent- and co-catalyst-free conditions.
N-Doped carbon coated NiCo2O4 nanorods for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Xi Baojuan , Gu Yu , Xiong Shenglin
Published: June 2021

Hybrid architectures composed of NiCo2O4 nanorods coated N-doped carbon (NiCo2O4@NC) are synthesized through the pyrolysis of Bi-metallic MOFs, which exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for oxygen evolution reaction.
Lattice dynamics, optical and thermal properties of quasi-two-dimensional anisotropic layered semimetal ZrTe2
Authors: Muhammad Zahir , Usman Muhammad , Ullah Sami , Zhang Bo , Lu Qixiao , Zhu Ling , Hu Rui
Published: June 2021

In this study, an investigation was conducted on the vibrational properties exhibited by 2D layered zirconium ditelluride by employing Raman spectroscopy and confirmed by DFT calculation.
Preparation of poly glycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) chain-grafted boron nitride/epoxy composites and their thermal conductivity properties
Authors: Zhang Haibao , Zhang Xian , Zheng Kang , Tian Xingyou
Published: June 2021

A schematic illustration of the preparation process of PGMA chain grafted h-BN.
New aspect of photophysics of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane and its solvated complexes: intra- vs. inter-molecular charge-transfer
Authors: Muramatsu Satoru , Chaki Nobumasa , Kinoshita Shin-nosuke , Inokuchi Yoshiya , Abe Manabu , Iimori Toshifumi , Ebata Takayuki
Published: June 2021

We show that 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) has both intra- and inter-molecular charge-transfer states. They appear in a different manner in the fluorescence, sensitively depending on the nature of solvent molecules.
Triggering gold nanoparticles formation on a quartz surface by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation
Authors: Mercadal P. A. , Schejtman S. D. García , Cometto F. P. , Veglia A. V. , Coronado E. A.
Published: June 2021

Naked Au NPs formation on a quartz surface by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation.
Boosting Li/Na storage performance of graphite by defect engineering
Authors: Ou Mingyang , Sun Shixiong , Liu Yi , Xu Yue , Chen Chang , Hu Pei , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Han Jiantao
Published: June 2021

The structural defects of ball-milled graphite (BMG) mainly exist as carbon atom vacancies within the graphene structure, which are proven to be the main source of lithium/sodium storage performance promotion of BMGs.