bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric oxygen suppressed tumor progression through the improvement of tumor hypoxia and induction of tumor apoptosis in A549-cell-transferred lung cancer
Authors: Chen Shao-Yuan , Tsuneyama Koichi , Yen Mao-Hsiung , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Chen Jiun-Liang , Huang Shih-Ming
Published: June 2021

Tumor cells have long been recognized as a relative contraindication to hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) since HBOT might enhance progressive cancer growth. However, in an oxygen deficit condition, tumor cells are more progressive and can be metastatic. HBOT increasing in oxygen partial pressure may benefit tumor suppression. In this study, we investigated the effects of HBOT on solid tumors, such as lung cancer. Non-small cell human lung carcinoma A549-cell-transferred severe combined immunodeficiency mice (SCID) mice were selected as an in vivo model to detect the potential mechanism of HBOT in lung tumors. HBOT not only improved tumor hypoxia but also suppressed tumor growth in murine xenograft tumor models. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1/CD31) was significantly increased after HBOT. Immunostaining of cleaved caspase-3 was demonstrated and apoptotic tumor cells with nuclear debris were aggregated starting on the 14th-day after HBOT. In vitro,HBOT suppressed the growth of A549 cells in a time-dependent manner and immediately downregulated the expression of p53 protein after HBOT in A549 cells. Furthermore, HBOT-reduced p53 protein could be rescued by a proteasome degradation inhibitor, but not an autophagy inhibitor in A549 cells. Our results demonstrated that HBOT improved tissue angiogenesis, tumor hypoxia and increased tumor apoptosis to lung cancer cells in murine xenograft tumor models, through modifying the tumor hypoxic microenvironment. HBOT will merit further cancer therapy as an adjuvant treatment for solid tumors, such as lung cancer.
FGF23, a novel muscle biomarker detected in the early stages of ALS
Authors: Si Ying , Kazamel Mohamed , Benatar Michael , Wuu Joanne , Kwon Yuri , Kwan Thaddaeus , Jiang Nan , Kentrup Dominik , Faul Christian , Alesce Lyndsy , King Peter H.
Published: June 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Skeletal muscle is a prime source for biomarker discovery since it is one of the earliest sites to manifest disease pathology. From a prior RNA sequencing project, we identified FGF23 as a potential muscle biomarker in ALS. Here, we validate this finding with a large collection of ALS muscle samples and found a 13-fold increase over normal controls. FGF23 was also increased in the SOD1G93A mouse, beginning at a very early stage and well before the onset of clinical symptoms. FGF23 levels progressively increased through end-stage in the mouse. Immunohistochemistry of ALS muscle showed prominent FGF23 immunoreactivity in the endomysial connective tissue and along the muscle membrane and was significantly higher around grouped atrophic fibers compared to non-atrophic fibers. ELISA of plasma samples from the SOD1G93A mouse showed an increase in FGF23 at end-stage whereas no increase was detected in a large cohort of ALS patients. In conclusion, FGF23 is a novel muscle biomarker in ALS and joins a molecular signature that emerges in very early preclinical stages. The early appearance of FGF23 and its progressive increase with disease progression offers a new direction for exploring the molecular basis and response to the underlying pathology of ALS.
Whole blood transfusion improves vascular integrity and increases survival in artemether-treated experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Gul Saba , Ribeiro-Gomes Flavia L. , Moreira Aline S. , Sanches Guilherme S. , Conceição Fabiana G. , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Ackerman Hans C. , Carvalho Leonardo J. M.
Published: June 2021

Pathological features observed in both human and experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) are endothelial dysfunction and changes in blood components. Blood transfusion has been routinely used in patients with severe malarial anemia and can also benefit comatose and acidotic malaria patients. In the present study Plasmodium berghei-infected mice were transfused intraperitoneally with 200 μL of whole blood along with 20 mg/kg of artemether. ECM mice showed severe thrombocytopenia and decreases in hematocrit. Artemether treatment markedly aggravated anemia within 24 h. Whole blood administration significantly prevented further drop in hematocrit and partially restored the platelet count. Increased levels of plasma angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) remained high 24 h after artemether treatment but returned to normal levels 24 h after blood transfusion, indicating reversal to quiescence. Ang-1 was depleted in ECM mice and levels were not restored by any treatment. Blood transfusion prevented the aggravation of the breakdown of blood brain barrier after artemether treatment and decreased spleen congestion without affecting splenic lymphocyte populations. Critically, blood transfusion resulted in markedly improved survival of mice with ECM (75.9% compared to 50.9% receiving artemether only). These findings indicate that whole blood transfusion can be an effective adjuvant therapy for cerebral malaria.
InSAR surface deformation and numeric modeling unravel an active salt diapir in southern Romania
Authors: Manea Vlad Constantin , Armaş Iuliana , Manea Marina , Gheorghe Mihaela
Published: June 2021

Salt diapirism is often associated with potential hydrocarbon energy resources, and detecting active diapirs can strongly affect the prospect to discover new gas and oilfields. Here we use InSAR techniques as a proxy to evaluate surface deformation in the Diapiric Fold Zone located in the East Carpathians Bend. Significant surface uplift (~ 5 mm/year) is identified in a relatively small region not previously known for the presence of an actively rising salt diapir. Using high-resolution two-dimensional thermomechanical numerical simulations of salt diapirs intrusions, we show that that the observed surface deformation can be induced by a relatively small salt diapir (1–2 km in diameter) rising from an initial salt layer located at < 7 km depth. We constrain the salt diapir viscosity by comparing the InSAR surface deformation pattern with results from numerical simulations and our best fitting model is obtained for a salt viscosity of 1 × 1017 Pa s. The best fitting model reveals the presence of a relatively small salt diapir that has not pierced yet the entire sedimentary layer and is located just 1–2 km below the surface.
Lipid profile dysregulation in opium users based on Fasa PERSIAN cohort study results
Authors: Kazemi Maryam , Bazyar Mina , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Dehghan Azizallah , Rahimabadi Massih Sedigh , Chijan Mahsa Rostami , Bijani Mostafa , Zahmatkeshan Maryam , Ghaemi Alireza , Samimi Nastaran , Homayounfar Reza , Farjam Mojtaba
Published: June 2021

One of the main health problems in many societies is the increased opium abuse, which was found to be correlated with many problems like cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of opium use with blood lipoproteins as the risk factor of CVD. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on participants of the first phase of the PERSIAN Cohort study who were aged between 35 and 70 years old. Demographic characteristics; history of smoking, alcohol, and opium consumption; medical history; and medications were asked and the related checklists were filled out. The levels of physical activity and fat intake were also registered. As well, lipoprotein profiles were investigated by blood sampling. The linear and logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between opium and lipid profile and the statistical significant level was considered as < 0.05. Among 9300 participants with a mean age of 48.06 ± 9.44 years old, 49.6% of them were men. About 24.1% of the participants used opium. In the linear regression models, unlike TG (β = 2.2, p = 0.36), total cholesterol (β = − 2.5, p = 0.02), LDL (β = − 2.0, p = 0.04), and HDL (β = − 1.0, p = 0.04) were significantly lower in people who used opium compared to the others. In the logistic regression models, abnormal level of LDL (OR = 0.78, p = 0.003) and total cholesterol (OR = 0.82, p = 0.008) were less in people who used opium compared to the others. This study showed that there is a correlation between opium usage and lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL; however, the lower level of HDL in normal range was seen in opium users. Considering the current evidences, most of them showed the increased risks of ischemic heart disease, heart attack, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer in opium users. Therefore, Healthcare providers and patients should be noticed about the deleterious effects of opium consumption on various vascular events. In addition, it is necessary for managers and policy makers of the health care system to take the necessary measures to raise the level of awareness and health literacy of the general public about the high-risk side effects of opium use and to take necessary and effective strategies to prevent and reduce its use.
A defective interleukin-17 receptor A1 causes weight loss and intestinal metabolism-related gene downregulation in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes
Authors: Okamura Yo , Miyanishi Hiroshi , Kinoshita Masato , Kono Tomoya , Sakai Masahiro , Hikima Jun-ichi
Published: June 2021

In the intestine, the host must be able to control the gut microbiota and efficiently absorb transiently supplied metabolites, at the risk of enormous infection. In mammals, the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A/F is one of the key mediators in the intestinal immune system. However, many functions of IL-17 in vertebrate intestines remain unclarified. In this study, we established a gene-knockout (KO) model of IL-17 receptor A1 (IL-17RA1, an IL-17A/F receptor) in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) using genome editing technique, and the phenotypes were compared to wild type (WT) based on transcriptome analyses. Upon hatching, homozygous IL-17RA1-KO medaka mutants showed no significant morphological abnormality. However, after 4 months, significant weight decreases and reduced survival rates were observed in IL-17RA1-KO medaka. Comparison of gene-expression patterns in WT and IL-17RA1-KO medaka revealed that various metabolism- and immune-related genes were significantly down-regulated in IL-17RA1-KO medaka intestine, particularly genes related to mevalonate metabolism (mvda, acat2, hmgcs1, and hmgcra) and genes related to IL-17 signaling (such as il17c, il17a/f1, and rorc) were found to be decreased. Conversely, expression of genes related to cardiovascular system development, including fli1a, sox7, and notch1b in the anterior intestine, and that of genes related to oxidation–reduction processes including ugp2a, aoc1, and nos1 in posterior intestine was up-regulated in IL-17RA1-KO medaka. These findings show that IL-17RA regulated immune- and various metabolism-related genes in the intestine for maintaining the health of Japanese medaka.
Graphene oxide incorporated waste wool/PAN hybrid fibres
Authors: Al Faruque Md Abdullah , Remadevi Rechana , Guirguis Albert , Kiziltas Alper , Mielewski Deborah , Naebe Maryam
Published: June 2021

This work aims to evaluate the potential of using textile waste in smart textile applications in the form of a hybrid fibre with electrical properties. The bio-based electrically conductive fibres were fabricated from waste wool and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) via wet spinning with different wool content. The control PAN and hybrid fibre produced with the highest amount of wool content (25% w/v) were coated with graphene oxide (GO) using the "brushing and drying" technique. The GO nanosheets coated control PAN and wool/PAN hybrid fibres were chemically reduced through hydrazine vapour exposure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of both protein and nitrile peaks in the wool/PAN hybrid fibres, although the amide I and amide A groups had disappeared, due to the dissolution of wool. The morphological and structural analysis revealed effective coating and reduction of the fibres through GO nanosheets and hydrazine, respectively. The hybrid fibre showed higher electrical conductivity (~ 180 S/cm) compared to the control PAN fibres (~ 95 S/cm), confirming an effective bonding between the hydroxyl and carboxylic groups of the GO sheets and the amino groups of wool evidenced by chemical analysis. Hence, the graphene oxide incorporated wool/PAN hybrid fibres may provide a promising solution for eco-friendly smart textile applications.
Metabolomics and cancer preventive behaviors in the BC Generations Project
Authors: Qi J. , Spinelli J. J. , Dummer T. J. B. , Bhatti P. , Playdon M. C. , Levitt J. Olin , Hauner B. , Moore S. C. , Murphy R. A.
Published: June 2021

Metabolomics can detect metabolic shifts resulting from lifestyle behaviors and may provide insight on the relevance of changes to carcinogenesis. We used non-targeted nuclear magnetic resonance to examine associations between metabolic measures and cancer preventive behaviors in 1319 participants (50% male, mean age 54 years) from the BC Generations Project. Behaviors were dichotomized: BMI < 25 kg/m2, ≥ 5 servings of fruits or vegetables/day, ≤ 2 alcoholic drinks/day for men or 1 drink/day for women and ≥ 30 min of moderate or vigorous physical activity/day. Linear regression was used to estimate coefficients and 95% confidence intervals with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.10. Of the 218 metabolic measures, 173, 103, 71 and 6 were associated with BMI, fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Notable findings included negative associations between glycoprotein acetyls, an inflammation-related metabolite with lower BMI and greater fruit and vegetable consumption, a positive association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and fruit and vegetable consumption and positive associations between high-density lipoprotein subclasses with lower BMI. These findings provide insight into metabolic alterations in the context of cancer prevention and the diverse biological pathways they are involved in. In particular, behaviors related to BMI, fruit and vegetable and alcohol consumption had a large metabolic impact.
Author Correction: Gasdermin D restricts Burkholderia cenocepacia infection in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Estfanous Shady , Krause Kathrin , Anne Midhun N. K. , Eltobgy Mostafa , Caution Kyle , Khweek Arwa Abu , Hamilton Kaitlin , Badr Asmaa , Daily Kylene , Carafice Cierra , Baetzhold Daniel , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Tianliang , Wen Haitao , Gavrilin Mikhail A. , Haffez Hesham , Soror Sameh , Amer Amal O.
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Multiparametric biophysical profiling of red blood cells in malaria infection
Authors: Deshmukh Shreya S. , Shakya Bikash , Chen Anna , Durmus Naside Gozde , Greenhouse Bryan , Egan Elizabeth S. , Demirci Utkan
Published: June 2021

Biophysical separation promises label-free, less-invasive methods to manipulate the diverse properties of live cells, such as density, magnetic susceptibility, and morphological characteristics. However, some cellular changes are so minute that they are undetectable by current methods. We developed a multiparametric cell-separation approach to profile cells with simultaneously changing density and magnetic susceptibility. We demonstrated this approach with the natural biophysical phenomenon of Plasmodium falciparum infection, which modifies its host erythrocyte by simultaneously decreasing density and increasing magnetic susceptibility. Current approaches have used these properties separately to isolate later-stage infected cells, but not in combination. We present biophysical separation of infected erythrocytes by balancing gravitational and magnetic forces to differentiate infected cell stages, including early stages for the first time, using magnetic levitation. We quantified height distributions of erythrocyte populations—27 ring-stage synchronized samples and 35 uninfected controls—and quantified their unique biophysical signatures. This platform can thus enable multidimensional biophysical measurements on unique cell types.
PD-1 derived CA-170 is an oral immune checkpoint inhibitor that exhibits preclinical anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Sasikumar Pottayil G. , Sudarshan Naremaddepalli S. , Adurthi Srinivas , Ramachandra Raghuveer K. , Samiulla Dodderi S. , Lakshminarasimhan Anirudha , Ramanathan Anuradha , Chandrasekhar Talapaneni , Dhudashiya Amit A. , Talapati Sumalatha R. , Gowda Nagesh , Palakolanu Sreenivasulareddy , Mani Jiju , Srinivasrao Bandi , Joseph David , Kumar Nigam , Nair Rashmi , Atreya Hanudatta S. , Gowda Nagaraj , Ramachandra Murali
Published: June 2021

Small molecule immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and other pathways may offer advantages including ease of dosing, ability to manage immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to their shorter pharmacokinetic exposure and opportunity to target more than one pathway for improving efficacy. Here we describe the identification and characterization of CA-170, an amino acid inspired small molecule inhibitor of PD-L1 and VISTA derived from the interface of PD-1 and PD-L1. CA-170 exhibited potent rescue of proliferation and effector functions of T cells inhibited by PD-L1/L2 and VISTA with selectivity over other immune checkpoint proteins as well as a broad panel of receptors and enzymes. Observed blocking of PD-L1 signaling and binding to PD-L1 in the cellular context without preventing the assembly of PD-1:PD-L1 complex support the formation of a defective ternary complex as the mechanism of action of CA-170. Oral administration of CA-170 resulted in increased proliferation and activation of T cells in the tumor, and significant anti-tumor efficacy in a number of immunocompetent mouse tumor models either as a single agent or in combination with approved therapeutics. These results prompted the advancement of CA-170 to human clinical trials.
Placental secretome characterization identifies candidates for pregnancy complications
Authors: Napso Tina , Zhao Xiaohui , Lligoña Marta Ibañez , Sandovici Ionel , Kay Richard G. , George Amy L. , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank , Meek Claire L. , Hamilton Russell S. , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N.
Published: June 2021

Alterations in maternal physiological adaptation during pregnancy lead to complications, including abnormal birthweight and gestational diabetes. Maternal adaptations are driven by placental hormones, although the full identity of these is lacking. This study unbiasedly characterized the secretory output of mouse placental endocrine cells and examined whether these data could identify placental hormones important for determining pregnancy outcome in humans. Secretome and cell peptidome analyses were performed on cultured primary trophoblast and fluorescence-activated sorted endocrine trophoblasts from mice and a placental secretome map was generated. Proteins secreted from the placenta were detectable in the circulation of mice and showed a higher relative abundance in pregnancy. Bioinformatic analyses showed that placental secretome proteins are involved in metabolic, immune and growth modulation, are largely expressed by human placenta and several are dysregulated in pregnancy complications. Moreover, proof-of-concept studies found that secreted placental proteins (sFLT1/MIF and ANGPT2/MIF ratios) were increased in women prior to diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Thus, placental secretome analysis could lead to the identification of new placental biomarkers of pregnancy complications.
Prioritization of candidate causal genes for asthma in susceptibility loci derived from UK Biobank
Authors: Valette Kim , Li Zhonglin , Bon-Baret Valentin , Chignon Arnaud , Bérubé Jean-Christophe , Eslami Aida , Lamothe Jennifer , Gaudreault Nathalie , Joubert Philippe , Obeidat Ma’en , van den Berge Maarten , Timens Wim , Sin Don D. , Nickle David C. , Hao Ke , Labbé Catherine , Godbout Krystelle , Côté Andréanne , Laviolette Michel , Boulet Louis-Philippe , Mathieu Patrick , Thériault Sébastien , Bossé Yohan
Published: June 2021

To identify candidate causal genes of asthma, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in UK Biobank on a broad asthma definition (n = 56,167 asthma cases and 352,255 controls). We then carried out functional mapping through transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and Mendelian randomization in lung (n = 1,038) and blood (n = 31,684) tissues. The GWAS reveals 72 asthma-associated loci from 116 independent significant variants (PGWAS < 5.0E-8). The most significant lung TWAS gene on 17q12-q21 is GSDMB (PTWAS = 1.42E-54). Other TWAS genes include TSLP on 5q22, RERE on 1p36, CLEC16A on 16p13, and IL4R on 16p12, which all replicated in GTEx lung (n = 515). We demonstrate that the largest fold enrichment of regulatory and functional annotations among asthma-associated variants is in the blood. We map 485 blood eQTL-regulated genes associated with asthma and 50 of them are causal by Mendelian randomization. Prioritization of druggable genes reveals known (IL4R, TSLP, IL6, TNFSF4) and potentially new therapeutic targets for asthma.
All-electrical creation and control of spin-galvanic signal in graphene and molybdenum ditelluride heterostructures at room temperature
Authors: Hoque Anamul Md. , Khokhriakov Dmitrii , Zollner Klaus , Zhao Bing , Karpiak Bogdan , Fabian Jaroslav , Dash Saroj P.
Published: June 2021

The ability to engineer new states of matter and control their spintronic properties by electric fields is at the heart of future information technology. Here, we report a gate-tunable spin-galvanic effect in van der Waals heterostructures of graphene with a semimetal of molybdenum ditelluride at room temperature due to an efficient spin-charge conversion process. Measurements in different device geometries with control over the spin orientations exhibit spin-switch and Hanle spin precession behavior, confirming the spin origin of the signal. The control experiments with the pristine graphene channels do not show any such signals. We explain the experimental spin-galvanic signals by theoretical calculations considering the spin-orbit induced spin-splitting in the bands of the graphene in the heterostructure. The calculations also reveal an unusual spin texture in graphene heterostructure with an anisotropic out-of-plane and in-plane spin polarization. These findings open opportunities to utilize graphene-based heterostructures for gate-controlled spintronic devices.
Perceived global increase in algal blooms is attributable to intensified monitoring and emerging bloom impacts
Authors: Hallegraeff Gustaaf M. , Anderson Donald M. , Belin Catherine , Bottein Marie-Yasmine Dechraoui , Bresnan Eileen , Chinain Mireille , Enevoldsen Henrik , Iwataki Mitsunori , Karlson Bengt , McKenzie Cynthia H. , Sunesen Inés , Pitcher Grant C. , Provoost Pieter , Richardson Anthony , Schweibold Laura , Tester Patricia A. , Trainer Vera L. , Yñiguez Aletta T. , Zingone Adriana
Published: June 2021

Global trends in the occurrence, toxicity and risk posed by harmful algal blooms to natural systems, human health and coastal economies are poorly constrained, but are widely thought to be increasing due to climate change and nutrient pollution. Here, we conduct a statistical analysis on a global dataset extracted from the Harmful Algae Event Database and Ocean Biodiversity Information System for the period 1985–2018 to investigate temporal trends in the frequency and distribution of marine harmful algal blooms. We find no uniform global trend in the number of harmful algal events and their distribution over time, once data were adjusted for regional variations in monitoring effort. Varying and contrasting regional trends were driven by differences in bloom species, type and emergent impacts. Our findings suggest that intensified monitoring efforts associated with increased aquaculture production are responsible for the perceived increase in harmful algae events and that there is no empirical support for broad statements regarding increasing global trends. Instead, trends need to be considered regionally and at the species level.
Horizontal circulation across density surfaces contributes substantially to the long-term mean northern Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Zhang Rong , Thomas Matthew
Published: June 2021

The Greenland Sea is often viewed as the northern terminus of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. It has also been proposed that the shutdown of open-ocean deep convection in the Labrador or Greenland Seas would substantially weaken the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here we analyze Robust Diagnostic Calculations conducted in a high-resolution global coupled climate model constrained by observed hydrographic climatology to provide a holistic picture of the long-term mean Atlantic Overturning Circulation at northern high latitudes. Our results suggest that the Arctic Ocean, not the Greenland Sea, is the northern terminus of the mean Atlantic Overturning Circulation; open-ocean deep convection, in either the Labrador or Greenland Seas, contributes minimally to the mean Atlantic Overturning Circulation, hence it would not necessarily be substantially weakened by a shutdown of open-ocean deep convection; horizontal circulation across sloping isopycnals contributes substantially (more than 40%) to the maximum mean northeastern subpolar Atlantic Overturning Circulation.
“Scratch it out”: carbon copy based paper devices for microbial assays and liver disease diagnosis
Authors: Hasandka Amrutha , Prabhu Anusha , Prabhu Akshata , Singhal Hardik Ramesh , Nandagopal M. S. Giri , Shenoy Revathi , Mani Naresh Kumar
Published: June 2021

Transfer of carbon copy material onto paper for hydrophobic barrier patterning and sensing applications.
Transformation from triple helicene to double helicene embedding adjacent stereogenic carbon atoms and axial stereogenicity
Authors: Yubuta Ayaka , Tsurusaki Akihiro , Kamikawa Ken
Published: June 2021

The conjugate addition of alkyl- or aryllithium to the central aromatic ring of triple helicene is described. The obtained double helicene has two helicities along with the two adjacent stereogenic centers and an axial stereogenicity.
Intermediate occupation numbers for 5f electrons in a Pu and U mixed oxide
Authors: Li Ru-song , Xie Zheng , Kong Ling-Yun , Hou Su-xia , Luo Ji-jun , Xin Du-qiang
Published: June 2021

A DFT+DMFT calculation indicates intermediate 5foccupation numbers in PuUO4. Pu 5f j= 5/2,j= 7/2 components are in moderately and weakly correlated states, respectively, while U 5f j= 5/2,j= 7/2 manifolds both are in weakly correlated states.
Implications of relaxation dynamics of collapsed conjugated polymeric nanoparticles for light-harvesting applications
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Ghosh Srijon , Ghosh Goutam , Patra Amitava
Published: June 2021

The mechanism of the formation of nanoparticles (collapsed state) from the extended state of polymers and their ultrafast excited state relaxation dynamics are illustrated.
Recent advances and challenges of inverted lead-free tin-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xu Ligang , Feng Xiangyun , Jia Wenbo , Lv Wenxuan , Mei Anyi , Zhou Yuhan , Zhang Qi , Chen Runfeng , Huang Wei
Published: June 2021

Here, recent developments and future perspectives of inverted p–i–n Sn-based PSCs are reviewed, highlighting the roadblocks to progress and opportunities for future work.
Identification of key miRNAs affecting broilers with valgus–varus deformity by RNA sequencing and analysis of miRNA–mRNA interactions
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Tang Hehe , Ma Yanchao , Li Jianzeng , Li Zhuanjian , Zhang Yanhua , Li Yuanfang , Kang Xiangtao , Han Ruili
Published: June 2021

50 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by RNA sequencing of broilers with Valgus–varus Deformity, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed. DE mRNAs were combined and the mRNA–miRNA networks were drawn.
Phosphorus–nitrogen compounds. Part 54. syntheses of chiral amino-4-fluorobenzyl-spiro(N/O)cyclotriphosphazenes: structural and stereogenic properties
Authors: Mutlu Ömer Faruk , Binici Arzu , Okumuş Aytuğ , Elmas Gamze , Çoşut Bünyemin , Kılıç Zeynel , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: June 2021

Syntheses, spectral and crystallographic characterizations and stereogenic properties by 31P NMR spectra recorded with the addition of CSA, CD spectra and chiral HPLC of amino-4-fluorobenzylspiro(N/O)cyclotriphosphazenes were examined.
Studies of novel trifluoroacetylated diaryl hydrazone molecular photoswitches in solution and in the solid state
Authors: Accorsi Gianluca , Capodilupo Agostina-Lina , Claramunt Rosa María , Clarkson Guy J. , Farrán A. , Gatti Francesco G. , León Salvador , Venturi Silvia
Published: June 2021

Photoisomerization of trifluoroacetylated diaryl hydrazones induces a change in color due to the formation of a new hydrogen bond in solution and in the solid state.
Blue-emitting single band ratiometric luminescent thermometry based on LaF3:Pr3+
Authors: Stefanska Joanna , Maciejewska Kamila , Marciniak Lukasz
Published: June 2021

Blue-emitting single band ratiometric luminescent thermometer based on Pr3+ emission.
Configuration-controllable synthesis of Z/E isomers based on o-carborane-functionalized tetraphenylethene
Authors: Zhou Qin , Zhu Miao , Chen Wei , Qin Na , Liu Yujie , Zhang Weihua , Li Xiang , Sha Ye , Yan Hong
Published: June 2021

Two Z/E isomers, namely, Z-TPE-2Car and E-TPE-2Car, with clear configuration were synthesized using an effective route and have high solid-state fluorescence quantum yields, reaching 99% and 90%, respectively.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: June 2021

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as neopetrothiazide from a Neopetrosia species.
Regioselective and diastereodivergent organocatalytic asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition
Authors: Zou Chuncheng , Lv Yanting , Lu Min , Li Xin , Zhang Lei , Yang Lei , Liu Zhen , Ke Yanxiong , Song Gonghua , Ye Jinxing
Published: June 2021

Regioselective and diastereodivergent γ-position asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition (AVMA) of cyclohex-2-enones to nitroalkenes and γ′-AVMA between cyclohex-3-enones and nitroalkenes.
A millifluidic chip for cultivation of fish embryos and toxicity testing fabricated by 3D printing technology
Authors: Panuška Petr , Nejedlá Zuzana , Smejkal Jiří , Aubrecht Petr , Liegertová Michaela , Štofik Marcel , Havlica Jaromír , Malý Jan
Published: June 2021

A novel design of 3D printed zebrafish millifluidic system for embryonic long-term cultivation and toxicity screening has been developed. The chip unit provides 24 cultivation chambers and a selective individual embryo removal functionality.
Thermal stability and oxidation characteristics of α-pinene, β-pinene and α-pinene/β-pinene mixture
Authors: Liu Pin , Liu Xiongmin , Saburi Tei , Kubota Shiro , Huang Pinxian , Wada Yuji
Published: June 2021

Turpentine is a renewable resource, has good combustion performance, and is considered to be a fuel or promising additive to diesel fuel.
Enhanced bacterial disinfection by CuI–BiOI/rGO hydrogel under visible light irradiation
Authors: Ma Xi , Wang Ziwei , Yang Haoguo , Zhang Yiqiu , Zhang Zizhong , Lin Huaxiang , Long Jinlin , Wang Xuxu , Lin Qun
Published: June 2021

Compared with traditional layered graphene, graphene hydrogels have been used to construct highly efficient visible light-excited photocatalysts due to their particular three-dimensional network structure and efficient electron transport capacity.
Rapid and multiplex preparation of engineered Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopores for single molecule sensing and sequencing
Authors: Yan Shuanghong , Wang Liying , Du Xiaoyu , Zhang Shanyu , Wang Sha , Cao Jiao , Zhang Jinyue , Jia Wendong , Wang Yuqin , Zhang Panke , Chen Hong-Yuan , Huang Shuo
Published: June 2021

A rapid and multiplex approach to prepare engineered Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopores for single molecule sensing and sequencing.
Oxygen inhibition of free-radical polymerization is the dominant mechanism behind the “mold effect” on hydrogels
Authors: Simič Rok , Mandal Joydeb , Zhang Kaihuan , Spencer Nicholas D.
Published: June 2021

Oxygen, diffusing out of mold materials, leads to inhibition of hydrogel formation by FRP, leading preferentially to dangling chains at the gel surface, with consequences for the mechanical and tribological properties of the gel.
Direct observation of the in-plane crack formation of O3-Na0.8Mg0.2Fe0.4Mn0.4O2 due to oxygen gas evolution for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Lee Suyeon , Doo Sung Wook , Jung Min Soo , Lim Shin Gwon , Kim Kanghyeon , Lee Kyu Tae
Published: June 2021

The crack formation mechanism of O3-type Na0.8Mg0.2Fe0.4Mn0.4O2 due to air-exposure is directly evidenced using in situ mass spectrometry and various atomic-scale analyses.
Discovery of and insights into one-photon and two-photon excited ACQ-to-AIE conversion via positional isomerization
Authors: Long Xueting , Wu Jieyu , Yang Sirui , Deng Ziqi , Zheng Yusen , Zhang Wenying , Jiang Xiao-Fang , Lu Fushen , Li Ming-De , Xu Liang
Published: June 2021

With bay- and ortho-substituted perylenetetracarboxylic diimide derivatives, one-photon and two-photon excited ACQ-to-AIE conversion is realized through simple positional isomerization.
On the specificity of protein–protein interactions in the context of disorder
Authors: Teilum Kaare , Olsen Johan G. , Kragelund Birthe B.
Published: June 2021

With the increased focus on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their large interactomes, the question about their specificity — or more so on their multispecificity — arise. Here we recapitulate how specificity and multispecificity are quantified and address through examples if IDPs in this respect differ from globular proteins. The conclusion is that quantitatively, globular proteins and IDPs are similar when it comes to specificity. However, compared with globular proteins, IDPs have larger interactome sizes, a phenomenon that is further enabled by their flexibility, repetitive binding motifs and propensity to adapt to different binding partners. For IDPs, this adaptability, interactome size and a higher degree of multivalency opens for new interaction mechanisms such as facilitated exchange through trimer formation and ultra-sensitivity via threshold effects and ensemble redistribution. IDPs and their interactions, thus, do not compromise the definition of specificity. Instead, it is the sheer size of their interactomes that complicates its calculation. More importantly, it is this size that challenges how we conceptually envision, interpret and speak about their specificity.
Evolutionary crossroads of cell signaling: PP1 and PP2A substrate sites in intrinsically disordered regions
Authors: Hoermann Bernhard , Köhn Maja
Published: June 2021

Phosphorylation of the hydroxyl group of the amino acids serine and threonine is among the most prevalent post-translational modifications in mammalian cells. Phospho-serine (pSer) and -threonine (pThr) represent a central cornerstone in the cell's toolbox for adaptation to signal input. The true power for the fast modulation of the regulatory pSer/pThr sites arises from the timely attachment, binding and removal of the phosphate. The phosphorylation of serine and threonine by kinases and the binding of pSer/pThr by phosphorylation-dependent scaffold proteins is largely determined by the sequence motif surrounding the phosphorylation site (p-site). The removal of the phosphate is regulated by pSer/pThr-specific phosphatases with the two most prominent ones being PP1 and PP2A. For this family, recent advances brought forward a more complex mechanism for p-site selection. The interaction of regulatory proteins with the substrate protein constitutes a first layer for substrate recognition, but also interactions of the catalytic subunit with the amino acids in close proximity to pSer/pThr contribute to p-site selection. Here, we review the current pieces of evidence for this multi-layered, complex mechanism and hypothesize that, depending on the degree of higher structure surrounding the substrate site, recognition is more strongly influenced by regulatory subunits away from the active site for structured substrate regions, whereas the motif context is of strong relevance with p-sites in disordered regions. The latter makes these amino acid sequences crossroads for signaling and motif strength between kinases, pSer/pThr-binding proteins and phosphatases.
The surprising structural and mechanistic dichotomy of membrane-associated phosphoglycosyl transferases
Authors: O'Toole Katherine H. , Bernstein Hannah M. , Allen Karen N. , Imperiali Barbara
Published: June 2021

Phosphoglycosyl transferases (PGTs) play a pivotal role at the inception of complex glycoconjugate biosynthesis pathways across all domains of life. PGTs promote the first membrane-committed step in the en bloc biosynthetic strategy by catalyzing the transfer of a phospho-sugar from a nucleoside diphospho-sugar to a membrane-resident polyprenol phosphate. Studies on the PGTs have been hampered because they are integral membrane proteins, and often prove to be recalcitrant to expression, purification and analysis. However, in recent years exciting new information has been derived on the structures and the mechanisms of PGTs, revealing the existence of two unique superfamilies of PGT enzymes that enact catalysis at the membrane interface. Genome neighborhood analysis shows that these superfamilies, the polytopic PGT (polyPGT) and monotopic PGT (monoPGT), may initiate different pathways within the same organism. Moreover, the same fundamental two-substrate reaction is enacted through two different chemical mechanisms with distinct modes of catalysis. This review highlights the structural and mechanistic divergence between the PGT enzyme superfamilies and how this is reflected in differences in regulation in their varied glycoconjugate biosynthesis pathways.
Streamer‐to‐precursor transition in N2–SF6 mixtures under positive repetitive submicrosecond pulses
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Dai Zhifeng , Sun Anbang , Li Jiangtao
Published: June 2021

The evolution of discharge dynamics in N2–SF6 mixtures under long‐term repetitive submicrosecond pulses is investigated based on pulse‐sequence resolved electrical and optical diagnostics. The effects of gas pressure, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and SF6 concentration on discharge evolutions are determined. The number of applied pulses before breakdown is shown to non‐linearly decrease with increasing PRF for all included gas pressures and SF6 concentrations. A higher SF6 concentration is favourable for increasing relative insulation capability under repetitive pulses. Unexpected complexities of discharge evolutions under repetitive pulses are reported for the first time for the discharge mechanism transition when a strong electronegative gas is introduced. A pulse‐to‐pulse progressive streamer (first discharge)‐to‐precursor (before breakdown) transition is observed in an N2–SF6 mixture under positive repetitive pulses and is less dependent on gas pressure than traditional scenarios. The formation of a precursor section is jointly supported by electrical and optical signatures. The discharge mechanism transition and the detour phenomenon under repetitive pulses are discussed based on the effects of space charges on the spatial distribution of the electric field strength.
Milky Way spiral arms from open clusters in Gaia EDR3
Authors: Castro-Ginard A. , McMillan P. J. , Luri X. , Jordi C. , Romero-Gómez M. , Cantat-Gaudin T. , Casamiquela L. , Tarricq Y. , Soubiran C. , Anders F.
Published: June 2021

Context. The physical processes driving the formation of Galactic spiral arms are still under debate. Studies using open clusters favour the description of the Milky Way spiral arms as long-lived structures following the classical density wave theory. Current studies comparing the Gaia DR2 field stars kinematic information of the solar neighbourhood to simulations, find a better agreement with short-lived arms with a transient behaviour.

Aims. Our aim is to provide an observational, data-driven view of the Milky Way spiral structure and its dynamics using open clusters as the main tracers, and to contrast it with simulation-based approaches. We used the most complete catalogue of Milky Way open clusters, with astrometric Gaia EDR3 updated parameters, estimated astrophysical information, and radial velocities, to revisit the nature of the spiral pattern of the Galaxy.

Methods. We used a Gaussian mixture model to detect overdensities of open clusters younger than 30 Myr that correspond to the Perseus, Local, Sagittarius, and Scutum spiral Arms, respectively. We used the birthplaces of the open cluster population younger than 80 Myr to trace the evolution of the different spiral arms and compute their pattern speed. We analysed the age-distribution of the open clusters across the spiral arms to explore the differences in the rotational velocity of stars and spiral arms.

Results. We are able to increase the range in Galactic azimuth where present-day spiral arms are described, better estimating its parameters by adding 264 young open clusters to the 84 high-mass star-forming regions used so far, thus increasing the number of tracers by 314%. We used the evolution of the open clusters from their birth positions to find that spiral arms nearly co-rotate with field stars at any given radius, discarding a common spiral pattern speed for the spiral arms explored.

Conclusions. The derivation of different spiral pattern speeds for the different spiral arms disfavours classical density waves as the main drivers for the formation of the Milky Way spiral structure, and it is in better agreement with simulation-based approaches that tend to favour transient spirals. The increase in the number of known open clusters, as well as in their derived properties, allows us to use them as effective spiral structure tracers and homogenise the view from open clusters and field stars on the nature of the Galactic spiral arms.
Reproduction number for an age of infection structured model
Authors: Barril Carles , Calsina Àngel , Cuadrado Sílvia , Ripoll Jordi
Published: June 2021

We study the basic reproduction number (R0) in an epidemic model where infected individuals are initially asymptomatic and structured by the time since infection. At the beginning of an epidemic outbreak the computation of R0 relies on limited data based mostly on symptomatic cases, since asymptomatic infected individuals are not detected by the surveillance system. R0 has been widely used as an indicator to assess the dissemination of infectious diseases. Asymptomatic individuals are assumed to either become symptomatic after a fixed period of time or they are removed (recovery or disease-related death). We determine R0 understood as the expected secondary symptomatic cases produced by a symptomatic primary case through a chain of asymptomatic infections. R0 is computed directly by interpreting the model ingredients and also using a more systematic approach based on the next-generation operator. Reported Covid-19 cases data during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain are used to fit the model and obtain both values of R0 before and after the severe lockdown imposed in March 2020. The results confirm that SARS-CoV-2 was expanding within the population before the lockdown whereas the virus spreading was controlled two weeks after the lockdown.

In memoriam Carles Perelló, emeritus professor at UAB, recently deceased and scientific father/grandfather of the authors.
Eyelid Malposition after Blepharoplasty: An Ounce of Prevention
Authors: Williams Katherine J. , Allen Richard C.
Published: June 2021

Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty are common procedures performed to provide a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. However, this seemingly straightforward procedure may result in lid malpositions, frustrating the patient and surgeon alike, which ultimately require further treatment. We review preoperative assessment pearls to avoid these lid malpositions, as well as options for treating any postoperative complications related to lid position. Many of the techniques discussed in this article, in addition to many other oculoplastic procedures, are available to view in Dr. Richard C. Allen's operative video library at: http://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/video/plastics/.
An Atypical Case of Mild COVID-19 Infection with Severe Guillain-Barré Syndrome as Neurological Manifestation
Authors: Behera Debasis , Behera Ruchi Rekha , Jagaty Suman Kumar , Das Rekha , Venkataram Rajesh , Subhankar Saswat , Samal Vikram
Published: June 2021

Introduction More than 80 million people have been infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection worldwide till date with more than 17,00000 fatalities. Although COVID-19 commonly affects respiratory system in the form of cough and dyspnea, a neurotropic presentation has been described in one-third of patients.

Objective We report an atypical case of COVID-19 with mild symptoms who presented to our hospital with features suggestive of severe Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Discussion The mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes neurologic damage are multifactorial, including direct damage to specific receptors, cytokine-mediated injury, secondary hypoxia, and retrograde travel along nerve fibers. The pathogenesis of GBS secondary to COVID-19 is not yet well understood. It is hypothesized that viral illnesses-related GBS could be mediated due to autoantibodies or direct neurotoxic effects of viruses.

Conclusion In this ongoing era of pandemic, it is very important for the clinicians to be aware of association of GBS with COVID-19, as early diagnosis and treatment of this complication could have gratifying results. It is also very important to differentiate GBS from critical illness neuropathy and respiratory distress secondary to COVID-19 itself, as treatment to the above conditions is quite different and inability to correctly diagnose could lead to significant increase in morbidity and mortality.
The relationship between net promoter score and insurers’ profitability: an empirical analysis at the customer level
Authors: Jahnert Jonas R. , Schmeiser Hato
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the relationship between customer satisfaction and profitability at the level of the individual customer. In many industries, investigations detect a positive, decreasing relationship between customer satisfaction and firm profitability. The insurance industry has rarely been the object of such investigations. Pooser and Browne (2018) started this discussion by examining U.S. insurers at the firm level. We provide reasons why the positive satisfaction–profitability relationship might be reversed, particularly in the case of the insurance industry. We conduct an array of OLS regressions with customer-level data. Our results reveal a strong positive relationship between customer satisfaction and profitability. The effect is considerably large and also robust when investigating the effect of several customer characteristics on this relationship. We recommend that the increase in profitability is induced by a strong positive correlation between customer satisfaction and premium income, while satisfaction is not associated with the combined ratio.